Spring Concerts Celebrate History
This spring, enjoy free concerts while experiencing a wide range of North Carolina music. As part of the 2006 statewide celebration N.C. In Tune, the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh is presenting several performance groups that highlight the state’s diverse musical traditions.
N.C. In Tune is a yearlong celebration organized by the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources to honor and promote music and its contributions to the cultural life of North Carolina.
The state boasts a varied musical environment featuring soulful gospel, Piedmont blues, lively fiddle tunes, opera, a booming indie rock scene and other genres. North Carolina is home to many musical greats who represent the state’s extensive musical talent, including James Taylor, Shirley Caesar and Doc Watson.
All programs are free, and parking is free on weekends. For more information about N.C. In Tune, go to www.ncculture.com.
Programs
Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble, Sunday, April 2, 3 p.m. — Celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month by listening to the swinging sounds of these talented musicians from local high schools. This 20-member group will pay homage to legendary jazz musicians by performing their music. The Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble is a new addition to the Philharmonic Association, an organization that “fosters the love of great music in young musicians.”
Jazz and the Blues, Saturday, April 8, 3 p.m. — Learn about the history of American jazz and blues music. North Carolina has played an important role in these musical traditions, with some of the most talented performers calling the state home, including John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk and Roberta Flack.
Bill and Libby Hicks, Sunday, May 14, 3 p.m. — At the forefront of the Americana music scene since the late 1960s, this duo covers a wide spectrum of traditional music, from fiddle tunes and guitar-based country blues to swing and gospel. Bill Hicks is one of the founding members of the Red Clay Ramblers and is hailed for his impeccable talent playing the fiddle and writing songs. His wife, Libby, brings strong guitar skills and a bluesy voice to the duet. The performance is co-sponsored by PineCone (www.pinecone.org) and is part of the museum’s Music of the Carolinas Series.
Family Day: North Carolina Heartland, Saturday, June 3, noon-4 p.m. — Learn about the Piedmont region through music, crafts, hands-on activities, and displays from local historic sites and other organizations. Musician and storyteller David DiGiuseppe will present the history of North Carolina through its musical traditions. Both educational and entertaining, DiGiuseppe weaves music throughout his storytelling to explore the state’s past. Other special guests include potter Kim Ellington and woodworker Jerome Bias.
The Madison Clouds of Heaven, Sunday, June 11, 3 p.m. — The Madison Clouds of Heaven is a trombone shout band from the Charlotte Mother House of Prayer. A mix of musical traditions, including jazz, blues, gospel and spirituals, inspires this innovative music style. The shout band tradition originated from the vibrant church music of the African American communities in the Southeast during the 1920s and is primarily played during church services, tent revivals and other special occasions. The performance is co-sponsored by PineCone and is part of the museum’s Music of the Carolinas Series.
The N.C. Museum of History’s hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 12 to 5 p.m. Admission is free. The museum is part of the Division of State History Museums, Office of Archives and History, an agency of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources.
The department’s Web site is www.ncculture.com.
