PVFS Monthly Song and Story Swap Will Feature Folk Singer Debra Cowan and a Salute to Women
Debra Cowan
Source: Pioneer. Valley Folklore Society
Folk singer Debra Wowan is the guest artist at the Pioneer Valley Folklore Society’s March Song and Story Swap. The monthly performance will take place at First Church, 165 Main St. in Amherst on Saturday March 7, from 7-9 p.m. Admission is free, with a suggested minimum donation to the artist of $7.50. Free parking is available in the lot behind the church.
At song and story swaps, people of all ages and experience levels gather to share traditional, newly written, or personal stories and songs. You can tell, sing, or lead everyone in singing, or request a song or a story. Listeners are welcome. The theme for the opening round of sharing for the March event is “ Here’s to the Women.”
About the Artist
A former middle school math teacher who left her career to pursue music in Edinburgh, Scotland, Cowan has become a full-time performer known for bridging the old and new with a refreshing stage presence. She is widely praised for her warm alto voice and her mastery of both unaccompanied singing and guitar-based arrangements in the great tradition of folk legends
like Joan Baez and Judy Collins.
Rosanne Cash has described her voice as one that “beautifully combines Celtic and Appalachian sensibilities… deeply satisfying, lyrical and musically elegant.” Cowan has released six recordings, including the live album “Among Friends” and her most recent EP, “Greening the Dark,” which features a sophisticated folk-rock sound produced by Dave Mattacks. She tours extensively throughout North America and the United Kingdom, performing at prestigious venues such as Cecil Sharp House in London and major festivals like the Old Songs Festival.
Learn more about Debra Cowan at https://debracowan.com.
The monthly Song & Story Swap, now in its thirtieth year, is sponsored by the Pioneer Valley Folklore Society of western Massachusetts. Visit the Folklore Society website at https://pvfs.us.
For information contact Paul Kaplan, 413-687-5002.