Participation Type
Performance
Session Title
A Creative Man in Creative Ways: Songs and Stories of the Appalachian Male
Session Abstract or Summary
Matthew Parsons grew up with the heavy influence of Appalachian men. His grandfather was a gardener, activist, and storyteller; his father a homesteader, musician, and luthier; and his step-father a farmer, mechanic, and handyman. From these influences, along with his mother’s added love for plants, cooking, and literature, was born a child dedicated to hard work and gritted teeth. As a creative writer and songsmith, Matthew has reflected on his personal experiences fighting the Appalachian male stereotype, growing up with the “be a man” mentality, and the relative and precarious position of his own masculinity. He inherited a love for independence and self-reliance and, as such, plans to live a life of quiet art while simultaneously raising his own food, crafting the things he needs or wants, and providing others with the opportunity to learn skills so that they might do the same. The songs and selected writing for A Creative Man in Creative Ways range in subject matter from connections to the land to stories about his childhood, and underline the range of elements that make up a person’s complex identity in a culture all too often simplified.
Presentation #1 Title
A Creative Man in Creative Ways: Songs and Stories of the Appalachian Male
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Matthew Parsons grew up with the heavy influence of Appalachian men. His grandfather was a gardener, activist, and storyteller; his father a homesteader, musician, and luthier; and his step-father a farmer, mechanic, and handyman. From these influences, along with his mother’s added love for plants, cooking, and literature, was born a child dedicated to hard work and gritted teeth. As a creative writer and songsmith, Matthew has reflected on his personal experiences fighting the Appalachian male stereotype, growing up with the “be a man” mentality, and the relative and precarious position of his own masculinity. He inherited a love for independence and self-reliance and, as such, plans to live a life of quiet art while simultaneously raising his own food, crafting the things he needs or wants, and providing others with the opportunity to learn skills so that they might do the same. The songs and selected writing for A Creative Man in Creative Ways range in subject matter from connections to the land to stories about his childhood, and underline the range of elements that make up a person’s complex identity in a culture all too often simplified. It is the goal of this performance to sing and speak the truth of human emotions in a culture of silence.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Matt Parsons considers himself to be an "Appalachian sampler," having been born in Kentucky, grown up in West Virginia, moved to eastern Tennessee, and finally moved back to Kentucky. His passions are in fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, and songwriting, and he has long used these tools to define his identity and keep up with his connection to the land and history of the region.
A Creative Man in Creative Ways: Songs and Stories of the Appalachian Male
Matthew Parsons grew up with the heavy influence of Appalachian men. His grandfather was a gardener, activist, and storyteller; his father a homesteader, musician, and luthier; and his step-father a farmer, mechanic, and handyman. From these influences, along with his mother’s added love for plants, cooking, and literature, was born a child dedicated to hard work and gritted teeth. As a creative writer and songsmith, Matthew has reflected on his personal experiences fighting the Appalachian male stereotype, growing up with the “be a man” mentality, and the relative and precarious position of his own masculinity. He inherited a love for independence and self-reliance and, as such, plans to live a life of quiet art while simultaneously raising his own food, crafting the things he needs or wants, and providing others with the opportunity to learn skills so that they might do the same. The songs and selected writing for A Creative Man in Creative Ways range in subject matter from connections to the land to stories about his childhood, and underline the range of elements that make up a person’s complex identity in a culture all too often simplified. It is the goal of this performance to sing and speak the truth of human emotions in a culture of silence.
