Yarrow unites College, residents

Folk singer leads discussions and performs

Don't think twice, it was all right. Peter Yarrow's visit to Oberlin for College Town Day during Parents' Weekend drew town residents, College staff, students and their parents together in the name of song and the spirit of community.

Friday before the show, Yarrow, a member of Peter, Paul and Mary, attended the courses Collective Protest, Political Movements, and Revolutions and Introduction to Musics of the World. He led a dialogue open to all students on folk music and its role in fostering partnership. College sophomore David Kauffman left the discussion inspired. "His talk was really motivational," Kauffman said.

Yarrow performed for hundreds at the bandstand in Tappan Square Saturday afternoon. "The weather cooperated wonderfully," community member June Goodwin noted.

Young and old alike gathered to listen to his words of wisdom and songs. "Oberlin College Town Day was based on the fact that there are a lot of universal themes in the college and the town. The fact that Peter Yarrow could relate to the entire crowd was a great way to celebrate these connections," Ben Jones, OC '96, said.

The performance was a mixture of social commentary interspersed with folk songs. Yarrow voiced his anti-war sentiments with the classic, "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?" He commented on incorporating social issues into art. Long-time fan, college sophomore Heather Frank remarked, "His speaking was inspirational. He not only sang the songs he's so well known for, he brought with him the spirit of activism that was originally responsible for the creation of his music."

As the afternoon wore on, inhibitions faded. Children danced near the stage as those seated sang along to "Blowin' in the Wind," "If I Had a Hammer" and a peace medley. Yarrow broke down all barriers between performer and audience, as he interrupted his songs to make jokes and share personal anecdotes.

"He really resonates with a lot of us... It was great to see people of all generations enjoying [the show]," Goodwin added. Yarrow has many ties to Oberlin; not only do many respond to him as a world-renowned activist and folk singer, but also as an honorary Obie, as two of his children attended Oberlin.

Jones said, "I think that's incredible talent for a performer to be able to put his music into terms that everyone can understand."

Yarrow ended the concert with crowd-pleasers. He took requests for animals during "Momma's Taking Us to the Zoo Tomorrow," improvising verses for parrots, tigers and ferrets.

"I liked him. My favorite song was the zoo song," said Zoe Zwegat, four-year-old daughter of Tina Zwegat, Assistand Director of Student Union, who played a large part in coordinating the event. "Mom sang along, too." Of course, "Puff the Magic Dragon" closed the show. The Oberlin Choristers, a children's choir, shared the stage with Yarrow for a few songs.

After the show, people approached Yarrow to express their appreciation for his motivation. In return, he embraced them.

Later, he visited Harkness Lounge for an informal bull session. College sophomore Noah Mewborn said, "He was talking about hugging people, that if you hug someone, it's because you're in the same movement."

Come Together: Peter Yarrow sings with the Oberlin Choristers. He performed on the bandstand in Tappan Square for College Town Day, Oct. 5. (Photo by Nicole Palmer)