1. The Seven Tongues of Flame:
Ireland’s Easter Rebellion of 1916
Humanities Washington speakers bureau program
How can musicians and poets achieve military goals?
During the five centuries that Ireland was controlled by the British Empire,
numerous military rebellions were attempted – often failing and resulting in
great bloodshed. The Easter Rebellion of 1916 was much different. This time
poets, singers and writers led the effort to liberate Dublin on a significant
and symbolic Christian holiday of rebirth. Their efforts inflamed the passions
of the Irish people, sparking a five-year struggle that ultimately resulted in
Ireland achieving independence in 1921. In this inspirational presentation,
musician and historian Hank Cramer will share how visionary poets achieved a
goal that no military commander before them had been able to accomplish. Their
victory was later commemorated in the popular ballad, “The Foggy Dew.”
Rosalia School,
Wednesday 3/25/15 @ 10:00
St. John Library, Thursday 3/26/15 @ 10:30
Palouse Library, Thursday 3/26/15 @ 6:30
Colfax School, Friday 3/27/15 @ 10:30
2. Through a Soldier’s Eyes: Wilson Cramer’s Civil
War
Wilson Cramer served in the Union Army throughout the Civil War,
rising from private to first sergeant. He fought in several major battles and
was present for the surrender at Appomattox. Although Cramer survived the war
unscathed, one of his brothers was killed and three others were wounded. The
war so affected him that he spent the remainder of his life as an itinerant
preacher, committed to salvation rather than destruction. In this presentation,
musician Hank Cramer dramatically represents his great-grandfather, Wilson, in
his later years (circa 1890). Cramer will share the story of the Civil War
through his ancestor’s experiences, his thoughts on the causes of the conflict,
and the lessons he received in the war. The presentation will highlight these stories
with songs of the era, as Wilson Cramer was an accomplished musician, much like
his great-grandson Hank is today.
LaCrosse School, Wednesday 3/25/15 @ 1:00
Neill Public Library, Wednesday 3/25/15 @ 6:30
Tekoa School, Thursday 3/26/15 @ 1:30
Colton Library, Friday 3/27/15 @ 1:30
3. Family concert
An acoustic blend of folk and country music popular with all ages. Take a look at his website for more info http://hankcramer.com/ .
Endicott Library, Friday 3/27/15 @ 6:30
Albion Library, Saturday 3/28/15 @ 2:30
About Hank Cramer
Hank Cramer is a musician, historian, and educator. He
weaves music and history into his presentations, and provides insight into the
“folk process” by which traditional songs have evolved. As a vocalist and
guitarist, he has built a repertoire of more than 1,000 modern and traditional
songs spanning the “folk music” genre. Cramer holds a history degree from the
University of Arizona. He has released several albums of music and earned
accolades from public radio affiliates spanning the Pacific Northwest, Texas,
and the Midwest. 
