Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center presents concert by Ozark music duo Shortleaf June 30

KIRKWOOD, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center invites you to discover nature through music. The nature center will present a special concert by the band Shortleaf, featuring Mike Fraser and Tenley Hansen on Friday, June 30 at 7 p.m.  The performance promises an enjoyable mix of entertainment and education suitable for the whole family.

Fraser, an accomplished Ozark fiddler, and partner Hansen specialize in performing traditional music of the Ozarks.  Honoring a long-time heritage of music and storytelling, the duo uses tales of Ozark history and Scots-Irish culture to create an engaging blend of songs and spoken word.  The Scots-Irish people settled in the hardscrabble Ozarks after migrating west from the Appalachian country, and gave the region much of its unique character. 

The Shortleaf band will focus on songs written by Show-Me-State songwriters who have been inspired by the land and the folks of Missouri’s southern mountains. They will play both traditional tunes and some newer songs—including work by the Ozark Mountain Daredevils—following a brief discussion about each song.

Fraser and Hansen began working together as members of the Shortleaf band in 2006.  Fraser plays fiddle, guitar, mandolin, mouthbow, harmonica, and autoharp. Hansen performs on keyboard, guitar, fiddle, spoons, bodhran, and vocals.

The concert is free and open to the public.  However, space is limited and advanced registration is required by calling 314-301-1500. 

Fraser’s fiddle playing has been featured on two albums produced by MDC, including Voices of the Hills, a Journey to Shannon County and Fiddles and Forests.  The CDs are available for purchase at MDC offices and online through mdcnatureshop.com.

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is located at 11715 Cragwold Road in Kirkwood, near the intersection of I-270 and I-44.