Join renowned Berkeley author Sheryl Kaskwitz as she captivates audiences with a reading, discussion, and book signing of her highly-anticipated new release, A CHANCE TO HARMONIZE. Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Mrs. Dalloway's Bookstore on Wednesday, April 3rd at 7:00 PM, as local author Sheryl Kaskowitz unveils her latest masterpiece, A Chance to Harmonize: How FDR's Hidden Music Unit Sought to Save America from the Great Depression--One Song at a Time. Be sure to stay for a personalized book signing session with the esteemed author. 
A Chance to Harmonize delves into the extraordinary tale of a covert New Deal initiative that aimed to transform America and eradicate the Great Depression through the power of folk music. This groundbreaking program laid the foundation for the folk revival and left an indelible mark on American culture. Preorder your copy of A Chance to Harmonize today to embark on a journey back to 1934, a time when the US economy was ravaged by the Great Depression, leaving its inhabitants destitute. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt implored President Roosevelt to take decisive action to aid the most vulnerable members of society, including Appalachian miners, mill workers, displaced city dwellers, and struggling farmers. The government established cooperative living environments in rural areas across the nation, providing these individuals with a fresh start. To stimulate morale and foster community spirit, the administration enlisted artists to lead group activities, particularly folk music.
Under the guidance of Charles Seeger, father of the legendary Pete Seeger, the music unit embarked on an expedition across the country, recording hundreds of folk songs. Notably, staffer Sidney Robertson traveled extensively to amass this invaluable collection. Accompanied by music leaders like Margaret Valiant, who were dispatched to the homesteads, these songs were utilized to cultivate a sense of unity and cooperation among the residents. Operating discreetly and purposefully beneath the radar, the music unit amassed over 800 songs and continued its mission for nearly two years. Unfortunately, due to opposition from a conservative congressional coalition that viewed the entire homestead initiative as dangerously "socialistic," the music unit was eventually shut down prematurely. Nevertheless, its legacy endured, demonstrating the potency of music in providing hope and a sense of belonging even in the darkest of times. Moreover, it paved the way for the folk revival that ensued, propelling the careers of influential artists such as Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Odetta, and Bob Dylan.
Distinguished author and Harvard-trained American music scholar Sheryl Kaskowitz has been granted exclusive access to the music unit's comprehensive collection of recordings and a treasure trove of archival materials, some of which have never before been made available to the public. A Chance To Harmonize unveils this untold chapter in American cultural history, captivating readers with its revelatory content. Sheryl Kaskowitz, PhD, is the acclaimed author of God Bless America: The Surprising History of an Iconic Song, which earned her an ASCAP Deems Taylor Book Award for music writing. Her articles have graced esteemed publications including the New York Times, Slate, and Bloomberg News. Kaskowitz, who completed her PhD in music with a focus on ethnomusicology at Harvard in 2011, also holds a BA in music from Oberlin. She has previously served as a lecturer at Brandeis University and Brown University, and currently resides with her family in Berkeley, California.
This event is open to the public, with pre-registration kindly requested before 5:30 PM on April 3rd. As seating is limited, early registration is strongly encouraged to secure your place. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space permits. Attendees are kindly requested to arrive between 6:45 and 7:00 PM for the event. Please note that non-support companion animals are not permitted, and restroom access may be limited after 6:30 PM. Mark your calendars for this extraordinary opportunity to delve into the hidden recesses of American history with Sheryl Kaskowitz and her enlightening new publication, A Chance to Harmonize.

Alameda County

United States

Berkeley

Searching for information and tickets regarding Sheryl Kaskowitz In Store Event For Her New Book A CHANCE TO HARMONIZE | Mrs Dalloway's taking place in Berkeley on Apr 3, 2024 (UTC-8)? Trip.com has you covered. Check the dates, itineraries, and other information about Sheryl Kaskowitz In Store Event For Her New Book A CHANCE TO HARMONIZE | Mrs Dalloway's now! Trip.com has also prepared more similar exciting activities and discounted flight and hotel packages.

Sheryl Kaskowitz In Store Event For Her New Book A CHANCE TO HARMONIZE | Mrs Dalloway's: Tickets, Dates & Itineraries | Trip.com

Time:	Apr 3, 2024 (UTC-8) ENDED
Location:	Mrs Dalloway's

Sheryl Kaskowitz In Store Event For Her New Book A CHANCE TO HARMONIZE | Mrs Dalloway's

Details

Vote

Are you interested in Sheryl Kaskowitz In Store Event For Her New Book A CHANCE TO HARMONIZE?

Sheryl Kaskowitz In Store Event For Her New Book A CHANCE TO HARMONIZE | Mrs Dalloway's

Details

Vote

Are you interested in Sheryl Kaskowitz In Store Event For Her New Book A CHANCE TO HARMONIZE?

More contents about Berkeley