New exhibit explores music in the Walla Walla Valley

WALLA WALLA-Fort Walla Walla Museum's upcoming special exhibit, Rhythm in the Blues: Music in the Walla Walla Valley, will explore some of the ways in which music has embedded itself into the culture of Walla Walla.  Aside to being home to the longest operating symphony west of the Mississippi River, this city has seen musicians who made their way across the Oregon Trail, military bands stationed at Fort Walla Walla, several music schools teaching everything from voice to piano-even the Gentlemen of the Road Stopover that took over the city in 2015 adds to the rich musical traditions of this area.

 Because Walla Walla was fertile ground for early settlers seeing opportunities, music wove itself into local culture in a variety of ways. From famous music critics like Emilie Francis Bauer, to musical educators like Edgar and Alice Fischer of symphony fame, to venues like the Keylor Grand that provided opportunities for both local and world-famous artists to perform, music became an integral part of Walla Walla social life.

 Visitors will be able to explore how music was used in the military, both as part of the soldiers' work and as a source of entertainment, discover some pieces of music that were inspired by our town, hear about the careers of some famous Walla Walla musicians, and learn about some of the many music schools that existed here over the years.

 The museum, located at 755 Myra Road, is open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Admission is free to members and children under 6, $4 for children ages 6-12, $8 for seniors 62 and older and students, and $9 general admission. For more details, call (509) 525-7703 or see fwwm.org.