Once bitter enemies and now close allies, Germany and the United States have seen great variance in their political and cultural relationship. The complexity and diversity of this relationship is greatly reflected in the exchange and collaboration of musical ideas between members of the two countries. An early example of this exchange includes the use of use of the accordion (a German invention) in the cajun and zydeco music of Louisiana. A more modern example would be the flourishing of a German hip-hop scene. This presentation’s content will span over a hundred years and contextualize these and other instances of musical connection between the two world powers. Expect an interesting synthesis of musical performance and history.

The presenters are a midwestern duo known as The Matchsellers, who are Warsaw, Indiana, native Andrew Morris and Julie Bates of Kansas City, Missouri. Their exciting, gritty, and often hilarious stage show has been developed over four years of relentless touring across the U.S. and Europe. Though deeply rooted in bluegrass and old time tradition, the pair’s respective backgrounds in electric blues guitar and classical violin – as well as a penchant for the absurd – offer a refreshing point of view.

In 2012, Bates and Morris met in the city of Leipzig, Germany, while serving as cultural ambassadors with the Fulbright program. Both hold bachelor’s degrees in Germanic Studies. Their music has been featured on various NPR and international radio stations as well as blogs including "The Bluegrass Situation", "Dying for Bad Music" and others.

The duo will perform on the Coffeyville Community College campus on Tuesday, February 20, as part of the CCC Humanities Project. The public is invited to the 10:30 a.m. Tuesday humanities performances at CCC.  The performances are free and held in the Spencer/Rounds Performing Arts Theatre.

For more information about the humanities project at CCC, please call 620-251-7700, ext. 2166.