Sights & SoundsClyde Jenkins and Sam Jenkins, Isaac Lonas, Tanner Good, and Logan Hindershot
Clyde Jenkins grew up in the Shenandoah Mountains in Page County, on the homestead his family has inhabited for generations. Throughout his life working the land, Clyde has acquired a …
Sights & SoundsThe Sweetness of Virginia’s “Little Switzerland”
Maple Syrup in Highland County Highland County, Virginia may be one of the least populated counties East of the Mississippi, but its heart is big, the mountain views are …
Sights & SoundsLight the Candles with Flory Jagoda’s internationally loved Hanukkah anthem “Ocho Kandelikas”
As the holidays enter full swing, Christmas songs—ranging from the insipid to the sublime—become a seemingly ubiquitous presence in our lives. Largely buried in a sonic avalanche of sleigh bells, …
Sights & SoundsExploring Indigenous Foodways
What did food sovereignty look like in Virginia prior to the arrival of Europeans? Why have Native American foodways changed so dramatically? And how are Indigenous communities building healthy, just, …
Sights & SoundsBlue Ridge Folklife Festival: scenes from the day
The Blue Ridge Folklife Festival at Ferrum College celebrates the traditional crafts, music, foods, storytelling, horse handling skills, dog training skills, and moonshine folklore of southwestern Virginia. This festival features …
Sights & Sounds2018 Richmond Folk Festival Recap
We wrapped up the 14th annual Richmond Folk Festival on October 14, and can’t help but marvel at that event’s feeling of togetherness and belonging that draws us in, year …
Sights & SoundsRemembering Bert Carlson
We are deeply saddened to report the passing of our friend Bert Carlson. Bert was a remarkably gifted guitarist, and a sweet and generous soul. He will be fondly remembered …
Sights & SoundsRemembering Mama-Girl
With profound sadness, we mark the passing of one of Virginia’s most beloved folk artists, Eastern Shore painter, sculptor, and pastor Mary “Mama-Girl” Onley, at age 64.
Sights & SoundsHoustonFest 2018: Sherman Holmes Project, Harris Brothers, Del McCoury Band, and so much more
Born out of a community’s grief over the tragic passing of Houston Caldwell, a gifted banjoist and dedicated contributor to the civic life of Galax, HoustonFest is one of the …
Sights & SoundsFrom Sublime to Divine: Apprenticeship Showcase in Pictures
Thank you to all who came out for an awesome Virginia Humanities Folklife Apprenticeship Showcase this past Sunday at James Monroe’s Highland. While setup was done in what was at …
Sights & SoundsApprenticeships Keep Treasured Traditions Alive and Thriving
Why should you attend this event? Why do Apprenticeships matter? Virginia State Folklorist Jon Lohman explains: “When I began my tenure as Virginia State Folklorist in 2001, I visited communities …
Sights & SoundsMongolian Contortion: The Art of Bending
Many of the traditions on display at the Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Showcase date back centuries in Virginia, but others are deeply established art forms that are new to this country, …
Sights & SoundsCora Harvey Armstrong and Samantha Willis
Faith is at the heart of Cora Harvey Armstrong’s 50-year career in gospel music. Born and raised in the tiny Newtown community of King and Queen County, Virginia, her family …
Sights & SoundsMandkhai Erdembat and Ella and Emma Chuluunbat
Mongolian contortion has existed since the 12th century as a dance called Uran Nugaralt, which translates to artistic bending. This kind of dance was prominent in the royal palaces of …
