Songs of love, hope, nature, and peace.

Singer/songwriter Gary Blanchard presents music from his Iris Musica CDs:

Luna Dreams, Stardust and Shadows, and To A Dreamer.

The songs span his writing and performing career fro 1966 to the present.

"The world needs songs to tell our stories...I think Gary  Blanchard's do." - Dennis Stafford, Artist Relations Manager, Luna Guitars

Gary Blanchard Biography

Gary Blanchard grew up in Baltimore during the 1950’s and 60’s. One of his

earlier musical memories is the Kingston Trio singing Tom Dooley. The

music of Peter, Paul and Mary in the early teen years added to his love of

folk music, as did an immersion into the music of the Civil War during the

centennial commemoration. It was hearing Donovan’s Catch The Wind,

however, that made him decide to get a guitar.

Gary’s earliest performances were shared with his brother Kenneth, though

Gary started performing solo in 1968. About this time Gary began

discovering other folk singers, including Janis Ian, Tom Paxton, Mark

Spoelstra, and Pete Seeger. It was Pete Seeger who was to have the greatest

impact on Gary.

Throughout the intervening years, Gary has ventured into a number of

musical styles, including folk-rock, avant-garde performance in the style of

Laurie Anderson, new-age electronic music, even writing pieces for string

quartet and woodwind trio. In recent years, however, Gary has returned to

his folk music and singer/songwriter roots.

Gary writes music that stays close to the folk tradition yet also reveals other

influences. In performance, Gary sings and plays guitar and harmonica. His

song list is mostly original songs, though he does sometimes bring in a

traditional song or a 60’s tune . His songs explore social issues but focus on

the need for hope and action while keeping a positive focus.