“Out of Our Shells” is a year-long project at American University that aims to freely record, promote, and provide a public platform for a range of local musicians working in different styles and genres across the Washington, DC area, using the Humanities Truck as a mobile recording studio.

Additionally, the aim is to collect their stories and reflections on their creative communities, capturing an oral history of local musical cultures in the nation’s capital. We will release these recordings and interviews in the form of a music compilation, a television program, and web-based materials. Selected musicians will also be invited to perform at a free outdoor concert at American University.