At 8 years old, Holly Near began singing in public — and she never stopped. Born in Ukiah, California Holly sang in High School and went on to become known as one of the founders of the Women’s Music Movement, working and singing for peace and multicultural consciousness. She pioneered the independent record company, Redwood Records, and has performed with music giants like Pete Seeger, Ronnie Gilbert, Arlo Guthrie, Mercedes Sosa, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Joan Baez, Phil Ochs, Harry Belafonte and many others. Holly’s music is featured on 30 CD’s including her latest release, “Peace Becomes You,” a 2-CD of 28 songs.
Featured with Holly is the highly accomplished Barbara Higbie. Barbara is a Grammy nominated Bammy award winning composer, pianist, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. She performed on more than 65 albums, including Carlos Santana’s 2007 release and is credited with 11 recordings as well as contributions to 10 compilations that sold in the millions. A professional musician since age 17, Barbara has played everything from Traditional Jazz, Bluegrass and Irish to New Classical Music and African Pop.
Rounding out the ensemble is Jan Martinelli, a recognized master of the electric bass guitar. Jan has more than 20 recordings to her credit and toured with dozens of bands throughout the country. In addition to Holly, Jan has collaborated with numerous artists including Terry Garthwaite, Larry Lynch, the Blazing Redheads, Mary Watkins, Robin Flower, Linda Tillery and others. An original member of Wild Mango, a seven-piece World Jazz ensemble, Jan toured nationally and internationally.
A favorite Holly Near song on Lake County Community Radio is “One Good Song,” a catchy tune about talk radio — and what’s become of it. You can hear it on May 10, 2016 at 10 am when Programmer Olga Martin Steele will interview Holly on KPFZ 88.1 FM.
The May 16 benefit concert is sure to resonate with anyone who loves songs rich with beautiful harmony, clarity and inspiration. Holly’s music speaks to peoples’ every day lives, opening up hearts and inviting conversation. In addition to her own songwriting, audiences can expect to hear a Pete Seeger song or two as well as songs reminiscent of the cabaret side of Holly’s musical upbringing.
Tickets for the May 16, 6:30 p.m. concert are $25, $20 & $15. They are available online at SoperReeseTheatre.com; at the Theatre Box Office on Friday’s from 10:30 a.m. — 5:30 p.m., 275 S. Main Street in Lakeport; and at the Travel Center, 1265 S. Main Street, Lakeport, Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m. — 5 p.m. A $2 discount is offered to Lake County Community Radio members who show their membership card and purchase their tickets at the Soper Reese Theatre box office or the Travel Center.
