LMU0013 - Back Porch Revue Ensemble
It's your time to join Harper's Back Porch Revue
Course Description
Join the ensemble that explores the music of the American South during the late 19th and early 20th Centuries: early blues and country music, old time, folk, spirituals and more. Looking for string instruments of all sorts: guitars, banjos, fiddles, ukuleles, bass, harmonica, etc., and hand drummers and singers. Players should be able to play in the keys of A, C, D, E, G, at a minimum. Reading music and improvising solos are pluses, but not required. Informal auditions are held during the first meeting. Members agree to perform in public at least twice per semester. For information contact Scott Cashman, scashman@harpercollege.edu.
Notes
See our Upcoming Appearances and Discover the Stories Behind our Music
View Harper's Back Porch Revue's Concert Videos
Related Course Recommendations
LMU0030 - Guitar I
LMU0039 - Banjo 1
LMU0006 - Ukulele Pleasure
LMU0008 - Blues Harmonica
LMU0106 - Back Porch Revue Clinic
LMU0013 - Harper's Back Porch Revue Ensemble
LMU0016 - World Music Ensemble
LMU0014 - R&B Ensemble
Testimonials
"Just a note to say how much I appreciate this community folk music group full of wonderful people! Though I've always loved all forms of folk and their music, I never imagined playing and singing it, or where this group would lead me. I get to do open mics with a couple of small groups as well play and sing with the large ensemble. Back Porch also led me to join Eric Friedman's group Amaryllis. I've watched others learn and grow in this program, too, find community and even some healing. This group means so much to those going through hard times." L. F.
"After I joined the Back Porch Review group, I benefited in several ways. First, my musical horizons were expanded by being exposed to great music by lots of artists that I hadn’t paid attention to before. Then, I have made friends with several band members. And last, my musical skills have increased commensurably over the six years I have rehearsed, practiced, and studied for this band." J.P.
"I’ve been playing bass with Harper’s Back Porch Revue since it began in the Fall semester of 2017. Although it’s listed as a “class", it’s also a lively performing group of people of all ages, from novice to expert, featuring acoustic guitars, banjos, mandolins, ukuleles, fiddles, percussion, vocals and more. We learn about and play classic old-time American folk, country, and blues music, and instructors Scott Cashman and Bekr Ali do a great job keeping it fun and letting each player create his/her own part to fit the songs, with gentle guidance. It’s a group learning process, and the performance vibe is friendly and collaborative. It’s always the best part of my week!" - R. V.
“Hi Scott, I wanted to reach out to you and thank you for all that you do for the Back Porch Revue. You inspire so many to get back into music and enjoy playing in a group. I can't thank you enough for encouraging me to join and then, in your quiet manner along the way, to have me try a solo here and there. I have loved getting back to cello and singing. I am grateful for you." B.R.
In November 2024 the Back Porch Revue played at the Indian Trails Library. An attendee shared that they: "learned something new, were entertained or creatively inspired." Another wrote, "Very much enjoyed the bluegrass, country and folk music provided by these 10 musicians. Their music was from an era long forgotten but still appreciated.”
Instructors
- Bekr Ali, Banjo, Uke, Mandolin Instructor, Ensemble Director
- Scott Cashman, Ph.D., Director, Back Porch Revue
Scott Cashman is a cultural anthropologist who earned his Ph.D. degree at the University of Massachusetts. His specialization is in the political economy of expatriate jazz and blues musicians in Europe. He has also developed his interests in how ghosts and spirits are understood in cultures around the globe. Dr. Cashman is the founder and Co-Director of Harper's Back Porch Revue, an American folk music ensemble. In addition to his work at Harper College, he teaches Cultural Anthropology at the College of Lake County (IL).