Illinois has rich and diverse folk music traditions that are little known to most people. From the beginning of the 19th century through the folk revival of the 1950s, the many peoples who have made Illinois their home have produced a huge body of folk music from historical ballads, to labor anthems, to early country songs, to dance tunes (not to mention an equally large body of music from ethnic communities in the state).

The Western Illinois Museum will bring musician and historian Bucky Halker to shares his knowledge of the Prairie State’s folk music to both Edison Elementary School and Macomb Senior High Schools.

Halker’s unique style of playing music to teach the history of Illinois is well suited to students. The cross-disciplinary nature of this program will provide an opportunity for teachers and students to explore topics as varied as music, democracy, economics and beliefs.

Bucky Halker is a performer, songwriter, and recording artist who also holds a PhD in American History. He has lectured and performed throughout the USA, Canada, and Europe. He is the author of For Democracy, Workers, and God: Labor Protest and Labor Song-Poems. He recently produced the Illinois Humanities Council’s critically-acclaimed CD series Folksongs of Illinois, Vols. 1-3.

This program is supported by The Performing Arts Society and local PTO.

This event is part of the New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music Exhibition on display in Macomb at the Western Illinois Museum between October 23rd and December 5th. Open hours are: Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00am – 4:00pm.

For more information, please contact the Western Illinois Museum at 309.837.2750.