Stupey Cabin Concert: Dennis Stroughmatt et l’Esprit Creole
Fingers and bow flying, Dennis Stroughmatt takes listeners on a musical odyssey not so different from his own musical journeys into Upper Louisiana Creole Culture. Taught to play fiddle by local Creole fiddlers Roy Boyer and Charlie Pashia in the tradition of their fathers, Dennis gradually became an adopted son of the French Midwest Creoles living along the Mississippi River near St Louis. A vibrant blend of Celtic, Canadian and Old Time sounds, this music bridges the gap between contemporary Canadian and Louisiana Cajun styles. Preserved by families in the Ozark foothills, the music remains largely intact and true to the traditions that have been passed down for over three centuries.
A medley of music, language, stories, and culture secreted away in the Missouri Ozarks now has a voice in the tapestry of this world. With the blessing of the Creole people of the Midwest, Dennis Stroughmatt et l’Esprit Creole are its passionate ambassadors, expanding interest and excitement in a region that has been, in may ways, ignored by the history books. What many have considered to be long lost is alive and kicking.
It’ll make your soul jump, your head spin, and your heart glad to know that it is still here. As they say in the hills, “On est toujours icitte: We are still here!!
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.
This event will be held on the lawn of the Stupey Cabin at 1950 St. Johns Ave, between the Highland Park Public Library and Highland Park’s City Hall.
If there is inclement weather, this will Hybrid meeting:
Auditorium at the Highland Park Public Library
494 Laurel Avenue, Highland Park, IL 60035
OR Available virtually via Zoom
If you are not already on our email list, need a zoom link or have any questions, please e-mail: archives@highlandparkhistory.org
