Musical History Museum offers historic photography display

MARC BUCKHOUT ~ MANAGING EDITOR~ 9/28/2011

A discussion about the history of any culture doesn’t go too far before its music earns mention.
Beginning Saturday the Musical Instrument Museum opened a new exhibit called, “The Power of Music.” The display, which runs through Nov. 27, features photographic portraits of Americans and their musical instruments.
The display features instruments from 1860-1915.
“You’re talking about a time period where Americans were dealing with the Civil War, World War I and the Great Depression and yet all those people still found music,” April Salomon, the museum’s Head of Exhibits and Multimedia said. “Whether it’s expressing joy, sorrow, or a variety of other emotions everyone is interested in making music.”
Along with displaying instruments from the time period the museum has early newsreel footage of musicians performing in the places where they played, from country dances at churches to performances in nightclubs, giving visitors a chance to listen to the music of the period.
The display features a good cross section of Americans from soldiers, to women and children to African Americans. All told 60 photographs are featured giving guests a look into the lives of people in the era.
In addition to the exhibit, the museum will be featuring educational activities for children and also is putting together period-specific dishes, highlighted by possum belly soup.
The MIM is located at 4725 E. Mayo Blvd. in Phoenix. For information go to themim.org.