Lena Historical Society exhibit celebrates roots of American music

From press release

LENA, Ill.—Lena’s Historical Society is one of six small towns in Illinois to be chosen to host an exhibit titled “New Harmonies, Celebrating Roots of American Music.” Roots is a music that emerged from the names of music like blues, country, western, folk and gospel.

This exhibit will be on display at the Lena Area Historical Museum, 427 W. Grove St., Lena, Ill., Sept. 4-Oct. 17. Admission for the exhibition is $3 for adults and $1 for students. Extended hours will be offered, and private tours may be arranged by calling (815) 233-2545 or (815) 369-4135.

Events planned while the exhibits are on display at the museum include the following:

Chautauqua: Sunday, Sept. 12—2 p.m., to be held in the Historical Society’s barn. A rousing concert featuring gospel and folk music will be offered, plus a “special” appearance by William Jennings Bryan. Fee: $5 for adults, $2 for children, younger than 5 get in free. Refreshments will be offered.

Guitar Camp: Saturday, Sept. 18, to be held at the museum. This is a workshop for grades 2-6 with a recital concert to follow. Friends and family are invited to come at 6 p.m. for the recital and enjoy ice cream sundaes. Pre-registration required: $5. Registration forms available at Engel’s Jewelry & Gifts, phone (815) 369-2212.

Barn Dance: Saturday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m. at the Lena Historical Society’s Barn. Enjoy an old-fashioned barn dance with caller. Watch, learn and dance. $5 per person. Refreshments will be offered.

Oktoberfest: Saturday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m., to be held at the Lena Community Center, 497 Lions Drive. The Greg Anderson Band, well-known for polka and other popular music, will perform. Get your dancing shoes on and be prepared for a fun night. Brats, beer and other specialties will be for sale.

Admission is $5 in advance and $7 at the door. Advance tickets will be available at Engel’s Jewelry & Gifts and Country Windmill in Lena.

For more information, call (815) 233-2545 or (815) 369-4135 or e-mail price@aeroinc.net.

This exhibit is sponsored by the Smithsonian Institute and the Illinois Humanities Council.