HOLLY NEAR: Folk Icon
CD Release: Holly Near 2018
With: Tammy Hall, piano & Jan Martinson, bass
Tickets: $29 General Admission / $27 Advance / $50 Gold Circle
Location: Capital Repertory Company - 111 North Pearl St. Albany, NY
Holly Near’s music has been synonymous with social change activism for well over 45 years, for good reason. Now the iconic singer songwriter returns with a new collection of outspoken songs - her 31st - performed with her trademark simplicity and wisdom.
The new songs dig deep into subjects like bullying, domestic violence and flood destruction in Puerto Rico. Still there is a twinkle long identified with Holly’s view of life, as she brings laughter and tenderness to the human condition. For one, she delightfully rhymes “Coup d’État” with “Mardi Gras” and “Menage a Trois.” Plus fireflies, an old fashioned front porch... then there is the voice, more powerful and clearer than ever. Plus, this night will featuring two fabulous talents: TAMMY HALL (piano) and JAN MARTINELLI (bass), making for a powerhouse trio and guaranteeing a dynamite concert!
Born in Ukiah, CA in 1949, Near began singing in high school, including work with a local folk group. Later also an actress, that career brought her to seminal ‘70s television shows like “Mod Squad,” “Room 222,” and “The Partridge Family.” Our favorite bio item: in 1970 she was a cast member of the Broadway musical Hair; and following the Kent State University shootings in May of that same year, the entire cast staged a silent vigil in protest. The song “It Could’ve Been Me” (which was released on A Live Album in 1974) was Holly’s heartfelt response to the shootings.
In 1971, she joined the Free The Army tour, an anti-Vietnam War road show of music, comedy. Orrganized by antiwar activist Fred Gardner and actors Jane Fonda and Donald Sutherland, it also featured Len Chandler and others.
From a colorful past and an open heart, with joy and passion and beguiling charm, Holly Near musically engages listeners in the world around them—speaking to anyone who believes in peace, justice and feminism - a wonderful spectrum of humanity.