THE GUTHRIE FAMILY RIDES AGAIN: A Jorgensen Cabaret Event Held 10/9, 10/10 At UConn

According to his "Official Oughtabiography," Arlo Guthrie was born in Brooklyn with a guitar in one hand and a harmonica in the other. Now The Guthrie Family Rides Again, bringing peace, love and social commentary to the Jorgensen Cabaret stage at 8 pm, Friday and Saturday, October 9 and 10.

Arlo Guthrie grew up surrounded by music greats like Pete Seeger, Leadbelly, and his own father, Woody. At 13 he gave his first public performance and was quickly involved in the earth-altering sounds of the ‘60s. He was a fixture in folk venues as balladeers and blues-men gave way to new singer-songwriters like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Phil Ochs. Arlo grooved with beat poet Allen Ginsburg and picked guitar with Doc Watson, learning something from everyone and developing a distinctive voice among a crowded chorus of musical activists. His most famous work, "Alice's Restaurant Massacree," is a talking-blues song that originally lasted 18 minutes and 34 seconds - the exact length of a famous gap in the Watergate tapes. The satirical protest against the Vietnam War draft is based on his rejection by the draft board as unfit for military service because of a criminal record - for littering and creating a public nuisance.

For four decades Arlo Guthrie has toured the globe to a wide, popular following. Folk Music Guide's Kim Ruehl calls his songs "strikingly beautiful and earnestly poignant." Critic Dave White says he can "captivate an audience, not by grabbing them by the throat, but by gently slipping them into his pocket." A natural storyteller, Arlo weaves his anecdotes into his performances. Besides launching Rising Son Records, making TV appearances, and writing an award-winning children's book, he established The Guthrie Center, a not-for-profit, interfaith foundation addressing environmental, health care, cultural and educational issues.

The Guthries have been called the "First Family of American Folk Music." Three generations gathered onstage performing favorite songs and newly scored, previously unpublished Woody Guthrie lyrics, prove that the legacy endures. Enjoy Arlo Guthrie and Family in the Jorgensen Cabaret setting. Light dinner, dessert, and a cash bar will all be available.

Join the Guthries at Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts, located at 2132 Hillside Road on the UConn campus in Storrs. Regular tickets are $34, $38 and $45, with some discounts available. For tickets and information, call the Box Office at 860.486.4226, Monday through Friday, 11 am-5 pm, or order online at jorgensen.uconn.edu. Convenient free parking is available across the street in the North Garage.