LISTEN HERE! Instruments and other objects that are part of the Chippewa Valley Museum's soon-to-open "Have You Heard?" multimedia exhibit. (Submitted photo)

From concertinas to concertos and powwows to punk rock, the Chippewa Valley Museum’s latest multimedia show will demonstrate how music fits into the fabric of life in the Valley.

The new 20-minute show – titled “Have You Heard?” – features interview snippets, original music recordings, photos, video, and historical objects. It will officially open Friday, Oct. 6, inside the Farm House Theater at the museum, which is located in Carson Park.

Olaf Lind – the museum’s creative director as well as music and video director of “Have You Heard?” – is looking forward “to sharing this all-in-one exhibit and movie that explores the experience of music in our region. The Farm House Theater has a 33-foot screen for the movie, exhibit scenes which light up during the show, and has its own gallery exhibit complete with hands-on instruments, playable audio clips, and a collection of music-related objects.” 

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Our goal as a museum is to include activities and experiences for visitors of all ages to enjoy, but especially focus on those that allow kids and families to have fun together.

KAREN JACOBSON

CHIPPEWA VALLEY MUSEUM EDUCATOR

Individual stories will highlight common Chippewa Valley experiences and showcase the diversity of historical and contemporary music traditions and genres found here. Multiple generations will relate to polka dancing at weddings and campfire singing at Camp Manitou. When they see Ryan playing piano, they will remember learning how to play an instrument. When they hear Sue talk about “outlawed” music, they will recall the music they liked but their parents did not. 

“Have You Heard?” is meant to be fun for visitors of any age.“Our goal as a museum is to include activities and experiences for visitors of all ages to enjoy, but especially focus on those that allow kids and families to have fun together,” Educator Karen Jacobson said.

“Have Your Heard?” Is included with museum admission. This new presentation is made possible from major funding from David L. and Rita E. Nelson Family Fund of The Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, RCU Foundation, and Pablo Foundation. Additional support was received from the Wisconsin Humanities Council, The Eau Claire Community Foundation-Women’s Giving Circle, Kiwanis Club of Eau Claire, Cleghorn Lions Club, and Chippewa Valley Museums’ donors and members. 

Learn more about the museum at cvmuseum.com.