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 …
Sights & SoundsNam Phuong Nguyen and Anh Dien Ky Nguyen
The đàn bầu is a monochord (one-stringed) instrument with a central role in Vietnamese folk music. Popular legend claims the đàn bầu was first played by a blind woman in a …
Sights & SoundsJeff Bennett and Jeremy Bennett
Ever since the automobile went into mass production by the assembly lines of Detroit, it has been revised, altered, elaborated, and reconstructed in small garages and car shops throughout America. …
Sights & SoundsPhyllis Gaskins and Anna Stockdale
The regular mountain dulcimer is a fretted string instrument from the zither family which first appeared in the 19th century among Scots-Irish communities. Phyllis Gaskins, of Elkton, Virginia, plays a variant called the Galax dulcimer. …
Sights & SoundsBert Carlson and Danny Knicely
While Virginia is seldom thought of a fertile ground for jazz, the state has produced a disproportionate number of artists who have put their indelible stamp on this uniquely American …
Sights & SoundsPassing on Quechua culture in Virginia
By Violeta Palchik As I chat with Julia Garcia, or Mama Julia as she is known, she lays out the intricate web making up the spiritual culture of indigenous Bolivian …
NewsGet Ready: The Blue Ridge Folk Festival at Ferrum College
The Blue Ridge Folk Festival returns to Ferrum College Sat., Oct. 28th, and it’s is as authentic as it gets.
NewsFrom the Folklife Archives: WTJU presents best of Virginia Folklife Program recordings
On Wednesday, June 7, Virginia State Folklorist Jon Lohman joined Larry Minnick on his show “Left of Cool” to present some of the best recordings from the Virginia Folklife Program’s …
Sights & SoundsRahim AlHaj in Harrisonburg
While visiting and performing in Harrisonburg, National Heritage Award-winner Rahim AlHaj was able to share his love of music with school children, musicians and the robust refugee community here.
Sights & Sounds2017 Apprenticeship Showcase Photo Recap
Photos from the 2017 Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Showcase.
NewsApprenticeship Showcase FAQs
Please join us for the 15th Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Showcase this Sunday, May 7 from 12:00 to 5:00pm at James Monroe’s Highland. Do I need a ticket? How much does …
Sights & SoundsCambodian New Year 2017
Amidst boys wearing gold bandoliers chasing each other through the lower level of the Big Temple, Sochietah Ung is the eye of the storm. His hands move quickly with gold thread to put the finishing touches on a dancer’s gold and indigo costume. Satisfied with his work on the dancer’s skirt, he lifts the small girl onto a chair to affix gold jewelry around her waist and ankles.
