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American Playparties

Pete Seeger, Mika Seeger, and Rev. Larry Eisenberg
American Playparties

To evade the religious prohibition against dancing in certain American communities, young people in the 19th century devised an ingenious solution—they adapted children’s games, which were permitted. The result was so-called play parties. Participants sang creative songs to cue movements, and the events were great “mixers.” The only element lacking was instrumental music.

On this recording, Pete Seeger and his young daughter Mika are joined by Rev. Larry Eisenberg in the singing of traditional play party songs. The songs come primarily from the collections of Lynn and Katherine Rohrbough. In accordance with traditional practice, the play parties are sung without accompaniment, save for handclapping.

The liner notes, written by Pete Seeger, outline the history, development, and characteristics of play parties, and provide the lyrics.

Track Listing

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101
Pete Seeger, Mika Seeger, and Rev. Larry Eisenberg
02:56
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102
Pete Seeger, Mika Seeger, and Rev. Larry Eisenberg
02:24
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103
Pete Seeger, Mika Seeger, and Rev. Larry Eisenberg
02:33
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104
Pete Seeger, Mika Seeger, and Rev. Larry Eisenberg
03:39
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105
Pete Seeger, Mika Seeger, and Rev. Larry Eisenberg
02:23
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106
Pete Seeger, Mika Seeger, and Rev. Larry Eisenberg
02:16
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107
Pete Seeger, Mika Seeger, and Rev. Larry Eisenberg
01:54
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201
Pete Seeger, Mika Seeger, and Rev. Larry Eisenberg
01:36
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202
Pete Seeger, Mika Seeger, and Rev. Larry Eisenberg
03:29
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203
Pete Seeger, Mika Seeger, and Rev. Larry Eisenberg
02:59
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204
Pete Seeger, Mika Seeger, and Rev. Larry Eisenberg
03:53
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205
Pete Seeger, Mika Seeger, and Rev. Larry Eisenberg
01:26
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206
Pete Seeger, Mika Seeger, and Rev. Larry Eisenberg
01:50
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207
Pete Seeger, Mika Seeger, and Rev. Larry Eisenberg
02:04