On Tuesday, September 18, 2018, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Odell Public Library presents “In French Fiddle Tunes and Tall Tales: The Creole Story of the Illinois Country.” The entertainment will be held in the Program Room, 307 S. Madison Street, Morrison, IL. Musician and cultural historian Dennis Stroughmatt will take listeners on a fascinating trip through Illinois Country. Stroughmatt will highlight the enduring French identity of historic Illinois communities–such as Prairie du Rocher and Cahokia–through long-told folktales, haunting ballads, and foot-stomping fiddle tunes.
This free program is made possible by a grant from the Illinois Humanities Road Scholars Speakers Bureau, which provides organizations with affordable, entertaining, and thought-provoking humanities events for their communities.
This program is part of the fall Lifelong Learning series sponsored by Odell Public Library and the Odell Public Library Friends. For more information, contact Odell Public Library at 815-772-7323. To ensure adequate seating for the event, reservations are requested but not required.
Beginning in 1699 with the building of villages such as Cahokia and Kaskaskia along the Mississippi River, French colonists from western France and Québec intermarried with the Native populations of what are now Illinois, Missouri, and Indiana. This developed a Creole culture that remains distinct from its cousins in Louisiana and Canada even today. The population grew during the 18th century, giving the landscape of the Illinois Country a decidedly French character. It would eventually leave its legacy, not only in town names and landmarks, but also through songs, language, stories, food, and even the first Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, Pierre Menard.
Fiddler, singer, cultural historian, and southeastern Illinois native Dennis Stroughmatt became acquainted with the historically French Creole community of Old Mines, MO, as a student. He learned the community’s music and folklore from its tradition bearers. He is now recognized as one of the foremost experts on French Creole culture of North America, especially that of the Illinois Country or Upper Louisiana (which encompasses much of present-day Illinois, Missouri, and Indiana.)
Stroughmatt has made numerous recordings and received awards from National cultural institutions. He travels extensively as both a musical performer and an educational speaker. He teaches at Illinois Eastern Community Colleges.
The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts website notes that he has kept a region alive with stories and music that will “make your soul jump, your head spin, and your heart glad to know that it is still there.”
Illinois Humanities is an independent, nonprofit State affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, dedicated to fostering a culture in which the humanities are a vital part of the lives of individuals and communities. Illinois Humanities creates programs and funds organizations that promote greater understanding of, appreciation for, and involvement in the humanities by all Illinoisans, regardless of their economic resources, cultural background, or geographic location. Illinois Humanities is supported by State, Federal, and private funds.