Glorious Humanity--An Exploration of the Roots of (Special Event)

A Retrospective and Sing-a-long

Celebrating the Roots of African-American MusicLed by Jefferson Glassie and Julie Littell with other guest singersThe work songs, field hollers, calls, laments, and spirituals of early 20th Century African-Americans are some of the most powerful songs ever. This music rose within the brutal slavery system of the antebellum South and the continued oppression of the Reconstruction period. Preserved mainly through the Library of Congress archives recorded by John Lomax, Alan Lomax, John W. Work III, Harold Spivacke, Herbert Halpert, and others, these acappella songs reveal the unflinching truth of the singers? plight but also incredible strength and hope.Alan Lomax said what made him forget about all other music was when he and his father, John Lomax, went into the Texas prisons in 1933 and, out of the terrible plight of the prisoners, they had the ?glorious humanity? to sing such amazing songs. Jeff Glassie, Julie Littell, and friends from Archie's Barbershop will present a guided listening to the original recordings, and discussion of their meaning and context. Because some of the songs? most profound meanings can be delved by performing them, Glassie, Littlell, and their guests will lead the audience to gain a deeper understanding of the songs by personally experiencing them from the inside.This will be a fitting celebration for African-American History month.A donation of $15 per person is requested, with 50% of the net proceeds to benefit the Archie Edwards Blues Heritage Foundation.