Location: Thwing Center at CWRU
Ohio Murder Ballads
Hosted by Bill Schilling
1-1:45pm | Room 101
Based on the book “Murder Ballads from 19th Century Ohio: Nine Gruesome Crimes Remembered in Rhythm and Rhyme” by Curt Dalton.
Bill Schilling has been singing and playing various folk instruments (at least 20 with variations of several) for over 55 years. He has performed for audiences of all ages in many settings from coast to coast. Bill often performs with others including Linda Sigismondi with whom he has recorded “Songs from Canal Days”. Since Bill believes that his music should be inclusive, he is involved in many groups which share music. They include: Dulci-More: Folk & Traditional Musicians (founder and leader of this group); the annual Dulci-More Festival (director for its 25 years); the Canton Folk Song Society (an original member); the Dulcimer Society of Trumbull County (reorganized and helps lead this group); Folknet (charter Executive Committee Member & past President); PattyFest, Inc. (Board member); Folk Music at Weatherbury Farm (an originator of and workshop leader); and more. His “Dulci-More Public Domain Songbooks” are used by clubs around the country.
www.billschilling.org
www.youtube.com/@billschillingmusic
Alan Lomax in Italy (1954) and the Inspiration for Alla Boara
Anthony Taddeo
2-2:45pm | Room 101
Through a detailed powerpoint presentation that includes audio, video, and in person demonstrations of specific folk instruments; Anthony will take the participants through the 6 month journey of Alan Lomax as he cataloged Italy’s folk music from many regions of Italy. These very recordings are the inspiration behind the band Alla Boara.
Cleveland’s Contribution to Folk Music (Panel Discussion)
Facilitator Steve Madewell
3-4:30pm | Room 101
The movie ‘A Complete Unknown’ stimulated a lot of interest in the folk music revival that occurred in the 1960s and early 70s. This movement swept the nation and left a lasting impact on popular culture in the United States and the world. Was Northeastern Ohio simply a benefactor from this cultural explosion, or was it also a contributor?
This panel presentation attempts to revisit the Cleveland folk music scene in the mid-60s and 70s and address that question by discussing venues, performers, supporters and promoters. The conversation will also explore the greater Cleveland area’s current involvement with folk music.
The panel includes performers, contemporary venues, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Bluegrass History
Fred Bartenstein
5-5:45pm | Room 101
In the twentieth century, Appalachian migrants seeking economic opportunities relocated to Ohio, bringing their music with them. Between 1947 and 1989, they created an internationally renowned capital for the thriving bluegrass music genre, centered on the industrial region of Cincinnati, Dayton, Hamilton, Middletown, and Springfield. A co-editor of the 2021 book Industrial Strength Bluegrass: Southwestern Ohio’s Musical Legacy, Fred Bartenstein will explore Ohio’s bluegrass musicians, radio broadcasters, recording studios, record labels, and performance venues. As the bluegrass scene grew, Ohio’s distinctive sounds reached new fans and influenced those everywhere who continue to play, produce, and love roots music.
Growing up in bluegrass, Fred Bartenstein had the privilege of knowing and working with virtually all the music’s first generations. He has been a bluegrass magazine editor, broadcaster, musician, festival MC and talent director, founder of a regional association, scholar, educator, and a lifelong fan. In his professional life, Fred has been a manager and consultant for nonprofits, government and business. He was named a Distinguished Achievement Award recipient by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2006 and is the former chair/president of the IBMA Foundation.
Northeast
Ohio Musical Heritage Association