The Center for the Arts at Monmouth University has announced a September 23, 2017 concert by two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Graham Nash, hosted in the recently refurbished Pollak Theatre as the first major event of the 2017-18 Performing Arts Series at Monmouth.
Presented as “An Intimate Evening of Songs and Stories,” the 8 p.m. concert offers a uniquely up-close and personal encounter with a genuine giant of music, art and activism; a multi-talented positive force whose unmistakable voice has resonated across the generations in more ways than one.
The man who first stormed the transistor radios of these shores with his British Invasion mates in The Hollies was already known as one of the finest harmony singers in the business, when disharmony within the group prompted the Lancashire native (and future OBE) to join the many musicians who found a new spiritual homeland in California’s legendary Laurel Canyon scene of the late 60s and early 70s.
It was there that Nash formed an alliance with two other refugees from hitmaking bands — David Crosby of The Byrds, and Stephen Stills of Buffalo Springfield — birthing a signature sound for the generation of “Woodstock,” as well as a sensibility that transcended the complications of individual egos and strong personalities. Contributions like the hit “Marrakesh Express” set the “supergroup” on an immediate path to superstardom — and, with the addition of Neil Young, Graham Nash stepped up as composer and lead voice for two of the era’s most poignant folk-rock sing-alongs, Teach Your Children and Our House.
The famously edgy, on-again off-again professional relationship of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young has never served to stop the high harmony singer from reuniting and recombining with his longtime collaborators through the years; a path that has led to solo successes (Chicago), duo recordings with Crosby (Immigration Man), essential latter-day CSN hits (Just a Song Before I Go, Wasted on the Way) — and even, on more than one occasion, a reunion with the Hollies.
For September’s Intimate Evening performance, expect Nash the singer to draw from his rich musical legacy; one that extends from Hollies hits like Carrie Anne to selections from 2016’s This Path Tonight, the artist’s first album of original songs in nearly fifteen years. Expect Nash the storyteller to touch upon his vivid experiences with some of the greatest creative people of our age — as well as his successful adventures as a gallery-exhibited photographer, curator, and catalyst in the realm of digital printing — with the flair that he displayed in his best-selling 2013 memoir, Wild Tales.
There remains an equally significant arena in which the voice of Graham Nash has long been heard loud and clear — the ongoing struggle for peace, social justice, and a safe, clean environment. It’s a passionate pursuit that came to the forefront with Musicians United for Safe Energy (MUSE), the nonprofit initiative that he co-founded with Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt — and which topped the charts, with a little help from friends like Bruce Springsteen, through the 1979 No Nukes events and their accompanying concert film and soundtrack album.
In 2011, Nash revived the MUSE cause with a concert dedicated to the people of Japan whose lives were impacted by the Fukushima nuclear plant disaster. Here in 2017, the artist offers his concert tour audience the opportunity to join him in spearheading the drive to promote safe energy worldwide, by offering a Special Benefit Seating option in advance of regular ticket sales.
“Guacamole Fund” tickets will be available for $250 to attend the concert with a portion of the net ticket proceeds going to Musicians United for Safe Energy, on behalf of Graham Nash. Special Benefit Seating tickets for MUSE can be purchased through www.monmouth.edu/mca, and are available exclusively for “Will Call” pickup at the Pollak Theatre on the evening of the concert, with valid ID. Tickets are non-transferable.
General admission tickets for the September 23, 2017 appearance by Graham Nash go on sale beginning May 10 at noon with a presale for donors on May 8 and are priced at $46 and $61, with a Gold Circle seating option of $76. Tickets can be reserved through the Monmouth University Box Office at 732-263-6889, or online.
Details are also available on several VIP Package options, including a “Graham Nash Premium Package” featuring reserved seating in rows 6-9 plus commemorative tickets and tour item ($175); a “Graham Nash Soundcheck Package” with reserved seating in rows 2-5, plus access to pre-show sound check, autographed tour poster and more ($275), and a “Front Row Meet and Greet Package” featuring reserved seating in front row, plus sound check access, a personal meet and greet with the artist, and many other souvenir items and services ($375).
