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What if music could do more than entertain – what if it could bring the past to life? I recently experienced firsthand how music can transform history from distant facts into powerful stories we feel, remember, and carry with us. Discover how songs and stories connect us to the past in ways we never expected.
I’m Mindy Peterson, host of Enhance Life with Music podcast, where we explore the ways music can make our lives better. And this is Microhance, a micro-dose of musical enhancement.
Sometimes history can feel distant, forgettable, irrelevant to life today. I experienced firsthand last weekend how music can step in and bring history to life, make it unforgettable – and leave you wanting to learn more about an event. Last weekend, I went to the musical Glensheen at the History Theatre in St. Paul. It’s based on the infamous Glensheen mansion murder mystery that happened in 1977 in Duluth. Now, true crime and local history aren’t typically light musical material… but this show pulls it off brilliantly. It’s dark AND funny, incredibly clever, with a talented cast, and live music. The show packed so much history into two hours through sharp lyrics and memorable songs by Chan Poling.
As I sat there, it hit me: music has this unique way of making history stick. It turns cold, hard facts into stories we feel. Through music, history isn’t just remembered… it’s experienced.
I won’t spoil anything, but I will say this: if you’re anywhere near the Twin Cities, don’t miss your chance to see Glensheen. It’s a uniquely Minnesotan piece of theater. But wherever you are, watch for productions or songs that use music to tell historical stories. Some that immediately come to my mind are Hamilton and Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire” – which now has a sequel cover by Fall Out Boy. Music helps us connect with the past in ways that words in a textbook never could.
If you have a musical experience that brings history to life, I would love to hear about it. I’ll put photos from my Glensheen experience (with my friend Reshma) in the show notes.
You can always connect with me on email (mindy@mpetersonmusic.com), Facebook, Instagram, X, or LinkedIn.
I’m Mindy Peterson, and I hope this inspires you to enhance your life with music.
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