Murder ballads and songs of despair lie at the foundation of American folk music - just as much as gospel and patriotic songs. We are unique as humans, in that we are fascinated by our own transience and fantasies about demise. Simply consider the enjoyment of Halloween, with children running around disguised as demons and ghosts. Abraham Lincoln contended that we all possess the "better angels of our being" somewhere deep down. In contrast, murder ballads give voice to our fears, our innate violence, and to our terrible inclinations, while also capturing a period in history rife with these extremes. Join us in a night of celebrating this accidental tradition.
