Recently, the people of Warrensburg were offered the gift of music in a beloved historic setting, the Old Johnson County Courthouse.  My family and I enjoyed three of the four concerts sponsored by the Warrensburg Arts Commission through a grant from the Missouri Arts Council.  Following the popular format of last fall’s New Harmonies weekly performances, Eddie Osborne organized and gathered local musicians and Kansas City-based performers to round out the series’ offerings. 

A true community event will appeal to all our community members.  This stands out in my mind as the concerts series’ greatest accomplishment.  A favorite memory is sitting in the courthouse listening to Mick Luehrman sing while surrounded by co-workers, my grandfather’s good friends, and the sounds of children playing in the yard. During the Nace Brothers performance passers-by gathered on the lawn to listen to a once-in-a-lifetime performance of two brothers playing acoustically for their family and friends.

It was reminiscent of what I believe the Courthouse sounded like on Sunday afternoons 120 years ago.  (However, that is based on my imagination only) 

The historic building played an important role in the concerts as well.  More than once performers referred to the room as inspiration.  It brought back memories of performing in an old church many years ago for the Nace Brothers.  And the close relationship between the performance area and audience encouraged Walkenhorst and Porter to come down in the aisle within a few feet of most listeners. 

My deep appreciation goes to Mr. Osborne for organizing the event and Ms. Lisa Irle for hosting at the Old Courthouse.  I can’t think of a better way to end the week than listening to live music surrounded by family and friends in a special setting.  We look forward to another concert series and encourage all of our neighbors to come out to relax with us.