New Orleans-based Father Ron and Friends, a folk/Americana band, are celebrating The Great American Folk Songbook with a 4 p.m. January 21 "Forever The Seasons" [Louisiana Red Hot Records] CD listening party at Buffa’s Back Room, featuring Gina Forsyth, Andre Bohren, Nigel Burgeois, and band members Barbara Smith-Davis, David Schwartz, Robert Eustis, and Max Valentino. Inspired by the life and music of Pete Seeger, The Seekers, Woody Guthrie, and other greats, Father Ron and Friends lend their voices to their own spin on traditional American music.
Louisiana musicians on "Forever The Seasons" include Jack Craft on cello and Gina Forsyth on fiddle, and the chorus includes New Orleans vocal greats Debbie Davis and Cole Williams. The album is produced by Andre Bohren and recorded at studios including Marigny in New Orleans. With multiple Global Music Awards, Father Ron and Friends have performed throughout Louisiana, including their communal Porch Concert Series.
The band is fronted by retired New Orleans Episcopal priest Father Ron Clingenpeel, originally from Nebraska, who served as the priest at Chapel of the Holy Spirit across from Tulane University. His band’s folk journey started with a one-time tribute to Pete Seeger in 2014. Father Ron and Friends have brought The Great American Folk Song Singalong to music lovers to introduce a new generation to the rich history of folk/Americana music and musicians.
The Great American Folk Song Singalong celebrates the life of the American experience. Father Ron, a disc jockey on beloved New Orleans radio station WWOZ, has toured the world evangelizing for folk’s powers of peace and healing. When he’s back home, Americana venue Buffa’s Back Room hosts singalongs with Father Ron and the band: Robert Eustis on guitar; David Schwartz on keyboards; Barbara Smith-Davis on vocals; and Max Valentino on bass.
Following "On My Way Home" in 2022, Father Ron and Friends' 2024 album "Forever The Seasons" features the title ballad, the ethereal chorus of "The Promise Land," and New Orleans classic "Saint James Infirmary." The songs "Roll River Roll," "Don’t Let The Fire Die," "Bayou Goula Ball," "San Antonio Rain," "Easy Moments," "Another Night," "Blues #42," and the comedic original "Damned Roaches" round out the album. "Forever the Seasons" is scheduled for digital release on March 8, with West Coast tour dates following.
With the album release of "Forever The Seasons," Father Ron and Friends invite listeners to come sit on the porch and pass some time in song.
