Lewis and Clark: A Musical Journey of Story and Song

The Lewis and Clark Expedition not only made an incredible impact on history, they captured the hearts and mind of fans and historians for generations.One of the most captivating things about the Expedition is that two violins made the trip there and back again across the North American continent. But what music did they play?  The journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition contain references to some thirty occasions when the men turned to song and dance for their own recreation, or to entertain and impress the Indian people they met.

Fiddlers like Pierre Cruzatte  and Corps member George Gibson played popular dance tunes by ear. William Clark noted in his journal that Cruzette played “exceedingly well”

On Saturday, Aug. 6, 2:00 PM at the Toms River Library, 101 Washington Street, Charlie Zahm along with Fiddler Tad Marks will perform traditional ballads, stirring patriotic songs, spirituals and maritime songs with which the Corps of Discovery would have entertained themselves on the trail.  

A master of the guitar, Charlie Zahm brings an authentic love and respect for the music he sings and with dashes of humor and a light in his eyes, he will draw you into the stories of his songs.  Baltimore fiddler Tad Marks, has toured extensively across the U.S. and Europe and is considered one of the finest fiddlers on the East Coast. His fine fiddling on stage with Charlie ranges from hard-driving jigs and reels to the most expressive accompaniment for vocals you will ever hear.

The exhibit Lewis & Clark and the Indian Country: Two Hundred Years of American History" was organized by the Newberry Library, Chicago, in partnership with the American Library Association. The traveling exhibition is supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: great ideas brought to life. Other major funding has come from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The Sara Lee Foundation is the lead corporate sponsor; Ruth C. Ruggles and the National Park Service provided additional support.  A grant from New Jersey Council for the Humanities provided funds for informational programs.  The exhibit is on display at the Toms River Branch 101 Washington St, Toms River until August 19.

 This program is free and open to the public.  Registration for the program begins Please register in-person, by phone 732-349-6200 or online at http://www.theoceancountylibrary.org