PEOPLES VOICE SPRING 2009 SEASON
(All concerts now held at 40 East 35th St.)
April 18th – Ray Collins
Singer-songwriter/guitarist/activist: Ray Collins hails from Belfast City in the North of Ireland. His
musical roots are embedded in the rich ballad tradition of his native
land. His original songs twig those roots with other branches of music,
most notably "folk" and "rock", producing his distinctive driving,
rhythmic style. His first "major" public singing engagements were on
the picket-lines and rallies of the Northern Ireland Civil Rights
Movement in the 1960s.Many years later he's still singing and writing
songs of his experiences of life and death in Belfast and beyond!!
Marie Mularczyk and Jean Farnworth, guest: Sara Gil
Peoples' Voice audiences have seen Marie and Jean performing as part of Soldier's Fancy; tonight
they're sharing a set and showing off their solo strengths. Marie plays
just about every string and percussion instrument there is (guitar,
banjo, mandolin, dulcimer, dumbec, bones and spoons). She's an avid fan
of British Isles folk and contemporary music, and performs Jewish music
at Temple Beth-El. Come and sing a chorus or two! Her 2 CDs will be
available at the show.
Jean Farnworh is a contralto who sings a capella or accompanied by 12-string guitar,
Celtic harp or percussion instruments. She enjoys traditional celtic
music, early music, historical material, "uppity" women's blues and
topical songs. "We enjoy songs from all time periods that speak to
human liberation," they say. Guest performer: 16-year-old Sara Gil.
April 25th – A Celebration of the Lives of Eric Levine and Marlene Petty
Tonight we pay tribute to folk musician and human rights activist ERIC LEVINE and Harlem community activist and tenants' rights champion MARLENE PETTY. Freedom fighter, freedom singer, prolific songwriter/composer MATT JONES and friends will celebrate the life and work of these two extraordinary human rights and community activists. The program includes songs of freedom and struggle from around the world, including RAY COLLINS, GINA TLAMSA and others, featuring Adleco Award winning actress, MZURIE, performing her portrayal of FANNIE LOU HAMER. Both Congressman John Lewis and the actress Mary Alice have proclaimed her work! May 2009
May 2nd – Bev Grant & Dissident Daughters
Bev Grant and The Dissident Daughters is a dynamic trio led by Bev Grant, award winning
singer/songwriter/cultural activist and recording artist on lead vocal and guitar. Angela Lockhart,
poet/singer, and Carolynn Murphy, singer/songwriter/percussionist, contribute harmonies as well
as lead vocals as The Dissident Daughters. The trio offers an eclectic mix of Bev Grant originals
and other contemporary songs of social justice from a distinct, and sometimes "sassy," woman's
point of view. www.bevgrant.com
Friction Farm
"Blending country, folk and pop into a seamless package is not easy, but Friction Farm has it down."
--New Times Magazine. Friction Farm is guitarist/vocalist Aidan Quinn and bassist/vocalist Christine Stay.
Their latest release, "34 Degrees, 32 Minutes," is musically and lyrically varied, quoting Thomas Paine and
Dr. Seuss, finding hope and inspiration in ordinary places and ordinary people--from a civil war era cemetery
which connects us to our past to a young protester who connects us to our future.
Edgey and Delilah
The Last Internationale is an up-and-coming folk duo (Edgey and Delila) from Long Island.
Filled with socially conscious songs, their self-titled debut album is not only characteristic of 1960s
protest music but also remarkably original, powerful and lyrically vivid. No surprise that, given the
group's name, one of their songs is "Workers Of the World, Unite!" Whether you're looking for inspiration to
change the world or simply to enjoy a soothing love ballad, this is the group to listen to.
May 9th – 2nd Annual Tribute to the Songs & Career of Dave Van Ronk
David Massengill, Chris Lowe, Eve Silber, Frank Christian
Dave Van Ronk believed in a brotherhood and sisterhood of artists, singers, and writers
who supported each other in word and deed. Four artists who were close to Dave Van Ronk
are banded together for a special evening celebrating the songs that Dave made so memorable
(plus some songs written about him). There will be blues, ballads, political screeds, lullabies,
whispers, guffaws, jazz riffs, tongue lashings, and some razzamatazz. The artists are David Massengill,
Chris Lowe, Eve Silber and Frank Christian, who will each do a set of Dave material as well as two group
numbers. Dave was a special friend and mentor to each of these artists who have gone on to careers of
distinction in folk music and jazz. Dave would be proud.
David Massengill, an acclaimed songwriter, is also a storyteller of charm and wit. Dave Van Ronk
once said, "He took the dull out of dulcimer." His tribute to Van Ronk, "Dave On Dave," is out on Gadfly.
Van Ronk was Chris Lowe's guitar teacher, then his mentor, then producer of Chris' first album. Jazz singer,
guitarist and songwriter Eve Silber received much of her training in the Village, in the accompaniment of the
great dames of Grove Street: Marie Blake and Mable Godwin, as well as under the tutelage of Dave Van Ronk.
Frank Christian's guitar roots range from traditional folk to acoustic blues, to big band guitar picking. Christian
recently added published author to his credits of musician, songwriter and producer with the release of his first
book, "Dancin' in the Kitchen," based on his song of the same name.
May 16th – Carolyn Hester w/ Karla & Amy Blume
Carolyn, performing tonight with her daughters Karla and Amy Blume, has been called one of the
"most quietly influential singers in American folk music." (Boston Globe) She will be performing songs
from her soon-to-be-released CD of original and traditional melodies. She recently appeared on the BBC's
"Folk America" concert series at the Barbican, with Judy Collins, Billy Bragg and Roger McGuinn. This
People's Voice concert is the first concert of her summer tour, which will include New York and UK dates.
