PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BURL BURLINGAME / BBURLINGAME@STARBULLETIN.COM

Hawaii musicians and
deejays honor Seeger
on 86th birthday

Has anyone done more for the honest, direct-from-the-heart heat of folk singing than Pete Seeger? As a Harvard student in the 1930s, he fell in love with the unadorned poetry of singing around the campfire and dropped out of school to popularize -- and politicize -- the medium. Even stints in the Communist Party and in the U.S. Army didn't slow him down.

'Seegerfest' Tribute to Pete Seeger on his 86th birthday: Time: Noon tomorrow Place: University of Hawaii-Manoa Campus Center Admission: Free Call: 951-4332

"I like to say I'm more conservative than Goldwater," Seeger said, famously. "He just wanted to turn the clock back to when there was no income tax. I want to turn the clock back to when people lived in small villages and took care of each other."

A thoroughly American institution, like Mount Rushmore or corn dogs, Seeger turns 86 tomorrow. He's still alive, and likely still kicking with enthusiasm, and folks across the nation are organizing Seegerfest musical events to commemorate the date.

"I'm so glad that people are recognizing his contributions while he's still around," said Keith Haugen, a Hawaii coordinator. "Usually, such tributes don't take place until someone is dead and gone. It takes foresight to do this."

Dozens of activists and musicians are quickly organizing tomorrow's scattered events. The biggest one will take place at noon at the University of Hawaii-Manoa Campus Center, where Ellie Chong, Gordon Manuel Freitas, Keiko Bonk and Cordell will perform. Ah Quon McElrath will speak, Steve Dinion of the Musicians Association of Hawaii will emcee, and Jean King and Tomi Knaefler will coordinate.

What is it about Seeger that would inspire such a reaction?

"Seeger was one of the original musicians to recognize that folk songs could serve a purpose and a cause, and by doing so he gave such music weight and validity and meaning," said Haugen. "His goals were pro-freedom, pro-peace, pro-communication and education, and all aimed at the common man, not the elites. Pete Seeger was way ahead of his time and a real American hero."

He credits former Lt. Gov. Jean King for getting the Hawaii events under way.

King echoed Haugen's sentiments about Seeger. "He has been active for civil rights, for labor, for peace, and I thought it would be wonderful if we could send this outpouring of peace and affection back to him on his 86th birthday."

King recalled Seeger performing in Hawaii about 40 years ago at Orvis Auditorium, and she was in the audience, noting he was late to start the show.

"When he came in, he explained there were people outside who couldn't get in, so he stopped and sang several songs for them, and that sounded just like what he would do."

Hawaii Seegerfest events are still in flux, but in addition to the UH Campus Center event, here are other happenings:

"Perry & Price Morning Show": Michael W. Perry and Larry Price will include a "Happy Birthday Pete Seeger" tribute, airing at 5 a.m. on KSSK radio, 590 AM, 92.3 FM Honolulu.

Hawaii Public Radio: A "Tribute to Pete Seeger" will air during its regular "Morning CafŽ" concert program hosted by Gene Schiller, 8:30 a.m. on KHPR, 88.1 FM in Honolulu.

Maui Community College: Bob Wehrman, music students and surprise guests will perform a tribute, 11:30 a.m. at the Paina Building.

Mana'o Radio: The nonprofit, all-volunteer, commercial-free station at 91.5 FM on Maui will play Seeger tunes and anecdotes throughout the day. Midday host Bill Best plans a noon tribute that also can be heard online at manaoradio.com.

University of Hawaii-Hilo: Jim Albertini, Jesse Lazar and others will perform in an event sponsored by the Global Hope Student campus club, noon at the Mookini Library Lanai or Campus Center plaza. Participants are invited to bring their own instruments for a jam session. Bruddah Kuz and Iopa Maunakea will perform at 5 p.m. in the plaza.

For up-to-date information, call Haugen at 951-4332.