“American Songbag”

“The American Songbag is a ragbag of strips, stripes, and streaks of color from nearly all ends of the earth."
—Carl Sandburg

In 1927, Carl Sandburg published a collection of songs and wrote that: "These songs come from the hearts and voices of thousands of men and women. They made new songs, they changed old songs, and they carried songs from place to place.”

Drawing on Sandburg’s premise that “songs tell our story” Miles has created a decade by decade musical portrait of the 20th century .

You'll hear some of America's greatest - Billie Holliday, Woody Guthrie, Cole Porter, Buddy Holly, George Gershwin, James Taylor and others.

In addition to music, there is fiery politics and rich literature and amusing popular culture woven into the story. Featuring guitar, banjo, and vocals.

“American Songbag” Menu

“The American Songbag” generally covers the years from 1900-1975, but Miles will gladly customize a performance with more attention paid to a particular topic, era or decade.

Here are a few examples:

• Vietnam Era
• 1950’s and 60’s
• Songs of Protest and Struggle
• Civil Rights
• Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger
• American Singer-Songwriters
• Great American Composers
• 1930’s America
• Blues and Jazz America
• Great American Musicals