Pete Seeger’s 90^th Birthday Celebrated in NYC at The Clearwater Concert

It was, simply, a gathering for the ages.

On Sunday, May 3, Madison Square Garden was the site for one of the grandest 90^th birthday parties imaginable. In celebration of the life and activism of Pete Seeger, The Clearwater Concert: Creating the Next Generation of Environmental Leaders brought together a slew of stellar musical artists for a once-in-a-lifetime event that benefited and raised awareness for Hudson River Sloop Clearwater. Founded by Seeger to preserve and protect the Hudson River, Clearwater is now engaged in an ambitious educational initiative aimed at preparing young people throughout the Hudson Valley to become green leaders.

The concert was a tremendous success, in terms of both entertainment and inspiration. More than forty top performers—Bruce Springsteen, Joan Baez, Bernice Johnson Reagon, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews, Emmylou Harris, Kris Kristofferson, Billy Bragg, Kate & Anna McGarrigle, Taj Mahal, Michael Franti, Richie Havens, Toshi Reagon, Ani DiFranco, Bruce Cockburn, Dar Williams, Bela Fleck, Tom Paxton, Ramblin’ Jack Elliot, Del McCoury, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Steve Earle, Tony Trischka, Roger McGuinn, the Native American Indian Cultural Alliance, the New York City Labor Chorus, Tom Morello, Patterson Hood, Keller Williams, Tom Chapin and Tao Rodriguez-Seeger included—took to the stage and feted Seeger with songs from a wide spectrum of historical eras and causes.

Seeger received the biggest ovations of the night, especially for leading the crowd through an emotional “We Shall Overcome.” The evening concert had so many highlights, though, that ten people who were there would probably offer ten different favorite performances.