A Tribute to Bob Feldman: Celebrating a Life in Music

When someone dies way too prematurely, as Bob Feldman did in January 2006, the tendency is to heap praise on the deceased regardless of the true measure of his character. But it doesn't require any stretch to declare that human beings don't get much better than Bob Feldman, a guy universally loved and respected, with an enduring legacy through the artists he signed, encouraged, and promoted on the indie he founded, St. Paul's little label that could, Red House Records. Bob's boundless enthusiasm for good music—as a funky label exec, resourceful promoter, record producer, radio host, frequent guest on MPR's morning show, and just plain fan—translated into a worldwide impact and substantial careers for a slew of artists who are integral to contemporary folk music's backbone. Many of those will be on hand at the Fitz to shed a few late tears and salute a life well lived, including Greg Brown, Eliza Gilkyson, John Gorka, Peter Ostroushko, Robin & Linda Williams, Dave Moore, Claudia Schmidt, Spider John Koerner, Tony Glover, Dean Magraw, Ruth MacKenzie, Jeff Willkomm, and Eric Peltoniemi. The all-star house band will feature keyboardist Rich Dworsky, bassist Joel Sayles, percussionist Marc Anderson, and drummer JT Bates. Proceeds will go to the Bob Feldman Redwood Forest Fund to protect the trees he loved.
Sun., Sept. 9, 7 p.m.