Latinos in Illinois and the USA: Music as a Cultural History

Music can be viewed and “read” as a tool that shares the cultural values, roots, and history of peoples. Numerous Latino musical genres share the concerns of Latinos throughout the years —from songs documenting daily life to celebration tunes to protest music and more— the music tells the stories of our lives. Join Catalina Maria Johnson as she leads the program “Latinos in Illinois and the USA: Music as a Cultural History” on October 4.

During the program, Johnson focuses on a broad overview of milestones of music over the centuries as a way of understanding the history, roots, and concerns of Latinos in this land, with a special emphasis on Latino populations that have profoundly marked the state of Illinois’ culture and music.

The presentation, paired with slides and musical samples, is lively and focused on participation, discussion, and exploration of complex topics through musical enjoyment!

“We are excited to have Catalina Maria Johnson kick off our fall Arts in Action programming, made possible through a generous grant from the DeKalb County Community Mental Health Board,” said Michelle Donahoe, DeKalb County History Center’s Executive Director.

Catalina Maria Johnson’s program will be held on October 4, 2023 at 6:30, at the Ellwood House Museum, 420 Linden Place, DeKalb. For more information call 815-895-5762.