CALLANDER: Folk nostalgia for UMW's Centennial

“I’m going to walk that road that we walked along before many years ago...” The Road to Freedom
(John Stewart, 1963)

Once in a while in Fredericksburg we have an opportunity to see a world-class performing act. The Kingston Trio, that famous folk group, performed in April at the University of Mary Washington, and it was such a fabulous performance that two months later my foot is still tapping and I'm still listening to the CD and watching the DVD that I purchased that evening.

With the accompanying UMW-Community Symphony Orchestra providing extra pizzazz, the American folk-singing combo brought a packed Dodd
Auditorium to life with a rousing sing-a-long show coupled with perfectly timed comedy relevant to the 2008 social-political scene. What fun it was, and it was a perfect component of the university's Centennial celebration.

As soon as the Trio sang their first notes and strummed the first cords on their guitars and banjo, I knew that these were professionals of rare abilities, regardless of whether or not they were members of the original group.

Years ago, while my peers were swooning over the Beatles, I was turned on to folk music. I loved such groups as the The Serendipity Singers.

My sister introduced me to the songs and sounds of Peter, Paul and Mary and Pete Seeger, by providing a new album for every birthday. Their awakening messages about peace and justice provided a values foundation that is still with me, so it was great to hear The Kingston Trio sing such songs from that era as “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?”

When I arrived at Dodd Auditorium, I was pleased to see familiar faces from Stafford, including former Rock Hill Supervisor Bob Gibbons and his wife.

Previously from the Boston area, I suspect Gibbons came to hear that famous Kingston Trio ballad, “The MTA Song.” That's a political commentary that emerged as Boston politicians increased the fare for its Metropolitan Transit Authority passenger train at the time. As the legend goes, a transit rider, Charlie, didn’t have the required nickel to get himself off the train, and so he rode forever and “his fate is still unknown.”

I was particularly struck by how the Trio's voices blended so perfectly. It was a ways into the program before I noticed the high sounds of the group's tenor,
Rick Dougherty. He was like a crocus peaking up through a winter's snow. Each time his pure, high voice added an element of surprise to the show, I found myself eagerly awaiting more.

Dougherty, it turns out, had previously taken over Glen Yarbourough's spot with The Limelighters, when that exceptional talent moved on to other things, so he truly is an accomplished vocalist and is the Trio’s first new face in 20 years.

From the DVD, the professionalism of the accomplished singers-musicians shines through. The phenomenal banjo player and distinctive vocalist, George Grove, has been with the trio for 32 years. He's a wonderful, expressive interpreter of folk songs. Bill Zorn positions himself in the center of the group, provides a wide vocal range, and looks and acts like the captain of the ship. He previously sang with The Kingston Trio in the 1970s and was formerly with an old favorite group of mine, The New Christy Minstrels.

The UMW-community orchestra seemed to enjoy playing along with all the old songs, including the popular “Tom Dooley,” as well as some bawdy drinking songs traditional to The Kingston Trio.

Through Stafford resident Rita Snyder, the orchestra's treasurer, I have learned that the Trio was so impressed with the performance of the trumpet section that the orchestra's director has been invited to conduct other school orchestras on the Kingston Trio tour. What a great honor this is for UMW and for Dr. Kevin P. Bartram, a truly talented conductor.

At a special post-concert reception, Snyder says the Trio earned the reputation for being the friendliest and most sociable entertainers to perform during the university's William M. Anderson Jr. Celebrity Series.

For a Fourth of July treat, plan to attend ceremonies at Pratt Park where the UMW-Community Symphony Orchestra will provide musical entertainment, fresh from the exhilarating experience of performing with The Kingston Trio.

Alane Callander is a south Stafford resident active in many local causes. Reach her at info@staffordcountysun.com.