Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on 2026-04-17
Poster Art by Lindsay Gustafson
Spring in Louisiana has a soundtrack, and this year Father Ron and Friends are helping provide it. The New Orleans-based folk/Americana group is taking full advantage of the season with a fresh run of performances supporting their Global Music Award-winning album Forever The Seasons on Louisiana Red Hot Records.
From French Quarter Fest to the Abita Brew Pub, neighborhood porch concerts, lawn gatherings, and community celebrations, the band continues to spread the healing spirit of folk music throughout the region.
Led by Episcopal priest and longtime WWOZ folk DJ Father Ron Clingenpeel, the group has built a loyal following through uplifting performances rooted in peace, community, and classic American songwriting traditions. Originally from Nebraska, Father Ron served as priest at Chapel of the Holy Spirit across from Tulane University in New Orleans. The band first came together a decade ago through a tribute to Pete Seeger and has continued riding the modern folk and Americana revival ever since.
Inspired by Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, The Seekers, and other icons of socially conscious song, Father Ron and Friends spent the past year leading children’s singalongs for the Little Box of Good News program through the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana, performing “Don’t Let The Fire Die” during a New Orleans MLK service, and lifting neighborhood spirits through their popular porch performance series.
The band features Robert Eustis on guitar, David Schwartz on keyboards, Barbara Smith-Davis on vocals, and Max Valentino on bass. Their Great American Singalong introduces younger generations to the rich history of folk music while keeping the spirit of communal song alive.
Following their earlier release On My Way Home, the acclaimed 2024 album Forever The Seasons includes the award-winning title ballad co-written by Louisiana Red Hot Records CEO Carmen Sunda, the haunting “The Promise Land,” and a stirring take on the New Orleans classic “Saint James Infirmary.” Other standout tracks include “Roll River Roll,” “Don’t Let The Fire Die,” “Bayou Goula Ball,” “San Antonio Rain,” “Easy Moments,” “Another Night,” “Blues #42,” and the comic original “Damned Roaches.”
Guest musicians on the record include Louisiana favorites Jack Craft on cello and Gina Forsyth on fiddle, while the chorus features New Orleans vocal powerhouses Debbie Davis and Cole Williams. Produced by Andre Bohren and recorded at studios including Marigny in New Orleans, the album is also part of the New Orleans Public Library’s Crescent City Sound collection.
FATHER RON AND FRIENDS SPRING 2026
MARCH
March 14 – La Divina St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Baton Rouge, LA – 9:30 am
March 15 – Porch Concert – 5403 Marigny St., Gentilly, New Orleans, LA – 4 pm
March 21 – Old Point Bar (Undue Medical Fundraiser) – Algiers, LA – 3 pm to 8 pm
March 22 – Porch Concert – Fontainbleu St.
March 29 – Porch Concert – 28 West Park Pl., New Orleans, LA – 4 pm
APRIL
April 19 – French Quarter Fest – 12:45 pm (500 Royal Street)
April 29 – Porch Concert – Desoto St., New Orleans, LA – 7 pm (Desoto & Rendon)
MAY
May 23 – Abita Brew Pub – Abita Springs, LA – 6 pm
* Porch and Lawn Concert addresses at fatherronandfriends.com
