In celebration of Black History Month and in conjunction with the History Center’s Underground Railroad exhibit, the Five Families Ensemble presents a musical journey focusing on this crucial era of American history. Songs of the period mixed with blues, gospel, jazz, and original material will draw the listener into this story of struggle and joy.

Featuring the best talent that Central New York has to offer, the Ensemble offers a unique instrumentation comprised of the four instrumental families (strings, woodwinds, brass &
percussion), plus the timbre of the human voice as the fifth family member.

Phyllis Breland, President of the Tri-State Consortium of Opportunity Programs, will offer historical readings and an introduction to the program. This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and administered by CNY Arts.