What would cause a close knit community of friends and farmers to pull their curtains tight and lock their doors at sunset? What could turn brother against brother in an act of hatred and deceit? It all goes back to a single tobacco leaf that caused a fiery uproar that affected everyone in town and spanned state lines. It is said that the details surrounding this event have been so hidden and suppressed through the years that family Patriarch’s have had to die before this story could be told. Starting this weekend, David Alford is telling that story in the form of a drama based musical called SMOKE: A Ballad of the Night Riders.
David Alford, writer and director of the well known play SPIRIT: The Authentic story of the Bell Witch is bringing to the stage in Adams, TN SMOKE:A Ballad of the Night Riders, as well as writing the lyrics to this musicals original score.
When the American Tobacco Company began fixing prices on purchased dark fired tobacco, farmers in southcentral Kentucky counties and adjoining middle Tennessee counties were no longer able to turn a profit from their tobacco. So on September 24th, 1904 just about harvesting time, these farmers formed an alliance called Dark Tobacco District Planters’ Protective Association of Kentucky and Tennessee. Through boycotts and protests a smaller subgroup was formed called the Silent Brigade. These men under clever disguise and armed with an attitude of “you’re either with us or against us” terrorized their neighbors and friends to join with them against the ATC.
“SMOKE” , a fictional story wrapped around true events is narrated by Henry Haggard. When brothers Owen ,played by Patrick Waller and Emmit, played by Tom Angland, choose sides between joining the Association and not, tempers flare, distrust abounds and a family bond is tested. The thread that weaves through this tale is led along to the simple sway of bluegrass music lead by Paul Binkley, musical director. Musicians range from the very best of local talent to Professional musicians from Nashville. Haggard, Waller and Angland are also from the Nashville area and frequent the TPAC stage. Patrick Waller,most recently performed in Big River as Huck.
You won’t want to miss this Musical that is rooted in historical significance to this area. Performances start this Thursday and run as followed:
June 3rd, 4th, 5th and 10th, 11th, 12th.
All performances start at 7:00pm. Doors close at 7:00pm.
Tickets: $15.00 Adults and $8.00 for students
To purchase tickets you can call (615) 696-1300, visit any of these three locations: Adams Antique Mall, Adams, TN, Robertson Co. Chamber of Commerce, Springfield, TN, and Burdette’s Tea Shop and Trading Co., Springfield, TN
Performances will be held in the outside Pavillion behind Bell School in Adams,Tn (bleacher seating)
For more information click over to: http://www.smokenightriders.com
