Workshop Stage

To broaden the Living Traditions experience, the Workshop Stage is the setting for a series of more intimate lecture-demonstrations and discussions.

Workshops provide the opportunity to hear more about musical styles, cultural traditions and ethnic issues. Both of the Living Traditions featured performing artists – Michael Doucet and Dirty Dozen Brass Band– will present workshops on their musical styles and traditions.

The workshop stage is located on the west side of the Salt Lake City & County Building.

Following is a schedule of Workshop Stage times and topics:

Friday, May 19

6:00–6:45 p.m.
The cajun fiddle
Michael Doucet, Musician
The first instrument widely used by Cajuns was the fiddle. In French Canadian (Acadian) culture the fiddle provided accompaniment for dancing at Bals de maison (house parties) and was brought to Louisiana, becoming part of the Cajun culture. Michael Doucet, world renowned Cajun fiddle player will talk about the traditions of the Cajun fiddle past and present, and demonstrate some playing techniques.

Saturday, May 20

2:00–2:45 p.m.
IN THE BEGINNING: UNDERSTANDING UTE ORIGIN STORIES
Larry Cesspooch, Storyteller and Filmmaker
“The Creator (Sin’ovf) created Mother Earth, the animals, and human beings. The Maker gave us the medicine wheel to explain how everything is connected. Native People were given the drum as our voice. Animal puppets are used to illustrate what part animals play in our lives. The Bear (Quee’Aghgut) gave the Ute (Noochew) People our Bear Dance.” Everyone is invited to participate in the “Bear Dance.” Mr. Cesspooch finishes his presentation with a “Round Dance,” where everyone holds hands in a Hoop of Humanity.
A Utah Humanities Council Road Scholar Program

3:00 - 3:45 p.m.
THE TRADITION AND MUSIC OF THE VENEZUELAN HARP
Carlos Garcia and Asdrubal Garcia, musicians      
In the 1600s, the traditional European harp was taken to South America by Jesuit missionaries. The indigenous people adopted it as part of their own culture. Almost all South American countries have their own versions of the harp. In construction and playing techniques, these harps are quite different from the traditional European harps. Local musicians, Carlos and Asdrubal Garcia will share the traditions and demonstrate the playing techniques of the Venezuelan harp.

4:00–4:45 p.m.
tHE New Orleans TRADITION OF THE “SECOND lINE”
Dirty Dozen Brass Band, musicians
The “second line” is a New Orleans tradition dating back to the 19th Century. Processions, including the parades of benevolent societies, social aid & pleasure clubs and the famous New Orleans jazz funerals are celebrated with the lively music of brass bands, known as the “second line”. Join members of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band in a discussion about this great New Orleans tradition.

Sunday, May 21

1:00–1:45 p.m.
CONGOLESE AND WEST AFRICAN DRUMMING
Fred Simpson, drummer and teacher
Ensemble drumming is practiced throughout West Africa. These ensembles play for ceremonies and recreation and include a variety of drums including the congas. Fred Simpson, master drummer and teacher, will demonstrate the traditional styles of Congolese drumming.
 
2:00-2:45 p.m.
CROSSING BORDERS:  THE DYNAMICS OF IMMIGRATION
Mark Alvarez, Mayor Anderson’s Administrator for Minority Affairs
Jennifer Sanchez, Reporter, Salt Lake Tribune
Tom Maloney, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Utah
Moderated by Mark Alvarez, a panel discusses current immigration issues and fields questions from the audience.  This panel provides a respectful, substantive conversation about immigration policy in the United States, looking at such issues as social and economic impacts, enforcement, and changes in the current immigration system.  The panel also addresses personal stories of immigrants and cultural contributions from immigrants and immigrant communities.