The Friends of the JPL Present:
I’VE GOT A SONG: A LIVING HISTORY OF THE MCCARTHY ERA – a program of stories and songs
A performance of “I’ve Got a Song! A Living History of the McCarthy Era” is scheduled for Saturday, February 21st at 1:00 p.m.
Location: Jamestown Philomenian Library Meeting Hall (26 North Road)
Written and performed by Nancy Hood with narration and musical accompaniment by Barry Brown, “I’ve Got A Song!” depicts Nancy’s childhood experiences growing up in a leftist family during the McCarthy Era. Complementing the stories is a musical selection ranging from spirituals to union songs, haunting love ballads to humorous tunes of social significance. A backdrop of family photographs and newspaper clippings completes this living history lesson that spans the mid-‘40s through the early ‘60s. Evoking laughter and tears, this program draws the audience into a child’s courageous struggle with adversity and persecution.
Reflecting on “I’ve Got a Song”, Pete Seeger wrote: “I am lucky that the seeds I planted in 1949 are still thriving. Keep on…” Historian, Howard Zinn, endorsed the program stating: “Nancy’s performance piece is a delightful reminder of the connection between songs and social justice. I found it a pleasure to listen to and truly inspiring in recalling the historic struggles for a better world.” Following a performance at the Weaver Library, librarian Joyce May wrote: “Nancy Hood and Barry Brown present an important piece of American history that is rarely discussed. In using their exceptional musical talent to tell the story, they have created a fascinating, sobering, moving and entertaining program.” https://ivegotasong.wordpress.com