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Lineups Set for AF Benefit Concerts

As previously announced, Arhoolie Records will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary with three nights of concerts to benefit the Arhoolie Foundation, February 4, 5, and 6 at the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley, California.

The concerts will be emceed by Nick Spitzer, host of the popular public radio program “American Routes.”

Tickets can be purchased online and at the Freight and Salvage.

This event is ever-changing! Check back for the latest news.

Friday Feb 4th

Tex-Mex Fiesta w/
Santiago Jimenez Jr. &
La Familia Peña-Govea
Los Cenzontles
Ry Cooder & Co.

~ Intermission ~

Any Old Time String Band
Michael Doucet &
The Beausoleil Trio
Laurie Lewis w/ Tom Rozum
& Co.
Jam!

Saturday Feb 5th

The Washboard 4
Savoy-Doucet Band
Barbara Dane & Bob Mielke
All Stars w/ Lars Edegran

~ Intermission ~

The Creole Belles
Tremé Brass Band

Sunday Feb 6th

Los Cenzontles
Suzy & Eric Thompson
Country Joe McDonald
The Campbell Brothers

~ Intermission ~

Savoy Family Band
Taj Mahal
Jam!

Tentative Afternoon Panels and Films:

1) Chris & Paul Oliver discuss their first 1960 trip through the South with Paul’s recorded interviews and music and perhaps film clips.

2) Mexican Music and beyond – Nick Spitzer (moderator), Linda Ronstadt, Eugene Rodriguez and Chris Strachwitz. Clips from “Chulas Fronteras” and “Del Mero Corazon” with film maker Les Blank and editor Maureen Gosling present.

3) The steel guitar in Gospel music with the Campbell Brothers and Bob Stone – author of the new book: “Sacred Steel”.

Arhoolie Records is one of the premier roots record labels, bringing you the best in Blues, Cajun, Zydeco, Tex-Mex/Tejano, Gospel, Jazz, Country, Bluegrass, and regional music from around the world.  Arhoolie Records was founded in 1960 by Chris Strachwitz.  Through the years, Mr. Strachwitz has recorded both known and obscure artists, and brought their music to wider audiences.  Among the notable musicians who have recorded for Arhoolie are Big Mama Thornton, Flaco Jimenez, Clifton Chenier, Lightning Hopkins, Mance Lipscomb, Earl Hooker, Beausoleil, Lydia Mendoza, Rose Maddox, and many more.

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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