Courtesy/Mesa Public LibaryLIBRARY News:
Jane Voss and Hoyle Osborne will present a historical concert-lecture, All In, Down and Out: The Great Depression in Song and Story at 2 p.m.Saturday, Jan.17 at the Mesa Public Library. 2400 Central Ave. in Los Alamos.
This concert-lecture is being presented in conjunction with the special exhibit, “Dust, Drought, and Dreams Gone Dry.” The Great Depression inspired an amazing body of American popular and folk songs. Woody Guthrie, Langston Hughes, Irving Berlin, Blind Alfred Reed, The Carter Family, E.Y. Harburg, Bessie Smith, and others gave us takes on many different aspects of the Depression. The songs are interwoven with readings from outstanding writers and wits of the day, as well as from ordinary working people. Stylistically authentic performances with piano, guitars, mandolin, and banjos.
Voss and Osborne created this program four years ago to mark the 80th anniversary of the Stock Market Crash of 1929. Several of the stories tell about the Depression experience in New Mexico. They have presented it as part of the New Mexico Chautauqua to enthusiastic audiences in Silver City, Las Cruces, Raton, Farmington, Las Vegas, Kirtland and Aztec.
Voss and Osborne bring verve and authenticity to their performances of historic American folk and popular music. Voss sings and plays guitar in styles inspired by such American roots pioneers as Mother Maybelle Carter and Memphis Minnie. Osborne is a master of early blues, jazz, and ragtime piano styles, and he also plays guitar, mandolin, and banjos. Voss and Osborne have appeared at music festivals, in concerts, and at schools, colleges, and museums all across North America.
Visit www.janevoss.com/allindownandout.html for bibliography, discography, and more information.
All In, Down and Out is part of the Chautauqua Program of the New Mexico Humanities Council and the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs.
For additional information, contact the library at 505.662.8250.
