Folk Artist Mary McCaslin in Concert

TAHLEQUAH When it comes to Folk music, it's hard to find anyone as well respected as Mary McCaslin. McCaslin represents an unbroken link between traditional American folksingers and today's "new folk" singer-songwriters.

Northeastern State University's College of Liberal Arts will bring Mary McCaslin to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Tahlequah on Sunday, Dec. 2, at 6 p.m.

Mary has influenced countless performers with her songs about the West, its landscape and outlaws. Larry Kelp of KPFA in Berkley described her perfectly. "She sounds as if she had risen out of the Western soil and became its voice."

For many years, Mary toured with legendary singer Jim Ringer and together they helped keep folk music on the map through some very lean years. Regarded as a pioneer of open guitar tunings and known for her distinctive vocal style, Mary's influences can be heard in many younger folk performers.

Mary's musical influences are as varied as her repertoire: The western ballads of Marty Robbins, the guitar playing of Joan Baez and Joni Mitchell, the singing and banjo playing of Hedy West, and the vocal inflections of the Beatles and the Bee Gees.

Her songs have been recorded by Tom Russell ("Prairie In The Sky"), Bill Staines ("Prairie In The Sky"), Chris Williamson ("Circle Of Friends"), David Bromberg ("Young Westley"), Kate Wolf ("The Ballad Of Weaverville"), Stan Rogers ("Down The Road") and others. The Grand Canyon Railroad has used her song vLast Cannonball" for its promotional television ad.

This is a one-time concert not to be missed. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets can be reserved by calling 918-458-2075. Tickets will also be available at the door.

11/26/2007

Published: 2007-11-26 00:00:00