The Music of the Labor Movement
May 25, 2023
4:30 pm PT, 5:30 pm MT, 6:30 pm CT, 7:30 pm ET
4:30 pm PT, 5:30 pm MT, 6:30 pm CT, 7:30 pm ET
For the month of May, we'll journey into the powerful and important legacy of Music of the Labor Movement. Get ready for a scintillating session of songs and stories as host and Living Legacy Project Co-President, Reggie Harris welcomes two of the most knowledgeable and engaging performer/educators in the nation... perennial Grammy nominee songwriter, storyteller and activist, John McCutcheon, and Lynn Marie Smith, an organizer with the American Federation of Teachers in Michigan, known as "The Motown Diva."
We'll use the time to delve into the impact and practice of music that changed the very nature of work and achievement.
We'll use the time to delve into the impact and practice of music that changed the very nature of work and achievement.
Guests
John McCutcheon
Mr. ​John McCutcheon
John McCutcheon is one of our most respected and loved folksingers. As an instrumentalist, he is a master of a dozen different traditional instruments, most notably the rare and beautiful hammer dulcimer. His songwriting has been hailed by critics and singers around the globe. His thirty recordings have garnered every imaginable honor including seven Grammy nominations. He has produced over twenty albums of other artists, from traditional fiddlers to contemporary singer-songwriters to educational and documentary works. His books and instructional materials have introduced budding players to the joys of their own musicality. And his commitment to grassroots political organizations has put him on the front lines of many of the issues important to communities and workers.
The Washington Post described John as folk music’s “Rustic Renaissance Man,” a moniker flawed only by its understatement. “Calling John McCutcheon a ‘folksinger’ is like saying Deion Sanders is just a football player...” (Dallas Morning News). Besides his usual circuit of major concert halls and theaters, John is equally at home in an elementary school auditorium, a festival stage or at a farm rally. He is a whirlwind of energy packing five lifetimes into one. In the past few years alone he has headlined over a dozen different festivals in North America (including repeated performances at the National Storytelling Festival), recorded an original composition for Virginia Public Television involving over 500 musicians, toured Australia for the sixth time, toured Chile in support of a women's health initiative, appeared in a Woody Guthrie tribute concert in New York City, gave a featured concert at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, taught performance art skills at a North Carolina college, given symphony pops concerts across America, served as President of the fastest-growing Local in the Musicians Union and performed a special concert at the National Baseball Hall of Fame. This is all in his “spare time.” His “real job,” he's quick to point out, is father to two grown sons.
Whether in print, on record, or on stage, few people communicate with the versatility, charm, wit or pure talent of John McCutcheon.
The Washington Post described John as folk music’s “Rustic Renaissance Man,” a moniker flawed only by its understatement. “Calling John McCutcheon a ‘folksinger’ is like saying Deion Sanders is just a football player...” (Dallas Morning News). Besides his usual circuit of major concert halls and theaters, John is equally at home in an elementary school auditorium, a festival stage or at a farm rally. He is a whirlwind of energy packing five lifetimes into one. In the past few years alone he has headlined over a dozen different festivals in North America (including repeated performances at the National Storytelling Festival), recorded an original composition for Virginia Public Television involving over 500 musicians, toured Australia for the sixth time, toured Chile in support of a women's health initiative, appeared in a Woody Guthrie tribute concert in New York City, gave a featured concert at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, taught performance art skills at a North Carolina college, given symphony pops concerts across America, served as President of the fastest-growing Local in the Musicians Union and performed a special concert at the National Baseball Hall of Fame. This is all in his “spare time.” His “real job,” he's quick to point out, is father to two grown sons.
Whether in print, on record, or on stage, few people communicate with the versatility, charm, wit or pure talent of John McCutcheon.
Elise Bryant
Ms. Elise Bryant
Lynn Marie Smith is an Organizer with the American Federation of Teachers in Michigan and a foot soldier for social justice, Through music, she has found a unique approach to motivating and tackling the challenges that face all workers. With her high-energy performance of labor- themed lyrics sung to the tunes of popular music she has been crowned the Motown Diva. Sisters and brothers show your solidarity for Lynn Marie Smith, "The Motown Diva"
Mr. Reggie Harris
Reggie Harris
Reggie Harris has earned distinction as one of the foremost interpreters and song leaders of the music of the Underground Railroad and the Modern Civil Rights movement. With a passion for peace and justice, Reggie travels worldwide using his gifts to share hope and raise awareness of human rights in the spirit of Dr Martin Luther King’s beloved community. Visit reggieharrismusic.com for more about his music. The Living Legacy Project is honored that Reggie volunteers some of his all-too-precious free time to serve as co-president of the Board of Directors and Director of Music Education.
Reggie Harris has earned distinction as one of the foremost interpreters and song leaders of the music of the Underground Railroad and the Modern Civil Rights movement. With a passion for peace and justice, Reggie travels worldwide using his gifts to share hope and raise awareness of human rights in the spirit of Dr Martin Luther King’s beloved community. Visit reggieharrismusic.com for more about his music. The Living Legacy Project is honored that Reggie volunteers some of his all-too-precious free time to serve as co-president of the Board of Directors and Director of Music Education.
The program starts at 4:30 pm PT, 5:30 pm MT, 6:30 pm CT, 7:30 pm ET and runs for one-hour, followed by a half-hour question and answer post-discussion. All programs in the Spring Education Series are free and open to the public, but registration is required. Register for one, two, or all three programs!
Minimum suggested donation is $15 per program ($45 total) and it's never too late to donate!
Minimum suggested donation is $15 per program ($45 total) and it's never too late to donate!