Greenwich Village Folk Night with Rod MacDonald

The spirit of Greenwich Village’s legendary folk scene is coming to Elberta when acclaimed singer-songwriter Rod MacDonald performs an intimate concert at the Elberta Heritage Center on Thursday, September 3 at 7:30 p.m.

“A Greenwich Village Folk Night” will feature MacDonald performing songs associated with two of the folk revival’s most influential voices, Bob Dylan and Phil Ochs, alongside selections from his own extensive catalog of original songs.

MacDonald is uniquely suited to bring this music to life. A longtime fixture of New York City’s Greenwich Village folk scene, he was a major part of the Village folk revival of the 1980s, performing at legendary venues including Folk City, The Bottom Line and the Cornelia Street Cafe. He also co-founded the Greenwich Village Folk Festival.

MacDonald’s connection to the tradition runs deep. His songwriting was influenced by artists including Dylan and Ochs, and in 1974 he auditioned for Phil Ochs while Ochs was organizing a major benefit concert. MacDonald went on to become a respected songwriter in his own right, with songs recorded by artists including Dave Van Ronk, Shawn Colvin, Jonathan Edwards and Garnet Rogers.

“With his pure emotive tenor and stirring, catchy tunes, Rod MacDonald is one of the most appealing singer-songwriters . . . Add thoughtful lyrics that touch on a variety of political and social issues, and you have a remarkable artist.” …All-Music Guide

Over a career spanning more than five decades, MacDonald has released numerous recordings, toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe, and shared stages with artists including Pete Seeger, Odetta, Tom Paxton, Suzanne Vega, Emmylou Harris and Richie Havens.

For one night in Elberta, audiences will have the opportunity to experience that Greenwich Village tradition up close — just a singer, a guitar, great songs and the stories behind them.

The concert will be held in the intimate setting of the Elberta Heritage Center, 704 Frankfort Avenue, Elberta. Seating is limited, making this a rare opportunity to hear a veteran of the Greenwich Village folk scene in an unusually close-up setting.

Rod MacDonald

Greenwich Village Folk Night at the Heritage Center