Something to Say: Making Music that Matters
Presented by Oklahoma Humanities
Our 2020 Something to Say: Making Music that Matters panel is now available to stream! This panels features Barry Ollman with Louie Pérez, Mary Gauthier, & Dr. Sunu Kodumthara, presented by Oklahoma Humanities.
Woody Guthrie’s music inspired many to create songs that made political statements about the world around them. This panel explores this aspect of Woody’s music through the voice of some of today’s most notable contemporary folk artists who use their craft to make statements, educate audiences and draw attention to social and cultural issues.
This program is funded in part by Oklahoma Humanities (OH) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in the program do not necessarily represent those of OH or NEH.
This Land Is Your Land: A Celebration Of 80 Years With Deana McCloud
On February 23rd, 2020, the Woody Guthrie Center celebrated the 80th anniversary of Woody Guthrie’s writing “This Land is Your Land” with a concert at The Town Hall in New York City . The venue is just down the street from where Hanover House stood, where the corner Guthrie penned the song on Feb. 23, 1940, so the event was taking the song back to its origins.
This show was a celebration of music, presented by musicians from all along that Ribbon of Highway who follow in Guthrie’s footsteps. using their art to inform and inspire. In this discussion that follows a presentation of a special version of “This Land is Your Land” filmed during the concert, Woody Guthrie Center Executive Director Deana McCloud talks with participating musicians Branjae & Gangstagrass, highlighting a new wave of music fusion that tells stories of struggle and justice. That discussion is followed by a virtual tour of the Center’s exhibit about the song and its 80th anniversary.
Native Music Of Oklahoma
Presented by Oklahoma Film + Music Office
Moderated by Sterlin Harjo & Dr. Hugh Foley | Panelists: Samantha Crain, Jula Harjo, Kylee Robison, Johnny Akeketa, Nokosee Fields, K-OSS, & Kalyn Fay
Filmmaker, artist & podcaster Sterlin Harjo, a member of the Seminole Nation, has Muskogee heritage, was raised in Holdenville, Okla. He attended the University of Oklahoma, where he studied art and film.
He received a fellowship from the Sundance Institute in 2004. His short film, Goodnight, Irene, premiered at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival and received a special jury award at the Aspen Shortfest. In 2006, he received a fellowship from the newly formed United States Artists foundation.
Sterlin has made three feature films, a feature documentary, directed a number of short-form projects & shorts, & is a founding member of a five-member Native American comedy group, The 1491s.
Most recently, Harjo was appointed to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Dr. Hugh Foley is a widely respected Oklahoma music historian, an author and founding board member of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.
His primary areas of scholarship are American Studies with an emphasis on Oklahoma music and culture, Native American studies and cinema.
He currently serves as the faculty consultant at the campus radio station, KRSC-FM, where he produces a weekly Native American current events and music program, and mentors students in basic studio operations.
