The Guthrie: A Home for Folk Music
Contents
The Guthrie: A Home for Folk Music is a blog that explores the history and legacy of the famed folk music venue in Minneapolis, MN.
Introduction
Music has always been an integral part of the human experience. It is a source of enjoyment, expression, and connection. For centuries, music has been used to tell stories, share emotions, and create bonds between people.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in folk music. This genre of music is characterized by its simple melodies and lyrics, often about everyday life. Folk music is often passed down from generation to generation, and it has the power to connect people across cultures and time periods.
The Guthrie: A Home for Folk Music is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to preserving and promoting folk music. Founded in 2004, The Guthrie is headquartered in New York City. The Guthrie hosts folk music events and workshops, supports research on folk music, and provides resources for folk musicians.
The Guthrie is named after Woody Guthrie, one of the most influential folk musicians of the 20th century. Woody Guthrie was known for his songs about the working class, social justice, and the American dream. His song “This Land Is Your Land” has become an anthem for generations of Americans.
The Guthrie’s History
The Guthrie Theater, often called “The Guthrie,” is a regional theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is located on the banks of the Mississippi River in the city’s Downtown East neighborhood. The theater was founded in 1963 by Sir Tyrone Guthrie, an English-born theater director. It is one of the most respected regional theaters in the United States.
The Guthrie’s founding
In December 1961, a young man named Bob Dylan arrived in New York City from his home in Minnesota, hoping to make it as a professional musician. He soon became a fixture in the city’s vibrant folk music scene, and within a few years, he had become one of the most popular and influential songwriters of his generation. In 1963, Dylan met a young folksinger named Mary Travers, who was part of a trio called Peter, Paul and Mary. The two became friends, and Mary introduced Dylan to her father, who owned a club in Greenwich Village called the Fat Black Pussycat.
In the fall of 1963, Woody Guthrie was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease, a degenerative neurological condition that would eventually claim his life. Guthrie was only 55 years old, but he had already been experiencing symptoms of the disease for several years. As his condition progressed, he became increasingly unable to play or sing his songs. However, he continued to write new material, often with the help of his son Arlo.
In early 1964, Dylan visited Guthrie in the hospital and was deeply affected by the experience. He later said that meeting Guthrie was like “meeting my grandfather for the first time.” Inspired by Guthrie’s example, Dylan decided to open a club where folk musicians could play and perform their music. With the help of Mary Travers’ father and some other investors, Dylan leased a building on West 4th Street and opened the doors of The Gaslight Cafe on October 16, 1964.
The Guthrie’s mission
Folk music has been a part of the American experience for centuries, and The Guthrie seeks to celebrate and promote this musical tradition. The Guthrie was founded in 1967 by Woody Guthrie, one of the most influential folk musicians of our time. Woody’s son, Arlo, has continued his father’s work by carrying on the family tradition of making music that is accessible and enjoyable for all.
The Guthrie’s mission is to provide a home for folk music and its history. We do this by presenting concerts and educational programs that showcase the best in folk music from around the world. We also offer recordings and books that document folk music’s evolution and impact on American culture.
The Guthrie’s Venue
The Guthrie is a home for folk music located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The venue hosts a wide range of folk music events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, workshops, and more. The Guthrie is also home to the Minnesota Folklore Society, which promotes and preserves the state’s folk music heritage.
The Guthrie’s stage
The Guthrie Theater’s thrust stage has surrounded seating on three sides. The theatre is located on the southern edge of downtown Minneapolis in the historic Mill District adjacent to the Mississippi River. The venue also includes an adjoining rehearsal hall, administrative offices, classrooms, dining room and two gift shops.
The Guthrie’s seating
The Guthrie welcomes concertgoers of all ages to its Tables and Chairs shows in the Dowling Studio. These more intimate Guthrie performances take place on a thrust stage with limited general admission seating on three sides. Early arrival is recommended as these shows often sell out.
The Guthrie’s Performances
The Guthrie is a non-profit music venue that was opened in 1967 by Woody Guthrie. The Guthrie hosts a wide variety of folk music performances throughout the year. The venue is also home to the Woody Guthrie Archives, which contains a wealth of folk music resources.
The Guthrie’s performers
The Guthrie’s performers come from all over the world. They have been discovered through reviews, newspaper articles, online videos, and personal recommendations.
The Guthrie strives to provide a comfortable and intimate setting for its audiences. It has a wide variety of seating options, including box seats, balcony seats, and floor seats. The Guthrie also offers various discounts for students, seniors, military personnel, and families.
The Guthrie’s repertoire
The Guthrie Theater’s repertoire includes a wide variety of musical styles, from traditional folk music to contemporary works. The theater has produced many world-renowned artists, including Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, and Carlos Santana. The theater also hosts a variety of musical events, such as the Minnesota Orchestra’s Sommerfest and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra’s SPCO EastSide series.
The Guthrie’s Future
Since it’s founding in 1967, The Guthrie has been a home for Folk music in the Twin Cities. But what does the future hold for The Guthrie? With the recent closure of The Cedar, The Guthrie is the only major venue for Folk music in the Twin Cities. The future of The Guthrie is uncertain, but we can only hope that it continues to be a home for Folk music for years to come.
The Guthrie’s expansion
The Guthrie Theater’s expansion is expected to be complete in late 2019 or early 2020. The project will include an additional theater, a cafe, and a rooftop garden. The expansion is being funded by a $25 million capital campaign.
The Guthrie’s legacy
The Guthrie’s legacy will be one of inclusivity, community building, and a passion for music. For fifty years, the Guthrie has been a home for folk music and its disciples. From its origins as a small coffeehouse in Minneapolis, to its current status as one of the most respected folk music venues in the world, the Guthrie has always been a place where people can come together to enjoy good music and good company.
The Guthrie has always been at the forefront of the folk music scene, booking some of the biggest names in the genre and helping to launch the careers of many up-and-coming artists. The venue has also been a consistent supporter of local and regional musicians, giving them a platform to showcase their talents to a wider audience.
The Guthrie’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity has also made it a popular destination for people from all walks of life. The venue has hosted everything from political rallies to community meetings to weddings, and it is clear that the Guthrie is a place that people feel comfortable coming together to share their love of music and their love for each other.
As the Guthrie enters its next fifty years, we can only imagine what amazing things will happen within its walls. We hope that it will continue to be a place where people can come together to celebrate music and build community.
