The Sound Of Progress - Songs For John Henry
Music. At Philadelphia Museum of Art , 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130, Philadelphia. United states.
John Henry is an African American folk hero. In the years after the Civil War, he is said to have worked as a "steel-driving man"—a man tasked with hammering a steel drill into rock to make holes for explosives to blast the rock in constructing a railroad tunnel. According to legend, John Henry's prowess as a steel-driver was measured in a race against a steam-powered hammer, a race that he won only to die in victory with hammer in hand as his heart gave out from stress. The story of John Henry is told in a classic folk song, which exists in many versions, and has been the subject of numerous stories, plays, books, and novels. The historical accuracy of many of the aspects of the John Henry legend are subject to debate. Several locations have been put forth for the tunnel in which John Henry died.
The Sound Of Progress: Songs For John Henry is a concert with words conceived and produced by the Philadelphia Jazz Project and written by trumpeter, Paul Giess and pianist/songwriter, James Solomon. Inspired by the illustrations of Jerry Pinkney and a story fashioned from the lyrics of classic folks songs, by writer Julius Lester, The Sound of Progress is a musical performance with words. This piece investigates the story of a man who bests a machine, of a country struggling to accept the man as a human being, and of an enduring song that celebrates the underdog.
The concert is FREE with Museum admission.
Pre-order Museum tickets for a discounted rate HERE, or purchase admission at the door.
The Sound Of Progress Performers:
Paul Giess: Music Director, Composer & Trumpet
William Brock: Piano
Tony TNT Jones: Bass
Tom Lowery: Percussion
Ed Stokes: Diddybow, Harmonica & Vocals
Connor Przybyszewski: Trombone
Ernest Stuart: Trombone
Waverly Austin: Vocals
Sonni Dey: Vocals
Helena Reid: Vocals
Cyrile Trawick: Vocals
Sirjaz Watson: Vocals
James Solomon: Songwriter
The concert is FREE with Museum admission.
Pre-order Museum tickets for a discounted rate HERE, or purchase admission at the door.