PIE # 6 - Evolution of American Music

(29.01.2005) Richard Kondrat

Music fills the air the evening of January 29, 2005 at 5002 Colina Way in Riverside, CA as we experience “American” music. What do you think of when you hear the term “American music”? Does the idea of the summer concert with a dressed uniform band playing old or patriotic songs come to mind?

Perhaps a barbershop quartet? This is what some Americans think of as “American” music. Perhaps you think of something else like jazz, blues, or country/western? These possibilities show that “American” music is as diverse as its population. However, this was not always so, American styles were developed from a variety of factors and influences. This on going evolution was recently described by McKinley Morganfield in 1977 when he wrote a song with the lyrics, “The blues had a baby and they named the baby rock and roll.”

Rich Kondrat will attempt to show the evolution of American music from its colonial beginnings to present times. During this presentation, you will hear a wide variety of music both past and present from several genres including those less known like ragtime, bluegrass and zydeco. Several well known musicians will be heard (Louis Armstrong, Stephen Foster, John Philip Sousa) as well as some you may not be familiar with such as; Scott Joplin, Rod Piazza, Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs, and Beausoleil.

Come join us for a good time listening to some musical surprises and hear some interesting stories about it all. The music will play all night after a formal presentation and there will be food and drink to accompany. In fact, the music starts now. Please open the attached sound file to hear a form of piano playing ( novelty piano ) that was popular between 1921-1928.