Thursday, May 20, 2010

AlabamaArts Radio Podcast, Bettie Fikes Blues Singer and Civil Rights Activist

This week Deborah Boykin interviews singer and civil rights activist Bettie Fikes, who discusses her experiences as a Freedom Singer and the performers who influenced her style as blues singer. Ms. Fikes recently performed in Tuscaloosa with the Alabama Blues Project and talks about returning to her home state to sing with these students.

AlabamaArts Radio Podcast, Poetry Out Loud National Finalist Youssef Biaz

Poetry Out Loud seeks to foster the next generation of literary readers by capitalizing on the latest trends in poetry - recitation and performance.  The program, sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, provides opportunities for high school students to master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage. Diana Green, Arts in Education Program Manager interviews the 2010 Alabama State Champion, Youssef Biaz from Auburn High School, along with his English teacher and mentor, Davis Thompson. Following this interview, Youssef competed in Washington D.C. in the National semifinals and finals, placing as one of the top 9 finalists (out of 53 champions nationwide) receiving an additional $1000 scholarship and $500 for his school.

Wednesday, May 05, 2010