From performing in USO shows as a child for wounded World War II veterans to currently producing “Salute to American Country Music” in the Czech Republic, Rex Burdette has devoted a lifetime of work to preserving and promoting American Folk Art. On March 11, CLOG AMERICA and the Utah Cultural Celebration Center will honor Rex Burdett’s life-time achievements by presenting ‘The Preservation of American Folk Art Award’ at CLOG AMERICA’S “Culture Fest 2006”.

Presently serving as President and United States Delegate for CIOFF-USA (Council International Organization of Festivals and Folk Art), Rex is also an inductee into the Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame. He has been in the Entertainment business since the age of 5 and performed all forms of American dance for minstrel shows through the 50’s as well as performing jig/clog on the nationally televised show, Ozark Jubilee starring Red Foley, for seven years.

After establishing his family which includes four children, The Burdett Family Dancers performed ‘The History of Dance’ for schools across the Midwest in 1970 and 1971, then joined the Bob-O-Links Country Music Show in Branson Missouri for eleven years. Rex began Producing, Directing and Entertainment Management in Silver Dollar City in 1983 where he produced and directed the Echo Hollow Amphitheater for nine years and the Great American Music Festival for nineteen years.

Rex created ‘World-Fest’, the largest International Festival in the USA in 1990 and still produces and directs this festival. He also assists in the development of Dollywood’s Festival of Nations. In addition, he is presently the President of World Music Events, USA and World Music Events Bulgaria, LTD.

In August 2005, Rex was recognized internationally as he was awarded the Silver Medal of Honor symbolizing the Golden Age of Bulgaria and an Honorary Diploma by the Bulgarian Ministry of Culture. He will be accompanied by Helen, his wife of 43 years, as he travels to Salt Lake City from Branson, Missouri to accept ‘The Preservation of America Folk Award’ sponsored by CLOG AMERICA and the Utah Cultural Celebration Center on March 11, 2006.

PRESERVE AMERICAN FOLK ART

Introducing the “AMERICAN CULTURAL HERITAGE INSTITUTE”

Generations of Americans have expressed their hearts and minds through music, dance and other folk art. Immigrants from many lands brought to America their own cultural heritage and together wove a tapestry of culture unique in all the world. However this beautiful tapestry is beginning to unravel. Young Americans in this modern age are growing up without knowing or experiencing our traditional American Folk Art and believing there is nothing special about being an American!

Folk art conquers time and space. Embodying the collective wisdom and experience of a people, it expresses that which matters most to the common man. Through neglect, America is in danger of losing its folk art, creating a condition similar to developing amnesia…losing one’s memory. At risk is a vital link connecting the hearts of our children to us and to our American ancestors.

In the crossroads of the American West, the urgency of preserving our precious American Folk Arts is felt intensely. American folk musicians, dancers, poets, artists and craftsmen are coming together to establish a central location where American Folk Art can be preserved, taught, experienced and celebrated.

CLOG AMERICA, the internationally known American Folk Ensemble, is spearheading the campaign to build the “AMERICAN CULTURAL HERITAGE INSTITUTE” in the Salt Lake Valley. ACHI will be dedicated to the preservation and cultivation of American Folk Arts including dance, music, craftsmanship, art and poetry. Through its diverse programming, ACHI will reach out to people of all ages, backgrounds and community.

The “AMERICAN CULTURAL HERITAGE INSTITUE” will offer experiences and instruction in:

• Dance including clogging, square dance, contra, reels, and pioneer dances
• Music including guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and harmonica.
• American folk crafts such as leather tooling, wood carving and quilting

ACHI will feature a Kids’ Culture Club , a free monthly program providing children an opportunity to learn about, experience and enjoy American Folk Arts. ACHI will also be a venue for community social events and mini-concerts featuring local American Folk Artists.

Become a force in preserving our country’s tapestry of culture. Help us strengthen the cultural link between past and future generations. Join CLOG AMERICA’s non-profit organization in building the “AMERICAN CULTURAL HERITAGE INSTITUTE”

For further information contact Shawnda Bishop at 254-6947.