By Lee Ann Westover
Governors Island is 172 acres of history. In 1624 it was one of the first settlements of the Dutch West India Company; in 1800 it officially became a U.S. Army base and in 1988 hosted the summit meeting between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev. The island is about to make history once again — musically — with the inauguration of what may be New York City’s very first formal folk festival: “Folks on the Island.” Trinity Church, co-sponsor of the event and sister to the island’s St. Cornelius Chapel, will invite denizens of the five boroughs and beyond to enjoy the cool sea breezes and shade trees of Colonel’s Row while listening to some of the most significant music of the last century.
The festival kicks off Saturday, July 7 with an appearance by folk’s grande dame Odetta. Though some of us may roll our eyes when we hear “Kumbaya” these days, Odetta’s classic recordings from the 1950s and 1960s brought that song into the popular consciousness with power and nerve — along with other classics like “He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands” and “This Little Light of Mine.” Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. himself dubbed her “The queen of African-American folk music” Physically, she has weakened a bit with age and sometimes requires a helping hand off and on the stage. Spiritually and vocally, however, she remains regal and solid as a rock, and will inspire a whole new audience with the deep, velvety tone of her voice.
On July 21, “Folks on the Island” will feature the equally iconic Richie Havens. Earl Tucker, Director of Trinity Concerts, says of Havens, “As a native New Yorker growing up with WNEW radio, Richie Havens was one of the beacons who was constantly being played. The station involved all disciplines at that point and they would juxtapose his spoken word with his songs. He’s been at the forefront of so many movements…he’s an icon.” Since Havens’ musical coming-of-age in the Greenwich Village folk scene of the 1960s, he has maintained a hectic touring schedule and every bit of his celebrated chops. He is still imposing in stature, and has taken care of that gentle yet passionate voice. Aficionados will be happy watch him play his guitar with signature style — strumming madly while holding down bar chords with just one enormous thumb.
In addition to these living treasures, Governors Island will also resonate with the songs of departed folk legends. Tucker calls the July 14 performance of Harry Chapin: a Celebration in Song, “the most accessible portal for everyone.” Of Chapin’s biggest hit, “Cat’s in the Cradle,” he adds, “People trivialize that song now, but it’s about a profound relationship between a son and a father.” How appropriate, given that the concert will be preformed by at least 6 members of his genetically gifted clan (including Tom and Jen), and some talented friends to boot.
“Ribbon of Highway / Endless Skyway: The Music of Woody Guthrie” will close the festival series on July 28. Guthrie is in many ways the Adam of the 60s folk scene. His political views and staunch, direct lyrics were honed in the Dust Bowl and Great Depression. According to Tucker, this concert [created by singer-songwriter Jimmy LaFave] will be “a very emotional concert. It’s a very profound show that celebrates and embraces humanity.” Wouldn’t it be fitting then, as the audience picnics in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty, if the series ends with Guthries “This Land is Your Land?”
Earl Tucker has high hopes for this inaugural season. Although the concerts will definitely not be religious in nature, he says, “I designed the festival as the most accessible portal to help raise people’s consciousness about the universality of the human condition. Music has been used through the centuries to unite people, and certainly the church has had a profound relationship with music for hundreds of years, so this festival made perfect sense to us. I hope people realize that music is taken for granted. We remember situations by the music that we hear, and I think it’s time for people to reconnect with that.”
“Folks on the Island” will take place every Saturday of July at 1:30pm.
July 7th: Odetta
July 14th: Harry Chapin: A Celebration in Song
July 21st: Richie Havens
July 28th: Ribbon of Highway / Endless Skyway: A Tribute in the Spirit of Woody Guthrie
Free ferry service will run from Lower Manhat-tan’s Battery Maritime Building. For information & directions, visit www.folksontheisland.com or www.govisland.com.
