The TCHS will welcome Lem Sheppard with his presentation: African-American Musicians in Kansas 1860-1920. During this time many African-American musicians performed in mandolin quartets, cornet bands, orchestras, and string bands at civic events, weddings, fairs, barn dances, and in private homes. Lem is an internationally known Blues guitarist, vocalist, and historian based in Pittsburg, Kansas. He was playing guitar by the age of nine with sons of some of the Kansas City Blues veterans. He was nominated in 1999 by a congressional committee to represent Kansas in a solo performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. He composed and performed the soundtrack to the PBS documentary Black, White, and Brown. He has been honored by the Kansas Folklore Society and the Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame. Lem will include some musical samples in his presentation. Download Flyer (PDF)
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