Grandpa Guthrie Would Be Proud
Two generations of a legendary folk music family will appear together at The Met on Thursday.
Arlo Guthrie, the son of folk legend Woody Guthrie, takes the stage with two of his children for an evening of music and storytelling.
Billed as “An Acoustic Evening with Arlo Guthrie & Family,” the performance will include Abe and Sarah Guthrie.
Abe has accompanied his father on vocals and keyboards for several years, but daughter Sarah (who sings and plays guitar) is relatively new to the act. All together, these family members mix social commentary, humor and music into a warmhearted evening of entertainment.
The Guthrie family name has become synonymous with American folk music.
Woody Guthrie, hailed as the most important North American folk singer of the 20th century, used folk music as a vehicle for social commentary and penned anthems that have lasted generations — “This Land is Your Land” and “So Long It’s Been Good To Know You.”
His son Arlo grew up surrounded by music and musicians. Among the regular visitors to the family’s New York home: Pete Seeger, Leadbelly, Sonny Terry and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott.
By the age of 16, Arlo was well along the path of following in his father’s footsteps — touring overseas and attracting a growing audience with his mix of folk music and storytelling.
In 1967 Arlo’s 18-minute tall-tale “Alice’s Restaurant” earned him widespread attention. The song would later be made into a movie in which he appeared.
That was also the year his father Woody died after being diagnosed with Huntington’s disease.
In 1969, Arlo performed at Woodstock. His early ‘70s albums “Washington County” and “Hobo’s Lullaby” brought him increased renown.
Over the years Guthrie became an activist for numerous causes, including the anti-nuclear and environmental movements. The family’s Guthrie Center and Guthrie Foundation are non-profit organizations dedicated to offering art and music programs for children recovering from abuse and support of the HIV/AIDS infected community.
These days Guthrie spends 10 months of the year touring.
IN CONCERT Arlo Guthrie Arlo Guthrie will perform Thursday at The Met. The show starts at 8 p.m. Ticket are $20, available at G&B Select-a-Seat outlets or call (800) 325-SEAT.