"Singing the Way to Election Day"

Description

The Society of California Pioneers presents “Singing the Way to Election Day,” a lecture by curator James M. Keller on the role music has played in political campaigns throughout American history. American political rallies have featured music since the days of George Washington, but as the 19th century progressed, campaign songs became ever more colorful, conveying information about candidates and their platforms through the entertaining format of popular songs. Though the custom has all but disappeared today, original campaign songs were produced through the years by some of the great names of American music, including Stephen Foster, John Philip Sousa, Al Jolson, and Irving Berlin. This presentation will draw from old-time sheet music and recordings, including examples from the Society of California Pioneers’ current exhibit “Singing the Golden State,” to revisit a tradition that once played an essential role in political life.

This lecture is presented in conjunction with “Third Thursdays” at the Society of California Pioneers. On the third Thursday evening of every month, visitors can enjoy after-hours access to the current exhibit, “Singing the Golden State,” with free admission from 4-7 p.m. “Third Thursdays” will continue until the closing of “Singing the Golden State” on December 7th, 2012.

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http://www.californiapioneers.org

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415 957-1849

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