'Jubilee' entertains with high energy performance

Walking into the Buskirk-Chumley Theater last Thursday, an eager audience was greeted by Doofus Doolittle's "Howdys" and "Yeehaws." Doolittle, played by producer Randy Newman, headed the ensemble that entertained the generally older audience with its bluegrass and gospel music mixed with backwoods humor. \nTraveling from Branson, Mo., the "Ozark Jubilee" entertained its audience with a high-energy performance stemming from the nationally televised '50s program of the same name. That show, which ran for 10 years, centered around Springfield, Mo., and was lead by Red Foley.\nThough some similarities between the two programs exist, the current "Ozark Jubilee" centers around Newman's interests and humor. Newman, who wears overalls and an oversized tie, acts as the emcee of the performance interjecting jokes about everything from ex-wives to outhouses between the musical ensembles. \nThis performance at the Buskirk-Chumley was the "Ozark Jubilee's" first show in Bloomington, and it drew an almost sold-out audience. \n"We chose to come to Bloomington because we are always in the area and it seemed like a good time," Newman said. \nThe performers travel to nearly all 50 states, Canada and Mexico, and this was just another performance to add to last year's 100.\nThe five members of the band, along with one male and one female singer, played for nearly two hours (including intermission). The band included a steel guitar, keyboard, electric guitar, fiddle and drums. The music was both fast-paced and slow, including lyrics such as "Life's a gamble" and "Only time I wish you were gone is once a day, every day, all day long." This music, combined with Doolittle's humor, is what Newman called, "A parody of the Southern Hillbilly … think Barney on the 'Andy Griffith Show.'"\nMembers of the band have produced or played with great names, such as Mel Tillis, Jimmy Rogers and Ray Price, and their experience was truly evident on the stage. The musicians took requests from audience members before the show and during intermission, showing they knew the music very well. In fact, one audience member requested a particular song and Newman instructed his band, "Grab a 'D' chord." \nOther members of the audience agreed with their consistent laughing, head bopping and applause.\nThis performance, beginning with a challenge to the audience to make as much noise as possible, is one combining catchy beats of varied musical arrangements and humor to create a true southern musical experience. Though the performance lacks a great deal of spectacle, it will keep an audience member of any age interested.\nIf you missed this "Ozark Jubilee," catch it next time when it rolls through Bloomington. This is one southern experience you do not want to miss.