Bluebirds in the dogwood/Sing her stately praise
Jewel of the Ozarks/A floral gem bouquet
Although the dogwood is the State Tree of Missouri, the White Hawthorn Blosssom is the official Show-Me State Flower as designated by our legislature in 1923. The above couplet is the opening verse of a song about the state flower written and recorded 15 years ago by the BRC founder on his second CD album fund-raiser to benefit the local Children`s Hospital (check-out the sound file below). The bluebird is the official State avian.
For its mid summer juried show, the local Art League challenged its members to explore the theme of “Monochrome” by focusing on one color to examine its history, symbolism, and culture. The BRC founder fashioned the “White Hawthorn Blossom ” banjo to be a study of shade, tone, and tint. As a member of the rose family, the beauty of this Ozark bloom is guarded by spike-like thorns represented by pointy mother of pearl inlays on the truss rod cover and fretboard amongst the flowers. A small butterfly explores the 7th fret space.
There are numerous species of the White Hawthorn Blossom found throughout the Ozarks. As seen on the peg head, the flowers grow on a small tree which produces a tiny apple-like fruit, and some Missourians call the tree a “wild haw.” The blooms are often referred to as “mayflowers" because the buds unfold in May.
A hallmark of BRC banjos, the heel of the WHB neck has mother of pearl inlays for the eyes- only of the musician.
On the eve of the Monochrome exhibit opening, the WHB banjo appeared on the Art League Facebook page in a sneak preview of the show.
Listen closely to the below “White Hawthorn Blossom” sound file, and you will note that the bass E string on the guitar is tuned down to D. Enjoy.
From the BRC: be safe, wear a mask, keep on picking.
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