Digital Classroom Performer Spotlight: Melanie DeMore

In this 30-minute video, Melanie DeMore shares African American Spirituals and Civil Rights songs and examines the power of this music to inspire emotions, build community, and feed people’s spirits during challenging times. A dynamic and engaging guide, Melanie explores work songs, sorrow and jubilee songs, as well as zipper songs, and encourages us to create our own songs of hope and healing. 

The video connects effectively to history-social science curriculum and is an ideal resource for African American History month. An accompanying video and engagement guide offer additional background information and historical and cultural context. 

Artists reflect their community’s rich culture, and the Bay Area stands out as a home to remarkable and diverse performing artists. Cal Performances’ Digital Classroom Performer Spotlights feature videos of extraordinary local performers as they pull back the curtain on their work, and the art, cultures, and traditions that inspire them.

Go Beyond the Stage with behind-the-scenes artist talks and interviews, lectures and public forums with UC Berkeley faculty, recommended reading, and other interesting connections to the Cal Performances At Home programs.