Sandra Kerr has had had a long and distinguished career in Folk music. Trained by MacColl and Seeger in the controversial Critics Group, co- writer of the music for the much-loved cult TV series, Bagpuss, multi-instrumentalist, choir director , long time member of Sisters Unlimited, and much- respected lecturer and tutor on the Newcastle degree course in Folk and Traditional Music, Sandra has been awarded their highest accolade by EFDSS – the gold badge for ‘outstanding and unique contribution to the art of folk song.’ In each of those settings, bringing people together to sing in harmony has been a major feature of her work, as an expression of her deeply held belief that group singing is a magical activity which binds people together, and helps us to understand each other and the world we live in. Sandra comes to us from northern England.

https://www.sandrakerr.net/

Bonnie Lockhart and Nancy Schimmel have been singing at rallies and other political events for over sixty years. They discuss the challenges and joys of trying to rally people with music around a cause. Occupella is one iteration of their work, formed during the Occupy movement. More information at BonnieLockhart.com, NancySchimmel.com and the ever evolving Occupella songbook is available at occupella.org

https://www.occupella.org/comprehensive.html

Jake Johnson is a cultural historian and author whose work focuses on the intersection of music, myth, and community in American life. His books—such as “Mormons, Musical Theater, and Belonging in America” and “Lying in the Middle: Musical Theater and Belief at the Heart of America”—explore how musical theater and storytelling enable people to shape identity, belief, and belonging outside major cultural centers. Jake Johnson examines the everyday role of music as a form of world-building and myth-making, drawing insights from diverse communities. Our conversation explores the role of music in Mormon culture but moves beyond that into realms of identity, memory, and belong. For more information go to www.JakeJohnsonPhd.com.