Smithsonian Folkways Sound Sessions

Sound Sessions from Smithsonian Folkways is an audio journey into the rich, eclectic, and sometimes eccentric Smithsonian Folkways archive. Host Sam Litzinger and archivist Jeff Place comb the stacks for music and stories about this historic record label for monthly broadcasts that feature newly digitized audio, including rare outtakes, interviews, and never-before-heard recordings. Programs cover American folk icons, emerging artists who are continuing and transforming musical traditions around the world, and the sounds of our everyday lives, from the natural environment to the office desk. Interviews with Smithsonian Folkways staff and the artists bring a fresh, behind-the-scenes perspective to a record label that preserves a national musical treasure, documents "people’s music" from around the world, and connects people to their own and others’ heritage. New episodes air monthly on Sunday evenings at 6 p.m. on WAMU 88.5 in Washington, D.C., and often on WAMU’s Bluegrass Country. This project was made possible with the generous support of the Smithsonian Women's Committee.