Read a profile of Peter in the Fall 2010 issue of Rails to Trails.
Rails to Trails Article
The Mighty Albert Workshop – March 2011
A Weekend of Song De-(and Re-) Construction in Ashfield, MA
Nestled in the hills of western Massachusetts, The Mighty Albert is where small groups of people can gather to study, think, practice, and create in a fun and intimate setting. And from March 11-13, 2011, Peter will host a guitar & songwriting workshop at The Mighty Albert.  The weekend will be an opportunity to spend time with Peter, his songs, and his guitar. Peter will begin the weekend by examining a handful of his own songs; playing and then deconstructing them to illustrate the moving parts, pistons, gears and mice on little wheels. Then, for the bulk of the workshop, the focus will be on the participants’ own songs (including that disassembling process – so be ready!). From there, Peter will cover various techniques: “alternate tunings as inspiration,†“single string theory for intuitive play,†“use of the back of the notebook as the back of the mind,†etc. All the techniques are brought back inevitably to each student’s own composing process.
Accomodations are at gorgeous New England inns with specially prepared meals included.
For more information or to register, visit www.mightyalbert.com
Tom Waits & Orpheus
(Click posters to see bigger.)
From Peter: Next Wednesday, April 14, I’ll be singing the part of Tom Waits as the LPs play Tom Waits “Rain Dogs” in its entirety at the Rendezvous in Turners Falls. “Rain Dogs” is a record that, like Shakespeare’s plays, speaks for itself. As a performer, you just learn your parts, hit your marks, and go.
Then, for the next two days, I’ll be singing the part of Orpheus in Anais Mitchell’s folk opera “Hadestown” at Club Passim in Cambridge. The other roles (Eurydice, Hades, Persephone, Hermes, the Fates…) will be sung by some of my all-time compatriots and heroes: Tim Gearan, Kris Delmhorst, Rose Polenzani, Anais, and others… and there’ll be a small chamber orchestra providing the music. This is deep, rich stuff: these days, who couldn’t use a little catharsis?
To top it all off, on Saturday I get to be Tom Waits again, as we re-assemble the Skinny Millionaires (otherwise known as the LP’s, plus Kosher Ham) to perform “Rain Dogs” twice, at 8:30 and 10:30, at Atwood’s Tavern.
Phew.
More info on the tour page.
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