THE LONG ROAD TO PEEKSKILL presents the story of Woody Guthrie’s personal transformation from a youthful Oklahoma racist to the ardent anti-racist champion who, along with many others, risked his life holding the line against American fascism during the notorious Peekskill riots of 1949. Conventionally known for his championing of the poor white Dust Bowl migrants, Guthrie also left an extensive body of songs condemning Jim Crow segregation, lynching and race hatred. Most of these songs were never recorded, but they are the legacy of this remarkable journey that eventually brought Guthrie into the fellowship of Lead Belly, Josh White, Sonny Terry, Brownie McGhee and Paul Robeson. The Long Road to Peekskill is both a harrowing and uplifting presentation, showing through the example of Woody Guthrie that racists are not born, but made - and that they can be unmade.


(This show was formerly titled "All You Jim Crow Fascists!" Woody Guthrie's Freedom Songs.)

                                                                                         *   *   *   
                          
                               Listen up all you Jim Crow fascists and you race-hate mongers, too:
                                           Will Kaufman is a-comin' and he's got his eye on you.
                                    Won't brake for no excuses, won't stand no messin' around,
                           Your bigot ways can't save you 'cause Will Kaufman's gonna run you down.
                                                                                                           - Ry Cooder
                               

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Kaufman brings Woody Guthrie's music alive through his superb playing and his insightful commentary. His presentation is illuminating and moving, as well as being a real musical treat.
                                                                                             - Prof. Iwan Morgan, University of London

Will Kaufman is a consummate performer, with a passion for Guthrie's music and his message.
                             - Dr. Heidi Macpherson, President, State University of New York (Brockport College)

Entertaining,  educational, witty, provocative, and moving—a perfectly put together performance of real quality.  - Prof. Neil Campbell, University of Derby 
 
Will Kaufman is an is an outstanding performer. He is mesmerising as a singer and incisive as a commentator. - Dr. Edward Ashbee, Centre for the Study of the Americas, Copenhagen, Denmark

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For booking and other information contact Will on [email protected]