Pete Seeger's last concert

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 14 Sep 04 - 02:00 AM

Check out the Pete Seeger Appreciation website. There you will see what many of us feel about Pete. He was only my mentor from afar, the man who precipitated all of my positive social tendencies, the one who showed me the glory of this music and an appreciation for the traditional discipline that is what at least one side of this folk music scene is all about. The Hammer Song, the incandescent Bells Of Rhymney, beautiful arrangements and tunes for several hundred traditional ballads and songs, Weavers songs, Almanac Singers songs, union songs, accessible versions of Spanish Civil War Songs, popularizing the work of Woody Guthrie, Tom Paxton and so many others. I'm glad to be able to say this man showed me the way by his shining examples all through the last half century. I MUST stand here and bar the way when this man is verbally trounced by a reurrected batch of verbal vigilantees who want to tear down all the good advancements since the New Deal in the name of maximizing the bottom lines of people who are already billionaires. This is not a diatribe against M.G. It is only a feeble try at standing up for Pete Seeger. By God, he sure stood tall through most of the last century pointing out to me and anyone with their eyes half open all the causes that it only took a bit of common sense to see the rightness of.

I am tired and rambling tonight and ought to hit the sack, but enduring a negative diatribe aimed at Pete in this thread discussing the sad loss of his abilities---not to mention the loss of his regular and valued presence in my life, yes, that is simply way over the top--and more than I will keep quiet for. Pete Seeger is the bright beacon that helped me to find my own road through the dead marshes of American show biz. For that I will always be thankful and grateful.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: Joe Offer
Date: 14 Sep 04 - 02:42 AM

I thought I knew Pete Seeger's music. I've listened ot his 1963 Carnegie Hall "We Shall Overcome" concert over and over again, along with al three concert recordings he made with Arlo Guthrie. I have so many Pete CD's I didn't think I needed to buy any more.
Then I came across the first American Favorite Ballads CD, and I discovered the traditional side of Pete Seeger. Pete's American Favorite Ballads songbook (Oak Publications, 1961) is nice, but the CD series should be even better. Five CD's are planned, including recordings from his five American Favorite Ballads LP's, and additional cuts from Frontier Ballads and American Ballads. I like Pete's political songs and all the other stuff I've heard, but I didn't know he'd do such good work on traditional songs like these.

There are three CD's out so far, with at least 25 tracks on each CD. Pete recorded 38 albums for Folkways from 1950 to 1964. This ballads series shows off Pete's work at its best.

I've always wanted to hear Pete in person, and I regret that I'll never have the chance.

-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 14 Sep 04 - 04:37 AM

Art, even when you're tired and rambling ...you're wonderful. That was very nicely put.

I think also Pete will be remebered for getting people to use the banjo as accompaniment when Scruggs and co had turned it so successfully into a lead instrument in a band. Pete made us look at Frank Profit, long neck banjos, fretless banjos and all sorts of different picking styles - frailing, Kentucky up picking etc.

It always amazes me you don't see Irish bands use that 5-string picking style for 6/8 time that Pete did the Irish Washerwoman with on his tuition album. Still I suppose the 5 string isn't an Irish instrument.

Perhaps Martin didn't live in the 1950's and early 60's and he didn't know how bloody stifling the bonds of conformity were for many of us, who found ourselves in Little Boxes, both real and metaphorical. it was an international hit - it had many resonances for us in England - growing up with rationing, austerity and our parents expectations. And yeh our parents were grateful to be alive after years of bombing and the menfolk having to go out and fight - but they weren't dumb - they knew they were being sold short. After all that's just sound economics for the right....dreams of paradise, my bottom!

If you don't get Pete Seeger..... I'm sort of sorry for you. I'm doing a gig tonight in Derby and I'll be doing a sort of tribute. Freight Train was the first song I ever heard Pete play, and it was on the London Palladium television show. It was the first time I had ever heard a twelve string guitar. He played Little Boxes and what did you learn in school today?

Martin don't bother replying to this, go out and do something nice. Try and influence one person to pick up the guitar and perform. Pete made that gift to millions of us.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: cobber
Date: 14 Sep 04 - 04:46 AM

Just after I left school in 1964, I went to a party where everyone had to take their favourite record. I took the Weavers reunion concert and when my turn came, I played Wimowey. The thing some people miss about Pete Seeger is that the main instrument he plays is the audience. It wouldn't matter if he was 185 and croaking like a frog, his ability to get other people singing and enjoying the music is his strength.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 14 Sep 04 - 12:13 PM

In 1979, after folksinger Michael Cooney had been horribly injured in an automobile accident with a drunk driver, we in Chicago did a large benefit for Michael.   Just four of us. Steve Goodman , Cindy Mangsen, Pete Seeger and myself were on the bill. Pete had terrible larengitis (spelling ?). (That's not a Greek name.) Pete did exactly as Cobber said. He'd croak out a first line, hit the banjo a bit, motion to the sudience---and the rest was magic. Eight part harmonies coming from the audience.

Eventually Steve Goodman took over and -- Bob Gibson came out and Steve led a finale "Mama Don't 'Llow" that took the roof of. Of course, steve picked the banjo on that one. I did my musical saw, jes harp and nose flute..."Mama don't allow no nose flute playing (picking ?) 'round here"

Pete was and is the best.

Art

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: GUEST,Art
Date: 14 Sep 04 - 12:16 PM

Of course, the ought to be "Pete played the banjo." And I was talking about a jaws/jews/juice/whatever harp. ;-)

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: Once Famous
Date: 14 Sep 04 - 12:19 PM

weelittledrummer, I will reply. I DEFINATELY lived through the 50s and 60s and have been aware of playing folk music since approx. 1958

I started out on banjo like everyone else with the red covered "How to Play the 5-string banjo" book. Quite frankly, outside of the basic strum, I did not learn to much. I learned more from listening to Dave Guard of the Kingston Trio and then later from Earl Scruggs on their records. You do not have to be a Pete Seeger fan to have a positive influence on others musically. Many others have filled that need for me. Please go ahead and perform Little Boxes if you want to. I could think of better songs that I perform, but for your show, well, it's your show.

I can understand that Pete Seeger was many people's hero. He really wasn't mine as far as a folk artist goes, but I want you all to know that I do understand how people like Art feel. I felt the same way when Waylon Jennings passed away after I followed his career for 35 years and know how much of an impact he had on me. some of you may think he wasn't worth it and that is OK if you express that, but you also have to realize that Pete Seeger wasn't that big of an influence to me as other folk and later country musicians were.

So, he is done with performing. Please quit moaning and be thankful for what you got out of him, but realize that for some he wasn't as significant as he was for you.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 14 Sep 04 - 12:22 PM

I still remember taking a housemate who had never before seen Pete Seeger in person to a concert he did in Boston in Spring of 1976. She had known him through recordings, and I explained to Sarah that you don't go to a Pete Seeger concert to hear him sing--you go to sing for him. That difference is what made every Pete Seeger concert an event, not just a concert--because he had EVERYBODY singing. It was never really about his voice (though his banjo could be virtuosic when he wanted it to be); it was about his genius as a song-leader.

--Charlie Baum

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 14 Sep 04 - 01:07 PM

Well done Martin!   I agree with your last post 100%.   Everyone has individual "mentors" that they look up to. Pete certainly filled that roll for many.    Unfortunately some people look for one significant event or person and make that the centerpiece of a movement.   There were MANY individuals that were involved in the folk revival that do not get the credit they deserve. I agree with you that Dave Guard does not get the credit he is due for the work he did.

Folk music is not a sport. It bothers me that so many people find a need to compare apples and oranges. Both have a place.

We can't diminish Seeger's role. While he may not have played an important role in Martin's life, there are many of us who love and cherish Pete. There are places for all of us.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: Wesley S
Date: 14 Sep 04 - 01:31 PM

From what I've heard Pete found an obscure spiritual and suggested to Martin Luthur King that "We Shall Overcome" might be a good song for the freedom movement.

Pete Seeger helped popularize the 12 string guitar. And invented the long neck banjo as mentioned before.

Pete also appeared before the HUAC and stood his ground.

Everyone somewhere in the world knows and loves a song that Pete Seeger had his hands on. The evidence is clear on that.

Easily one of the most influential musicians of the 20th Century.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 14 Sep 04 - 01:48 PM

I doubt I would jump into a thread on the sadness of Waylon losing his sexual prowess, or his life for that matter, and turn off those who admire him just because I could. It'd serve no purpose I can discern.

Art

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: Nerd
Date: 14 Sep 04 - 01:51 PM

I just want to second Joe Offer's post. Get those "American Favorite Ballads" CDs.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Sep 04 - 02:01 PM

Well said, Art.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 15 Sep 04 - 07:10 AM

Thanks for replying Martin. in the event I did Freight Train which I always associated with Pete and the 12 string.

Sorry if I sounded peevish and ratty. you don't rate Pete seeger. i guess that's alright.

who knows, perhaps he doesn't speak well of you.

we've all got our blind spots. I know its difficult, but i think it as well to keep quiet about them. we offend people when we see the red mist. its so easy to do on this site.

I always used to think that the creative process was as much about what you reject and what repels you, as what it is that turns you on.

as you get older, that truth gets increasingly hard to handle. negative feelings get voiced about stuff and people who have meant something to you, and the world seems increasingly impertinent and abrasive.

keep strumming, Pete would want that - or perhaps not - who knows!

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: Midchuck
Date: 15 Sep 04 - 07:26 AM

Art, if it's any consolation, we have two cats - black and white brothers, one longhair, one shorthair - named Waylon and Willie.

Waylon has, in fact, lost his sexual prowess.

So has Willie.

Peter.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: Alonzo M. Zilch (inactive)
Date: 15 Sep 04 - 08:42 AM

A Weavers record that my parents had in the 1950s was my introduction to folk music. Over the years I've amassed dozens of Pete Seeger LPs and CDs and have seen him perform many, many times. That's me (and hundred others) you hear singing with him on the "Singalong at Sanders Theater" CDs.

It's now been about ten years since I last saw Pete perform. I wish him the best and sure wish I could be one of the lucky few that gets to see him with the Weavers in Toronto.

Brucie, Pete wrote both the words and the music to "O Had I A Golden Thread."

Thanks to everyone who didn't let Martin Gibson spoil the thread.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 15 Sep 04 - 11:54 AM

I yield to no-one in my admiration for Pete Seeger.

Howsomever, that song, "Oh, Had I a Golden Thread" is about as bad a song as I've ever heard, in my opinion. I came close to nominating it in the "Worst Song" thread.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: GUEST,Arkie
Date: 15 Sep 04 - 11:58 AM

When you see a post praising someone for their accomplishment and expressing appreciation for what they have meant and then you don't see a post belittling the hero and making sport of those who join in the praise, that was me who didn't post.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: Once Famous
Date: 15 Sep 04 - 12:19 PM

Two schools of thought here:

"If you don't have anything good to say, don't say it."

If you don't have something good to say, say it anyway and be honest about it."

There is a lot that we hear that we don't want to hear. My suggestion is if you are uncomfortable with someone's honest feelings, please get yourself another pillow. It's not always a matter of jumping in just because they can.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: GUEST,Frank Hamilton
Date: 15 Sep 04 - 12:40 PM

Hi Ron,

Was put in mind of what Dizzy Gillespie said about Louis Armstrong.
"No Louis, no me".

I think the same can be said for Dave Guard and Dave if he were here would agree.

Almost everyone in folk-related music owes Pete. He championed Dylan when Bob was called "Hammond's Folly"., Pete introduced Scruggs style playing to New York audiences. I bet Roger Sprung owes him too. I know Eric Weissberg does. I believe they would say so.

And how about Woody and Leadbelly? Pete was a one-man publicity campaign for both performers. Pete once told me, "You know I'd give up all I know about the five-string banjo if I could play like Leadbelly."

Pete promoted the Almanac Singers.

He toured a whole year with Sonny Terry to introduce the harmonica master to concert audiences.

Odetta owes him too and I know she would say so. He championed her at the inception of her career.

The Old Town School of Folk Music owes Pete as well. He introduced a fundamental and important idea that music is not an elitist or exclusive club.
This was and is the raison d'etre behind the success of the School.

I can't think of anybody who I've known in folk music including Bascom Lamar Lunsford who doesn't owe Pete. Pete was responsible for Bascom on Folkways Records.

Pete reached out beyond partisan politics. He gave a memorable concert and enchanted the Young Republicans (when they were a different breed in the 50's). Nelson Rockefeller was a fan.

Pete introduced the folk world to so-called World Music. His group, the Song Swappers popularized South African Zulu chants in the folkie crowd paving the way for Wimoweh and Miriam McKeba.

Johnny Carignan, the virtuoso French Canadian fiddler idolized Pete.

Pete toured with Big Bill Broonzy as he did with Sonny Terry so that his audience could hear this great artist.

He accompanied the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem at Carnegie Hall, one of their first recordings.

Even folks at the Grand Ol' Opry knew Pete. I know Earl Scruggs would have good things to say about him.

Pete once took me to the Riverside Rancho a, Los Angeles country music club to hear Merle Travis. That was quite a meeting. Merle certainly knew Pete and admired him.

Pete has touched so many musical lives as well as just lives that most people wouldn't be aware of this.

No Pete, no John Hartford, Bob Gibson, Dave Guard, Alex Hassilev, and I believe even Bela Flek, Eric Weissberg, Billy Faer, Erik Darling, Fleming Brown, Bill Keith, ....damn so many.

Yeah, no me too. And I know I'm not alone.

Frank Hamilton

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: Jack The Lad
Date: 15 Sep 04 - 12:57 PM

Pete was and is a gentleman, a wondeful entertainer and an inspiration for millions of people the world over. It is a moving experience to be at one of his concerts- indeed , in his presence.
I don't know anything about his "championing the Palestinian cause",
Martin- but even if he does so- I am sure he has not lost his regard
and respect for the decent achievements of Israel.
It was my pleasure to meet him here in Israel in 1963- at an International Youth Conference, when he inspired and encouraged many of us young "pioneers". I again recently met him at Woodstock NY, when many were moved to tears just to be there with him.
When I introduced myself to him- as being from Israel- he did not enter into any political discussion- or any "championing" of anyone's cause. Rather he took the time to suggest a way of harnessing wind and waterpower to the benefit of everyone in the region.
I can only wish him a comfortable and healthy old age- he may be retiring from the stage- but I am sure he will never retire from his love and concern for all humanity.
Shanna Tova (Happy New Year) to all of you.
May the coming year bring Peace to all of us.
Jack The Lad

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 15 Sep 04 - 01:50 PM

Hi Frank,

I hope I was not misunderstood. I am not taking anything away from Pete Seeger. He is one of the reasons why I grew to love folk music. I love Pete Seeger and I can't imagine what the world would be like he never existed. He is one of those people that you can point to and say they made a difference in the way we live. Pete deserves every honor bestowed upon him.

What I was attempting to say is that the others you mention certainly deserve credit for carrying on the tradition, and often they are overlooked. Martin credits Dave Guard for his interest in folk music. Your point is very well taken, we need to look back at their sources. Disciples deserve recognition for their work as well.

How about Pete's influences?

Have you read Ronald Cohen's book about the folk revival?   I was very intrigued by the way he wove so many threads together that made up the revival in the U.S.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 15 Sep 04 - 02:42 PM

The thing some people miss about Pete Seeger is that the main instrument he plays is the audience.

I was reading through this and surprised noone said that, until at last cobber did. Precisely - no one I've ever come across can play that instrument as well, or even in the same league. (Though maybe there was one man who came pretty close, and that was Alex Campbell.)

Mind, there was just one time he came unstuck with that I can remember, and that was when he was in the Albert Hall, and tried to teach an English audience to yodel. People were trying, but nothing came out, just silence and some gasps and coughs. But when it came to singing he got that audience to sing out loud enough to take the roof off.

And I'm glad someone mentined his Goofing off suite - and wasn't it great when they put out Raising Arizona, and there it was blasting out pver the end titles. Absolute magic.

And I'm also glad we're saying these things while he's still here, rather than saving them up till it's too late. (Setting aside the occasional distracting ego-trip posts from ** which are best set aside anyway.)

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: Once Famous
Date: 15 Sep 04 - 03:18 PM

63 posts now since I said no one had much to say.

See post number 10.

Good morning, everyone.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 15 Sep 04 - 03:42 PM

Two schools of thought

1) Leave us admirers alone as we reminisce sadly and gently about our dear Pete and his career. You (not being in sympathy with the general mood of the thread) start another thread Is Pete Seeger Rubbish? where you and you pals can expound how Pete devastated your life and made existence itself a burden.

2) Gatecrash the party and get on as many peoples tits as you know how: generally stamping on toes, kicking shins, belching in polite society etc.

Which one Martin?

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: GUEST,Barnyard Philospher
Date: 15 Sep 04 - 03:43 PM

MG is just like a rooster who thinks the sun came up because he crowed.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: jack halyard
Date: 15 Sep 04 - 03:54 PM

"To everything (turn turn turn) there is a season, (turn turn turn)
And a time to every purpose under heaven."

What a season Pete Seeger has had, and what a purpose has he fulfilled. I think the length of this thread proves mudcat is still a solid body of folkies. Here's to ol' Pete and to Mudcatters. Your good health all! Jack Halyard.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: Once Famous
Date: 15 Sep 04 - 04:07 PM

Sorry, weelittle drummer

I never said that Pete Seeger is rubbish and have no intention to.

I don't see any threads here by invitation only or even one that says "Stay out if You don't agree with us."

This is an open forum. You need to be able to control how far your shorts creep.

Schools out.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: GUEST,Obie
Date: 15 Sep 04 - 04:22 PM

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: GUEST,Obie
Date: 15 Sep 04 - 04:42 PM

Sorry for the blank, I hit the wrong key.
I have never had the pleasure of seeing Pete live, and although I have loved his music, my respect for him comes more from his dedication to the cause of helping others improve their lot in life. The music , of course, gave him the openings , but his spirit runs much deeper. Many so called stars of music only use their talent to increase their personal wealth. The man could have made a vast fortune with his talent and name but chose instead to stand for his beliefs. For that , Pete I salute you!

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: GUEST,sorefingers
Date: 15 Sep 04 - 06:53 PM

All I know about Pete was his enormous wisdom about life, but I never met him or seen him sing a crowd. I did have his Banjo book for years and with it learned a few great folk songs. I must say though it wasn't just about the Banjo.

So here's a toast to you Mr Pete Seeger who has touched with kindness so many, may your retirement be as much fun as the many songs we sing with you.


And I would give anything to get my hands on that Martin 0018 to see if I could get some songs from it.

With much love and peace to everybody in these most holy days!

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: van lingle
Date: 15 Sep 04 - 09:38 PM

I never met the man but he still seems like such an enormous part of my life. Thanks all, for sharing your memories and insights while celebrating Pete. vl

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 15 Sep 04 - 11:09 PM

of course you can stay, just try to be nicer to everybody!

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: Mike Regenstreif
Date: 16 Sep 04 - 11:32 AM

I was honoured to have received a VIP invitation to attend the event, and the private reception afterward, and will be heading to Toronto tomorrow for it.

Although I've known Pete for 30+ years and have probably seen him perform 50 or 60 times, I think this will be a very special, emotional event.

Note to Martin Gibson: I won't pretend to speak for Pete about his stance on Palestinian issues. However, from what I've been able to discern, his support for a just peace for both sides, and a Palestinian state, is not inconsistent with the position of the vast majority of Israelis themselves.

Mike Regenstreif

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: Alonzo M. Zilch (inactive)
Date: 16 Sep 04 - 01:40 PM

Please post a report Mike.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: Folkiedave
Date: 16 Sep 04 - 02:07 PM

I saw Pete perform in the UK twice once at the Manchester FTH and once in Liverpool at the Spinners Tenth birthday concert (about 1962/3) And I didn't ravel 150 miles to see the Spinners.

Thanks for the memories Pete.

Dave

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: GUEST,Frank Hamilton
Date: 16 Sep 04 - 04:05 PM

Hi Ron,

Didn't mean to imply that you didn't love and admire Pete because I know you do. Like me, you are one of his fans for sure. Guess I didn't make myself clear enough. I was really answering the idea that musicians don't just sprout out of the ground. Any great one is standing on the shoulders of someone else and Pete has broad shoulders.

As to the Palestinian thing, Pete is a peacemaker and always has been. He has always been compassionate about those that are oppressed, regardless of where they live.

"Con los pobres de la Tierra, quero yo me suerte echar".

That's Pete.

Frank Hamilton

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: Peace
Date: 16 Sep 04 - 04:12 PM

And that's true.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: Deckman
Date: 16 Sep 04 - 05:02 PM

Frank ... "Any great one is standing on the shoulders of someone else, and Pete has broad shoulders." That's a GREAT line, may I use it?

I wanted to add a little something to this thread. I first met Pete when he and Sonny Terry and J.C. Burrows (sp?) came to Seattle about 1956 or 57. I helped to organize and promote him in a concert at the Moore theater. That was important as it was just about the first of the concerts he did where he finally started breaking the blacklisting. I put them all up at my house for a week or so ... not really a strain on me, quite a pleasure actually!!!

About two years later, he was in Seattle again. At that time, I was disgusted with my initial two years of college, I had an itchy foot, and I wanted to go to San Francisco with Don Firth to win my way to wealth and fame. Of course that meant that I would be dropping out of college.

One afternoon, I was expressing my delemma to Pete. I think I said something stupid like: "Geeze. I want to drop out of college, just like you, and travel the world and sing songs!"

He sat me down and lectured me for half an hour about what a dumb idea that was and how he'd wished he stayed in school and earned his college degree.

I've always remembered that story fondly. I didn't get my degree until I was 35. Pretty dumb ... eh? CHEERS and thanks again for this thread. Bob

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 16 Sep 04 - 07:56 PM

Aye, Bob, I did the same----but never got that degree. Just kept pickin' until I couldn't. And through it all, Pete was there. He was a touchstone. I use a walker now when I can as a touchstone of sorts. And Pete Seeger endures...

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: Deckman
Date: 17 Sep 04 - 02:36 AM

Hi Art!

Yes, Pete is a touchstone. "Touchstone" is an interesting word, and well chosen by you.

As I'm so damned old as I am, I have unfortunatly outlived many friends. Whenever this has occurred, I always try to get what I call a "touchstone." That is, something, usually small and of little value that that person "touched" every day, and reminds me of them everytime that I touch it. My "touchstones" include things like: a favorite conductors baton; a tie, a penknife used to open his everyday mail, etc.
The wonderful thing about Pete Seeger is that we still have him. And as followers in his traditions, we are ALL "touchstones" to his ongoing legacy. CHEERS, Bob

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: Tannywheeler
Date: 17 Sep 04 - 03:13 AM

Much nicer, children.

And thank you, whoever said it; about Pete's best instrument being his audience -- whether of one (see individ. stories above), a hundred, or several thousands. Tw.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: black walnut
Date: 17 Sep 04 - 08:43 AM

Big article in the Toronto Star this morning about the movie and the concert. We (my husband and I) were given 2 free tickets yesterday to see the Saturday 11 o'clock showing of the movie. We won't get to witness the historic concert, but it'll be a treat nontheless, to see the movie during the Film Festival.

~b.w.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: Ellenpoly
Date: 17 Sep 04 - 10:11 AM

Nice thread.

I met Mr Seeger for a brief instant with my brother, in the lobby of the St Mortiz Hotel in NYC. Pete was on his way to some kind of folk convention, but he took the time to chat with us (my brother had met him at his high school when he was President of the folk club, and Seeger had come to perform and talk with the group.)Whether or not Pete actually remembered my brother, I'll never know, but he certainly acted as if he had and was warm and treated him like a fellow "artist". He even invited my brother to join him upstairs, which sadly, he wasn't able to do.

Having seen Pete Seeger perform, and having seen him respond to an awed teen-aged boy and his kid sister both told me what I needed to know- He's a Prince of a Man and a King of Folk Music.

..xx..e

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 17 Sep 04 - 02:12 PM

One of the photos I took of Pete (in my collection) is quite dark but nonetheless impressive I think. It was taken on stage. I was so excited to be actually picking with Pete--my first time ever to be doing that. Since I had my camera around my neck, I just had to try a shot---as luck would have it - right into the colored spot lights. If I'm correct, we were at the Great River Folk Festival on the campus of the University Of Wisconsin at LaCrosse.

Real nostalgia.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: GUEST,Brian
Date: 17 Sep 04 - 02:23 PM

I am a little confused.
Articles on this Seeger concert (Toronto Sun today) have been of the impression that Pete Seeger has not performed in public in two decades.
I went back to an article at the top of this thread and it states he has refused to play for a "paying" public since 1982. That's some difference in reality.

Ah, journalism. I guess its how things are interpreted - but I can pretty much say that I saw him at Toronto's Ontario Place Forum with Arlo Guthrie around about 1984 or 1985, since it was with my wife, who was not known to me until then.

In any case, maybe then he took no money from that performance or he and Arlo donated to some thing and did it pro bono otherwise, etc.

But to think that Pete Seeger had not performed in "public" for 20 years is passing strange to me. He MUST have been playing and singing somewhere - Clearwater and all the other causes?

Brian

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 17 Sep 04 - 04:22 PM

I can attest to Deckman's practice of adopting a "touchstone." He asked to poke through my Dad's guitar case looking for such an object after Dad died. The guitar case was of course the perfect place to locate such an object, since music was so important to Dad and that's how he made so many friends. (I don't remember what you picked up, but I did the same thing ahead of you--I went straight for the tuning fork that I'd always loved to play with as a child).

SRS

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: Deckman
Date: 17 Sep 04 - 04:37 PM

I still have his capo Maggy. You may have it back anytime you choose. Actually, I have quite a collection of capos from passed friends. Bob

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 17 Sep 04 - 05:07 PM

You folks have me thinking of "A Handful Of Songs"---by Jerry Rasmussen !

Pete has played all along during the times you are talking about. He came to Chicago and did a benefit for me when my health first went south---1991. He did a fine concert with old friends Caty Fink & Marcy Marxer around 2001 or '02. He was here in Chicago and joined the group WEAVERMANIA on stage at a concert at The Chicago Historical Society -- and wound up doing half the concert with them. And, of course, in recent times, Pete has been singing with his grandson, Tau Rodriguez.

I think what this retirement means is that Pete will only be doing bnefits.


Art

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's last concert
From: Once Famous
Date: 17 Sep 04 - 05:18 PM

Post number 100!

I hope Pete does a benefit for Israel.

Or for 9/11 victims.