Hundreds of musicians and music lovers from Connecticut, the rest of New England and beyond are expected to converge on Hartford, Jan 28-30 for the People’s Music Network for Songs of Freedom and Struggle (PMN)’s 2011 Winter Gathering.

Pete Seeger, an American folk music icon, inspirational political activist and humanitarian, whose songs have provided a musical backdrop for many of the social movements of the past half-century, will help kickoff the weekend with a Friday night concert at the Bulkeley High School auditorium. Entitled “River of Song: Keepers of the Water, the concert also will feature performances by Work o’ the Weavers, Sharon Katz & The Peace Train, Mixashawn, Margaux Hayes & Friends, Spook Handy, Jill Friedman, Bread & Roses, and the Hartford Community Activist Chorus.

James Durst (Photo: Robert Corwin)

“We’re delighted to be part of this and to share a bill with Pete Seeger,” James Durst of Work o’ the Weavers, who celebrate America’s pioneering folk quartet with faithful adherence to its original arrangements, told AcousticMusicScene.com. “It will be a real treat for us to contribute to an event that has long been sustaining the music of the people,” he continues. “We certainly have The Weavers to thank for our musical pantheon and, in particular, music that reminds us of our relationships with each other and our planet.” Seeger was a member of The Weavers, while David Bernz of Work o’ the Weavers produced several of his most recent recordings, including At 89.

The Winter Gathering continues Saturday and Sunday at Hartford’s Moylan School, where activities will include an opening plenary session, workshops, song swaps and jams, and a community meeting. Slated for Saturday evening is a round-robin style open mic during which all attendees are invited to share a song or poem. Sing-alongs and group performances are encouraged.

Weekend fees, including meals, are on a sliding scale from $125-$200, with attendees also asked to work two one-hour shifts to help contain the costs for the weekend. Separate tickets also are available for those who just want to attend the Friday night concert. Tickets may be purchased online at www.peoplesmusic.org, where more information about the weekend gathering also can be found.

Comprised of performers, songwriters, sound and recording engineers, CD and concert producers, promoters, archivists and music lovers of all social, racial, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, PMN is a national network of people who use music, dance, storytelling and poetry to promote progressive ideas and values to help bring about a better world. The network is committed to working with and supporting grassroots and community organizations and to exploring and presenting culturally diverse music.