Nick Spitzer spoke at the Maine Development Foundation's annual Meeting, which was focused on how to transform Maine from “Just Imagine” to “Just Do It.” Spitzer's talk is titled "Roots to Routes: Continuity and Creativity in the Cultural Economy of Maine."
Nick Spitzer, folklorist, is the producer and host of American Routes, and professor of anthropology and American studies at Tulane University. American Routes, distributed by American Public Media, reaches nearly a million listeners each week on over 225 stations and via its website. Nick specializes in American music and the cultures of the Gulf South, and received a Ph.D. in anthropology. His work with the Smithsonian included serving as curator for folk festival programs and directing or providing commentary in films about American music, including Great Performances, broadcast on PBS and the Discovery Channel. He has served on the boards of the Fund for Folk Culture and the National Council for the Traditional Arts. Nick has been a cultural commentator and producer for NPR’s All Things Considered and Fresh Air, CBS’ Sunday Morning, and ABC’s Nightline. Spitzer directed the film Zydeco: Creole Music and Culture in Rural Louisiana (1986), and has produced or annotated two dozen documentary sound recordings, including narration for Maine’s Kennebec-Chaudière heritage tour CD.
This talk was recorded September 16, 2011 at Point Lookout in Northport.
Visit Maine Development Foundation's 33rd Annual Meeting website