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Tag: Black Appalachia

Field Notes: An Interview with W.I. “Bill” Hairston

W.I. “Bill” Hairston, 71, is a storyteller, old-time musician, and pastor living in Charleston, West Virginia. He was born in Phenix City, Alabama, and his family moved to Saint Albans, West Virginia, in 1960.

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Joe Herrmann & @dakota.karper of Hampshire Co. recently completed their folklife apprenticeship in old-time fiddle. For their final meeting, they shared this tune (one of over 60 they worked on this year) of possible Scandinavian origin, the title & composer of which is unknown to them. If you have any information about it please let us know! 🎻
Leashed lions. Haunting tales. Beloved foodways. What are the important local legends & folklore in your #WestVirginia community? Commemorate these shared stories for generations to come with a Legends & Lore roadside marker. 🦁👻🌭
Leashed lions. Labor activists. A rock n roll icon. What are the important legends & folklore in your #WestVirginia community? Commemorate these shared stories for generations to come with a Legends & Lore roadside marker.
"It's history. It's just as important as a history book. Somebody went through a life struggle or some happiness—the result was a fiddle tune." 🎻
An Ojibwe birchbark canoe builder, a #WestVirginia old-time fiddler, a Memphis soul singer, an Oneida Nation of WI Haudenosaunee raised beadworker, and an Armenian liturgical singer are all among the @neaarts 2020 National Heritage Fellows, our nation's highest honor in the folk and traditional arts.
"Hazel was able to connect the world of work and the world of music, in the topical subjects of her lyrics, her performances at worker rallies, strike benefits, and picket lines, and interviews that contextualized her songs within her own lived experience."
Save the date! On Thursday, March 4th at 8pm EST, @neaarts will premiere the film, The Culture of America: A Cross-Country Visit with the NEA National Heritage Fellows, which features the 2020 Fellows, including Clay County, #WestVirginia old-time musician John D. Morris.
We are thrilled to share the gorgeous trailer for "The Culture of America: A Cross-Country Visit with the National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellows,” featuring the 2020 @neaarts Fellows, including Clay County, #WestVirginia fiddler John D. Morris.
Happy Groundhog Day! We're anxiously awaiting the prediction of West Virginia's own French Creek Freddie (results to be posted online at noon).

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