The music we know as rock and roll emerged as a defined musical style in the U.S. in the mid 1950’s. It was derived most directly from the rhythm and blues music of the 1940’s, which itself developed from earlier blues, boogie-woogie, jazz and swing music. It was also influenced by gospel, country and western, and traditional folk music. Rock and Roll has maintained its popularity, with some transitional changes, for over 60 years, and even today maintains its appeal to both young and old.

This coming Sunday, June 26, 6:30 p.m., Corky Shull and his “Old Time Rock and Roll” will be New Carlisle Chautauqua’s featured entertainment appearing on the Smith Park Amphitheater stage located on West Jefferson St. (Route 571) across from the grain elevator. As a young aspiring musician, back in the 1950’s, inspired by the charisma and musical bravado of such pioneers in the R. & R. genre as Elvis Presley, Fats Domino, Little Richard, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Everly Brother, Rolling Stones and many other, Corky organized his first band and ever since has been entertaining audiences both young and old alike throughout southwest Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and elsewhere. The band consist of Dale Oakley, Tom Flatter, Dirk Lavoy, Frank Dunn, lead vocalist Brenda Allen, and of course Corky.

Chautauqua wishes to thank our event sponsor, the Springfield Foundation, who has been supporting our activities for over twenty years. We also thank our local sponsors for their continued financial support, and to our citizens who attend the concerts and donate, all of which makes these summer programs in the park, our support of Heritage of Flight Festival, Grants for worthy educational programs in our Tecumseh Local School District, and our other worthwhile sponsorships possible.

All programs are presented without charge, but a free-will collection is received at the intermission. You won’t want to miss this program! Invite your family, neighbors and friends to join you, bring a lawn chair, blanket and refreshments and enjoy a nostalgic trip back in time to listen to some of the classics of rock and roll music, Rock Around the Clock, Heartbreak Hotel, Move it on Over, Dream Lover , Jailhouse Rock, My Girl and Hang on Sloppy.

In case of inclement weather, the program will be moved to the New Carlisle Elementary School located at 1203 Kennison Street