Bill Jamerson

Escanaba based historian Bill Jamerson will perform a program of songs and stories about the Upper Peninsula on Saturday, April 17, at 2 p.m., at the Algoma Baptist Church, 10515 Grange Ave., Rockford, (located between Pine Island Dr. and Algoma Ave., south of 13 Mile). The event is sponsored by the Algoma, Sparta, and Tyrone Township Historical Societies.

With guitar in hand, Jamerson tells stories and performs original songs about iron miners, schooners, ski jumpers, pasties, thimble berries and the Finnish people. Many of the stories he tells are based on interviews with long time residents he has met over the years.  The songs range from heart-warming ballads to foot stomping jigs, they appeal to both children and adults.

The Flying Bietila’s is a song about six Finn ski jumping brothers from Ishpeming.  Born to be a Miner tells the story of a youth growing up in Negaunee during the Great Depression.  Thimbleberry Jam is about two brothers who visit their grandmother’s boarding house.  Saturday Night Sauna is about a Finnish tradition. The song Wizard Oil is the story of the medicine shows that visited U.P. towns and the E.C. Roberts is a traditional song about a schooner that docked at Escanaba to load up iron ore.

Following the program refreshments will be served. There is no cost to attend and the public is encouraged to join the members of the Historical Societies for what is sure to be a great presentation! For more info, about Bill Jamerson, visit his website at www.billjamerson.com.