Rubicon Welcomes Noel Paul Stookey Tonight

On the heels of the opening of Lonesome Traveler Off-Broadway, the musical which originated at Rubicon Theatre Company which celebrates the essence and spirit of America folk music, Rubicon Artistic Director Emeritus James O'Neil today announced a one-night-only concert by singer/songwriter Noel Paul Stookey tonight, April 11, 2015 at 8:00 p.m. at the theatre, located at 1006 E. Main Street in Ventura's Downtown Cultural District. The performance will feature Stookey's own compositions, as well as hits from his years in the legendary group Peter, Paul and Mary (famous for performances of songs like Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind, "If I Had a Hammer" and "Puff, the Magic Dragon").

Stookey has spent his career raising social consciousness through music, thereby changing the musical landscape of this country. Mr. Stookey's music resonates across social, age and economic barriers-from "The Wedding Song (There is Love)" to "In These Times." Noel Paul Stookey now performs as an independent musician who passionately believes in bringing the spiritual into the practice of everyday life. He strives to make the world a better place through a continuing dialogue of acceptance and inclusion. Perhaps his song "Love Rules!" says it best: "...tryin to be a student of transparency; more of Love and less of me..."

A Brief History of Noel Paul Stookey's Musical Career

Born December 30, 1937, Stookey grew up in the Midwest where he played electric guitar in his high school rock 'n' roll band (The Birds of Paradise) and hung out at an R&B record shop listening to groups like the Drifters, the Platters and the Cadillacs.

When he moved to New York City at the age of 20, he was looking for independence, but what he found were Peter Yarrow, Mary Traverse and a career that took on a life of its own. Peter, Paul and Mary's first album shot to the top of the charts, where it stayed for two years.

Stookey has performed in intimate coffeehouses, at the White House, and in massive stadiums. At the 1963 March on Washington when Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech, Peter, Paul and Mary delivered "If I Had a Hammer" and "Blowin' in the Wind."

After a profound spiritual experience in the late '60s, Noel realized the 200-plus annual performance schedule of the trio left neither space in which to explore the rediscovered depths of conscience and dedication that were tugging at him, nor the much overdue and deserved time with his family. In 1970, the group took a sabbatical, providing the opportunity for Noel and Betty and their three daughters Elizabeth, Kate and Anna to move from suburban New York to the coast of Maine.

Peter, Paul and Mary reunited almost a decade later with a markedly more reasonable schedule.

By then Stookey's solo voice was firmly established, writing and performing music that addresses social change while speaking of and to the soul; fusing jazz improvisation and insightful folk lyrics. The political, sociopolitical, spiritual, and cultural dynamics of life's stories continue to drive his songs. Collaborating with his wife Betty, sometimes sharing the presentation of multi-faith seminars and performances, the connection between Stookey and his material, as well as his audience, is intimate, immediate, identifiable and electrifying.

Noel Paul Stookey has recorded over 45 albums, both as part of the legendary trio and as a soloist. In the year 2007 alone he released three CDs: "Facets of the Jewel," "Promise of Love,"
and "Song for Megumi." In addition to his performance life, Stookey oversees Neworld Multimedia, presenting new artists and creating children's TV shows and music. The royalties from his classic "Wedding Song" go to the Public Domain Foundation, where nearly $2 million has been put to work for charitable causes.

Says Rubicon Artistic Director Emeritus James O'Neil, "Noel became acquainted with the work of Rubicon during his vacation visits to Ojai. We are so excited to have the opportunity to share his wonderful musical talent and warm personality with the Rubicon community. This is an extraordinary opportunity for our audiences.

Tickets for NOEL PAUL STOOKEY IN CONCERT may be purchased in person through the Rubicon Theatre Company Box Office at the corner of Main and Laurel in Ventura (Laurel entrance and downstairs). To charge by phone, call 805.667.2900 or visit Rubicon online at www.rubicontheatre.org.

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