The Concerts for a Cause series presents the renowned singer-songwriter Fred Small at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Brunswick to raise money for Oasis Free Clinics and the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project.
Small is a singer, songwriter and song leader whose music inspires, heals and empowers. He sings powerful ballads of hope in hard times. His songs illuminate the goodness and courage of all kinds of people.
A Unitarian Universalist parish minister for nearly two decades, Small is also an environmental lawyer. In 2015, he left parish ministry to devote his energies to organizing for environmental, racial and social justice. Currently, he is the minister for climate justice at the Arlington Street Church in Boston.
Named by Pete Seeger as one of America’s best songwriters, Small “sings songs of conscience in the tradition of Woody Guthrie, Phil Ochs, and Tom Paxton. When you hear Fred’s message of love, unity, and respect for others and the environment, you will be lifted and moved by his words and music.”
Small’s inclusive lullaby of unconditional love, “Everything Possible,” has become a standard of LGBT choruses worldwide and is now a celebrated children’s picture book. His anthem “Peace Is” is sung in worship, in schools and on the streets. His classic “The Heart of the Appaloosa” celebrates the enduring spirit of the Nez Perce.
“The Heart of the Appaloosa” was elected to the All-Time Bluegrass Hit Parade by WAMU Radio in Washington, D.C., and UU Mass Action presented him with the Ruth Rowan Award for Small’s musical contributions to social justice movements. Small has released seven albums and two songbooks. He has performed at prestigious folk festivals throughout the United States as well as in Japan, Australia, England and Canada.