(MURFREESBORO) On Thursday (5/9/2019) supporters of the arts and music packed the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce to learn how beneficial Uncle Dave Macon Days Festival is for the Heart of Tennessee.

Senior Vice President of the Chamber's Convention and Visitors Bureau Barbara Wolke said . . .

Wolke noted, "As a community, we are stronger with more arts, more history and more credibility."

It Started With A Vision

It all started 42-years ago when a downtown pharmacist thought a music competition on the square would benefit the community. The late Jessie Messick was honored, and his wife Martha and family stepped forward . . .

MTSU Announces New Degree

Gloria Christy noted that Jessie was probably smiling from above as Uncle Dave' Board Member and Middle Tennessee State University's Dr. Gloria Bonner surprised the capacity crowd with a major announcement . . .

That's right, a new Bachelor's degree at MTSU dealing with "cultural history as a part of the Tourism and Hospitality Management division" being offered to students starting this coming Fall semester.

Symphony and Uncle Dave Styles Merge

Major news continued from the stage inside the Chamber of Commerce as Tennessee Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra President Jane McNulty announced . . .

The the sounds of our local Tennessee Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra will blend with the stylings of Uncle Dave at this year's event.

Thursday's hour long presentation at the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce featured sprinklings of great live music with the popular Jake Leg Stompers.

New Festival Is Born

Then enthusiasm swelled as everyone witnessed the birthing of a new festival. This one honors internationally famous flat-foot buck dancer Thomas Maupin . . .

And yes, that was an emotional Thomas Maupin at the end of that announcement. Again, the new Thomas Maupin Festival will be Saturday, August 24, 2019 in nearby Unionville. This new Bedford County festival is being coordinated by a newly formed non-profit, Tennessee Old Time Music and Dance Association, and they have the blessing of Uncle Dave Macon Days. By the way, at the end of the Chamber event, Maupin was dancing with Gloria Christy to the beat of the Jake Leg Stompers.

Trailblazer and Heritage Awards

And then Uncle Dave Macon Days Director Ben Wilson announced the Heritage and Trailblazer Award winners . . .

Again, the Malpass Brothers are the 2019 Trailblazer Award recipients, and Balsam Range will be honored with the Heritage Award. Plus, the Cleverly's will again bring music, fun and laughter to the stage.

Tickets Available

Again, Uncle Dave Macon Days will be Friday and Saturday, July 12 and 13, 2019. Tickets are available "on line" or at the gate: Tickets are $10 per day, children age 12 and younger are admitted free. For more information about the 42nd Uncle Dave Macon Days at Cannonsburgh Pioneer Village at 312 S. Front Street, visit their website www.UncleDaveMaconDays.org.