Smithsonian Folkways
The nonprofit record label of the National Museum of the United States.

Music, sounds, and spoken words from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe and everything in between.

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April 18

¡Parranda! Venezuelan Carnival Music by La Sardina de Naiguatá on Smithsonian Folkways

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April 12

Give Your Hands to Struggle, SFW40049

Bernice Johnson Reagon

Reagon’s strengths as a songwriter, singer, and composer are reflected in this collection of songs performed with powerful layered harmonies. Includes the full-length version of Freedom in the Air and the previously unreleased We’ve Come a Long Way to Be Together. 43 minutes, informative 36-page booklet. 1975 Paredon Records reissue. “A fervent fusion of Black gospel and politics.” — Goldmine

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April 11

Headlines and Footnotes: A Collection of Topical Songs by Pete Seeger

SFW40111

For nearly 60 years Pete Seeger, with his banjo and 12-string guitar, has made music which inspires people to improve their lives and world. Selections on this anthology, culled from the hundreds Seeger recorded for Folkways Records between 1955 and 1999, include concert and studio recordings about prominent events and themes of the twentieth century: the Spanish Civil War, union organizing, and the civil rights and antiwar movements. Eleven previously unreleased tracks (one recorded in 1999). 74 minutes.

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January 20

No Longer Updating

Thank you for following us on Tumblr. Unfortunately we will no longer be updating this account. If you want the latest Smithsonian Folkways news you can visit our website, watch our videos on Youtube, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.

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October 11
10 Free Downloads from The Mickey Hart Collection

Get 10 Free Downloads from The Mickey Hart Collection! Today is the official release date for 25 albums performed, recorded and/or produced by Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart. From influential Indonesian recordings dating back to 1941 (restored by Hart from the The Library of Congress) to sessions from theApocalypse Now soundtrack, this is an amazing collection available digitally for the first time. Thanks to Mickey Hart for giving this collection to Smithsonian Folkways so that it will remain available to the public and thanks to our fans whose purchases support our non-profit mission.
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September 30

Staff Pick Friday!

Staff pick Friday! Listen to “Corazón Desecho” by Debbie Martinez, recommended by Smithsonian Folkways intern Sandra Amolo. http://goo.gl/KGcKq The album “Dios, Familia y Tierra” is from the recently acquired M.O.R.E. collection. Martinez was a sensation in New Mexico during the 1970s, and she used her popularity to promote the region’s musical culture at a time when few female musicians enjoyed the limelight. http://goo.gl/VtRKC

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September 29

Pete Seeger and Elizabeth Mitchell Perform at the 2011 Newport Folk Festival

Watch Pete Seeger and Elizabeth Mitchell perform “She’ll Be Comin’ Round the Mountain” at the 2011 Newport Folk Festival: http://goo.gl/HxPbJ Elizabeth Mitchell will play at The Space Gallery in Portland, Maine this Saturday at 11am and 2pm. Find out more about her upcoming concerts: http://goo.gl/it93L

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September 26

Smithsonian Magazine “Around The Mall” Blog

Instrument showdown! Do you call it a fiddle or a violin? Cast your vote at the “Around The Mall” blog from Smithsonian Magazine, where Michael Pahn writes about the instrument with two names and features fiddler Tommy Jarrell http://goo.gl/acKUd. Listen to “Sugar Hill” by Tommy Jarrell and Frank Bode from the 2007 Smithsonian Folkways album “Classic Old-Time Fiddle from Smithsonian Folkways”. http://goo.gl/D7ajV

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September 23

Recently Published Stories By Suni Paz In Two Anthologies

Argentine folk and children’s singer Suni Paz has recently published stories in two anthologies, Wisdom Has a Voice: Every Daughter’s Memories of Mother and The Spirit of a Woman. Stories to Empower and Inspire. Read more about the anthologies: http://goo.gl/UmYb7 http://goo.gl/gxbhu

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September 22

Elizabeth Mitchell Performs at Maverick Concert Series

Watch Elizabeth Mitchell and Family perform “Sumer is Icumen In”, a traditional English round, at the Maverick concert series on August 6th in Woodstock, NY. http://goo.gl/QZHj0 For more information on Elizabeth Mitchell’s tour dates, visit http://youaremyflower.org/

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