Lara Downes
Stories
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'Get Happy!': Why smiling through the pain is the DNA of American songs
Linguist and New York Times columnist John McWhorter joins pianist Lara Downs to explore the history of American music as a joyful noise, even in the toughest times.
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Daring to Dream: A reflection on America
In celebration of what would have been Martin Luther King Jr.'s 96th birthday, pianist Lara Downes examines how musicians have followed in his footsteps, and faced the cost of taking a stand.
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Reconsidering Scott Joplin's 'The Entertainer'
The king of ragtime published his hit tune 120 years ago. Pianist Lara Downes believes the piece helped shape the future of American music.
