Arts Discovery, Music

Arts Discovery Educational Series presents

Evolution of American Music, with Jonathan Blanchard

RECOMMENDED FOR GRADES 6-12

  • Wed, November 2 at 11:20am
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    Performance Length: 60 Minutes

    This interactive program chronicles the evolution of American music from work songs to hip-hop, exploring all the elements that make up the essence of American music. We will explore the roots of hip-hop music and cultural climates of the past that laid the groundwork for today’s popular music. Participants will be introduced to artists who had a hand in shaping American culture through their art like the Staple Singers, Howlin’ Wolf, Elvis Presley, Jimmy Lunsford, Ike Turner, and Muddy Waters. Participants will learn about the key aspects of history and how it influenced our music. The presentation will also show how the music impacted the times and shaped the culture. 

    Curriculum Connections: Musical Literacy & Response, Contextual Relevancy, Culture, Oral Tradition, History, Social Studies 

    This performance has the option to add on a Durham Arts Council Creative Arts in Public and Private Schools Program (CAPS) workshop or residency.

    “Sankofa: History of African-American Music from Spirituals to Hip Hop” Performance and Workshop presented by The Beast

    The Beast will weave the story of African-American music into an interactive performance and lecture. Performing original songs, as well as standards from the spiritual, jazz, and Hip-Hop canon. Students will participate by engaging in call-and-response, improvisation and more.

    Book this CAPS program by emailing efan@carolinatheatre.org.


    All Durham Public Schools reservations will be made by the school-designated Arts Liaison. The Arts Liaison was appointed by each school principal to coordinate this effort. Please contact your principal for further action.