Woody Guthrie's granddaughter to help open exhibit

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Woody Guthrie’s granddaughter to help open exhibit

Woody Guthrie’s granddaughter Anna Canoni will join Guthrie archivist Tiffany Colannino to lead the public on a guided tour of the “Woody at 100” exhibit on Tuesday, March 12, from 3 – 3:30 p.m. at the OSU Library. The pair will then share the fascinating story of the painstaking restoration of Guthrie’s only available commercial recording from 3:30 – 5 p.m. in the Peggy V. Helmerich Browsing Room.

The “Woody at 100” exhibit at the library focuses on the life and legacy of Woody Guthrie, following his journey from Okemah to the 100th anniversary of his birth. It features hundreds of never-before-seen images, artwork and handwritten lyrics, which will be on display for the first time in Oklahoma from March 12 to April 12.

After its discovery in 2001 and eventual restoration, "The Live Wire: Woody Guthrie in Performance 1949" is the only available commercial recording of a Guthrie performance. With Woody's wife Majorie Mazia Guthrie serving as emcee, this performance gives rare insight into the professional and personal relationship between the two. In this presentation, guests will listen to excerpts from the recording and hear the background to its creation. "The Live Wire" received a Grammy Award for Best Historical Album in 2007.  

Canoni, who is publisher and events and program director for the Woody Guthrie Foundation and Archives, will also provide a multimedia presentation Monday, March 11, at 6:30 p.m. in the Stillwater Public Library.  The presentation includes the film,” Woody Guthrie’s Legacy,” a documentary short directed by John Paulsen and created especially for the “This Land is Your Land: The Life & Legacy of Woody Guthrie” exhibit that toured around the U.S. from 1998-2001.  Not available for viewing anywhere else, this documentary features musicians Billy Bragg, Wilco, Ani DiFranco, U2, Bob Dylan and other special guests.  The 16-minute film will be followed by a multimedia presentation about the legacy of Woody Guthrie in today’s music community. 

To read more, go to http://www.library.okstate.edu/news/onebook/.