CLEWISTON — Florida singer/songwriter and storyteller Chris Kahl, will be in Clewiston to present “A Musical Journey Through Florida Part II.” on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, at 7 p.m. at the Clewiston Museum. The program, which is free and open to the public, is being presented in partnership with the Florida Humanities’ Florida Talks program.

“A Musical Journey Through Florida Part II” takes the audience on a historical journey through the state, building upon the program that was presented at the museum last year. Back by popular demand, Kahl’s program will feature performances of songs covering a wealth of historical events, characters, and folklore with in-depth storytelling and original songs from Chris Kahl’s Florida-themed albums, Orange Blossom Memories and Sunshine Kid.

Chris Kahl is a Florida folk musician, storyteller, and singer/songwriter who has written and produced the two albums listed above. He performs statewide, and his programs have been sponsored by the Florida State Touring Roster, Florida Humanities Council Road Scholar program, Florida Historical Society and Stetson University’s Continuing Education Program.

A native of the Space Coast of Florida, Kahl grew up just miles from the NASA launchpads. He started performing steadily around Central Florida during the late 1990’s and released his self-titled debut to rave reviews in the Florida press. In 2000, his song “Bring Us Together” was used in a regional TV advertisement.

After graduating from Rollins College, Kahl continued his musical journey in London for the next few years where he gigged constantly in clubs and busked nightly in the subways of the London Underground. He was met by enthusiastic audiences while touring the UK, Ireland, and Germany, and performed live numerous times on British TV and radio, including the BBC. During this period, he released the Odessa Morning EP and Up from the Underground, which received airplay all over Europe and featured top London players, such as pedal steel legend BJ Cole.

After returning to Florida, Kahl released the album Orange Blossom Memories in 2006. In this nostalgic ode to his home state, he includes not only songs about the Florida good life, but of the state’s history as well. His song “Floridiana Hotel” was honored as one of the Top 10 New Florida Songs of 2006. His 2nd Florida-themed album, Sunshine Kid, was released in March 2009. This album contains “Out on Cedar Key” which was a winner of the Will McLean Florida Songwriting Contest.

Kahl continues to travel extensively throughout Florida to perform at music festivals, museums, libraries, community centers, and schools to bring his educational performances to K-12 students and adults statewide. A modern Florida Troubadour, Kahl looks forward to delighting audiences with performances of his music for years to come.

Florida Talks is one of Florida Humanities’ longest-running public programs. The organization’s speakers’ bureau features more than 30 exceptional scholars, journalists, authors, and humanities experts and over 60 brand new and returning programs.

Florida Talks offers nonprofit organizations across the state an accessible way to host engaging speakers who present Florida’s history, heritage, and culture through historical and contemporary lenses.

“Florida Humanities is thrilled to share its redesigned Florida Talks program. As one of

Our long-standing public programs, Florida Talks shares history, heritage, and culture with communities large and small across the state. We hope attendees walk away with new perspectives and knowledge and are energized to continue learning about our unique state,” April Myerscough, Florida Humanities Public Programs Coordinator.

The Clewiston Museum is a private not-for-profit that relies on donations, grants, the support of its members, and fundraising events to remain in operation. It is located at 109 Central Avenue in Clewiston and the hours of operation are Monday – Friday from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Saturday hours are by appointment only. Contact the museum at 863-983-2870 or via email at clewistonmuseum@embarqmail.com.