Library to Host Tribute to Woody Guthrie on His 100th Birthday

Woody Guthrie would have turned 100 years old on Saturday. While Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America” depicts the country as would be seen in a Norman Rockwell painting, Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” speaks of the Depression-era struggles of people living in hard times.

Both songs have become a part of the nation’s culture and can still be heard just about anywhere. Crowds at Major League Baseball games sing “God Bless America” on Sundays during the seventh-inning stretch, and “This Land Is Your Land” was performed by Pete Seeger and Bruce Springsteen at President Obama’s inauguration. Neil Young included Guthrie’s iconic tune on his latest CD, “Americana.”

will be celebrating Guthrie’s birthday on Saturday as a part of their Acoustic Showcase series, which presents free afternoon shows. Series coordinator Ross Moore will welcome musicians Chris Clarke, Dane Terry and Jeff Bertino for a tribute to an American folk legend.

Woody Guthrie’s 100th Birthday Celebration Concert is free and will be from 2-3 p.m. at the Poway Library.