GRASS VALLEY– Music to Unite a Nation: The Story of Ernestine Schumann-Heink

GRASS VALLEY– In an unprecedented event, local Nevada County cultural organizations will come together on November 10 at The Foothill Events Center to present a multi-media musical retrospective and community sing-along to commemorate one of the most memorable moments in history, the 100-year anniversary of the signing of the Armistice between the Allies and Germany to end World War I.  One singer in particular serves as the centerpiece of November 10th’s event.  German-born opera singer Ernestine Schumann-Heink became “Mother Schumann-Heink” to the American Troops of World War I through her tireless advocacy for the war effort and to improve the lives of American troops and veterans. Although she had sons fighting on both sides of World War I, she was a proud American who led the push for America to join the war, and whose San Diego estate was known always to be open to dougboy’s and sailors in need.  Pete Nowlen, Artistic Director for Music in the Mountains will delve deeper into Schumann-Heink’s life, the role of music during the war and more, during a multi-media presentation that features historic videos, recordings and images from the era.  A live singer/re-enactor will wear one of Schumann-Heink’s own gowns, now owned by Mary Wesley of Sacramento, Schumann-Heink’s great-granddaughter in-law. Members of Camerata California will perform songs popularized by Schumann-Heink and the event will conclude with a sing-along of World War I era songs accompanied by Ken Hardin, Artistic Director, InConcert Sierra.  Saturday, November 10, 2018, 6:30:00 PM @ The Foothills Event Center, 400 Idaho Maryland Road, Grass Valley, CA 95945 TICKETS: $25/GA, Free for Veterans (due to limited seating, please go online and register for your free ticket) For more information contact  Jesse Locks, jesselocks@gmail.com, (916) 548-7716. To purchase tickets or for more information call (530) 265-6124, go online at www.musicinthemountains.org or visit the Box Office in person at 530 Searls Avenue, Nevada City, Tuesday- Friday 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm. This program is part of a project Over Here: Nevada County’s Experience of World War I that is supported by California Humanities through an Humanities for All Quick Grant.