Eli Neuman-Hammond / Sydney Spann / Auntie Opiate

On Friday, July 31, at 7PM the Fifth Maine Museum is thrilled to present a concert featuring Providence-based artist Eli Neuman-Hammond, who will perform a new composition for synthesizer inspired by the Civil War anthem "John Brown's Body." The song commemorates abolitionist John Brown, whose 1859 raid on Harpers Ferry is widely regarded as a tipping point toward the Civil War and the abolition of slavery. 

Also performing will be Peaks Island musician, Auntie Opiate, and New York artist, Sydney Spann.

The evening will also celebrate the installation of Eli's new sound sculpture in the museum's Memorial Hall. The sculpture, a full-sized cradle that functions as a music box, plays an arrangement of the "John Brown's Body" melody. Its design draws inspiration from a cradle at John Brown's farm in Elba, New York, as well as nineteenth-century Shaker furniture. The sculpture 

We are honored to present this new work and hope you'll join us on July 31 at 7PM for this special evening of music, history, and contemporary art.

Sydney Spann, originally from Baltimore, MD, is a musician based in New York. They work with synthesis, electronics, and voice to intervene within a personal archive of field recordings, culminating in studio compositions and live performances.

Peaks Island musician Auntie Opiate will perform "A Conjuring for William B Adams". This piece incorporates early 20th century recordings, and sheet music owned by 5th Maine Regiment fifer, William B Adams. This composition is performed on Theremin, Victrola, and piano