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Collection Number: 20113

Collection Title: Nancy Kalow Collection, 1986-1994

This collection has access restrictions. For details, please see the restrictions.

This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held in the Wilson Library at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in our reading room, and not digitally available through the World Wide Web. See the Duplication Policy section for more information.


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Size 35 items
Abstract The Nancy Kalow Collection consists of video and audio recordings documenting various aspects of North Carolina folklife. The videotapes, which were recorded by folklorist, Nancy Kalow, between 1986 and 1991, primarily document traditional musicians from North Carolina. Videotapes include recordings of traditional North Carolina fiddlers and banjo players that Kalow made in collaboration with folklorist and traditional music performer, Alice Gerrard, as well as interviews and demonstrations by traditional musician, Walter Raleigh Babson, which are moderated by traditional music collector, educator, and practitioner, Andy Cahan. Other videotapes in the collection include performances by African American string band musicians Joe and Odell Thompson; Piedmont blues musicians, George Higgs and James Bud Powell; traditional musician, John Rector; and storyteller, Steven Henegar. The collection also contains a videotape documenting the 1988 Uncle Eli's Quilting Bee in Alamance County, as well as audio recordings featuring a 1994 performance by the band, Los Tramperos.
Creator Kalow, Nancy.
Curatorial Unit University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Library. Southern Folklife Collection.
Language English
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expand/collapse Expand/collapse Information For Users

Restrictions to Access
Use of audio or moving image materials may require production of listening or viewing copies.
Restrictions to Use
No usage restrictions.
Copyright Notice
Copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], in the Nancy Kalow Collection #20113, Southern Folklife Collection, The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Acquisitions Information
Received from Nancy Kalow in November 1992 (Acc. 102577) and circa 1994 (Acc. 103352).
Sensitive Materials Statement
Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, the North Carolina Public Records Act (N.C.G.S. § 132 1 et seq.), and Article 7 of the North Carolina State Personnel Act (Privacy of State Employee Personnel Records, N.C.G.S. § 126-22 et seq.). Researchers are advised that the disclosure of certain information pertaining to identifiable living individuals represented in this collection without the consent of those individuals may have legal ramifications (e.g., a cause of action under common law for invasion of privacy may arise if facts concerning an individual's private life are published that would be deemed highly offensive to a reasonable person) for which the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill assumes no responsibility.
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Processed by: James McGlothlin, January 2007

Encoded by: James McGlothlin, January 2007

Updated by: Anne Wells, May 2016; Anne Wells and Emma Evans, July 2018; Nancy Kaiser, February 2021

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expand/collapse Expand/collapse Subject Headings

The following terms from Library of Congress Subject Headings suggest topics, persons, geography, etc. interspersed through the entire collection; the terms do not usually represent discrete and easily identifiable portions of the collection--such as folders or items.

Clicking on a subject heading below will take you into the University Library's online catalog.

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expand/collapse Expand/collapse Biographical Information

North Carolina folklorist Nancy Kalow taught documentary video production at Duke University's Center for Documentary Studies. She received an A.B. degree from Harvard University in 1982 and an M.A. in folklore from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1999. She directed the 1988 documentary Sadobabies: Runaways in San Francisco and was a Rockefeller Foundation Fellow, 2003-2004, at the University of North Carolina's University Center for International Studies in Chapel Hill.

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expand/collapse Expand/collapse Scope and Content

The Nancy Kalow Collection consists of video and audio recordings documenting various aspects of North Carolina folklife, with the bulk of the collection made up of video recordings featuring traditional musicians of North Carolina. Videotapes include recordings of traditional North Carolina fiddlers and banjo players that Nancy Kalow made in collaboration with folklorist and traditional music performer, Alice Gerrard, as part of a project for the North Carolina Arts Council. Musicians featured in these recordings include Thomas Burt, Calvin Cole, Bert Dickens, and Enoch Rutherford. The collection also contains a series of video interviews with demonstrations of technique by traditional musician, Walter Raleigh Babson, which are moderated by traditional music collector, educator, and practitioner, Andy Cahan. Other videotapes in the collection include performances by African American string band musicians, Joe and Odell Thompson; Piedmont blues musicians, George Higgs and James Bud Powell; traditional musician, John Rector; and storyteller, Steven Henegar. The collection also contains a videotape documenting the 1988 Uncle Eli's Quilting Bee, an annual event that has taken place in Alamance County since 1931, as well as audio recordings featuring a 1994 performance by the band, Los Tramperos. Video recordings are on Video8, Hi8, and VHS, while audio recordings are on 1/4" open reel.

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Contents list

expand/collapse Expand/collapse Series Quick Links

expand/collapse Expand/collapse Series 1. Video Recordings, 1986-1991 (Original Deposit).

29 items.

Arrangement: By project.

expand/collapse Expand/collapse Subseries 1.1. Nancy Kalow and Alice Gerrard Videotapes, 1987.

10 items.

Arrangement: chronological

Field notes for VT-20113/1-8 reside in Folder 996 within the Southern Folklife Collection Field Notes Collection (#30025).

Videotapes produced by Alice Gerrard and Nancy Kalow as part of a project for the North Carolina Arts Council.

Videotape VT-20113/1

Calvin Cole and Wayne Lowe, Fancy Gap, Va., 30 January 1987, 1 of 3

Format: Video8

Calvin Cole and Wayne Lowe perform traditional tunes. Recorded at Cole's home in Fancy Gap, Va.

Previously numbered V8M-157

Videotape VT-20113/2

Calvin Cole and Wayne Lowe, Fancy Gap, Va., 30 January 1987, 2 of 3

Format: Video8

Calvin Cole and Wayne Lowe perform traditional tunes. Recorded at Cole's home in Fancy Gap, Va.

Previously numbered V8M-158

Videotape VT-20113/3

Calvin Cole and Wayne Lowe, Fancy Gap, Va., 30 January 1987, 3 of 3; Bert Dickens, Ennice, N.C., 31 January 1987, 1 of 3

Format: Video8

Two distinct recordings on one tape. The first half features Calvin Cole and Wayne Lowe performing traditional tunes at Cole's home in Fancy Gap, Va. The second half features Bert (Bertie) Dickens recorded at Marvin and Bert Dickens home in Ennice, N.C. Her performance is continued on VT-20113/4-5.

Previously numbered V8M-159

Videotape VT-20113/4

Bert Dickens, Ennice, N.C. 31 January 1987, 2 of 3

Format: Video8

Bert (Bertie) Dickens performs traditional tunes. Recorded at Marvin and Bert Dickens home in Ennice, N.C.

Previously numbered V8M-160

Videotape VT-20113/5

Bert Dickens, Ennice, N.C., 31 January 1987, 3 of 3

Format: Video8

Bert (Bertie) Dickens performs traditional tunes. Recorded at Marvin and Bert Dickens home in Ennice, N.C.

Previously numbered V8M-161

Videotape VT-20113/6

Enoch Rutherford, Independence, Va., 31 January 1987, 1 of 3

Format: Video8

Andy Cahan and Alice Gerrard accompany traditional fiddler Rutherford. Recorded at Rutherford's home in Independence, Va.

Previously numbered V8M-162

Videotape VT-20113/7

Enoch Rutherford, Independence, Va., 31 January 1987, 2 of 3

Format: Video8

Andy Cahan and Alice Gerrard accompany traditional fiddler Enoch Rutherford. Recorded at Rutherford's home in Independence, Va.

Previously numbered V8M-163

Videotape VT-20113/8

Enoch Rutherford, Independence, Va., 31 January 1987, 3 of 3

Format: Video8

Andy Cahan and Alice Gerrard accompany traditional fiddler Rutherford. Recorded at Rutherford's home in Independence, Va.

Previously numbered V8M-164

Videotape VT-20113/9

Thomas Burt, 3 February 1987, 1 of 2

Format: Video8

Thomas Burt demonstrates traditional fiddle style.

Previously numbered V8M-165

Videotape VT-20113/10

Thomas Burt, 3 February 1987, 2 of 2

Format: Video8

Thomas Burt demonstrates traditional fiddle style.

Previously numbered V8M-166

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expand/collapse Expand/collapse Subseries 1.2. Nancy Kalow and Andy Cahan Videotapes, 1986-1987

4 items.

Arrangement: chronological

Video recordings of traditional banjo and fiddler player, Walter Raleigh Babson. Sessions were organized and moderated by Andy Cahan and videotaped by Nancy Kalow.

Videotape VT-20113/11

Walter Raleigh Babson, Wrightsville Beach, N.C., 15 November 1986, 1 of 2

Format: Video8

Walter Raleigh Babson plays the fiddle and banjo in this video moderated by Andy Cahan. The tape was made at Babson's home in Wrightsville Beach, N.C.

Previously numbered V8M-167

Videotape VT-20113/12

Walter Raleigh Babson, Wrightsville Beach, N.C., 15 November 1986, 2 of 2

Format: Video8

Walter Raleigh Babson plays the fiddle and banjo in this video moderated by Andy Cahan. The tape was made at Babson's home in Wrightsville Beach, N.C.

Previously numbered V8M-168

Videotape VT-20113/13

Walter Raleigh Babson, Chapel Hill, N.C., 12 November 1987, 1 of 2

Format: Video8

Walter Raleigh Babson discusses and demonstrates his banjo and fiddle style in this video recorded at the Toy Lounge on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus. Moderated by Andy Cahan.

Field notes for VT-20113/13-14 reside in Folder 996 within the Southern Folklife Collection Field Notes Collection (#30025).

Previously numbered V8M-169

Videotape VT-20113/14

Walter Raleigh Babson, Chapel Hill, N.C.,12 November 1987, 2 of 2

Format: Video8

Walter Raleigh Babson discusses and demonstrates his banjo and fiddle style in this video recorded at the Toy Lounge on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus. Moderated by Andy Cahan.

Field notes for VT-20113/13-14 reside in Folder 996 within the Southern Folklife Collection Field Notes Collection (#30025).

Previously numbered V8M-170

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expand/collapse Expand/collapse Subseries 3. Other Videotapes, 1987-1991

15 items.

Arrangement: Order as received.

Miscellaneous documentary footage of North Carolina folk culture, including a quilting bee, a storyteller, and performances by Piedmont blues and traditional string band musicians.

Videotape VT-20113/15

Joe and Odell Thompson, Chapel Hill, N.C., 15 March 1988, 1 of 2

Format: Video8

This videotape of a concert at Gerrard Hall, on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, features traditional string band musicians Joe Thompson on fiddle and Odell Thompson on banjo.

Previously numbered V8M-171

Videotape VT-20113/16

Joe and Odell Thompson, Chapel Hill, N.C., 15 March 1988, 2 of 2

Format: Video8

This videotape of a concert at Gerrard Hall, on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, features traditional string band musicians Joe Thompson on fiddle and Odell Thompson on banjo.

Previously numbered V8M-172

Videotape VT-20113/17

Odell Thompson, 13 August 1987

Format: Video8

Videotape interview with Odell Thompson, made at his home.

Previously numbered V8M-173

Videotape VT-20113/18

Steven Henegar, Chapel Hill, N.C., 1987

Format: Video8

Steven Henegar, a storyteller, was recorded on videotape at the Forest Theatre on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Previously numbered V8M-174

Videotape VT-20113/19

George Higgs and James Bud Powell, Roanoke Rapids, N.C., 20 February 1988, 1 of 4

Format: Video8

Musical performance by Piedmont blues artists Higgs and Powell at the Canal Arts Center in Roanoke Rapids, N.C.

Previously numbered V8M-175

Field notes for VT-20113/19-22 reside in Folder 996 within the Southern Folklife Collection Field Notes Collection (#30025).

Videotape VT-20113/20

George Higgs and James Bud Powell, Roanoke Rapids, N.C., 20 February 1988, 2 of 4

Format: Video8

Musical performance by Piedmont blues artists Higgs and Powell at the Canal Arts Center in Roanoke Rapids, N.C.

Previously numbered V8M-176

Field notes for VT-20113/19-22 reside in Folder 996 within the Southern Folklife Collection Field Notes Collection (#30025).

Videotape VT-20113/21

George Higgs and James Bud Powell, Roanoke Rapids, N.C., 20 February 1988, 3 of 4

Format: Video8

Musical performance by Piedmont blues artists Higgs and Powell at the Canal Arts Center in Roanoke Rapids, N.C.

Previously numbered V8M-177

Field notes for VT-20113/19-22 reside in Folder 996 within the Southern Folklife Collection Field Notes Collection (#30025).

Videotape VT-20113/22

George Higgs and James Bud Powell, Roanoke Rapids, N.C., 20 February 1988, 4 of 4

Format: Video8

Musical performance by Piedmont blues artists Higgs and Powell at the Canal Arts Center in Roanoke Rapids, N.C.

Previously numbered V8M-178

Field notes for VT-20113/19-22 reside in Folder 996 within the Southern Folklife Collection Field Notes Collection (#30025).

Videotape VT-20113/23

Uncle Eli's Quilting Bee, Eli Whitney Community Center, Alamance County, N.C., 7 April 1988, 1 of 2

Format: Video8

Uncle Eli's Quilting Bee is an all day quilting event which has taken place every year since 1931 in southern Alamance County. This first of two videotapes was made April 7, 1988.

Previously numbered V8M-179

Field notes for VT-20113/23-24 reside in Folder 996 within the Southern Folklife Collection Field Notes Collection (#30025).

Videotape VT-20113/24

Uncle Eli's Quilting Bee, Eli Whitney Community Center, Alamance County, N.C., 7 April 1988, 2 of 2

Format: Video8

Uncle Eli's Quilting Bee is an all day quilting event which has taken place every year since 1931 in southern Alamance County. This second of two videotapes was made April 7, 1988.

Previously numbered V8M-180

Field notes for VT-20113/23-24 reside in Folder 996 within the Southern Folklife Collection Field Notes Collection (#30025).

Videotape VT-20113/25

John Rector, Winston Salem, N.C., 23 November 1991

Format: Hi8

John Rector performs traditional tunes on this videotape, recorded in Winston-Salem, N.C. He is accompanied by Wayne Martin on guitar.

Previously numbered V8M-181

Field notes for VT-20113/25 reside in Folder 996 within the Southern Folklife Collection Field Notes Collection (#30025).

Videotape VT-20113/26

Jenkins Chapel Primitive Baptist Church service, 26 June 1988; Seven Springs Primitive Baptist Church service, 10 July 1988, 1 of 2

Format: VHS

Digitized media has been edited for content or length.

Two Primitive Baptist Church services are dubbed on this tape. The first, from June 26, 1988 was recorded at Jenkin's Chapel. The second, from July 10, 1988 was videotaped at Seven Springs. Field notes for this recording reside in Folder 991 within the Southern Folklife Collection Field Notes Collection (#30025).

Previously numbered VHS-124

Videotape VT-20113/27

Jones Chapel Primitive Baptist Church service, 17 July 1988; Olive Branch Primitive Baptist Church service, 31 January 1988, 2 of 2

Format: VHS

Digitized media has been edited for content or length.

Two Primitive Baptist Church services are dubbed on this tape. The first, from July 17, 1988 was recorded at Jones Chapel. The second, from January 31, 1988 was videotaped at Olive Branch. Field notes for this recording reside in Folder 991 within the Southern Folklife Collection Field Notes Collection (#30025).

Previously numbered VHS-125

Videotape VT-20113/28

Cooper's Grove Primitive 1987 Association, 15-16 August 1987

Format: VHS

This is a tape of the proceedings of the fifty-fourth annual session of the Cooper's Grove Primitive Baptist Association. The conference was held on August 15 and 16, 1987. Minutes of the session, in booklet form, are filed separately in Folder 991 within the Southern Folklife Collection Field Notes Collection (#30025).

Previously numbered VHS-126

Videotape VT-20113/29

Sadobabies: Runaways in San Francisco, 1988

Format: VHS

Produced by May Petersen and Nancy Kalow.

This 30 minute documentary shows the life and expressive culture of young runaways who survive on the streets. A group of 100 teenagers form an alternative family in an abandoned high school in San Francisco.

Previously numbered VHS-139

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expand/collapse Expand/collapse Series 2. Audio Recordings, 1994 (Addition of 1994).

6 items.

Arrangement: Original order has been maintained.

Acquisitions information: Accession 103352

SFC Audio Open Reel FT-20113/1

Los Tramperos, Edith's Wedding Band, reel 1, spring 1999

1/4" Open Reel Audio

SFC Audio Open Reel FT-20113/2

Los Tramperos, Edith's Wedding Band, reel 2, spring 1999

1/4" Open Reel Audio

SFC Audio Open Reel FT-20113/3

Los Tramperos, Edith's Wedding Band, reel 3, spring 1999

1/4" Open Reel Audio

SFC Audio Open Reel FT-20113/4

Los Tramperos, Edith's Wedding Band, reel 4, spring 1999

1/4" Open Reel Audio

SFC Audio Open Reel FT-20113/5

Los Tramperos, Edith's Wedding Band, reel 5, spring 1999

1/4" Open Reel Audio

SFC Audio Open Reel FT-20113/6

Los Tramperos, Edith's Wedding Band, reel 6, spring 1999

1/4" Open Reel Audio

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