A special concert and presentation to highlight the music and musicians that make up part of our American music/vernacular culture. Combining rare footage from the Arhoolie vaults with new performances, the celebration recognizes the latest Arhoolie Award winners.
The event features performances by Charlie Musselwhite, Maria Muldaur, Eric and Suzy Thompson, Laurie Lewis, Rose Maddox, Miko Marks, Dueto Dos Rosas, Ann, Marc, Joel and Wilson Savoy, Alvin Lee, Mariachi Los Gavilanes de Oakland with Lalo Guerrero, Nora Brown, and the Campbell Brothers.
To read more about our Arhoolie Award winners visit our special page about them.
We celebrate the life of our founder, friend, and great record man Chris Strachwitz. He died peacefully at home in Marin County, CA, surrounded in his last days by dear friends and family. Over his 91 years, Chris captured the music that represents the best “down home music” the world has to offer.
He was at the forefront of nearly all the roots revivals over the last 60 years including blues, zydeco, Cajun, Norteño and Tejano music. His drive to document traditional music helped introduce the nation to our diverse musical heritage. He had the foresight to save music that might have otherwise been lost to obscurity and played a role in strengthening cultural traditions through his records, films, and most recently the Arhoolie Foundation. He cared for those around him, fought for royalties and recognition for Arhoolie artists, and provided counsel to countless musicians, writers, film makers, and academics.
Plans for a public celebration of his life will be announced in the coming weeks. Today we’re thinking of all that Chris brought to our lives and the lives of the musicians and fans with whom he shared his passion.