Zachary Stevenson

The songs of Phil Ochs are alive and well, indeed, they sometimes ring as true as they did when first performed on Greenwich Village stages of the early ‘60s. At the time, Ochs and Bob Dylan were considered on parallel tracks to national prominence, until in 1964, Dylan went electric, dropped his politics, and began his historic rise to pop stardom. Ochs remained true to his socially conscious, humanistic, anti-Vietnam War message, and inscribed his lyrical songs into the hearts of a generation of activists around the world. In the process, he created some of the most memorable Folk songs of all time. “Changes,” “When I'm Gone,” “I Ain't Marching Any More,” and “There But for Fortune” have been covered by dozens of artists through the years from Joan Baez to Ani DiFranco. On Sunday September 15th and evening of Phil Ochs songs will be presented by Old Town School of Folk Music. It will be hosted by Sonny Ochs, Phil's sister. The focus will be less on the man and more on his indelible legacy of music and its uncanny relevancy. Interpreting his songs will be four of the most adept and compelling voices of the modern acoustic music scene: Reggie Harris, Tom Prasada-Rao, Pat Wictor, and Greg Greenway. To the “under the radar” world of internet connected, niche music fans, this is a star studded lineup of individual talent. Leave whatever preconceived notions you have about Folk Music at the door. These four eclectic musicians will interact in the round and perform the songs of Phil Ochs as if they were written yesterday. Threads of Gospel, R&B, Jazz, Folk, and Pop will be woven into a memorable evening of virtuosity and heart.