Oneida County History Center: Sound of America – 250 Years

Special Concert by Monk Rowe & the Five Families Ensemble

Oneida County History Center has been awarded a CNY Arts Community Arts Grant to present “The Sound of America – 250 Years,” featuring Monk Rowe and The Five Families Ensemble. This concert commemorates the American Semiquincentennial, using music to explore the legacy of the American Revolution and our 250-year journey as a nation. Two performances will take place this summer and fall and highlight themes such as patriotism, inequality, and freedom, as well as regional history like the Erie Canal and the melody of “Taps.” The ensemble brings historic songs to life, with background stories and relevant quotes from the eras, all set to the unique sound of American music, now heard ‘round the world.

The first concert will be held in conjunction with History & Artisans Day, a special themed edition of the Oriskany Farmers Market, on Wednesday, August 5, at 5:30 p.m. This unique event brings together regional artisans, local history organizations, and agricultural producers to showcase the traditional skills that Mohawk Valley residents once relied on and that still shape our culture today. This event is presented in partnership with the Oriskany Museum and Oneida County History Center. The second concert will be held at Oneida County History Center on Friday, November 13, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. Both events are free and open to the public.

The Five Families Ensemble will present a musical and historical narrative that reflects on 250 years of national growth, struggles, and evolution. Their songs will come alive with the versatility of the ensemble, employing voice, woodwinds, percussion, brass, and strings. This talented group includes: Kristen Kopf, cello and baritone sax; Liz Ingersoll, violin and vocals; Scott Rutledge, trumpet, flugelhorn, and vocals; Evan Duchene, drums; and Monk Rowe, saxophone, keyboard, and composition.

“Since America’s auspicious beginning, music has reflected the times, events and character of a diverse nation,” said Monk Rowe. “The musical arts conceived here have now become our priceless and unique gift to the world as a whole. The Five Families Ensemble is privileged to have such a wealth of material to choose from in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.“

The project aims to bridge the gap between academic history and public engagement, using the power of music to explore the complex legacy of the American Revolution and its aftermath. Historical facts and figures may fade in our memory, but stories set to melodies linger on and mark time through the decades.

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.

Concert Schedule:

Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Time:  5:30 p.m.

Location: Oriskany History & Artisan Day, 420 Utica St.,  Oriskany, NY 13424

Inclement weather location: Oriskany High School auditorium, 1312 Utica St., Oriskany, NY 13424

Date: Friday, November 13, 2026

Time:  7:00 p.m.

Location: Oneida County History Center, Exhibit Gallery, 1608 Genesee, Utica, NY 13502

About Oneida County History Center

Oneida County History Center (OCHC) is fueled by a passion for history, education, and community. Founded in 1876, its mission is to preserve and share the past of Oneida County and central New York. Free public programs, rotating exhibits, educational opportunities for all ages, and preservation of a vast archival and artifact collection are at the core of its mission. Oneida County History Center is at 1608 Genesee St. in Utica. Visit oneidcountyhistory.org for more information.