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Emphasis - October 22

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-930665.mp3

Macomb, IL – Rich Egger's guests are Sue Scott and Chris Vallillo. They talk about the traveling Smithsonian exhibit "New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music," which opens this weekend at the Western Illinois Museum in Macomb.

Scott is curator for the museum. Vallillo is a musician. He is also the Illinois state scholar for the Smithsonian exhibit.

"New Harmonies" features panels and artifacts from the Smithsonian. The exhibit includes some interactive elements; for example, visitors can play a diddley bow. The exhibit also includes local artifacts.

The Smithsonian says the term "roots music" originally referred to the roots of popular music or rock 'n' roll. The term has evolved over the years and now refers to all music that has grown out of older folk traditions.

To celebrate the exhibit, Vallillo will perform a concert Saturday, October 23, 7:00pm at the West Central Illinois Arts Center. At 8:00pm he will lead the audience to the museum for a reception. Admission is free.

The exhibit remains on display through December 5. The museum accepts donations but there is no cost to see the exhibit.