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Scott Alarik was born on January 5, 1951 in Hennepin, Minnesota to parents Carolyn Thacker Alarik and George Hilding Alarik. He became a folksinger after he graduated high school in 1969. He actively opposed the Vietnam War, joining the Resistance Movement while still in high school by publicly refusing to register for the draft. He was convicted of resisting the draft and served 19 months in federal prison. His commitment to thoughtful, mutually-respectful dialogue around national partisan politics continued his entire life.
After his release from prison in 1972, he became a fixture on the national folk music
circuit, performing regularly on
Scott Alarik's love for music and the folk community extended from singing to writing and back again throughout his life.
Alarik was The
He was a writer’s writer, beloved by his colleagues as much as by readers and artists he
wrote about.
His first book
His second book
One of his favorite causes was documenting folk history in plain speak, easy to understand and remember, so everyone could participate in the knowledge, legacy and promise of community. He often shared stories to lend context to the whys, hows and what ifs that made things the way they are today. "He had a vision for how things were connected and that is really what made him the cream of the crop. He had an ability to synthesize information in such a way that it led to new revelations and connections. Not everybody can do that," said MarySue Twohy of Sirius XM.
Part of his process was to dive deep and document. Among his many projects in that endeavor were:
Scott Alarik died on December 1, 2021 at 70 years old. Pete Seeger called Scott Alarik "one of the best writers in America." His spirit lives on in his creative works - his books, articles, radio programs, videos, voiceovers, and educational materials. He was a lover and maker of folk music and an advocate for folkies everywhere.
Scott Alarik was involved with the folk music scene in a variety of roles. As an author, folksinger, journalist, radio programmer, advocate, activist, and music community leader, Alarik’s collection includes materials from several aspects of his career, especially writing and interviewing. Manuscripts, drafts, notes and reviews of
his book
The collection is arranged into four series: writing, research, personal and ephemera, and audio/visual materials. The audio/visual series is divided into three sub-series by format: miniature cassette tapes, cassette tapes, and CD/DVDs,
The collection is open for research.
Gift of David vonFischer, 2024.
Processed by Micehlle Conceison, 2025; Kate Bowlin, 2026
Series consists of notes, printouts and articles on various topics associated with folk music. It appears the research was compiled by Alarik for both teaching and writing purposes. Some of the materials are clearly labeled indicating why the research was conducted (i.e. for a class or workshop) while other materials do not.
This series contains materials written by Alarik including articles, books, and songs. Several copies and drafts of his novels "Revival" and "Rebel Song" are included. Publishing correspondence and marketing materials for his writing are also present. There are also several notepads with informal notes written in them. More drafts and documents relating to his writings can be found in the CD/DVD sub-series of the audiovisual series.
Flyers, event passes, some correspondence, photographs, and buttons mostly created for folk music events and organizations.
Materials consist of a combination of audio interviews, music, writing, notes, and programming that Alarik was involved in or reviewed. Some of his own music is included.
Recorded interviews Alarik conducted for various articles and writing projects. Most cassettes have interviews with multiple people on them, some of which are not identified. Individuals and dates were determined by listening to the tapes, though not all were able to be identified.
Cassettes are mostly recordings of live shows with some interviews, demos and produced cassettes interspersed.
Materials include live and studio recording music as well as radio shows, music videos, and demos. A large portion of CD-roms contain files of Alarik's novel "Revival."
Script notes for Aine DVD linking Celtic cycle of the year with folk music reflected in rituals.
Research, notes and song lists connecting celtic cycle of the year with rituals and how they are reflected in folk music.
Alan Lomax - folklorist, musicologist, author, disc jockey, singer, contributions to the folk song revival of the 1960s. How he changed folk lore. Library of Congress work. Field recordings, gaining trust in communities internationally. Influence on non-professional folk musicians whom he recorded who then became commercial stars: Ledbelly.
Avec Michael Doucet -master fiddler talks with Bill Nevins about Cajun music. Oral history, Cajun Creole folk songs, French/Louisiana music. Acadia - French colony of North America (New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia) and how the British forced the French to leave. Contributions of African, German and Spanish cultures to Louisiana music. 31 page text of interview with Doucet. Nick Spitzer host of American Routes.
Materials pertaining to multple class sessions of a workshop or class Scott Alarik taught about folk music history
Dave Van Ronk, Mayor of MacDougal Street - Greenwich Village music scene. Down in Washington Park. Traditional jazz and folk music intersected in the jug band. Years with Folkways Records until 1963. Interpreter of Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell. Van Ronk as mentor: Bob Dylan, Suzanne Vega, Jackson Browne, Tom Paxton.
Research, notes and film script about David Amram ("Latin Roots Music Legend") for his 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award from Folk Alliance International
Research, notes and draft script for FAI LAA film about Cecil Sharp, English Folk Dance and Song Society, includes a timeline of EFDSS
Documents, programs, reports, drafts, notes from interviews with various members of the FAI community regarding Folk Alliance International for a film Scott Alarik made about the history of the organization's formation, services, activities, and leaders on the occassion of FAI's 30th anniversary as an organization, unpublished quotes and remarks from many of the organizations founders and key members. Includes bios of the particpants and minutes from the first meeting of the North American Folk Music Association (NAFMA), now Folk Alliance International (FAI)
Research and notes for The Sixties Folk Revival: Why it started and Why it ended. The surprising role the anti-communist blacklist played in fomenting the folk revival.
The Old Time Rivival - originally appeared as Rounder Liner Notes. Old Time: the New Punk Music - originally published in The Boston Globe. Irish Music and Scottish Music. Klezmer - the dance and celebrational music of European Jews and similarities with African-American gospel. Dudley Laufman. Cowboys. Folk turns PRO. Maddy Prior- Child Ballads. Ashokan Farewell - music explored through dance.
Research materials on Francis Childs' compilation of ballads, definition of ballads and folk tradition. Journal of Folklore research on poetry of ballads. Childs' story. Scott Alarik's introduction to Jeff Places' compiled and annotated Classic Ballads 3/17/16.
Research, notes, and film script about Helen Creighton (folklorist and archivist) for her 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award from Folk Alliance International, Helen Creighton Folklore Society, includes bios, articles, interviews with Heather Rankin and Clary Croft. Acadian and Maritime Canadian folksongs, song collecting, Nova Scotia traditional music
Research, notes, interviews and film script about Joni Mitchel for her Lifetime Achievement Award from Folk Alliance International
Letters appreciating Scott Alarik.
Research, notes, interviews and comments of various artists about Leonard Cohen for his Lifetime Achievement Award from Folk Alliance International
Tributes to Mahalia Jackson, Gospel Singer and Civil Rights Symbol. Obituary - January 28, 1972 by Alden Whitman. Singing the Glory of God, An Appraisal by John S. Wilson. "Queen of Gospel" to Chicago and the world in Chicago Tribune by Ron Grossman - September 13, 2018. New Orleans Jazz Fest tribute to Mahalia Jackson. Wikepedia file. presumably for FAI Lifetime Achievement Award film
Research, notes, interviews and comments of various artists about Manny Greenhill for his Lifetime Achievement Award from Folk Alliance International. Includes copy of Folklore, The First 50 Years by Manny Greenhill. Testimony to Manny by John Fahey.
Correspondence via mail and email regarding Folk Alliance International business operations, includes human resources documents that may be sensitive in nature (between Art Menius, Phyllis Barney and others regarding an employee's contract/layoffs), also includes board and director reports, board operating policies
Research, notes, and film script about Passim, including interviews with Matt Smith, Betsy Siggins, and stories about Joan Baez, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Anais Mitchell, Bill Monroe
Pete Seeger Program, Club Passim
Research, notes, song lists in preparation for speaking engagements of various durations on the topic of Politics and Folk Music. How oppressed people expressed politics in code, military campaign songs, broadside ballads, women ballads and laments, Stephen Foster, Civil War songs, Labor Songs, Woody Guthrie, 1960s when political songs were part of mainstream commercial music.
Draft articles and research regarding Ben Jaffe, Allan and Sandra Jaffe (Perservation Hall's founders), Preservation Hall's history through to programming circa ~2010s - presumably for FAI Lifetime Achievement Award film
Article and notes for Robert Burns Unplugged by Scott Alarik in the Boston Globe, August 7, 2005
Related to class two at OLLI (UMass Boston)
Song lists and notes for speaking engagement/workshop on the Roots of Songwriting.
Salt Atlantic Chanties by Tom Sullivan copyright 1980 Folkways Records & Service Corp. NYC. (12 pages) Sea shanty from Wikepedia: etymology, history and development, nature of the songs. (13 pages) Sea Chanteys and Sailor Songs at Mystic Seaport by Stuart M. Frank copyright 1978 Folkways Records & Service Corp. NYC.(19 pages)
Research material, class description and notes for UMass class, "Discovering Folk Music".
Materials were kept togther in a binder, each section of the binder was put in its own folder and labeled with the title of the section.
Research and notes connecting winter rituals in different cultures and how they are reflected in music.
OLLI at UMass Boston: Women in Folk Music
Documents, drafts of articles, articles about history of ballads, Scott Alarik album review, note to self, blog ideas, Alison Krauss, Mavis Staples, The Staple Singers, Mahalia Jackson, Medicine Shows, Dolly Parton, broadside ballads
Documents, drafts of articles, articles about Child ballads, Francis James Child, Clarence Williams, Jazz rhythm, Bessie Smith, Sing for Freedom Lest We Forget Vol 3, Port Fairy Folk Festival Australia (Jamie McKew, Caroline Moore), parlor music, history of printing and publishing music, pianos in homes
Documents, drafts of articles, articles about Fisk Jubilee Singers, Bernice Reagon, author's agents, Okeh Records, Rosalie Sorrels, W.C. Handy, Rockabilly, Carl Perkins, 60s folk revival, Ma Rainey, Septimus Winner, George Frederick Root, Carrie Jacobs- Brand, Robert Burns, Patsy Cline, Pete Seeger, chanteys, work songs, blues, John Prine, Almanac Singers, Millard Lampell
Documents, drafts of articles, articles about Rounder Records 50th Anniversary, Woody Guthrie, This and is Your Land, Kumbaya, Best Folk Blogs in 2010, The Kingston Trio, Tom Dooley, Bruce Sylvester
Documents, drafts of articles, articles about jug bands, including prints and clippings of articles Scott wrote in Vol 55 No 4 Sing Out! and about Alastair Moock, Jean Ritchie, Utah Phillips, Ani Difranco, New England regional folk music festivals in 2008, Phil Ochs, Kim and Reggie Harris, Janis Ian, John Gorka, Ciaran Carson, LeAnn Rimes, Chris Smither
Large steno notepad, aged/weathered, includes letter draft from Richard Johnson, notes about Cosy Sheridan, Garrison Keillor, all handwritten
Single issues from two periodicals - Midwest Folk Issue 7 Winter 2004 and Inside Arts March/April 2005
Three mid-sized (9.5"x6") notebooks filled with handwritten notes by Scott Alarik
Handwritten notes by Scott Alarik about ideas, shopping lists, expressions of opinions and feelings
Notes and song ideas, all handwritten
Scott Alarik's notes and drafts about A&O (Admissions and Orientation) and other aspects he considered when writing his final novel/memoir Rebel Songs. Alarik was incarcerated at multiple prisons - in life and reflected in the book.
Scott Alarik's notes and drafts about County Prisons (Hennepin, Lincoln, etc) and other aspects he considered when writing his final novel/memoir Rebel Songs. Alarik was incarcerated at multiple prisons - in life and reflected in the book.
Letters sent by Scott Alarik to father during Vietnam War. Includes newspaper article reporting on Scott's trial/hearing and court order.
Letters sent by Scott Alarik to Steve during Vietnam War. Includes newspaper article reporting on Scott's trial/hearing and court order.
Scott Alarik's notes, ideas, and draft passages for his final novel Rebel Songs (broken out into folders in the order they were stacked in his effects)
Scott Alarik's notes, ideas, and draft passages for his final novel Rebel Songs (broken out into folders in the order they were stacked in his effects)
Scott Alarik's notes, ideas, and draft passages for his final novel Rebel Songs (broken out into folders in the order they were stacked in his effects)
Scott Alarik's notes, ideas, and draft passages for his final novel Rebel Songs (broken out into folders in the order they were stacked in his effects)
Scott Alarik's notes, ideas, and draft passages for his final novel Rebel Songs (broken out into folders in the order they were stacked in his effects)
Scott Alarik's notes, ideas, and draft passages for his final novel Rebel Songs (broken out into folders in the order they were stacked in his effects)
Scott Alarik's notes, ideas, and draft passages for his final novel Rebel Songs (broken out into folders in the order they were stacked in his effects)
Scott Alarik's notes, ideas, and draft passages for his final novel Rebel Songs (broken out into folders in the order they were stacked in his effects)
Scott Alarik's notes, ideas, and draft passages for his final novel Rebel Songs (broken out into folders in the order they were stacked in his effects)
Scott Alarik's notes, ideas, and draft passages for his final novel Rebel Songs (broken out into folders in the order they were stacked in his effects)
Scott Alarik's notes, ideas, and draft passages for his final novel Rebel Songs (broken out into folders in the order they were stacked in his effects)
Marked up drafts, pages, sections of Rebel Songs with notes about edits to make, appears to be close to final
Scott Alarik's notes and drafts about El Reno and other aspects he considered when writing his final novel/memoir Rebel Songs. Alarik was incarcerated at El Reno for a portion of the book.
Letters sent by Scott Alarik to family members (Mom, Dad, Grandma, Steve) from prison while incarderated during Vietnam War. Some letters include notes Scott Alarik made on the letters when he was researching/writing his novel/memoir Rebel Songs
Letters sent by Scott Alarik to family members (Mom, Dad, Grandma, Steve) from prison while incarderated during Vietnam War. Some letters include notes Scott Alarik made on the letters when he was researching/writing his novel/memoir Rebel Songs. Appear to be letters Scott prioritized to be utilized writing the book.
Letters sent by Scott Alarik to family members (Mom, Dad, Grandma, Steve) from prison while incarderated during Vietnam War. Some letters include notes Scott Alarik made on the letters when he was researching/writing his novel/memoir Rebel Songs. Appear to be letters Scott prioritized to be utilized writing the book.
Full printed version of manuscript for Rebel Songs (memoir/novel), unclear if this is the final version
Full printed version of manuscript for Rebel Songs (memoir/novel), unclear if final version, includes notes on edits and proofreading, appears to be close to final
Notes, statistics, things Alarik wanted to remember to include in credits/acknowledgements when Rebel Songs was published
Marked up drafts, pages, sections of Rebel Songs with notes about edits to make, appears to be close to final manuscript
Scott Alarik's notes and research about Seagouville and other aspects he considered when writing his final novel/memoir Rebel Songs. Alarik was incarcerated at Seagouville for a portion of the book.
These materials were kept in titled sections. Sections were preserved in separate folders and the titles included on the folder.
Kept in folder labeled "HOT"
Includes childhood photograph, several press photographs, proof sheets from 1979 photo shoot, proof sheet of photos taken at music festival, sleeve of 35 mm negatives.
Recommendation letter from Garrison Keillor; newspaper clipping from the Stamford Advocate; photocopy drafts for promotional use in brochures; design layout for subscription form for the New England Folk Almanac; photocopy of article from The Collegian, Auburn NY; original page (pp147-148) from Sing Out! magazine with review of Scott Alarik's album All that is True on page 148 ; original pages (ppD3-D9) from Music column of periodical The Record with feature article, "Scott Alarik comes to Troy" with business card from the journalist attached/ stapled to newspaper; photocopy of pages 89-90 from Dirty Linen magazine with a portion of the review of Scott Alarik's album All that is True on page 90, phrase highlighted in green.
Two issues
Discussion of storytelling as a profession and art form.
Discussion of Paxton's new album Wearing the Time; Discussions of community theater "Revels" midwinter event
Mick Moloney and Joanie Madden interviewed
Interviews with several artists about a the artist Bob Franke and a tribute they were participating in.
Discussion of Ryan's career starting with her time in Cherish the Ladies and
Discussion of King's political influences on music and the group Bright Morning Star.
Discussion with Daring and Stahl about their personal and musical histories.
Discussion with Bob and Rae Ann Donilon about the history of Passim
Discussion with Kaldor about career and children; Discussion with Bain about his career and involvement with The Boys of the Lough
Discussion with Tucker about her comedy show; Discussion with Miller about album The Red Road
Discussion with Near about her play Fire in the Raine … Singer in the Storm based on her autobiography. This side also inclludes a partial interview with an unknown male; Disussion with Cliff about newly elected Clinton Administration and her radio shows
Scott listening to "Aunt Marge" give some family history. There are some instances of cassette remanence towards the beginning of the tape.
Disussion with Mattea of country music and its popularity in Boston and wider America.
Disussion with Herold about his venue, The Iron Horse; Partial interview with Ferron
Discussion with Mackenzie about her singing career; Discussion with Ackerman about Windham Records
Discusson with Reagon about her career as a musician and activist and African American folk music in general. Interview was given in connection with the Newport Folk Festival.
Discussion with Colvin about her music career; Discussionwith Lavin about new album On a Winter's Night
Discussion with Rooney about his musical career and country versus folk music; Both interviews discuss Boston and the success of folk music versus country
Discussion with Lehrman about her concert series "Stories after Dark" and the art of performance storytelling; Discussion with Franke about Phil Ochs
Messages from various people mostly in regards to folk performances, musicians, events, and articles.
Disussion with DiFranco about her collaborative album with Uah Phillips; Reverse side blank
Discussion with Vega for article about Passim. Her upcoming album and touring is discussed; Discussion with Gorka about Passim and its influence as a performance venue
Scott singing a song "There are no Foreigners on this Land"; Discussion with Rogers about the relationship between folk music and children's music; Discussion with Burke about his group Patrick Street
Discussion with Baird about the Folk Arts Network; Discussion with an irish musician, possibly Phil Coulter, on Irish folk music and his unique approach to it.
Interviews with Seegar about the Newport Folk Festival
Discussion with Lavin about her musical career and approach, particularly her humorous style.
Interview with Box for a profile piece on him.
Discussion with Seeger about workshops at folk festivals
Discussion with Harris about her new acoustic band and style
Discusssion with Krauss about her new record "So Long So Wrong"; Discussion with WKLB about Krauss' new record; Discussion with Casey about her career
Discussion with Ramsey about his approach to music and his time in the UK
Discussion with Lovett about his tour with Rickie Lee Jones; Discussion with Altazor member about politics and women in folk music; Discussion with Wilcox about his songs. The Altazor and Wilcox interviews are partials
Discussion with Colvin about her experience of Phil Ochs songs and his influence on her songwriting.
Discussion with O'Connell about her career and the US release of her album "Helpless Heart"; Discussion with Aunt Marge about family; Miscellaneous phone messages; Discussion with Wilson on her voice and career
Discussion of O'Flynn's music career and tour with Lunny; Discussion with Lunny about his career and tour with O'Flynn
Discussion about Club Passim and the community and participatory nature of the organization
Discussion with Rucker about his life and music career; Discussion with Rush about his current projects and musical influences
Discussion with Denver about his current albums, relationship to country and pop music, the recording industry in the 1980's, and personal philosophies; Discussion with Spotted Bird about his group The Badland Singers and Native American music and Powwows, and planned appearance at a folk festival.
Discussion with Larkin about the performance venue Iron Horse.
Discussion with Rooney about Folkways records, how he got into bluegrass, and the recording industry; Discussion with Ritchie (not confirmed) about Doc Watso; Discussion with a musician from St. Louis about bluegrass and its rise in popularity outside of the South; Discussion about open mic nights and their popularity and exposure.
Discussion with Grisman about his upcoming album "Home Is Where the Heart Is" and his music career
Discussions with Gilbert and Near and their collaboration.
Discussion with Keillor about his new radio show based in New York City
Discussion with Lavin about the history and experience in folk music.
Discussion with Morrissey about his evolution as a musician and his philosophy of music.
Discussion about the Boston College Irish Music Archives
Discussion with Williams about his Christmas variety show tour and the music industry
Discussion with Catie Curtis and an un-named female musician about the impact of Phil Ochs' music; Discussion with Robyn Ochs about "Phil Ochs Song Nights", the show's history and impact
Discussion with Mason about her cabaret career.
Discussion with Russell about her folk singing career including her time as the Balladeer for the National Parks Service
Discussion with Reagon about her current projects
Discussion with Gilbert about The Weavers and how they were popular despite being blacklisted; Discussion about the Lowell Folk Festival. *The two interviews are on both sides and recorded over each other.
Discussion with Akers about her upcoming performance in Boston
Discussion with O'Riordan about the influence of Irish Sean-nos singing on her musical expression.
Discussion of folk festivals and the artists they feature; Discusion of politics and the difference in satire of Ronald Reagan and George HW Bush; Discussion with unnamed repspondent about politics and folk music
Discussion with Doucet about Cajun Music and folk festivals.
Discussion with Seeger about his current and upcoming projects.
Discussion with Bogle about the evolution of his writing and the influence of politics on folk music; Discussion with Douglas about his career, awards, and collaborations.
Discussion with a member of band Capercaillie (probably Manus Lunny) about the band's history, musical style, and scottish music; Interview with an unamed country artist who discusses country music in New England; Discussion with Bennet in San Francisco about his upcoming album, record labels, and music in general.
Discussion with Bok about his musical influence and his show "Lady Odivere"; Discussion with the McGarrigle's about their music, Canadian audiences, and records.
Discussion with Seeger about the Clearwater Festival; the music as well as the boating and environment where it takes place.
Discussion with O'Connell about her time with the Irish group De Dannan, her solo career, and her new record "Wandering Home"
Discussion with Van Ronk about his aversion to workshops which he thought were poorly named; Discussion with Ritchie about her experience and opinion of workshops at folk festivals.
Discussion with Seeger about his latest record including the production and influences.
Discussion with O'Flynn about his opinion on the band Black 47; *The interviews on this cassette are all partial and recorded over each other
Discussions with two musicians, one Scottish one American, about the Christmas shows they are doing. Musicians are not identified on the cassette; Discussion with Eberhardt about his music career; Discussion with Brooke about the song Dog Dreams and her music career. *Interviews on this cassette are all partial and recorded over each other*
Discussion with Bush about his bluegrass influence and success of his band, New Grass Revival; Discussion with Monroe about bluegrass music and his part in the art. Interview conducted for a piece on an upcoming bluegrass concert.
Discussion with Geremia about his music career, how he got into blues and country music; Discussion with Rascoe about his music careeer.
Discussion with Egan about the formation and music of his group Solas.
Discussion with Van Ronk about his newest album which was more jazz focused than the singer's usually blues style.
Discussion with Philips about his collaboration with Ani DiFranco and their current album.
Discussion with Pederson about his collaborative record with Tony Rice, Larry Rice and Chris Hillman; Discussion with Keane about the rise of women in Irish music.; Discussion with Larry Rice about the collaborative record with Tony Rice, Chris Hillerman, and Herb Pederen.
Discussion with Massengill about his song writing; Discussion with two men about the logistics of running a music venue; Discussion with Menard about his music and career; Discussion with Wheeler about her career and the folk music scene
Discussion with Clancy about his show which combined irish songs, poetry, and stories; Discussion with Doucet about his current tour with other musicians called Masters of the Folk Violin.
Miscellaneous phone messages; Discussion with Mallett about his song writing; Discussion with Irvine about the group he was in called Patrick Street and how it came together
Discussion with Pleasants about his career on folk radio and his involvement in folk music projects.
Discussion with Ritchie about her Christmas shows and record (most likely, Kentucky Christmas, Old and New), with mentions of her Christmases growing up.
Discussion with Hinojosa about her family, heritage and music career.
Discussion with two unamed musicians (possible first names Joe and George) about the National Folk Festival and his approach to studying music; Discussion with Schmidt about performance venues. **Names are inferred based on labels on the tape and contextual information from the interviews**
Discussion with Gayle about her current and upcoming projects including her newest album, Ain't Gonna Worry, and her shows with Loretta Lynn
Discussion with O'Connell about The Glancy Brothers and his current work and his touring with Green Fields of America.; Discussion with Connolly about his music and touring with Green Fields of America.
Discussion with Mauldar about music workshops; Discussion with Moss about his work as editor of the music publication Sing Out!
Discussion with Carroll about her background and association with Irish music; Discussion with Sinclair and Lynn about their radio show "Hillbilly at Harvard" and the popularity of country and bluegrass in the Boston area; Question for the Folk Music Almanac (Margaret McArthur
Discussion with Glynn of Irish music and the role of music sessions at venues; Discussion with several unamed Irish musicians about the Irish music sessions they play.
Discussion with Egan about his latest record "When Juniper Sleeps" and his work on the soundtrack for the movie "The Brothers McMullen"
Discussion with Wheeler about her newest album "Driving Home" as well as her career and evolution; Small section of a discussion with Larkin which the Wheeler interview was recorded over
Discussion with several unamed musicians about Irish music sessions
Discussion with Place about Folkways Records
Discussion with Alarik's father about his person life and history
Discussion with Ritchie about her album "Mountain Born" and the Kentucky Educational Television program of the same name.
Discussion with Wilson about the National Folk Festival and its being hosted in Lowell; Discussion with Green about the creation of the Lowell Folk Festival
Discussion with Seeger about the publication "Sing Out"
Discussion with two musicians about the talent management group Fleming, Tamulevich and Associates; Discussion with Ferron about her music and the remix of her record "Phantom Center"
Discussion with Fleming about his music talent agency at the time Fleming, Tamulevich and Associates
Discussion with Yarrow about Peter, Paul, and Mary record being released called "Flowers and Stones"; Discussion with Rowan about his upcoming record "Dust Bowl Children"
Discussion with McTell about the popularity of his song "Streets of London" and his songwriting, as well as his upcoming record "The Boy With a Note"
Discussion with the subjects about the Lowell folk festival; Question for the Folk Almanac "What's your favorite memory from a festival?"
Discussion with Bloom about current songwriters relationship to the songwriters of the folk revival period in the 1960's and 1970's
Discussion with Winston about learning the guitar, different musical styles, and the creation of his own record label; Very end of an interview with a Clinton; Discussion with Cuffe about the band Ossian and his and Billy Jackson's move to America as well as their current tour; Discussion with Smith about his music for the Play "The Grapes of Wrath"
Discussion with Black about the album she was working on, "No Frontiers" although the album did not have a title at the time. As well as her musical style; Discussion with Seeger and his connection to the Smithsonian record label Folkways.
Discussion with a man (probably Dan Duggan) about the current folk music scene and his career as a music teacher.
This cassette is unable to play. The labe has "Tony Seeger" and Jeff Place" written on it.
Discussion with Pokrovsky about his part in the event Christmas Revels.
Discussion with Jackson and Palter about cabaret, specifically in Boston and the way the scene has changed.
Discussion with someone (labeled "Crimmins" on tape) about environmentalism and activism; Discussion with Fraser about how he became a fiddler and his musical style and technique
Discussion with Irwn, Nowlin, and Levy about the formation of Rounder Records.
Discussion with Browne about Joan Baez including his colaboration with her and her 30th anniversary tour; Discussion with Greenhill about his management of Joan Baez for her 30th anniversary tour.
Discussion with Christine Lavin, Debi Smith, Megon McDonough and Sally Fingerett about the formation and career of the touring group Four Bitchin' Babes
Discussion with Mason about the Old Vienna Kaffeehaus in Westborough; Interview with a woman about Christmas Revels
Discussion with Stahl and Daring about their music; Discussion with Duffey about the musical group The Seldom Scene
Discussion with Place about Folkway Records and the use and popularity of compact discs and some upcoming projects
Discussion with Cormier about fiddling and the music scene near his hometown; Discussion with Cassey about Irish music and her career; Discussion with a member of band Cherish the Ladies about Irish music and the music scene
Discussion with Mill City Music about how the company started and the role it filled
Discussion with Martin-Erickson about his radio show "Simply Folk"
Interview with Melanie Safka about her upcoming album "Precious Cargo"
Discussion with Jones about her tour with Lyle Lovett; Discussion with Toups about his current projects
Discussion with Utah Philips about his involvement and interest in the labor movement and its relation to folk music
Discussion with a female australian musician abou ther feminist ieals and how she feels about being labeled "women's music"; Discussion with Staines about his career and relation to Club 47.
Discussion with Odetta about her musical influences and how folk music spoke to her experience as an African American; Discussion with McKewen about the folk music scene. McKewen was an A&R director.
Discussion with Harris about his book "The New Folk Music"; Discussion with an unamed musician about his comedic style of performing and his approach to folk music.
Discussion with Malkoff about her work as the booking agent for the Nameless Coffeehouse; Discussion with a musician (possibly Jay Unger per cassette label) about performing at the Nameless Coffeehouse.
Discussion with Mary Chapin Carpenter about the Boston music scene and what genre she categorized herself as. As well as her newest album "Shooting Straight in the Dark"
Unplayable cassette tape with the label "Mariachi"
Disucussion with Massey about the all female brass band The Pinettes; Discussion with Locke about Native American music and the Plains to Pueblos music tour he was a part of; incomplete interview with Gordon Bok about an upcoming concert
Discussion with Rooney about Joan Baez and a project he was working on involving her; Discussion with an unamed female musician on folk music; part of an interviw with Bob Jones that was recorded over with the previous interviews.
Discussion with Cephas about blues music and his career.
Discussion with Moore about his recent album "Voyage"
Discussion with Odetta about African American music and history
Discussion with Morris about his president impersonations; Discussion with King about her music career
Discussion with Carpenter about performing at festivals. Recording is very faint and difficult to decifer.
Discussion with Tabor about her music, her touring.
Discussion with Willaimson about her music and political activism
Discussion with Carthy about his current "Farewell Tour" with Dave Swarbrick and his approach to folk music.
Discussion with Lee about his role as puppet maker in the annual show "Revels," a midwinter performace held in Cambridge
Discussion with the Cultural Affairs Director of the Lowell Historic Preservation Commission about the Lowell folk festival.
Discussion with Lavin about her approach to stagecraft; discussion with Schubart about the creation of Philo Records; Discussion with Gilbert about Philo Records which had been acquired by Rounder; Interview with McCaslin about her relationship with Philo Records
Discussion with lang about her career and musical style
Discussion with Cuffe about his career (partial interview); Interview with a Scottish musician who was a part of the band Ossian. (possibly Billy Jackson)
Discussion with Pleasants about his current project, including a potential new station.
Discussion with DeMent about the songs she wrote; Discussion with Bain about the Boys of the Lough and his solo projects.
Discussion with Paxton about his music career and history; There are snippets of other interviews that Alarik recorded over. They are unidentifiable
Discussion with Paul about his music career and his relationship with the Nameless Coffeehouse
Discussion with Paul about how he got started in folk music and his approach to performing.
Discussion with at least three musicians who were involed with the Celtic Fiddle Festival music group. It is possble the individuals include christia Lemaitre and Johnny Cunningham
Discussion with Seeger about his early music career including his time with The Weavers
Discussion with Wilson about her return to cabaret and upcoming performance in Boston. The history of her music career is also discussed; Discussion with Paxton about his children's songs and books.
Discussion with Richardson about the band The Boys of the Lough
Various phone messages
Discussion with Deighton about his music group The Deighton Family including their influences and approach to making music.
Discussion with Jones about his involvement in the show "Christmas Revels"
Discussion with Crimmins about comedy and world events; Partial interviews with a folk singer and with the booker for Club Passim
Discussion with Rogers about his brother Stan Rogers; Interview with a musician who is probably Michael Doucet about Cajun music.
Discussion with O'Connell about her career and how she selects songs; Discussion with Smither about his song writing
Discussion about the history and influence of John Henry's Hammer Coffeehouse
Discussion with Alarik's father about his person life and history
Discussion with a musician (possible first name Tom) about the music scene and performance venues; Discussion with Van Ronk about the rise in popularity of folk music.
"What do you do to relax?"
"How do you keep from going nuts over the holidays?"
"What makes a folk song different from other songs"
"How do you maintain relationships on the road?"; "How do you handle depression or isolation?"
"What songs do you listen to the most?"; Interview with a couple who perform spanish folk music.
Discussion with an unnamed musician about what seasonal music is and music themed to different times of years.
"How do you keep it together on the road?"
Discussion with Griffith about her move to a pop label and how it has effected her prevelence; "How is playing a coffeehouse different from playing a big concert?"
"What was your most favorite festival memory and your least favorite?"
"What advice would you give to your younger self?"
Discussion with a member of the band Battlefield Band about the band's history and current album; "What is your favorite festival memory and what is your least favorite?"
"Are love songs different in folk music than they are in pop?"
"What makes a good topical song and what makes a bad topical song?"
"What makes a good topical song and what makes a bad topical song?"
"What is your favorite festival memory and your least favorite?"
"How much of yourself is in your music?"
Discussionwith Pleasants about the Folk Heritage Show; Discussion with a member of the band Northern Lights about the progression of Bluegrass music.
Recording is extremely faint and difficult to make out
"What made you decide to become a folk performer?"
Discussion with Lavin about the songwriters retreat she organized on Martha's Vineyard; "What is your favorite folk festival memory and your least favorite?"
"How do you keep from going nuts over the holidays?"; Discussion with Pete Seeger about his band The Weavers.
"What is your favorite folk album?"; Discussion with Reynolds about his immigration to the US and his music career
Includes Pamela Means, Scodi, Australian John Wibberley
Radio program from the WBUR Group
Radio program from the WBUR Group
Radio program from the WBUR Group
Radio program from the WBUR Group
Radio program from the WBUR Group
Radio program from the WBUR Group
Radio program from the WBUR Group
Radio program from the WBUR Group
Radio program from the WBUR Group
Radio program from the WBUR Group
Radio program from the WBUR Group
Radio program from the WBUR Group
Radio program from the WBUR Group
Radio program from the WBUR Group
Radio program from the WBUR Group
Radio program from the WBUR Group
Radio program from the WBUR Group
Recorded Interviews, several appear to be copies of interviews found in the microcassettes. Interviewees include: Paddy Swanson, Andy Cohon, Jack Hardy, Bruce Molsky, Robert Burns, Arlo Guthrie, Carol Langstaff, Faith Hill, Ellis Paul, Pete Seeger, Dar Williams, Caroline Moore and others.
Recorded Interviews, several appear to be copies of interviews found in the microcassettes. Interviewees include: Paddy Swanson, Andy Cohon, Jack Hardy, Bruce Molsky, Robert Burns, Arlo Guthrie, Carol Langstaff, Faith Hill, Ellis Paul, Pete Seeger, Dar Williams, Caroline Moore and others.
Recorded Interviews, several appear to be copies of interviews found in the microcassettes. Interviewees include: Paddy Swanson, Andy Cohon, Jack Hardy, Bruce Molsky, Robert Burns, Arlo Guthrie, Carol Langstaff, Faith Hill, Ellis Paul, Pete Seeger, Dar Williams, Caroline Moore and others.
Jack's contract 01-16-49; Jack is at his wits end with Don 01-23-49
"If My Thoughts Could Sing"
"If My Thoughts Could Sing"
"Bok"
"Rounder"
"Dar Williams"
"Gorman"
"Golden Ring"
"Putumayo"
"McGarrigles"
"Tom Paxton"
"Best Cherish the Ladies"
"Lead Belly"
"Alison Krauss"
New England Coffee House Hour: Sally Fingerette, Tony Cuffe, Tim Mason, and Kevin McKloskey
New England Coffee House Hour: Cormac McCarthy, The Mollys, and Scott Alarik
New England Coffee House Hour: Vance Gilbert and Diane Zeigler
New England Coffee House Hour: Jeff Bartley, and Brian and Rosi Amador
New England Coffe House Hour: Robbie O'Connell and Lui Collins
New England Coffee House Hour: Ellis Paul and Ann Dodson
New England Coffee House Hour: Aoife Clancy and Bill Staines
New England Coffee House Hour: Greg Greenway and Seamus Connoly
Vasen, Cornelis Vreeswijk, obarna, Skaggmauslaget, Evert Tambe, Goram Sooscher, Stefan Demert, Skorditid, Grus I Dojjan, Glantangruppen, Thorstein Bergman
"Cosmic Mind at Play"
Scott Alarik songs on side A, Harry Belafonte Songs on side B
Second Set
Recorded by National Public Radio
3 copies
Cassette jacket: "Nov 1976 Scott Alarik Recorded Live at Rensselder Polytechnic Inst. Troy NY"
Side A Harvest Home, Side B New Klezmorim
Cassette tape is damage, may be repaired in the futre
Produced CD's still in plastic wrap
Stories
Time 27:8
Scott Alarik narrating biographic radio segments on Robert Johnson and Harry Belafonte
1963 Bob Dyln at Town Hall and Carnigie Hall; 10-4-19 Krones Quartet Tribute to Pete Seeger.
Joni Mitchell 7-7-69; Arlo Guthrie 7-7-69
Word Document and PDF files of drafts, notes, and versions of Alarik's nove "Revival."