Arhoolie Foundation
The Arhoolie Foundation is a 501c3 non profit organization dedicated to the documentation, preservation, and celebration of regional roots music and its makers. By our activities, we seek to broaden public awareness of our diverse music history, support the vitality of living traditions, and reinforce the value and sustainability of community-based cultures.
The Arhoolie Foundation stems from the work of founder Chris Strachwitz and his seminal independent record label Arhoolie Records. Strachwitz has devoted his life to recording and sharing regional music with an emphasis on Blues, Cajun/Zydeco, and Tejano/Norteño. In 2016, Smithsonian Folkways acquired Arhoolie Records and continues to distribute the Arhoolie catalog worldwide. We strive to carry on this legacy.
Our Frontera Collection YouTube channel offers a large and ever-increasing selection of historical Mexican and Mexican-American recordings from the Frontera Collection.
Flaco Jiménez backstage at Arhoolie's Festival of Down Home Music, 1995
Mark Rubin and Rubichnik's Orkestyr live in Austin (1997)
Driving through northern Michoacán, 1996
Salon Colonia, Mexico City, 1996
Jesse Lége and the Lake Charles Ramblers at Festival Acadiens (1997)
Beausoleil avec Michael Doucet at Festival Acadiens (1997)
Treme Brass Band at Donna’s in New Orleans (1997)
Bois Sec Ardoin at Festival Acadiens (1997)
Cajun and Creole music workshop at Festival Acadiens (1997)
Wilson Granger recalls playing with Iry LeJeune (1997)
It's Got to Be Rough and Sweet: The Arhoolie Records 25th Anniversary Party (1985)
Magnolia Sisters on KPFA (2010)
Claude Williams, Paul Anastasio, and Kevin Wimmer at the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes (1996)
Juan Reynoso workshop at the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes (1996)
Paul Brown and Mike Seeger - "Stay All Night" (1996)
Benton Flippen workshop at the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes (1996)
Joe Thompson workshop at the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes (1996)
A Gathering Place for Film, Music, and Roots Culture
The Campbell Brothers - "Going Home on the Morning Train" (2011)
Treme Brass Band - "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" (2011)
The California Cajun Orchestra - "Hicks Wagon Wheel Special" (1990)
Flaco Jiménez y Su Conjunto with Ry Cooder - “Prenda del Alma” (1995)
Sonny Treadway - "Create in Me A Clean Heart" (1997)
Art Stamper - "Sally Brown" (1998)
John Jackson - "Blake's West Coast Rag" (1995)
Johnny Otis - "Creole Love Call" (1995)
Mariachi Los Gavilanes de Oakland - "Guadalajara" (1990)
Los Hermanos Jimenez: "Un Sueño De Tantos" (1998)
Celebrating the Life of Chris Strachwitz (1931-2023)
Ann Savoy Collection - John Delafose - Arhoolie Foundation