The Buffalo Blues Band will perform live at the San Bernardino County Museum on Sunday, April 17, 2011 from 1 to 3pm during “It’s Happening Here!” This special event is included with paid museum admission.

The Buffalo Blues Band was started in 2005 at the Johnston Center for Integrative Studies at the University of Redlands. Their music is influenced by blues, rock and roll, R and B, and a little country. They are said to be a “high energy” band, with accomplished vocals, tasty and testy guitar, tight rhythms and hot harp. Band members are Robert Shepherd (vocals/guitar), Kathy Ogren (vocals), Clayton Crawford (guitar), Lynn Berkeley Krantz (vocals), Gary Weghorst (drums), Jeff Wilson (bass), and Mike Stevenson (harmonica).

This “Happening” is planned in conjunction with the museum’s current special exhibit, “Turn, Turn, Turn: Social Movements, 1965 to 1975.” “Chicano Photographer” in the Schuiling Gallery is a fascinating collection of images by professional photographer Jesús Manuel Mena Garza. Tour the “Scene in the Sun,” and be a part of “Community Chronicles” in the Fisk Gallery.

As part of this event, the Johnston Center for Integrative Studies students will share their original prose in response to the exhibit, and University of Redlands REACH program mentor students will share artwork created by Court Schools students as a part of this event.

“Make the scene, and share your experiences during this important time in history,” said Curator of History Michele Nielsen. “That’s what ‘Community Chronicles’ is all about. Were you involved in a social movement? Do you have memories of this fascinating, often turbulent, and world-changing time? Come and be a part of this ‘Happening’ yourself! “

After visitors have had the chance to enjoy the students’ work, the “Happening” will continue from 3 to 5pm when visitors can express themselves by creating a piece of art that reflects their experiences or memories, make a handbill, or compose a line of prose inspired by the exhibit or this event. Visitors who create an artwork or narrative will have the option of having their piece displayed in the exhibit this spring.

“Sometimes when we observe how other people are inspired by events or by history, our own desire to speak out for a cause rises up,” said Curator of Education Jolene Redvale. “This is a chance for individuals to express themselves and share their thoughts with the community. How are you inspired?”

“Iconic events like the Vietnam War, and protest and advocacy by individuals and groups, brought changes to our society through the human rights and civil rights movements,” continued Nielsen. “But there were many other movements and organizations at work for change, too. Perhaps you were a member of the Brown Berets, or a part of AIM—the American Indian Movement, or SNCC—the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee. Were you at Stonewall, or did you participate in a teach-in on the first Earth Day in April of 1970? Many people in our region have a connection to these and other movements and events, and their stories are a part of our collective story. The exhibit itself features images to start the dialog. It’s your first-hand experiences and accounts, that round out the picture.”

The public is invited to contact Michele Nielsen at (909) 307-2669 ext. 240 or e-mail mnielsen@sbcm.sbcounty.gov if they have something to share that is related to the exhibit.

The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays and holiday Mondays from 9am to 5pm. Admission is $8 (adult), $6 (military or senior), $5 (student) and $4 (child aged 5 to 12). Children under five and Museum Association members are admitted free. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org.

The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. If assistive listening devices or other auxiliary aids are needed in order to participate in museum exhibits or programs, requests should be made through Museum Visitor Services at least three business days prior to your visit. Visitor Services’ telephone number is (909) 307-2669 ext. 229 or TDD (909) 792-1462.