Songs of Kate Wolf
Don Murdoch & Marlene McCall

Despite its brevity, the musical presence of Kate Wolf, beloved Northern California folk singer and songwriter, had a significant impact on the folk music scene, and many musicians continue to cover her songs. Born in San Francisco, she started her music career in the band Wildwood Flower before recording ten records as a solo artist. Her best-known compositions include Here in California, Across the Great Divide, the Redtail Hawk and Give Yourself to Love.

Her songs tell stories about the ebb and flow of life. They’re not flashy or exciting, but they’re filled with keen observations, comfort, wisdom, and independence. Looking at life through the eyes of a poet, she describes people, human sentiment, and the rural life of her native Northern California.

She died in 1986, at age 44, after a long battle with leukemia.

Don and Marlene will lead a song circle of Kate Wolf songs. The format will be based on the same general rules employed in the singing room at Faith's – that is, going around the circle and giving each person a chance to either lead or request a Kate Wolf song. Anyone who loves Kate’s songs, singer or instrumentalist, is encourage to come.

Don Murdoch has been a member of the folk club since 2002. Having discovered the spiritual nature of Kate's music, he wants to do his part to keep it alive and share it with others.

Marlene McCall is an active member of the San Francisco Folk Music Club, an organizer of some of its monthly hoots, and an avid believer in the power of participatory music to bring people together. An enthusiastic singer with eclectic tastes, she sings traditional British & American songs (especially ballads), rock & roll, jazz standards, 50s-60s-70s pop, folk and acoustic music.