The Folk Collection to Perform at Teatro Campesino in San Juan Bautista, 3/20

"This music is like fine wine. It just gets better as the years go on," says Ed Labowitz, one of the members of The Folk Collection, which will be performing at El Teatro Campesino in San Juan Bautista, at 7:30 PM, on Saturday, March 20.

The group's Tony Unger, Ed Labowitz and Mike Sirota, along with bass man Bob Packham, grew up in the 1960's, when they fell in love with the story songs and 3-part harmonies of that acoustic era. Unger and Labowitz have been a duo on and off since their days in the mid 60's at Hollywood High School in Los Angeles. Sirota, who is a cantorial soloist at several Southern California synagogues, joined the group in 2003. Packham, who played in another band with Sirota, added his bass to the group in early 2005. "We are truly privileged to be able to perform the great folk tunes of the 60's for audiences throughout the West, " says Unger, who is an associate Baptist pastor when not performing with The Folk Collection.

Much of their repertoire is familiar to audiences of all ages. With songs like "This Land is Your Land," "Blowin' in the Wind," "Greenback Dollar," and "City of New Orleans," the group encourages audiences of all ages to join them in song. The Folk Collection recently added a medley of TV western theme songs from the 50s - familiar again to young audiences who have seen these shows on cable TV. "Although several of us write music, we mainly perform tunes the audience knows and can sing along with us," says Mike Sirota.

"We are pleased to present The Folk Collection at El Teatro Campesino," says Anahuac Valdez, [title]. "Their music is a testament to the enduring quality of this upbeat and universal American music. And the best way to enjoy it, is to sing, hum and clap along with them. Bring your kids. They will have a great time, too," adds Valdez..

"We grew up loving this sort of music, and the turnouts at our shows confirms that there are many baby boomers, as well as older and younger folks, who really like listening to words and harmonies - and joining in when the mood and song fit. We put on a show centered around folk music and good clean jokes," says Ed Labowitz. Adds Bob Packham, "Our shows are family friendly. We get a real kick out of watching teenagers, who reluctantly come to our show as a favor to a parent or grandparent, and then leave smiling and humming tunes we sang."

Tickets are $20 for adults, $16 for students, $12 for children 12 and under. For more information and reservations, call the Theatre at 831-623-2444. (For more information about The Folk Collection, go to www.thefolkcollection.com).

Photo courtesy of: wwww.thefolkcollection.com

 

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