Country music fans and history buffs can enjoy a glimpse into the not-so-distant past with “Honky Tonk: Portraits of Country Music 1972-1981,” an exhibit at the Longmont Museum and Cultural Center.
The show features photographs by Henry Horenstein, a Bostonite who began his career shooting album cover art for the fledgling Rounder Records, which is now an influential label in the national bluegrass scene.
“He got to shoot their portraits, but he also really got to know the artists,” says Erik Mason, curator of research for the museum. Horenstein’s photographs include vintage images of such familiar music personalities as Dolly Parton, Tex Ritter, Bill Monroe, Emmylou Harris, Loretta Lynn, Waylon Jennings and Kitty Wells.
Some of these stars also made it to the stage of Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, where Horenstein captured their moments of glory.
But many of his photographs focus on the “honky tonks” — dingy bars on the edge of towns across the nation that hosted well-known country artists on a regular basis. “Even big country stars didn’t (always) travel with an entourage,” Mason says. “They just pulled up to a bar and played a gig for a night.”
Country music parks were also common during the era of this photography. Horenstein captures the essence of these county fair-style venues, where families went to picnic, take a dip in the local swimming hole, and listen to touring country and bluegrass musicians. “They’re really a thing of the past,” Mason says of these events. “Think Dollywood, but less theme park.”
Local music fans also contributed items to the exhibit; expect plenty of musical instruments on loan from area collectors. Niwot’s Pete Wernick, for instance, of the Colorado bluegrass band Hot Rize, lent his banjo to the display. And dozens of other vintage banjos, guitars and mandolins are on view. For a hands-on experience, aspiring musicians of all ages can try out a piano or guitar and learn to play “You Are My Sunshine.”
Occasional live-music events are scheduled to correspond with the exhibit. Up next: An “open rehearsal” with local country outfit The Jamesons takes place on April 7. Local musicians and music fans can bring their instruments — or simply their appreciation for music — and sit in with the band during a country music jam beginning at 6 p.m.
“Honky Tonk: Portraits of Country Music 1972-1981” runs through April 11 at the Longmont Museum and Cultural Center, 400 Quail Road, Longmont. Free; call 303-651-8374 for information and museum hours.
