Civil War music, depending on which side of the Mason-Dixon Line you hailed from, was patriotic and rebellious, brass bands and the Virginia Reel, marches and polkas. It was fife, drum, bugle and saxhorn. And, it can all be heard (and in one instance, danced to) at the Lorenzo Cultural Center on Macomb Community College’s Center Campus in a series of free presentations through May 4.

Part of Michigan’s Fight for Freedom: The Civil War Era, a program featuring exhibits, presentations, performances and video showings that opened at the cultural center in February, the upcoming experiences provide a journey through the distinct musical sound of the Civil War period.

Civil War Contra Dance:  The Ruffwater String Band and caller Glen Morningstar, who have been leading Civil War dances in Michigan and the Midwest since 1982, transport participants to the dance traditions of the 1860s.  Dances are for all skill levels, beginner through experienced, and include: Virginia reel, jig, hoedown, polka and waltz. Period dress is welcome but comfortable shoes are suggested.  -- Saturday, March 29, 1 p.m.

The Civil War Musician – 1865: Historical interpreter and performance educator Michael Deren will transport you back in time to April 1, 1865, eight days before the end of the Civil War.  As a union army sergeant, he will share all the pain, humor and excitement of the war through music and song. Period instruments Deren will play include fife, bugle, concertina and saxhorn. -- Saturday, April 12, 2 p.m.

5th Michigan Regiment Band: A look at Civil War history through narration and music provided by an authentic field regiment band that has performed at Civil War events throughout the country including at Gettysburg, Pa. Playing from a repertoire of marches, polkas, schottisches and waltzes under the direction of Lt. Col. Guy Smith, who transcribed and orchestrated much of the music using material from the National Archives, the band performs on period antique and replica instruments. -- Sunday, April 13, 2 p.m.

The Why and the Wherefore -- Music in the Civil War: Explore Civil War lyrics of praise, complaint, patriotism and rebellion in a musical journey led by Janet Coryell, professor of history at Western Michigan University. -- Saturday, May, 3, 1 p.m.

Dodworth Saxhorn Band: A 17-member, 19th century brass band committed to “Bringing America’s Musical Past to Life” performs the hymns, dances, popular songs and patriotic melodies of the Civil War era on instruments original to the period.  The Dodworth Saxhorn Band has performed at the White House, on a Ken Burns’ PBS special and at Greenfield Village, among other venues. --

Sunday, May 4, 2 p.m.    

Pre-registration is required for all events, excluding exhibits and video showings.   School and group tours are also available.  For a full schedule of events, more information or to register, visit www.lorenzoculturalcenter.com or call 586.445.7348.

The Lorenzo Cultural Center is located on Macomb Community College’s Center Campus, Hall and Garfield roads in Clinton Township.   The cultural center is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m., but will be closed Wednesday, March 19, through Sunday, March 23.