The Austin History Center invites you to its 3rd Annual “Beer Garden Social” at Scholz Garden on Saturday, May 2, at 4:00 pm. This year’s program, “Music of the Civil War,” will feature performances of traditional Americana music of the era by the Frontier Brigade Band, followed by a performance of traditional American Spirituals, a musical genre that originated from songs sung by slaves working in the fields, by the local group Bells of Joy. The evening’s festivities will include:

A traveling exhibit based on the AHC’s current exhibit about Austin during the Civil War.Performance by the Frontier Brigade Band, playing music that was popular among Union and Confederate units during the Civil War, and historical commentary about the music.Performance by Bells of Joy, the renowned Austin gospel group. Bells of Joy will be sing traditional spirituals that came out of the antebellum cotton fields as well as more contemporary gospel music that was inspired by the 19th century spirituals.Sam Houston’s anti-war speeches delivered by noted Sam Houston scholar James Haley.19th century youth games and activities.Historic menu prepared by Scholz Garten.Demonstrations of the tintype photographic process, popularized during the Civil War, by local photographer Matt McGruder

The event is free and open to the public, but meal purchases are on your own. This event is part of a series of events related to the current exhibit at the AHC, “Divided City: The Civil War & Reconstruction in Austin.” The exhibit explores how the Civil War and Reconstruction impacted the history of Austin. The exhibit runs through June 21, 2015.