We're celebrating the 75th birthday of our very own "vintage pre-plugged paleo-acoustic folksinger" with a Sunday-afternoon party, complete with cake and punch. Joe was one of the founders of FSGW. He was a folklorist and was told that academics DO NOT become performers; we'll see just how he ignored that advice. His amazing repertoire reflects the Archive of Folk Culture at the Library of Congress (he directed it for 35 years), as well as the revival (okay, a couple revivals), gatherings from friends, and parodies. He plays guitar left-handed -- upside-down and backwards. He will get us singing, so bring your voice and come enjoy!
The Folklore Society of Greater Washington has asked Joe Hickerson to sing for his supper ? okay, to sing for his birthday cake! And when we asked him who should know about this festive event, your name was on the list.
We?re celebrating Joe Hickerson?s 75th birthday! You might say, ?But he marked that last month!? Well, yes he did, but if the Queen of England and other notables can celebrate on multiple, more convenient dates, why can't Joe?!
Joe was one of FSGW?s founders. He seems to have grown up as part of the folk community ? first president of Folk Song Clubs at Oberlin and at Indiana in the 1950s & 60s ? 35 years at the Archive of Folk Culture at the Library of Congress ? active for years on our board and with other folkloric organizations. He?s ?The Songfinder? for Sing Out! Magazine. As researcher, author and lecturer, his projects range from ?O Brother Where Art Thou? to the ensemble Ollabelle to ?Folksongs of Washington, DC.? His awards for excellence and lifetime achievement are numerous.
These would all be fine enough accomplishments, but the man sings too! And he?s a left-handed guitar player! He has, in fact, performed for more than 50 years in the US, Canada and Europe. He?s been called a ?great songleader? by Pete Seeger ? who shares with Joe the songwriting credit for ?Where Have All the Flowers Gone.? Joe has recorded three solo albums (with friends), but that was a while back, so who knows what songs he?ll bring to his concert? and what stories he will tell.
This Sunday afternoon, November 28, at 3 pm, Joe Hickerson is going to sing for us (and with us) at the Washington Ethical Society Auditorium, 7750 16th St., NW, Washington, DC 20012. Suggested donation at the door is $15. Bring your voice and spread the word!
