Thoughts, Stories and Songs from a Beloved American Folk Legend

Pete Seeger up close and personal

David and Jacob Bernz intertwine readings from David’s recently published Pete Seeger book - co-written with Seeger - with some of the songs mentioned in the book, integrating more recent songs and original material. A lively mix of book reading and folk concert promises an evening sure to be fun, participatory and uplifting. Who couldn’t use a few Seeger songs just now?

Derived from years of conversations between Seeger and Bernz - his close friend and collaborator - Chopping Wood uses Seeger’s own words, minimally edited to preserve Seeger’s trademark cadence. Hear from Bernz tales of Seeger learning the banjo, traveling with Woody Guthrie; at The Peekskill Riots; how Pete wrote books and put together songs. Together they conjure a gentle, principled man immersing us for the evening in his humility and willingness to respect those whose opinions differed greatly from his own - vital qualities in these troubled and divisive times.

DAVID & JACOB BERNZ are a father-son team of singer-songwriters hailing from Beacon, New York, the town where Pete Seeger’s cabin overlooks the Hudson River. David Bernz’ ensembles have included “Dave, Perry, Rande,” “Stone Soup” and “Work o’ the Weavers”; he has released CDs with each. A two-time Grammy winner for producing two of Pete Seeger’s albums, he won Best Folk Album for Pete Seeger at 89 and Best Children’s Album for Pete Seeger & the Rivertown Kids: Tomorrow’s Children.

Jacob Bernz, a prolific young songwriter who has already released five CDs of original material. He combines many influences into a genre all his own with a uniquely poetic and personal style. Together David and Jacob weave a tapestry of songs old and new.