The homestead of the free

[Mabus]

We cross the prairies as of old
The Pilgrims crossed the sea,
To make the West as they the East
The homestead of the free.

-August, 1854, sung to the tune "Auld Lang Syne"

http://www.kancoll.org/books/rowe/bands.htm and http://www.kshs.org/publicat/khq/1936/36_3_bumgardner.htm

This is the song that members of the Lawrence Emigration Society sang as they left Boston on their arduous journey to Kansas in 1854. This band, of which our beloved MuseRider is a member, has symbolized much of what is right with Kansas during their 151 year history. They came to Kansas as part of the fight for freedom and equality and, for me, the serve as a reminder that we need to be proactive if we want to keep those rights and freedoms for all.
:patriot:

Thank you fellow DU'ers for coming to Lawrence to watch & listen to MuseRider and the rest of the city band perform this summer. They're part of the Kansas tradition that we should all be proud of. I look forward to seeing all of you next month in KC. In the meantime we have DU.

[MuseRider]

1. Wonderful links!

Thanks for providing them Mabus!

It was so wonderful to see you and everyone else. I love our meetups!

I am glad they finally let women play in the band. :) I had no idea that South Park was South Park so many years ago, don't know why but that surprised me. It is a lovely place for a concert and you live in one of the nicest communities I have ever known. I feel so lucky to live only 30 minutes away.

[Mabus]

2. any chance the band can do the song next year

just for old time's sake?

P.S. I guess everyone can now tell what a huge {history} nerd I am. I love this city and I'm very proud of it. I'm glad you live close by and you are part of this city whether you like it or not.

[MuseRider]

3. Bob is really big on history as well.

There is going to be a concert on the 18th of September(I think that was the date mentioned) to celebrate the birthday of Lawrence. Apparently this will be a yearly thing. I won't be playing since I have a symphony rehearsal that same afternoon but that would be a great time to do that piece. I will try to get in contact with him and send him the links. Since he is also a pretty well known arranger and composer he could probably put it together with all the parts if he can't find all of it.

[proud2BlibKansan]

4. Neat link

Great to see you all last night. :hi: