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Catch Woody’s legacy

Legendary folk music icon Arlo Guthrie is touring in select cities across North America with three generations of Guthries
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Arlo Guthrie and the Guthrie Family Reunion are celebrating Woody’s 100th birthday Tuesday

Legendary folk music icon Arlo Guthrie is touring in select cities across North America with three generations of Guthries to celebrate Woody Guthrie’s 100th birthday (July 14, 1912).

The Guthrie Family Reunion tour will make its way to a dozen venues and music festivals, including the Butchart Gardens.

“Getting the family together and heading out on the road is the perfect way to celebrate my father’s centennial,” said Guthrie. “Only once before did we have the whole family on tour, and we did 80 shows. Instead of doing an entire year of touring and taking the kids out of school, we are focusing on shows right around Woody’s actual birthday. This time of year marks the climax of the Woody Guthrie centennial celebrations all over the world. I’ll also continue my solo touring in honour of my dad through spring 2013.”

The Guthrie family will perform several Woody Guthrie songs as well as various Arlo Guthrie standards and new material written by members of the Guthrie family.

“The family’s new songs are a great representation of our heritage. I like the idea of Woody’s legacy being carried forth, not only by performing his songs, but to show how it moves us to write our own songs,” Guthrie said.

The Guthrie Family Reunion features Arlo alongside his son Abe, who has contributed keyboards and backing vocals to his father’s live shows since the ‘80s. His daughters Cathy, Annie and Sarah Lee Guthrie, all of who have their own bustling music careers, support by singing songs and accompanying on acoustic guitars. Sarah Lee’s musical partner and husband Johnny Irion will lead songs and lend his stalwart guitar playing. The youngest generation of Guthrie kids will join in the fun on select songs.

Arlo Guthrie and the Guthrie Family Reunion celebrating Woody’s 100th birthday is Tuesday, Aug. 7, at 7:30 p.m. at the Butchart Gardens, 800 Benvenuto Ave. in Central Saanich. Tickets are $33 for adults, $17 for youth and $3 for children. For ticket information call 250-652-4422 or click here.