Save when you purchase all 3 sessions of this Music City, DC series!
Washington, D.C., has given much to the musical world beyond its best-known exports Duke Ellington and the punk and go-go scenes. Join musician, broadcaster, and historian Ken Avis as he explores the area’s lesser-known, remarkable, and fascinating musical avenues and why they could only have developed here. Film and recordings bring legendary musicians to life as Avis examines how social change, technological development, and business innovation shaped the sounds that emerged from D.C.—a political town with a serious music habit.
Avis is a regular presenter at Strathmore Music Center and the DC Music Salon and performs with the acoustic world-jazz band Veronneau.
Session Information
The Country Music Capital
Before the Nashville Sound emerged in the 1960s, the Washington area was a major focus of what was termed "hillbilly" music. In fact, the term "country music" is said to have emerged here, and some of the biggest stars of the genre made greater D.C. their home. Why did it happen in this particular place and time—and what happened next? Explore the under-sung and almost-forgotten history of Washington as the country music capital.
Additional Sessions
If you are interested in additional Music City, DC programs, view the upcoming schedule:
Patron Information
- If you register multiple individuals, you will be asked to supply individual names and email addresses so they can receive a Zoom link email. Please note that if there is a change in program schedule or a cancellation, we will notify you via email, and it will be your responsibility to notify other registrants in your group.
- Unless otherwise noted, registration for streaming programs typically closes two hours prior to the start time on the date of the program.
- Once registered, patrons should receive an automatic email confirmation from CustomerService@SmithsonianAssociates.org.
- Separate Zoom link information will be emailed closer to the date of each session. If you do not receive your Zoom link information 24 hours prior to the start of each session, please email Customer Service for assistance.
- View Common FAQs about our Streaming Programs on Zoom.
