Fred Small to Perform in Spirituality and Song Series

Fred Small, a performer in the classic folk song tradition of Woody Guthrie, Phil Ochs, and Tom Paxton, will perform here December 9.

Singer-songwriter Fred Small will bring his songs of conscience to Mount Holyoke Wednesday, December 9, as part of the Spirituality and Song series. Hailed by Pete Seeger as "one of America's finest songwriters," Small writes and performs songs that illuminate the goodness and courage of all kinds of people.

The Boston Globe called his work "literate, insightful, witty, level-headed, and musically gifted," adding that Small "is one of the most engaging performers around." His powerful, topical, and deeply emotional songs follow in the classic folk song tradition of singers including Woody Guthrie, Phil Ochs, and Tom Paxton. Valley Advocate reviewer Rob Weir noted, "Small stands fast in his belief that a people refusing to cooperate with hatred can change the world, a theme he relates brilliantly... great lyrics, superb arrangements, and powerful messages abound."

Small was trained as a lawyer, but left this profession in 1980 to devote himself to music full time. He has released eight albums, the most recent being 1993's "Everything Possible." In 1996, Small began studies at Harvard Divinity School in preparation for the Unitarian Universalist ministry.