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| Forever The Activist: Pete Seeger Still Mesmerizing Fans  Folk music legend Pete Seeger has never been afraid to say what's on his mind, even if it is controversial. Now at 90, Seeger is still singing, still making music and still telling it like it is. He headlines with a group of fellow activist performers at George Wein's Folk Festival 50, celebrating five decades of folk music in Newport August 1 – 2 at Fort Adams State Park.On Saturday, Seeger and his grandson Tao Rodriguez-Seeger have invited other festival performers to join them in a singalong, the perfect close to a day at Newport. On Sunday, Pete and Tao will return for a special set with Pete's old friend Judy Collins, among others, which is sure to be another history-making moment. Tao also will perform his own set on Saturday. Seeger and his wife Toshi joined promoter George Wein and his wife Joyce to present an afternoon of folk music at the renowned jazz festival in Newport in 1959. He brought his trademark music to the stage along with gusto to share his stories and his causes through song. Seeger helped bring "We Shall Overcome" to popularity as what was widely regarded as the anthem of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. He was outspoken about his opposition to the Vietnam War and has taken on environmental issues for decades, including his work for Hudson Sloop Clearwater and the Clearwater Festival/Great Hudson River Revival that he founded in the '60s to raise funds and awareness aimed at protecting the river and the earth. "I first saw Pete Seeger at Harvard University's Memorial Hall in the mid-60s. He strolled onto the stage and started singing an old mountain song "Little Birdie" and within seconds he had the audience in his hands, " said Bob Jones, a long-time producer of the folk festivals in Newport. "By the time the concert was finished, I knew that this music was to be a large part of my life and work. Pete has been an inspiration that has lasted to this day. Thank you Pete and Harvard!" From its inaugural event, when Bob Gibson first introduced Joan Baez to the world, the folk festival has created a stir. A few years later, Baez brought a young Bob Dylan to the festival, and the circle of innovation continued in 1965 when Dylan and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band went electric on the Newport stage. Both Seeger and Baez helped establish the festival not just as a premier musical event, but as a forum for musical activists. Songwriters Tom Morello: The Nightwatchman and Billy Bragg, both known for the strength of their political songwriting, have helped carry that tradition forward, and they are joined this year by Brett Dennen, who has been active in playing a role in young children's lives through The Mosaic Project. "When you speak to artists in the new generation of folk - people like Sam Beam (Iron & Wine) and Gillian Welch and Colin Meloy (The Decemberists) – it is amazing to hear the level of respect they have for Pete Seeger, " said Jay Sweet, a producer of Folk Festival 50. These are artists very much aware of their musical roots and realize Seeger's career in many ways has allowed them the freedom to say what they want to say in their songs. The singalong will certainly be an inspirational sight." The complete line-up of George Wein's Folk Festival 50 includes: SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 ~ 11:30 pm – 7:00 pm Fort Adams State Park, Harrison Avenue Pete Seeger; The Decemberists; Fleet Foxes; Gillian Welch; The Avett Brothers; Billy Bragg; Iron & Wine; Mavis Staples; Tom Morello: The Nightwatchman; Ramblin' Jack Elliott; Ben Kweller; The Low Anthem; Tift Merritt; Brett Dennen; Tao Rodriguez Seeger; Langhorne Slim SUNDAY, AUGUST 21 ~ 11:30 pm – 7:00 pm Fort Adams State Park, Harrison Avenue Pete Seeger with special guest Judy Collins; Joan Baez; Arlo Guthrie; Neko Case; The Campbell Brothers; Josh Ritter; Elvis Perkins in Dearland; Tim Eriksen & Shape Note Singers; The Del McCoury Band; Guy Clark; David Rawlings Machine; Balfa Toujours; Dala; Deer Tick; Joe Pug write your comments about the article :: © 2009 Jazz News :: home page |