It’s Fall Y’all
After this scorcher of a summer, autumn is a welcome season. Many consider Labor Day the first step into the new season, but the equinox on September 23 signals the heavens turning and the earth’s very orientation signaling the beginning of fall. Good ol’ Wikipedia says that the term “autumn” derives from an ancient Etruscan root “auti” which “has within its connotations of the passing year.” Other interesting information states that the word autumn, regardless of its ancient origins, was not in common use until the 16h century. During Medieval times, the more common term for the season was “harvest.”
Although thankfulness for a good harvest can be found, poets and songwriters often find themselves, like the sun, leaning into a dark mood. Ah yes, songs and poems about autumn are often sad. Poets anthropomorphize the season, pining for the lost passion, the sunny carefree days of the warm seasons. Some go beyond lost love, even lamenting lost youth and, in contemplating winter, the end of their lives.
Mythology follows a similar path. The most famous story involves the Greek goddess, Persephone, who must return to Hades, in his dark kingdom beneath the earth. Her absence upsets her mother, Demeter, who just happens to be in charge of the harvest. Demeter becomes so depressed that the earth becomes cold and bare until Persephone is allowed to return in the spring. The Celtic Green Man, as his name suggests, can be interpreted as another symbol of growth, rebirth, spring and summer. As the autumn cycle begins, he returns to the earth, and his spring bride, the May Queen, becomes an old crone.
You know, none of these myths seem like a lot of fun to me. No wonder the poets write sad poems and songs. In pondering over the autumnal angst, I think perhaps they never suffered through a deep south summer. Certainly, they did not look forward to football! And certainly, they didn’t have the opportunity of attending the premier performance of the twelfth season of the Old Alabama Town Revue.
The Old Alabama Town Revue will open its twelfth season on October 12, at 2:00 at Old Alabama Town with a show celebrating the season: “Its Fall Ya’ll.” The performance will embrace new songs, old faves (original and otherwise), sad songs, silly songs, and even a poem or two. The Revue continues with the same cast of characters (literally and figuratively) and in the same place, the first Presbyterian Colored Church (1885) on Columbus Street in Old Alabama Town. The season is changing, but we at least appear stable. The Revue also continues to take the 2 p.m. afternoon spot as part of Old Alabama Town’s second Saturday event. The buildings will all be open, admission is open to the public without charge, as is the Old Alabama Town Revue.
To let you know a little of what we are planning, Tim Henderson has a fun, brand new song and will also revisit the popular “Alabama in the Fall” (which is on our CD, “The Song Challenge” — available at the concert). Larry Gobrecht renders a great version of Neil Young’s romantic “Harvest Moon.” Toni Wood soulfully delivers the standard, “Autumn Leaves.” Tony Castaldo will keep us all on the beat and the fabulous Pellets, Tom Huber and Katie Pearson, will add their special magic.
Will temperatures be cooler? Can’t guarantee it. Will leaves be falling? Maybe. Maybe not. But we can assure everyone of an enjoyable experience at the second Saturday on October 12 at Old Alabama Town. Come early and tour the beautiful buildings. Then saunter over to the church at 2 p.m. for the Old Alabama Town Revue.
Count on a good time … It’s Fall Ya’ll
Oh—and those church pews have not softened any over the summer so
Don’t Forget Your Pillow!
Karren Pell is a writer, teacher, and performer who lives with her husband, Tim Henderson, and an assortment of cats and dogs in Capitol Heights. She is the author of three books. Her musical compositions range from commercial songs to theatrical works, with five musical adaptations to her credit.
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