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Photos from the 2019 Arhoolie Awards Concert

The Arhoolie Foundation held its second annual Arhoolie Awards and Benefit Concert on November 22nd at The Chapel in San Francisco. It was a great night of music from top to bottom, featuring outstanding performances by Elvin Bishop’s Big Fun Trio, The Cultural Heritage Choir, and The Sons of the Soul Revivers.

This year’s Arhoolie Awards were presented to Berkeley’s Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center; Louisiana fiddler, vocalist, and accordion player Cedric Watson; and Bay Area icon Linda Tillery. A special Chris Strachwitz Legacy Award was presented to Blues and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Elvin Bishop. 

The gallery above features photos of the evening taken by local photographer Mike Melnyk. Watch the video below to learn a little more about the awards program and this year’s recipients.

We want to thank the many individual donors, sponsors, and supporters who made this night possible. Special thanks go out to Ed Littlefield/Sage Foundation, the Jonathan Logan Family Foundation, and Robert Mailer Anderson.

 

For more information on the 2019 Arhoolie Award winners, click here.


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.