is the grass any bluer...

is the grass any bluer...
...in Cincinnati!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

WoodSongs Celebrates Folk Legend John Jacob Niles (Monday)

John Jacob Niles is considered one of our nation's most influential musicians. This Kentucky native is called the "Dean of American Balladeers" and Niles' dedication to the folk music tradition lives on in generations of folk revival artist such as Bob Dylan, Jean Ritchie, Joan Baez, and Oscar Brand. 

At the age of sixteen Niles wrote one of his most enduring tunes, "Go Way From My Window," based on a song fragment from a black farm worker. The iconic song has been performed by folk artists ever since and may have inspired the opening line of Bob Dylan's "It Ain't Me babe." As a composor and balladeer, Niles drew inspiration from the deep well of traditional Appalachian and African American folk songs. john-jacob-niles.com

The show will feature Dr. Ron Pen, associate professor of music and director of the John Jacob Niles Center for American Music and the Appalachian Studies Program, who just published the first full-length biography of Niles called, "I Wonder as I Wander: The Life of John Jacob Niles". 

Other artists performing on the show include: The Reel World String Band, The Niles String Quartet, Dennis Bender & vocalist Monica Dewey

Troubadour Concert Series
COMING THURSDAY FEB 24:
Randy Newman in concert at the Lexington Opera House.

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