Grammy Winner Tom Chapin Is Back For Flagpole Radio

Tom Chapin first appeared in The Flagpole Radio Café in November of 2010. His music spans multiple styles and generations.  For more than thirty years and through twenty-one recordings, he has entertained, amused and enlightened audiences of all ages with life-affirming original songs told in a sophisticated array of musical styles.  His remarkable musicianship, great songwriting and personal warmth shine through whether he’s performing in a concert hall, an outdoor festival, a school, in front of a symphony orchestra or in an intimate coffeehouse.

His varied career has taken him to Broadway as lead in the musical Pump Boys and Dinettes, off-Broadway as musical director of both Cotton Patch Gospel and Harry Chapin: Lies & Legends and on television as host of Make A Wish on ABC, and as host of the documentary series National Geographic Explorer.  He has contributed satiric topical songs to National Public Radio’s Morning Edition, poking fun at social and scientific trends in the news.  He also has a cameo role in Jonathan Demme's 2004 remake of The Manchurian Candidate.

Now in its sixth season, The Flagpole Radio Café was created by Jim Allyn, Martin Blanco and Barbara Gaines in conjunction with the Newtown Cultural Arts Commission. It features music by Jim Allyn and The Flagpole Radio Café Orchestra, radio style comedy sketches by the Flagpole Shakespeare Repertory Theatre and appearances by guests artists of accomplishment if not renown.

After four years of performances, the show took a hiatus in the shadow of the Sandy Hook Shootings of December 14, 2012.  On that most terrible day, ensemble members Francine and David Wheeler lost their son Benjamin.   The tragedy reunited the ensemble with Peter Yarrow, who produced A Family Concert of Caring, Healing and Togetherness

The ensemble comprises musicians Jim Allyn, Rob Bonaccorso, Rick Brodsky, Howie Bujese, Dick Neil and Francine Wheeler, and actors Martin Blanco, Barbara Gaines, Kate Katcher, and David Wheeler.  Each show also features a musical guest artist and has included luminaries such as Livingston Taylor, Peter Yarrow,Ramblin’ Jack Elliot, Jonathon Edwards, Elisabeth Von Trapp, Christine Lavin, Deborah Henson-Conant, Patty Larkin, Vaneese Thomas, Roger Ball of The Average White Band, and Yale’s internationally acclaimed male choir The Whiffenpoofs.