Springfield is an interesting paradox.
As the state’s third-largest city, it strives to be more cosmopolitan through its universities, urban research park, art walks and sidewalk cafés. On the other hand, the most popular band in town for community events features a mandolin, bass fiddle and washboard.
Big Smith, the self-described band of “intellectually astute neo-hillbillies” is nearing the end of its 16-year run with two sold-out shows at the downtown Gillioz Theatre. The band graciously played the first C-Street Jam in 2006, the season finale of Sounds on the Square in 2010 and as the headliner for last year’s inaugural Fireworks at the Field. The music is undeniably imbedded in the DNA of all Ozarkians as it involuntarily starts toes tapping and hands clapping.
The group filled a gap in regional music in the mid 1990s after the breakup of the Ozark Mountain Daredevils. The musical entrepreneurs produced multiple albums – recorded at Lou Whitney’s downtown recording studio – starred in the 2005 documentary “Homemade Hillbilly Jam,” and became the marquee act in Mark and Lizzy Bilyeu’s launch of MayApple Records.
Perhaps the secret to some of Big Smith’s business success can be found in a few favorite songs on their playlist.
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12-Inch, 3-Speed Oscillating Fan” – Inevitably, the air conditioner breaks in the middle of a heat wave. Successful businesses find a way to do the best they can with what they have. Mark Bilyeu methodically built on his considerable talents with his brother Jody and three cousins – Bill and Rik Thomas and Jay Williamson – to create a band with a unique sound and shared passion.
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Handsome Molly” – Actually, the song is about someone else – wherever she might be. But this lesson stems from the band’s full-time addition of acclaimed fiddle player Molly Healy in 2008. Even the most talented teams need to be infused with new people every now and then. Big Smith became “six individuals bound together by blood and harmony.”
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Overalls” – You’re getting too big for your britches when your overalls don’t fit anymore. Make sure to keep those around you who aren’t afraid to tell you the truth and are quick to keep you humble. You might want to hold off on the gravy and find the YMCA once in a while, too.
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Trash” – The grand finale is “Don’t call me trash till you’ve slept in my trailer.” The colorful imagery – well before the Oscar nomination for locally filmed “Winter’s Bone” – is a reminder to not judge others until you’ve “dug up my roots” and “worked in my boots.” One of the main qualities that attract people to center city is the variety and authenticity of its people.
When Big Smith toured France in the summer of 2008 for the Country Rendez-Vous Festival, it’s likely few in the audience knew that Jody has a doctorate in English and is a multipublished poet; Mark did his master’s thesis at Missouri State University on “Durang’s Hornpipe;” Jay was a high school English teacher with a graduate degree in education from Drury University; Bill is a prolific song writer, including penning several for the band’s children’s album; Rik has an undergraduate degree in music from Western Illinois University and can sing an Italian aria; and Molly is finishing her master’s thesis at Missouri State.
Big Smith’s musical and academic credentials helped bring hillbilly music into a 21st century of Facebook, YouTube, Web sites and iPods. May Springfield take a lesson from them to remember and celebrate its Ozarks heritage even as it continues to grow and elbow its way to the table with its big-city cousins.
Rusty Worley, executive director of Urban Districts Alliance, can be reached at rusty@itsalldowntown.com.
