While modern folk music tends to focus on original songwriting, a large part of the folk tradition includes performing (and sometimes interpreting or revitalizing) great older songs. In addition to shows of original music, Gathering Time has an extensive repertoire of the music from the 1960s and '70s which influenced so much of our sound. We have designed a number of theme concerts that emphasize various aspects of this golden age of folk and folk-rock.x
x

THE GREAT FOLK-ROCK FESTIVAL
When the traditions of folk music – deep, memorable song writing and a concern for the everyman – combined with the energy and electricity of rock 'n' roll, the resulting music was a brilliant synergy!

Gathering Time pays – and plays – tribute to the great acts of the '60s and '70s that influenced their song writing and shaped their sound, performing songs by The Byrds, Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, the Mamas & the Papas, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, America, John Denver, Gordon Lightfoot, and many others, including, of course, Crosby, Stills & Nash!

The show can, on request, be tailored to emphasize the music of the '60s or the '70s.



CROSBY STILLS & NASH / JONI MITCHELL TRIBUTE
Famed New York DJ Pete Fornatale once wrote that Woodstock wasn't just a coming out for Crosby, Stills & Nash -- it was a coronation of them as the kings of folk-rock. From Stephen Stills' angst-ridden epic "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" (written for Judy Collins) to David Crosby's stark warning "Wooden Ships" to Graham Nash's keen social commentary "Teach Your Children," the famed trio summed up the '60s in spectacular harmony that set the standard for a generation to come.

Together with songstress Joni Mitchell (with whom they were linked musically and in Graham's case, romantically), they represented the culmination of what the Woodstock era had to offer in terms of songwriting and musicianship.

Gathering Time's tribute runs the arc of their career heydays, from their days with the Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, and the Hollies through the 1970s, and Joni's career from '60s songwriter to '70s icon.

x

TRIBUTE TO THE ARTISTS OF WOODSTOCK
Perhaps no other event has personified an era the way the Woodstock concert festival has done for the '60s. The teenage rebellion of the era, the breaking of social morés, the social and political causes and the popular art were all on display amid the mud and music.

What's more is how many of the acts who performed before the half-a-million strong attendees went on to icon status afterward – if they weren't already. Gathering Time faithfully plays the best-loved music of the best acts of the 3-days of peace and music, including Arlo Guthrie, the Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, Joan Baez, CSN, Richie Havens, Jefferson Airplane, even Jimi Hendrix and The Who! We'll bring the tie-dye and the music, you bring the munchies.

SONGS OF RESISTANCE -- THEN AND NOW

Folk songs have a long history of being a way for ordinary people to protest injustice and oppression, demand freedom and rights, and inspire each other to action. Gathering Time's newest specialty show reaches back more than a century to songs of Labor struggles, war protests, the Civil Rights era, inspiring songs of freedom and more, including songs by familiar folk artists, historic traditional songs, and original works.

x
x
SONGS OF HOPE, FREEDOM AND CONSCIENCE
The best of '60s (and '70s) folk – songs we all recall from the era when popular music took up the mantle of civil rights, peace, and social concern. Iconic songs by Bob Dylan, Peter, Paul & Mary, Pete Seeger, Phil Ochs, Joan Baez and Joni Mitchell, plus hits like “Lean on Me” and “Get Together,” stir the soul to reestablish the common bonds of humanity we share with our neighbors and people throughout the world, and the responsibility we have to one another.

A natural for libraries, houses of worship, and other spiritual gatherings, all but guaranteed to have audiences singing along! It can also be worked into a children's assembly program for religious and secular schools.

x
x
'PETER, PAUL & MARY' FOLK WORSHIP SERVICE
When one realizes that much of the mission of folk music and religion is the same – cultivating compassion, caring for humanity, promoting peace and acts of loving kindness – it is a natural fit for some of the best beloved folk songs of the iconic folk trio and other '60s groups to be a part of a creative worship service.

Originally conceptualized by Stuart and Cantor Jerry Korobow of Long Island's Temple Am Echad for a Friday night Sabbath service, the program includes spiritually stirring songs like “Blowing in the Wind,” “Day is Done,” “There but for Fortune,” and “Turn! Turn! Turn!” and can be adapted for Christian, U.U. or other services.

"Gathering Time is musically impeccable -- their harmonies, their vocal quality, and their sheer musicianship make them a group that is wonderful to work with.
There is a different nuance about them that I truly appreciated when I worked with them. They wanted to understand what each prayer was about.
They were curious about the service. They had conversations with me about the work of the rubrics of the service. It was beautiful.

"They also happen to be three mensches, and I think my congregation not only felt how committed they were to each other,
but I think they felt the mutual warmth that I developed with them.

"I hope you enjoy working with Gathering Time as much as I do. Be prepared for a wonderful service!"

Cantor Nancy Dubin
Temple Am Echad
Lynbrook, NY

x
x
JEWS WHO ROCK
While the mainstream Jewish community has been justifiably proud of the musical contributions of such luminary composers as George & Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin and the many great cantorial composers and soloists, there are many many Jewish musical songwriters and performers of the rock 'n' roll era – such as Bob Dylan, Carole King, Simon & Garfunkel, Neil Diamond, Neil Sedaka, Arlo Guthrie, songwriters Lieber & Stoller and Laura Nyro, and even Billy Joel and Steely Dan.

This theme show's debut at Temple Beth El of Rochester in November, 2010 proved that such a program would have widespread appeal, as not only does the rock and folk-rock audience extend from people in their 40s to their 70s, but young adults in college and their 20s have been rediscovering the music of the '60s and '70s on their own. The concert drew a very mixed-age paying crowd of approximately 320 people plus volunteers. The major city daily paper, community weeklies and Jewish press all were interested and gave the concert good coverage.



WINTERFOLK
Everyone complains about the winter weather, so why not sing about it? A decided departure from the usual holiday fare served up by radio stations and retail stores (and therefore seasonally appropriate through January and February), Gathering Time's WinterFolk show features songs of and about the snowy season by such luminary songwriters as Paul Simon, Gordon Lightfoot, and Joni Mitchell as well as contemporary songwriters, plus traditional and original songs.
 
Bring the hot chocolate or hot toddies, and we'll bring the harmonies!




x
x