Seeger Fest to Honor Late Folk Legend Pete Seeger and His Wife

"To everything, turn, turn, turn.  There is a season, turn, turn, turn"

Singer Tom Chapin sang Pete Seeger's famous tune as he recalled the first time he ever played with the folk legend. 

"You talk about any musical activist, you've got to talk about Pete Seeger.  Every major important thing in our lives and his life he was a part of," he said.  "Not only a part of, but a voice for."

Chapin joined a number of other artists in song to discuss this summer's events at Seeger Fest.  The five-day series features free concerts, movies, and community activities all over New York City and the Hudson Valley.  They'll celebrate the lives and interests of Seeger and his wife, Toshi. 

Seeger's grandson Kitama Cahill-Jackson says one highlight will be what he's calling the only official memorial service for his grandparents.

"It's amazing to see tributes all over the world, you know, in towns I've never even heard of," he said.  "But I think, he wrote 'Turn, Turn, Turn,' there's a time for everything.  So this is the time for the family to bring the Seeger community together."

Seeger Fest runs from July 17 to July 21. Here's the full schedule of events:

Thursday, July 17, 8:30 PM @ Pier 46 & The Hudson River, NYC: Hudson River Park Trust presents music by The Chapin Sisters and Adira & Allana Amram and a screening of Pete Seeger: The Power of Song.

Friday, July 18, 7 PM @ Bardavon Opera House, Poughkeepsie, NY: Bardavon Opera House presents A Memorial Service for Pete Seeger.

Saturday, July 19:

5-8 PM @ Beacon Shoop Club, Beacon, NY: Beacon Shoop Club presents a song circle and potluck supper in honor of Pete and Toshi.

8 PM @ Ashokan Center, Oliverbridge, NY: The Ashokan Center presents a square dance commemorating how the Seegers met.

12-6 PM @ Lafayette St. and Edgewater Rd., Bronx, NY: Rocking the Boat presents music, food, and rowing boats in celebration of the lives of Pete and Toshi.

8 PM @ 2710 Broadway, NYC: El Taller Latino Americano presents film and photography by Pete and Toshi Seeger (*NOT* wheelchair accessible!)

Sunday, July 20, 4 PM @ Lincoln Center, NYC: Lincoln Center Out of Doors presents A Memorial Concert for Pete and Toshi Seeger featuring Adira and David Amram, Tom Chapin and The Chapin Sisters, Guy Davis, Emma's Revolution, Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion, Kim & Reggie Harris, Hudson River Sloop Singesr, Michael Moore, Holly Near, George Wein, Dar Williams, The Vanaver Caravan, Paul Winter Consort, Peter Yarrow, Dan Zanes, and surprise guests.

Monday, July 21, 6 PM @ Central Park, NYC: City Parks Foundation presents New Songs of Justice: An Evening Honoring Pete Seeger featuring Anti-Flag (acoustic), Aurora Barnes, Toni Blackman, The Chapin Sisters, Rebel Diaz, Steve Earle, Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root, Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion, DJ Kool Herc, James Maddock, Elizabeth MItchell, Mike + Ruthy, Nyraine, Amanda Palmer (solo acoustic), and more.