Fresh off a West Coast tour including Hollywood’s storied club The Viper Room’s acoustic lounge, New Orleans-based Father Ron and Friends, a folk/Americana band, are celebrating The Great American Folk Songbook the March 15 digital release of new album "Forever The Seasons" [Louisiana Red Hot Records].
Father Ron and Friends celebrate the life of the American experience. Retired Episcopal priest Father Ron Clingenpeel, folk DJ on beloved New Orleans radio station WWOZ, has toured the world evangelizing for folk’s powers of peace and healing. Inspired by the life and music of Pete Seeger, The Seekers, Woody Guthrie, and other greats, Father Ron and Friends lend their voices to their own spin on traditional American music with band members: Robert Eustis on guitar; David Schwartz on keyboards; Barbara Smith-Davis on vocals; and Max Valentino on bass.
Father Ron and Friends have brought The Great American Folk Song Singalong to music lovers to introduce a new generation to the rich history of folk/Americana. Originally from Nebraska, Father Ron served as priest at Chapel of the Holy Spirit across from Tulane University in New Orleans. His band’s folk journey started with a one-time tribute to Pete Seeger in 2014.
Guest musicians on "Forever The Seasons" are Louisiana greats Jack Craft on cello and Gina Forsyth on fiddle, and the chorus includes New Orleans vocal divas Debbie Davis (Smith-Davis’ daughter), and Cole Williams. The album was produced by Andre Bohren and recorded at studios including Marigny in New Orleans.
Following "On My Way Home" in 2022, Father Ron and Friends' 2024 album "Forever The Seasons" features the title ballad, the haunting refrain of "The Promise Land," and New Orleans classic "Saint James Infirmary." The songs "Roll River Roll," "Don’t Let The Fire Die," "Bayou Goula Ball," "San Antonio Rain," "Easy Moments," "Another Night," "Blues #42," and the comedic original "Damned Roaches" round out the album, released digitally on March 15 following Father Ron’s tour across America.
With the album release of "Forever The Seasons," Father Ron and Friends invite listeners to come sit on the porch and pass some time in song. Earning Global Music Awards for folk music under their belt, Father Ron and Friends offer a Porch Concert Series to bring communities together. They’ll be hosting a porch concert the Wednesday between Jazz Fest weekends on DeSoto street, and playing historic Louisiana venue Longue View Gardens on March 27.
Father Ron and Friends – 2024 Tour
March 27 Longue View Gardens Metairie, LA
April 3 Madame Vic's New Orleans, LA
May 1 Porch Concert, DeSoto St.[Rendon] New Orleans, LA
June 7 The Grand Opera House St. Charles, MO
[House of Bishops Zydeco Show and Blues Revue]
June 20 Grill & Grocery Hattiesburg, MS
