RALEIGH (Aug. 11, 2009)—Eat lunch on the State Capitol grounds Friday, Aug. 14 and hear the sounds of the 1700s through 1860s at a free concert on the plaza http://www.nchistoricsites.org/capitol Featuring the Huckleberry Brothers string band, the musical concert is from noon-1 p.m. The Capitol Concerts are a festive series of free lunchtime performances on the national landmark’s grounds. Subsequent concerts will feature other musical genres including bluegrass and big band.
A crowd favorite at the Capitol’s annual July 4th celebration, the Huckleberry Brothers http://www.huckleberrybrothers.com/ play the five-string banjo, fiddle, guitar, accordion, mandolin, tin whistle, harmonica and tambourine. They formed to explore their interest in traditional and popular music of mid-19th century America, and were inspired by encounters with Civil War re-enactors. Musicians performing in the Capitol Concert Series have volunteered their time and talents to the N.C. State Capitol.
A National Historic Landmark, the N.C. State Capitol is one of the finest and best-preserved examples of the Greek Revival style of architecture in the U.S. It features a domed rotunda and state senate and house chambers, meticulously restored to their 1840 appearance. Until 1888, its granite walls housed all of state government and the legislature met here until 1961. Today, Governor Perdue and her staff still occupy offices in the Capitol.
The State Capitol’s mission is to preserve and interpret the architecture, history, and functions of the 1840 Capitol building and Union Square where it is located. In downtown Raleigh, the State Capitol is bounded by Edenton, Salisbury, Morgan and Wilmington Streets. Free parking is available in state lots near the Capitol. For more information on the State Capitol call 919-733-4994 or go to http://www.nchistoricsites.org/capitol.
The State Capitol in the Division of State Historic Sites is administered by the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, the state agency dedicated to the promotion and protection of North Carolina’s arts, history and culture. Information available 24/7 at www.ncculture.com.