Preserving Tennessee’s traditional arts

Many of Tennessee’s traditional and folk art forms are carried on by small numbers of artisans. But since 2017, the Tennessee Arts Commission has been pairing up knowledgeable “masters” with “apprentices” to work to preserve traditions. Broom makers, shoe cobblers, luthiers and milliners, along with gospel singers, buck dancers, Kurdish musicians and square dance callers have taken part in the Tennessee Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program. On today’s episode, we hear from both masters and apprentices about preserving their crafts for the next generation, along with Director of Folklife Bradley Hanson, who launched and oversees the apprenticeship program for the arts commission. “The world is not telling kids to go become old-time fiddlers. It just isn’t. But we are,” says Hanson. “We’re a kind of cheerleader, booster, funder and advocate. … It’s the state of Tennessee saying, ‘We value this.’ ” But first, we’re hearing the latest about the rising opposition to gender affirming surgeries from Tennessee Republicans, who are vowing to file new legislation. WPLN state politics reporter Blaise Gainey and senior healthcare reporter Blake Farmer will share what they learned while covering a heated rally on Friday in downtown Nashville. Guests: Jimmy Bilbrey, bluegrass musician and apprentice fiddle maker Jack Martin, broom maker and owner of Hockaday Handmade Brooms Arkan Doski, traditional Kurdish musician Manuel Delgado, luthier and owner of Delgado Guitars Bradley Hanson, director of folklife at the Tennessee Arts Commission Maxine White, milliner and owner of Maxie’s Hats