Ohio Chautauqua tour on tap

WARREN

Warren is one of five host sites across the Buckeye State for the 2012 Ohio Chautauqua tour.

The five-day event, which takes place July 24-28 in a red-and-white striped tent on the grounds near the Kinsman House along Mahoning Avenue, combines living history presentations, education, musical entertainment, theater and audience interaction.

This year’s theme is “When Ohio Was the Western Frontier.”

Evening activities begin at 6:30 p.m. with live local music. At 7:30, one of the scholars will portray a historical figure, giving a unique monologue that showcases the importance of that individual. The audience will have the opportunity to ask questions of the performer, both in and out of character.

Daytime workshops to provide additional insight into the characters will take place each day at the main library, 444 Mahoning Ave. NW. Youth workshops will be at 11 a.m. and adult sessions at 2 p.m.

The schedule for the workshops and performances follows:

July 24: 11 a.m., youth workshop on “Becoming Johnny” by Hank Fincken; 2 p.m., adult workshop on “Women on America’s Western Frontier” by Debra Conner; 6:30, Stephen Foster Chorus; and 7:30, “Oliver Hazard Perry” portrayed by Jeremy Meier.

July 25: 11 a.m., youth workshop on “Telling a Tall Tale” by Marvin Jefferson; 2 p.m., adult workshop on “Three Perspectives on the Battle of Lake Erie” by Meier; 6:30, Jeff Spencer on the Native American wooden flute; and 7:30, “Chief John Logan” portrayed by Dan Cutler.

July 26: 11 a.m., youth workshop on “A Star Spangled Banner” by Meier; 2 p.m., adult workshop on “History in a Nutshell: The American Indian Perspective” by Cutler; 6:30, Bill Lewis on banjo; and 7:30, “Margaret Blennerhassett” portrayed by Debra Conner.

July 27: 11 a.m., youth workshop on “Adopted by Indians” by Cutler; 2 p.m., adult workshop on “John & Johnny: Past, Present, and Future” by Hank Fincken; 6:30 p.m., Hickory plays old-time music; and 7:30, “York” portrayed by Marvin Jefferson.

July 28: 11 a.m., youth workshop on “Inspired by Margaret Blennerhassett” by Conner; 2 p.m., adult workshop on “York, William Clark, Slavery and American History” by Jefferson; 6:30, Karen Lynne Barker on violin/fiddle; and 7:30, “Johnny Appleseed/Chapman” portrayed by Fincken.

The Warren Kiwanis Club will have a concession stand near the tent offering snacks and beverages for sale prior to each evening’s performance.

Activities are free and open to the public. No reservations are required.

For information call the library at 330-399-8807, ext. 128. Visit www.ohiohumanities.org for information about Ohio Chautauqua.