Smithsonian Folkways Goes Foodways Playlist

Under the auspices of SPINSTER, I curated a foodways themed playlist for Smithsonian Folkways Recordings (my old employer and first favorite record label!). With thematic connections to SPINSTER's recent release, Measure, Pour & Mixtape: Music for Cooking, the playlist brings together food songs from across the Folkways catalog for a sonic meal of snap beans, potatoes, cornbread, pie, singing turkeys, and more, paired with blueberry wine and served by a well-tipped waitress.

I also love the graphic by D. Norsen Design, which evokes early Chez Panisse and Moosewood signage, and connects to my inspirational motto for the selections: "What if Les Blank soundtracked a (another) foodways film."

Listen to the playlist here.

Music Maker Foundation Hosts Conversation, What Is Folklore?

What comes to mind when you hear the word folklore? For many, probably Taylor Swift’s 2020 album. In actuality, the field encompasses traditional customs and art forms, practices that are preserved among a people, often passed down and around through word of mouth. Today, people across the world are more connected than ever, and as society changes and evolves, so does folklore. Join four working folklorists⁠—Zoe van Buren (North Carolina Arts Council), Timothy Duffy (Music Maker Foundation), Katy Clune (Virginia Humanities), and Emily Hilliard (Mid Atlantic Arts)⁠—for a discussion about the past, present, and future of folklore. As Zoe van Buren says “It’s very hard to define. If it were easy to define it wouldn’t be so powerful… tradition, folklife - these are not things, these are conversations.” Join the conversation on Tuesday May 3rd at 6pm Eastern and on Music Maker Foundation’s Facebook and YouTube channel following.

West Virginia Mine Wars Museum's Blair 100 Kickoff Event

I’m really looking forward to the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum's Battle of Blair Mountain Centennial Kickoff Event, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Blair Mountain, and focusing specifically on the importance of music and poetry as expressions of solidarity during the Mine Wars.

Featured musicians include blues harmonica player and National Heritage Fellow Phil Wiggins & West Virginia folklorist and musician Gerry Milnes, both of whom are featured in the film and soundtrack of John Sayles' 1987 film Matewan. Honored to be saying a few words alongside Crystal Good, Doris A. Fields, and more.

Smithsonian Folkways Curated: Emily Hilliard

“Expertly curated selections, excellent listens, this time chosen by Emily Hilliard, West Virginia state folklorist and founding director of West Virginia Folklife Program.”

Read and listen to the annotated playlist via Smithsonian Folkways