Sights & SoundsA Family’s Drag Tradition in Bristol
Seventeen-year-old Anna Fleenor of Bristol first raced on a drag strip as part of a youth racing class. From the passenger seat, her father, Chris—a seasoned racer—offered tips to quell her nerves. But as soon as the light turned green, he gave Anna a command that she still hears in her head when it’s time to race: “Mash it.”
Sights & SoundsVirginia Folklife Program Transcribes Oral Histories for Reedville Fishermen’s Museum
Our Virginia Folklife team recently presented transcribed oral histories to the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum.
Sights & SoundsDaal, Kirtan & Chunni on the National Mall
On April 9, 2023, the National Mall transformed from a space of American nationalism and Western secularism into a celebration of Punjabi heritage and Sikh history with the 6th annual Sikh Freedom March.
Sights & SoundsA Tribute to Virginia Folk Hero “Uncle Wade” Ward
Beloved clawhammer banjoist “Uncle Wade” was born on Saddle Creek, just outside of Independence, Virginia, on October 15, 1892 and lived in Grayson County all his life.
Sights & SoundsCelebration of Virginia Folklife at the Library of Virginia Recap
Last weekend, we presented a two-day “Celebration of Virginia Folklife” on July 7 and 8, 2023 at the Library of Virginia in Richmond, as part of the Library’s year-long 200th anniversary celebration.
Sights & SoundsBart Long Shares His Clydesdale Team With Bristol
Bart Long of Bristol, VA, has a hitch of Clydesdales that he regularly brings to community parades, including to the recent Memorial Day parade in Marion, VA.
Sights & SoundsLinda Skeens’s ‘Blue Ribbon Kitchen’
This year, Linda Skeens of Russell County returned to the VA-KY Fair with a new book in tow: “Blue Ribbon Kitchen: Recipes and Tips from America’s Favorite County Fair Champion.”
Sights & Soundsgeonovah: Big Stone Rap
Hip-hop artist Geonoah Davis was born and raised in Big Stone Gap, and he is making it his mission to build a supportive community for artists like him—artists that do not fall into stereotypical Appalachian categories.
Sights & SoundsBetty Vornbrock & Sharon Andreucci
Betty Vornbrock of Hillsville has spent the last year teaching Sharon Andreucci of Galax old-time fiddle tunes—particularly repertoire played by Appalachian women.
Sights & SoundsTrapping Black Bears in the Great Dismal Swamp
PhD Candidate Perri Meldon shares her research into the cultural and ecological histories of Virginia’s Great Dismal Swamp.
Sights & SoundsListen: Wytheville Community College Jamboree
Listen to two sets from Wytheville Community College’s Bluegrass and Old-Time Jamboree, and enjoy a tall tale by Thornton Spencer.
Sights & SoundsBernadette “B.J.” Lark and Alanjha Harris
As a mentor artist in our Apprenticeship Program, B.J. Lark of Roanoke, Virginia, has spent the last year teaching 18-year-old Alanjha Harris the soul-stirring power of Gullah Geechee-style gospel singing.
Sights & SoundsKazem Davoudian & Alexander Sabet
Kazem Davoudian of Sterling, VA, is an experienced Ostad (master artist, in Farsi) of Iranian classical music. He is teaching Alexander Sabet of Washington, DC, how to play the tar, a traditional long-necked string instrument.
Sights & SoundsHome Is the Sound of Rivers and Crooked Roads
Elsa Howell, who is learning the art of Appalachian ballad singing through our Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program, reflects on the important role music plays in her culture and community.
