Striking Up Gold Mountain: Stories and Songs of the California Gold Rush

By Hive-Arts.Org
Price $20.00
Age 9+

This 2-CD set presents a fabulous mix of deeply absorbing stories and utterly compelling music that harks back to the days of California's rugged, adventure-laden past. The richly descriptive language and expressive delivery in the spoken word pieces reveal storyteller BZ Smith to be a master of her craft. Interspersed with the stories are numerous songs, gorgeously rendered by singer and ukulele player Peggy Reza, at times accompanied by a talented group of guest musicians. The songs are largely traditional, beautifully adapted and performed, with a lovely original piece by Ms. Reza. The effect of these historic tunes and tales, variously rooted in fact and legend, is to take the listener deeply into authentic American territory in the most entertaining of ways. It's a great way to get children and parents excited about history. The 2-CD set includes eight great songs, eight captivating tales, and an exciting audio novel.