John McCutcheon in Concert

www.folkmusic.com/

John McCutcheon has been called the essence of what it means to be a folk singer. He is certainly one of the most versatile and best loved. This internationally revered, multi-Grammy finalist is down-to-earth. Known as a virtuoso on hammer dulcimer and banjo, he plays a dozen different traditional instruments.

Johnny Cash dubbed him, "The most impressive instrumentalist I've ever heard." His songs cover all the bases: old trad story songs and original ballads that sound old and lasting, kid's songs, nonsense ditties, and hard-hitting songs with social and political themes. His songwriting and storytelling have the lyric, "richness of fine literature," (Washington Post), but go straight to the heart, simple and immediate. Among his hundreds of compositions, there isn't a clunker: stand-outs include Water from Another Time and Christmas in the Trenches.

Originally from Wisconsin, John McCutcheon has spent most of his adult life (when not touring from Russia to Australia to Asia, Latin and North America to the UK, from grand concert halls to festivals, schoolrooms to picket lines) in the hills of eastern Kentucky and Virginia. There, he has learned songs and tunes from coal miners and church choirs, organized at union halls, and played tunes for square dances. From the real people he has met in his travels, he has learned not technique alone, but a deep commitment to homemade music, community, and global activism. He has given back freely in his 40 years of touring, 30 recordings, and as a gifted teacher and author. People of all generations and backgrounds feel at home and revived when McCutcheon takes the stage with grace, versatility, and soul. He has the rare ability to delight and inspire children and adults simultaneously.

"John McCutcheon is not only one of the best musicians in the USA, but also a great singer, songwriter, and song leader. And not just incidentally, he is committed to helping hard-working people everywhere to organize and push this world in a better direction."
--Pete Seeger

At press time, Call Auditorium in Kennedy Hall, Cornell Ag Quad, has been reserved for this concert, but the CFSC is trying to get Kulp Auditorium at Ithaca High School (more accessible). Check its web site during March to confirm the location.

Tickets are available at Ludgate Farm Market, Ithaca Guitar Works, Greenstar Co-op, Small World Music, Colophon Books, and, if any are left, at the door. You may also order tickets online and by mail: SASE to CFSC, PO Box 481, Ithaca, NY 14851.

(John Henderson)

For information about the concert, contact

• Ken McKinney at 607.564.1998
• or the Cornell Folk Song Club.

Author:	Ted Crane
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