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A Community Celebration of John Fahey
Friday, May 7, 2010
7:30pm at the Takoma Park Community Center
Celebrating the life and music of John Fahey, The Takoma Park/Silver Spring Experimental Film Festival will host a special evening devoted to guitarist John Fahey. This program will be the inaugural event in the recently-renovated, 150-seat auditorium, at the Takoma Park Community Center.
Raised in Takoma Park and using its environs as inspiration for his work, John Fahey is one of the most celebrated American acoustic guitarists. And although he moved away from Maryland in 1962, at the age of twenty-two, he continually referenced Takoma Park in his songs, going so far as naming his independent record label after his hometown. Under Fahey’s guidance, Takoma Records recorded and released over 125 albums over the course of three decades – a feat that no other artist-owned, artist-run record label can claim. Most importantly, Takoma Records recorded older artists like Bukka White and Skip James, ensuring that younger generations were exposed to their powerful music.
The program begins at 8pm with the film John Fahey: The Legacy of Blind Joe Death. This 30-minute film by local resident Marc Minsker provides an overview of Fahey’s life and comments on his contributions to the music world. Following the film, several special guests who will be on-hand: friends of Fahey who will be reminiscing about the guitarist and sharing some personal stories with the audience. Afterwards, there will be a musical tribute performed by longtime friend of Fahey and Takoma Records recording artist Peter Lang. Discovered by Fahey in 1972, Peter Lang has carried on the “American primitive” acoustic six-string tradition, picking and playing in a style similar to Fahey’s.
Although this event is free and open to the public, it is recommended that tickets be secured in advance. Tickets are available, on a first-come, first-serve basis at House of Musical Traditions (7010 Westmoreland Avenue, Takoma Park) and Som Records (1843 14th Street, Washington, DC). The maximum number of tickets is four per person. A certain number of seats may also became available the night of the performance. For more information contact the House of Musical Traditions at 301-270-9090.
