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Historical Songs of Villains, Rogues and Outlaws

“This is one of the most unique and exciting programs that we are offering this year,” said Dan Rice, event coordinator for the Yolo County Historical Museum (YCHM).  “We are bringing in artist / folk singer David Spencer to sing historical songs about Captain Kidd, Jesse James, Stagger Lee and Pretty Boy Floyd.  We’ve also lassoed cowboy roper James Barrera into the program.  We’ve tapped into his entertainment connections.  James is bringing in several of his performer friends to fill out the rest of the entertainment.  In addition, we are going to have a face painter and balloon maker for the children.  There will be hamburgers, hotdogs, and beverages all available for purchase.  We will also have museum tours, a plant sale and an YCHM information booth.”

Entertainment Roster:
Rick Spencer – Artist / Folksinger - Based in New England, Spencer has researched and recorded songs from the 1800s about celebrated outlaws.  He performs ballads collected by Francis James Child from the late 1800s, penny broadsides and popular songs from the 1700s to the mid 20th century.  Spencer uses songs to tell the stories of Captain Kidd, Jesse James, Stagger Lee and Pretty Boy Floyd.

David Rainwater – the Huckleberry of the West -- Champion fiddler Rainwater performs at Western-themed festivals such as the Henry Miller Wild West Week end throughout California.  He is also a blue ribbon champion at many fiddling competitions. 

Cheyenne Danner – the Appalachian clogging queen - 17-year-old Danner has been making waves throughout Northern California ever since her debut at the 2008 Old Sacramento Gold Rush Days.  Very cute!  Very charismatic!  She is always one of the show stealers.

Folklorico Latino de Woodland - a fan favorite throughout the West Coast.  A new generation of young dancers will be showing their growing dance skills and showmanship.  The youngsters made their debut in mid-May at the Crocker Art Museum’s 125th Anniversary celebration.

James Barrera – Cowboy Trick Roper & Whip Master -- a constant feature performer at events such as the Monterey Cowboy Music & Poetry Festival; the Vida de Oro Folk Art Festival; and the San Francisco Fine Arts Institute Graduation Celebration.  His trick roping, whip cracking and storytelling skills have won him the respect and friendship of other working performers.  Nationally touring cowboy singer, Ernie Sites, calls Barrera: “The best whip man in the business.” 

Admission for the program is $5 for adults ages 17 and over.  Admission for youth 16 and under is free.  All event proceeds go to support the museum and its programs.  The Gibson Museum is located at 512 Gibson Road in Woodland.  For more information call the museum at (530) 666-1045 or ychmoffice@sbcglobal.net.

The Gibson Historical Museum is operated by the board of directors of the Yolo County Historical Museum Inc.  The YCHS oversees operations for the Gibson Historical Museum.  The Museum houses collections of furnishings and artifacts depicting the various eras from the 1850’s to the 1930’s. In addition, there are changing exhibits on various subjects related to the history of Yolo County.  The outbuildings contain displays of agriculture and everyday life of the same period.  The museum and grounds are now open to the public on Saturdays between 12 noon and 4 pm.