Memorial Concert Celebrates: David Carron

A concert commemorating the life and art of David Maurice Carron, a gifted musician and songwriter born 1949 and raised in Pittsfield. The event is planned for Saturday, July 2nd from 3:00pm-11:00pm at The Berkshire Music Hall. The concert will be a multi media event and will feature some of David’s audio and video work as well as the best musicians in Berkshire County performing their original music and songs written by David Carron. In block party style, there will be a Street Festival with local artisans and specialty vendors held outside the venue on Union St. Pittsfield. The proceeds from the event will benefit L.O.V.E. lessons of vision education, a volunteer group committed to encouraging compassion and inspiration through music and art in our community. (For specific information, please see our mission statement) .

David Carron was an integral part of the great Berkshire music scene in the 60’s. He played in many successful Berkshire bands, including his first group The Marksmen with David Grover and Rick Fetridge. The Quarry featuring Mik Valenti, Mike Fury and Dan Velika graced the stage of The Music Inn Lenox, as well as The Fillmore East and Woodstock 1969. David Carron was also a member of Shenandoah with David Grover, Dan Velika and Terry Hall, a group whose vocal renditions delighted audiences of every age. In the early 70’s when Arlo Guthrie heard their rich harmonies, he asked them if they would consider backing him up and joining him on tour.

In 1979 David achieved notoriety with the band Gulliver and the album Ridin The Wind on Columbia records. The album consisted of songs written by David Carron and John Weider, formerly of The Animals. David’s song Clones was recorded by Alice Cooper and became a top 40 single in 1980. The Smashing Pumpkins also recorded that song in 1996 as part of their box set and will be re released this year in an upcoming compilation, B-Sides and Rarities.

David Carron was a masterful vocalist with a 4-octave range and a very expansive repertoire of songwriting styles. He could rock with the vocal style of Robert Plant or croon like the legendary Bing Crosby. He was and remains an inspiration to local artists, many of who will be performing in his honor at the July 2nd Memorial Concert. The concert will feature musicians who have played with David in bands like Shenandoah, The Quarry and most recently Blindate in 1983. Blindate will reunite for this one evening to perform with many great guest vocalists and an array of Berkshire talent. The line up also includes performances from David Grover, Mik Valenti & Quick Fox, Bobby Sweet , Melodrome, PIMP, Hector on Stilts, Hypnology, Michael Haynes and others.

It is fitting that the concert will be held here at The Berkshire Music Hall, formerly The Berkshire Public Theater. This was the first venue where David performed when he came back from Los Angeles. The stage held awesome talent with David as Jesus in Andrew Lloyd Weber's Jesus Christ Superstar. Maureen O’Flynn played Mary Magdelene and Glen Barrett was Judas in The Berkshire Public Theater’s 1981 production, directed by the gifted Frank Bessell.

David worked at his craft until his untimely death in1985. David’s last performance was at his favorite places, The Lion’s Den in Stockbridge Ma. Since then, many folks have longed to hear him sing again, many have missed his bright blue eyes and warm smile. On July 2nd, 20 years later it is a gift to be able to share his music and his artistry once again through audio, video and live performances by all these wonderful people.

Tickets will go on sale June 5th and will be available LaCocina, Gladrags, The Berkshire Music Hall general admission $15. children 6-13 $8. and under 5 free.

For information on vending merchandise or food or becoming a part of the Street Festival:

Contact Wendy Carron at 413 442-0903.