Pete Seeger was a banjo-picking troubadour who sang with migrant workers, college students, children, rock stars and star-struck presidents. His career spanned generations and introduced Americans to folk music by creating connection through song and inspiring grassroots political movements.  Seeger recently passed away at the age of 94 leaving a legacy of inspiration through his shared music and principled life.

On Friday, April 4th at 7 PM the entire community is invited to a Pete Seeger Folk Music Tribute and KGLT Radio fundraiser, where people of all ages will experience the power of folk music as a celebration of community and catalyst for social change.

The event will feature local musicians, Sassafras (Sharon Iltis, Kate Bryan and Shawna Lockhart), collaborating musically with singer/songwriter Neil Filo Beddow and the multi-talented singer and musician, Blaise Arsenault on banjo. The engaging evening will include stories and interesting facts about Pete Seeger’s life and the significance the songs he wrote and/or sang. The tribute spearheaded by the show’s emcee, Kate Bryan, who says, “Pete Seeger had the ability to bring people together through music in very meaningful and profound ways. The evening was created to celebrate Pete Seeger’s life, the folk music he loved and honor the many causes he championed. It is our hope that people – young, old and in between - will come and be inspired by the music and sing along if the spirit moves them!”

Musically speaking, the event will feature some of Seeger’s more famous songs including “If I Had a Hammer,” ‘’Turn, Turn, Turn,” and ‘’Where Have All the Flowers Gone” perfect for singing or humming along, as well as many rousing and familiar folk songs (e.g., Lion Sleeps Tonight, Freight Train, Paradise and Worried Man Blues) that will have people clapping and tapping!

Pete Seeger was a man of principle who stood up for what he believed in spite of negative and inconvenient consequences in his life and career.  Through it all, however, he was steadfastly optimistic. “The Key to the future of the World,” he said in 1994 “is finding the optimistic stories and letting them be known.” His songs were stories that inspired us to work and hope for a better world. He helped make that possible through the music he generously shared.

100% of the funds raised will go to KGLT radio. A $5 KGLT donation is suggested and Ron Gompertz of Wild Joe’s is donating 25% of the evening’s food and drink proceeds to the fundraiser. The musicians are donating their time and musical talents to the event. The event will take place on Friday, April 4, 7-9 PM at Wild Joe’s Coffee House.