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• Jay Mankita will join April 3 Song & Story Swap via Zoom
• Luthier's Co-op Open Mic continues online

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Jay Mankita will join April 3 Song & Story Swap via Zoom

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

Viewers may also watch the event via YouTube Livestream beginning at 7pm on April 3.

The featured performer at the April 3 Song & Story Swap will be singer-songwriter Jay Mankita.

Jay Mankita is a guitarist, singer and songwriter whose deft musicianship, entertaining delivery and brilliant lyrics have captivated thousands of adults and children over the past three decades.

His songs have been widely covered and featured on albums such as Putumayo's internationally released Picnic Playground, and the 2011 Grammy-nominated CD, Healthy Food For Thought. Three of Jay's songs appear in Rise Again, the sequel to the much loved songbook, Rise Up Singing.

He has described himself as having one foot marching in the world of social change, one foot dancing in the realms of the spirit, and the third foot firmly planted in his mouth trying to keep him from getting into trouble!

Jay has shared the stage or opened for the likes of David Bromberg, Leon Russell, Tom Paxton, Ronnie Gilbert, Paul Winter, Magpie, Pat Humphries, Kim & Reggie Harris, Butch Morgan, Karen Mal, Mike Morris, Peter Siegel, and dozens of others. The late, great Pete Seeger once said of Jay "I think he's one of the half dozen best songwriters today."

Learn more about Jay Mankita at playfulearth.com.

This month’s opening round theme is Humor

Looking ahead to next month, the May 1 Song & Story Swap will feature singer-songwriter Colleen Kattau. The theme for the round of sharing will be Work and Solidarity.

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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Virtual Luthier's Co-op Open Mics continue on Wednesdays

Last spring the pandemic forced the popular open mic series held at the Luthier's Co-op in Easthampton to move online.

The events continue in this format each Wednesday evening, hosted by Dan Russell. Musicians can sign up in advance for a performance slot.

To particpate, watch or learn more, visit the Luthiers Coop Wednesday Open Mic Facebook page and ask to join the group.

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