noonartsound, a series of University of St. Thomas programs that blend musical performance and historical perspective, will feature a program on “The 1930s: Songs of the Early Labor Movement” noon-1 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, in the first-floor O’Shaughnessy Room (Room 108) of O’Shaughnessy-Frey Library on the university’s St. Paul campus.
The program, free and open to all, features the talents of Dr. Shelly Nordtorp-Madson, chief curator and a member of the clinical faculty in the Department of Art History, and the duo called Wilkinson James.
Andrew (AJ) Scheiber and Liz Wilkinson are both professors in the English Department. They have been performing folk and honky-tonk music under the band name “Wilkinson James” for the past seven years. Earlier this year they released their first CD, which is being played on local and college radio outlets.
They will be playing a mixture of original songs and folk and labor tunes from the 1930s, including a song or two by Woody Guthrie. One of the original songs they will play is their Depression-era-themed “Workin’ for the T.V.A.,” which can be heard on their website here.
Nordtorp-Madson will present a series of popular art and photos from the 1930s, including images of labor unrest and musicians from that time.
Those attending the May 5 program are welcome to bring their lunch; beverages and light dessert will be provided.
You can check the library blog for more information, and if you have any questions, contact Julie Kimlinger or (651) 962-5014.
