Interviewing members of the band Boukman Eksperyans.

Syvia Woods, an American, and 1980 All Ireland Harp Competition winner sits down with Studs Terkel in a wonderful discussion on the history of the folk harp and plays a variety of selections. As a self taught folk harper, she has written a book "Teach Yourself to Play the Folk Harp" for the absolute beginner. She is known as a harper and not harpist because she doesn't play the orchestra harp. She also discusses her involvement musically in a documentary for PBS entitled "Chicago Secret Wilderness", produced by Mike Hirsh. The folk harp is also known as the celtic harp or Irish harp.

The virtuoso percussionist, Stomu Yamash'ta, sits down with Studs Terkel and discusses from his heart how he creates the sound of his music. Sound is created in your head and heart. The ocean creates a different sound by day and night. Yamash'ta writes down his thoughts on the sounds he hears and creates the music. For the Akira Kurasawa film "YoJimbo" where he did solo musical work, he analyzed the character and what type of sound was in his mind and thought how to create it and convey that to his audience musically. Technology is not the answer to the development of sound.

Discussing folk traditions of the world and interviewing folk music collectors and musicians Stephen Addiss and Bill Crofut.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Margaret Barry and Michael Gorman, discuss traditional Irish music and their careers as musicians.

The Peking Opera and "Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy" are among topics discussed in Lois Wheeler Snow's book, "China on Stage: An American Actress in the People's Republic". While visiting China, Snow learned the Chinese plays were both of the traditionally old ways and of the new revolutionary ways. Snow also adds that performances of Chinese acrobatics is like nothing in the United States.

A self-proclaimed underground artist, Ferron, says she may not sell tons of records but she does have a good following of fans. Ferron says people like her music because they're seeking balance in their lives. She further explains that a lot of her lyrics have to do with understanding our purpose in life.

Singer Margaret Barry and fiddler Michael Gorman reminisce about singing and playing at the Bedford Arms pub. Barry talks about how's she's travelled all over Ireland. She talks about how sad it is to not be doing as many live performances because times are changing to the jukebox.

Fela Sowande discusses his career, music, and compares African culture and music to Western culture and music. Includes two songs that are sung by tenor Max Worthley. Includes a clip of a Nigerian Youth song. Includes performance by a Nigerian skiffle band. Sowande was inspired by [Anthony Gregascoigne], an English poet he met in England.

Fela Sowande discusses his career, Nigerian music, and compares African culture and Western culture. Includes clips of musical performances by Highlife musicians and orchestra. Music: A clip of high-life music, "Folk Symphony for Full Orchestra."