I’d like to share a few thoughts about the Pete Seeger 90th Birthday Celebration at Madison Square Garden. If you were there, or even if you couldn’t make it, I would love to hear your thoughts as well. Please feel free to enter a comment below.

I was blown away by the music. To be honest, I had mixed feelings going into the Garden. The lineup was impressive and diverse, and the Garden expansive and expensive, so I was not expecting the evening to have much of a “folkie” feel. Often, tribute concerts like this can be filled with artists that have little connection to the subject and show up for exposure. The New York Times reviewer mentioned that he felt a couple of performers gave what amounted to “dutiful” performances, but I’m happy to say that I did not find that in evidence. This is “folk” music, not a choreographed production number. I felt that ALL the performers appeared to be touched by the subject and the song and each gave performances from the heart.

Before I begin talking about the artists that were there, I’d like to mention a few people who were not.

Sure, there were many additional performers who should have been included on that stage. It would have been nice to see some alumni from the Sloop Singers, but the essence of the Sloop Singers is that everyone would be included. I would have enjoyed seeing the surviving members of the Weavers on stage as well.

In the end, I think the lineup and spirit of the evening speaks to the message that Pete has been teaching us for decades – music is not restricted by boundaries or groups, it is a gift that all of us own and can participate in. A Pete Seeger concert was never about watching him sing but in participating in the act of singing. He never expects or seeks accolades, he has always worked to make a change in the world and to show people that they have the tools to do the same, as well as entertain themselves. The lineup was diverse, and even then it only reflected a sliver of the world that Pete is trying to reach with his music, I feel that it sent a message that helps explain “folk music” to a larger audience. To my ears, the message was loud and clear – this music is not about a “genre”, it is about community. It is about sharing heart and soul as well as provoking thought.

When Pete and the other members of the Weavers began performing in the late 1940’s, the intention WAS to influence the music being heard on the hit parade and bring folk music from the union hall to the concert hall, as well as radio and television and on the lips of everyone to sing.

The gathering at the Garden was evidence of Pete’s success. It wasn’t just a “folkie” gathering. While I am proud of our folk community, we cannot become an artistic ghetto. The music that folks like myself share on the radio may be a bit of a “niche” format, but attending “PeteFest” reminded me of the greater purpose that artists like Pete Seeger have worked for. “Our” music has influenced popular culture, as witnessed at the Garden, and will continue to do so as long as the songwriters, musicians, DJ’s, journalists and promoters avail ourselves with the tools that Pete taught us to use.

At the risk of sounding contradictory to the pervious statement about the importance of a wider community, there were a couple of “omissions” that disturbed me. While it would be impossible to recognize EVERYONE that Pete has worked with or all the projects that Pete has been involved with, there are two examples that were missing at the concert that I feel should have been included because they set an example that matches the message. The work that Pete helped start through Sing Out! should have been acknowledged. Sing Out! was started to share songs and the magazine continues to provide that service and introduce us to new culture and thought.

I also would have loved to see Jim Musselman and Appleseed Recordings acknowledged. I was appalled to learn that he wasn’t part of this program. Jim literally planted the seed for this evening back in 1998 when he produced the first volume of the extraordinary Songs of Pete Seeger series. Jim put the songs of Pete Seeger into the hands of other artists, many who were on the stage last night. The Appleseed Recordings featured people like Billy Bragg, Ani DiFranco and numerous others – including a guy from NJ named Springsteen. Folk music has a “Mighty Wind” image with people who do not realize what it is really about – and the Appleseed Recordings project helped change that image. In reality, the Madison Square Garden concert was a culmination of Jim’s work. Sure, those of us in the folk community know and love what he has done, but it is a shame that his example could not have been shared with those folks show turned out for the concert out of curiosity or a love for particular artists who were appearing.

In the end, the most important facts are that the Clearwater raised some much needed funds (and will continue to do so with DVD and CD sales), AND the music that was created was enjoyable for all to listen and sing along to. I was impressed by the age of the crowd – a great blend ranging from the very young to the very old. The concert won’t be a catalyst for a new folk revival, but it will hopefully help make the music more accessible to those outside of our community

The concert began with a short film about the Clearwater. The stage was designed to replicate the image of the sloop – which you can make out from the photo I took with my cell phone camera. Two large screen monitors were hung from the ceiling and during the evening they provided the audience with close-ups of the performers as well as images of the boat and short biographical interludes about Pete.

After the Clearwater introduction, a lone flute could be heard. Pete stood center stage – without a spotlight and in virtual darkness – performing “Menomenee Love Song” on the flute. Most of the audience did not appear to recognize Pete as he walked off stage while the next group of artists representing the Native American Indian Cultural Alliance began their performance. The spokesperson for the group talked mentioned that ever since Henry Hudson “discovered” the river, it has “gone to hell”. They saluted Pete’s endeavors with Clearwater by singing “As Long as The Grass Shall Grow”, a song written by Peter LaFarge.

John Mellencamp followed the group of Native American artists and had the honor of being the first of many performers of the evening to announce that they either saw Pete Seeger as the first concert they ever attended or they learned through Pete’s recordings. Mellencamp led the crowd in “If I Had a Hammer” and then did one of his own songs, which he said was inspired by Seeger.
Tim Robbins served as emcee of the evening, appearing periodically to either introduce a performer or to remind us of the important role Pete has played in his and our lifetime. Robbins also remarked that since it was Pete’s 90th birthday, the greatest gift would be for everyone to sing along throughout the evening. Later in the evening, Pete addressed the crowd and said “There’s no such thing as a wrong note as long as you’re singing it”. I am happy to report that the audience was in fine voice.

The New York City Labor Chorus also participated throughout the evening, first by singing a moving “To My Old Brown Earth”, a song that Pete wrote in 1958 for a funeral of an editor of a radical newspaper. The members of the choir remained onstage and added their voices to the various songs that were to follow.

The evening was filled with numerous inspired artist team-ups. Bruce Cockburn and Ani DiFranco presented the first collaboration of the evening with the Florence Reece penned labor song “Which Side Are You On”. The answer to the musical question was fairly obvious, and it was wonderful to hear Bruce and Ani sing some updated lyrics to the song. The folk process at work!!
One of my favorite collaborations was an energetic version of “Sailin’ Up” performed as a hootenanny-style ensemble that included Steve Earle, Taj Mahal and Warren Haynes. Ani DiFranco and Kris Kristofferson offered up a delightful “Hole in the Bucket”, one of the earliest songs that I can recall from my own childhood.

Yes, it was a show that the entire family can enjoy. There were a number of family connections that made a presence onstage as well. Ben Harper was joined by his mother and aunt for a beautiful rendition of “Gather Round the Sun”, the McGarrigles brought along their kids (including Martha and Rufus Wainwright) to accompany Emmy Lou Harris on “The Water is Wide”, Jay Ungar and his daughter Ruthy appeared in several ensembles, and Tim Robbins and his son Miles joined the McGarrigle’s for “Michael Row the Boat Ashore” – a song that is often used by individuals looking to mock folk music but is in reality can be a powerful song as witnessed by this performance.

Folk music has always been a family affair. I can recall the first time I met Pete Seeger and mentioning that I hosted a folk music radio program. Pete remarked that real folk music was sung by mothers to their children – and I have to admit it took me awhile to truly understand the meaning behind those words.

The first half of the show ended with the entire ensemble gathering onstage to sing “We Shall Overcome”. This is one of several moments in the evening that brought me to tears, and I was not alone. Earlier in the evening, Tim Robbins read a letter from President Obama honoring Seeger on the occasion of his 90th birthday. With the understanding that Pete played an important role in bringing “We Shall Overcome” to the Civil Rights movement and to realize the changes he fought for and has been able to see fulfilled, the song took on a special significance. To hear 19,000 people join in the song was a very emotional moment.

As for Pete, he joined in a couple of the ensembles and had one “solo” spot. Pete led off the second half of the concert with his “solo” spot. Pete noted that he wasn’t going to “sing”, but rather lead the crowd in song. Once again, hearing a capacity crowd at the Garden singing “Amazing Grace” brought more tears of joy. It was an event that I will never forget. Pete showed us that music is about participation and not just exhibition. He also shared the story of the songs composer, John Newton. The message was that anyone can change and redemption is something that anyone can work for.

So how can you possibly follow a moment like that? Only one man that I know of was up to the task – Tom Chapin. Tom was joined by Oscar the Grouch for the song “Garbage”. Tom is a masterful performer. Performing with a puppet could have produced an awkward moment, but Tom turned it into a highlight of the evening. Kudos to Tom for also recognizing the author of the song – Bill Steele, and for crediting Mike Agranoff and Pete Seeger for adding the last verse.

There were so many moments in the evening that will forever remain in my heart. Tony Trishka and Bela Fleck paid tribute to Seeger’s astonishing skills on the banjo. So many musicians learned to play the instrument from Seeger’s banjo book that was first published in the 1950’s. Before starting a medley of Seeger-taught tunes, Trishka noted that it took two musicians to perform what Pete can do by himself! Trishka added a sweet chorus of “Happy Birthday” toward the end of the piece.

Richie Havens performed his classic “Freedom/Motherless Child” arrangement that made him a star at Woodstock. Havens continues to make the piece sound fresh and new each time he plays it, and he ended his performance with a karate-style high kick and guitar twirl that brought the audience to their feet.

Joan Baez was in fine voice, giving us a beautiful “Where Have All the Flowers Gone”. I was hoping that she would sing something with Steve Earle.

A surprise guest was Roger McGuinn who shared the stage with Ben Bridwell and Tyler Ramsey from Band of Horses. They gave us “Turn Turn Turn”, the song that McGuinn and Byrds used to launch the “folk-rock” sound of the 1960’s. There were some technical difficulties that marred the performance, but the spirit was evident.

Another icon from the 1960’s, Arlo Guthrie, paid tribute to his good friend with a couple of appearances including “Oh Mary Don’t You Weep” which was a staple of the Seeger/Arlo Guthrie concerts. Del McCoury and the Preservation Hall Jazz band joined in on the jubilant song.

There were many other musical performances that deserve mention, but perhaps I should save that for the DVD release!!! I would like to mention two other offerings – Ruby Dee and Peggy Seeger.

Ruby Dee read a poem that Pete wrote many years ago that dealt with the flag and patriotism. For those who questioned Pete’s love of his country, this poem answered back. Pete Seeger is a true patriot whose love of his country and his planet are evident in everything he does.

Peggy read a “letter”, with some musical accompaniment, that gave us a glimpse into the personal life of Pete Seeger and the role model he has been for family and friends. It was poignant, funny and one of the high points of the night.

What a night. Bruce Springsteen was the last performer. He gave an eloquent speech about Pete, talking about the time they spent at Obama’s inauguration concert. As Springsteen recalled singing “We Shall Overcome” on the National Mall with Pete, he reflected on Pete standing a few feet from our first African-American President. Pete lived through the struggles including the ugly incident at Peekskill where Pete & family had stones thrown at them for signing with Paul Robeson. The moment was not lost on Springsteen who turned to Seeger and said “Pete, you outlasted the bastards, man.’ It was so nice.” Before singing “The Ghost of Tom Joad” with Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, Springsteen told the audience what to expect when Seeger takes the stage – “He’s gonna look a lot like your granddad that wears flannel shirts and funny hats. He gonna look like your granddad if your granddad can kick your ass.”
Pete has kicked some ass in his time, and we hope that he will continue to do so for many years to come. As the evening ended with the entire ensemble and audience singing “This Land is Your Land”, “This Little Light of Mine” and finally “Goodnight Irene” – and most appropriately “Happy Birthday” to Pete, we were all reminded of the important place that Pete Seeger plays in our hearts and minds.

Pete Seeger gave us the tools, now it is our turn to use them.