Kansas Music History

What is it like to be a musician from Kansas and what can their music tell us about time and place? Using music and storytelling, this presentation explores informal music traditions, styles, and musicians from Territorial Kansas up through the age of the radio and concludes with a demonstration of various instruments and music from early 19th and 20th century Kansas.

Derrick is a music historian and currently works at the Riley County Historical Society in Manhattan. He has taught music lessons for over twenty years, specializing in piano, guitar, fiddle, and mandolin. He currently plays the fiddle in Tallgrass Express String Band, a folk group based in the Flint Hills which plays original songs about the region.  

“Kansas Music History” is part of Humanities Kansas's Speakers Bureau, featuring humanities-based presentations designed to share stories that inspire, spark conversations that inform, and generate insights that strengthen civic engagement

About Humanities Kansas 
Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit leading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit https://www.humanitieskansas.org/