Watch Peter, Paul and Mary: 25th Anniversary Concert
- 1985
- 1 hr 28 min
Peter, Paul and Mary: 25th Anniversary Concert is a beautifully crafted concert film that celebrates the iconic folk trio's legacy. The concert was recorded at the Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. in 1986, when Peter Yarrow, Noel Paul Stookey, and Mary Travers had been performing together for 25 years. The concert film opens with a montage of archival footage chronicling Peter, Paul and Mary's career from the early 1960s. The trio is introduced to a packed house, and the crowd erupts in applause. Peter, Paul, and Mary take the stage and launch into a rousing rendition of "If I Had a Hammer." From there, the concert showcases the trio's remarkable harmonies and songwriting.
The trio's setlist is a mix of classic folk songs, with some of their own chart-topping hits. They perform "Blowing in the Wind," "Puff, the Magic Dragon," "Leaving on a Jet Plane," and "The Times They Are a-Changin'." The trio is joined on stage by a talented band that includes a violinist, a cellist, and a pianist. The arrangements are lush and full, but the trio's harmonies are at the forefront of every song.
The three members of Peter, Paul and Mary each get their solo moments to shine during the concert. Peter Yarrow performs a moving rendition of "Day is Done" on acoustic guitar. Noel Paul Stookey performs "There But For Fortune" and "Wedding Song (There is Love)" to thunderous applause. Mary Travers delivers a powerful rendition of "And When I Die," showcasing her powerful voice and stage presence.
The concert also features some heartfelt, emotional moments. The trio pays tribute to the late Pete Seeger, singing "We Shall Overcome" in his honor. They also perform a moving rendition of "El Salvador" with powerful images of the war-torn country projected behind them. Interspersed between the songs are clips of the trio's interviews with various news personalities, adding more context to their music and activism.
Throughout the concert, the trio's passion for peace, justice, and equality shines through. The trio's music and message remain as relevant today as they did in the 1960s. The film captures the spirit of the trio's activism and musical prowess. The audience is swept away by the trio's stunning harmonies, virtuosic musicianship, and powerful message of peace and love.
The production values of the concert film are top-notch. The camera work is superb, capturing the trio's energy and vitality on stage. The sound mix is excellent, balancing the trio's harmonies with the band's instrumentation. The stage design and lighting add to the concert's intimate, warm atmosphere.
In conclusion, the Peter, Paul and Mary: 25th Anniversary Concert is a moving tribute to one of the most iconic folk trios of all time. The film showcases the trio's exceptional talent, their powerful message, and their lasting impact on music and activism. The concert stands the test of time and remains a must-see for fans of folk music and social justice.
Peter, Paul and Mary: 25th Anniversary Concert is a 1985 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes.