Celebrated New Orleans folk/Americana band Father Ron and Friends are thrilled to announce that the title track of their new album, "Forever The Seasons" [Louisiana Red Hot Records], has been honored with a Bronze Medal at the Global Music Awards. This prestigious recognition comes as the band gears up for their Fall-Winter 2024 tour, featuring performances across the South and West Coast, including a special show at Hollywood's storied The Viper Room acoustic lounge.
Father Ron and Friends celebrate the tapestry of the American experience through music. Led by retired Episcopal priest Father Ron Clingenpeel, a beloved folk DJ on New Orleans' iconic WWOZ radio station, the band has toured globally, advocating for the power of folk music to inspire peace and healing. Drawing inspiration from legends like Pete Seeger, The Seekers, and Woody Guthrie, the group brings a fresh spin to traditional American music.
The band features a talented lineup of musicians:
- Robert Eustis on guitar
- David Schwartz on keyboards
- Barbara Smith-Davis on vocals
- Max Valentino on bass
They are joined by guest artists, including Louisiana greats Jack Craft on cello and Gina Forsyth on fiddle. The album's chorus showcases the vocal prowess of New Orleans divas Debbie Davis (daughter of Smith-Davis) and Cole Williams.
"Forever The Seasons", produced by Andre Bohren and recorded at renowned studios like Marigny Studios in New Orleans, is also featured on the New Orleans Public Library’s Crescent City Sounds. The album, released digitally on March 15, follows their 2022 release "On My Way Home" and includes tracks that range from the haunting "The Promise Land" to the New Orleans classic "Saint James Infirmary".
Other notable songs on the album include:
- "Roll River Roll"
- "Don’t Let The Fire Die"
- "Bayou Goula Ball"
- "San Antonio Rain"
- "Easy Moments"
- "Another Night"
- "Blues #42"
- The comedic original "Damned Roaches"
Father Ron and Friends have made it their mission to introduce new generations to the rich history of folk and Americana music. Their journey began with a one-time tribute to Pete Seeger in 2014 and evolved into The Great American Folk Song Singalong, a series that has brought communities together through shared musical heritage.
Originally hailing from Nebraska, Father Ron served as a priest at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit across from Tulane University before dedicating himself fully to music. With the release of "Forever The Seasons", the band invites listeners to "sit on the porch and pass some time in song," embodying the communal spirit of folk traditions.
In celebration of their Global Music Award and album release, Father Ron and Friends are launching a national Porch Concert Series, aiming to bring communities together one song at a time.
Upcoming Fall-Winter 2024 Tour Dates:
- October 18 – Abita Brew Pub, Covington, LA
- October 19 – Buffa's Happy Hour (Solo), New Orleans, LA
- October 20 – La Divina, Baton Rouge, LA
- October 26 – Ozone Songwriter's Festival (Solo), Covington, LA
- October 26 – Grill & Grocery, Hattiesburg, MS
- October 27 – Buffa’s Back Room, New Orleans, LA
- November 24 – Buffa’s Back Room, New Orleans, LA
- November 29 – House Concert, Los Angeles, CA
- November 30 – The Viper Room Acoustic Lounge, Hollywood, CA
- December 22 – Buffa’s Back Room, New Orleans, LA
- February 21 – Grill & Grocery, Hattiesburg, MS
- April 4 – House Concert (Fr. Ron Solo), Lebanon, TN
Plus, catch their residency every fourth Sunday at Buffa’s Back Room in New Orleans.
For more information and the full tour schedule, visit FatherRonAndFriends.com.
