FREE: Happy Traum Explores the History of the Greenwich Village Folk Scene

Photograph by Thomas D. Lindsay

As part of the New York Folk Music Legacy Series, singer, guitarist and folk music icon Happy Traum is presenting a captivating multi-media presentation, “Coming of Age in the Greenwich Village Folk Revival and the Woodstock Scene 1954-1971,” at a number of Greater Nippertown locations this week.

The free presentations will utilize colorful anecdotes and incisive memories, vintage photos and music clips interspersed with live performances, as Traum relates some of his adventures as an active member of the New York folk revival; his participation in what has become known as the “Great Folk Singer’s Riot” in Washington Square; and his friendships with some of the leading folk artists of the day.

Traum was a regular in the Washington Square Park jam sessions, studied blues guitar with Brownie McGhee, and his group, the New World Singers, were the first to perform and record “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “Don’t Think Twice.” Traum will discuss his friendship with Bob Dylan in Woodstock (where Traum still lives), as well as his association with Allen Ginsberg, Pete Seeger, Dave Van Ronk and many other notables on the scene.

Here’s the schedule of Happy Traum’s free performances around town this week:

Thursday (March 10), 6:30pm
Schenectady County Public Library, Schenectady UPDATE: This performance has been cancelled…

Friday (March 11), 7:30pm
The Linda, Albany

Saturday (March 12), 2pm
Saratoga Springs Public Library, Saratoga Springs

Saturday (March 12), 7pm
Folklife Center @ Crandall Public Library, Glens Falls

Sunday (March 13), 2pm
Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, Clifton Park

ALSO READ:
LIVE: Jim Kweskin & Happy Traum @ Caffe Lena, 11/13/14
Media Watch: Happy Traum Profiled in Fretboard Journal
Festival Fever: Traum Day Festival @ Woodstock, 8/6/11
LIVE: Happy Traum and Andy Friedman @ Caffe Lena, 2/27/11
LIVE: Happy Traum @ Crandall Library, 9/9/09