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• Gordon Thomas Ward will join June 6 Song & Story Swap via Zoom
• We Began to Sing documents Annie Patterson and Peter Blood
• Folk Music Notebook broadcasts mini-showcases

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Gordon Thomas Ward will join June 6 Song & Story Swap via Zoom

Please come share in an evening of music and stories at the Pioneer Valley Folklore Society Song & Story Swap.

The featured performer at the June 6 Song & Story Swap will be singer-songwriter Gordon Thomas Ward.

Gordon Thomas Ward joins the June 6 Song & Story Swap from his home in Winter Harbor, Maine. Gordon is, at heart, a storyteller who paints musical portraits that bring the past to life while pointing his listeners to a hope-filled future.

Employing his experience as a teacher, writer, paranormal investigator, storyteller, group facilitator, and radio host, he enthralls his audience with a captivating blend of words and music that straddle the genres of contemporary folk rock, adult alternative, and American Roots music.

Gordon Thomas Ward's recording, Providence, earned ballot consideration for a Grammy Award as Best Americana Album for 2019. His most recent release, Eiderdown, features mixing and accompaniment by former Electric Light Orchestra II keyboardist, Eric Troyer.

Gordon is also an accomplished writer. His works include non-fiction books "Ghosts of Central Jersey" and "Life on the Shoulder: Rediscovery and Inspiration along the Lewis and Clark Trail," and a poetry collection, "Windows."

Declares No Depression – The Journal of Roots Music, "Ward shows he’s one of the best singer/songwriters working in the Americana/indie scene today."

Register to catch Gordon Thomas Ward perform live over Zoom on June 6.

Learn more about Gordon Thomas Ward at gordonthomasward.com.

This month’s opening round theme is Survival

The Song & Story Swap is held on the first Saturday of each month, excepting July and August, and is jointly sponsored by the Pioneer Valley Folklore Society and the Nacul Center. Visit the Folklore Society website at pvfs.us.

The Song & Story Swap is open to the public, free of charge with donations accepted ($5 - $10 is suggested). Donations to the featured performer may be made securely via credit card or Paypal at https://pvfs.us/donate.

People of all ages gather to share stories and songs that are traditional, newly written, or of personal experiences. You can tell, sing, or lead everyone in singing, or request a song or story. Listeners are welcome.

For information contact Paul Kaplan, (413)-687-5002 or visit https://pvfs.us.

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We Began to Sing documentary released

We Began to Sing is a 25-minute film directed by Polly Wells that that documents the musical journey of Amherst folksingers, activists, anthologists and song leaders Annie Patterson and Peter Blood.

Released on May 3, Pete Seeger's 100th birthday, the film's trailer can be viewed on on YouTube. Contact info@songkeepers.ca, to book a virtual or physical screening or visit the film's website at songkeepers.ca.

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Folk Music Notebook broadcasting mini-showcases

Ron Olesko's Folk Music Notebook is an internet radio station broadcasting fine folk music around the clock. Among its programs is the Shelter in Place Showcase a daily 15-minute virtual concert recorded at a performer's home.

Among the artists showcassed in May was Hampden's Peter Lehndorff. Those of you who tuned into the May 2 Song & Story Swap on Zoom were treated to Peter sharing an updated version of his anthem to hypochondria, I Think I've Got It. Check out his recently produced music video.

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