Bobby Horton,, a multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer and music historian, will present "Songs and Stories of the Civil War" tonight in Athens, Tenn.

Music historian travels North and South in Athens program

Birmingham, Ala.-based entertainer Bobby Horton will explore the music of North and South in "Songs and Stories of the Civil War," scheduled tonight at The Arts Center in Athens, Tenn.

For the program, the last of this season's Black Box Concert Series, Horton will be dressed in 19th-century garb and will use period instruments.

Horton is widely recognized as a leading authority on the music of the 1800s in America. He produced much of the music and performed on 10 of Ken Burns' PBS documentaries, including "The Civil War," "Baseball" and "Our National Parks." He also produced and performed the musical score for two A&E Network films and 16 National Park Service films, among others. He has performed with the musical comedy trio Three on a String for more than 35 years.

"The concert is not just for Civil War buffs but for anyone who loves great music, inspired storytelling and an evening of unforgettable entertainment," said a news release from Ellen Kimball, executive director of The Arts Center.

The concert is offered in conjunction with an Arts Center exhibit mounted by South Arts titled "Rhythm & Roots: Southern Music Traditions," celebrating homegrown, community-based music-making in words, pictures and sound. The opening reception for the exhibit will precede Horton's concert from 6 to 7 p.m.

Admission to the reception is free.

IF YOU GO

* What: "Songs and Stories of the Civil War" by Bobby Horton.

* When: 7:30 p.m. today.

* Where: Sue E. Trotter Theater, The Arts Center, 320 N. White St., Athens, Tenn.

* Admission: $15 adults, $8 students.

* Phone: 423-745-8781.

* Website: www.athensartscouncil.org.

* Note: Opening reception for "Rhythm & Roots: Southern Music Traditions" is 6-7 p.m. today; free admission.