Godfrey Daniels, the Lehigh Valley’s premier music listening club, celebrated its 45th anniversary March 28 with a livestream performance by long-time Godfrey’s performer and friend John Gorka. The anniversary will be marked by additional virtual events for the community in upcoming weeks.

Co-founded in 1976 by local musician Dave Fry and community activist Cindy Dinsmore, Godfrey Daniels has been a South Bethlehem landmark at 7 E. Fourth St., its original home. With its physical location closed for the past year due to the pandemic, Godfrey’s has continued to offer music via livestream, on social media channels and through radio partnerships.

Godfrey’s mission is to create and nurture the appreciation of traditional and contemporary folk music and performing arts by providing an intimate environment where professional artists, amateur performers and audience members are enriched by the unique experience of live performance. The club is membership-supported and also receives funding from foundations and local businesses.

“Celebrating 45 years as the epicenter of live and original music in the Valley, it’s truly an exciting time for Godfrey Daniels,” said Brian McCloskey, board president.

“With a light at the end of the tunnel, we’re looking to emerge from the dark days of this pandemic with our community intact, our mission undeterred and the love, the magic and the music undiminished. Year #46 is going to be rocking! I hope we’ll see all our friends and the friends we haven’t yet met, as we find our footing and bring it all back!”

Singer-Songwriter Abbie Gardner performed a virtual concert March 26 as part of God-frey’s ongoing “Parlour Sessions.”

A brand new series will premier in April. Entitled “Positively Godfrey Daniels: Live from 4th Street,” a variety of concerts will be virtually-hosted live from the iconic Godfrey’s stage and live-streamed via Facebook and YouTube channels.

The public may view a virtual “Open Mic” by local favorites on April 11 at 7 p.m., hosted by Karen and Amy Jones.

Launching with the observance of the anniversary milestone is a 2021 45th Anniversary Membership Drive. Godfrey’s seeks continued support from individuals and families and offers several levels and benefits.

A special membership benefit will be an invitation to a Godfrey Daniels virtual concert by folk legend Susan Werner, to be presented April 24, live-streaming at 7 p.m.

Reflecting on the history of the club, Fry recalls how Godfrey’s has built a community and enriched it through the love of music.

“These 45 years have been an affirmation of the power of community through folk music. I have had the luxury of witnessing some of my personal folk music legends spin their magic on this stage and watch some of my friends turn into legends themselves,” said Fry. “But the most powerful feelings I have come from observing fellow musicians and a supportive audience find a safe haven together, as well as watching the tides of volunteers find their niche in the organization. I hope the community continues to treasure the legacy and the continuing potential of what happens in this space. It is rare as it is precious.”

Fry recalls the first concert presented at Godfrey’s; the location was still under renovations after being home to a donut shop.

“The first night included friends of the club, including Mary Faith Rhoads, The Shimersville Sheiks, Chris Simmons, Professor Ted Kornwiebel, The Little Wizard Terry LaSorda, Ruff ‘N Reddy trio and me, solo, to start things off,” Fry recalls. “I remember the bare walls and floor and the warm feeling of lifting off the ground among true friends. I started off with, “Here Comes the Sun.’”

Through the years, the Godfrey stage has presented a diverse mix of folk music and relat-ed genres. While it may be difficult to single out memorable performances, Fry says some of his personal favorites through the years have included:

Rosalie Sorrels and Utah Phillips sharing the stage; The Nashville Bluegrass Band and The Fairfield Four; Mario Accera’s Showbiz Revue; Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark night; every John Gorka concert; Bill Staines’ audience’s harmonies; “as well as any performer who sang/played “off mic” to the room.”

Fry also recalls all the “quiet moments as the performer packs up in the empty space, a room full of jammers, and the community that jells during many ‘open mic’ shows.” He added that it was always good to greet new performers “who were checking out the walls, feeling the vibes of the room, and catching their banter in the basement.”

McCloskey agrees that there is ‘magic’ in that room. “Oh, if the walls could talk! I’ve seen big names, virtual unknowns and every measure of artist in between,” he recalled. “I’ve witnessed spontaneous jams, open mics, storytelling, poetry readings and more. Every soul that has played the room or joined in as an appreciative listener, has left something there. The resultant feel of the room is palpable and yes, magical!”

For more information about the club and membership support, go to Godfrey Daniels’ website, www.godfreydaniels.org or on Facebook and Instagram.

Contributed article