LEWISTON – On Saturday, May 9, many of Maine’s finest musicians and humorists will convene at the Franco-American Heritage Center to celebrate the life and legacy of Auburn native Tom Rowe.
Rowe was a founding member of nationally acclaimed folk trio Schooner Fare. He also formed Turkey Hollow Consort with his son, Dave, and guitar legend Denny Breau, both of whom will perform at this year’s concert.
Rowe died in January, 2004 as a result of complications from throat cancer.
The fifth annual “Tom Rowe, A Celebration in Song” concert, will benefit the Jack McPhillips Memorial Fund, a Maine-based charitable organization formed in 1983 in memory of one of Schooner Fare’s most ardent supporters. JMMF seeks to assist those who have little chance of finding help through larger agencies, or whose situation requires immediate attention.
Rowe’s music and influence live on in the “Celebration in Song” concert, which this year features former Schooner Fare partners, Chuck and Steve Romanoff; the Dave Rowe Trio and Denny Breau. Special guests are Maine musician/humorist Kendall Morse and award-winning singer-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Steve Gillette and Cindy Mangsen.
The show will be emceed by Robert Skoglund, better known as The Humble Farmer.
“Every year, we try to make this concert memorable without being a repetition of previous shows, while bringing together my dad’s favorite musicians and friends,” said Dave Rowe. “This lineup succeeds beyond my wildest dreams. We’ll have plenty of the pithy silliness of Kendall, one my dad’s dearest friends, and wonderful handcrafted music from Steven and Cindy, two of my dad’s favorite songwriters.”
The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. The Franco center is at 46 Oxford St. Tickets are $30 for premium seating, $15/$20 for general admission. Tickets may be purchased through L/A Arts; call 782-7228 or visit www.laarts.org.