On December 24, 1913 in Calumet, Michigan, seventy-three people, mostly striking mine workers and their families, were crushed to death in a panicked stampede at the town’s Italian Hall.  A Christmas party had been organised by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Western Federation of Miners for the miners’ families who were experiencing extreme poverty after five months of strike action.  What followed was a catalogue of tragic errors leading to the loss of many lives, mostly children.  
The only way to the second floor was up a single, steep stairway and though there was a fire escape at the side of the building, its location was poorly-marked.  Over five hundred people were in the room when somebody yelled ‘Fire!’  It was a false call, the most likely perpetrator being one of the anti-union allies of mine management (a ‘copper boss thug’) wanting to spoil the party. However, people did panic and rushed down the narrow staircase and couldn't get out of the doors.
Woody Guthrie discovered the story in an autobiography of a woman who was in attendance at the Italian Hall that evening. '1913 Massacre' was written and recorded by Guthrie in 1941.  
This Christmas Eve, 24th December, 2013, marks the centenary of this terrible tragedy.  

Words & Music: Woody Guthrie
This version arranged by Sara Dennis

Vocals: Sara Dennis
Guitar: Daniel Pettitt

Recorded by Daniel Pettitt

December 2013

1913 Massacre (The Italian Hall Disaster)

A rearranged version of Bob Dylan's Girl From the North Country.
Dylan's song was inspired by the English folk song, 'Scarborough Fair' 

Boy From The North Country

In The Pines

A personal arrangement of a traditional African American spiritual ballad, dating back to the era of slavery in the United States when it was common practice to sell children of slaves away from their parents.  It is an expression of pain and despair as it conveys the hopelessness of a child who has been taken from his or her parents and siblings.



Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child

Dave Brunskill & I arranged this version of the traditional Matty Groves sourced from various versions of the song.  Dave plays guitar and harmonica and gives the song a dark, brooding, haunting feel.  I first hear Dave play his version at Saltburn and knew we had to get together and merge our two versions.  This is what we did :)

Matty Groves

Sara Dennis and the Rivensmiths - the full band arrangement of A Ballad of Swords and Shields.

Sara Dennis: Vocals/Ukulele
Simon Stephenson: Guitar
Nathan Greaves: Bass
James Francis: Drums


Words & Music: S Dennis/G Wood

(c) 2011

SaraDennis

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