REMEMBER THIS GREAT EVENING
March 1, 2008 | |
PHIL OCHS SONG NIGHT CONCERTCommemorating his life and music and highlighting new talents making music in the spirit that Phil made his music On April 9, 1976, Phil Ochs ended his life by hanging himself; he was 35 years old. He had written over 100 songs, and had traveled to many countries. He suffered from manic-depression and had been experiencing a long term writer's block. Many of his songs had been recorded by artists such as John Denver, Gordon Lightfoot, Ronnie Gilbert, Joan Baez, Judy Collins and Pete Seeger. Tonight we proudly presented six great performing artists celebrating the songs of Phil Ochs. The concert was hosted lovingly by Phil’s sister, Sonny Ochs. Six outstanding performing acts were here to commemorate Phil's life by performing his songs and their own. The star artists for this concert were:
Kris Kristofferson praises his songwriting: "The truth is in the details; the gifts are an ear for accurate dialogue, an eye for powerful imagery and anything funny, and a heart open to surprises and the possibilities of moving the emotions." As a young father Flynn began writing songs for his kids and for his life. These songs yielded CDs that are informed by the trademark humanity and humor that Flynn sees as essential tools for parenthood and living.
Kim & Reggie Harris' performances are characterized by rich harmonies, percussive guitar and a warm, upbeat presence. In 20 years of working together, they have written and sung in styles ranging from traditional to adult-contemporary. We welcome their long-awaited return to our Huntington stage, last seen here twelve years ago at our Summer Festival in Heckscher Park.
Greg’s music blends the passion of Richie Havens, the lyrical guitar of James Taylor, and the rhythmic and political influences of Peter Gabriel, the Police and a wealth of Third World Artists. His debut recording was nominated for two Boston Music Awards and is still receiving national air play. He performed at Carnegie Hall in the New York. Greg makes his home on Cape Cod.
This husband-and-wife duo, Greg Artzner and Terry Leonino, has a repertoire of largely topical songs that encompasses traditional and contemporary folk, jazz, blues, country and ragtime styles, and includes many original compositions. Magpie has a high-energy sound, characterized by tight harmonies and expert work on guitar, concertina, harmonica, mandolin and fretted dulcimer.
In a remarkably short period of time, Pat Wictor has become the name that is being chatted about on the acoustic, blues, folk and Americana circuits. Steeped in American "roots" music, Pat is a contemporary songwriter and interpreter drawing on the rural country, gospel, and blues traditions of our nation. Richard Cuccaro in AcousticLive has described Pat as “Soft-spoken and articulate, in the 1930’s he could have been a dust bowl preacher. The sermons, accompanied by the choir of his slide guitar, would have brought comfort to many a soul.”
Landslide top vote-getter at the Falcon Ridge (NY) Folk Festival's "Most-Wanted" competition (1996) and NAIRD "Indie" nominee for singer-songwriter album for the year 1994, David has gained national attention for his unique songs, moving stories, and powerful singing and subject matter. His material ranges from outright hilarious to poignant — taking his audience on an emotional landslide through well-crafted songs.
PHIL OCHS |
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Opening tonight were our featured open mike performers:
           Our host tonight was Ira Perlman. |
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JOHN FLYNN
KIM & REGGIE HARRIS
GREG GREENWAY
MAGPIE
PAT WICTOR
DAVID ROTH