The 45th Annual Summer Swamp Stomp happened Saturday, July 8 at the Tallahassee Museum. he event featured a special tribute to a fallen member of the city's musical community.
Nearly half-a-century ago, legendary Florida folksinger Gamble Rogers helped get the Swamp Stomp tradition underway.
(singing)
"Wear your old faded jeans. They are patched but they are clean. Walk proud my son and hold your head up high."
Also there that day was Tallahassee singer/songwriter Del Suggs. Today he's the Swamp Stomp's orchestrated as well as a performer. He was also happy the local duo "Hot Tamale" chose to devote part of their set to fellow musician Kathryn Belle Long who died in May after a battle with brain cancer.
"We miss Kathryn! She was a regular performer out here and we miss her so much. But we're grateful to Hot Tamale for doing a tribute to help keep her in our hearts."
Among Kathryn Belle Long's most celebrated songs, an homage to her hometown of Tallahassee and the theme for WFSU's Local Routes show.
(singing)
"Take the local routes and journey down the roads we call our home."
