If you ask Matt Watroba, he will be quick to tell you that he is first and foremost a community singer. He is also a radio host and producer, a music journalist, a father, a husband, a teacher, and a recent inductee to the Folk Alliance International Folk D.J. Hall of Fame.
Matt will perform music originally created by Pete Seeger at the Coffeyville Community College Spencer/Rounds Performing Arts Theatre at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 8th, as part of the CCC Humanities Project. The performance is free and open to the public.
Matt brings a unique set of talents to the stage as an educator, performer and master of ceremonies. His passion for bringing community together through music and education is infectious. Add to that Matt's own special brand of humor and you will see why he is a respected and sought-after presenter in the world of folk and roots music.
In addition to his work as a concert performer, Matt also devotes much of his professional musical career to teaching and leading community sings in the Detroit area and across the country. Inspired by the work of Pete Seeger, Matt has vowed to inspire or lead one hundred community sings every year.
Pete Seeger had a song, and he sang it all over the world. The echoes of this man’s life continue to reverberate throughout the land. “The Life and Songs of Pete Seeger” tells his story through the songs he wrote, through the songs he collected, and through the songs he sang to inspire a generation.
As a songwriter, Pete gave us anthems such as, “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” “Turn, Turn, Turn,” and “If I Had A Hammer.” As a collector, he brought to the world stage songs like “Guantanamera” and “Wimoweh.” He didn’t just sing these songs; he taught them so that we could all sing them.
Matt's performance will celebrate that milestone with songs, stories and, yes, lots of sing-alongs. Experience this extraordinary musical life through the songs and tales that will continue to inspire us for generations to come.