'Pastures of Plenty' Tribute to folk legend will fill stage at SRU
SLIPPERY ROCK — The Vanaver Caravan music and dance company will perform a tribute to American folk music legend Woody Guthrie on Feb. 6 in Slippery Rock University's Miller Auditorium.
"Pastures of Plenty" will explore the late composer's life and music in a manner reminiscent of an old-time tent revival or back porch sing-along.
The music will be accompanied by dances that were common during Depression-era America, including the Appalachia clog dance, western square dance and the Harlem hop.
"Pastures of Plenty" will feature songs by Bill Vanaver, company founder, on banjo and accompanied by Andy Teirstein on fiddle and other musicians. The dances will include "Dust Storm Disaster," "Hard Travelin'" and "Vigilante Man."
Guthrie (1912-1967) wrote hundreds of songs about the challenges Americans faced during the Great Depression, earning him the nickname "The Dust Bowl Troubadour." He is most known for "This Land is Your Land," although he also wrote ballads and traditional children's songs.
Guthrie's daughter Nora Guthrie co-produces the show.
Company dancers will offer a master class in clogging with SRU dance majors in the afternoon before the performance.
The Vanaver Caravan, established in 1972 by musician Bill Vanaver and dancer Livia Drapkin Vanaver and based in New Paltz, N.Y., explores the world's diverse cultures through music in dance. The company has performed across the U.S. in Europe and North Africa.
"Pastures of Plenty" is the third show in SRU's Performing Arts Series.
Tickets to "Pastures of Plenty" are $18 for adults, $16 for those age 62 or older or 17 and younger, and $8 for SRU students. Call 724-738-2091.
A pre-performance meal, not included in the price of admission to the show, will be offered by AVI, the university's contracted food vendor, at the University Club in North Hall. Tickets for the dinner are $24 per person. Call 724-738-2840 Ext. 101 to make dinner arrangements.
