Bobby Horton To Bring Civil War To Life Via Songs And Stories

Entertainer Bobby Horton will headline a concert that recounts the Civil War through songs and stories. Photo via NPS.

Recording artist Bobby Horton will bring Civil War history to life as he performs Songs and Stories of the Civil War on May 8 in an event sponsored by Vicksburg National Military Park and the Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation.

The concert, which begins at 7 p.m., will be held at the Southern Cultural Heritage Center Auditorium in Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Mr. Horton is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer, and is widely recognized as a leading authority on the music of the 1800s in America. He produced and performed music scores for 13 PBS films by Ken Burns, including The Civil War, and Baseball, two films for the A&E Network, and 16 films for the National Park Service. His series of recordings of authentic period music has been acclaimed by historical organizations and publications throughout America and Europe.

"You do not have to be a student of the Civil War to enjoy this concert," said Vicksburg Superintendent Michael Madell. "Anyone who appreciates great music, inspired storytelling, and amazing entertainment will have a great time."

The opening act for the concert will feature National Park Service ranger-musicians Bruce "Sunpie" Barnes and Matt Hampsey along with fiddler Gina Forsyth and bassist Jen Mauer who will perform a set titled Songs of the Mississippi Delta. This ensemble appears regularly at the New Orleans Jazz National Historic Site and at events throughout the Crescent City, including Jazzfest. The set will feature old-time fiddle songs, spirituals, delta blues, Cajun and zydeco music.

Admission to the concert is free, and the show is appropriate for all ages. For more information call Vicksburg National Military Park at 601-636-0583 or the Southern Cultural Heritage Center at 601-631-2997.