By Catherine Ellerton

Moapa Valley Progress

Quietly and serenely the Monday, October 17th, concert goers were taken back into time – back to bogs and quagmires and mud holes that tipped over covered wagons – back to a time when a young girl was kidnapped by Indians as she was picking berries but was soon rescued by her family and friends – back to when the rails were united easing the way for the pioneers to come West.

The Cinnamon Creek Folk Singers from Northern Utah had come to town at the invitation of the Moapa Valley Performing Arts Council to spread the word and tell the stories in music and from the journals kept of an earlier time.

These twelve singers were dressed in 1800s traditional clothing and accompanied their songs on a Strum Stick, Washboard, Harmonica, Bodhran, Tambourine, Mouth Harp, Mtn. Dulcimer and more traditional instruments like the Banjo, Violin and Guitar.

The songs these multi-talented ladies sang were from over 150 years ago and many are still lovingly sung today. The words told the story as well as any history book…the lessons to be learned “Waste Not Want Not”…the places to be missed “Shenandoah,”…recognizing events that took place “Railroad Man” and “Johnny Has Gone”…. stories of the folks who helped to settle the new land “Old Joe Clark” and “Old Dan Tucker”……and a faith that held it all together “Never Grow Old” and “Sweet By & By.”

With their pleasing stage personalities and clear singing voices, they joined their talents together in unison or close harmony, in ensemble or solo, and enriched the lives of those who had taken the time to hear their story.

The Moapa Valley Performing Arts Council will sponsor the Children’s Choir and the Valley Voices in their annual Christmas Concerts in December. See you there.