Olga Loya to perform in Coulterville
Coulterville Community Club will host the well known Olga Loya on March 11, 2010 in the IOOF Hall, located on Main Street, one block from the intersection of Hwy 49 and Hwy 132.
Loya is a nationally recognized bilingual storyteller, author, keynote speaker and teacher who has performed throughout the U.S. and Mexico. Her stories engage, inspire and entertain with her variety of performance styles, improvisation and surprises for her audiences.
March 11, 2010 |
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Who is "Cousin Jack?"
 Known as a "One Man Happiness Festival", Cousin Jack Franklin was a minstrel, street musician, promoter, "tuistinairist" and beloved by the community! Born in Iowa in 1929, Cousin Jack came to San Jose in the late 30's. He played big band trumpet in the late 40's and 50's, owned the famous "Jack's Record Cellar" in San Francisco, he was a long-time member of the "Marsh Flat Ramblers", a folk singing group in the Bay Area, and a regular performer with the Harvest Festival for 15 years. In 1989 he opened Cousin Jacks Music/Dolls by Alinda in Mariposa.
Cousin Jack loved Mariposa, and loved making Mariposa visitors remember their trip-sharing samples of gold, coins from all over the world, balloon sculptors and spontaneous performances, Cousin Jack was instantly loved. In gratitude to Cousin Jack and Alinda, for being a positive representative of Mariposa, sharing their smiles, spirit, good cheer, support, energy and expertise so generously, Cousin Jack was named "Honorary Mayor" and Good Will Ambassador for Mariposa.
Cousin Jack's birthday celebrations were a time of year to gather the community, play some music, have fun, and raise funds in support of organizations such as the SPCA. This free-spirited musician, who picked a 1920s Montgomery Ward Parlor acoustic guitar, dulcimer, harmonica and that throwback banjo, played for anyone who would listen! Cousin Jack could play "Mary had a Little Lamb" on virtually any instrument for local youth. He spent many hours volunteering in the schools giving free music lessons to children, and supported many local organizations.
Cousin Jack and a group of business owners influenced the County to purchase vacant land on Hwy 140 and 4th Street to become an Art Park. Cousin Jack's dream became a reality in 2004 with the new Mariposa County Art Park. It is a beautifully landscaped natural amphitheater with a small stage. For the 2005 celebration for Cousin Jack, the Mariposa County Arts Council was pleased to dedicate our Summer Music series in his honor. Mariposa Evenings is well known as:
"Cousin Jack's Mariposa Evenings!"
A blanket or a lounge chair provide the best seating for performances. Ample parking is available on 5th Street. A short stroll along the Mariposa Creek walkway also provides handicapped access. |
