Nationally Renowned Singer Songwriter to Perform in Canton

Numerous and varied acts have graced the summer stage at Mills Pond Park in Canton but this week will offer something a little different as nationally renowned singer songwriter Lucy Kaplansky comes to town.

“She’s one of the premier, modern American folksingers in the business,” said Ben Holden, a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission.

Holden is a recent addition to the commission and with year of experience organizing concerts and other musical ventures, he wanted to help with the summer series.

One of his connections was with the late New York City based songwriter Jack Hardy, who hosted a songwriters group in his apartment, which later morphed into public performances at a city café and a recording.

Kaplansky was one of the artists involved.

“When Jack died a year ago, people reconnected and I was able to reach out,” Holden said. “It’s an incredible get for the town of Canton.”

It was in the late 1970s when Kaplansky moved from Chicago to New York at age 18. After singing with such artists as Shawn Colvin, she change careers, received a doctorate in psychology and eventually worked with mentally ill adults in the city.

By the mid 1990s, however, she returned to music on a full-time basis and has released many solo records as well as some with Red Horse, a group that also includes John Gorka and Eliza Gilkyson.

Parks and Recreation Director Brian Wilson said the concert will offer something a little different.

“We’re very excited to have a national act come to our concert series,” he said.

Holden said Kaplansky performs a great mix of her own songs, covers by other artists and a few classics.

“I’m anticipating a good crowd and a really good show,” Holden said.

Find out more about Kaplansky and hear samples of her music at http://www.lucykaplansky.com. 

The show takes place Thursday, July 26, at 6:30 p.m. at Mills Pond Park. In the case of rain, it will be held in the Town Hall auditorium.