Stephen Foster

Joe Weed presents a fascinating concert and video show about the life and music of Stephen Foster, America’s first professional pop music writer.

In 2001, Joe released the critically-acclaimed CD “Swanee ~ The Music of Stephen Foster.”  And since 1999, Joe has been working on a documentary film about Foster and the incredible impact of his music on the development of popular culture in the United States.  After working with primary materials, and filming many locations and documents important in Foster’s life and work, Joe has assembled a variety of video clips that are projected onto a giant screen while he and his ensemble perform Foster’s enduring music.

Joe and his group have presented the show, called “Swanee ~ The Life and Music of Stephen Foster,” at venues across the United States.  The show can be adapted for 1000-seat concert halls or for house concerts, and the length can be varied to suit the needs of a variety of concert series.

We will soon be posting a short video description of the “Swanee” show on this web site.  If your organization or venue is interested in booking “Swanee,” then please contact Joe and he will send you a short video demo. 

Here are a few reviews of Joe’s CD, “Swanee ~ The Music of Stephen Foster.”

 “For those interested in American music, this is required listening.”

–The New York Post

“...these performances are some of the best recorded versions of Stephen Foster’s eternal melodies.  For that reason alone, ‘Swanee’ richly deserves to be included in any serious collection of American music.”

–Bluegrass Unlimited

“This is not only the best tribute to Foster’s music that I have ever heard, it is a strong and engaging piece of Americana in its own right.”

–Charles Wolfe