In celebration of John Prine's upcoming 80th birthday this fall, the first-ever full-length live recording of Prine's concert in Chicago on March 6, 2010, is now available digitally via Oh Boy Records.
Recorded directly to the mixing board, John Prine: Live at Old Town School of Folk features 28 tracks captured during his headline performance at Old Town's annual "Blue Jean Gala" benefit concert and fundraiser in his home city of Chicago.
In addition to spirited renditions of classic Prine songs - "Spanish Pipedream," "Souvenirs," "Angel From Montgomery," "Crazy As A Loon," "Hello In There," "Christmas In Prison" and more - John Prine: Live at Old Town School of Folk also includes uncut versions of the many lengthy stories, jokes and intros that were hallmarks of his live performances for decades. The recording marks the first time that a Prine concert has been released in its entirety.
A digital download of John Prine: Live at Old Town School of Folk is available here.
"We always loved playing Chicago, for the obvious reason that it was John's home town. But playing at The Old Town School of Folk Music was even more special," says Jason Wilber, John Prine's longtime band leader. "Old Town School is where John first took guitar lessons. It's where he expanded his playing beyond those first few chords and records his older brother Dave got him started with."
"So for John, it seemed to me, going back to Old Town was like going back to your old elementary school or something," he adds. "I could tell it held a special place in his heart, and the folks in the Old Town community always made it clear how much they treasured John. We played the theater there a few times over the years, and always had a lot of fun."
In addition, the Prine Family, Oh Boy Records and The Hello In There Foundation recently announced "Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine," a tribute concert taking place at the Chicago Theatre on October 8, two days before what would have been Prine's 80th birthday. Hosted by John C. Reilly, proceeds will benefit The Hello in There Foundation's ongoing grantmaking in John Prine's memory.
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