Perhaps no musician better embodies the evolution of American music through the media age than Skitch Henderson.  From the Montana roadhouses where he played the piano as a teenager in the 1930’s to the New York Pops’ 20^th birthday gala at Carnegie Hall in 2003, his career closely parallels the development of 20^th century American music.  His companions were the likes of Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Steve Allen, Jack Paar and Johnny Carson to name a few.  

Skitch Henderson

Skitch & Judy Garland

Prepared in collaboration with Dwight Bowers, Cultural Historian of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History and curator of the exhibition and book “Red, Hot and Blue” on the history of the American Musical, this show is one that touches close to home, in more ways than one.

“The Skitch Henderson Collection, like the man himself, is a dynamic treasure…a unique assemblage that presents a lively and important view of the development of America’s entry into the media age and the growth of radio and television.  It its documentation of the career of Skitch Henderson himself, it presents a unique perspective on the dissemination and definition of twentieth-century American music and music-making.”

Also, rejoining us will be cows from CowParade.  Each life-size fiberglass bovine, individually designed, will beautify our pasture.

This is the first time that portions of the Skitch Henderson Collection are available to the public.  A multi-media feast, an exciting glimpse into the life and career of an American icon, this show is certain to prove the most memorable of the season,and certainly the closest to our hearts. 

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