A day of music for kids and adults

'Made for Music' series continues April 5 with children's events, concert for adults at Dana-Thomas House

[March 29, 2014]  SPRINGFIELD — The Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site is offering a "Made for Music" event with a twist on April 5. This time, children can make their own musical instruments in the afternoon, while adults enjoy a foot-stomping concert in the evening.

The children's events are open to kids in second grade through fifth grade. For just $1, they'll get a 45-minute workshop on how to make instruments out of everyday items like pocket combs and milk jugs. Then they'll get a chance to perform in concert with the country-jazz band The Viper and His Famous Orchestra.

The children's workshop and concert begin a 1 p.m. at the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency's offices at 313 S. Sixth St. in Springfield.

The Viper and His Famous Orchestra perform again later in the day at the Dana-Thomas House. The display of their unique combination of jazz, country and swing begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10.

To reserve spots at either of the day's events, call the Dana-Thomas House's Sumac Shop at 217-744-3598.

The "Made for Music" concert series takes advantage of the Dana-Thomas House's brilliant architecture. Frank Lloyd Wright designed the house with music in mind, creating spaces with performance balconies and architectural elements that support live musical presentations.

The Dana-Thomas House was built between 1902 and 1904. It is perhaps the best-preserved of Wright's Prairie-style homes, with more than 400 pieces of specially made art glass and original furnishings.

The house, located at 301 E. Lawrence St. (Fourth and Lawrence) in Springfield, is operated by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. For more information, visit http://tinyurl.com/DanaThomasHouse.

[Text from file received from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency]