I for one, would like to propose that 2014 be dedicated to the memory of Pete Seeger. I could think of no one more deserving. His music and life impacted every generation of Americans, and the world, from World War 2 onward.
Second this notion! I know Newport Folk Fest has already put a big memorial thing on their site, so they will dedicate it to him this year, but we should too! I hope to hear many Pete songs throughout the year and weekend of T-Ride!
I couldn’t agree more. He was one of the most influential musicians on my life and look where it got me - running all over the west going to music festivals. Oh, and creating a few new festivals along the way. Long live Pete Seeger, his music and his values.
Agreed. Lost a great hero today. Whether it is official or not, we’ll all be honoring Pete at the Fest. I’m sure there will be plenty covers of his songs.
Pete was one of the giants of music and fighting for good change.
Agreed on Pete Seeger. A giant spirit.
It got me thinking again about a little thought experiment I’d been considering. We all know TBF is the closest thing to heaven on Earth; but what if there were a TBF in heaven that takes place along with the earthly one during the Summer solstice. Who would play?
Pete Seeger, no doubt. Who else?
Certainly both an appropriate and worthy suggestion … although sometimes it just happens organically. If I’m not mistaken, 2012 had quite a few shout outs to Levon Helm.
To go with your possibility of a TBF in heaven, it might be better than the one on Earth! The list would be too long to list for the lineup
Ahh! The eternal festival. :flower
Here’s what I’m hoping for. At TBF 2012, one of the highlights was the Doc Watson workshop tribute at Elks Park featuring Sam, Jerry, Byron, Luke Bulla and Greg Garrison. There should be a Pete Seeger tribute set.
Plus, I think the dedication may be more appropriate at Folks Fest.
I feel the same way. If Pete had a more personal connection to Telluride such as having played there multiple times, I think it would be fantastic. As it is, I think a tribute set at Elk’s Park would be very appropriate. I understand his influence on everyone who has played the TBF stage and most of us who attend, but it doesn’t make sense to me to dedicate TBF to someone who never played it.
Before we send Pete Seeger off into the dustbin of festival obscurity, I would just like to say a few words in his defense. His musical career spanned every generation from World War 2 to the present. From the Almanac Singers to the Weavers, through to his long solo career, almost every American was touched by his music in some way. Many of us were inspired by Pete to begin playing instruments. He brought banjo music into mainstream American culture, and played a significant role in allowing folk/bluegrass music to achieve the popularity it has today.
But that’s just part of his story. He fought the good fight for peace, and for your liberty, for his entire career. He stood up to McCarthy Communist era witch hunting and was blackballed by the music industry for years. He took a firm stand against the Vietnam War. He was a champion of the civil rights movement in the 60’s, influential in bringing the song We Shall Overcome to the movement. He worked tirelessly for environmental causes, with his activism with the Clearwater project as proof. He worked tirelessly to help working class Americans, and even at the age of 92 joined the Occupy movement on the streets. And above all, he never let any of this get to his head, he was accessible to anyone that cared to visit him in Beacon NY.
He was one of the last living links to Woody Guthrie. He was friends with Bob Dylan, whose songs are performed frequently at Telluride. (When was the last time Dylan played here?) And I don’t want to rant about all of the awards that were bestowed upon him during his career. Like one person said, I am sure something will happen organically, but Seeger stood for everything that this festival, and the people who attend it, stand for as well. Peace, folks.
You are so correct. It is our job and duty to teach about the roots of music. Thats why I always bring up past giants. To inject the real core of music and a movement and lifestyle statement. Such an influence
Oh, I don’t disagree. I love his music and have since I was 16 and first went to Telluride. He may never have personally graced the TBF stage, but his influence will be felt there for ever. Even if he attended. But the same goes for a lot of musicians who have passed on. Was TBF dedicated to Johnny Cash when he died? The country singer who bleugrass fans and metal head alike adore? Or Bill Monroe, the man who invented the style? Or John Hartford, who without, Sammy and company would have never fleshed out the newgrass sound? Because of these influences, the Telluride sound we all know and love sounds an awful lot like bluegrass.
I don’t deny any of these musicians’ talent or influence on the music we all love and have lived by. They all gave so much of themselves. Not only to this music but also for this music. I understand and pay reverence to all of them for their contributions. But TBF has become bigger than any one artist. Like Pete Seeger, it is a movement on its own right. The musicians who play and have played this festival, be it one time or every year, will honor Pete in their own way. And that is more fulfilling and (to borrow a term that I find perfect) organic than any one festival dedicating that year to his memory could ever be.
Pete will be honored and will not be forgotten. But he’s not the only one who has made this festival what it is for the past 40 years.
Or perhaps I’m just drowning my sorrows at the Broncos’ loss and happened to check the forum during my mourning . . .
That was hard to watch and listen to after the first 10 Hot Sugar.
Arlo, Pete and many others will only live on through us. Playing their music is key. Important. :flower
I apologize for my harsh comments. I have learned that perhaps posting about much beloved musicians when I’ve been drinking may not be the best idea . . . If I offended anyone, I am sincerely sorry. Pete Seeger is a legend whose memory deserves to be immortalized, and I have no doubt it will.
You are still loved Hot Sugar. If all your friends agree with you all the time, you need a new bunch of friends to hang with. Feed back on this Forum is crucial for its survival. I agree to disagree!!! Hard to find folks to actually speak out. No fear here.
Pete like so many will just fade away unless we play, sing and celebrate his music. Embrace the past so we may learn and grow.
Hot Sugar, please always feel free to say what you want here. We all have different opinions that we can share. This festival would be pretty dull if everyone thought exactly the same way about everything. And, that is great news about Nickel Creek.
Actually, if I remember correctly, there was a tribute to John Hartford.
100% correct :thumbsup
Here’s a link to the festival program in 2001: http://telluridetom.com/programs/2001TBF.pdf
From page 3 of the program is an image detailing the dedication to John Hartford.