Folk singer to tell of Illinois boatmen at free concert

The public is invited to the free concert, "Windjammers, Sternwheelers, and Tin-Stackers: Working Waterways of Illinois," to be held during the Taste of Des Plaines from 2-3 p.m. Saturday, June 18, at the Des Plaines History Center, 781 Pearson St.

Using folk songs to tell the story of commerce on the rivers, canals, and Lake Michigan's shoreline in Illinois, guitarist Lee Murdock will trace the rise of shipping from the keelboats of the 19th century to today's 1,000-foot lake freighters.

In old songs and new, he will sing of lake schooners hauling grain and iron ore, famous river packets delivering their goods and passengers, and the canal boatmen who navigated across the Illinois prairie. Enjoy listening to lyrics that tell of heroic deeds, comical characters, and the beauty of the state's waterways. The concert is sponsored by the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speaker Bureau.

Children's crafts and games will also be available at the History Center from noon-6 p.m. Saturday, June 18.

For information, call the History Center at (847) 391-5399 or visit www.desplaineshistory.org. When online, visitors are invited to like The Des Plaines History Center on Facebook, follow on Twitter, and become a member to receive updates, bulletins, and newsletters.

The History Center is supported by the City of Des Plaines, the Des Plaines Park District, its members, and other local business and community contributors.

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