Race and Song - Opening Doors

Race and Song: A Musical Conversation

Race and Song is an exploration of history and current events through the lens of race — and using the powerful tool of music. Veteran musicians and storytelling troubadours, Reggie Harris and Alastair Moock, rely on their years-old friendship to discuss complicated issues of race, class, gender, and history with intentionality and generosity of spirit. Together in musical conversation, they open up to each other and frame their lived experiences through music, which always helps the medicine go down!

Over the past few years, Reggie and Alastair have brought meaningful and accessible conversations about race to a wide range of audiences in a wide range of spaces. One of their greatest strengths as a duo is their ability to meet the audience where they are. “Race and Song” has toured all around the country: to theaters, performing arts centers, houses of worship, libraries, senior centers, and many, many schools, from elementary to high school, and also at the college level.

Watch the Trailer

School Performances

When performing in schools, Reggie and Alastair carefully calibrate the content of their show to the age of their audience and make use of historical and family photographs to help tell their story visually. They perform regularly for elementary, middle, and high school students and also at the university level.

Learn about Alastair’s other educational programs HERE
Learn about Reggie’s other educational programs HERE

Testimonials

"Skin color and issues surrounding race should be discussed in school. But it is difficult to do, and there is much fear and concern over getting the words right. I highly recommend 'Race and Song.' Every topic discussed is met with compassion, historical background, love, and a genuine interest in understanding one another's life stories. This program will leave everyone thinking and talking about race in a productive way, and reflecting on how we are all part of this discussion."

"We were honored to host 'Race and Song' at the Strand Theatre. The program was engaging, thoughtful, educational, and heartwarming, too! All ages who attended – from 5 to 75 – were transported by the music and storytelling. The show is a perfect way to spark important conversations about race, social justice, history, and community – whether amongst your family, students, or even the strangers sitting next to you."

"We brought ‘Race and Song’ to our entire school community, and it was a fantastic success. Reggie and Alastair were incredibly kind, open and generous with their time, and their beautiful video provided a jumping off point for really important and timely conversations. All of our students, from our youngest learners to our oldest, were fully engaged and eager to continue the conversation."

"Alastair and Reggie taught us about race, identity, hope, and the power of song to bring us together and be a tool for change in the world. The music was beautiful, and the students and teachers left the assembly filled with joy and optimism."

"You guys were a hit! Our group loved the video... And then it got better!! When you represent yourselves as educators, you aren't kidding. Your Q&A responses are so thought provoking and soul searching. Thanks again, and we hope you put out a second edition!"

"As a gay parent of a Black child, I have rarely felt so included by a musician's songs and lyrics... These artists know how to reach kids and adults alike through the power of music. They are walking the talk."

About the Performers

Reggie Harris has traveled the world for over 40 years as a songwriter, storyteller and lecturer using music and the spoken word to make an impact in education, social and racial justice, the environment, faith and in human and civil rights. He is a teaching artist in the John F Kennedy Center’s CETA program, a Woodrow Wilson Scholar, and the Director of Music Education for the UU Living Legacy Project, leading civil rights pilgrimages throughout the South. In 2021, he received a lifetime Spirit of Folk Award from Folk Alliance International. Learn more here.

Alastair Moock is an award-winning singer-songwriter who has toured throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia, performing at renowned events like the Newport Folk Festival and sharing the stage with acts like Arlo Guthrie, Taj Mahal, and Greg Brown. He’s also a Grammy nominated children’s musician, social justice educator for all ages, and co-founder of two antiracist music organizations, The Opening Doors Project and Family Music Forward. The Boston Globe calls him “one of the town’s best and most adventurous songwriters” and The Washington Post says “every song is a gem.” Learn more here.

Booking Info

For booking inquiries, please contact Susan Lounsbury or Stacey Babb