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.