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19 Mar 09 - 10:24 AM (#2592574) Subject: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MSG From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Pete Seeger's 90th Birthday will be celebrated in the intimate Madison Square Garden with an all-star lineup paying tribute. 20,000 of Pete's closest friends will be able to attend and all money raised will go to support the Clearwater. A majority of the tickets will be priced at $90, there will be special packages for $250, and there are more affordable tickets also available. The incredibly diverse lineup includes Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews, Eddie Vedder, Ani DiFranco, John Mellancamp, Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, Steve Earle plus a host of "folkies" including Arlo Guthrie, Guy Davis, Richie Havens, Joan Baez, Bruce Coburn, Ramblin Jack Elliot and so many more. Visit www.seeger90.com for info. |
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19 Mar 09 - 02:01 PM (#2592741) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MSG From: GLoux Ron, Thanks for posting. I checked the website and see that the lineup includes: Preservation Hall Jazz Band with Del McCoury I googled for more info and found out that he's doing "tubagrass"... The possiblities are limitless... Happy Birthday to Pete!!! -Greg |
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19 Mar 09 - 02:03 PM (#2592743) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MSG From: WFDU - Ron Olesko The lineup includes a number of people. I think people should check out the website - there is something for everyone. I think the diverse lineup really carries Pete's message across and the true definition of folk music. |
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19 Mar 09 - 06:38 PM (#2592930) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGar From: Stringsinger Well Roger McGuinn and I were not invited. Guess we aren't some of Pete's closest friends. Frank Hamilton |
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20 Mar 09 - 12:03 PM (#2593399) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: WFDU - Ron Olesko It is very true that the announced list of performers seem to be missing a lot of folks that were close to Pete during his "career". I did not notice Ronnie Gilbert or Fred Hellerman on that list, and where are the Hudson River Sloop Singers? Still, there is a good cross-section. The lineup speaks to the universal message that Pete has always shared and the fact that folk music is a living tradition. It is also important to realize that this event is a MAJOR fund raising opportunity for Clearwater, an organization that will always be Pete's legacy. Filling up Madison Square Garden is not the same as filling Carneigie Hall or a simple union hall. By reaching across genres and including contemporary artists of a commercial bend, this event represents an important opportunity for Clearwater to secure funds AND to reach new eyes and ears. Spreading the message and carrying on the work becomes the motivating factor. I doubt that Pete would have participated in such an event if it were not for the opportunity that it offers Clearwater. |
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20 Mar 09 - 12:20 PM (#2593410) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: Art Thieme an aside: When he was on the program with others in fundraisers, and it was pretty clear that he was to be the draw, Pete always stipulated that the lineup of artists be listed alphabetically. Also stipulated was that his name not be in larger type than anyone else. That put Mr. Seeger way toward the list's end. --- (But I was usually one below him ;-) In that case, for me, guilt by association was a consummation devoutly to be wished!!!!! Art |
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20 Mar 09 - 05:53 PM (#2593638) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGar From: Stringsinger I see it as a Hollywood Extravaganza for folkies. I wonder how much Pete really had to do with the planning of it. |
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20 Mar 09 - 06:11 PM (#2593657) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGar From: McGrath of Harlow So is that going to be on Pete's actual birthday, May 3rd, or is it like the Queen, with an Official Birthday on some other date? |
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20 Mar 09 - 10:54 PM (#2593799) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: GUEST,booklynrose May 3 is Pete Seeger's birthday. He had asked people to hold singing parties to raise money for Clearwater (to clean up the Hudson River). This sounds like a good one. Someone on Mudcat had suggested that we all honor Pete by holding singing gatherings on his birthday. |
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20 Mar 09 - 11:36 PM (#2593821) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: GUEST,Mary Katherine Frank, not only were you and Roger McGuinn not invited, nor other Weavers as mentioned above, but Pete's brother and sister Mike and Peggy were not included either, and only found out about it by seeing it mentioned on the internet. Does anyone know who the organizers actually are? No contact info is shown on the web site. |
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21 Mar 09 - 02:39 AM (#2593874) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGar From: Anglo None of the original Clearwater Singing Crew were invited, and none of the Second either. Looks like a bunch of "names" to me. Probably good for Clearwater though. |
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21 Mar 09 - 09:51 AM (#2593999) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: WFDU - Ron Olesko When I first got wind of this event a few months ago, I assumed it was going to be held in the theater at Madison Square Garden, not the main arena. I assumed it would be a folkie event that might fill the smaller 5600 seat room. I did not expect that they would put the event in the "main room" that holds 20,000. The purpose IS to raise money for Clearwater. In February, the Clearwater launched a major initiative called the Next Generation Legacy Project - with Pete's involvement. The idea is to teach the next generation of environmental leaders. Over the past 40 years, there is a core group that "gets it" and has made significant contributions to protecting our environment. Clearwater is opening a brand new Clearwater Center in May that will serve as a headquarters and production facility for a number of projects. The site will also be a "camp" that will house seminars, retreats, training programs and pull together all of Clearwater's resources to enable a "new" generation. Obviously there are glaring ommissions to the concert lineup IF the event was intended to be a tribute to Pete - but it is obviously more than that. While I doubt that Pete had ANY hand in producing the lineup, I am sure that he realizes the importance of the event to create a NEW opportunity to reach a NEW audience to spread the message of the Clearwater. It would be easy to fill a smaller venue with folk favorites and close friends and supporters, but that would preach to the choir - and this event should be looked at for the better good that it can do. There will be plenty of ruffle feathers, but we should all keep our sights on the greater goal. Pete has his famous "misquote" of Thomas Jefferson - "the price of liberty is eternal publicity". This concert SHOULD be a "Hollywood" event in my estimation and hopefully there will be new generations that will be inspired by what they see and hear. We often complain about the lack of involvement of youth and the seeming indifference to social themes in pop music. 40 or 50 years or even 60 years ago - generations were inspired by Pete Seeger to make their own music AND to make a change in this world. As Pete turns 90, this opportunity exists to continue the tradition. I would hope that the folk community can support this effort and overlook what we see as oversights. There is greater work to be done. |
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21 Mar 09 - 05:57 PM (#2594197) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: Bill H //\\ I agree on all counts with what Ron said but with the caveat ---it is not a concert that Pete Seeger would have put on. I believe (and hope) that he was not involved in the producing of this event and I also doubt it will lead to another "folk revival" or "scare" but rather be a huge happening since some of the names ---Springsteen comes to mind--could fill that hall in the blink of an eye. What is nice is that they are lending their names and talents to the event and, other than the lead line giving the name of the concert in the announcement AMEX printed in today's NY Times, all names are equal size---I also suspect that Pete had something to do with the guaranteed lower price seats (probably in the stratosphere). As far as helping the Clearwater Organization this should be a financial boon to them. As far as tribute goes---I think the Kennedy Ctr honors covered that and looking back at it now companies like Ticketmaster (who recently settled their scalping issue with NJ--Springsteen tickets) and AMEX were never involved, to my knowledge with any Seeger or Folk concerts prior to that. Weavers tickets were Town Hall Box Office or Carnegie Box Office. I guess the suggestion to have local tributes would be more meaningful and less cash producing---sort of akin to a cake sale vs booking MSG. This is the type of thing I doubt that anyone will ever know who thought it up and who organized it. One has to figure the Clearwater Org. is trying to do its good works on a larger scale and one can only hope that commerecialism will not be rearing its head there. Bill Hahn |
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21 Mar 09 - 06:11 PM (#2594205) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: Joybell It was Marie Goonan of Melbourne (via Sandra of Sydney -- I think) who proposed the gatherings around the world on Pete's birthday. "For Pete's Sake Sing" she's calling them. Plans are well underway here in Victoria, Australia. Our party, in our little town, has a tiny line-up of singers. Two of us -- both listed under H. We're keen though and True-love has stories to tell about Pete and about the 60s in America when he was on the same scene there. And of course the songs. We're asking a donation, whatever people can afford -- free if they can't, to go to the local hall. Cheers, Joy |
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21 Mar 09 - 06:24 PM (#2594213) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: WFDU - Ron Olesko I don't think anyone is suggesting that this MSG concert is going to start a folk revival. What is suggested is that this concert will bring a great deal of attention to Clearwater to an audience that may not be familiar to the cause and the funds will enable Clearwater to continue and start new work. This is being billed as a birthday celebration, not a tribute. There is a difference. Naturally this is not an event that Pete would put on. He does not draw attention to himself. The concert is being promoted by Live Nation and Seeger agreed to it on the condition that he can sing one song with the audience. He has not yet revealed what that song will be. Pete's view of music is not to cubby hole it with labels. He has always approached a concert as an event with a participating audience. The idea that artists who do not have a close connection with Pete are going to be performing in ensembles is exactly what he has been teaching his whole life - sing! I love the idea of "For Pete's Sake Sing" too!! |
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21 Mar 09 - 06:34 PM (#2594216) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: Neil D I agree with Ron about the folk community supporting this event. While it is probable it wasn't informed folkies planning this event, I think its great that Pete has had such a wide influence on today's musicians, cutting across many genres. I would suggest that it didn't even take any arm twisting to get rock heavy hitters on board for this tribute. Everyone who has ever written a meaningful song, had a social conscious or just enjoyed an old time banjo tune knows the importance of the Pete Seeger legacy. |
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21 Mar 09 - 06:51 PM (#2594226) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: Bobert Hurupppffftttt!!! Hey, I sacrificed a nice bag o' weed to Pete and couple of his friends a few years back and didn't get no invite either... No matter... I love Pete and hope he has a great B-day... B~ |
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21 Mar 09 - 07:26 PM (#2594247) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: Bill H //\\ One song!! (As Ron wrote) Well, that seems like the Letterman appearance---I waited till the end of the show to find one short piece and no conversation. So much for the mainstream embracing him. Letterman spent an interminable amount of time with Ms Dreyfus talking about her damned clothing. By the way---that is a great slogan/ motto "for pete'sake sing" Bill Hahn |
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21 Mar 09 - 07:35 PM (#2594254) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: WFDU - Ron Olesko They are all singing one song - most in ensembles. It is not a Pete Seeger concert. |
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22 Mar 09 - 02:48 PM (#2594645) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: billhudson I for one will be there somehow. My girlfriend who sings on Pete's last CD ask me to come. So, I will be getting some gigs in the area and maybe collecting more instruemnts for our Gulf Coast trips. It should be a good night. And yes Ron, we will all be singing in together, that's the way Pete does it. Years ago I use to drive him to gigs and still remember those strong voices out in the audience. |
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23 Mar 09 - 09:18 AM (#2595259) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: bankley maybe even Pete will be invited!!! |
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23 Mar 09 - 03:37 PM (#2595530) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: fretless I'm reasonably happy that the conversation has drifted in the direction of my first reaction to this event -- the $90 ticket price and the ".com' rather than ".org" address will put this event out of my price range and leaves unanswered the question of what percentage of the monies raised will actually go to the good cause it ostensibly supports. Love of Pete and appreciation of his many, many contributions to music and society notwithstanding, I'd rather see Clearwater supported with more grassroots events and sweat equity, but that conjures up an ideal world that cetainly doesn't exist today and perhaps never did. |
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23 Mar 09 - 05:06 PM (#2595598) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGar From: Stringsinger Now that I know that the money is going to Clearwater, I apologize for overreacting and I hope that the concert is a huge success. Undoubtably some of the finest performers in folk music will be there. I was having a bad ________day. Frank |
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23 Mar 09 - 06:15 PM (#2595654) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: Joybell Fretless come along to our "For Pete's Sake Sing" event. We are asking a donation of what-you-can-afford. Of course it's in Victoria, Australia and Pete won't be here. Still and all we're a dedicated little group. Cheers, Joy |
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24 Mar 09 - 03:39 PM (#2596372) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: fretless Joybell, that would be spectacular. And if you're ever in Northern Virginia... |
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24 Mar 09 - 05:52 PM (#2596495) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: Joybell Thank you, Fretless. |
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01 May 09 - 02:53 PM (#2622763) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Any Mudcatters going to MSG? |
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01 May 09 - 10:58 PM (#2622979) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: EBarnacle Lady Hillary and I will be there as working volunteers. We will be at entry door 6-2. As a committee head for the Clearwater Revival, I was at our regular meeting last Saturday when they asked for volunteers to work getting festival volunteers and attendees at the concert. There is still room to sign up. To find out who is performing, go to www.Clearwater.org where you can also sign up to volunteer for the festival. All attendees at the concert are receiving a one year membership to Clearwater. Regarding the Camp, Clearwater has outgrown its home in Poughkeepsie and needs a larger, more flexible space. The house is being sold and, as mentioned, the organization is moving to Beacon, about 5 miles from Pete's home. The bad news is that they will be renting, rather than owning, the property. The property has had many incarnations, including as a drying out/rehab facility for famous druggies and alcoholics. It's a gorgeous location about a 1/2 miles from the river. Regarding the Sloop Singers, I believe several will be on the stage as supporting musicians. We will, of course have our annual reunions at Revival and at New Jersey Friends of Clearwater's Festival [3rd weekend in August]. |
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04 May 09 - 10:56 AM (#2623926) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: GUEST,Eli Smith / Down Home Radio Hey everybody, Check out the Pete Seeger 90th birthday episode at www.DownHomeRadioShow.com , as well as an hour long interview with Pete. Eli |
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04 May 09 - 07:19 PM (#2624248) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: Little Robyn So, did any catters go to MSG? Any reports on how wonderful it was? How's Pete doing? Was it the best hootenanny you've been to or did it get rained out? Robyn |
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04 May 09 - 08:09 PM (#2624276) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: Mark Ross DEMOCRACY NOW did an hour tribute to Pete today. Check it out at; DEMOCRACY NOW Tribute to Pete Seeger Mark Ross |
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04 May 09 - 10:46 PM (#2624363) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGar From: GUEST,Pamela from Ithaca Robyn, The Garden is an enclosed arena. No problem about the rain. ;-) I hear it was a fantastic event. Check out the other Pete Seeger thread. |
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04 May 09 - 11:33 PM (#2624387) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: Eve Goldberg I was there (just got back home a few hours ago), and it was fantastic! It's hard to put it into words because there were so many performers and so many songs, but there were some beautiful moments. Once I've gotten some sleep I might be able to give a better report. But for those who missed it, I hear that the whole thing was filmed for later broadcast on PBS. So keep your eyes open for that (and I'm sure there will be a CD and a DVD too!). |
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05 May 09 - 12:06 AM (#2624402) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: Seamus Kennedy Where was Liam Clancy? Seamus |
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05 May 09 - 12:58 AM (#2624420) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: mark gregory Pete Seeger Celebrates 90th With a Clearwater Concert By JON CARAMANICA Published: May 4, 2009 New York Time review of Madison Square Garden concert "Mr. Seeger led the crowd in "Amazing Grace," calling out lines in a spooky, hole-filled, appealingly weathered voice. It was one of several brawny, moving exercises in mass vocalizing: "We Shall Overcome," "This Land Is Your Land," "Well May the World Go," "This Little Light of Mine." Ninety years after Mr. Seeger's birth, 50 or so years after the height of the folk music movement, 40 years after the civil rights movement, and 104 days after the swearing-in of the country's first black president, those songs no longer sound defiant or expectant, but instead matter-of-fact." Democracy Now tribute to Pete Seeger "Legendary folk singer, banjo player, storyteller, and political and environmental activist Pete Seeger turned ninety on Sunday. More than 18,000 people packed New York's Madison Square Garden Sunday celebrate the man, the music and the movement." |
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05 May 09 - 02:40 PM (#2624803) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: Mark Ross NYTimes editorial about Pete Mark Ross |
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05 May 09 - 04:07 PM (#2624866) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: WFDU - Ron Olesko I've posted a lengthy review and some comments on my website - www.ronolesko.blogspot.com The bottom line - I enjoyed the concert, even with some questionable ommissions - I felt the event was justified and succeeded. |
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05 May 09 - 08:47 PM (#2625082) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: mark gregory More Reviews of Clearwater Concert Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp Salute Seeger's 90th (Rolling Stone) Pete Seeger celebrates 90th with musician pals (LA Times) |
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06 May 09 - 06:37 AM (#2625296) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: mark gregory also from Bergen Now 'Actor Tim Robbins told the audience that at this birthday party, nothing would make Pete happier than to hear everyone singing along. Learning about the history of some of the songs, learning how to harmonize during Pete's "Amazing Grace", listening to Peggy Seeger describe some fun moments in her life with Pete and the touching tribute she shared with the audience, made it an event hard to forget.' |
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06 May 09 - 07:15 AM (#2625320) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: mark gregory and from Variety 'Seeger was done proud by younger artists -- a comparative term, given the absence of Gen X and Y names -- who tweaked and modernized his classics. Ani DiFranco, for instance, retrofitted "Which Side Are You On?" with a potent feminist after-burn, while Michael Franti inserted a smile-inducing pro-Obama rap into the otherwise dark "Dear Mr. President." The most moving offerings, however, came from those who honed their craft directly under Seeger's watchful eye, from Taj Mahal (who teamed with Tom Morello for a loamy rendition of "Waist Deep in the Big Muddy") to Tom Paxton. The spirit took further flight when the stage became more of a hootenanny site than an individual showcase. That was the case for a good bit of the concert, with teamings such as Kris Kristofferson, Ramblin' Jack Elliott and Richie Havens (who joined forces on "Maggie's Farm") and the McGarrigle Family (sisters Kate and Anna and offspring Rufus and Martha Wainwright), who tackled "The River Is Wide.' |
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06 May 09 - 11:41 PM (#2625985) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: mark gregory then there's Billboard 'Pete Seeger's grandson, Tao Rodriguez-Seeger, whom many first saw during their historic singalong of "This Land Is Your Land" on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial before the inauguration of President Obama, led the rousing call to disarm "Bring 'Em Home" with Tyler Ramsey and Ben Bridwell of Band of Horses, guitarist Warren Haynes, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band Horns Section. Joan Baez delivered one of the most wrenching performances of the night, the folk spiritual "Jacob's Ladder," in an unvarnished arrangement that daringly put on display some of her voice's time-worn nuances. It was one of the most riveting moments of the night and true to the essence of Ms. Baez.' |
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07 May 09 - 08:48 AM (#2626180) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: mark gregory list of concert reviews so far Pete Seeger's 90th Birthday Celebration at MSG (Village Voice) This land is his land: Pete Seeger turns 90 (The Age) Pete Seeger's 90th Birthday (Billboard) Seeger's 90th birthday in New York (Variety) Stars come out for Pete Seeger's 90th birthday celebration (Bergen Now) Pete Seeger 90th Birthday Concert (Hollywood Reporter) Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp Salute Seeger's 90th (Rolling Stone) Pete Seeger celebrates 90th with musician pals (LA Times) Tribute to Pete Seeger (Democracy Now) Pete Seeger Celebrates 90th With a Concert (New York Times) |
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09 May 09 - 02:11 AM (#2627540) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: mark gregory Reviews keep appearing in the press: this one in The Huffington Post: Outlasting the Bastards: Learning and Applying the Pete Seeger Lesson '... the huge, almost five hour long Clearwater Benefit concert in a sold-out Madison Square Garden that featured nearly a hundred of our country's best folk and jazz musicians all singing and playing their hearts out in tribute to the first 90 hard-lived and hard-fought years that have made the musical activist legend. There's no way for me to describe this experience in words and no way to improve on the musicians' various tributes but Bruce Springsteen's words did encapsulate well the Seeger secret of success: the "stubborn, defiant and nasty optimism" that Pete needed to stand on conscience in the darkest of hours with those like Paul Robeson and Martin Luther King; to truly believe "we shall overcome" and the "stubborn, defiant and nasty optimism" which has ultimately allowed him to "outlast the bastards".' |
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09 May 09 - 04:48 AM (#2627572) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: Neil D Great review Ron. For anyone who can't wait for a CD or TV special there are some low tech videos of the event on YouTube. |
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09 May 09 - 10:19 AM (#2627678) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGar From: Stringsinger I think Bruce's words were too confrontational. Pete is a lot more than "outlasting bastards". Pete has never been "nasty" since i've known him. Springsteen obviously doesn't know him very well. It doesn't do anyone any good to start a fight just to vent anger. Pete's life is a testament to constructive effort and getting along without going along. I think Springsteen is too loud. Let Pete speak for himself. Frank Hamilton |
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09 May 09 - 11:33 AM (#2627726) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: billhudson As Ron Olesko said in his blog, Pete gave us the tools and now we have to use them ( I think that's close). And that in a nut shell is what Toshi and Pete have passed to to many of us. I went along to that night with my music publisher and my girlfriend , Sue Alkins who sang on Pete's last CD. We had good seats and what a night. The funny thing was I keep bumping into people I knew here and there. So yes there were maybe 18,000 people there but at the same time feel kind of like a reunion of old friends mostly from my early Clearwater days. From the looks of it Toa looked like he was having a blast and its nice to see him come full circle from what I can remember from so long ago. I am damn glad this night happened and will forever remember it as imperfect as it might of been with the music sometimes the voices of so many will forever ring. Lets hope it keep on ringing for years to come. Still Pickin' B.H. |
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09 May 09 - 06:45 PM (#2627951) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: Bill H //\\ Frank Hamilton--How right you are. I was not there but Ron filled me in on the great event. You have perfectly defined the difference between Seeger and Springsteen---tolerance and understanding vs loudness and anger. I am not speaking of musical abilities here; rather, differences in persona and humanity. Bill Hahn |
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09 May 09 - 07:52 PM (#2627986) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Sorry, but I don't think there is any occasion to question Springsteen's humanity, and naturally they have different personna. I assume both Bill and Frank have viewed a video or audio clip of the entire speech that Springsteen gave and not just snippets of quotes from newspapers or websites. If that is the case, I respect each of your viewpoints on Springsteen. I just do not agree with them. My take on the speech was that Springsteen eloquently praised Seeger for living the life he has. He wasn't being confrontational, just stating the way he sees it. The quote about outliving the "bastards" came at the end of reminisce of Springsteen & Seeger performing at Obama's inaguration concert. Springsteen told of how Seeger told the history of "We Shall Overcome" - a song he (and others) brought from the labor movement and introduced to the Civil Rights movement. Springsteen commented on how Seeger worked hard and was now singing the song and standing a few away from the first African-American president of the United States. The significance of the moment was not lost and Springsteen then remarked he turned to Pete and said that he "outlived the bastards". I did not find anything confrontational about the remarks. Springsteen admittedly does not know Seeger well - altought it should be mentioned that it was Springsteen who invited Seeger to join him in Washington this past January. Springsteen is not the same person as Seeger, not should anyone expect him to be. IF we were all like Pete Seeger, there would not have been a need to have such a concert. As for "tolerance and understanding" - I think both men have keen understanding of the human condition, and NEITHER tolerates hatred or abuse. I can't claim to know Pete well, other than a few hours spent over the years doing interviews. His demeanor is shy and quiet, but it only takes a few minutes to see his passion and fighting spirit. He does not tolerate injustice and has spent a lifetime singing out against it and teaching us to use the tools we have to fight as well. As Springsteen said, he may look like your grandfather, if your grandfather can kick your ass. I would not disagree. Springsteen is a rock and roller. He grew up in a different time and different environment and makes different music. I think his music fits in the world that Seeger invisions - adding harmony. I'm not a huge fan of Springsteen, nor have I ever met the man, but I've heard his music and he has something to say. He is also fighting injustice. I'm not keen on comparing individuals to each other. As the words written on Pete Seeger's guitar say - THIS MACHINE SURROUNDS HATE AND FORCES IT TO SURRENDER. Seeger and Springsteen use their instruments to reach the same goals. Ron Olesko |
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09 May 09 - 09:34 PM (#2628043) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: GUEST,Dani Amen, Brother Ron! You said it beautifully. I, too, had a very different upbringing than Pete did. I have always been in awe, envious of his even-keeled, centered, humble approach to the hard stuff. I owe him a huge debt for introducing me to 'folk' (whatever that is!) of all flavors, and the simple kindness and love that really does make the world go around. He appeals to the 'pollyanna' in me! But as I am a more passionate, 'confrontational' person, Bruce has always made much more sense to me, personally. When I see injustice, I want to GRRRRR BITE SOMEONE IN THE FACE (apologies to the Giraffe) before I can settle down to a better way of solving things. You are absolutely right; different notes, same tune. Dani |
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09 May 09 - 10:22 PM (#2628056) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: Eve Goldberg Thanks Ron, I think you hit the nail on the head. It's funny, when Bruce Springsteen said that about "nasty optimism," I really liked the term. I never thought that he was saying Pete was nasty, I thought he was using "nasty" in the same way we say, "I have a nasty cold." Like a cold that won't let go. That's the kind of optimism that Pete Seeger has. I am a fan of Bruce Springsteen. He may be getting to know Pete late in the game, but he has always been a musician who stands up against injustice, who sings songs about ordinary working people and their struggles. He's not perfect (who is?) but I admire him a great deal, and yes, he has quite a different personality than Pete. It gives me a thrill to see them on the stage together, and I was glad that Springsteen was a part of the evening, because he has certainly helped make a whole new generation aware of Pete Seeger, his music, and his work for social justice. I heard that Springsteen is actually on tour right now, but when they were scheduling the tour, he insisted on leaving May 3rd open so he could come back to NY for the concert. I think that says a lot about his respect for Pete Seeger -- he probably could have been making a nice tidy sum performing in an arena somewhere, but he chose to be part of the tribute concert instead. Good on him. |
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10 May 09 - 09:01 AM (#2628238) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: mark gregory ... The Irish Times 'HALFWAY through his 90th birthday celebration at Madison Square Garden on Sunday night, Pete Seeger urged everybody in the 18,000-strong audience to join in an a cappella version of Amazing Grace. “There’s no such thing as a wrong note as long as you’re singing it,” he said. Fifty of the biggest names in American music, including Bruce Springsteen, Joan Baez and Kris Kristofferson, joined Seeger onstage for the 4½-hour event. It had less the feel of a concert, however, than of a giant sing-along with a group of old friends. Seeger has been singing and campaigning on behalf of progressive causes for almost 70 years, standing with trade unions and migrant workers in the 1930s and 1940s, opposing the Cold War in the 1950s, marching for civil rights and against the Vietnam war in the 1960s, joining the struggle against South African apartheid in the 1970s, and focusing on environmental activism ever since.' |
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10 May 09 - 09:44 AM (#2628260) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGar From: Michael S I'm new to this thread and I did not attend the Pete Seeger celebration in Madison Square Garden. I've attended at least half-a-dozen Bruce Springsteen performances over the last 30 years and own most of his records. I've also seen Pete several times and own some of his recordings. I think I'm reasonably knowledgeable about their careers. I'm thoroughly mystified by the statement that Bruce represents "loudness and anger." If that remark is supposedly a summary of his career or persona, it's very ill-informed. If it's based solely on the "outlasted the bastards" comment at the Seeger tribute, I hope you watched the totality of Bruce's remarks on youtube. Bruce is a rock star. His concerts are loud, but always in the service of great joy and humanity. If you haven't seen one, plug your ears and watch the communion in the arena at one of Bruce's shows. He's very wealthy (and I suspect Pete has a few dollars, as well). But Bruce has always used his platform to remind us to think of the less fortunate. I don't know another star anywhere near his level of popularity who has been so consistent in talking about the needs of the downtrodden. At every concert, we hear of the homeless, the hungry, etc. Bruce often insists that local service organizations be given a chance to hand out literature and collect funds at concerts. And Bruce has backed this up with free shows and public statements. As far as I can tell, Bruce does this with humility and an appeal to our better angels. I doubt Bruce has reached Pete's level of activism, but I'm not comparing them. I'm simply addressing the misguided "loudness and anger" remark. It's way off base. --Michael Scully --Austin |
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10 May 09 - 10:24 AM (#2628278) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGar From: Stringsinger Activism speaks louder than angry words. |
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10 May 09 - 11:11 AM (#2628294) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGar From: Michael S What "angry words?" And how much do any of us know about Bruce's private activism, or the lack of it? Good lord, why does the left always eat its own? Dick Cheney is still out there blathering and Mudcatters want to take shots at Bruce Springsteen!!! I notice that Pete certainly hasn't shunned the public embrace that Bruce has offered over the past few years. --Michael Scully |
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10 May 09 - 11:35 AM (#2628310) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: WFDU - Ron Olesko I'm not sure if "angry words" and "activisim" need to be exclusive. Listen to some of the songs that Pete has sung, there are certainly angry words in many of them. Pete tells a great story about the Clearwater. When people were saying that it would never work, he brought up the story of the see-saw. One end of the see saw is weighted down with big heavy rocks. On the other side there is an empty basket that people are bringing teaspoons full of sand to help fill. Skeptics will say that it will never fill, but after a very long time the basket does get filled and slowly the see-saw teeters in the other direction. People then start asking how it happened so fast, when in reality it took a very long time and a lot of people contributing. Of course a few folks with shovels could fill that basket in no time at all if they put their mind to it. Yet the act of participation and making everyone involved is the point of the story. At the concert Pete told the story of John Newton and the song "Amazing Grace". Pete told the story of redemption, and how anyone can turn around and deserve a chance. THAT is the "nasty optimism" that Springsteen is referring to. Again, I think it is very important to listen and watch the entire speech before anyone draws conclusions. Everyone is entitled to think what they wish, but that doesn't mean it is necessarily correct. |
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28 Jul 09 - 10:43 AM (#2688757) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: Ebbie "Eve Goldberg - PM Date: 04 May 09 - 11:33 PM I was there (just got back home a few hours ago), and it was fantastic! It's hard to put it into words because there were so many performers and so many songs, but there were some beautiful moments. Once I've gotten some sleep I might be able to give a better report. But for those who missed it, I hear that the whole thing was filmed for later broadcast on PBS. So keep your eyes open for that (and I'm sure there will be a CD and a DVD too!)." I am refreshing Eve G's post. I just read that PBS will be airing the May 3rd Pete Seeger show as a Great Performances special, starting this week and will be shown across the country in the next several weeks. I will be watching. |
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28 Jul 09 - 11:31 AM (#2688794) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: Desert Dancer Here's the PBS page about it, which has several bits of preview video. It's on Aug. 7 and 9 here. The program notes have it as "episode 1 of 2"... ~ Becky in Tucson |
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02 Aug 09 - 02:16 PM (#2692290) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: GUEST,amy\ You people need to get over yourself. People who followed Pete from the 60's appreciated his goodness. The man has done nothing but help out humanity and make us appreciate our county. I'm sure he had nothing to do with the guest list. Bless Pete and may he live a peaceful life with his loved ones and friends. |
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02 Aug 09 - 02:32 PM (#2692298) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: GUEST,Leslie Roger McGuinn WAS there, but unfortunately Ronnie Gilbert and Fred Hellerman weren't. Do we know for a fact that they weren't invited, though. |
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03 Aug 09 - 01:08 AM (#2692591) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: Stilly River Sage Brings tears to my eyes, watching these performances on PBS. Pete looked like he was enjoying himself. Arlo has white hair. Has for a while, but I always thought of him as a young whippersnapper. . . Joan Baez is as beautiful as ever, maybe more so. Springsteen really gets around. I enjoyed him in the Orbison Black and White program from years ago, but I know he has always been a Seeger fan. Interesting, energizing mix of people up on stage. SRS |
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03 Aug 09 - 03:44 PM (#2692984) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: GUEST,Stringsinger Sorry fella's but there's nothing "nasty" about Pete's optimism. Unless of course you use the term like in the Black \ Community where good is "bad", like that Bad Boy Pete Seeger. Here's a problem. Where do you separate the rhetoric from the intentions of the man? "Nasty" means to me angry which is not Pete. The "bastards" reference of Springsteen are as yet undefined. Can we acheive anything by name-calling? It seems in some circles it's liberal chic to start blaming those you disagree with. Let's dimiss them as "bastards". It doesn't work. You don't convince anyone that way. Pete's optimism is beyond "nasty" or any other term derogating it. I still think it was a poor choice of words. I've known Pete for over fifty years, now. I've seen him charm the pants of a Young Republican Club. If he were to perform in front of the Southern Citizens Council, he probably would do the same thing. Pete has been around long enough to warrant a better term like "constructive optimism" or "socially-changing optimism." I would not like to see him presented as a ranting ideologue but more as who he really is, a tolerant humanitarian who recognizes the value of life. That's why he is Pete Seeger. That's my take anyway. Frank Hamilton |
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03 Aug 09 - 03:56 PM (#2692992) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: Wesley S I was pleased to see Charles Osgood introduce a segment on Pete and his 90th birthday on the CBS Sunday Morning show yesterday morning. And how did he do it? By frailing a long necked vega 5 srting. I didn't know that Charles Osgood played the banjo. But it was refreshing to say the least. |
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03 Aug 09 - 04:29 PM (#2693006) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: WFDU - Ron Olesko "I've known Pete for over fifty years, now. I've seen him charm the pants of a Young Republican Club." THAT is an example of the "nasty optimism" that Springsteen was referring to!! I'm sorry Frank, but with the deepest of respect, I still think that Springsteen's words were eloquent and fitting. After watching the performance live at the Garden and again on television, I don't think that Springsteen was creating the image of "ranting idealogue" with his choice of words, and the use of the word "bastard" was not meant to be offensive at all. Perhaps it is a generational thing, but Springsteen was speaking with great respect and admiration for everything that Seeger stands for - and his words encouraged others to use Seeger as an example on how to conduct their own lives. I do respect your opinion and everyone is entitled to have one - but I feel it is important to be able to disagree. |
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05 Nov 11 - 02:07 AM (#3250638) Subject: RE: Pete Seeger 90th Birthday part at MadisonSqGarden From: GUEST,banjopicker My memory even at 21 is foggy since its been a couple years since ive seen the footage . but I do agree with Frank. Also would like to take the opportunity to say I grew up with the weavers re-union concert 1963 and new every word to San Fransisco bay blues by the time i was 4 . and still listen to it till this this. I now play the banjo and 12 string because of it. |