Special Thanks to the University of Illinois, The Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The Sousa Archives and Center for American Music​, and the Graduate School of Library and Information Science.
EVENTS: YOUR CIVIL WAR CONNECTION
​The Civil War may have ended in 1865, but the memories and accounts of the war live on today! These events aim to connect our nation's past with today's present. We hope you will attend our events and let us share Civil War Music with your family and friends!​
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Our Civil War Connection event for the month of April is a live performance of Civil War music including John Brown's Body and the Bonnie Blue Flag at the Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School. The fifth grade choir was joined by local guitarists, harp and several University of Illinois Band members playing brass instruments featured in this collection! We thank all performers and attendees for making this a memorable event! To hear the recording of this performance CLICK HERE​​
Civil War Concert and Performances
February 2014
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The Joining the Fight exhibit will be hosting weeklong big band performances of popular Civil War pieces at various locations on campus
In collaboration with the Sousa Archives and Center for American Music and Krannert Performing Arts Center. Performances will occur for a week, coinciding with events for our annual Black History Month celebration on campus. Brass band artists and folk singers will playing pieces from the collection using brass instruments of the period with short informative talks given in the Harding Music Building for interested parties. Small performances will occur during the day on the Quad for passing students, with free events in the evenings for families and community members, and a final culmination ceremony on the last day with proceeds going to the collection itself. The final day ceremony will the UIUC Black Chorus singing a selection from ‘Slave Songs of the United States’ on exhibit, The UIUC Symphony Orchestra, and the UIUC Marching Band. Please join us and celebrate the history and beauty of Civil War music!{
Civil War Reenactment at Hessel Park​​
April 2014​
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A Civil War Re-enactment will be hosted by the Joining the Fight Exhibition followed by a family picnic and dance at Hessel Park in Champaign. In addition to this event, the Sousa Archives and Center for American Music will hold performances throughout the day, showcasing music written for famous battles including General Beauregard's Grand March. The event will conclude with a country style picnic and BBQ with dancing and additional performances by the UIUC Folk Band. Special badges and awards will be given to participants and we will be choosing a 'Belle of the Ball', so join us today! Teams and individual participants can sign up at the Joining the Fight table on the Quad from April 5-15. Registration is $10 per person.
Civil War Variety Shows
March 2014​
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​Minstrel shows were commonplace during the Civil War period and reinforce a tradition of comedy, drama and music performance.
The Joining the Fight exhibit will be sponsoring several live shows with famous speeches of the time, dramatic plays and comedic performances with a small band playing live music at Champaign Public Library and Urbana High School. Performers will include local college students, high school theater groups. The final performance will occur the Lincoln Hall Auditorium and will be streaming live online for the public. Interested performers can contact Joining the Fight for registration and general information.