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MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER receives ‘SPIRIT OF AMERICANA’ AWARD

April 28, 2010. Washington, DC: Mary Chapin Carpenter was honored by the Americana Music Association and the Newseum's First Amendment Center Tuesday night with the "Spirit of Americana Free Speech" award, presented to artists who use freedom of expression through music to raise awareness and build understanding. The setting for the sold-out event was the Walter and Leonore Annenberg Theater in the Newseum, a museum that chronicles history through news coverage.

Visit the Americana Music Association photo gallery on Facebook to catch a glimpse of the event.

Carpenter was honored for "a remarkable body of work that engages heart, head and soul, and which will resonate for a very long time to come" according to Ken Paulson, president of the First Amendment Center and Newseum.

The "Freedom Sings" program featured an interview with Carpenter and stirring performances by Rodney Crowell. Judy Collins and Eric Brace of "Last Train Home." Crowell is a current member of the Americana Music Associations Board of Directors and previously has been honored by the organization with its Lifetime Achievement in Songwriting Award. Collins, who was honored with the "Spirit of Americana" award in 2005, presented the crystal award to Carpenter.

"What an incredible evening" commented Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association, "it was more than a concert, it was a celebration of our greatest freedom, but also of art and artistry - you could hear a pin drop in the room."

The event also celebrated the release of her new album, "The Age of Miracles", released Tuesday on Rounder Records.

Posted 04/28/2010

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