Music relates to all ages

This week, the Brown Bag Lunch Program will be offering artists who are committed to helping all people experience the joy that comes from singing.

Based in Omaha, Neb., Robert (Doc) Woody on banjo and Tuffy Epstein on clarinet, team up to play happy-go-lucky music with a mix of tunes from the Gay 90s, Tin Pan Alley, the Roarin 20s, New Orleans jazz and present-day popular and country music.

“Whether an ‘old grump’ or a ‘highbrow,’ no one is ever successful in avoiding the joy that is produced by their music. Before the end of the first song, there will be smiles and tapping toes,” Woody said.

Woody and Epstein have formed a band called River City Ragtime Band and as winter passes, they will expect to be playing a string of community concerts.

“When Tuffy and I first started playing with the River City Ragtime Band, we tended to attract folks who could sing along with a lot of the old-time tunes. We still like to get the audience singing and clapping their hands,” Woody said.

Deborah Reeves, curator of education at the National Music Museum, said it is a very fun style of music. Both players are seasoned performers, have polished performances and it’s all upbeat music, she said.

Woody said the University of South Dakota has justly earned an international reputation for its promotion of music, especially through the National Music Museum.

Epstein has performed with symphonies, Broadway musicals and countless jazz venues.

“Doc Woody is a friend and a member of the museum and it will be his first time performing at the museum,” Reeves said.

Although his music is uplifting, that is not all he wants his listeners to take out of the music.

“In addition to using happy and uplifting music, I tell tales and talk about musical experiences. I hope to help everyone better understand and benefit from developing their own musicianship, whether it is singing in a shower or the car while driving, strumming a guitar at a party or performing with a university ensemble,” Woody said.

Although the music may be old school, it will attract some students who are into the uplifting and joyful type of music.

Freshman Heidi Westby said the Brown Bag Lunch Programs are a great way to meet different people with the same musical taste as you.

“Attending these events will make a person more aware of the music genre in general and open up their minds a little more,” Westby said.

Reach reporter Dylan Geuther at

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