Scope and Content
The 1981 Neptune Plaza Concert Series Collection consists of manuscript and print materials, audio recordings, and graphic materials that document the 1981 concert series sponsored by the American Folklife Center. The annual series, which began in 1977, features the presentation of folk traditions from many cultures. The concerts take place on the Neptune Plaza at the front of the Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress between May and October. Adverse weather conditions sometimes force the concerts indoors. The 1981 series was produced with the assistance of the National Council for the Traditional Arts.
The 1981 season consisted of the following:
| Date | Performers | Place of Origin | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 7 | The Johnson Mountain Boys | Maryland | Bluegrass music |
| June 4 | John Cephas and Phil Wiggins | District of Columbia | Blues music |
| July 2 | Kubata | District of Columbia | Afro-Cuban music |
| August 6 | J.C. Burris and "Piano" Red | California and Georgia | Rhythm and blues music |
| September 3 | Khmer Classical Ballet | Maryland | Cambodian music and dance |
| October 1 | Mick Moloney and Billy McComiskey | Maryland | Irish music |