To many the term “folk” means “something old” and “of the past.” Roots, Rhythms & Stories takes a fresh look at the meaning of folk music in contemporary Philadelphia. In five short documentaries, the teenage videomakers explore how music is transmitted and what it says about our diverse communities past and present. Through the documentation of performances and interviews with dancers, musicians, instrument makers, poets, storytellers, and scholars,Roots, Rhythms & Stories reveals the adaptation of musical styles, instruments, and traditions over time and across cultures. The youth videomakers give us a window into their musical heritage and a tour of Philadelphia as they investigate the roots of popular music.
The above video is part of a collection of short documentaries, titled Roots, Rhythms, and Stories and was produced by the 2009 Documentary History Project for Youth team of student workers.
