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, …
NewsFiddlin’ wins Commonwealth Award at Virginia Film Festival
The Virginia Film Festival awarded Fiddlin’ its first-ever Commonwealth Award for Best Virginia Feature Film, honoring the achievements of Virginia filmmakers Julie Simone and Vicki Vlasic at the 31st annual …
NewsFiddlin’ the Movie at the Virginia Film Festival
The Virginia Folklife Program is proud to present the award-winning documentary film Fiddlin’ at this year’s Virginia Film Festival. Fiddlin’ is an old time and bluegrass music documentary that takes place …
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 …
NewsExplore the Art of Masquerade at the 14th Annual Richmond Folk Festival
The Virginia Folklife Program joins the Richmond Folk Festival in announcing the Virginia Folklife Area theme for the 2018 Richmond Folk Festival: “Masquerade.” When: Friday, October 12, beginning at 6:00 …
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.
NewsEddie Bond receives 2018 National Heritage Fellowship
The Virginia Folklife Program at Virginia Humanities is proud to announce that Eddie Bond, celebrated old-time fiddler from the small southwestern Virginia town of Fries, has been honored with the …
NewsFrank Newsome’s Gone Away with a Friend released by Free Dirt Records
Free Dirt Records is releasing National Heritage Fellow Reverend Frank Newsome’s album Gone Away with a Friend on June 29, 2018. Virginia State Folklorist Jon Lohman and renowned country artist …
NewsThank you to the Founding Friends of Folklife
For twenty-nine years, the Virginia Folklife Program at Virginia Humanities has presented, documented, and celebrated new and traditional cultures of Virginia, preserving treasured cultural traditions for future generations and reaching audiences across Virginia. From …
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 …
