Noel Paul Stookey has been helping to change the world, 1 song and 1 key social concept at a time since Peter, Paul and Mary burst onto the folk music scene in the 60s. The multi-platinum-selling group performed at the civil rights March on Washington in 63 and at rallies the world over, with songs like ‘Blowing in the Wind,’ & ‘If I had a Hammer.’ “There is no doubt that when folk music surprised the popular music world by being relevant, musicians were focusing on causes like equality for blacks and whites, and concerns about nuclear annihilation,” says Noel. “Those plain-spoken words were never thought of as pop music. The music wasn't written for profit. There was authentic passion without glossy arrangements, performed by people with a stake in the cause. So much of folk music’s power came from the articulation of commonly held values.” He also invests time and energy in his national nonprofit, MusicToLife.org, with daughter, Liz, connecting activist artists of all genres with resources for revitalizing communities. Currently Noel still performs with Peter, (Mary passed in 2009), and as a solo act. His new material continues to address major, timely issues: climate change; immigration; gun control; etc. He claims ultimately, we are drawn to similarities of the heart. “That’s why I believe Love (with a capital L) is the answer. I look forward to a day when we find our differences fascinating rather than threatening.” (excerpt: Amy Brown/THE VENTURA BREEZE/April 2019)