Minnetrista Shares the Story of Starr Gennett
Recording History: The Grand Pianos and Diverse Sounds of Starr Gennett will be at Minnetrista May 31 – August 31. This Minnetrista original exhibit explores the compelling story of Starr Piano Company and its offshoot, Gennett Records. Through artifacts and engaging interactives the exhibit will connect the visitor with the diversity of music produced at Gennett Records and the variety of musicians who recorded there.
Once headquartered in Richmond, Indiana, the Starr Piano Company launched a recording division in 1915 that recorded, manufactured, and distributed phonograph records, the majority of which featured the company's Gennett record label.
While Gennett recorded just about any musician or musical style, the company also recorded up and coming styles that few, if any, other companies wanted to touch – jazz and blues. Many popular music pioneers including Louis Armstrong, Uncle Dave Macon, Thomas A. Dorsey, Charley Patton, Duke Ellington, Gene Autry, the Mills Brothers, and even Lawrence Welk recorded in the Gennett studios.
Besides the Starr Gennett Story, Recording History explores the timeline of the recording industry. Visitors will also learn how families enjoyed music during the 1890s and 1920s.
Minnetrista hours: Mon. – Sat., 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Sun., 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Admission is FREE to members. General Admission is $4 child/student; $6 senior; $7 adult.
For more information on this exhibit or Minnetrista, visit www.minnetrista.net
Located along historic White River, Minnetrista includes 40 acres of beautiful gardens and grounds, a modern museum facility, an historic home, Nature Area, numerous sculptures, and a portion of the White River Greenway. Minnetrista serves East Central Indiana with dynamic community activities and exhibits that honor and reflect its natural and cultural heritage. For more information about Minnetrista, visit www.minnetrista.net.
