Folksinger, Radio Host, LegendOscar Brand is a Folk Singer, Recording Artist, Songwriter, Guitarist, Bawdy Song Balladeer, Sea Chantey Performer, Radio Broadcaster, Television Program Host, Special Events Director, Emcee, Broadway Musical Composer, Playwright, Actor, Author, Storyteller, Musicologist, Historian, Children's Recording Artist, Curator of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and Honorary Ph.D. He was also on the panel that created Sesame Street...Oscar Brand was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, because that's where his mother was at the time, and grew to six feet tall. Having been graduated from Brooklyn College, he joined the U.S. Army in time for World War II. In 1945, having won the war, he began presenting what is now the oldest continuous radio show in history, the award-winning "Folk-song Festival" on New York Public Radio (WYNC), where he hosted Woody Guthrie, Ledbelly, and the Weavers, gave Arlo Guthrie a chance to play "Alice's Restaurant" for the first time on radio, and continues to champion folk music among the newest crop of talents.Brand is the Curator of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, author of seven best-selling books, has recorded 90 LPs, written songs for Doris Day, Ella Fitzgerald, Harry Belafonte, the Smothers Brothers, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. He has been on the faculty of The New School, New York University, and Hofstra University. He has a BS in psychology from Brooklyn College, a Laureate from Fairfield University, and an honorary Doctorate from the University of Winnipeg. Reading a list of the awards he's gotten could run beyond all the the time alloted for an award show.?In his long association with the National Public Radio Network, he has been host of "Voices In The Wind", arts interviewer for "Morning Edition", and co-host of the five-hour "Sunday Show". For CBC he was the "U.S." for Canada's CTV. He was host of "Brand New Scene" and composed the Canadian anthem, "Something To Sing About". His concerts for adults and children have earned him such accolades as this from the New York Times: "One of America's best."What he will sing at a concert is almost anybody's guess, because his repertoire is so vast. He may not have been around when "Auld Lang Syne" was written, but he's had a front row seat for most folk music in the past six decades.Come meet and hear a great singer, troubadour, and producer who has been at the center of folk music, possibly from since before you were born.The Holy Trinity Lutheran Church is at 3022, Woodlawn Avenue, the corner of Rte. 50 (Arlington Blvd.) and Woodlawn Avenue.From Beltway (I-495) in Virginia, take exit 50B for US 50 (Arlington Blvd.), eastbound toward Arlington. Proceed straight through 4 traffic lights. Just before the 4th light you will pass a McDonalds on the right. After the 4th light (Graham Road) stay to the left and turn left at the next opportunity, Woodlawn Avenue. If you are coming outbound (West) on Route 50, Woodlawn Avenue is a mile and a half past Seven Corners, on the right. The church is on the corner where you will turn. Turn left into the parking lot of the church and enter on the Woodlawn Avenue side.Metro: Take the Route 1A bus from Ballston Metro on the Orange Line.
