Carole King – Since writing her first number 1 hit “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” at the tender age of 17, Carole King has arguably become the most celebrated and iconic singer/songwriter of all time. She has been hailed as the most successful female songwriter of the latter half of the 20th century in the US, having written or co-written 118 pop hits on the Billboard Hot 100. We will take a behind the scenes look at the various stages of development of her life and music. It goes far beyond the Broadway show “Beautiful” and covers her greatest achievements and disappointments – but more importantly, emphasizes her music and their inspirations. We will play many of her more familiar songs and via projecting the words on the screen, strongly encourage people to join in. Bring your singing voices and join in on this remarkable journey.
Neil Diamond – From unlikely beginnings, Neil Diamond built a brilliant 50-year career that included 10 Number 1 hits and more than 130 million records sold. He’s responsible for two of the most memorable songs of all time which ensures that future generations will be singing Neil Diamond songs forever. Journey with us to see how the shy boy from Brooklyn transformed himself into a superstar. The frog who turned himself into a king on stage. We will play many of his more popular songs and project the words on the screen so you can quietly join in. It’s a remarkable story that goes far beyond the play “A Beautiful Noise.”.
Groups
Simon & Garfunkel – Come along on a journey of two extraordinary people from their youth in Queens, New York in 1953 where they learned to harmonize together and began writing original material, to their early success under the name Tom & Jerry in 1957 (“Hey Schoolgirl”), to their unsuccessful solo and duet records, and ultimately to the one fortuitous event that led to their stardom – and ultimate break-up. This is the story behind one of the most successful groups of the 1960’s whose musical legacy lives on to this day. It’s a fascinating journey filled with musical excerpts and accompanying words so that you are encouraged to sing along with their musical masterpieces.
Peter Paul & Mary – The most commercially suscessful folk group of all time,Peter, Paul and Mary was formed during the American folk music revival phenomenon and helped carry it forward through the 1960’s, long after most groups turned electric. They single-handedly transformed folk music from a side-bar of pop music into a potent tool for social, cultural and political change by their fervent and pervasive message of humanity, hope and activism. For example, they transformed the song If I Had A Hammer from a labor to a civil rights message. They also helped bring to the forefront such songwriters as Bob Dylan, Gordon Lightfoot, John Denver and many others. It’s a wonderful story with songs you probably know by heart.
Folk Music
The Folk Music Revival – Behind the Artists and Their Songs – This is a retrospective of The Folk Music Revival that took place between 1940 and the mid-1960’s. It covers the emergence of a social consciousness in the form of music that propelled the times that were a’changin’. I cover many familiar songs that we grew up with, noting their origins, initial impetus and how they changed as part of the evolutionary folk process. For each song, the words are projected on a screen so that whoever desires can sing along (which I strongly encourage). The journey starts with an ever popular Child ballad and ends with the fascinating story of how Simon & Garfunkel, one of the most successful duos of all time, were almost ignored – and what was the inspired action (without their knowledge), that led to their rise to fame and fortune.
Jewish Folk Singers – While this presentation also covers folk singers, it is totally different from that of The Folk Music Revival. There is a decidedly heavy weighting of music which makes reference to Jewish life. It starts off with a discussion about and then the playing of Tzena, Tzena, Tzena – and how the English translation has almost no bearing on the original Hebrew text – but how it still has meaning.
Other songs address various Jewish holidays such as Passover, Hanukkah and Purim. There is also an extremely humorous song called “Jews Don’t Camp” which is an audience stopper. And it ends with the perennial Jewish conditions for the past 5775 years – they tried to kill us, we won – “Let’s Eat.”
For each song, the words are projected on a screen so that whoever desires can sing along (which is strongly encouraged).
Artists covered include Theodore Bikel, Debbie Friedman, Peter, Paul and Mary, Carole King, Janis Ian, The Weavers and numerous other Jewish singers.
Sing-Along
Sing-Along with SALTY to the music that shaped our generation – some of the greatest hits of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s including:
Bye Bye Love – The Everly Brothers
Lean On Me – Bill Withers
Here Comes The Sun – The Beatles
Margaritaville – Jimmy Buffett
You’ve Got a Friend – James Taylor/Carole King
Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond
As well as songs by Simon & Garfunkel, Crosby, Stills Nash & Young, Cat Stevens and many more. These are songs you know by heart whether you knew it or not – but just in case, like karaoke, the lyrics will be projected on a large screen. We’ll also provide brief but interesting backgrounds for the songs and artists. It’s all about fun and participation so bring your singing voices – or just come to listen to the great music!
