Dear Friends,
I was a late comer to the Peterborough Folk Music scene. The rich folk community in the Monadnock region that included The Folkway and the Nelson and Peterborough contradance scene was blossoming just beyond my vision. Much of my introduction to the scene came from listening to WSLE, the “Folks Station” in Peterborough, a small but mighty folk’s station. This, I would come to learn, was my music. These, I would come to learn, were my people.
The music gave me a sense of community and hope. Concerts at Temple Mountain, the Peterborough Town House and the Folkway fed my hunger for real honest to goodness music. I saw Doc Watson, Pete Seeger, Kate Wolf, Lui Collins and John Hartford in Peterborough, all inspirations for their mastery of inspiration and song. I sang along to Tennessee Stud, If I Had a Hammer, Give Yourself to Love, Rooty Toot Toot Toot for the Moon and Mississippi Queen along with a whole community of voices ringing joyfully in the eaves. And that was just the beginning for me.
Today the joy continues to bloom due to the passion and spirit of Peterborough Folk Music. I remember my first show presented by PFMS. I was new in my role as the host of the Folk Show at New Hampshire Public Radio. I was a little shy and terribly busy being a mom, working full time and doing my Sunday night folk show gig. Deb McWethy, the chief cook and bottle washer at PFMS, invited me to come to the Peterborough Players Theater to see Martin Sexton. I didn’t know what to expect and honestly, I was a little humbled by the invitation. Martin Sexton, a performer new to me, wrapped the audience around his finger with his vocal prowess and mastery of lyrics and I got to be a witness. Since then (over 25 years ago) I’ve had the honor of witnessing many such masters presented by Peterborough Folk Music. I’ve been humbled by the intimacy and community offered audiences show after show after show.
The dedication of the PFM Board and volunteers is a reminder of the heart it takes to bring old favorites and soon to be new favorite artists to our communities.
Folk music is community. Folk Music isn’t a place. It’s a feeling. It’s connectedness in times when things may seem fragmented. We are gifted with music that feeds our spirit from Peterborough Folk Music whether at the Park Theater in Jaffrey, Bass Hall in Peterborough or at Deb’s Place in Chesham.
You are receiving this letter perhaps because you’ve seen one of the many fine PFM performances. Maybe you saw Bill Staines at the Spinning Room in Harrisville for one of his final performances. Maybe you witnessed the Garnet Rogers/Archie Fisher collaboration or tapped your toes to the phenomenal group Le Vent du Nord. Maybe you discovered the incredible talent of Crys Matthews during her recent visit. Maybe you were witness to Tom Paxton and the Don Juans during their final tour presented by Peterborough Folk Music. Whatever the reason, don’t set this reminder aside. Instead, please seize the opportunity to support Peterborough Folk Music.
Your support goes directly to supporting the performances by wonderful artists. Your support funds community, connectedness and joy! By supporting Peterborough Folk Music you are participating, and that is huge because as Pete Seeger said, “Participation, that’s what’s gonna save the human race.”
I hope to see you at a show soon!! And thank you for supporting Folk Music!
Most sincerely,
Kate McNally
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