Smithsonian Institute's exhibit on American musical heritage opens next month in Sussex County

Newton, N.J. — The Sussex County, N.J., Arts and Heritage Council will host “New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music,” a traveling exhibition presented by the Smithsonian Institution and the New Jersey Council for the Humanities. Consisting of seven free-standing modules with interactive listening stations, the entertaining and educational exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the rich musical heritage of the country. In keeping with the New Harmonies’ motif, two music-themed shows have been scheduled to run concurrently with the Smithsonian show at the Arts Council’s gallery. The first one, Photos with a Beat, features black and white and color photographs, and will be on display from Sept. 3 through Oct. 1. A new series by award-winning photographer Trevor Hodgson will be showcased at the exhibit. Hodgson, a Sussex County resident, has scoured the area taking exquisite shots of musicians performing at the local venues. A stable of other artists will also be showing music-themed images, and all artwork is for sale. The Arts Council’s gallery is located in the Sussex County Arts and Heritage Council office at 133 Spring St. in Newton, N.J. The opening reception is Saturday, Sept. 10, from 4 to 6 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Concurrent with this traveling exhibit, several musical events are scheduled throughout Sussex County. More information can be found by going to the Council’s Web site on www.scahc.org and clicking on the word “Events” or by calling 973-383-0027.