In I Wonder as I Wander: The Life of John Jacob Niles, University of Kentucky Associate Professor of Musicology Ronald Pen presents a vibrant study of the Louisville composer. Regarded as one of this country's most influential musicians, Niles drew inspiration from traditional Appalachian and African American folk songs. Pen utilizes Niles’ journals, notebooks, and unpublished autobiography to explore how Niles became the “Dean of American Balladeers.” In this presentation Pen will also play some of Niles’ songs on the fiddle. Pen is the Director of the John Jacob Niles Center for American Music, and edited both The Ballad Book of John Jacob Niles and Jean Ritchie's Folk Songs of the Southern Appalachians.
This lecture will begin at 12 p.m. at The Filson Historical Society. There is no cost for this event, though reservations are suggested. You may reserve your seat by visiting www.filsonhistorical.org or by calling The Filson at (502) 635-5083.