Consummate folksinger, children's book author, and composer, Tom Paxton continues to look at life's ups and downs, sometimes poignantly, sometimes with searingly funny detail. An integral part of folk music since arriving in Greenwich Village in the early 1960s, via Chicago and Oklahoma, Tom has been a primary influence on three distinct generations of folk musicians and is now being "discovered" by a fourth. Whether addressing issues of injustice and inhumanity, laying bare the absurdities of modern culture, or celebrating the bonds of family, friends, and community, Tom's songs -- "Ramblin' Boy," "The Last Thing on My Mind," "Bottle of Wine," or "What Did You Learn in School Today," to name a few -- endure. These days Tom writes a bit more about growing older (inspired by his own life), as well as younger (inspired by his grandson). His recent album, Live for the Record, captures his fast-paced play with the audience with updated versions of new and old favorites, and musical one-liners taken from the morning's headlines. Opening the show is Tom's special guest, Cosy Sheridan. One of America's leading performing songwriters, Cosy recently released her sixth album, Anthym. |