Louisa brings her music to Chillicothe
June 28, 2002
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Folk music and the contemporary acoustic music of Louisa Johnson Wise graced the sanctuary of the Plymouth Congregational Church Friday night.
Wise, a Chillicothe native, who lives in Margaret River, Australia with her husband Scott and three daughters is an award winning fiddler player and songwriter.
She took time during her visit with her father, Dr. Hal Johnson and brother, Paul Johnson to perform locally.
Wise's concert featured a number of her award winning songs as well as some which struck a cord locally.
Many of the characters from Wise's childhood have become the subjects of her music.
Sons about longtime Chillicothe teacher Maybelle Hettrick; her first violin teacher, Bill Saxton; and local legendary recluses Many and Henry; were a part of Wise's first set.
During her performance, Wise played the fiddle, guitar, dulcimer, jaw bow and jaw harp. The stringed instruments were made by her husband, Scott, who is a world class luthier.
Wise seemed undaunted by the extremely warm temperatures in the church. She tuned her fiddle several times during her performance, explaining that heat effects the strings.
The folk music was light and fun. One song, "Black Cat piddled in the White Cat's Eye," was taught to Wise by her daughter who had learned it at music camp.
Wise also teaches at music workshops. While preparing for one such workshop about songwriting, she learned that her formula for songwriting is contrary to popular standards. "I write the words first, like a poem. Then the music flows from the words," Wise explained.
Wise was joined on the stage by her father, who accompanied her music with a "Limber Jack" rhythm doll. She was also joined by her brother, Paul, who played the fiddle sticks.
She played music from her CDs, which are available locally at the Chillicothe Independent office.
Wise played her music with great enthusiasm and joy, equaled only by her sheer delight at seeing old friends in the audience.
Between sets, Wise made her way through to the front of the church she stopped at nearly every pew to talk with old friends.
"I wasn't at all nervous about tonight until I saw all these familiar faces," she told the audience.
Wise would like to
hear from Chillicotheans, she will continue her tour around the country
performing.
Her email address is [email protected]
Wise began her career early, playing first violin in the very first Peoria Youth Symphony. She studied classical violin for a number of years before she became interested in folk music. In the late 1970s, she began collecting folk music books and music from her home in Tucson, Arizona.
She went to Perth, Australia in 1981, where to her surprise she saw a resurgence of folk music. "I was amazed the first time I saw a bush band playing in a park with 200 people dancing. People were dancing to the music I'd been playing."
Wise has been there ever since. She and Scott have diversified their music to expand their opportunities to perform in the "country town" where they live. Wise explained diversity in music may be economically necessary but has also proven to be musically enriching.