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WHEREAS, since 1976, Calliope: The Pittsburgh Folk Music Society, has been a nonprofit educational and presenting organization that promotes and preserves traditional and contemporary folk music and its allied arts; and
WHEREAS, Calliope presents performers with national and international reputations in blues, Cajun, singer-songwriter, African, old-time Appalachian, Celtic, bluegrass traditions while promoting regional artists to provide audiences with musical experiences rarely found elsewhere; and
WHEREAS, Calliope presents programs that are unique to the region including Summer Festivals, Legends Concerts, Folk Song Night, Calliope Songwriters Circle, The Threepenny Opry, Calliope Open Stage, and Country and Classic Blues Society; and
WHEREAS, since 1990, the Calliope School of Folk Music, Dance, and Crafts is one of few schools in the region to offer opportunities for all ages through classes, workshops, jam sessions, and collaborations with other organizations; and
WHEREAS, the wide variety of classes that the school offers ranges from blues harmonica, bluegrass guitar, Appalachian banjo, Cajun fiddle, country harmony singing, storytelling, clogging, performance skills, to children's tin whistle; and
WHEREAS, in the past year Calliope has partnered with local schools to bring musical instruction to over 3,000 children; and
WHEREAS, Calliope's free performances, jam sessions, and open stage events have reached more than 4,000 people in 2007.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh thanks Calliope for showcasing traditional and roots based music to Pittsburgh audiences and for providing learning opportunities to all age groups; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh hereby declares, December 8th, 2007 "Calliope: The Folk Music Society of Pittsburgh Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.