Ballad of Arizona:History through Story and Song at AHS Museum

June 27
Tempe event – “The Ballad of Arizona: History through Story and Song”
7:00 p.m.
AHS Museum at Papago Park, 1300 N. College Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 Phone: 480-929-9499.

This multimedia program features videos, songs, and stories that capture the special character of the Grand Canyon State. Award-winning musician Jay Cravath, who designed the event, says, “Audiences can think of the program as a Prairie Home Companion for Arizona.” Intermixed with live music and documentary footage, “The Ballad of Arizona” includes some of the more popular and unknown chapters of state history. Presentations are live or pre-recorded. Peter Iverson, an ASU Regents Professor, will explain why the rodeo is so important to Native communities. Author Dan Shilling will recount the tale of forester Aldo Leopold, who came to Arizona in 1909 and eventually wrote hundreds of essays that shaped modern environmentalism. Navajo poet Laura Tohe will tell the story of the Codetalkers, the American Indians whose coded language helped win the battle of the South Pacific during World War II. Miami High School’s improbable 1951 state basketball championship will be discussed by ASU Professor Christine Marin.

This event is free to the public and appropriate for all ages. Free parking at the museum.
Event is sponsored by AHS and made possible by a grant from the Arizona Humanities Council.

Arizona Republic article       http://www.azcentral.com/thingstodo/events/articles/20130620ballad-arizona-historical-society-museum-tempe.html?nclick_check=1.