Finding a way
Bethlehem’s Godfrey Daniels to celebrate 45 years of intimate music with John Gorka and livestream shows with special guests
Godfrey Daniels, the Lehigh Valley’s go-to location for live acoustic/singer-songwriters/ folk music, has been housed in the same special location at 7 E. Fourth St. in Bethlehem since 1976. For 45 years, the membership-funded club has supported live music, artists, and audiences by providing an intimate performance space the community has rallied behind.
“These 45 years have been an affirmation of the power of community through folk music,” notes musician, and Godfrey Daniels co-founder, Dave Fry in a news release. “I have had the luxury of witnessing some of my personal folk music legends spin their magic on this stage ... and watch some of my friends turn into legends themselves.”
This past year has been a little different. Godfrey’s doors have been closed and the pandemic has forced artists and audiences to remain home. The listening room’s live performances played out in the form of livestreams such as the “Parlour Sessions” (hosted by Lehigh Valley singer-songwriter Dina Hall) and “Godfrey’s Open Mike: Virtual Edition.”
While COVID-19 has shuttered venues across the country, Godfrey’s has found a way to keep their community intact while discovering alternative avenues allowing them to reach a wider audience.
“A real advantage is that we’re able to bring in artists that we might not have been able to do otherwise. We’ve also expanded the viewer and listenership, people are livestreaming from all across the country,” says Ramona LaBarre, Godfrey Daniels’ Managing Director.
Presenting musicians from across state borders, and even Canada, Godfreys has been able to virtually welcome artists to their stage. Interestingly, these performers may not have been able to tour through The Valley in the past.
While social distancing creates a number of obvious caveats, Godfrey Daniels has been embracing the more positive aspects of livestreaming, and will use those to fuel their upcoming 45th anniversary with a series of events.
Kicking things off on March 26, singer-songwriter and dobro extraordinaire Abbie Gardner will join Hall’s Parlour Sessions for a performance and chat. These performances are free, but in the spirit of supporting artists, Godfrey’s has created a virtual tip jar with all proceeds going to the performers.
Gardner is an award-winning songwriter who’s enjoyed a long career as a solo artist and as a member of the folk trio, Red Molly.
On March 28 Dave Fry will host a virtual chat and concert video with the much-heralded John Gorka. He got his start performing at Godfrey Daniels in the late 70s with The Razzy Dazzy Spasm Band, a group he started while attending Moravian College. Over the years he’s been a regular at Godfrey’s and has sung its praises at every turn.
“Nothing can be more special than having John Gorka help us
celebrate, pandemically speaking, this milestone anniversary. We are elated that he’s going to be joining us,” says LaBarre.
Gorka has departed his native New Jersey for the wilderness of Minnesota and will be joining Fry via livestream for an interactive chat with fans from his home. Fry will also grace the familiar South Bethlehem stage during this free anniversary special.
Godfrey’s is also launching its 45th Anniversary Membership Drive seeking to retain continued support from the families and individuals who help keep the music alive. Commemorating the drive will be a special performance by folk legend Susan Werner on April 24 — a free concert for members only.
Werner is a highly-acclaimed performer who’s collaborated on albums with Vince Gill, Keb’ Mo, and Paul Franklin. She’s even been has been covered by legendary crooner Tom Jones. Werner, who was living in Philadelphia until recently, will be streaming from Chicago.
And while the anniversary will bring the “Parlour Sessions” series to a close, it
opens the door for a new series called “Positively Godfrey Daniels: Live from 4th Street.” These concerts will be virtually hosted from Godfrey’s stage and livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube.
“In the old days ‘Positively
4th Street’ was painted on the storefront glass,” LaBarre says, until about 15 years ago when someone stumbled and fell into the window. Now they’re bringing back an iteration of the phrase to accompany the new livestreamed performances.
On April 10, Lauren Sheehan will be the first guest of the series. She’ll bring her brand of live Americana music to Godfrey’s from the Pacific Northwest. Sheehan is an accomplished guitarist and singer, with expert chops on the mandolin and banjo.
On April 17, Grammy-nominee Thomm Jutz, a singer-songwriter/record producer from Nashville, will also be joining the series.
“With a light at the end of the tunnel, we’re looking to emerge from the dark days of this pandemic with our community intact, our mission undeterred and the love, the magic and the music undiminished,” says board president Brian McCloskey in a news release, “Year #46 is going to be rocking! I hope we’ll see all our friends and the friends we haven’t yet met, as we find our footing and bring it all back!”
Godfrey’s Parlour Series with Abbie Gardner
When: 7 p.m. Friday, March 26 How to watch: Stream online Tickets and info: godfreydaniels. org
John Gorka virtual visit and concert video
When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 28
How to watch: Stream online Tickets and info: godfreydaniels. org
Susan Werner virtual concert
When: 7 p.m. Sunday, April 24 How to watch: Become a member to stream online
Tickets and info: godfreydaniels. org
Jay Honstetter is a contributor to The Morning Call.