This December, Smithsonian Folkways and the Arhoolie Foundation will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the influential Arhoolie Records and the 25th anniversary of the Arhoolie Foundation. The celebration includes new digital offerings, a new dedicated Bandcamp page for the label, and a free virtual concert on Thursday, December 10, at 5:00pm PST/8:00pm EST featuring Bonnie Raitt, Taj Mahal, ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, Ry Cooder, Charlie Musselwhite, Del McCoury, Los Texmaniacs, Savoy Family Band, La Marisoul, Cedric Watson, The Campbell Brothers, and more.
Founded in 1960 by Chris Strachwitz, and acquired by Smithsonian Folkways in 2016, Arhoolie has become synonymous with 20th-century blues, zydeco, Tejano, and many other American popular folk styles of the 20th century, influencing multiple generations of musicians across numerous genres. The label released historic albums by Big Mama Thornton, Clifton Chenier, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Mance Lipscomb, and Mississippi Fred McDowell, among countless other revered singers and musicians.
The 3rd annual Arhoolie Awards, honoring musicians, organizations, and individuals who carry on and uplift roots and regional musical styles, will be presented to R&B singer Sugar Pie DeSanto, Cajun fiddler Courtney Granger, New Orleans education nonprofit The Roots of Music, and the legendary Flaco Jiménez receiving the Chris Strachwitz Legacy Award. The musicians will be performing songs from throughout the Arhoolie catalog and speaking about the label’s effect on their music. Donations will be accepted and will benefit the Arhoolie Foundation’s ongoing work.
Live stream link & more information – arhoolie.org/anniversary
Author: World Music Central News Room
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