American Originals: Music Genres that Shaped a Nation

About this event

American Originals brings American history to life through the power of music. Journey through stories, sounds, and traditions behind blues, jazz, and bluegrass - three uniquely American genres born from diverse communities and shaped by experiences of generations. Featuring engaging expert commentary and dynamic live performances, this exciting lecture and concert series explores how music has expressed resilience, freedom, migration, faith, and the American spirit. Come hear the history, discover the stories, and experience the music that helped shape a nation.

September 13 - Rolly Brown - I'll Share these Blues with you; Musical Snapshots of an American Treasure

Explore the rich history and lasting influence of the Blues in this engaging program that traces its roots and evolution. Learn how the Blues emerged, became a powerful force for social change in America, and helped spread American culture around the world. Discover why the Blues is considered a primary influence on both Jazz and Rock 'n' Roll.

The program will also explore the musical structures behind the Blues - including melody, harmony, rhythm, and the many forms the music can take - before bringing these ideas to life through live guitar performance.

Drawing on more than 60 years of guitar study and deep exploration of the many variations of the Blues, Rolly Brown will share stories, insights, and music in a lively introduction to this uniquely American art.

October 25 - Patrick Kerssen Quartet - Jazz: America's Musical DNA

Join the Patrick Kerssen Quartet for an exploration of America's original popular music. Jazz has been the backbone and springboard for almost every genre of popular music that has existed since the 1920's, an is one of America's most important cultural exports. In this program, you'll learn about how jazz as shaped by the blend of cultures unique to the United States, the crucial role it had in the fight for Civil Rights and integration, its importance to the development of popular culture in the United States, and the part it played in cementing the prominence of American culture throughout the world during the 20th century. Featuring big band jazz classics, bluesy hard bop, reimagined Broadway ballads, and modern day funk and fusion, there's plenty to hear and learn from America's original artform!

November 8 - Alfred Poor & the Haverford Irregulars and Bluegrass Marching Band - The Roots of Bluegrass Run Deep

Some people say that jazz is the only uniquely American music, but this leaves out a more recent genre: bluegrass. This form of music was actually crated by mandolin player Bill Monroe in the mid-40s. It is a special blend of many music styles drawing on the traditions of Appalachian folk music, the honest simplicity of the blues, and the creative improvisation of jazz.

In this program, Alfred Poor will lead you through the history of bluegrass, which is a constantly-evolving art form. And to illustrate the points along the way, he will be joined by t