April 2021 News

It’s been quite a month for me and my website. Working with Grace, the Social Media Maven, I’ve been getting the word out about concerts and other events by putting more gigs on the calendar after a year of pandemic paucity. I’ve also been reaching out with a new Facebook page and with Twitter and Instagram to let folks know what I’m up to.

After months of sitting home waiting for the phone to ring, I’ve suddenly gone from inactive to proactive, lining up gigs and people to gig with. In the weeks ahead I’ll be performing solo as well as duo with Lindsey Wilson, Elise Bryant, Steve Deasy, and Julie Beutel (June). You can see the dates and mark your calendar here.

One of the biggest breaks (and greatest honors) I got as a traveling musician came in 1983 when Ronnie Gilbert and Holly Near sang my song about Sacco & Vanzetti, “Two Good Arms.” When their tour came to New York City I got to see them perform it. What a thrill! A wonderful rendition with their powerful theatrical presentation, seated in chairs as prisoners in the dock. They brought that song to a much wider audience than I could have hoped to reach. And that song has brought me to more places than I ever thought I’d go.

Just recently Holly wrote to me to say she had received a photo taken that night by the wonderful photographer Irene Young. She forwarded me a copy that now graces the wall above my desk.

Utah Phillips called Anne Feeney: “the best labor singer in North America.” For close to 40 years I knew her as a friend and fellow traveler. She was undaunted and indefatigable. Despite her many challenges, I thought she would outlive us all. And I think I was right on that one. Through the songs she wrote, the recordings she made, the younger singers she empowered and the causes she championed Anne lives on in our history and in our hearts.

Those of us who knew and loved Anne gathered together April 3rd to share our memories and honor hers. I got to co-host the “The Sojourner Truth Room (Stories of Anne on the Road)” with Janet Stecher of Rebel Voices.

Here’s a picture of Anne and me touring our way from New England to Southern Georgia for the SOA Watch Protest in 2008.