South Florida pays tribute to Pete Seeger

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. — South Florida progressives and folk music fans turned out in record numbers for a Pete Seeger 90th Birthday Concert held on April 26 at the Ft. Lauderdale Unitarian Universalist Church.

A crowd of over 350—the largest turn out ever for a an event like this in South Florida—was treated to rousing renditions of classic songs written and/or popularized by the legendary Seeger, including “If I Had A Hammer,” “Where Have All The Flowers Gone?,” We Shall Overcome,” “Solidarity Forever,” and “Turn, Turn, Turn.”

Performers included amateur and professional musicians as well as the South Florida Solidarity Singers and the local chapter of Raging Grannies.

Seeger was there in spirit, if not in body. Besides musical acts, the event featured reminiscences, films, food, birthday cake, sing-alongs and raffle prizes.

The Miami and West Palm Beach clubs of the Communist Party, USA were among the many progressive organizations that sponsored the event, and CPUSA members participated as performers and speakers.