You’ve probably heard of the folk group Peter, Paul and Mary. You’ve almost certainly heard the song “Puff the Magic Dragon”, and maybe even “Light One Candle”.
Peter, Paul & Mary performing at the March on Washington, 1963, where Dr. MLK, Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech. Credit: PBS
But Peter Yarrow’s contribution to society doesn’t end in the 60’s with a few songs. He has been rocking it as a social justice activist / musician / organizer for over 50 years now, and still has more energy than an entire college environmental club, and has enough street cred to make Bono blush. (Apologies to Bono.)
He’s also an ardent supporter of Peaceful Uprising’s work, and after he heard that we were having some financial troubles, he volunteered to come to Salt Lake City, Utah for an intimate benefit concert. It’s on Monday, May 14. If you’re in SLC, here are a few more reasons why you want to get your tickets now:
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Peter, Paul and Mary released their first album in 1962, which stayed in the Top Ten for 10 months, in the Top Twenty for two years, and eventually went double-platinum.
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In 1963, Peter, Paul and Mary marched with Dr. Martin Luther King in Selma, Alabama and Washington, D.C.,
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PP&M participated in countless demonstrations against the war in Vietnam, earning them continuous death threats. Even so, they didn’t cancel their gigs.
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Peter was a key organizer of the historic 1969 March on Washington.
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Peter, Paul and Mary sang from the podium right before MLK gave his “I Have A Dream” speech.
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In the 1960’s Peter produced and coordinated events that raised funds for anti-war political candidates and featured musicians such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Paul Simon, Miles Davis, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and more.
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In 2000, Peter founded Operation Respect, a nonprofit designed to promote civility and conflict resolution into the curriculum o
f U.S. schools on a nationwide basis. More than 145,000 copies of the curriculum have been distributed to educators so far. -
In 2003, a Congressional resolution recognized Yarrow’s achievements and the achievements of Operation Respect. The Congressional Caucus gave him a standing ovation.
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In October 2011, Peter, along with his son and daughter, played and sang for hours with the demonstrators at Occupy Wall Street.
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On the eve of Tim’s Trial, Peter & his daughter Bethany held a vigil along with Tim’s community at the Unitarian Church in Salt Lake. You can listen to and download the high-definition recording on our music site.
Most importantly, after 50 years, he still puts on a hell of a show, and you have a chance to be part of it on May 14th in Salt Lake City.
BUY TAX-DEDUCTIBLE TICKETS FOR MAY 14th NOW
Peter Yarrow on PeaceUp: “Peaceful Uprising follows in the footsteps the Civil Rights Movement and, using the tools of non-violence, is courageously leading the next generation by taking a stand against the forces that would destroy our environment and the ethical character of our nation.”
Tip: Tickets to this show make a GREAT GIFT for someone in your life that grew up with Peter, Paul and Mary. You can purchase the tickets and let us know who is going to come pick them up!
The State Room is a 21-and-over venue.
Questions? Email info@peacefuluprising.org.
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