2008 Woodie Awards
Prolific folk singer Holly Near set to perform at the Academy of Music
Caitlin Flynn
Issue date: 9/21/06 Section: Arts
The folk singer coming to the Academy of Music later this month isn't just a musician - she is also a respected social justice activist who uses her music as a vehicle to promote social change. Holly Near, 57, began her career by appearing in popular television shows - including All in the Family and Mod Squad - and a Broadway production of Hair. In 1972 she moved on to the recording industry. When major labels told Near her lyrics were too political, she responded by founding her own independent record label, Redwood Records, which promoted politically-conscious artists.
Since 1973, the prolific Near has released 26 CDs. Her latest release, titled Show Up, was released in April and features the social and political messages that Near is famous for including in her music. "To be a folk artist is about being part of a social change movement," Near says. For example, the track "Somebody's Jail" is a chilling statement about the plight of women all over the world, while "I Want You Gone Too" lets us know exactly how Near feels about - who else? - President George W. Bush. Additionally, the CD features covers of songs by other artists including Jackson Browne and Jane Siberry.
Near is just as passionate about activism as she is about music. She is outspoken about a wide variety of issues including women's rights, the war in Iraq and tolerance of all races, religions and sexual orientations. Near's interest in political and social change stretches back to the early 1970s, when she participated in an Anti-Vietnam War tour called Free the Army that also featured Jane Fonda and Donald Sutherland. More recently, Near traveled to Juarez, Mexico, in 2004 to participate in a protest of the Juarez police's ambivalence towards the heinous killings of hundreds of young women. She was also a performer at the recent March For Women's Lives in Washington, D.C., as well as the Stop the War rally in New York City.
For her work in social justice, Near has been honored by the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Lawyers Guild and the National Organization for Women. In 1985, Ms. Magazine named Near Woman of the Year for her commitment to feminism and the women's movement. She has even appeared here at Smith College for a conference hosted by the National Women's History Project.
Near's upcoming performance at the Academy of Music is being presented by the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ), a non-profit organization that fights bigotry and racism. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the NCCJ. If you are interested in Holly Near's performance but are unfamiliar with her music, samples of her songs are available at www.hollynear.com. Tickets to the concert are between $25 and $30 and can be purchased at www.tix.com or by calling the Academy of Music at (413) 584-8435.
Since 1973, the prolific Near has released 26 CDs. Her latest release, titled Show Up, was released in April and features the social and political messages that Near is famous for including in her music. "To be a folk artist is about being part of a social change movement," Near says. For example, the track "Somebody's Jail" is a chilling statement about the plight of women all over the world, while "I Want You Gone Too" lets us know exactly how Near feels about - who else? - President George W. Bush. Additionally, the CD features covers of songs by other artists including Jackson Browne and Jane Siberry.
Near is just as passionate about activism as she is about music. She is outspoken about a wide variety of issues including women's rights, the war in Iraq and tolerance of all races, religions and sexual orientations. Near's interest in political and social change stretches back to the early 1970s, when she participated in an Anti-Vietnam War tour called Free the Army that also featured Jane Fonda and Donald Sutherland. More recently, Near traveled to Juarez, Mexico, in 2004 to participate in a protest of the Juarez police's ambivalence towards the heinous killings of hundreds of young women. She was also a performer at the recent March For Women's Lives in Washington, D.C., as well as the Stop the War rally in New York City.
For her work in social justice, Near has been honored by the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Lawyers Guild and the National Organization for Women. In 1985, Ms. Magazine named Near Woman of the Year for her commitment to feminism and the women's movement. She has even appeared here at Smith College for a conference hosted by the National Women's History Project.
Near's upcoming performance at the Academy of Music is being presented by the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ), a non-profit organization that fights bigotry and racism. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the NCCJ. If you are interested in Holly Near's performance but are unfamiliar with her music, samples of her songs are available at www.hollynear.com. Tickets to the concert are between $25 and $30 and can be purchased at www.tix.com or by calling the Academy of Music at (413) 584-8435.
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