Friday Night Concert

Family Concert

Workshops (a sample)

Round Robin (51 performances by PMN members)

Photo Slideshow

Saturday, January 24, 2015, 5:15-6:15pm (Greenfield Middle School Auditorium)

Pete Seeger was one of the best at moving the hearts of the world through the power of song. His success depended on the legacy of musical traditions embedded in cultures from all over the world and in a wide range of skills, which sprang from communities that valued and actively used song as a rallying force for community engagement. We can and should celebrate these traditions, which originated during what some might call, “simpler times.”

But we also must recognize that today we live in a world that moves at a faster pace, is less community-minded, and is not wedded to song in the same ways that artists like Pete experienced. Despite these challenging cultural changes, the power of music to reach the heart, call attention to pressing issues, and focus constructive energy for a cause still endures.

Kim and Reggie Harris will take a look at the history of musical traditions that have nurtured the cause of freedom and justice. They will suggest a fresh vision for how communities of artists can use our talents and passion to reach strangers, friends and potential allies in making these traditions relevant today.

Biography: Consummate musicians and storytellers, Kim and Reggie Harris combine a strong folk and gospel legacy with a solid background in classical, rock and pop music. Creative curiosity, years of road and stage experience and interactions with performers such as Pete Seeger, Ysaye Barnwell, Jay Leno, Tom Paxton, Bernice Johnson Reagon, Harry Belafonte and others, has led them to produce music that entertains and inspires.

As a result of their CDs “Steal Away” and Get On Board” (Appleseed Recordings) and materials developed in their work with the Kennedy Center, Kim and Reggie have earned wide acclaimed for their contributions to the resources and knowledge base – in historical and educational circles – on the Underground Railroad and the modern civil rights movement.

Kim and Reggie Harris are dynamic and superbly talented traditional folk performers, whose captivating stage presence and unique harmonies has earned the respect and love of audiences throughout the US, Canada and Europe for over 30 years. They are unique in their ability to entertain audiences of any age and background as they blend their talents as singers, songwriters, educators, interpreters of history and cultural advocates.

www.kimandreggie.com

Family Concert

Saturday, January 24, 2015, 2:15 – 3:30pm

Greenfield Middle School Library, 195 Federal St, Greenfield, MA

This concert is a joyful opportunity to hear national touring artists who are leaders in the Children’s Music Network, featuring lively sing-alongs and unforgettable lyrics. It’s part of a full weekend gathering. Even if you can’t attend the full gathering, the whole public – especially families with children – is invited to this concert!

Performers:

Ruth Pelham: Ruth Pelham is a singer, songwriter and educator who brings to the world a fresh vision of world peace and social change. www.musicmobile.org

Sarah Pirtle: Received the Magic Penny Award for her twelve recordings of inspiring songs like “The Mahogany Tree,” “Walls and Bridges,” and “My Roots Go Down.” www.sarahpirtle.com

Two of a Kind (David and Jenny Heitler-Klevans): For 25 years, David & Jenny have been engaging audiences of all ages with fun and meaningful songs, movement, sign language, puppets and more! www.twoofakind.com

Friday Concert

Arjuna Greist is a folk n’ word artist for the people. Blending progressive politics with witty observations on life, arjuna tackles everything from queer rights and gender identity to racism, feminism, the environment, and everyday life with humor, passion, and a fresh perspective. Awards and honors include Best Spoken Word Song from Just Plain Folks, and a feature in the Suzi Wollenberg DJ Showcase at NERFA 2013. www.reverbnation.com/arjunagreist

Peter Siegel contributes a radical chord to American Roots music. Influenced by Pete Seeger and Phil Ochs, the groove of a rugged old time jam, and the gutsy blues of the Stones, Peter’s music defies categorization. His credits include Sing Out! magazine, The Portland Collection, Grammy award winning mandolin tracks on the Best Children’s Album of 2010, and a guest appearance on the nationally syndicated, Etown. www.petersiegel.com

The Eventide Singers are volunteers who offer songs of hope and comfort for the ill, homebound, dying, their families, and others who may benefit from the healing gift of music. Eventide’s repertoire consists of an eclectic mix of spiritual and uplifting selections that do not subscribe to a specific religion or culture. Songs are sung a cappella in a number of different languages with diversity in mind. www.eventidesingers.com

Annie Patterson has performed and led music retreats at folk festivals, coffee houses, schools and camps throughout North America, New Zealand, the Netherlands and the British Isles. She is best known for co-creating the popular songbook Rise Up Singing, and is currently hard at work on a new songbook, Rise Again. Annie is an accomplished folk performer and jazz vocalist. www.riseupandsing.org

Sophia Bereaud is a 14-year-old high school student from Swampscott, Massachusetts. She has sung in shows with her father, Philip Alexander, a local children’s musician, acted in many musicals and performed with the Concert Choir of the Boston Children’s Chorus. She also sings with her school and church choirs, as well as her family band. Sophia enjoys creative writing and poetry.

Inari Jade Higgins Barrett is ten years old. With a deep appreciation for music and the outdoors from a very early age, she has learned much from the musical performances of her parents (Heather K. Higgins Barrett and Toussaint Liberator) and picked up a penchant for writing her own lyrics, including, “Fly Like A Dove.”

Charlie King is a musical storyteller and political satirist. He has been at the heart of American folk music for half a century and has been writing songs for the past 40 years. His repertoire covers a century and a half and four continents. He sings and writes passionately about the extraordinary lives of ordinary people. www.charlieking.org

Toussaint Liberator has been featured on numerous commercial releases and is best known for his solo work released in 2010 called Black Gold on I Grade Records out of St. Croix. He is currently working in the Plymouth Correctional Facility with a drum and creative writing program. He has also begun to teach a curriculum in schools called “From Slave to Soldier.” www.toussintliberator.com

Kat Allen & Lynn Waldron

Lynn Waldron has performed with the Pioneer Valley Symphony Chorus, the Hampshire Choral Society, and many other organizations. She sings with the Eventide Singers. She also sings on tour with Tom Neilson.

Lorre Wyatt has been performing his social and environmentally-conscious songs on the folk circuit since the early 1970s. He’s best known for the classic song, “Somos El Barco/We are the Boat”, and for numerous songwriting collaborations with Pete Seeger, including their 2012 album “A More Perfect Union”. Lorre engages audiences with a vibrant blend of classic and contemporary folksongs and sing-alongs from many differnt traditions. www.lorrewyatt.com

Kim and Reggie Harris are the 2015 PMN Artists-in-Residence. Consummate musicians and storytellers, they combine a strong folk and gospel legacy with a solid background in classical, rock and pop music. Kim and Reggie have earned wide acclaimed for their contributions to the resources and knowledge base – in historical and educational circles – on the Underground Railroad and the modern civil rights movement. Kim and Reggie Harris are dynamic and superbly talented traditional folk performers, whose captivating stage presence and unique harmonies has earned the respect and love of audiences throughout the US, Canada and Europe for over 30 years.