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The
Lawrenceville Historical Society, together with the Allegheny Cemetery
Historical Association, is excited to present the 2008 Stephen Foster Music and Heritage Festival (Doo Dah Days!).
Doo Dah Days is an event that will celebrate the life and music of one
the most influential song writers in America's history, while helping
draw attention to the history of Pittsburgh B.C. (before Carnegie).
"Pittsburgh B.C." represents pre-industrial Pittsburgh, an era when most
of the present city was largely rural and sparsely settled. Our goal is
to hearken back to a simpler time when the twin cities of Pittsburg and
Allegheny City co-existed along the rivers and where river boats were a
common scene.
Stephen Foster was born July 4, 1826, on his family's estate, high on
the hillside above the Allegheny River. This estate was located in
Lawrenceville, which later became one of the largest, most historic
communities in Pittsburgh. He developed a love for music at the age of
three or four, and from that point forward there was no stopping him.
Foster is considered by many to be the world's foremost composer, and is
the only person to have written two state songs - "My Old Kentucky Home"
(Kentucky) and "Swannee River" (Florida).
Today he is considered the founder of "Pop Music", and his works are
played throughout the world. There are many books written on Stephen
Foster, and the University of Pittsburgh maintains the Stephen Foster
Memorial Center in his honor.
Among his most popular songs are: Oh! Susanna (1848), De Campton Races
(1850), Old Folks at Home [aka Swanee River] (1851), My Old Kentucky
Home, Good-Night! (1853), Jeanie With the Light Brown Hair (1854),
Gentle Annie (1856), Beautiful Dreamer (1862), and The Voices That Are
Gone (1865).
In celebration of Foster's birthday, Doo Dah Days will take place on
Saturday, July 12, 2008 from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm. The event takes place in
Allegheny Cemetery, the sixth oldest rural cemetery in the United
States. We will have four folk bands, specializing in Stephen Foster era
music, educational tours of Allegheny Cemetery (including Foster's
burial place), costumed re-enactors and other outdoor activities. On
hand will be food vendors and other organization tables.
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