On Sunday, April 18th at 2:00 P.M. the Neihardt State Historic Site will host a performance by Tom May, songwriter, folksinger, and excellent storyteller. May is probably best known as the creator and host of River City Folk, a national TV and radio show highlighting acoustic music for 25 years. While originally from Nebraska, he has called more than six other states home and currently lives in Washington state but returns to the Omaha area a couple of times a year to record. The people who hear Tom are captivated by his unforgettable voice, evocative melodies, and the warmth which gives his performance a degree of musicality and professionalism unsurpassed in acoustic music. For subject matter May relies on both historical material and personal experiences such as “Words Upon the Wire” which is based on his own father’s years as a telegrapher and “ Hands Up” the story of the bandit Big Nose George, hanged in Rawlings, WY in 1883 and immortalized by Charles Russell in the painting “Unscheduled Stop.” His tender romantic side is evident in “Renaissance” and “Let’s Dance that Old Dance Once More,” a tribute to couples in love for many years. After thirty six years as a professional musician, performing, writing, and promoting music he truly believes in "music that makes a difference." May is a long-time fan of Neihardt’s poetry and stories and has made several appearances at Spring Conferences, Neihardt Day celebrations, and Sunday Afternoon programs through the years, and always to a delighted and enraptured audience.
The program begins at 2:00 PM and is free and open to the public; a reception will follow and the performer’s CDs will be available for sale and signing
