"The riverboats that brought coal from the Appalachians to stoke the industrial revolution also brought Celtic musical traditions here. Those same boats delivered finished goods as far south as New Orleans and brought back African folk songs and blues. The River served as a gateway to freedom for thousands, who carried with them the sounds of the spiritual. It also transported waves of German immigrants with the instrumental and vocal traditions of Europe. These musics settled into the Ohio River Valley and morphed into the musical styles that define America: Bluegrass, Gospel, Blues, Jazz, Rockabilly, R+B, Soul and Funk. The Spirit of America Gala celebrates the region’s legacy of musicmaking with Cincinnati’s premier performing arts ensembles. From Aaron Copland to Hank Williams, the Isley Brothers and the Godfather of Soul—we kick off the America’s River Roots Festival with a program as diverse and fun-loving as this place we call home." John Morris Russell Conductor, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra