Traditional folk trio the Folk Collection have decided to put this particular project to bed following the forthcoming show at Boulevard Music. Band member Ed Labowitz told the News about the decision, and what they have in store for Culver City one final time…
It’s been over a year since we chatted — how was your 2024?
We had several very enjoyable shows last year, beginning 2024 at Boulevard Music and finishing it for the North San Louis Obispo County Community Concert Association in Paso Robles, where we also did a show the next day about American folk music for 3rd- 9th grade students at a local school. The children, who knew some of the songs, such as “This Land is Your Land” and “Take Me Home, Country Songs” were a great audience and, like the adults the day before, sang along with us when they knew the lyrics.
You’ve taken the decision to end the band — can you explain why??
Tony Unger, with whom I have been singing off and on since 1963 at Hollywood High School, is retiring as the Baptist Pastor in Bishop, and he and his wife are moving to Boise, Idaho, to be near their daughter and her family. Although rehearsing and driving to gigs almost anywhere with two members from LA and one from Bishop has had its challenges, Boise is truly “geographically undesirable” for the maintenance of our group. So, we agreed it was time for The Folk Collection – at least this version of it – to hang up the instruments.
Will any of you be continuing with music in some capacity / other bands?
Mike Sirota and I feel we still have our “chops” and hope to continue as a duo or, perhaps, find another person or group we can join with. But Tony, who usually anchors our three-part harmony with his baritone/bass voice, and is our onstage master of ceremonies, will be sorely missed.
What can the audience expect from the set this time?
Some of the greatest and classic tunes of the ‘60s folk era: “Where Have All the Flowers Gone,” “Jamaica Farewell,” “Puff the Magic Dragon,” “City of New Orleans,” and many more. Since the last time we played at Boulevard Music, several of our favorite songwriters/performers have passed, including Gordon Lightfoot, Randy Sparks, and Peter Yarrow – and we will be singing their songs, as well as other great ones of the era.
Do you have a message for longtime followers of the band as you bow out??
Keep on singing, even if you think you can’t keep a tune. And, to quote one of our favorite songwriters, John Stewart (who was with the Kingston Trio in the ‘60s), “No one’s getting younger, but you don’t have to get old. It’s all in what you feel – and not in what you’re told.” So, we say, feel the music and the best way to do that is to sing it!
The Folk Collection performs at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 29 at Boulevard Music. Go to boulevardmusic.com for more information about the show.
Elsewhere this week
The Culver Hotel will be hosting the likes of Sylvia & the Rhythm Boys, and Scotty Bramer. Go to culverhotel.com for more info.
There’s a full program of music at the Cinema Bar this week, as usual. The Hot Club of Los Angeles plays every Monday, and Wednesdays are singer/songwriter and open mic night. Other artists performing this week include Jim Doyle & Co., Christopher Hazard, Tom Gramlich, and more. Go to thecinemabar.com for more info.