Need more gentle folk like Pete (Seeger)

Subject: Need more gentle folk like Pete
From: Dunkle
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 08:03 AM

I was one of about six hundred people last night who had the privilege of spending an evening with Pete Seeger, his half sister Peggy, with a couple of songs sung by Ken Anderson, whose "Ol' Man River" and "Down by the Riverside" in his deep bass voice earned him a standing ovation. Pete is 82 now, and his voice isn't what it once was (nor his memory - at one point he had to stop in mid-song for having forgotten the rest of the song), but I came away, once again, for my absolute respect and awe for this man who has been so focused on his belief that there is hope for us all if we can sing and harmonize together. A gentle soul: at one point he taught us to make chinese ribbon banners from a piece of bamboo, tape, and colorful surveyors' tape that we should make and hand out to the children we know. Pete has the whole world in his hands... Peggy just about stole the show. Today, apparently, is the anniversary of Ewan Macall's death, and it was weighing heavily on her. She did her "I want to be an engineer" song, and a number of other ones more recently written - each one was absolutely focused on justice, equality, peace...her lyrics are so well turned and cutting...she's full of energy with a light shining in her eyes. It was a terrific concert. How much longer can Pete keep up this pace? I'm feeling pretty lucky this morning. Best to all, Don

Subject: RE: Need more gentle folk like Pete
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 10:19 AM

How wonderful! Pete has been one of my heroes for most of my life. Thanks, Dunkle, for sharing a beautiful evening with us. Where was the concert?

Subject: RE: Need more gentle folk like Pete
From: Dunkle
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 11:31 AM

Germantown Academy, in suburban Philadelphia, sponsored by the Philadelphia Folk Song Society. It's a concert I'll remember for a good while.

Subject: RE: Need more gentle folk like Pete
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 11:35 AM

I usually refer to him as St. Pete.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: Need more gentle folk like Pete
From: Ned Ludd
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 01:46 PM

I envy you. I've never seen Pete Seeger,but often wish I had.Truly one of the 'Greats'.

Subject: RE: Need more gentle folk like Pete
From: Francy
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 02:52 PM

He is truly my all time favorite person and if i had heroes, he would be at the very top of the list....a truly great and humble person, and the greatest musician that I've had the privilege to be around...... Frank of Toledo

Subject: RE: Need more gentle folk like Pete
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 03:13 PM

My dad took my brother and I to see Pete Seeger in Chicago when I was 5. I still remember the show (around 1960). Have been a fan ever since.

Subject: RE: Need more gentle folk like Pete
From: SharonA
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 04:21 PM

*grumble grumble grumble* I went to see the show last night but never got in. I'm a member of the Philadelphia Folk Song Society, but I neglected to read the part of the club newsletter where it said RESERVATIONS were required for this concert (usually, for their monthly concerts, one does not need reservations; members get in free as a benefit of their membership while non-members pay a ticket price). There was a long list of people waiting for the remaining empty seats, but I was told there was no chance I could get in even if I signed onto the list (actually, they told me, "The shoehorn ain't that big!" and I told them, "I knew I should've gone on a diet!"). So I went home. *grumble grumble grumble*

Hopefully I haven't just screwed up my only chance to see Pete Seeger in concert before he gives up touring (I never have seen him perform). That'll "larn" me; I'll NEVER skim the newsletter again!!!