2 3 6 8 Celebrating five years of VFH grants support Get ready for the Examining the humanities and Motheread and Fatheread exploration of Virginia’s 2003 Virginia Festivel the arts at an international in Virginia musical traditions of the Book conference on Ireland

The Newsletter of the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities Winter 2003

Who’s coming to Virginia?

What do people in Ireland, California, Australia, Canada, and Texas have in common?

hey’rehey’re allall comingcoming toto VirginiaVirginia forfor twotwo fl aagshipgship of Ireland—an opportunity to discuss the past and present, and programsprograms ofof thethe VirginiaVirginia FoundationFoundation forfor thethe build bridges to the future. Humanities: the Virginia Festival of the Book  is unique gathering— inin MarchMarch (one(one ofof thethe toptop tourismtourism drawsdraws inin with a keynote address to be presented by the President of the state) and Re-Imagining Ireland in May (a unique Ireland, Mary McAleese—will four-day international conference). explore the emergence of Ireland T as a modern and prosperous yet  e increasingincreasing state-state- for a fi ve-day celebration of traditional culture, a window widewide aandnd nnationalational literacy and book culture. through which global changes popularitypopularity ofof thethe an-an- Festival dates are March 19–23. can be clearly seen. More than nualnual Virginia Festival Among the guests this year 100 journalists, writers, politi- ofof tthehe BBookook draws are John Dos Passos Prize-win- cians, artists, scholars, musicians, hundredshundreds ofof writerswriters ner Lee Smith, Virginia poet and citizen activists will discuss andand tthousandshousands ooff and activist Nikki Giovanni, how the Ireland of the future readersreaders whowho ddescendescend and international bestseller John can emerge as a compassion- onon CCharlottesvilleharlottesville Grisham.  e VABook! 2003 ate and vital society that creates rosterroster alsoalso includesincludes thethe currentcurrent itself anew, while preserving the VirginiaVirginia PPoetoet LLaureateaureate GGeorgeeorge strengths of its heritage. Events GarrettGarrett aandnd fformerormer UU.S..S. PPoetoet will be held at various locations in LaureateLaureate RitaRita Dove.Dove. downtown Charlottesville and at  en on May 7–10, Ameri- the University of Virginia. Andrew Bennett as “Foley” (above), one of the arts productions that will be canscans ffromrom aroundaround thethe countrycountry andand For complete information on showcased at Re-Imagining Ireland. IrishIrish ffromrom aacrosscross thethe seasea willwill con-con- featured guests, program sched- (Courtesy The Corn Exchange) vergeverge onon CharlottesvilleCharlottesville toto taketake ules, and registration processes Authors Barbara Ehrenrich partpart iinn Re-Imagining Ireland, for VABook! 2003 and Re-Imag- and Ben Cheever discuss their books on the nature of work a ggroundbreakingroundbreaking iinternationalnternational ining Ireland, see pages 6 - 9 in in America, at VABook! 2002. “town“town mmeeting”eeting” ooff IIreland,reland, ooutut this newsletter. “I’ve started to read

WINTER 2003 a novel for myself!”

Virginia Foundation Five Years of Motheread and Fatheread in Virginia for the Humanities 145 Ednam Drive Charlottesville, VA 22903-4629 his quotation is from addition, the Library Foundation (434) 924-3296 one of hundreds of serves a number of schools, par- fax (434) 296-4714 www.virginia.edu/vfh parents whose lives enting centers, health and social have been changed service organizations, and the by reading in the Motheread and Offi ce for Child Care Providers, Robert C. Vaughan, III Fatheread (MR & FR) family lit- where child care providers receive PRESIDENT T eracy program of the VFH, now certifi cation from the state for David Bearinger celebrating its fi fth anniversary. their participation in MR & FR. DIRECTOR, GRANTS AND PUBLIC PROGRAMS Essential to the VFH  e city of Hampton has mission is the goal that every Vir- certifi ed MR & FR facilitators Andrew Chancey ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ginian will have access to good lit- in the Department of Social Ser- erature and experience the power vices to help children in at-risk Recognizing the impact in Susan Coleman DIRECTOR, READING AND that literature provides to shape families reach grade-level reading the lives of the people of Newport LITERACY PROGRAMS and inform daily life.  rough profi ciency by third grade. Other News, the Library System has be- MR & FR, literature and book participants will collaborate to gun a year-long planning process Roberta Culbertson DIRECTOR, RESEARCH AND EDUCATION discussion programs are off ered to provide the programs through to incorporate MR & FR into its adults, using children’s literature schools, the library, Peninsula regular schedule of programs. Sheryl Hayes DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT as the focus of discussion. Reads, and Healthy Families Our initial investment in Since the fi rst Training Partnership parent education. training renews itself year after Gail Shirley-Warren BUSINESS MANAGER Institute in January 1999, more Within the Virginia De- year as the facilitators work with than 200 individuals have become partment of Juvenile Correctional groups of adults who, in turn, Andrew Wyndham DIRECTOR, MEDIA PROGRAMS certifi ed MR & FR facilita- Education, MR & FR is being share with their own families an tors.  ese facilitators lead book used in classes for students with appreciation for literature in daily Newsletter Production Staff discussion groups throughout the low literacy skills, in the social life. Since implementing Moth-

ADVISORY EDITOR Commonwealth from the Eastern skills curriculum, in math class, eread and Fatheread, the VFH has David Bearinger Shore to Southwest Virginia in music class, and with the young expanded its audience and venues

TEXT AND WEB EDITOR and from Northern Virginia to parents who are incarcerated. for humanities programming. Amy Marshall Southside. In Hampton Participants in a bilingual Motheread and Fatheread Program. (Photo courtesy Nelson County Migrant Education) CO-EDITOR In a transitional housing Roads, fi ve diff erent Kevin McFadden program in Washington County, agencies—Newport mothers and fathers reading  ree News Public Library DISTRIBUTION Billy Goats Gruff focusedf ocused onon thethe System, HeadStart, Lynda Myers need to work together as a family Hampton Public CO-EDITOR during the transition from home- Library, Living Ann White Spencer lessness into a more stable living Interface Network STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS environment. (LINK), and Penin- Susan Coleman Jon Lohman In Fairfax County, the MR sula Reads—work- Amy Marshall & FR curriculum has been in- ing across three Lynda Myers corporated into Adult Education governmental GRAPHIC DESIGN English as a Second Language boundaries joined Keith Damiani classes at eight diff erent sites, forces to implement Sequoia Design Co. with three more sites to be added an MR & FR book The Virginia Foundation for the Humanities this spring.  e Fairfax County discussion group in Newsletter is published three times a year. The VFH is an independent, nonprofi t, Public Library Foundation a public housing tax-exempt organization. provides books for the classes. In community.

2 Winter 2003

Exploring Virginia’s Musical Traditions

BY DAVID BEARINGER

n a gray, chilly afternoon in late November, Jon Lohman and I are sitting with Wayne Henderson at his home in Grayson County, listening as he Otalks about his work, his mentors, and the guitar he made from a cardboard box and a stick more than 40 years ago.

Wayne is now widely regarded as Virginia Foundation has awarded one of the best traditional musi- dozens of grants supporting cians and instrument makers in eff orts to preserve, document, the . He is also one and present the musical heritage of only fi ve Virginians to receive of Virginia and its communities. a National Heritage Fellowship— Many of these have been used the highest honor this country to broaden access to existing Master guitarist and instrument-maker Wayne bestows on its traditional artists. archival collections, or to create Henderson of Grayson County, with one of his In one way or another, each new ones. Others have been used newest creations. (Photo by Jon Lohman) of the other four Heritage Fel- to produce educational programs lowship recipients has been part that interpret musical traditions the early recording industry in of long-term eff orts by the VFH and cultures—an exhibit on Southwest Virginia (Blue Ridge to broaden public understanding Blue Ridge Instrument Makers Institute) and a four-part radio and appreciation of Virginia’s produced by Ferrum College, and series on the musical and cultural musical traditions. Old-time a publication by the James River infl uences of the Carter Fam- music legend Ralph Stanley is Society entitled Traditional ily (Appalshop). A March 2002 the subject of a VFH-supported Blues in Virginia, for example. grant to the Library of Vir- documentary fi lm (produced by Still others have enabled scholars ginia supported lectures, teachers’ Appalshop) exploring the connec- to conduct important fi eld re- workshops, and publications in tions between his music and the search or create new documentary conjunction with a major new ex- culture of Southwest Virginia. recordings. hibit on “Virginia Roots Music.” African American blues guitarists Recent VFH grants have But while it is true that John Jackson and John Cephas supported fi eldwork in prepara- Virginia has a rich stock of musi- were featured in the Piedmont tion for the 2003 Smithsonian cal traditions with deep roots and Guitarists Tour, organized by the Folklife Festival (Birthplace of long histories in the state, this VFH in 1988. Alliance) and musical culture is also continually Flory Jagoda, the sole bearer production of two CDs with being refreshed and re-created by of Eastern Europe’s once-vibrant interpretive liner notes featuring new infl uences from within, and Sephardic ballad tradition, is traditional African American by new arrivals from elsewhere. part of the fi rst group of master players from Virginia For example, in a recent perfor- artists in our newly established (Center for the Development mance celebrating the release Folklife Apprenticeship Program. of Social Responsibility). Our of the Home Craft Days CD, a And now, we have the privilege funds helped Mountain Empire group of high-school-age players of watching Wayne Henderson, Community College to create a led by the great-grandson of the master artist and craftsman in fi ve-CD anthology drawn from legendary Uncle Charlie Osborne the Blue Ridge tradition, play the more than 30 years of recording clearly showed that, today, Appa- guitar he fi nished only a few days traditional music and storytelling lachian music is being preserved before. We hope that soon he performances at the Home Craft and enriched by a new generation, too will become a partner in the Days festival in Big Stone Gap. whose infl uences are not confi ned Foundation’s work. We have also supported interpre- to the tradition they inherited. Since the early 1990s, the tive exhibits and publications on Continued on page 4

3 Musical Traditions Continued from page 3

One of our most interesting ing a CD of performances by the heritage with us. From Cambo- recent grants (to the Blue Ridge Paschall Brothers, with interpre- dian sacred music in Arlington Institute) supported planning for tive liner notes, a study guide and to an old-time performance at an exhibit on Virginia “Rockabilly” teachers’ institute focusing on the the Carter Fold in Scott County, music. Other awards within the black a capella gospel traditions of tapping the wealth of musical past few months have supported the Tidewater Region. And the traditions in Virginia is essential pre-production costs for a fi lm list goes on... to the mission of the VFH. It’s on the musical traditions of the We invite all Virginians also an exciting journey, every Ethiopian diaspora (Bay Area to explore the state’s musical step of the way. Video Coalition), and produc- tion of a CD with liner notes and a listener’s guide documenting The Banjo in the New World Master Cambodian musician Chum Ngek plays the performance of “Homrong,” the sampho (barrel drum) at a Kmer New Year’s twelve sacred musical composi- celebration in Arlington. (Photo by Pete So) tions that are central to the Kmer This past fall, the Virginia Folklife Program presented a lecture and perfor- (Cambodian) classical music mance series that explored the emergence of a popular American music tradition. Both of these projects style through the history and development of this country’s oldest indig- focus on the music of Northern enous musical instrument—one deeply rooted in Virginia—the fi ve-string Virginia’s immigrant communities. banjo. Offered in collaboration with Charlottesville’s Prism Coffeehouse Within the past several years, and the University of Virginia’s School of Continuing Education and Profes- interest in traditional music has sional Studies, “From Africa to America: The Banjo in the New World” increased dramatically, and VFH began with the banjo’s African origins in the 1600s, and followed its path is responding through collabora- through the New World, from its interactions with Celtic and European tive eff orts involving the Grant, traditions to its emergence in . The series then turned to the Folklife, and African American banjo’s role in blues, bluegrass, and the revival. Heritage programs. We have just The series was hosted by acclaimed banjoist and music historian Joe produced a video of the Bucking- Ayers, whose fi ve-volume audio recording series “Early Banjo Classics” ham Lining Bar Gang, a group is the most comprehensive study of early American banjo music ever of African American men from produced. Mr. Ayers was joined each week by a wide range of musical Southside Virginia who are reviv- guests, each touching upon a critical aspect of the instrument’s develop- ing songs and stories connected ment, including: with the work of lining railroad track by hand. Mali-born Griot, Cheick Hamala We are preserving Diabate, “African Origins and the and making acces- Passage” sible through the Web , ““TheThe CelticCeltic Connection”Connection” important fi eld record- Cathy Fink, “Women in the Parlor” ings of shout songs BBruceruce MMolskyolsky, ““TheThe BanjoBanjo inin and children’s songs of Appalachia” the Piedmont region, Kinney Rorrer and Kirk Sutphin, as well as off -stage “Broadcasting and the Banjo” performances and MMikeike SSeegereeger, ““FromFrom BluesBlues toto Members of the Ethiopian band Wallias, Bluegrass” at Massawa on the Red Sea, ca. 1973. interviews collected at the Old Musicians Bruce P Most of these musicians now live in Fiddler’s Convention in Galax. Alan Jabbour and PPeteete VVigourigour, enner, Cheick Hamala Diabate, Virginia. (Photo courtesy of Kyle Stone) We have recently funded “The Old Time Revival” and Joe Ayers. the preservation and catalog- Other performances in the series included the Lonesome River Band’s ing of thousands of acoustic Sammy Shelor, Fred Boyce, and Eddie Adcock. This performance series performances in the archives of was supported by a grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts. Charlottesville’s Prism Coff ee- house.  is spring, with support Jon Lohman, Director, Virginia Folklife Program from the Parson’s Foundation in Norfolk, we will be produc-

4 Winter 2003

The Intimacyof Radio With Good Reason host and producer Sarah McConnell tells associate producer Sean Tubbs why she loves her job.

ST: You started working in radio in 1979 at ST: What’s your favorite kind of show to produce? WINA in Charlottesville, and you became the host SM: My hope always is to off er something so of With Good Reason in 1999. What do you like most “Having an intelligent interesting to people that they ask others around about working in radio? them to shush! while they wait in their cars, engines and articulate host SM: Radio is intimate. I once thought radio was running, to hear the interviewee to the very end. who politely and calmly a dying medium. But with our lives increasingly ST: You’ve lived all across Virginia, and are evokes solid information fragmented, it’s a relief to have interesting pro- now producing the only statewide public radio grams to listen to, especially on long commutes in from the guests and program in the state. Would you comment on the car. It’s a great way to disseminate information makes them justify the the signifi cance of this? to the public, to connect people. Radio reaches a set facts behind their views... of people, even readers, that couldn’t be reached in SM: We’re lucky to be able to focus on both any other way. Virginia subjects and universal themes. We’ve done is a tremendous service shows on the Nat Turner slave uprising and on the to the listeners.” ST: Last year, With Good Reason celebrated its long leaf pine of Tidewater, but the ideas in the tenth anniversary, and the Program has now fea- shows appeal to Virginians and non-Virginians. With Good Reason listener tured more than 800 faculty members from Virginia Everything is grist for us, from the search for moun- colleges and universities on the show. What show tain lions in Virginia to the nature of evil and the are you most proud of? common roots of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. SM:  e show that stands out above all the others ST: WhatWhat cancan listenerslisteners expectexpect inin thethe nextnext fewfew was with Dr. Snuff y Meyers of UVa. He spent years months? leading government research into prostate cancer and then learned he had a virulent form of the SM: WeWe planplan ttoo eexplorexplore VVirginia’sirginia’s ttiesies ttoo IIrelandreland disease himself. In a candid, caring, and immensely inin a sshowhow tthathat wwillill aairir jjustust aaheadhead ooff tthehe bbigig IIrishrish informative way, he spoke about his own treatment ConferenceConference thethe VFHVFH isis hosting.hosting. We’llWe’ll alsoalso and made recommendations for others in the same delvedelve intointo thethe naturenature ofof evilevil onon oneone pro-pro- boat. I also loved when I decided I wanted to go gram.gram. WWee eevenven pplanlan ttoo ddevoteevote a showshow whale watching. I found a graduate student at ODU to NASCAR racing in Virginia! who was totally engrossed in coastal wildlife. I loved ST: Will you go see a race for that I got to interview him with the slap of water Map of the WGR broadcast area by research? station range. For complete listings, visit and squawk of gulls overhead. www.virginia.edu/vfh/wgr SM: Sure! It would be even more exciting to take a Sarah McConnell and Sean Tubbs ride in one of the cars. Do they allow that?

To read the complete interview, and to listen online to the show, please visit the With Good Reason website at www.virginia.edu/vfh/wgr.

Founded in 1992, With Good Reason is produced for the Virginia Higher Education Broadcasting Consortium by the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities and is broadcast in partnership with public radio stations in Virginia, Tennessee, and Washington, D.C. Each week, scholars from Virginia’s public universities and colleges explore the worlds of literature, science, the arts, politics, history, and business. By the end of 2002, more than 800 faculty in Virginia’s state-supported universities and colleges and its community college system had been featured on the program.

5 Winter 2003

Let the celebration begin!

he Virginia Festival of the Book will showcase readers, writers, and public discussions on March 19-23. Join the thousands of Virginians and book lovers from the mid-Atlantic region as they celebrate the book during more than 200 Tprograms, all open to the public and—with few exceptions—free of charge.  e VFH is proud to present the Virginia Festival of the Book to promote reading and literacy for all Vir- ginians. Below is a selection of programs that demonstrate the Festival’s wide intercultural and interdisciplin- ary reach, reminding us as Virginians who we are, where we came from, and where we are going. Exact times and locations for these programs are listed at www.vabook.org.

Wednesday, March 19 Friday, March 21

Voices of the Puppet-Masters Readings from Contemporary Lit- It’s All Politics: Presidential Consul- of Indonesia: Puppets, Politics erature of India and Pakistan tants Author Raymond D. Strother and Magic Slide presentation on the A reading of recent, as yet unpublished (Falling Up: How a Redneck Helped Wayang Golek ttheaterheater ooff Indonesia—itsIndonesia—its translations from Hindi and Urdu of some Invent Political Consulting) and novelist social, political, and spiritual signifi - of the more exciting current literature Peter Roussel (Ruffl ed Flourishes) cance—based on Voices of the Puppet from India and Pakistan. (UVa South discuss the behind-the-scenes stories of Master by Mimi Herbert. Puppets on Asian Studies) power politics. (Daily Progress) display. (UVa South Asian Studies) Violence and the Imagination Writing Appalachia: Fiction Reading Authors Stephen Cushman (Bloody A reading and discussion of place in Promenade), Susan Fraiman (Unbecom- the fi ction of Silas House(Clay’s Quilt) ing Women; Cool Men and the Second and Crystal Wilkinson (Blackberries, Sex), and Scott Saul (Freedom Is, Blackberries). Freedom Ain’t) will discuss literature’s response to violence in America and Twentieth Century Caricatures: elsewhere. (UVa English Department) A Fiction Reading With 2002 Virginia Literary Award winner Tom De Haven’s What We Make of the Past: novel about cartoonists (Dugan Under Memoirs Virginia Holman (Rescuing Ground) and Marc Estrin’s novel about Patty Hearst) discusses growing up with the afterlife of Kafka’s cockroach (Insect

Vest, and Fred Viebahn her mother’s schizophrenic episodes Dreams). , Teresa Dowell- ABook! 2002. Rita Dove, David Kirby and Michael Mewshaw (Do I Owe You enjoy the gala authors’ reception at V Something?) presents his memoir of a Time, Space and Literature: The literary life. Rhythms of Story and the Homes of Plan now to attend the annual Authors’ Reception Inspiration Authors Christoper Tilgh- on March 22, hosted this year by Virginia poet Nikki man (The Way People Run), Michael Giovanni and Virginia novelist William Hoffman. The Levenson (Modernism and the Fate of 6 PM gala features wine and hors d’oeuvres at Carr’s Individuality), Lisa Russ Spaar (Glass Hill, the home of the President of the University of Town), and Alison Booth (Greatness Virginia. All VABook! participants and authors are Engendered) discuss the intersections of invited. Tickets available at 434-924-3296. time, space, and literature. (UVa English Department)

6 Winter 2003

Lee Smith will read from The Last Girls at the UVA Culbreth Theatre on March 22.

PoetPoet Jimmy Santiago Baca reads to a packedpacked auditorium during VABook!VABook! 2002.

Saturday, March 22 Sunday, March 23

A Day of Remembering the Civil Violence and the Imagination II Virginia ABC Presentation Go West: Writers’ Fiction and War I The President and the General: Authors Gregory Orr (The Caged A 40-minute slide presentation by Poetry Inspired by Lewis & Clark Abraham Lincoln, Stonewall Jackson, Owl; The Blessing), Mark Edmundson David Wofford (Horse and Buggy Press) With writers Brian Hall (I Should Be and the 1862 Valley Campaign, with (Teacher) and Debra Nystrom (A Quarter and Stephen Gibson (City of Midnight Extremely Happy in Your Company), author Gary Gallagher (Lee and His Army Turn) read from their poetry and prose Skies) about publishing hand-printed, Marifl o Stephens ((SacajaweaSacajawea andand York:York: in Confederate History). responding to the experience of vio- hand-bound books in a culture of mass- Hidden Heroes of Lewis and Clark), and lence. (UVa English Department) production. Erica Funkhouser (Pursuit). A Day of Remembering the Civil War II The Civil War: The Soldier’s Cannibalism and the Spaces of Love in Black and White, Voices and View—The General’s View with authors History: Book Arts and Literature Faces A slide-show presentation and Gary Gallagher (Lee and His Army in Discussion Join visual artist Enrique discussion by photographer Mary Motley Confederate History), Bevin Alexander Chagoya (Códex Espangliensis), and Kalergis (Love in Black and White) on the (How Wars are Won), and journalist University of Virginia Professor Ricardo subject of interracial relationships. Michael S. Zbailey. Padrón (The Spacious Word: Cartogra- phy, Literature, and Empire in Early Mod- “Patriotism” and the Right of Free ernern Spain)Spain) for a discussion Speech During Wartime ofof theirtheir uniqueunique approachesapproaches What does the past predict for the right toto llanguage,anguage, hhistory,istory, of speech during the war on terror? globalism,globalism, andand culturalcultural A discussion with Henry Abraham transformation.transformation. Moder-Moder- (Freedom and the Court), Barbara Perry atedated bbyy PPabloablo DDavis.avis. (The Priestly Tribe), Robert O’Neil (The First Amendment and Civil Liability), and Katherine McNamara, publisher of the online quarterly Archipelago. (Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression)

ProgramsPrograms about the value and pricing of rare books always draw a capacity crowd at Blue Whale Rare Books. www.vabook.org

7 Cherish the Ladies Irish Conference Combines the Humanities and the Arts

BY ANDREW WYNDHAM

aking Ireland as a “window on the world,” The Arts at Re-Imagining Ireland the May 7-10 Re-Imagining Ireland conferenceconference and festival has been planned as an in-depth Music: Groups in Concert dialogue on global themes and issues.  e event will T Wednesday, May 7, 9:00 PM Saturday, May 10, 8:30 PM unfold as an exploration of the transforming eff ects The Green Fields of America Cherish the Ladies of globalization on traditional cultures; the historic This group was the fi rst on either Led by Joannie Madden, this six-woman worldwide migration and interaction of national side of the Atlantic to bring together Irish-American band produces music populations; and the relation of religious and political Irish vocal, instrumental, and dance based on traditional Irish dance tunes traditions on the concert and festival and is accompanied by stepdancing. identity to issues of terrorism, war, and peace. stage, introducing Irish stepdancing to The group – which also features Mary  is groundbreaking a country whose people are general American audiences. Founder Coogan, Mary Rafferty, Donna Long, international event will show wrestling with their self-con- and lead musician Mick Moloney will Siobhan Egan, and lead vocalist Aoife that the Irish example, though ception in the light of cultural be joined by singer-songwriter Robbie Clancy – has recorded seven highly uniquely patterned, can serve to and social change. Essential to O’Connell, Jerry O’Sullivan (uilleann acclaimed albums and has appeared illuminate contemporary devel- this eff ort is the Irish people’s pipes), and dancers Donny Golden and widely on radio and television in the U.S. opments with which Americans creative engagement with their Sinead Lawlor. and overseas. Cherish the Ladies has and people around the world culture in new and affi rming been named Entertainment Group of the are deeply concerned. ways.  ey are celebrating and De Dannan Year by the Irish Voice newspaper. Journalists, politicians, experimenting with expressive One of the most famous and accom- writers, scholars, and citizen acts of cultural repossession, plished groups on the traditional, and Solas activists will participate in seeking to defi ne the elusive sometimes not-so-traditional circuit, Described in the Irish Echo as “one of the panel discussions, and proceed- form of an “Irishness” that De Dannan is led by the fi ery, virtuoso most exciting Irish bands anywhere in the ings will include a variety of remains, in project consultant fi ddle playing of , recog- world,” Solas cemented their reputation visual and performing artists, Declan McGonagle’s words, “a nized as one of the world’s fi ddle and by garnering three consecutive Best writers, and their works: two question rather than a state- violin masters, who is responsible for Celtic Recording awards from the Asso- major concerts, a series of musi- ment.”  e people are, says much of the style and musical arrange- ciation for Independent Music (AFIM)–for cal narratives and life stories, McGonagle, engaged in an ments of the group. De Dannan will the albums Solas (1996), Sunny Spells an award-winning play, a new exploration “in which linear, include virtuoso player Derek and Scattered Showers (1997), and The Irish feature fi lm and series of one-dimensional readings Hickey, vocalist Eleanor Shanley, Brian Words That Remain (1998). Seamus Egan short fi lms, readings by major of anything of value—from Bourke on bodhran, Brian McGrath on scored the soundtrack for the fi lm hehT e Irish poets, and an exhibition culture, politics, and society, banjo and keyboards, and Mick Conneely Brothers McMullen, and is featured on of contemporary Irish art.  e to identity—can be dismantled on and fi ddle. the soundtrack of Dead Man Walking. resulting interaction will create and reconfi gured.” The other accomplished members of the intellectual as well as imagina- group include Mick McAuley, Winifred tive connections that suggest Horan, John Doyle, and vocalist Deirdre the shifting nature of how Scanlon. There are three ways to attend Re-Imagining Ireland: people imagine and create their national identity. How to 1) Purchase the full Conference Package Re-Imagining Ireland will 2) Register for Free Discussion Panels, or provide numerous opportunities Attend 3) Order individual tickets to performance events. to fi nd and develop language The easiest way to register for and purchase the Conference Package, or to register to attend that can be brought to bear Free Discussion Panels, or to purchase tickets to individual performance events (beginning on what is happening now in March 1) is online at www.re-imagining-ireland.org—click on “Registration & Travel.” Or call (434) 924-9721 to receive registration forms or an individual ticket order form by mail, which can be submitted with a check payment to VFH –Re-Imagining Ireland. “Davie,” Traditional 9-10th century Gaelic Poem Art: Alan Davie; Translation: Fearghas MacFhionnlaigh; Calligraphy: Louise Donaldson (Courtesy Pròiseact nan Ealan, Isle of Lewis, Scotland) 8 Winter 2003

Sponsors Re-Imagining Ireland will feature a cross-section of outstanding Irish and American Major funding provided to VFH by the National Endowment for the Humanities, guests, including writers Frank McCourt and Roddy Doyle; journalists Jacki Lyden, the Anne Lee Ueltschi Foundation, Delta Air Lines, and The Cultural Relations Fintan O’Toole, SSusanusan MMcKaycKay, aandnd David McKittrick; musicians Seamus Egan, Committee of Ireland/Comhar Cultúra Frankie Gavin, and Joannie Madden; historians Joe Lee, Tim Pat Coogan, Eireann. For a complete list of sponsors, KKerbyerby MillerMiller, aandnd Roy Foster; and activists and politicians Margaret Mac Curtain, visit www.re-imagining-ireland.org. Official Airline of Re-Imagining Ireland Michael D. Higgins, and David Ervine.

Music: Musical Narratives Film Exhibits

Martin Hayes (Musical Narrative: Len Graham and Pádraigín Ní Each day at Re-Imagining Ireland, the Re-Imagining Irish Art Thursday, May 8, 2:30–3:45 PM) Uallacháin (Musical Narrative: Cork International Film Festival Organized in cooperation with the This Irish traditional musician, a six-time Saturday, May 10, 2:30-3:45 PM) will present a 75-minute program of Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), All-Ireland Champion, has been Graham and Ní Uallacháin are two of the short fi lms from Ireland and Northern this show will present artistically and named Traditional Musician of the foremost exponents and authorities on Ireland—fi lms connected to the confer- politically challenging works drawn Year by Ireland’s National Entertain- the Ulster song tradition in the Irish and ence themes. The shorts screened will primarily from the Museum’s collection ment Awards–the Irish equivalent of a English Languages. Ní Uallacháin has range from classics of the nineties to in Dublin. The IMMA exhibition will be Grammy. Named Best Traditional Act of recorded four albums, and Len Graham recently completed works. Addition- presented at the University of Virginia 1995 by the /Heineken Rock is featured on some 17 albums and has ally, Bord Scannán, The Irish Film Art Museum from April 12 through Awards, he is a former member of the provided songs for such high-profi le art- Board, will present a new Irish feature June 8, 2003. The show will feature famed Tulla Ceili Band. ists and groups as Altan, The Battlefi eld fi lm on the evening of May 8. Complete such internationally known artists as Band, The Chieftains, De Dannan, and details on fi lms to be screened at the Dorothy Cross, Shane Cullen, Willie (Musical Narrative: Friday, . program will be available in March on Doherty, Alice Maher, Mark Francis, May 9, 2:30–3:45 PM) the Re-Imagining Ireland web site: Paul Seawright, and Kathy Prendergast. Irish singer-songwriter and bouzouki Bruce Molsky (Musical Narrative: www.re-imagining-ireland.org. The Forum for Contemporary Thought and mandoline player, Irvine formed the Saturday, May 10, 4:15–5:30 PM) will sponsor a panel focused on the ex- groups Sweeney’s Men, Planxty and Outstanding old-time fi ddler, high- hibition, at the University Art Museum, , but has always done and spirited guitarist, banjoist and singer, Drama May 9, 2:30-3:45 p.m. continues to do much solo work. Irvine Molsky’s music melds the archaic moun- spent 1968-69 in The Balkans where tain sounds of Appalachia, the power The VFH and Richard Wakely will pres- Leabhar Mòr Na Gaeilge – he fi rst became interested in Bulgarian of blues, and the rhythmic intricacies ent the Corn Exchange production of The Great Book of Gaelic Folk Music. of traditional African music. Sing Out! Foley by Michael West on Friday, May North American Preview says his fi ddling “combines precision and 9 (8:15-10:15 p.m.) and Saturday, May Four years in the making, The Great Mick Moloney (Musical Narrative: abandon so perfectly that it raises the 10 (8:00-10:00 p.m.), both at UVA’s Book of Gaelic—or Leabhar Mòr na Friday, May 9, 12:15–2:00 PM) hairs on the back of your neck.” He will Culbreth Theater. Directed by American Gaeilge—is an extraordinary collabora- Co-founder of the The Green Fields of perform with accomplished dancer Amy ex-patriot Annie Ryan, with music by tive project that has been dubbed a America touring group, he has been Fenton-Shine. Vincent Doherty, this one-man show twenty-fi rst century Book of Kells. named Best Tenor Banjo Player in features Abbey actor Andrew Bennett, Combining the work of 100 contempo- the United States by Frets magazine. Tommy Sands (Musical Narrative: narrator of the fi lm Angela’sAngela’s Ashes,Ashes, rary Scottish and Irish artists, poets, Since 1973, he has produced and/or Saturday, May 10, 12:15–2:00 PM) who was nominated Best Actor for his calligraphers and typographers, the performed on more than 50 recordings Northern Ireland singer, songwriter, and role as “Foley” at the Edinburgh Fringe project brings together 15 centuries of for such labels as Rounder, Green Linnet, storyteller, Tommy Sands was song- Festival (2001). This beautifully crafted Scottish and Irish culture, celebrating and Shanachie. writer for the Irish folk group The Sands meditation on family history and the mythologies, traditions and a language Family in the sixties and seventies and place of the Anglo-Irish in contempo- that bind them together. Twenty of Len Graham and John Campbell is best known for such songs as “There rary Ireland is described by critic Karen 100 (25” x 42”) pages/panels will be (Musical Narrative: Saturday, May 10, Were Roses,” “Daughters and Sons,” Fricker as “one of the best and most presented at the University of Virginia 10:45–12:00 PM) and “All the Little Children.” His fi rst solo original pieces of new Irish dramatic Rotunda, April 18 – May 16. At Re-Imagining Ireland, Len Graham album, Singing of the Times, released in writing to emerge in several years.” will present a special performance with 1985, is now regarded as a classic. A panel discussion—sponsored by the John Campbell, one of Ireland’s fi nest Forum for Contemporary Thought at storytellers. A shepherd who lives in the UVA—with playwright Michael West For information on additional village of Mullaghbawn, County Armagh, and actor Andrew Bennett—will displays, please visit Campbell has represented Ireland at follow performances of Foley. www.re-imagining-ireland.org. many international festivals in Europe, Australia, and North America. 9 New VFH News Fellows Highlights

ew VFH Fellows his January, a Woody Holton, assistant press confer- professor of history ence highlighted at the University of Virginia’s eff orts to pro- Paddy T Richmond, and folklorist mote African-American NBowman are respected for their tourism marketing at the contributions to research and Black History Museum education in Virginia and and Cultural Center of beyond. Professor Holton’s Virginia. VFH President fellowship will permit him Rob Vaughan participated to complete his book Who in the conference on behalf Will Call  is Justice?, which of the African-Ameri- puts forth the proposition can Heritage Program. that leading Americans, such Pictured (from the left) are as George Washington and Michael J. Schewel, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade, James Madison, might not Bessida Cauthorne White, Board of Directors,  e Black History have written Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, Calvin D. Jamison, the Constitu- Chairman of the Board, Virginia Tourism Corporation, and Mark VFH Fellows tion if they had R. Warner, GGovernorovernor ofof Virginia.Virginia. Paddy Bowman (above) and not faced up- Woody Holton risings by Indi- (right). ans, slaves, and small farmers. he Irish Ambassador Noel Fahey and other friends of the Holton’s fi rst Irish Embassy enjoyed a preview of Re-Imagining Ireland book, Forced programs and musical performances during a reception on Founders: In- TWednesday, January 29, in Washington, D.C.  e international dians, Debtors, conference is set for May 7-10 in Charlottesville. Pictured are Slaves and the (left to right, back row) Charlottesville City Manager Gary B. Making of the O’Connell, Anne O’Connell, Charlottesville Regional Cham- American Revolution in Virginia, ber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Tim Hulbert, argued that ordinary Americans in- musician Rick Epping, Irish Parliament member Simon Coveney, fl uenced elites through their actions; TD, VFH Project Director of Re-Imagining Ireland Andrew H. he goes further in his current project Wyndham, (front row) Owen Feeney,  ird Secretary for the Irish to focus on how their ideas infl u- Embassy, Ambassador and Mrs. Noel Fahey, Susan Goode, for- enced the elite classes. Bowman’s mer VFH board member, and David Goode, Chairman, President project, “Virginia Voices: Creating and CEO, Norfolk Southern Railroad. a Folklife Education Guide,” will serve K-12 educators in Virginia with partnerships among educa- tional and folklife organizations to create an online folklife curriculum guide with access to archives, publi- cations, fi lms, recordings and other resources for teachers and students. Bowman believes that fi eldwork in folklore, oral history, and cultural anthropology provides an engaging and productive approach to educa- tion for K-12 students.

10 Winter 2003

VFH Honors Contributors as Humanities Associates

o recognize donors of unrestricted gifts of $1,000 or more, the VFH established the Humanities Associates. While restricted gifts assist the VFHVFH wwithith sspecifipecifi cc pprograms,rograms, ggiftsifts ttoo tthehe uunrestrictednrestricted AAnnualnnual FFundund eenablenable the VFH to apply funds to areas of greatest need. Please consider becom- Planned Giving ing a member of the Humanities Associates by making an unrestricted gift of $1000 How it can benefi t Tor more by June 30. Benefi ts for members of the Humanities Associates include: • Involvement with VFH programs you today • Special Recognition in the Annual Donors Report • Recognition and listing of the members of the Humanities Associates  e Virginia Foundation for the in the VFH Newsletter Humanities depends on the generosity of people like you to fund all the programs • Recognition of the members at VFH anniversary events and award dinners we know you appreciate. If you know you • Social opportunities with affi nity groups would like for some of your estate to be transferred to VFH, the traditional way is  ank you to our current Humanities Associates! to arrange for this in your will. While this Jerome S. Handler John and Lydia Peale allows for the expedient and correct trans- Walter A. Jackson Dorothy Rouse-Bottom fer of such funds, it does not provide you or VFH with immediate benefi ts.  is Thomas and Anna Lawson Mary Ellen Stumpf can be changed through planned giving. John and Mary Tyler Cheek Rob and Ellen Vaughan When arranged properly, you can McClenahan Dick and Marty Wilson reduce current or future tax liability due to the funds dedicated to VFH.  is can be set up so that you or VFH receive future income from the funds dedicated to Big Thank You to Advocates! VFH. Arrangements include but are not limited to charitable gift annuities, chari- table remainder trusts, charitable lead t is always important for elected offi cials to know the fi nancial, cultural, and trusts, and, as part of a larger charitable educational impact of the VFH in their districts. In a diffi cult budget year such venture, family foundations. as this, it is critical. In recent weeks, the letters and contacts to Delegates and We urge you to contact your estate, Senators on behalf of the VFH have been fl owing in. VFH Board and former tax, and/or fi nancial advisor to fi nd out Board members, grantees, project directors, and other constituents have written, which arrangement is best suited to Icalled, e-mailed, and visited their representatives to talk about the importance of your situation. While we do not give VFHVFH pprogramsrograms aroundaround thethe Commonwealth.Commonwealth. VFHVFH friendsfriends andand supporterssupporters havehave legal,legal, ttax,ax, oror fi n anancialncial continuedcontinued toto makemake tthehe ccasease tthathat anan iinvestmentnvestment iinn VVFHFH pprogramsrograms iiss aann advice,advice, ourour expertsexperts willwill investment in Virginia’s future. bebe delighteddelighted toto assistassist youyou For this work, we say a big thank you! Only with andand yyourour pprofessionalrofessional your combined eff orts will programs be preserved and advisors.advisors. OurOur servicesservices Virginians be served. areare aabsolutelybsolutely free.free.

Dr.Dr. Wyndham Blanton, former chair of the VFH board, was honored recently with a proclamation and ceremony by Governor Mark R.R. WarnerWarner to recognize Wyndham’sWyndham’s contributions to the civic, educational, and cultural life of Virginia. The ceremony was followed by a reception at The Commonwealth Club in Richmond. PicturedPictured are (left to right) current VFH Board Member Kirk Schroder,Schroder, David Bearinger (VFH), Wyndham, VFH Board Chair Dick Wilson, Sheryl Hayes (VFH), VFH Board Vice Chair Liz Young,oung, and Susan Coleman (VFH).

11 Non-Profi t Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 170 Virginia Foundation Charlottesville, VA for the Humanities 145 Ednam Drive Charlottesville, VA 22903-4629

Virginia Foundation for the Humanities 2002 – 2003 Board of Directors

David Baldacci James D. Lott David Baldacci Enterprises Staunton, VA Fairfax, VA Allegra F. McCullough OnOn thethe CoverCover L. D. Britt, M.D. Virginia Department of Eastern Virginia Medical School Minority Business Enterprise The Virginia Festival of the Book Norfolk, VA Charlottesville, VA

L. Preston Bryant, Jr. Lydia Peale (March(March 119-23)9-23) andand Re-Imagaining Hurt & Proffi tt, Inc. Palmyra, VA General Assembly of Virginia IrelandIreland conference (May 7-10) Lynchburg, VA Bittle W. Porterfi eld, III Rice Management willwill bbringring worldwideworldwide aaudiencesudiences Elaine Dowe Carter Roanoke, VA Christiansburg Institute toto CCharlottesville.harlottesville. Blackksburg, VA W. Taylor Reveley College of William & Mary Johanna R. Drucker Williamsburg, VA University of Virginia Charlottesville, VA Kirk T. Schroder LeClair Ryan Michael J. Galgano Richmond, VA James Madison University Harrisonburg, VA Daniele Struppa George Mason University “The Last Time” (above), a fi lm by Lee Goodman Fairfax, VA Conor Horgan, will be showcased Wiley, Rein & Fielding at Re-Imagining Ireland. (Courtesy Troy, VA Mary Ellen Stumpf Cork International Film Festival) Stumpf & Associates, Inc. Edythe C. Harrison Richmond, VA Norfolk, VA A panel at VABook! 2002 (right) Robert C. Vaughan, III discusses integrity in public life. Ronald L. Heinemann Virginia Foundation for Hampden-Sydney College the Humanities Hampden Sydney, VA Charlottesville, VA

Betty Jean Tolbert Jones Richard T. Wilson, III Charlottesville High School RBC Dain Rauscher Charlottesville, VA Richmond, VA

Anna L. Lawson Elizabeth L. Young Daleville, VA Hartfi eld, VA