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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.


Statement on the passing of Chris Strachwitz

Arhoolie Records Founder
July 1, 1931 – May 5, 2023

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.