Michela Musolino: Italian Americans Making Music in Memphis - TN Arts Commission

Internationally recognized Sicilian-American singer, Michela Musolino, the grand-daughter of Sicilians immigrated to America, explores cultural roots and shares them with the world through the study and reinterpretation of the folk songs of Sicily and Southern Italy. For her TN Folklife Institute project, she documented Italian and Italian American folk and rockabilly musicians in Memphis. More information about Michela can be found on her website.

A woman stands at the front of a classroom gesturing while speaking to a seated man. A projected presentation is displayed on a screen behind her, and colorful artwork hangs on the walls. A woman stands near a projector and laptop, displaying a video of an older man speaking on a large screen in a classroom with two people watching.

Some images from her presentation are pictured below:

A man wearing glasses and a light-colored jacket sits in the driver’s seat of a car, holding the steering wheel. The image is captioned with information about Tav Falco and photo credits. A man with curly hair in a dress shirt and tie stands outside in front of a restaurant sign that reads “Musso & Frank Grill” and “Since 1919 in Hollywood.” The photo is black and white. A man in a plaid jacket, black shirt, sunglasses, and a black hat sits next to a green cabinet with a glass of water. Two identical, colorful Tav Falco USA Tour 22 concert posters are displayed on the wall. An older man sits in a patio chair holding a drink, next to a vintage orange and red poster advertising Tom Lonardo and his 10 piece orchestra for dancing and listening pleasure.