Bicentennial Dulcimer Concert on May 14 at Tiskilwa’s Museum on Main

On Monday evening at 7:00 p.m., musician Phil Passen of Chicago will bring the cheerful sounds of his hammered dulcimer to the Community Room at Museum on Main. To continue the Tiskilwa Historical Society’s celebration of our state’s 200th birthday, Phil will present his new program, “From Prairie to Farm to City: Music to Commemorate Our Bicentennial.”

Trained at Chicago’s Old Town’s School of Folk Music, Phil will perform songs that reflect the story of our state, including a song or two from long before Illinois achieved statehood in 1818.

Through Phil’s music, we’re once again reminded that our state was shaped not only by its rich land and waters, but also by the many cultures that have flourished here: first Native American, then French, African American, German, Latino and many other ethnicities. The program includes songs about farmers, labor struggles, tragedies, and celebrations. And Phil just might toss in some blues with the bluegrass, and maybe even a little rock n’ roll.

Phil’s audiences are fascinated not only by the bright and sprightly sound of the hammered dulcimer, but also by its unusual, trapezoidal shape. After his performances, members of the audience – young and old, musicians and non-musicians – often come up to take a closer look at the dulcimer and try their hand at it.

There is plenty of space in the upstairs Community Room and a chairlift is available for those who need an assist with the steps. The community is invited to join us as Phil gives joyful voice to our American journey. Following the program, the society will provide refreshments and host a social time in the galleries.

On May 14, folk musician Phil Passen of Chicago will present a hammered dulcimer concert at 7:00 p.m. at Tiskilwa Historical Society’s Museum on Main. The public is invited to this free musical event, an entertaining and informative look at Illinois, its history, and its people in this bicentennial year.