Christmas is the time of traditions; for families and for communities. From stringing lights and visits to Santa, to watching local parades while bundled from the cold South Dakota wind – it’s all about the spirit of sharing.
Today we explore the history of a Christmas tradition that’s unique to South Dakota by visiting with one of the musicians who created it.
Think of Christmas and you’re likely to conjure images of presents under a tree, wise men by a stable or that pudgy guy in the red suit. But there’s another figure associated with the season that dates back centuries – the minstrel.
Popular music as part of the Christmas celebration dates back to the 13th century. And where there was music, there were musicians – some wandering, others not. Here in South Dakota, a group of musicians travel regularly across the state in December to bring Christmas tidings to people of all ages.
“We wanted to play Christmas music, says Kenny Putnam. “Didn’t matter where we were going to play. I was thinking just, you know, we’d do a bar gig. I was on the road and I just came back. But we booked the Old Courthouse Museum in Sioux Falls. And it was 30 below…and we didn’t think anyone would show up. And the place just filled up.”
The venues keep filling up ever since, recalls Putnam, who is known throughout the region for his ability on the fiddle. Along with a core group of friends, Putnam takes the “South Dakota Acoustic Christmas” show from East River to West since 1990.
But as much fun as performing for welcoming audiences is, Putnam says there’s a greater reason behind the Christmas show that’s become a tradition for so many.
“Typically what we do,” Putnam explains, “we would have a non-profit sponsor. And we would share the proceeds with the sponsor…whether it’s Youth and Family Services, or it was Habitat For Humanity, or Friends of Traditional Music, Catholic Family Services. There was quite a few groups that we worked with. It worked for us and it worked for them. We brought the music and they did all the leg-work and advertising.”
And the audience members brought the money – to the tune of $1 million plus for non-profits since the show’s inception.
Singer/guitarist Boyd Bristow helps Kenny Putnam recall the show’s sponsors. Bristow started as a guest performer with South Dakota Acoustic Christmas back in the early days. Now he’s a regular in the line-up. Bristow says it’s quite an honor to be a part of the tradition.
“To play for the audiences that we have and to help our sponsors support their causes,” says Bristow, “I mean, it makes you feel good.”
Of course, it all begins with the music, says Bristow, and songs that aren’t your usual Christmas fare.
“We do folk music, old English carols that kind of reminds you of going to a madrigal show or something, a renaissance thing,” Bristow explains. “Then we rock-n’roll, we write some original tunes.”
Over its 19 seasons, the musicians of South Dakota Acoustic Christmas have recorded over 300 songs, including one identified with this year’s guest performer…Michael Johnson.
Best known for hits like “Bluer Than Bluer” and “This Night”, Johnson takes time out from promoting his latest CD – “Moonlit Déjà Vu” – to tour with the South Dakota Christmas show.
“I’d heard about Acoustic Christmas,” says Johnson. “and…Kenny’s such a fine player. I knew that they had done it for several years and had several CDs and I said, ‘Oh…give me them…let me hear them.’ They’re just wonderful Christmas music. And I said, ‘Well….can I come along?’ So, I think it was….I think I wormed my way into their set.”
And Johnson is happy he did – drawn to the show not only by its musicians, but also the broad spectrum of Christmas music - something Susan Braunstein can understand. The long-time area resident and Rapid City Library programming associate has seen every West River performance of South Dakota Acoustic Christmas.
“The combination of the music and the people who have played together and been friends forever comes through in every song,” says Braunstein. “And that’s not the same, say, as a college concert or a school concert or even a Broadway venue that comes through. This is very personal. Those of us that went to all the concerts over the years felt like family.”
Becoming part of the South Dakota Acoustic Christmas family is really what it’s all about, says Kenny Putnam – and passing on the tradition of music to old and young alike.
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