Historical music to your ears

HARTFORD, IL - The musical traditions of 200 years ago will come to life during the Fifth Annual Music Festival scheduled for Saturday, September 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lewis and Clark State Historic Site in Hartford, Illinois. The event is free and open to the public.

Musicians in period clothing will play traditional music throughout the site. Bradford Smith will play the flute at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the Interpretive Center Theater. Smith is a composer and recording artist who was a 2004 Indian Summer Music Awards nominee for contemporary instrumental and flute. 2004 World Bones Champion Scott Miller of St. Louis will play the world's oldest musical instrument. Local favorites will return to this year's festival, including the Alton Dulcimer Players, Nancy Lippincott, Lindell Blackford, Wayne Schell, Melba Schmidt and Stanley Horton.

Visitors may also enjoy the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center with its exhibits depicting the important role Illinois played in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. A replica of the expedition's 1803 - 1804 winter quarters, Camp River DuBois, is located just outside the Interpretive Center and allows visitors to experience what life was like as the explorers prepared to begin their momentous journey.

Lewis and Clark State Historic Site, administered by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (www.Illinois-History.gov), is located at the intersection of Illinois Route 3 and New Poag Road in Hartford, Illinois, just a few miles north of I-270. It is open Wednesday through Sunday for free public tours.