The Steampunk World's Fair 2015

From the 1800s through the mid-20th century music scholars traveled through rural areas collecting and compiling traditional songs, many of which have since made their way into the popular idiom. This talk will give a history of some of those song collectors and how modern musicians are using them, as well as some resources for performers interested in exploring these traditions.

Matt DeBlass is a harpist who specializes in covering modern popular and rock songs in a celtic style; he is also, in true Steampunk spirit, a builder of his own instruments, and a bicycle repairman, too- when he carries gears and a wrench, it’s because he plans to use them!