Minstrelsy

Minstrel shows were America’s most popular form of live entertainment from the 1840s into the 1870s, and they enjoyed continued success well beyond that. Minstrelsy was the first uniquely American theatrical form and one of the building blocks on which American music and entertainment is based. Featuring music and comedy skits performed primarily by white men made up with burnt cork, blackface characters portrayed African Americans in derogatory, comic exaggerations. While not an authentic representation of African American culture, as it was marketed to be, minstrel shows embodied elements of both white and black folk culture, including banjo styles learned from Southern black musicians. White performers dominated the industry, but black troupes also participated in minstrelsy since the 1840s. African American entertainers took to the minstrel stage in increasing numbers in the decades after emancipation, eager for any opportunity for advancement. Click for more information.

Synonyms:
minstrelsy, minstrel, blackface minstrel

Author: Matthew Sabatella

With vocals, guitar, banjo, harmonica, and mountain dulcimer, Matthew Sabatella brings to life music that is woven into the fabric of the United States. For nearly two decades, he has followed the threads of traditional folk song, revealing a tapestry of music created by American colonists, pioneers, sailors, lumberjacks, immigrants, '49ers, farmers, mountaineers, slaves, soldiers, cowboys, railroaders, factory workers, and activists. Performing both with the 5-piece Rambling String Band and as a solo artist, Sabatella tells his own story of discovery while digging deep into his repertoire of folk, old-time country, fiddle tunes, Appalachian music, ragtime, blues, spirituals, railroad and cowboy songs, work songs, sea shanties, Old World ballads, bluegrass, and more. Audiences engage with the strength and beauty that have emerged from the often troubled history of the United States. He has recorded and released three albums with the Rambling String Band in their Ballad of America series. Visit http://www.matthewsabatella.com for more.