Folksinger Charlie Zahm will sing songs of the Civil War, Stephen Foster, and the American 19th century on September 10 in the Meagher Theatre. The show begins at 1:30 p.m.

Songs include "Oh, Susanna!" and “Hard Times Come Again No More," both of which were written by Foster, as well as traditional songs like "Aura Lee," "Shenandoah," and "Grandfather's Clock."

Zahm is a very popular singer at Celtic and maritime music events in the Eastern United States. Several years ago, his interest in history led him to conduct deep research into songs of the Civil War and produce a strong repertoire of 19th century American songs.

He often tells stories to put the songs in historical context and provide listeners with insights into the culture of the time.

Zahm calls Stephen Foster “the father of American music” and “a true master of the difficult marriage of lyrics and melody.” Other famous Foster tunes include “Beautiful Dreamer,” “Camptown Races,” and “Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair.”

Zahm was born in Michigan but grew up in Florida in a house filled with music. He taught himself to play the five-string banjo at age 14 and soon afterwards the acoustic guitar. A baritone, he also plays mandolin, flute, and pennywhistle. After graduating from the University of South Florida, he toured Japan and Europe with Up With People.

"I love the traditional aspect of folk songs," Zahm says. "The stories are timeless - songs of love, loss, exploration and adventure. Those themes are still with us today, and as relevant as they've always been."

He has performed at the Philadelphia Folk Festival, Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival, New Hampshire Highland Games and Scottish Festival, Arenson River Theater in San Antonio, and Longwood Gardens. His music is available on two DVDs and 17 CDs.

“Folk music is my art. It's what I do," Zahm explains. "I have no formal training. I never set out to be a folk singer. I just knew I loved music and wanted it to be part of my life."