The Power of Song In Democracy

“The Power of Song in Democracy” is a celebration of our country's 250th anniversary. It explores how music was used as a political and social tool throughout the history of our nation. Music has always been a powerful tool to shape opinion, share the news of the day, and is part of the very backbone of our democracy.

In this program, Chris Vallillo performs a wide range of material, from the Revolutionary War, through the political songs of the 19th century, the Dust Bowl ballads of Woody Guthrie, right on up to the protest songs of the 50s and 60s. Combining well-known and obscure pieces, Vallillo shares the music, history, and the back stories of the music that shaped the course of our nation over the past 250 years on a variety of historic instruments, including guitar, skinhead banjo, Dobro, and others.

This presentation aligns with the Illinois America 250 Commission's theme “We the People.” This theme invites us to explore ideas of who has been included and who has been left out of the nation’s promise, as well as how people from all backgrounds have shaped and reshaped what it means to be part of “the people.” The Illinois America 250 Commission's goals are to uplift local stories, places, and programs; build pride; and showcase how Illinois brings the ideals of the Declaration of Independence to life.

By the People: Conversations Beyond 250 is a series of community-driven programs created by humanities councils in collaboration with local partners. The initiative was developed by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.