If you are interested in bringing a Woody Guthrie event to your school, library, organization, art gallery, community, college, club, festival, or theater, the following is a comprehensive listing of some of the best ongoing public programs presently available.

We hope this listing will help keep Woody Guthrie's musical, political and humanistic legacy alive and well in what Woody called his global race of "world movers and shakers".

Please contact the artist or agent directly for more information on bookings, appearances, and residencies.

*Public programs and exhibitions created by the Woody Guthrie Foundation are made available to interested organizations and institutions as a public service. Fees provide operations support to the Foundation in the areas of new research and public programs.

If you value programs like these and would like to help fund them, you can now donate online to the Woody Guthrie Foundation.

Woody Guthrie Foundation Programs:

Lectures & Multimedia Presentations

Exhibits

Other Programs:

Musical & Theatrical Performances

Annual Festivals

Films on Woody Guthrie

School Programs & Workshops

This biographical program details Woody's life through the eyes of his daughter, Nora Guthrie. Nora shares the ideals and stories passed down from her parents. Juxtaposing Woody's lyrics, artwork, and prose with historic and personal family photographs, Nora gives us insight into who he was.

Time: 1½ hours

For more information contact:
Anna Canoni / Programs & Events Coordinator
T: 914-241-3844 / E: acanoni@woodyguthrie.org

*All fees from this program go to support the Woody Guthrie Foundation.

This presentation features "Legacy", a documentary directed by John Paulson and created specially for the "This Land Is Your Land: The Life & Legacy of Woody Guthrie" exhibit that toured around the U.S. from 1998-2001. Not available for view anywhere else, this documentary features Billy Bragg, Wilco, Ani DiFranco, U2, Bob Dylan, and many more special guests. Following the screening we are lead into a discussion about the legacy of Woody Guthrie in the music community.

Time: 1 hour

For more information contact:
Anna Canoni / Programs & Events Coordinator
T: 914-241-3844 / E: acanoni@woodyguthrie.org

*All fees from this program go to support the Woody Guthrie Foundation.

In this program, Nora Guthrie discusses the artistic implications of Woody's relationship with his Jewish mother in law, Yiddish poet Aliza Greenblatt. The program includes a presentation of photographs, music excerpts (from the Klezmatics 2 disc project Wonder Wheel and Happy Joyous Hanukkah), writings, and artwork that illuminate their personal and creative relationship.

Time: 1½ hours

For more information contact:
Anna Canoni / Programs & Events Coordinator
T: 914-241-3844 / E: acanoni@woodyguthrie.org

*All fees from this program go to support the Woody Guthrie Foundation.

Woody Guthrie was one of the twentieth century's most important American figures. As a songwriter, singer, best-selling author, poet, social commentator, and champion of the disenfranchised, his influence on popular culture is still felt today. However, it was in the visual arts that Guthrie first began to express himself creatively. Early on, he displayed a flair for cartooning and caricature. Throughout his life he continued to paint, draw, sculpt, potter, letter, and design, often earning a living as an advertising designer, portrait artist, sign painter, illustrator, and landscape artist. He was as passionate about his artwork as he was about everything else he created and experienced. Rediscover this American icon.

Time: 1½ hours

For more information contact:
Anna Canoni / Programs & Events Coordinator
T: 914-241-3844 / E: acanoni@woodyguthrie.org

*All fees from this program go to support the Woody Guthrie Foundation.

In this multi-media presentation, Archivist Tiffany Colannino will speak about and show some of the "Secrets of the Archives", demonstrating how the treasures held within the Collection can be used by researchers to shed light on Guthrie's career as musician, songwriter, and visual artist. Audiences will be given a virtual tour of the Archives and will view historic archival material, including Guthrie's own personally annotated collection of record albums, his handwritten lyrics and watercolor artwork, rare home movie footage, and original audio clips heard only through this presentation.

Time: 1½ hours

For more information contact:
Anna Canoni / Programs & Events Coordinator
T: 914-241-3844 / E: acanoni@woodyguthrie.org

*All fees from this program go to support the Woody Guthrie Foundation.

Who better to introduce Woody Guthrie's life and legacy to our youngest citizens than Woody's own granddaughter, Anna Guthrie Canoni!

Especially designed for elementary grade school students, Anna introduces Woody to the next generation. Working with family photographs, Woody's art and children's songs, and personal anecdotes, Anna brings Woody's story to life for young children. Anna works with small groups of students for 30-40 minute gatherings. Teachers are invited to view our online Teacher's Curriculum as preparation for this program.

For Booking Information contact:
Anna Canoni / Programs & Events Coordinator
T: 914-241-3844 / E: acanoni@woodyguthrie.org

*All fees from this program go to support the Woody Guthrie Foundation.

What do Chinese punk rockers PK14, Ojibwa musician Keith Secola and Brooklyn R&B powerhouse Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings have in common?

Woody Guthrie, of course!

Time: 1½ hours

For more information contact:
Anna Canoni / Programs & Events Coordinator
T: 914-241-3844 / E: acanoni@woodyguthrie.org

*All fees from this program go to support the Woody Guthrie Foundation.

In this lecture/demonstration, the Curator of the Woody Guthrie Archives presents an overview of the Guthrie Collection and its history. In addition to showing slide images, audio/video clips, and selected artifacts from the archives, Mr. Arévalo will offer insights into working with this rare material and discuss the cultural significance of preserving Woody Guthrie's heritage.

Time: 1½ hours

For more information contact:
Jorge Arevalo
T: 212-541-6230 / E: jarevalo@woodyguthrie.org

*All fees from this program go to support the Woody Guthrie Foundation.

Exhibitions curated by the Woody Guthrie Foundation are made available as a public service. Exhibit fees provide support to the Foundation in the areas of new research and public programs.

For booking information on all exhibits contact: Anna Canoni
T: 914-241-3844 / E: acanoni@woodyguthrie.org

This is an exhibition of selected visual works by renowned American folk musician and activist Woody Guthrie. Curated and designed by Steven Brower and Nora Guthrie, fifty-two high-quality reproductions of political cartoons, pen and ink illustrations, watercolors, children's art, and oil paintings represent various stages and developments in Guthrie’s life as a visual artist. With images and text drawn from the eponymous publication, “Woody Guthrie Artworks, The Journals, Drawings, and Sketchbooks of an American Original” (Rizzoli 2005), the exhibit unveils a previously unexplored aspect of this American icon.

This exhibit includes:

• 52 wall-hung art panels
• 2 canvas prints
• 5 biographical text with photo panels
• 7 exhibit text with photo panels
• 1 oversized photo of Guthrie
• 1 credits text panel

• 15 photographs, framed; outside dimensions are 16x20 (mat board opening is 11x14))
• A panel that introduces Woody Guthrie to the audience
• Interpretive text to accompany the artwork

This exhibit is comprised of 12 pieces; 6 photographs of Woody Guthrie dated from 1939-1954 and 6 lyrics from his collection of songwritings.

This exhibit includes:

• 6 photographs, framed; outside dimensions are 16" x 20" (mat board opening is 11" x 14")
• 6 lyrics, framed; outside dimensions are 16" x 20" (mat board opening is 11" x 14")
• A text panel that introduces Woody Guthrie to the audience
• Descriptive and contextual text to accompany the photographs and lyrics.

An active voice for the rights of the working man, Woody Guthrie was a strong advocate of labor unions. The series of art, “This is the Hand” is a brilliant commentary on the worker’s world and a powerful justification for worker’s unions. This poignant artwork is available for display.

The exhibit includes:

• Interpretive text to accompany the artwork
• A panel that introduces Woody Guthrie to the audience
• 19 works of art (reproductions)

MUSICAL & THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE

CD now available

A full length concert filled with Woody’s known and lesser known words and music. Jimmy LaFave accompanies each tour with a rotating cast including Slaid Cleaves, Eliza Gilkyson, Michael Fracasso, Ellis Paul, Joel Rafael, The Burns Sisters, Kevin Welch, Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion.

For Booking Information / Press Kit contact:
T: 512-847-7161
E: valdenn@valdenn.com
W: www.valdenn.com

A celebration of the music and words of America 's greatest ballad-maker. Woody's songs and history are combined with articles he wrote for the newspaper The People's World, to create a portrait of a real American hero who fought for the underdog. Broadway veteran David Lutken is supported by three multi-instrumentalist actors who bring Guthrie's music to life with twin fiddles, viola, guitars, bass, harmonica, banjo, mandolin, dulcimer, dobro and beautiful folk harmonies.

(Painting by Charles Banks Wilson. Usage courtesy of Mr. Wilson and the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc.)

For booking information contact:
Paul Lucas Productions, LLC
484 West 43rd Street #25F
New York, NY 10036
US Telephone: +1-212-505-8908
UK Telephone: 011 44(0)7914 702 607 (July and August only)
E: info@paullucasproductions.com
Press Inquiries: press@paullucasproductions.com

Hitch a ride with Woody across the landscape of America’s music and dance traditions. His songs are used as the basis of the journey. We feel the rhythms and the moods of Woody’s people in their dances: Southern Appalachian clog dancing, Western style squares and Virginia reels, New England contra dancing, Harlem’s lindy hop and New York’s modern, interpretive styles. This is a wonderful and innovative way of introducing Woody’s music to audiences of all ages. Workshops in all the instrumental and dance styles and school residencies are also available.

For Booking Information / Press Kit contact:
Livia and Bill Vanaver / Vanaver Caravan
T: 845-256-9300 / F: 845-256-9400
W: www.vanavercaravan.org

“About all a human being is, anyway, is just a hoping machine”
–Woody Guthrie

Passionate, spirited versions of both Woody’s well-known and more obscure songs performed by three of New York’s Hudson Valley’s most critically- acclaimed singer/ songwriters. Woody’s words and music are more relevant then ever and these three musicians perform the songs as if they were brand new. A mixture of poignant, reflective moments, hootenanny sing-alongs, and old-time jamming, plus readings and stories from Woody’s writings.

For booking contact:
Fred Gillen Jr.
T: 914-271-0919
E: fredgillenjr@yahoo.com
W: www.fredgillenjr.com
P.O. Box 250
Verplanck, NY 10596

ANNUAL FESTIVALS

This Annual FREE summer festival takes place in Woody’s home town of Okemah, Oklahoma. Musicians from around the country gather to celebrate Woody’s life and musical legacy. This festival is organized & funded by the Woody Guthrie Coalition, founded by Woody's sister, Mary Jo Edgmon.

For more information, visit: www.woodyguthrie.com

This annual two day festival celebrates Woody's life in Pampa, Texas from 1929 - 1936. Local and guest musicians pay tribute to Woody at various venues around town all weekend long. A walking tour includes a stop at the Harris Drug Store where Woody learned to play his first guitar.

For information contact:
T: 806-669-3241
W: http://www.woodyguthrie-pampatx.org/welcome.aspx

SCHOOL PROGRAMS & WORKSHOPS

PASTURES OF PLENTY
Presenters: The Vanaver Caravan

You can choose from a variety of workshops and master classes , including "A Woody Guthrie Musical Biography," a presentation called "Woody's Roots," as well as workshops on any of the instruments, music styles and dance styles featured in "Pastures of Plenty."

Pastures of Plenty can be excerpted and included within our other programs.

For Booking Information / Press Kit contact:
Livia and Bill Vanaver / Vanaver Caravan
T: 845-256-9300 / F: 845-256-9400
W: www.vanavercaravan.org

THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND: Woody Guthrie in American History
Presenter: David M. Lutken

THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND focuses on American cultural history of the 1920s through the1940s, from the state of Oklahoma, where Woody spent his boyhood, through the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, F.D.R.'s New Deal and WPA, to World War II.  This musical presentation follows Woody from California to New York and beyond, capturing the personal narrative of a man who spoke for many who had no public voice.  Fifty minutes in length, the show is intended for performance for NYC middle school students, but may be adapted to suit any group from kindergarten to college level. Support materials are available.

For booking information contact:
Helen Russell 
T: 212-673-7202 
E: ThisLandNYC@aol.com
W: www.ThisLandNYC.com

In this musical workshop, Anne Price and Steve Suffet explore a few of Woody Guthrie’s lesser known songs, such as 66 Highway Blues, Peace Call, and Way Over Yonder in a Minor Key. Some were recorded or published in Woody’s own lifetime; others were discovered among his effects after his death. Several of the latter were found as lyrics only, and have been set to music by musicians such as Billy Bragg. All deserve to be recognized as the gems that they are.

For more information contact:
Steve Suffet: SSuffet@nyc.rr.com
41-05 47th Street
Sunnyside, NY 11104
T: (718) 786-1533
W: www.stevesuffet.com
W: www.anneprice.com

“These Pacific Northwest songs has got a lot of personal feelings for me, ‘cause I was there on these very spots and on these very grounds…..” Woody Guthrie

Bill Murlin, editor of “Roll On Columbia- The Columbia River Songs”, and Carl Allen are The Wanderers. They have been singing together for nearly 50 years. Since 1984 they have been presenting programs on Woody’s time in the Pacific Northwest in May 1941 when he wrote 26 songs in 30 days while working for the Bonneville Power Administration. Using Woody’s songs woven into the history and politics of post- Depression America, The Wanderers present a fascinating slice of Americana spiced with some of Woody’s most memorable songs including “Roll On, Columbia,” “Pastures of Plenty,” and “The Grand Coulee Dam.”

For Booking contact:
Bill Murlin: (503) 642-9100
Carl Allen: (206) 782-1539
W: www.thewanderersfolk.com

Boston singer/songwriter Alastair Moock is now offering school performances and workshops on American songsmith and dust bowl activist Woody Guthrie. Telling the tale of America's greatest troubadour through song and then using those songs to teach songwriting craftsmanship, Moock teaches vital aspects of American history and language arts skills to kids of all ages.

Alastair was first inspired to pursue a career in folk music after reading Woody Guthrie's memoir Bound for Glory in high school. Since then, he has gone on to win top honors at some of the country's most prestigious songwriting contests, record five critically acclaimed albums, and tour throughout the U.S. and Europe.

For Booking contact:
E: booking@moock.com
W: www.moock.com

Will Kaufman's new musical presentation explores Woody Guthrie's anti-racist songs and activism. Conventionally known for his championing of the poor white Dust Bowl migrants, Guthrie also left an extensive body of songs condemning Jim Crow segregation, race hatred and racial fascism. Most of these songs were never recorded, but they are the legacy of Guthrie's own personal transformation into a committed civil rights activist working and singing with the likes of Lead Belly, Sonny Terry, Brownie McGhee and Paul Robeson in the 1940s and 50s. It is a truly heartening and uplifting legacy, demonstrated through live performance and historical commentary. Will Kaufman is a Professor of American Literature and Culture at the University of Central Lancashire.

"Listen up, all you Jim Crow fascists and you race-hate mongers, too: Will Kaufman is a-comin' and he's got his eye on you. Won't brake for no excuses, won't stand no messin' round - Your bigot ways can't save you 'cause Will Kaufman's gonna run you down!" - Ry Cooder

For Booking contact:
E: wkaufman@uclan.ac.uk
W: www.myspace.com/willkaufman
As ever, no fee requested - only expenses.

Do you have a Woody Guthrie Program that you would like to see listed?

Please e-mail us at programs@woodyguthrie.org for listing consideration.

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