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Americans have always found a way to lift their spirits, to speak their minds, to weather the storm, to do what needs to be done, and to change what needs to be changed. In this unique concert Ed Mc Dade reflects that spirit and celebrates the music that represents the voice of the American people. This upbeat program covers a wide breadth of American music. It gives hopeful voice to the early songs of Stephen Foster, "Oh Susanna", and "Hard Times Come Again no More". It travels the deep hollows of Appalachia with authentic renditions (on banjo) of "Shady Grove" and "Darlin' Corey". It jumps to the joyous ragtime of Gary Davis, "She's Funny that Way" and honors the struggles of "John Henry" and the working man's tale of "16 Tons". It revels in 1930' s (depression era) pop songs like, "Sunnyside of the Street" (on guitar and harmonica) and grooves to the lush and dreamy, "Summertime" of George Gershwin; while still finding fun in the funky "Old Catfish Blues" and the rhythmic pulse of "The Way You Do the Things You Do" (The Temptations). Ed also includes some of his original music, "Always Wanted to Do It" (an award-winning song about a Vietnam veteran) and "Endangered Species" (a look at what we are losing and might ultimately lose). The program also includes spoken word (poems & quotes) from famous Americans like, Thomas Jefferson, Mary Harris, Chief Luther Standing Bear, Walt Whitman, Colleen Rowley, Dwight D. Eisenhower and John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Two slide presentations enhance the show. The first is set to the music of Willie Nelson, "Livin' in the Promise Land." It examines the trials and struggles of early 20th century Immigrants. The second is set to the poem/music of Katherine Lee Bates, "America the Beautiful." With words, music and images, Mr. McDade not only entertains, but inspires as well. So, come along on this musical journey and explore the diverse lands and peoples of our vast country and raise your voices to close the show by singing the "Peoples National Anthem", for "This Land" truly is "Your Land".
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