Browsing: Column

This week’s installment dives into the wild origins of “balling the jack.” From steam trains to juke joints, this phrase went from a railman’s command to crank up the speed to a symbol of living life at full throttle—whether in dance, bed, or the gamble of life itself. Explore how this fiery expression influenced the rhythms of jazz, blues, and swing, and check out how Bessie Smith and others brought it to the spotlight.

In this edition of Gestures, a column reflecting on women’s contributions to the musical arts, we talk to Shelby Means and Hayley Skreens.

Solidarity takes center stage as Shelby and Hayley reflect on the power of collaboration in bluegrass. Through their shared experiences of co-writing, supporting one another’s projects, and forging meaningful connections, they’re helping to shape a bluegrass community where creativity and support thrive.

Gestures is a monthly column reflecting on women’s contributions. In this edition we talk to Lindsay Lou and Fox Crossing Stringband about starting over. It takes guts, but more importantly it takes a lot of love: just another gesture that women bring to the arts.

Gestures is a monthly column reflecting on women’s contributions to the arts.

Gestures is a monthly column reflecting on women’s contributions to the arts.

This is the September edition of the new ABS column ‘Gestures,’ in which we reflect on women’s contributions to music and movement

This is the June edition of the new ABS column ‘Gestures,’ in which we reflect on women’s contributions to music and movement

This is the May edition of the new ABS column ‘Gestures,’ in which we reflect on women’s contributions to music and movement.

Choosing to challenge the social structures of patriarchy