This article was originally published in the Evansville Courier & Press.

WHITE COUNTY, Ill. — In addition to the exhibit “New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music,” the White County (Ill.) Historical Society will host a series of concerts featuring nationally accomplished artists, as well as local talent.

The six concerts in seven weeks are aimed at bringing life to the area’s musical history.

The “Opening Celebration of New Harmonies” features folk singer and Illinois Humanities Council scholar Chris Valillo. The concert be at 2 p.m. May 29 on the Robinson Stewart House lawn in Carmi, Ill.

Valillo hails from Macomb, Ill., and since his 1985 finalist placement at the Kerrville Folk Festival songwriting contest, he’s forged a career that includes several respected releases of his own work, plus numerous outstanding special projects.

Known for his strong, melodic voice and exemplary finger-picking, concert-goers can expect to hear music by Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family as well as Civil War songs and originals.

The concert series continues through July 9 and includes performances by the White County Children’s Choir, Vance Hayes, Rob Endicott with John Farrar, Bittercreek featuring Rick and Allan Mundy, as well as a concert focused on religious roots music from spirituals to modern gospel.