In partnership with the Salem Literary Festival, PEM offers a presentation on the traditional ballad. Featuring folk singer/author Scott Alarik and PEM Contemporary Art Curator Trevor Smith in a lively concert and conversation aimed at getting to know Francis James Child, a brilliant 19th-century Harvard professor who devoted his life to an epic collection of 305 ballads, still known as the Child Ballads. Joining them is folk musician Jake Armerding and PEM’s own Jennifer Evans, an accomplished ballad singer. Offered in conjunction with Susan Philipsz’s FreePort project, [If I With You Would Go,] a haunting sound installation at PEM inspired by the Child Ballad The Daemon Lover. A book-signing reception follows.
This program is made possible in part by the Lowell Institute.
Reservations required by September 22: The program is free with Museum admission (free for Salem residents). Reservations can be made by calling 978-745-9500, ext. 3011 or by visiting pem.org/calendar (handling fees for online registration will apply).
