Not to brag, but Osceola is home to one of 25 musicians selected for the 2016 Iowa Music Project's Songwriting Showcase. Rick Burke's entry, "Lazarus," is a celebration of the country-folk sound present throughout southern Iowa.
“There used to be old-time country jam sessions in every town,” says Burke. “In Humeston, Murray, Lucas, all over the place. In Woodburn, 150 people would show up. They’d stop in the middle, everyone would stop and eat, and then you’d start playing again. That’s where I started out.”
At age 25, the music bug bit Burke, and he moved from country and country rock to something harder.
“We were a band called ROXX, out of Lamoni. We played rock, classic rock, I guess you would say,” said Burke.
Together for seven years, the group has reunited at least once a year for 30 years in different spots around Southwest Iowa.
Burke also took part in a Pink Floyd cover band, selling out venues, like the Lucas theater, every night they played.
“It’s amazing it came together,” said Burke. “It’s so hard to take 11 people that have a life and get them headed in one direction.”
He plays frequently on his own, and occasionally with a band, throughout central and southern Iowa.
“Singer-songwriter stuff has always been my favorite,” he said. “I play once a month at the Eagles on the third Saturday, once a month in Greenwood in Des Moines on the second Friday, at Wojos in Humeston on the second Saturday…”
A celebration of local sounds
In 2016, Burke entered the Iowa Music Project’s Songwriting Showcase, a juried contest focused on defining the varied sounds of Iowa.
“It was in the Des Moines paper,” said Burke. “My friend had it, and she talked me into putting a song in.”
Out of 450 selections, Burke’s “Lazarus” was selected as a top 25 finalist and included on the IMP’s CD compilation.
IMP is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization which aims to support live music and music venues throughout Iowa. It’s a mission that suits Burke perfectly. He hosts a weekly open-mic night 7 p.m. Wednesdays at the Osceola Eagles Lodge.
“I’ve been there and times the music has been just amazing,” he said, but support for the local music scene is sometimes lacking.
When people do show up, they’d better be prepared to do more than listen.
“That’s one of the things about my shows,” he said. “If I know you play, it’s going to take a lot of ‘no’s’.”
Patty Carson joined in during Saturday’s gig at the Eagles Lodge. The 82-year old was recently forced to give up playing guitar because of arthritis in her hands. Thankfully, the dulcimer is more forgiving.
“I play every day,” Carson said. “I don’t know what I’d do without my music.”
Carson’s parents were part of the music scene in Osceola years ago.
“We always had people at our house dancing, everyone playing instruments,” she said.
Starting out on the harmonica when she was 3-years-old, Carson graduated to banjo, guitar, piano and other instruments.
“I can play anything,” said the musical maven. “I don’t read notes. I play everything by ear.”
Saturday night, their songs were seamless.
Burke laments over the money and time locals spend to see Des Moines-area bands. With the range of performers in Osceola, they could see quality artists in town, he said, “for just the time it takes to come out.”