by Sharon Abreu & Mike Hurwicz
Sharon Abreu welcomes the overflowing crowd to remember Pete Seeger’s legacy
Thank you so much to everyone who attended the Celebrate Pete Seeger Concert on March 16. The turnout and response were overwhelming and very heartening. The sound of our community, young and old, singing together in the Emmanuel Parish Hall was beautiful and inspiring.
Many thanks to all the local musicians who masterfully led us in singing: Cynthia and Craig Abolin, Cali Bagby, Antoinette Botsford, Carl Burger, Marc Cohen, Margie Doyle, David Densmore, Marlene Dickey, Bill Griswold, Bruce Harvie, Anita Holladay, Lesley Liddle, Martin Lund, Melinda Milligan, Randy Monge, Susan Osborn, Dave Roseberry, Ben Sheppard, John Sumrall, Dave Zoeller, Linda Ellsworth, Tom Rawson and the kids from the Salmonberry School, who totally blew us away. Stormy Hildreth, Molly Troxel and August Groeninger played ukulele and sang We Shall Not Be Moved. Lucia Weaver, Makar Ashirov, and Serafina Buck danced and acted out the story of Abiyoyo.
The girls sang along as Tom Rawson led “God’s Counting on Me and You.”
Many thanks to all those who brought snacks and helped with set up and clean up – you rock!!!
The concert was free, but we have a generous community. After covering the rental of the space, we had almost $500 in donations for our local Kwiaht/Indian Island Marine Health Observatory and the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, founded by Pete and Toshi Seeger.
Island musicians all came out to honor Pete Seeger’s legacy
Some folks suggested this should be an annual event. Some suggested a monthly hootenanny. Either way, or something in between, we’re in!
There are many things we appreciate about our community. But knowing that so many on this island deeply value civil rights, safe working conditions, decent wages, a healthy planet, a world of peace, and great songs feeds our souls in a big way.
As Pete would say, “Carry it on!”
Thank YOU Sharon and Mike for spearheading a wonderful community event…and sharing the stage so graciously w/ so many talented musicians…entering the room to the strains of “Where have all the flowers gone…” brought tears to my eyes.
While we celebrate Pete’s songs of social justice, let’s not forget that he walked his talk…to the tune of 12 citations for contempt of Congress before the House Un-American Activities Committee back in the ’50s when he shared his life’s story, offered his music, and refused to “name names” during that dark chapter in US history.
Thanks for your comments, Fred. That was a dark time, and in a number of ways, so is this. There are many things I’m grateful for in this life and where we live. But I don’t lose sight of the many challenges we’re all facing. We need the music as a catharsis, to keep our spirits up and to give us energy, connect with each other, and to tell our stories. And we also need to act on our concerns and convictions, perhaps now more than ever. We owe that to our children, our planet, and generations to come.