Woody's Children 45th Anniversary Concert

PBS’s Woody's Children 45th Anniversary Concert commemorates everything that this legacy stands for while endeavoring to revive the aura of folk music as experienced in the poignant compositions of Woody Guthrie, one of the most influential figures in folk music. This special anniversary concert aired in 2014, marking the 45th year since the inception of the radio show, 'Woody's Children’. It’s a tribute to the lasting imprint Woody Guthrie and his followers have left in the hearts of folk music aficionados.

The show is hosted by Robert Sherman, who has been with 'Woody’s Children' from the beginning, steering it through the changing landscape of radio and folk music over the decades. Sherman’s strong association with the genre coupled with his commanding broadcast presence lends credibility and a sense of familiarity to the show.

As the concert unravels, a striking feature that stands out is the array of talent that the show brings to the stage. It features an impressive lineup of renowned folk musicians who have been deeply influenced by Woody Guthrie and his music. Tom Paxton, the multi-grammy award-winning singer-songwriter, known for his profound storytelling through music, performs as the headline act. The concert also showcases the legendary Pete Seeger, whose work in folk music spans over seven decades. The participation of these veterans not only adds value to the show but also pays homage to Guthrie’s influence in their careers.

Also sharing the limelight are contemporary artists such as Holly Near, who have taken the baton to keep folk music alive and relevant in today’s era. Their performances underline how the genre has evolved over time while maintaining its roots in storytelling and social activism, a legacy that Guthrie left behind.

Maintaining the tradition of 'Woody's Children', the anniversary concert not only offers a platform for musicians to perform but also intersperses the music with dialogues, where artists share their experiences, insights and their journey in folk music. These interactions provide an intriguing inside look into the world of folk music and help the audience appreciate the genre’s nuances even further. The artists discuss the impact of Guthrie's music in their lives, their interpretation of his work, his influence on folk music, and his enduring relevance.

The production quality of the concert is superb, as viewers have come to expect from PBS. The camera work is skillful, capturing both the large-scale grandeur of the event and the nuanced emotions conveyed by the musicians during their performances. The sound quality is crystal clear, allowing viewers to lose themselves in the harmonies and lyrics. Every strum, every chord, every lyric, encapsulates the essence of the folky rhythm, treating the audience to a genuine and immersive folk experience.

Like the radio show it commemorates, the concert is not just a musical but also a cultural event. It underscores the power of music to echo, instigate and inspire social change, as Guthrie's songs often did. The messages in his songs about social issues and the depiction of the struggles of the average working-class American resonates with the performances in this concert, bringing forth the timeless relevance of Guthrie's work.

PBS's Woody's Children 45th Anniversary Concert is more than just a musical event - it's a celebration of folk music's rich history, a tribute to Woody Guthrie's enduring legacy, and a signal of the genre's continued vibrancy. It’s a beautiful canvas where music and storytelling blend into a rich tapestry of sounds and emotions. Whether a long-term folk music enthusiast or newly introduced, viewers are sure to experience the moving power of folk music with performances that pluck at heartstrings and provoke thought.

The concert's ideal mix of seasoned veterans, modern musicians, engaging interactions, and the historical context behind this all enables the special to provide a wholesome folk immersion. It serves as a must-watch for folk music enthusiasts and an excellent introduction for those unfamiliar with the genre. Watching this concert, you'll walk away with a deeper appreciation for Woody Guthrie, the host Robert Sherman, and the entire folk music community that keeps this vibrant genre alive and thriving.