Vernacular Music Center Podcast

Voices from the Vernacular Music Center at Texas Tech presents a podcast conversation with Chris Simon about her films. Chris Simon founded Sageland Media, in 1995, after 15 years as producer, sound recordist, and editor for renowned documentary director Les Blank. Since then she has completed seven independent films and numerous other films for non-profit organizations such as the Western Folklife Center and Crow Canyon Archaeology Center. The podcast features a discussion with Simon about her films.  

Simon has a masters degree in folklore and many, though not all, of her films focus on cultural subjects. “This Ain’t No Mouse Music!” is about roots music icon Chris Strachwitz and Arhoolie Records. It premiered at South by Southwest (SXSW) and took top prizes at Hot Docs, Mill Valley, and Washington DC Independent Festivals. Her most recent film, “Dutch Hop!” is about the polka tradition of the Volga Germans. It is currently playing nation-wide on PBS. This series can be accessed through At the Movies w/Guest Chris Simon. It is also available on iTunes, iPod, and audible.