Participation Type
Music
Session Title
Session 2.17 Music, Race and Ethnicity
Presentation #1 Title
Bluegrass Music: An Appalachian Asset
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
This workshop/performance will focus on the origin,, development and spread of bluegrass from its humble rural origins to worldwide popularity. The original importance and meaning of this music to the people it largely represented will be highlighted. A special focus will be on how bluegrass music has been a vehicle to dispel stereotypes and promote positive and accurate images of Appalachian people. The lecture portion of the workshop will include personal stories and as well as examples of early bluegrass pioneers who paved the way for the further development and spread of this popular music form. The connections between the music and the people it historically represented will be highlighted. The workshop will include a performance by The Songcatchers, a multi-generational music group formed at UC-Beckley nine years ago and led by Dr. Everett Lilly, a longtime professional bluegrass/folk musician who has recorded and/or performed with such notables as Joan Baez, Bill Keith, Vassar Clements, The Lilly Brothers and Don Stover, and Bill Monroe who is recognized as the father of bluegrass music.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Dr. Everett Lilly is Professor/Director for the USC-Beckley Social Work Program. He is a longtime professional bluegrass/folk musician who has a special interest in the Appalachian region and music.
Bluegrass Music: An Appalachian Asset
Smith Hall 154
This workshop/performance will focus on the origin,, development and spread of bluegrass from its humble rural origins to worldwide popularity. The original importance and meaning of this music to the people it largely represented will be highlighted. A special focus will be on how bluegrass music has been a vehicle to dispel stereotypes and promote positive and accurate images of Appalachian people. The lecture portion of the workshop will include personal stories and as well as examples of early bluegrass pioneers who paved the way for the further development and spread of this popular music form. The connections between the music and the people it historically represented will be highlighted. The workshop will include a performance by The Songcatchers, a multi-generational music group formed at UC-Beckley nine years ago and led by Dr. Everett Lilly, a longtime professional bluegrass/folk musician who has recorded and/or performed with such notables as Joan Baez, Bill Keith, Vassar Clements, The Lilly Brothers and Don Stover, and Bill Monroe who is recognized as the father of bluegrass music.
