Acclaimed cultural bearer and musician Stanley Jacobs will be honored at the screening of the film American Cultural Roots: A Cross-Country Visit to Living Treasures of Folk and Traditional Art on November 17, National Heritage I am one of the fellows.
The film, a National Endowment for the Arts project in partnership with the National Traditional Arts Council, will be available on Thursday, November 17 at 8:00 PM ET (9:00 PM US Virgin) at arts.gov/heritage. Published for the first time. island).
Hosted by NEA Chair Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson, the event explored the lives and work of the 2022 NEA National Heritage Fellows, who have been awarded the nation’s highest honor for folk and traditional arts.
Jacobs, flautist and legendary Stanley and bandleader of the Order of the Ten Sleepless Knights, was named a 2022 Fellow in June.
According to the NEA, fellowship recipients are nominated by the general public (often members of their own communities) and judged by a panel of experts in folk and traditional arts. Committee nominations are reviewed by the National Arts Council, which forwards the nominations to the Arts Endowment Chair for final decision.
“Roots of American Culture takes us into the lives of ten highly accomplished individuals and sheds light on their most treasured traditions and artistic practices,” Jackson said in a statement announcing the screening. mentioned in the release. “The work of these Fellows enriches our nation, enables us to learn from our past, gives us hope for a more inclusive tomorrow, and helps us all live artistic lives. They will help you.”
A one-minute trailer for the film is available on YouTube.
Roots of American Culture takes viewers across the country, shedding light on the artistry and diversity of America’s cultural traditions.
- Get inspired by the life and career of Michael Cleveland of Charlestown, Indiana as we share his musical journey from an early age when the sounds and rhythms of bluegrass became part of his life. His talent and passion for music continues to excite audiences through the music of his Grammy Award-winning bands, Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper.
- Demonstrating flamenco with Eva Encinias on the dance floor in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Flamenco is a tradition that her family has passed down for generations. Teaching flamenco since the age of 14, Encinias has passed on her knowledge to her children, grandchildren and others as a teacher and founder of the National Institute of Flamenco.
- Parade through the streets of Mobile, Alabama with the Excelsior Band, a black brass marching band that embodies Mobile culture. Formed as a band in 1883, the Excelsior is the city’s official band, playing at carnival balls, parties, weddings, jazz funerals, and leading the Mardi Gras parade in Mobile.
- Let’s move on to the official music of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Stanley Jacobs and his band, Stanley and Tenthree Press Knights, as the traditional squash (gourd rasp), steel (triangle) sounds, are cherub songs performed in the streets of St. He Croy. ), flute, and banjo-uke have been accepted by the next generation.
- Hear the soulful sound of Virginia’s ‘First Family of Gospel’, Richmond, and how the Legendary Ingramets have brought love and light to their communities through their extraordinary work, service and song for more than 60 years. reminisce.
- Meet TahNibaa Naataanii to see how the weaving practices come alive in the Navajo Chusca Mountains where Naataanii graze traditional Navajo churro sheep, comb the wool and weave on traditional looms Let’s learn Naataanii announced that in 2022 she will be awarded the Bess Lomax Hawes National Heritage Fellowship. It recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the preservation and recognition of cultural heritage.
- Travel to the islands of Hawaii where Francis P. Sinensi is involved in his community through knowledge and engagement with the traditional building practice known as Hale.
- Learn how the music and dance of Tsering Wang Mosat’s Tibetan opera educates young audiences and refreshes the memory of elders. From his home in Richmond, California, Wanmosasso talks about how song and music have the power to heal and bring people together with hope.
- Connect with C. Brian Williams and learn how traditions and culture are passed down through stepping. As a founder of Step Africa! From Washington, DC, Williams brings this celebratory, percussive art form to stages across the country and around the world, educating young people about the values of teamwork and community through the signature art of stepping.
- Check out the intricate and colorful black masking suit by Shaka Zulu in New Orleans, Louisiana. Traditions true to the region’s indigenous and African heritage are shared and celebrated through music and dance as a way of life.
Roots of American Culture includes closed captions and audio commentary. The film will be available on demand after its premiere at arts.gov/heritage.
For more information on National Heritage Fellows, please visit the Arts Endowment website. For more information and to submit nominations, please visit the National Endowment for the Arts website.
