Music shows return downtown on year-round basis

Shawn and Collette Pittman are keeping the music playing downtown through the winter.

The Pittmans, who are from Branson, Mo., are the managers of the Fort Scott Jamboree. The couple recently decided to re-open the weekly country music variety show, which began last April and ended in late November or early December. The Jamboree will now run year-round starting at 7:30 p.m. each Saturday at Memorial Hall, 1 E. Third St.

"At the end of last year, we polled our audience about keeping it open, and they wanted to keep it open, so we thought we'd do it all year long," Shawn said. "Plus it gives musicians a chance to play during the winter."

The show, which consists mainly of country and bluegrass music, features Shawn as the host and fiddle player and Collette on vocals. Collette's father, George Bowe, more commonly known as Cuz'n Pud, appears periodically to provide a comedy act during the show.

The Pittmans have been using the same band since they revived the Fort Scott Jamboree in early 2009. The band consists of Dewayne Bowman, Ginelle Esry, Austin Stewart, Larry King, Gayle Ritchie, Dave Owen and Dewayne Carter, who is also known as the tea drinking drummer.

Shawn said people from the local community and across the region make up the crowd for each weekly show.

"Most of the same people attend every week from the area and surrounding areas," he said.

The shows are very popular with many local senior citizens who are looking to enjoy live weekend entertainment, Shawn said.

"They don't want to watch TV all week long, they want something to do," he said.

The Pittmans have been involved in the music business their entire lives and have performed across the entire country. Shawn performed at the Fort Scott Jubilee in the past and is a friend of Jack and Lil Sanders, who previously owned the facility for 15 years. The Pittmans began leasing the facility last year after the Sanders closed the business under its former name, the Fort Scott Jubilee.

The doors to each two-hour show open early to encourage the community to gather and visit as well as watch the performers rehearse before the show, a popular custom that the Pittmans have continued, Shawn said.

"People can just come to the door and members of the band stand up front," he said. "There are no reservations required, just show up if you want to attend ... it's a community gathering. People visit people they know."

Guest singers and players are also welcome to attend any of the shows. Last year, area performers included Jason Richardson and his band, the local musical group The Hemphills, the Dulings, and various entertainers from Branson, Mo. Refreshments will also occasionally be served on special nights, according to Collette.

The first show of 2010 was scheduled to take place Saturday, but snow and ice on area roads that caused dangerous surfaces led to the show's cancellation. The Pittmans said they hope to open the new year for the Fort Scott Jamboree with a show at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Memorial Hall. Tickets will be available at the door.