Everyone loves music. Steve Ball uses that love to teach history in his presentation Lessons of the American Civil War Through Music. The audience is treated to the songs that were popular during the epic struggle in American history. Steve shares the story behind each song and then makes the ballad come alive with his wonderful vocals and guitar-playing skills.
His repertory includes rousing patriotic pieces, silly marches, songs of long-lost love and tragic melodies. This wonderful one-hour program delights audiences of all ages, even if they aren’t Civil War buffs. I am looking forward to have Steve return to Historic Roscoe Village for a repeat performance.
Christopher Hart
Curator/Living Historian
Historic Roscoe Village



Steve Ball’s love for history is evident each time he performs. His knowledge of the American Civil War, coupled with his musical talents, have enlightened and entertained thousands of individuals at the Ohio Statehouse through the years. Steve has added a great deal to everyone of our living history programs at the People’s House!
Gregg Dodd
Deputy Director
Communications, Marketing and Events
Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board
Ohio Statehouse
1 Capitol Square
Columbus, Ohio 43215


Steve Ball is a modern troubadour of the American Civil War era. No matter where I have heard him play, be it a reenactment, an indoor gala before hundreds, a civil war roundtable or on the floor of the Ohio Statehouse, Steve and his trusty 1860 Martin 2-20 guitar have never failed to hold all in attendance spell-bound as he weaves the songs and events of the American Civil War together into a seamless fabric of it’s history.
Donald Moody, president
Muskingum County Civil War Association, Inc.
Coordinator, Zanesville CWRT



I have known Steve Ball for a number of years, both as a working partner and as a musician for our time line reenactment in Grove City, OH every year for the past ten years on the 4th weekend in April. 
Steve doesn't do anything in a mediocre manner. He is a history buff concerning the Civil war era and every thing he does is fully researched and is as authentic as it gets. He has a good personality and relates well to the people. His musical ability is superb, right down to using a period guitar and proper wardrobe in his presentation. He is known also for seizing the moment, should a local person want to sing or play along with him. 
Character-wise, his word is his bond. He has been completely reliable in any dealings I have had with him. I am happy to highly recommend him for your commemorative Civil War event!

Sincerely, Louis Eyerman, Orient, OH; member of the S W Franklin County Historical Society, Inc, organizers of The Encampment at Grove City, OH.


Steve's historical background knowledge of the songs he performed was excellent. I would highly recommend booking Steve for any Civil War organization's programs." -Sheree Baker, President, Fairfield County Heritage Association


Steve's research on Civil War songs and authentic history is outstanding.
I have worked with Steve for the past 8 years. His ability to work with student 
groups, adult groups and individuals is amazing.

He can weave history into his musical interpretations and guests are spellbound. 

His vintage Martin guitar is always a conversation piece.
He is not afraid to debunk unauthentic misconceptions of history too. That is 
important we want to get the history right for our guests and to preserve 
history correctly.

One particular group commented "the Civil War became easier to understand after 
listening to Steve".

I will continue to work with Steve Ball. He is an Ohio Gem!

Dixie Wyler
Owner and Receptive Guide
Eastern Ohio Tours, LLC.

The Springfield Ohio Civil War Symposium met for the first time in May 2011 for the purpose of exposing the surrounding counties to the history of the Civil War. Noted historians present their detailed studies of various topics of the Civil War ranging from military history to political events leading up to the war to social concerns to biographies. For several years, our Symposium grew, but something was missing. 

Then in 2012, musician and historian Steve Ball from Columbus Ohio sent a brochure to our Clark County Historical Society introducing himself and his Civil War musical program. I immediately contacted Steve and invited him to perform during the 2013 Symposium. Fortunately our schedules coincided and the “rest is history.” Steve and his beautiful wife Lisa have entertained our Symposium for over ten years now. They have become the crowd favorite even though well-known historians have shared the platform with Steve and Lisa.

Steve brings each song to life as he tells the behind-the-scenes story. His added humor and sing-a-longs keep the audience thoroughly entertained. But above all, Steve and Lisa have a genuine heart for their musical gift. Their true heartfelt emotions are evident with each performance as well as their obvious and genuine love for the period music of the time. They bring an entirely new dimension to our Symposium, the highlight of the day. The Springfield Symposium has never been the same since they became an integral part of the yearly event.

Dr. Paul “Ski” Schanher  Founder Springfield Civil War Symposium

 

Steve and Lisa weave the historical knowledge of their music into each program leaving the audience wanting to know more! Our small community awaits their return each year like an old friend!

Maggie Ackley, Past President, Frankfort Ohio Historical Society