Arlo Guthrie celebrates 50 years of 'Alice'
This is a story about 'Alice.'
Remember Alice?
In his long and colorful songwriting and recording career, Arlo Guthrie has never had a chance to not think about Alice.
That's because his die-hard fans, and even the casual ones, who come to an occasional show request the folk anthem "Alice's Restaurant Massacree'' any time he performs.
But as gracious a performer as he can be, Arlo does not always comply. After all, the iconic tune — which is 50 years old and was inspired by a youthful encounter with the law after a 1965 littering incident, as well as the Vietnam War draft — is 18 minutes long. Arlo mostly tours with other musicians, including various members of his extended family, with rich collaborations and lively sing-alongs.
Each year at Thanksgiving radio stations around the country spin the tune, no one more fervently than WMMR 93.3 FM's Pierre Robert, who plays multiple versions of the song multiple times during the holiday.
"Alice'' is a window into many aspects of Arlo, the performer. He is a gifted songwriter who weaves social messages and offbeat humor into songs that continue the passions of his father, folk troubadour Woody Guthrie. Arlo will happily perform "Alice'' in honor of the anniversary, with tour dates in Wilmington, Princeton, Newark and New York City's Carnegie Hall. The shows will be opened by Arlo's daughter, Sarah Lee Guthrie, and Arlo's band will include, as usual, his son Abe on keyboards, as well as Terry A La Berry (drums), Darren Todd (bass) and Bobby Sweet (guitar, fiddle).
It will also commence with a light show and presentation of photographs from the family's archives.
And that's not all.
A PBS special will air on Thanksgiving to commemorate the anniversary. PBS premieres "Alice's Restaurant 50th Anniversary Concert with Arlo Guthrie" from 8 to 9:30 p.m.
And the artist is also celebrating the publication of his latest children's storybook, "Monsters.'' It shares the story of a young Arlo frightened of monsters under his bed, and comforted by his famous dad.
These days, Arlo splits his time between his family's home in western Massachusetts and a second home in Florida. His Guthrie Center is in the church celebrated in the song, and from there the Guthrie tradition of community outreach and social justice continues.
We caught up with Arlo earlier this week by email to talk about "Alice" and this special moment in his career.
Q: Congratulations on the 50th anniversary of ‘Alice’s Restaurant.’ I know you didn’t set out to be Thanksgiving’s answer to Johnny Mathis, but how does it feel to have the world’s only known Thanksgiving carol?
A: I still think it’s pretty funny the way things turned out. I never in my wildest imagination thought one of my songs would be in any way associated with a holiday.
Q: Your concerts often get interrupted by calls for ‘’Alice,’’ but you wait until the time feels right to perform the song live. What does it bring up for you, now, in 2015, to perform it again? Besides a laugh, a memory, a sing-a-long, what do you hope fans will take from it after all these years?
A: "Alice’s Restaurant'' was simply too long to perform at every gig we do, so I do it for about a year or so every decade. This, being the 50th anniversary of the song being written, is a special decade, so we’re making the most of it with all the extra lights, and imagery. The show is great. It’s become an opportunity for the old gang to reconnect and a chance to welcome some younger folks to the larger family. I hope that familiar feeling of reunion is what people will take home after the gig.
Q: While casual fans know you for ‘’Alice’’ and as carrying on Woody’s work, those who have followed your career know you are a thoughtful songwriter and prolific recording artist. What is the creative process like for you these days?
A: I don’t write as many songs as I used to. But, I find myself writing for social media more — times have changed. And I love photography, so a lot of my creative energy gets caught up that way.
Q: You suffered significant back-to-back losses with the loss of first (wife) Jackie (Guthrie) and then (friend, mentor and folk icon) Pete Seeger. Is there anything you can share with us about what helped you through losing two people so important to you so close together?
A: First Toshi Seeger (Pete's wife) left us, then my wife, Jackie, then Pete Seeger. All anyone can do is carry on. There’s enough hardship in the world without adding to it on purpose. So that’s why I continue to have the opinions I have, and to sing the songs I do.
Q: What role did your spirituality play in finding your footing?
A: You don’t need spirituality to discover the troubles that come your way. But, it’s good to know that troubles are not unique to you alone. Everyone has them. Finding yourself in the same boat with everyone else is the first sign of spirituality.
Q: You are a life-long activist who shares important messages with your fan base. What is closest to your heart right now?
A: Pete Seeger told me once that any big organization can be subverted by governments or multinational special interests. They have the resources to cast doubt and fear over any group they feel threatened by. But, no government or large organization has the resources to stop millions of little people doing their own thing in their own hometowns. So evolution continues unabated like a river turning right, then left, back and forth. The purpose of the Guthrie Center is to remind people that although there are twists and turns, the rivers always goes to the sea. Remember that, and life becomes more hopeful.
Q: As someone who has seen most of your (annual Thanksgiving) Carnegie Hall shows for the last 20 years, I have seen how integral your family is to your work and your music. Is it hard to take the stage without Pete?
A: Pete always said he felt like a link in a long chain of people singing and dreaming about a better world for everyone. I am no different. And I feel privileged to have been one of the links connected to him. My family feels about the same. This year, we will stick to the theme of the 50th Alice Anniversary, although some of my family will join in toward the end of the evening.
Q: I know you are proud of all your children and grandchildren, and their various musical pursuits, but it must be extra special to have Sarah Lee open for you on part of this 50th anniversary tour.
A: She’s been having a great time out on the road, and I’m so thankful she could take the time away from her own family to do it. The reviews of her performances have been amazingly wonderful.
Q: Your fans come out for your storytelling as much as your songs. Can we expect some new tales from the road?
A: No Judgement = No Expectations: That’s my motto. Having said that, well sure.
More information
Arlo Guthrie will perform his "Alice's Restaurant Massacree Jubilee 50th Anniversary Tour'' Nov. 19 in Wilmington, Delaware; Nov. 20 at McCarter Theatre in Princeton; Nov. 28 at Carnegie Hall in New York City, and Nov. 29 at NJPAC in Newark. Visit risingsonrecords.com for times and ticket information.
A PBS special will air on Thanksgiving to commemorate the anniversary. PBS premieres "Alice's Restaurant 50th Anniversary Concert with Arlo Guthrie" from 8 to 9:30 p.m.
"Monsters' is available from risingson.com