A celebration of Pete Seeger’s 100th birthday has been set for Saturday, May 4th at 7 pm at the 1st Presbyterian Church, 57 Church St in Saranac Lake.

Local performers will perform songs that Pete sang and some original music based in the folk tradition and storytelling.  Travis Jeffery, a former captain of the Clearwater and friend of the Seeger’s, will share stories and will perform. He will be joined by Celia Evans, Keith Gorgas, Duane Gould, Lisa and Klaus Meissner, Tom Techman, Bruce Thompson and others.

Nearly 50 years ago Pete and his wife, Toshi, spearheaded an effort to build the Hudson River sloop Clearwater. The Clearwater project’s efforts helped to pass the Clean Water Act in 1972. The act’s preamble declared that the nation’s waters would be swimmable and fishable within a decade, with no discharges of pollutants within a dozen years, a goal which has not been reached.

Free refreshments provided by the cooks and bakers of the Presbyterian Church congregation will be available.

This event is free and open to the public. Donations for the Clearwater will be accepted. You can learn more about the Clearwater and its mission here.

Photo of Pete Seeger courtesy First Presbyterian Church of Saranac Lake.