The Multicultural Council of the Riverside Museum Associates
and the Human Relations Commission present
CURTIS WRIGHT: Historian, Master Musician

HISTORY OF THE BANJO
DECEMBER 15, 2013
1:30-4:00 pm

The Box at the Fox Entertainment Plaza
3635 Market Street Riverside, California
FREE Family Program Refreshments

Live BANJO performance along with history and audience participation by master musician and cultural historian, Mr. Curtis Wright.

Join the Multicultural Council of the Riverside Museum Associates and the Human Relations Commission on this important Day. December 17th holds special significance because on that day in 1943, the US Congress repealed the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which was the nation’s first law to ban immigration by race or nationality. Repeal marked a turning point regarding society’s harsh attitudes towards immigration and immigrants.

December 17th is the Day of Inclusion, a day set aside for all of us to remember, learn, and celebrate our diverse cultural heritage- and embrace our shared differences and common goals.

Wright will help us explore the origins of the banjo from its roots in Africa and its evolution as a handmade instrument used by African American slaves to its current position in country, folk, bluegrass and traditional music. Wright has worked as a professional cowboy, educator, and is currently a circuit pastor as well as an in demand musician, having performed with Buck Page and the Riders of the Purple Sage, the Frank Wakefield Band and Jimmy Collier. In addition to the banjo, Wright plays violin, mandolin, harmonica, guitar and the Indian flute.