Folk musicians trace roots of Civil War to civil rights

From the Canton Daily Ledger: Folk musicians trace roots of Civil War to civil rights
LEWISTOWN — Historical folk musicians Sparky and Rhonda Rucker bring the songs of the American struggle for democracy to the Hickory Ridge Concert Series at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March the 17 at Dickson Mounds Museum. Sparky and Rhonda Rucker weave their music into captivating stories that span over three centuries of African-American history, including slavery, the Underground Railroad, the Civil War, the westward migration, the birth of blues music, and the civil rights Movement.

Sparky Rucker has been singing songs and telling stories from the American tradition for over forty years. He grew up in Knoxville, Tenn. and began playing guitar at age 11. He accompanies himself on guitar, banjo, and spoons, and has released 12 recordings. He was active in the Civil Rights Movement, playing freedom songs at rallies, marches, and sit-ins, alongside other folksingers such as Guy Carawan and Pete Seeger.

Rhonda Rucker is also a versatile performer, playing blues harmonica, piano, banjo, and adding vocal harmonies. Their 1991 release, Treasures and Tears, was nominated for the W.C. Handy Award for Best Traditional Recording. Over 40 years of performing, Sparky and Rhonda have performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival as well as NPR's On Point, Prairie Home Companion, Mountain Stage, and Morning Edition.

The Hickory Ridge Concert Series is hosted by singer-songwriter Chris Vallillo. Concerts are held the third Saturday of every month at Dickson Mounds Museum and begin at 7:30 p.m. with the museum lobby opening at 6:30 p.m. Coffee, drinks, and a variety of desserts are available during intermission. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children under the age of 12. Seating is limited to the first 150 people.

The Dickson Mounds Branch of the Illinois State Museum is located between Lewistown and Havana off routes 78 and 97. The museum is open free to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Tours and special programs are available for groups with reservations. For more information call 309-547-3721 or TDD 217-782-9175 or visit the museum’s website at:

http://www.ExperienceDicksonMounds.com