Tom Paxton

As a "folkie" who cannot get enough of her favorite music, this conert was amazing. Tom Paxton was at his finest, and looked incredible for a man of 75. Having the concert at the Birchmere gave the performance a sense of intimacy and family-like atmosphere (and any folk music lover would agree that we are one big family). The songs were heart-felt and familiar - the crowd sang along on many songs. It was a magical evening, although the only hint of it being a birthday celebration was when a cake was brought out on the stage for Tom to blow out the candles. Happy Birthday, Tom!!! I hope you have many more!!!

Once again, Tom Paxton demonstrated why he has lasted so long in the music business. He, and the wonderful friends that accompanied him, were in good voice, funny, and generally entertaining. Plus they all seemed to be having so much fun on stage.

Tom Paxton is one of the movers and drivers of folk music going back to the 60s, and still going strong, with music new and old, at age 80. For anyone who loves folk music, he is not to be missed; still putting on a great show every time I see him

A fantastic mix of music, storytelling, humor, and collaboration!

Tom Paxton and John McCutcheon are virtuoso folkies. And it's obvious they are very good friends, swapping songs back and forth and having a great time, along with the rest of us.

As long-time McCutcheon fans, we knew what to expect Saturday night. Given John's admiration for the greats of folk music his interaction with Tom Paxton was deferential and humorous. And Paxton rose to the occasion by contributing timely humor as well as very good music. It was fun watching these two friends enjoy entertaining us.

What a great show with Tom and friends to mark the end of Tom's last major tour. I hope he'll still do shows around the DC area. He's a treasure we can't do without. We brought 26 friends to celebrate my 70th birthday (Halloween, same as Tom's, though he's older). Everyone loved it.

Performance was Terrific. Tom was in his Happy Spot and it showed. The stage was full with Tom, Robin and Linda Williams, Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, Janis Ian (who sang a few songs and mostly sang backup and played piano), Robin Bullock, Jim Rooney, Tom's friend from Mass. who's name I can't remember, and a drummer and stand up bass player from Nashville who's name I can't remember. The stage was full, the harmonies were full, it was terrific. Near the end Debbie Smith and Tom's Daughter Jennifer join in. The final number was a slightly modified version of "I got you Babe" by Tom and Janis. A bonus was that the show was recorded and CD's were made right there and we took them home that night (after Tom signed them to activate them). Can we do it again like maybe this weekend! Please!

I've been attending folk concerts since the late 60s. Although some of my favorite performers are no longer with us, Tom Paxton has been there all along. Unlike many performers I've seen in recent years, he continues to write, record, and play new material that is just as topical, vital, and poignant as ever... maybe better. He is still in excellent voice. This performance featured several other performers joining Tom on stage. Sometimes guest performers can make for a less-than-organized concert with missed lyrics, cues, and tuning. Not so for this concert. The playlist was tightly scripted with a lovely flow. The guest performers were each given opportunities to shine, but Paxton was clearly at the helm. His own stage presence was intimate and personal, but not without his own brand of biting social commentary. I came in expecting an old performers "love-fest" but came out thinking I had seen one of the best of the many times I'd seen him perform.

Great mix of new and old; excellent back-up, guitar and mandolin.

This was as good a concert as I've been to. Tom Paxton mixed new songs from his forthcoming album Redemption Road with some of his older songs, including many of the great folk songs of all time. In between were stories of the early days of the Folk Revival in Greenwich Village with Pete Seeger, Dave Van Ronk, John Hurt, and many others. Everyon ein the crowd loved the show and loved Tom. I hope he sings forever!

Excellent as always. Very sorry to hear about losing his wife. Whoever was running the sound board had the accompanying guitarist too loud. Wish both sidemen had been quieter - Tom has the voice that we want to hear..

Tom Paxton is an American legend who has been wowing audiences for 54 years since his days in Greenwich Village. In the wonderful venue of Alexandria's Birchmere, he again thrilled us with a mix of songs from throughout his illustrious career. From the opening of his more recent classic "How Beautiful Upon the Mountain," he showed why he is still a strong draw after five decades. Of course, he graced us with his biggest hits "Rambling Boy," "Bottle of Wine," and "The Last Thing on my Mind," but treated us as well to three terrific songs from his upcoming album. I particular liked "If the Poor Don't Matter," which was reminiscent of his large repertoire of more political songs. Overall, a Tom Paxton concert is a must-see - a true American experience.

Terrific Show!!! The new songs are awesome; the old songs are still fantastic. The other players are spectacular. It doesn't get any better. And then there is the Birchmere.

For 53 years Tom Paxton has been writing and performing songs about social and political issues, love, humor, and the human condition. He is a gem.

Birchmere again provides a great venue for this iconic folk singer. The only thing that could have made this better would be if they played longer. I, too, would have enjoyed some of his older stuff, but the new music is just as good, just not as familiar.

Tom is a one of a kind and a gifted performer. His accompanists were outstanding as usual. A true all star and a really nice person.

A fantastic show with all the performers fitting in to spectacularly enjoyable show both for us the listeners and for Tom to celebrate his 75th Birthday! When can we do it again?

This was a concert to celebrate his 75th birthday. Great concert. There was little talking, just a lot of great music. Some of his friends played too - Anne Hills, Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, Robin Bullock, Debi Smith and others including his grandson who sang worderfully along on "Marvelous Toy". Wonderful evening. I could have stayed and listened for another two hours.

A wonderful performance by Tom Paxton. I have seen him many times and this show was particularly great!

First time I saw Tom live, and it was well worth it.

We've always enjoyed Tom Paxton, his music, his personality, his warmth and humor. This is the first time we've seen Janis Ian and she was equally good. They did some solo numbers but also teamed up on one another's songs. The very talented Robin Bullock accompanied on a variety of instruments.

I went for Janis Ian but was very entertained my Tom Paxton. the whole show was wonderful. The venue was perfect for this type of music. Warm and friendly.

Paxton dominated this dual concert of best of songs. They played together rather than sequentially. Ian was subdued, but easily outshone Paxton in her ability to convey the emotion of her songs and in her picking. Paxton played his normal set, heavy on the child oriented songs. Bullock was an asset through both filling out the sound with quality accompaniment and providing a few exquisite instrumental breaks.

Tom Paxton was wonderful, as always. The Ark is an amazing space for acoustic music.

The Kennedy's are wonderful. Who else but Pete Kennedy could play Rhapsody in Blue on a ukelelee. Maura's voice is delightful, as is her smile. They have played with Paxton many times and could easily be the headliner rather than the opening act. Anyone who has never seen Tom Paxton perform, is a missing an experience. His audience rapport is unmatched. Then he plays songs that you make you laugh and cry and love. Whether it's a song about the bailout, or about the way his wife and daughters, you feel better after hearing him. Next time he is playing near you, don't miss him

Awesome!! Better than ever! Wish I had a CD of just this particular concert. It brought tears to my eyes so many times. So poignant and real and moving. He touches the pulse of America, of who we are. What a legend!!

My husband and I went last evening to see Tom Paxton and the Kennedys in concert at the Birchmere in Alexandria, VA. It was the first time for us to see Tom Paxton, the Kennedys, and the Birchmere. First Tom Paxton. We enjoyed it very much. Great songs, entertainingly presented. The Kennedys were new to us, but very much in the folk music style. Both Tom Paxton and the Kennedys are worth seeing again. Secondly, the Birchmere. This is a dinner theater. The food was good. The sound was excellent. General seating at the table of your choice. Every seat has a good view.

Great concert. Tom with the Kennedys superb. Pete made the lyrics come alive on the strings. Moira's voice with Tom was fantastic. smiles..

Execellent. My only regret was not having more money to buy more than 2 CDs.