For the first time, the Appalachian Studies Association has selected a location north of the Mason-Dixon Line for its annual conference of hundreds of scholars and artists. That location is IUP.
Thanks to the work of English professor Jim Cahalan and sociology professor Jim Dougherty, and the strong reputation of IUP’s Center for Northern Appalachian Studies, the university will host more than 500 people for the ASA’s 35th annual conference, “The Wide Reach of Appalachia,” on March 23-25.
All are recognized experts on various topics associated with Appalachia and will be making presentations and participating in panel discussions.
Some 50 IUP faculty, staff, graduate students, and retired faculty will showcase their expertise as presenters.
While most presentations are open only to conference registrants, there are four presentations free and open to the community:
- “Pennsylvania as Greater Appalachia: Historical Perspectives”
- “Appalachian Impacts of Global Warming: Reasons for Hope”
- “The Significance of Powwows to Native Americans in Pennsylvania’s Appalachia”
- “Uncovering Racist Sundown Towns in Appalachia and Beyond”
Internationally known folk singer and songwriter Si Kahn will present a concert, open to the public, on March 24 at 8 p.m. in Fisher Auditorium. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students, and will be on sale starting February 20 at the Hadley Union Building or at the door immediately before the concert.
Kahn has worked for more than 45 years as a musician and civic rights, labor, and community organizer. He was named the 2010 top folk artist by the Folk Alliance.
AND, to set the mood, Dougherty will be the presenter for the Six O’Clock Series program this Monday, February 20. His presentation, “You Are Living in Appalachia,” offers a “myth busters” perspective on Appalachia.
“People don’t realize that being in Indiana, Pa., you’re smack dab in the northern tier of Appalachia. Our goal is to raise awareness about this region and its connection to larger society,” Dougherty says.
Hope that everyone can make it to Si Kahn’s cheap concert on Sat. March 24, 8 PM in Fisher Auditorium–$15 ($8 for students). Honored by the Folk Alliance as 2010’s #1 folk artist, Si Kahn has released sixteen albums during the past forty years. A celebrated songwriter, his song “Aragon Mill” has been covered by over 30 other musicians. His songs cover a wide range of topics including civil rights, women’s rights, labor and race relations, community organizing, war and peace, the environment, politics, and his own experiences. See http://sikahn.com/about.shtml and http://wn.com/Si_Kahn and http://www.realpeoplesmusic.com/files/sidvd.mpg.