photo: Jim Graham
John Flynn (12:30 p.m. Main Stage, 2:00 p.m. Kids Area), who is rooted in the traditions of Woody Guthrie, and Phil Ochs, paints vivid musical images drawn from a palate of awareness, humor, irony, and compassion. With his old Martin D-28 and harmonica for accompaniment, John captivates audiences with his compelling songs, strong voice, and open-hearted approach.
John began writing professionally in 1980 after graduating from Temple University with a degree in political science. A staff writing contract with Combine Music and a Billboard magazine Top Forty country recording of his song “Rainbows and Butterflies” by Epic recording artist Billy Swan established John in the heart of the Nashville Music Row. He later returned to his native Philadelphia where his 1995 Philadelphia Folk Festival appearance cemented his reputation as a dynamic original contemporary folk artist.
Songs that Flynn wrote for his own four children became the basis of two highly acclaimed family CDs. He was awarded the American Library Association’s Notable Recording Award, and he appears regularly on the Peabody Award-winning children’s radio program “Kid’s Corner.”
Many of Flynn’s songs deal with social justice issues. His latest release, Two Wolves, includes “Dover,” a tribute to our service men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and has been adopted by Delaware Clear Channel rock and country radio stations, as well as “Blink,” “Put Your Freedom Where Your Mouth Is,” and “There’s No Them There,” which are featured in Tiny Tears, a documentary film about the global epidemic of pediatric HIV/AIDS. John’s “The Passunder (New Orleans)” is featured in a documentary about Katrina and New Orleans; he received a Shining Star Award in Hollywood for his artistry and values for that song. Scott Sheldon of Sing Out! magazine wrote, “With a poet’s voice and a heart tuned to justice, John Flynn’s voice and songs sing for us all.” And Kris Kristofferson said, “John Flynn is one of a special breed of good hearted artists whose reaction to the human condition finds kind, humorous expression. God bless them.”
John will appear on the Main Stage and in the Kids Area. He will also be featured on “Folkstage” on WFMT the night before the Festival.
Visit John Flynn at JohnFlynn.net.
