The Arhoolie Foundation
10341 San Pablo Avenue
El Cerrito, CA 94530 USA
Tel: 510-525-7471
Fax: 510-525-1204
E-mail: [email protected]
The Arhoolie Foundation is a 501c3 non profit organization dedicated to the documentation, preservation, and celebration of regional roots music and its makers. By our activities, we seek to broaden public awareness of our diverse music history, support the vitali
ty of living traditions, and reinforce the value and sustainability of community-based cultures. The Arhoolie Foundation stems from the work of founder Chris Strachwitz and his seminal independent record label Arhoolie Records. In 1960, Strachwitz recorded Texas songster Mance Lipscomb for what was to become Arhoolie Records’ first album. Since then, he has devoted his life to recording and sharing regional music with a special emphasis on the genres of Blues, Cajun/Zydeco, and Tejano/Norteño. In 2016, Smithsonian Folkways acquired Arhoolie Records and continues to distribute the Arhoolie catalog worldwide. We strive to carry on this legacy through:
Digitally preserving unique archival collections including the Strachwitz Frontera Collection, the largest known gathering of historic Mexican and Mexican-American recorded music. Sharing these historical treasures through physical and online exhibits, public programming, and community outreach. Providing direct support to artists, teachers, scholars and others working to ensure the continued vibrancy and sustainability of tradition-based music. Our archival website seeks to create broad and equitable access to our rare collections. You can browse photo galleries, interviews, videos, and streaming audio. Our YouTube channel offers a large and ever-increasing selection of recordings from the Frontera Collection. The site also shares news about Arhoolie Foundation projects, events, and other happenings. The Arhoolie Foundation Board of Directors
Chris Strachwitz - President
Adam Machado - Executive Director
John Leopold - Managing Director
Larry Batiste
Laura DeFreyne
Tom Diamant
R. Field
Miguel Govea
Mike Kappus
Laurie Lewis
Davia Nelson
Suzy Thompson
The Arhoolie Foundation Advisory Board
T Bone Burnett
Bob Dylan
Michael Doucet
Billy Gibbons
Alan Govenar
Queen Ida Guillory
Neal Halfon
Steve Miller
Charlie Musselwhite
Bonnie Raitt
Ann Savoy
Nick Spitzer
Tom Waits
Elijah Wald
Linda Ronstadt
Joel Selvin
