Irish Music and Local African American History Showcased this November at the Folklife Center

The Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center presents two exciting events to wrap up the Fall semester. Both events are free and open to the public.

On Saturday, November 11 at 4 p.m., the Mud Larks, a group featuring Ryan Kurczak on hurdy-gurdy and Claire Sweeny on nyckelharpa, will perform at the Folklife Center. On these unique instruments, they perform traditional Celtic tunes and original compositions. Following their set, they will host a traditional Irish session or jam. Old-time musicians Val Mindel and Cat Stroud will assist in leading the Irish session. All musicians are welcome to bring their instruments and play during the session.

“We love hosting events where the community can interact with the performers,” said Folklife Center Director Lydia Warren, Ph.D. “During the Irish session, musicians can learn from each other, and from the Mud Larks, which is a special opportunity.”

On Tuesday, November 14 at 6 p.m., Professor Ilene Evans will debut her latest work at the Folklife Center. The performance, titled “Fairmont’s Tuskegee Airwoman: Black Dreams in Blue Skies,” will feature her interpretation and enactment of Rose Agnes Rolls Cousins. Cousins grew up in Fairmont and attended West Virginia State in Institute, West Virginia. She enrolled in the Civilian Pilot Training Program and became the first Black woman to be licensed as a solo pilot through the program.

“It is important to showcase historical figures like Cousins,” says Warren, “so that our community knows our local legacy of groundbreaking individuals.”

The Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center is located on Squibb Wilson Boulevard in Fairmont. For more information on this event or other Folklife Center programming, please email lydia.warren@fairmontstate.edu or call 304-367-4286.