LAKEPORT — In a benefit for the Soper Reese Community Theatre, musicians will pay tribute to the life of Pete Seeger in the theater”s “Celebrating Pete Seeger” concert to be held at 7 p.m. on May 24.
Seeger, a three-time Grammy winner and political activist, died in January at the age of 94. He was best known for his iconic American folk songs such as “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?,” “We Shall Overcome,” and “Turn, Turn, Turn.” His hallmark instrument was emblazoned with the words “this banjo surrounds hate and forces it to surrender.” Seeger encouraged his audiences to sing along during his concerts.
The Emandal Chorale, directed by Don Willis, will start off the show by singing from their seats and encouraging the rest of the audience to join in.
Musicians from the area who will honor Seeger at the event include Don Coffin on guitar and mandolin. Coffin plays with the bluegrass group, “Uncorked,” and is one of the original members of Kate Wolf”s band, “Wildwood Flower.” Will Siegel will also play guitar and banjo. Siegel teaches guitar at Mendocino College and was also a member of the “Wildwood Flower” band.
Peter and Steve Baird will play guitar and bass at the concert. Peter once played with Seeger when he was director of the Sacramento Labor Chorus and interviewed Seeger for his doctoral dissertation on children”s musicians, according to Carol Hays. Verne Morninglight will also perform and has been a Pete Seeger fan since childhood, learning to play the 12 string guitar in the Elizabeth Cotton style of picking, as did Seeger. Verne has performed at historic folk venues, such as the Hungry Eye in San Francisco.
Additionally, Mandy Feder will share her reminiscences of time spent with Seeger, who was a lifelong friend of her family.
Tickets cost $15 and can be purchased online at soperreesetheatre.com, at the theater”s box office on Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or at The Travel Center, located at 1265 S. Main St. in Lakeport, Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For information, call 263-0577.
The theater is located at 275 S. Main St. in Lakeport.
