Living Traditions Workshop Stage

To provide more intimate and in-depth experiences with traditional artforms and related issues, the Workshop Stage presents a schedule of lecture-demonstrations and discussions throughout the Festival.  Topics run the gamut from musical styles to topical social issues to cross-cultural comparisons of traditional artforms.

Saturday, May 17

The Sounds of Cuban Jazz , 1:00 p.m.
Jazz pianist Chuchito Valdés has reinvigorated Cuban jazz by bringing a new generation’s interpretation to the classic sounds played by such musical greats as his father, Chucho, and grandfather, Bebo.  Chuchito will bring to the Workshop Stage stories and examples of this world-renowned and rich musical tradition.

Irish Musical Traditions in the Twenty-First Century, 3:00 p.m.
The Irish musical trio, Buille, builds on traditional Irish music, which is at the heart of Irish culture and history, illuminating its life and vitality through centuries of performance.  The name “Buille” comes from the word for “beat” in Gaelic, signified by the strong rhythms that underlie the melodies.   On the Workshop Stage, the musicians will talk about the music and the instruments, demonstrating a reel or two, a slower-paced jig, and dance tunes as well.

The Tradition of Son Jarocho from Veracruz, Mexico, 5:00 p.m.
Son de Madera celebrates the Son Jarocho performing tradition with musicality and gusto.   This song and dance form represents a fusion of native, Spanish and African influences and includes a dance-box on which the zapateado dances to provide percussion.  This group will demonstrate how a cherished folk music is enhanced with a fresh modern sound, based on the original elements of the artform and played on traditional instruments.

Sunday  May 18

Cowboy Poetry and Song, 1:00 p.m.
Max Godfrey, from Riverside, Utah, brings the cowboy poetry tradition to the Workshop Stage with stories, poetry and song.  Godfrey is also an accomplished rawhide braider and is stationed at the Crafts Demonstration area throughout the festival.

Skateboarding and Snowboarding:  A Distinct Culture, 3:00 p.m.
With SLUG magazine editor, Angela Brown, leading lights in the boarding community of Salt Lake will talk about the many expressions of this culture, including music, clothing and language.