Pete Seeger tribute slated Wednesday night at Gobin

Monday, June 30, 2014
Linda Hicks (Courtesy photo)

The life and music of the folk singer and activist Pete Seeger will be celebrated in a free multi-media concert, including audience singalongs, at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the sanctuary of Gobin Memorial United Methodist Church as the Greencastle Summer Music Festival continues its 10th season of bringing the community together with "friends making music for friends."

Featured performers include Lafayette-area singers Sharon Dressen McKnight, Linda Hicks and Noemi Ybarra plus local Putnam County favorites Bobbie Lancaster and Tad Robinson. Violinist Allison Guest Edberg, who lived in Greencastle for many years before moving to Chicago, will be joining the ensemble.

"Pete Seeger -- singer, songwriter and activist -- worked to make the world a better place. He tirelessly supported what he believed in through song and action. Pete died in January of this year. In honor of his music, dedication and patriotism, we salute Pete Seeger in this tribute concert," McKnight said.

Sharon McKnight (Courtesy photo)

Versions of the show, which includes visual projections and some acting, have been performed in the Lafayette-area venues to great success.

"While much of our programming is 'classical' music," Festival director Eric Edberg, DePauw professor of music, said, "the truth is good music is good music, and our festival is dedicated to bringing people together.

"No one did more to bring communities together and make a difference in society through music than Pete Seeger," Edberg added, "and he and his music were true American classics. I'm thrilled that we can present this performance here in Greencastle. And what a great way to prepare for the Fourth of July."

Festival performances are underwritten by donations from individuals and businesses (including the Inn at DePauw) and an endowment started by Joanne Kissinger and her family at the Putnam County Community Foundation.

This week's event is sponsored by local artists Stuart Fabe and Marla Helton of the Serendipity Studio, an art gallery and yoga studio.

Festival intern Kevin Smith also organizes the weekly informal "Classical Revolution" events at Starbucks at 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, following the Robe-Ann Park Parkfest concerts. This week is an acoustic open-mic night. (For more information, persons may contact Edberg at 719-0140.)

McKnight is a long-time folk singer and song leader who has performed alone, in various ensembles over a wide variety of venues and has recorded two CDs, "My Backyard" and "Factory Girl."

Ybarra, with a background in theater and

a career in lighting design, has had a hand in the entertainment business for many years. She built a strong repertoire of folk and traditional music and participated in several recording projects.

Hicks began her musical journey when she was introduced to old-time and bluegrass music. Since that time she has enjoyed songwriting and making music with friends while exploring various music genres. Hicks released her own CD "In the Corner" with Joe Peters on "A Thousand Ways" and on "The Vagaband" CD.

Lancaster has traveled the country performing as a singer-songwriter, but she's found her true purpose in writing songs of praise for The Lord. She also frequently presents songwriting workshops and school programs, and is active in the Greencastle community, where for several summers she organized the Civic League's Parkfest concerts.

From his Manhattan roots and his Indiana and Chicago musical upbringing, Robinson has caught the attention of the music world with his seven Blues Music Award nominations and his many recordings, including the song "Rained All Night" which was nominated for Blues Song of the Year at the 2011 Blues Music Awards.

Robinson is a veteran of countless national and international tours, including many of the most important international blues festivals.

The Greencastle Summer Music Festival brings the community together with friends making music for friends. Free concerts, supported by donations, every Wednesday through Aug. 20 at 7:30 p.m in the sanctuary of Gobin Church, plus informal preview events at the Greencastle Starbucks on Tuesdays at 8:30.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: