Music Institute of Chicago

Learn about the Chinese role in the building of the Transcontinental Railroad and how Eastern tradition influenced culture on the West Coast.

4pm » Interview/Discussion

Guest Speaker: David Haward Bain, award-winning author of "Empire Express" and "The Old Iron Road: An Epic of Rails, Roads, and the Urge to Go West"

5pm » Concert

19th century railroad songs from California

Chinese Opera (selections)

Jon Jang: Island Immigrant Suite No. 2

6:30pm » Film Screening*

"Transcontinental Railroad"

Part of the acclaimed American Experience series, this film documents a remarkable story of greed, innovation, and determination that reveals why the railroad was built and how it shaped the nation.