Traces of Our Roots, audio essay, 2024, 90 minutes.
An audio essay that weaves together field recordings, music, poetry, and soulful anecdotes from artists of Locke and those who spent years in this historical landmark town. It is suggested that you download the entire 90-minute audio essay to your smartphone and walk around Locke listening to the soundtrack. [ If you download to your smartphone, usually it automatically saves to a folder called ‘files’ on an iphone.] You can also stream excerpts and other stories below.
Listening Room [ excerpts and B side ]
Descendent of Locke, grandfather Dai Mun Yim
Delta native, local archeologist in Locke
Grandson of Locke founder, Lee Bing
Grandson of Locke founder Lee Bing
Locke resident since 2011
Grew up in Locke
Nephew of Locke resident
Grew up in Locke, son of Tommy and Connie King
Resident since 1986
Granddaughter of original Locke resident
Resident since 1972
Making of
I lived in Locke for 1 year from 2023-2024 to record the ambient sounds of the Delta and the stories of residents past and present. I wanted to highlight the stories of local artists and the transition from Locke being a refuge for Chinese Americans driven out of nearby town Walnut Grove, and then an artist haven in the 1970s to what it is today, a national landmark.
I used the field recordings of nature and the ambient sounds as segues to the stories. There was no script nor specific questions to each participant. They were allowed to share whatever story they wanted to share with the world. In the end, it became an audio collage that echoes aspects of the human condition like loneliness, wonder, loss, lessons learned, and social connection. The revving of motorcycle engines, symphonic mating calls of frogs, the coo of doves, the hum of air conditioners, contemplative voices, and live music converge and depart unexpectedly yet naturally, like the tide of the nearby Snoggrass slough.
Special Thanks to Al’s Place, Brock Alexander, Dave Bowles, Alex and Joyce Eng, Justin Cairns, Clarence Chu, Martha Esch, Erv Gon, , Larry Hall, Ning Hou, Tom Herzog, Jack Jue, Darwin and Lili Kan, Joy Kuo, Jan Zeboski, Corliss Suen Lee, Carol Lee, The Locke Foundation, Jeff Lee Kan, Kim King, Ronnie Maiden, Dustin Mar, Mark Miller, Alfredo Gochi, Brandon Rankin, Sismombro, Chris Spencer, The Pearl, Seeker, Martine and Lucia Topete, DR Wagner, Stuart Walthall, and Water Tower.
This project was funded by a 2023 California Arts Council Impact Grant in collaboration and sponsorship of the Locke Foundation.
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