Area Entertainment: An evening with Big Smith Band

Back on February 28 at the annual Cabin Fever Variety Music Show, organized by the Society of Ozarkian Hillcrofters, the highlight of the performances was the concert by "Big Smith." The theater was packed. 

This brothers/cousins’ band began as a four-piece in 1996 with brothers Mark and Jody Bilyeu and their cousins, brothers Jay and Mike Williamson. They would become one of the region's most popular groups, working over 100 days a year on the road from the late ‘90s through 2012. They only play a handful of performances currently, and it was a wonderful evening. This was my first time to see them live.

The Cabin Fever audience at the Branson Event Center on February 28 was treated to a number of the group's best loved songs: "Go Away Maggie," "12 Inch 3-Speed Oscillating Fan," Leap As You Run," plus a few numbers from their gospel project, "Live At Lone Star."

Their other cousin, Rik Thomas had planned to perform with them but was unable to participate due to an illness. We later learned that he passed on March 11, at the age of 59. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with their family. 

I was quite impressed with their songwriting abilities and the family harmony. You can hear much of their recorded material from their six CD releases on their YouTube Channel. I'm hooked and now a big fan. 

So many of their songs are written with their family and the Ozarks in mind, which makes them so unique. They remind me of the Ozark Mountain Daredevils, which is another one of my favorite bands. 

As you would guess, Big Smith truly wowed the audience. They received a standing ovation and encore, where they performed "I'm Going Down to Ponce." Band members are listed below:  

Jody Bileyu, mandolin, vocals; Mark Bilyeu, guitar vocals; Jay Williamson, washboard, drums, vocals; and Mike Williamson, bass, vocals.

I would like to acknowledge and thank the Ozark Hillcrofters and their board members for all that they do to preserve history and put on such events as Cabin Fever. 

Tammy Morton: Tammy is editor of The Ozarkian Hillcrofter journal, a monumental task, and is the lead photographer at all our events. She credits her journal committee for the success of the Hillcrofter. 

 Jamie Hunt, treasurer: Jamie puts together all the QR codes, sets up the GiveButter program for memberships and donations, keeps track of all ticket sales, and scans everyone’s tickets while they were still lined up outside. She also pulled in volunteers from Branson Bank to help with the ticketing process. We literally could not have done this without Jamie. 

Crystal Copeland, secretary: Crystal takes the minutes and keeps track of the membership, which is a huge task. She is on the executive committee and is so involved with the operations of the organization; it’s impossible to list all she does.

Laura Burton: Laura does the layout of the journal, and she is also in charge of social media, both of which are hugely important to the Hillcrofters as we move forward. 

Dan Swearengen: Dan is a retired agriculture professor from C of O, and Dan served on the Cabin Fever committee, helped make all the display racks for the banners, and kept tabs on what needed to be done to make the event work. Dan takes notes on everything from committee meetings to conversations, and he is currently putting together a checklist overview of Cabin Fever for future events. 

Kevin Bowling: Kevin was also on the Cabin Fever committee and contributed great insights, even after having knee surgery! Furthermore, his experience in construction will be a great benefit as we move forward with various reconstruction projects. 

Brynna Lindner: Brynna is a lawyer, and as you can imagine, her legal contributions are invaluable for events like this.

Jeff Johnson: Jeff is one of the owners of the SOTH Adventure Park, and his blend of business expertise, historical knowledge and commitment to preservation of the Ozarks are always helpful to the operations of the Hillcrofters. 

Sue Head: Sue is the Vice-President of Cultural Affairs and Institutional Advancement at C of O, and she brings extensive experience and expertise of event planning and organization to the Hillcrofters and to events like Cabin Fever.

Jeremy Lynn: Jeremy is Captain of Administration with the Greene County Sheriff’s Office and has given so much to the Hillcrofters over the years. He has great ideas and the confidence to make them happen. He couldn’t make Cabin Fever on the night of this event because he was paying his respects to his fallen comrades in Christian County. He and all our local law enforcement are in our thoughts and prayers, not only in this time of mourning, but always. 

Jeff Michel: Jeff is our principal connection to the Ozark Mountain Music Association. He has also changed the lives of many, many young people by mentoring them in bluegrass and old time mountain music at the Mountain Grove Schoolhouse Jam on Thursday nights and through OMMA Bluegrass camps. Given the importance of music to Ozarks culture, Jeff’s role is essential to the Hillcrofters. He also recruited eight sponsors for the event! 

Curtis Copeland: Of course, Curtis re-founded the Hillcrofters and continues to serve as Chairman of the Board. He is the G.I.S. Manager for the city of Branson and has been committed to preserving the history, culture and environment of the Ozarks his whole life. 

Hayden Head: He currently serves as the president of the Hillcrofters, and he has commented on how much he has benefited so much from working with the exceptional people on their board. He and I both agree that we have never seen more hardworking, selfless folks than the ones listed above.

Please consider getting involved with the Ozark Hillcrofters. More information may be on the Facebook page or at societyofozarkianhillcrofters.com .