Community

Connecting artists, archivists, and enthusiastic listeners
to preserve musical identity for future generations.

Upcoming and Recent Events

Join us for listening sessions, presentations, book readings, panel discussions, and special events.

Sep
12-14
Debut Singing from The Sacred Harp: 2025 Edition
Atlanta, Georgia
Join the United Sacred Harp Musical Association’s unveiling of the newly revised Sacred Harp tunebook. The weekend opens with an all-day “Revising The Sacred Harp” symposium, followed by participatory singing sessions at The Foundry at Puritan Mill.
Sep
16
The Early Films of William Ferris
Meridian, Mississippi
A selection of Ferris’s 1970s documentaries on blues, gospel, and Southern traditions will be screened at The MAX in honor of his Hall of Fame induction. These films will be screened through November 8, 2025.
Sep
26-28
Haarlem Vinyl Festival
Haarlem, Netherlands
A city-wide celebration of vinyl culture featuring concerts, listening sessions, exhibitions, and a record fair. Lance and April will be traveling to the Netherlands to take part in this unique gathering of music lovers, artists, and industry innovators.
Oct
15–19
American Folklore Society 2025 Annual Meeting
Atlanta, Georgia
This year’s conference gathers folklorists, scholars, and tradition bearers for sessions exploring cultural expression and preservation. On October 20 at 5:30 p.m., Lance will present “Establishing Thoughtful Frameworks in Today’s Music Landscape”—a talk on creating intentional, immersive listening experiences and strategies for presenting music both physically and digitally to build lasting audience connections.

Stories from Our Substack

Read about the music, friends, and artists who have impacted us.

The 20th Anniversary of Dust-to-Digital
Dust-to-Digital marks its 20th anniversary by reflecting on the production of its first release, "Goodbye, Babylon,"" a landmark box set of sacred recordings that defined the company’s mission. Over two decades, the company has grown into a renowned archive of rare and historic music, preserving cultural memory through meticulous curation and storytelling.
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Remembering Elizabeth Cotten
Lance Ledbetter writes about Elizabeth Cotten’s journey from private musician to American folk icon began with a chance encounter in the Seeger family’s home. Discovered in her 60s, Cotten went on to record her first album, influence generations of musicians, and leave a lasting mark with her distinctive left-handed guitar style. Her story is a testament to the overlooked voices that shape music history—and the serendipity that sometimes brings them to light.
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Spirit of ’78s: A Record Party in Asheville
April Ledbetter reports on the community and culture surrounding 78‑RPM records in “The Spirit of 78s: A Record Party,” honoring the legacy of Frank Mare and celebrating the shared passion of collectors who shaped the label’s sound. The piece underscores how these gatherings fostered connection through rare music and the dedication of individuals devoted to preserving its history.
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