This article is from our associated project, CreativeResistance.org
The rabble-rousing spirit of beloved protest singer Pete Seeger lives on — and this April, renowned labor singer Anne Feeney and riot-folk troubadour Evan Greer are out to prove it. Audiences who attend the multi-generational “Carry it On” tour will learn to expect the unexpected during high energy concerts that feature music ranging from Irish ballads to union singalongs to political punk anthems. Greer and Feeney have both shared stages multiple times with the Pete Seeger. Together they will carry on Pete’s legacy – harnessing the power of music for revolutionary social change, and making it irresistible for audiences to join in and sing along.
They will be performing a dozen shows across Cascadia from April 16 – May 1.
Full tour dates available here and here.
The Carry it On Tour features Anne’s bottomless backpack of hellraising songs, given new energy by Evan’s skillful accompaniment on a veritable arsenal of acoustic instruments. Greer’s catchy and original folk-punk anthems shine with the addition of Anne’s soaring harmony vocals. The two have been touring together for more than a decade — since Evan was just a teenager — and their dynamic stage performance, which ranges from hilarious to serious, will instantly and permanently change the opinion of anyone who has ever thought that political music has to be boring.
Based in Pittsburgh, PA, Anne Feeney is the granddaughter of an intrepid mineworkers’ organizer, who also used music to carry the message of solidarity to working people. After two decades of community activism and regional performances at rallies, Anne took her message on the road. Since 1991 Anne has traveled to the frontlines in 42 states, as well as Canada, Mexico, Denmark, Ireland and Sweden. Her anthem “Have You Been to Jail for Justice?” is being performed by activists everywhere, and was recorded twice by Peter, Paul and Mary. Dubbed the “minister of culture” to the movements for economic and social justice and human rights, Anne is “the best labor singer in North America” according to Utah Phillips, and Pete Seeger himself has congratulated on her “fine songwriting.” Anne has played for crowds of thousands and shared the stage with legends like Utah Phillips, Peggy Seeger, Dan Bern, Billy Bragg, Peter, Paul & Mary, and of course, Pete Seeger. Listen and learn more.
Evan Greer is an LGBTQ parent, organizer, and multi-instrumentalist who writes fearless and dangerously catchy original songs that inspire hope and incite resistance. Equally at home leading singalongs in a union hall or sweating at a basement punk show, Evan has developed a cult following across North America and Europe, and has had songs featured on NPR, in college courses and major independent films. At 28 years old, Evan tours internationally as a musician and facilitates workshops and trainings to support movements for justice and liberation. Howard Zinn called Greer “an eloquent and energetic writer,” who “reminds me of Phil Ochs.” Evan has shared stages with artists as musically diverse as Billy Bragg, Immortal Technique, Gil Scott Heron’s Midnight Band, Holly Near, Against Me!, The Coup, Pamela Means, State Radio, and Chumbawamba. Tom Morello, guitarist of Rage Against the Machine writes, “Evan Greer continues to write inspiring folk music in the tradition of the great protest singers … a heck of a guitar player.” Listen and learn more.
The Carry it On tour spans Washington State and British Columbia. It begins April 16th and will culminate during a grand finale on May Day, International Workers Day, during an event at UW in Tacoma, WA.
