July 21, 2026, 6:30-7:30 PM
Newton Public Library, Newton, Kansas
From heartfelt wedding songs to solemn funeral hymns, Volga Germans in Kansas depended on music to be a lifeline to connect generations and mark life’s most sacred moments. Jerry Braun shares the rich musical traditions of the Volga German community and highlights how music shaped the culture as people moved to Kansas from Russia. Through a live vocal performance of traditional folk songs, audience members will discover the heart and soul of Volga German music.
This program is part of By the People: Conversations Beyond 250, a series of community-driven programs created by humanities councils in collaboration with local partners. The initiative was developed by the Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.
