Arlo Guthrie with The Burns Sisters: Journey On will be coming to the Colonial on November 20 at 8PM. Tickets are $55 and $25 and can be purchased in person at the Colonial Ticket Office at 111 South Street Monday-Friday 10AM-5PM, performance Saturdays 10AM-2PM, by calling (413) 997-4444 or online at www.thecolonialtheatre.org.
Folk music icon Arlo Guthrie is a legendary artist who shares timeless stories and unforgettable classic songs as he carries on the Guthrie family legacy. With his singular voice as both a singer-songwriter and social commentator, he has maintained a dedicated fan base that spans the globe. A celebrated figure in American music, Arlo connects with communities far and wide leaving a lasting impression of hope and inspiration. His artistic ventures help bridge an often-divided world through his powerful spirit of song, and his inimitable musical ingenuity forges to new creative heights as he continues to entertain generations.
Arlo Guthrie left the major record label system in 1983 to pursue life as a truly independent artist, bringing his thriving career into the hands of a family-run business with the launch of his own label Rising Son Records. Currently operated by daughters Annie and Cathy Guthrie, Rising Son debuted with the release of Arlo's Someday in 1986. Since its inception, Rising Son has served as a family label housing Arlo's complete catalogue as well as albums by
Woody Guthrie and family,
Pete Seeger & Arlo Guthrie,
Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion (Rt. 8 Records), Abe Guthrie and his band Xavier, Folk Uke (Cathy Guthrie and Amy Nelson, daughter of
Willie Nelson), plus the soundtrack to
Woody Guthrie Hard Travelin'.
In Times Like These (2007), one of Rising Son's most recent releases, features Arlo alongside the University of Kentucky Symphony Orchestra. The album marks the culmination of his work with 27 different symphony orchestras and more than 40 live concerts. His show at Boston Symphony Hall, conducted by
Keith Lockhart, was recorded and aired on PBS's Evening at the Pops. In 2001, the Fourth of July celebration with the Pops was broadcasted live by A&E. A compelling collection of original songs and select American classics performed by Arlo and the University of Kentucky Symphony Orchestra, In Times Like These was released on vinyl in the fall of 2009.
In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Woodstock, Rising Son released Tales of '69 (August 18, 2009). Recorded just prior to Woodstock, the recently discovered lost tape highlights Arlo live in concert in Long Island, NY and features nine tracks including an epic 28-minute talking blues tale as well as three previously unrecorded songs.
Arlo Guthrie began his Journey On tour in October 2010. Long fascinated by the myth of Orpheus who with song could coax wild beasts and entice trees to dance, folk legend Guthrie embarks on his own odyssey. As a masterful storyteller, humorous philosopher, and uncompromising artist, Guthrie proves that folk music is alive and well. Having previously accompanied Arlo on a hugely successful tour, Journey On reunites Arlo with The Burns Sisters whose siren song brings evocative, exquisite support to Guthrie's seasoned and celebrated performances. A full band will also be joining Arlo on this voyage, allowing him make his new songs and best-loved classics come to life.
Arlo's ambitions have always included various community projects in addition to his artistic pursuits. In 1991, he purchased the old Trinity Church near Stockbridge, MA, which is now home to The Guthrie Center (named for his parents) and The Guthrie Foundation. The Guthrie Center is a not-for-profit interfaith church foundation dedicated to providing a wide range of local and international services. The Guthrie Foundation is a separate not-for-profit educational organization that addresses issues such as the environment, health care, cultural preservation and educational exchange. In 2009, Arlo was awarded the
ASCAP Foundation Champion award for making a difference through social action on behalf of worthwhile causes and demonstrating exceptional efforts in humanitarianism.
You can think about the Burns Sisters in descriptive terms-powerful songs, gorgeous sibling harmony, a distinctive blend of folk, country, and rock styles-but their essence is spirit, soul, if you will. Marie, Jeannie and Annie Burns sing together and their music follows an inner path they know by heart. Every song is tied to the center of things, to the everyday hunt for warmth on a cold planet, to family and history and blood.
The three sisters-Annie, Marie and Jeannie, have been singing together all their lives. At times others of their siblings joined in. Their mother, Teresa, who sang in the church choir, taught them and so it began.
The past five years have been an incredible time for the sisters. They each released highly acclaimed solo projects, and Annie and Marie were also busy producing other artists. The three sisters were committed to writing and producing their latest album Wild Bouquet together. Their latest CD reflects both the personal and global worlds around them. They are concerned with their country and active in the anti-war movement.
They met Arlo Guthrie in 2004 at the
Woody Guthrie Folk Festival in Woody's hometown of Okemah, Oklahoma. This meeting sent them on a train ride with Arlo Guthrie and Friends Ridin' on the City of New Orleans-Bringing Back the Music-Benefiting Victims of Katrina. It reintroduced them to the music of
Woody Guthrie and lead them to perform two of Woody's songs "Vigilante Man" and "God's Promise" on Wild Bouquet.
Wild Bouquet is the eighth Burns Sisters band album. It's an album of love, grace and understanding. It's also an album with songs that fit our times appropriately.
In the 1986 the Burns Sisters released their first self-titled recording on
Columbia Records. Then another with Columbia in 1989 titled Endangered Species. They then self-produced Songs of the Heart, on their own label. The trio, then switched their focus to acoustic music and moved to Rounder Records. Close to Home was released by Philo in 1995, and their next album, In This World, released in 1997, was recorded in Nashville and produced by
Bruce Springsteen's bass player, Garry Tallent. The three sisters then released an album of seasonal songs, Tradition: Holiday Songs Old & New. They returned in 2000 with Out Of The Blue. The Burns Sisters produced both of the latter recordings.
The Burns Sisters create not just from the muse, but also from their hearts, souls, and consciences. The result is music that is rich not only in melody, lyrical enjoyment, and import, but also in humanity.
Marie finds inspiration in bluegrass, Jeannie prefers the blues, and Annie is the contemporary folkie. Each sister produces the songs they bring to their recordings.
The Burns Sisters sing together with the authority and passion of a band that knows it's place and is comfortable challenging the audience. They present meaning with seamless melodies and amazing vocals. Their music is filled with warmth and conviction.
Tickets are $55 and $25 and can be purchased in person at the Colonial Ticket Office at 111 South Street Monday-Friday 10AM-5PM, performance Saturdays 10AM-2PM, by calling (413) 997-4444 or online at www.TheColonialTheatre.org
Comments
To post a comment, you must
register and
login.
