Come hear music from the Civil War era, look at and touch real artifacts, and experience authentic reenactments.  Gain new insights and hear some true tall tales about the Civil War from Wichita's own J.C. Combs. Simple tunes heard in political 'tent' meetings will be performed by violin, piano and flute. Of course, you will also rise to the call of a fife and drum or two!

There could be no better compliment to the evening than Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring Suite. Copland's own chamber version of this magnificent work will be performed by 13 musicians. Appalachian Spring premiered in 1944 and was commissioned by Martha Graham. The ballet was a stunning success and Copland was awarded a Pulitzer Prize in 1945 for this incredible musical tale.

Originally called Ballet for Martha, Ms. Graham suggested a title of Appalachian Spring from a phrase in a poem called "The Bridge" by Hart Crane.

O Appalachian Spring! I gained the ledge;
Steep, inaccessible smile that eastward bends
And northward reaches in that violet wedge
Of Adirondacks!

This is one concert you'll be talking about long after the evening is over.

J.C. Combs-Drums and Commentary