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Chris Strachwitz Writings

Most of Chris Strachwitz’s writing can be found in the liner notes to the LPs and CDs he recorded and produced for his record label Arhoolie Records. However, some of his writings can be found in publications.

Travels

In 1960 and 1962 Chris Strachwitz took extensive trips from California to the South where he recorded the first albums for Arhoolie Records. He wrote about them in his International Blues Record Club Bulletin and in Jazz Reports.

International Blues Record Club Bulletin No. 3 Journey to the South Down South 1960 – The beginning of a record label.   An account of Chris’ travels through the United States searching for music in 1960 and the beginning of Arhoolie Records.
IBRC-Vol2-no-1International Blues Record Club Bulletin December 1962 Vol. 2 No. 1 The 1962 Trip An account of Chris’ travels through the United States searching for music.
Jazz-Report_0001Jazz Reports Vol. 2 No. 6 As Blues editor for Jazz Reports he wrote this article about his trip to Houston, TX in 1962.
Jazz Reports Vol. 2 No. 8 As Blues editor for Jazz Reports he wrote this article about his trip to Houston, TX in 1962 and the “Record Men” he met there.
Jazz-Report_0003Jazz Reports Vol. 2 No. 10 As Blues editor for Jazz Reports he wrote this article about his trip to Louisiana in 1962.

Dear friends,

On Giving Tuesday, we announced the capital campaign to purchase our building at 10341 San Pablo Ave in El Cerrito — home to the Arhoolie Foundation (and before that Arhoolie Records), Les Blank Films, and Down Home Music Store since 1976. We’ve been heartened by the community’s response to our fundraising announcement. To all who have donated so far: thank you. We couldn’t do this without you.

Now, while there is a contract in place to buy the building in partnership with Les Blank Films, we need to raise $1.2 million — our half of the purchase price — by April 15. Donations to the campaign can be made via the link below, by check, or by bank transfer. (To make a bank transfer, please email us at info@arhoolie.org).

In the new year, we look forward to collaborating with Les Blank Films and Down Home Music to bring more public programming to our community. We plan to revive Les Blank and Chris Strachwitz’s tradition of in-store film screenings and will host more informal, free performances and gatherings in the store as part of our outreach work. We believe this collaboration will result in a vibrant community gathering place dedicated to music, film, and deep roots culture.

If you’re interested in donating and would like to discuss our plans for the building, please don’t hesitate to email director Adam Machado at adam@arhoolie.org.

Thank you for your support as we begin this exciting new chapter!

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