Banjos and Beyoncé (w/Jake Blount & Kao Kalia Yang) [RE-RELEASE]

Hey there, Scorekeepers! On our off weeks for the next few months, we're revisiting ART CLASS, the 12-episode series all about arts and arts education that we released last year. We hope you enjoy taking this stroll down memory lane with us!

--

This episode was originally released on March 12, 2024.

Howdy, Classmates! It's time for another episode of your favorite podcast all about decolonizing the arts and arts education, Lincoln Center's ART CLASS! This week, we're talking all about Black folks' contributions to folk and country music, which we're told is very much in the zeitgeist thanks to the queen of everything, Mrs. Beyoncé Giselle Knowles Carter. We'll be joined for a chat by musician, scholar, and all around lovely person, Jake Blount, who takes us through his journey to the heart of Black folk music both on and offstage (0:14:40). Later, we're joined by author and friend of the show, Kao Kalia Yang (0:51:48), for another inspirational Career Day for all you up-and-coming writers. And of course, the Morning Announcements with Emile (0:48:05) and a moment of Pure Black Joy (0:58:09). (Spoiler alert: somebody wrote about us in a book!) So take your seats, y'all, because class is in session!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds (Mabolé Inawale)

Guests: Jake Blount, Kao Kalia Yang

Contributor: Emilia Mettenbrink

Producer: Rocky Jones

--

Extra Credit

To read more about country and folk music’s Black roots (through a queer and feminist theory framework), check out Francesca T. Royster’s Black Country Music: Listening for Revolutions.

--

Links

Jake Blount (Website) (Insta)

Kao Kalia Yang (Website)

Raising the Curtain: Technology Success Stories from Performing Arts Leaders and Arts (