Jon and Caroline Parsons will present a free musical program at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 5, at the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex, in Fayetteville. The duo will delight the audience with traditional songs and many old-time favorites.

Hear songs that tell stories, such as "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" "I Ain't Broke But I'm Badly Bent" and "I've Endured."

"When times are tough, we turn to simpler things, to family, friends and faith -- so some love songs, funny songs and hymns are likely to be heard as well," says Jon Parsons.

He has selected these songs to reflect our nation's current struggles and to remind us of other hard times our state and country have endured. The Parsons will tell the stories behind some of these songs, as well.

The Parsonses play unusual instruments, such as a kazoo, harmonica, jaw harp, spoons and a comb with wax paper. They will also play more traditional instruments: the guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukulele and bass.

As a special bonus on April 5, the museum will give away toy musical instruments as long as supplies last.

"You can make your own music with a whimsical slide whistle, a colorful tambourine, a haunting harmonica or a crazy kazoo," says a spokesman.

The Parsons' performance is the closing act for the museum's special exhibit, "Rhythm and Roots of North Carolina Music. This exhibit features several 19th- and 20th-century instruments and other music-related items. A computer interactive housed in a playful jukebox setting features biographies and fun-to-know facts about 140 Tar Heel musicians.

"Browse the exhibit prior to the Parsons' performance to gain new knowledge about some of North Carolina's musical traditions," says the spokesman.

For more information, call the museum at (910) 486-1330.

The Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex, located on the corner of Bradford and Arsenal avenues in Fayetteville, and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.