The Village of Yellow Springs Public Arts & Culture Commission — in partnership with The Yellow Springs Community Foundation and the The Beloved Community Project — proudly presents Revival: A Celebration of American Music, September 25–27, as part of the Village’s America 250 celebration.

In the spirit of Help Us Make A Nation (HUMAN) and the AACW Blues Fest, Revival honors some of our nation’s greatest cultural exports by celebrating the diverse musical traditions that have shaped America’s story—bringing people together through live music, culture, and shared history.

Join us for an evening featuring Joe Zavaan Johnson, who will present “African Roots of the Banjo and Its Impact on American Music,” exploring the banjo’s African origins, its cultural journey, and its lasting influence on the sound of America. The evening will conclude with a live banjo performance bringing that history to life through music.

Schedule

5:00–5:30 p.m. — Doors Open

5:30–6:30 p.m. — Joe Zavaan Johnson: African Roots of the Banjo and Its Impact on American Music

6:30–6:45 p.m. — Intermission

6:45–7:45 p.m. — Banjo performance

Come experience an evening of history, music, and connection as we celebrate the African roots and enduring legacy of one of America’s most distinctive instruments.

This event is FREE and open to the public.