August 17, 2012, 7:30 p.m. Gwendolyn Countryman and the Dusty Road premier "My Grandma's Songs" at the What Cheer Opera House

Gwendolyn Countryman and the Dusty Road will present a concert on Friday, August 17, 2012 from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the What Cheer Opera House, main street, What Cheer, Iowa. Musician-songwriter Gwendolyn (Coppersmith) Countryman, a What Cheer native, is joined by John Lake on lead guitar, Marty Letz on pedal steel guitar, Al Murphy on fiddle and Aleta Porcella on stand-up bass.  These four talented musicians, all members of other regional bands, have joined Gwendolyn for the What Cheer Opera House premier of “My Grandma’s Songs.” Ms. Countryman wrote and recorded “My Grandma’s Songs” as a tribute to her grandmother, Minnie Burdock who lived in and near What Cheer for 103 years.  Original art by regional artist Nancy Purington will also be on display. Countryman and Purington have collaborated over a year to turn the lyrics of “My Grandma’s Songs” into a 32-page illustrated book for children.  Enjoy an hour of music from the heartland – including country swing, folk, bluegrass and gospel -- and view original art inspired by rural Iowa, in this special musical tribute to Minnie Burdock.  There is no admission charge; a freewill collection will be made.