Connecting Communities Through the Power of Music
Roots of American Music creates access to the transformative power of music. We have reverence for the legacy of American roots music and recognize it as a tool for connection, education, inclusivity, expression and creativity.
Since 1999, ROOTS has been committed to preserving the rich and diverse history of American music. In doing so, we facilitate working opportunities for independent teaching and performing artists to share their passion and talent in ways that uniquely unify, educate and uplift the community.
Storytelling
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Connecting
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Listening
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Empathizing
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Imagining
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Feeling
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Creating
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Dancing
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Learning
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Expressing
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Understanding
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Building
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Storytelling 🎵 Connecting 🎵 Listening 🎵 Empathizing 🎵 Imagining 🎵 Feeling 🎵 Creating 🎵 Dancing 🎵 Learning 🎵 Expressing 🎵 Understanding 🎵 Building 🎵
Our Mission
Connecting communities through music education and performance.
In Schools
ROOTS delivers hands-on, arts-integrated programs that connect music to language arts, history, and social-emotional learning.
Programs like Blues Is the Backbone and Stop the Hate: Youth Sing Out use songwriting and performance to help students explore cultural heritage, express identity, and strengthen academic skills.
In Communities
We collaborate with local organizations to bring live music to neighborhoods with little or no access to musical performance.
These events create joyful, shared experiences that unite residents and celebrate community pride.
For Seniors and Adults with Disabilities
Our interactive performances at senior living and adult day centers encourage movement, memory recall, and social connection. Through familiar songs and live interaction, ROOTS helps participants reconnect with themselves and each other.
A Legacy of Connection
Founded in 1999 by musician and educator Kevin Richards, ROOTS began with a simple but powerful idea that American roots music could be a tool for education and empowerment.
Under Kevin’s leadership, the organization built a strong foundation of community trust and creative collaboration. Though retired since 2021, Kevin continues to perform and inspire the mission he helped shape.
Today, ROOTS continues to grow and expand its reach across Northeast Ohio and deepening its impact through innovative partnerships, talented teaching artists, and committed supporters.
Our Impact
Each year, ROOTS programs serve thousands of children and adults across Northeast Ohio — from Cuyahoga and Summit to Lorain and Lake Counties.
By integrating music with literacy, history, and social-emotional learning, we help participants discover new confidence, curiosity, and community through music.
