Joe Hill and Heavy Meadow: Songs of Union

I’ll be playing a set of original tunes, which have been described as psychedelic eco-spiritual freak folk. I’ll play a selection from my first album The Fool, now out on Spotify, and from my upcoming album, The Magician, out this spring.

I’ll also be playing a set of songs by and of Joe Hill, the most beloved union song-maker of the early 20th century, and a prominent member of the IWW, the most revered and feared union of its day. Executed in 1915 by the state of Utah for a crime he didn’t commit, Joe Hill spent some of his formative years in LA, and his songs have never been more relevant for this city in strike and struggle.

PS I’m also Sam, founder of Groupmuse, but on stage, I go by my bard’s name, Heavy Meadow

My own music finds primary inspiration from the luminaries of the 1960’s, with a 90’s alternative edge, and an unmistakable classical influence, born of my deep love of older forms.

The music of Joe Hill comes from his years of struggle, zigzagging across the country as an intinerant laborer, fighting for dignity and justice through song.

Many of his songs are actually based on popular melodies that came before, so he himself was a steward of musical lineage as well.

He was a major influence on Woody Guthrie, who was a major influence on Bob Dylan, who is my most major influence as a bard. May the circle be unbroken 🙌🎶💜