Woodstock Film Festival Presents The Art Of Dissent featuring Arlo Guthrie, Family And Friends at the Ulster Performing Arts Center. The concert was held in the beautifully restored Broadway Theater and was the openning event of the 2002 festival which includes a screening of The Woody Guthrie biopic Bound For Glory honoring cinematographer Haskel Wexler and producer Harold Leventhal. The concert was produced with help from Nora Guthrie and The Woody Guthrie Foundation And Archives.

Nora served as mc and introduced thr first performer Happy Traum who was joined by Eric Weissberg, Jay Ungar and Molly Mason. Nora told a story of finding a photo in the archives of a nine year old Eric Weissberg among a group of musicians including Woody at a hootenanny in the 50's.

I Ain't Got No Home
Pretty Boy Floyd
The Danville Train
Jackhammer Blues
Ramblin' Round

Nora next introduced Ellis Paul relating that she met Ellis in a revolving door in Washington DC and returned inside to speak with him and upon exiting a second time met the man who would become her husband. In the spirit of Woody and Pete Seeger Ellis had scrawled on his guitar the message "Anti-Terror Machine".

The Word Ain't Slowin' Down
If You Break Down
Gods Promise (lyrics by WWG)
The Speed Of Trees

All songs from Ellis' new album The Speed Of Trees except The World Ain't Slowin' Down, title track from the Jim Carrey movie Me, Myself And Irene. Lyrics to Gods Promise written by Woody from his hospital bed 1955 courtesy of The Woody Guthrie Archives, adapted by Ellis Paul.

Next Nora introduced the song and dance troup Vanaver Caravan performing excerpts from their program Pastures Of Plenty, Woody Guthrie in Dance And Music. Nora told how the Martha Graham Dance Company choreographed a piece called Folksay in 1942 which included some of Woody's songs. Woody was in town and was invited to play live at the openning only a few days away. At rehearsal a major problem developed, Woody never played a song the same way twice which was a disaster for the dancers. Marjorie Mazia was sent to work with Woody, holding up flash cards with the number of beats on them for him to follow. It was during this time they fell in love. Pete Seeger had suggested to Nora when she was woking as a dancer and choreographer that she should do dance pieces to her dad's songs. Nora rejected the idea at the time and years later approached Bill and Livia Vanaver with the idea. The results are wonderful.

Peace Pin Boogie
Blowin' Down That Old Dusty Road
Pastures Of Plenty
Talking Blues

After a brief intermission, Nora returned to do what she said was the toughest job she had all night, introducing her brother. She began telling stories about Arlo. There was one about the first day going to a new school when Arlo left Nora standing on the train station platform for 5 hours and one about Arlo being the only boy in his mom's dance class.

Chilling Of The Evening
Slow Boat
St. James Infirmary
Mooses Come Walking
No Church (Sarah and Johnny, lyrics by WWG, from the archives)
Can't Help Falling In Love With You
When The Ship Comes In
City Of New Orleans

Arlo invited Nora, Haskel Wexler and all of the evenings participants to join him in singing This Land Is Your Land. As the performers returned to the stage they were joined by Natalie Merchant who shared a mike with Arlo. The assembled performers then closed the show with Goodnight Irene and left the stage to loud cheers. Nora encouraged Arlo to return and he did come back onstage, took a quick bow and it was over.

The audience was enthusiastic from the first note and the sing-alongs were some of the best I've heard, especially on Can't Help Falling In Love. Nora's between set tales and introductions were a definite highlight of the evening as was hearing two new songs penned by Woody for the first time.

While the concert was truly memorable, the best part of the night for me was meeting Olivia Nora Guthrie. She's a beautiful baby and never made a sound despite all the constant activity around her. Mom and Dad were beaming.

I almost didn't go to this show and only decided to about 2-1/2 hours before the curtain. I had all the usual excuses, money, distance, lot's of shows coming up in the next couple of months. But Regina pointed out I'd regret it if I didn't go. You were right again Honey, thanks for giving me the push I needed.

The only disappointment was a definite lack of friends I've made through this site in attendance. You know who you are and I hope to see you all soon.

<center><FONT COLOR="#000080">--- Edited 8 times, lastly by JohnC on Sep 26, 2002 ---</FONT></center>

John, What a great set list/recap! (although I think you just talked/used more words than you have in the last 20 years combined!) Glad you went and enjoyed. It sounded like a great show!

I was right???? WOW! <img src="http://www.arlo.net/ubb/smilies/smile.gif" width=15 height=15>

-Reg

<center><FONT COLOR="#000080">--- Edited 1 times, lastly by RegFaith on Sep 23, 2002 ---</FONT></center>