Blake to headline Scopes music

Norman Blake, who helped create the musical soundtrack for the 2000 movie “O Brother, Where Art Thou” which went multi-platinum, will headline the musical program for the 25^th annual Scopes Festival in July.

Blake, considered one of the premier acoustic guitarists in the world, with a repertoire of hundreds of songs, will perform with his wife, Nancy, in a free concert on Saturday, July 20, according to festival Chairman Tom Davis. “Norman and Nancy were with us several years ago and put on a delightful show. We’re excited that they has agreed to return and help us celebrate the 25^th Scopes Festival.” 

The Blakes have performed together since 1974 and have collaborated on some 37 recordings. As an experienced musician not concerned about building a career, Norman said his ambition is simply to make music. “I enjoy playing music with Nancy,” he said. “When we can do something good that’s an accomplishment to me.”

Tom Morgan, who coordinates music for the festival, said, “I’m thrilled to have Norman and Nancy back with us. After I met him when he was 16 years old, we’ve had an enduring friendship in the music business. The number of people who have been influenced by his guitar stylings and who have admired and copied his technique is legion. He and Nancy have done so much to keep the songs of the 1920s alive.” 

In the tradition of the festival, other outstanding area musicians in addition to the Blakes will perform throughout the weekend. Music and other activities will begin at 5 p.m. on the lawn of the Rhea County Courthouse. Musical performances are free.

Focal point for the festival will be presentation of a new play combining the story of how the Scopes Evolution Trial came to be held in Dayton and selections from the transcript of the trial, presented in the courtroom where the trial was held.