Peter Yarrow is one of the great 20th- and 21st-century folk artists. From his many successful years with the group Peter, Paul & Mary to his solo career, he has committed his talent as a singer and songwriter to convey messages of universal humanity, compassion and caring.
Fans unaware of his DLAM project will want to check out this poignant and completely heartwarming family concert Sunday at the Hylton Performing Arts Center on the Prince William Campus of George Mason University.
DLAM or “Don’t Laugh at Me” is a song written by Steve Seskin and Alan Shamblin. Its powerful anti-bullying message became the impetus for the creation of Yarrow’s 1999, nonprofit organization called Operation Respect, which is committed to building a climate of self-esteem as well as consideration and regard for every student in schools throughout America.
| Onstage |
| Peter Yarrow |
| Where: The Hylton Performing Arts Center, George Mason University’s Prince William Campus, 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas |
| When: 2 p.m. Sunday |
| nfo: $15, children $5, 888-945-2486, hyltoncenter.org |
The idea of using classroom tools to teach these principles (in programs designed for primary and middle schools,) is that when properly applied, they become an integral part of building a safer and more respectful environment for children.
“Listen to these lyrics,” Yarrow said softly as he began to sing, “‘Don’t laugh at me, don’t call me names; don’t get your pleasure from my pain …'” He paused, and then whispered one word: “Powerful.”
Sunday afternoon’s performance is filled with interactive fun. “When children are singing together they are not thinking of hurting one another,” Yarrow explained. And so,
with voice and guitar, Yarrow presents iconic folk favorites, such as “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “If I Had a Hammer,” and the perennial children’s favorite, “Puff the Magic Dragon.” He will also teach the children how to sing the program’s anthem, “Don’t Laugh at Me.”
“Through Operation Respect, Mr. Yarrow has reached more than 10 million children across the globe,” said Thomas Reynolds, the director of artistic programming for the Hylton Performing Arts Center. “We are thrilled to welcome Peter Yarrow to the Hylton Center for what we know will be a memorable experience for the whole family.”
