Know before you go:
• There is no admission fee. A free-donation will be accepted.
• Attendees are encouraged to park on Centre Street in Pawnee Rock and take the shuttle to the top of the rock for the concert.
• There will be an unloading zone at the top of the rock for the elderly and those who require special assistance.
• Concessions will be available, though you are welcome to bring snacks or a picnic – no alcoholic beverages, please.
• Remember to bring your lawn chairs and blankets.
‘Concert on the Rock’ happening Sunday
Special to the Tribune
A historic national landmark will come alive with music Labor Day weekend. With the support of the city of Pawnee Rock and the Kansas State Historical Society, the Emerald Foundation is pleased to present, “Concert on the Rock: An Evening with Allison Boyt.”
The eclectic concert will take place on Sunday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Historic Pawnee Rock State Park located just north of the city of Pawnee Rock, Kansas. Musical selections will include western swing, broadway, and a few surprises.
Boyt, a professional violinist based in Northeast Ohio, will be accompanied by reknowned concert pianist, Phyllis Valens, and joined by special guests Frankie Valens as well as Marshal Allen Bailey and his wife Cowgirl Janey.
In 2005, at the age of 17, Boyt was diagnosed with a rare auto-immune disorder called Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis. The illness began with a simple cough and progressed rapidly to a pulmonary hemorrhage and kidney damage which nearly claimed her life. In May 2011, she set off on a journey of personal fulfillment and began her travels to each state in the U.S. to raise awareness of vascular disorders using her talents as a seasoned violinist.
“I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to visit the beautiful natural landmark that is Pawnee Rock, and look forward to meeting the community as well as sharing my story and my music,” said Boyt.
Frankie Valens was a pop singer in the 1960s whose signature songs were “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” and “This Magic Moment.” He also recorded “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” and “She Cried.” He toured the United States and Canada and was showcased in Las Vegas. Valens was an extra in the movies “Ice Castles” and Every Which Way But Loose.” Mr. Valens serves on the Emerald Foundation Board of Directors.
Allen D. Bailey was appointed as the City Marshal of Dodge City, Kansas by the Mayor and City Council on Feb. 21, 2000, and still holds the office. Marshal Bailey has been writing and singing cowboy songs for over 40 years and has been inducted into three Western Swing Hall of Fames, as well as the Wild West Walk of Fame in Dodge City. Bailey’s band, Marshal Bailey and the Silver Bullets entertain crowds across the United States with their signature western swing. He and Cowgirl Janey are the hosts of the popular radio show “Western Swing and Other Things,” now in it’s 25th year on High Plains Public Radio.
“When I saw Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s inspiring story on CNN about Allison, I knew we had to invite her to perform on the plains of Central Kansas,” said J. Basil Dannebohm, Chairman of the Emerald Foundation. “Attendees are in for a treat.”
Launched in 2015 by J. Basil Dannebohm, The Emerald Foundation’s mission is to increase Parkinson’s Disease awareness through arts and entertainment. Dannebohm was diagnosed with the young onset form of the neurodegenerative disease three years ago and has since been a leading advocate for Parkinson’s research, treatment and awareness.
For more information about “Concert on the Rock ” please call 620.564.3188 or visit http://www.myemerald.org .
