That's where this boy first learned
To call himself a man
It was the wind that taught me how to
spread my wings
It was the path that led me on to other things
These are the words of Walkin' Jim Stoltz, an environmentalist musician who, since 1974, has embarked on lone voyages across North America; the Appalachian Trail, the Atlantic to the Pacific, Mexico to Canada, and his present project, a trek from Yellowstone to the Yukon.
Stoltz extracts from these journeys a unique breed of nature-inspired folk, which he will share with State College when he brings his show, Forever Wild, Wednesday to the Unitarian Universalist Church, 780 Waupelani Drive.
Stoltz composes much of his music on the trails that he braves, carrying with him his guitar as he makes his way by foot across untamed land.
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Walkin’ Jim Stoltz
Time: 7:30 p.m. Date: Wednesday Place: Unitarian Church, 780 Waupelani Drive |
He also photographs the wonders of nature he encounters, a practice whose fruits are also incorporated into his live show.
Stoltz' deep voice conveys the message he's discovered through his wanderings, and a 10-foot by 10-foot screen collects images of his photography from two projectors whose pictures merge, blend and regenerate as the music unfolds.
"The whole point of the show is to try to show the beauty and wonder of nature," Stoltz said. "Hopefully that will inspire people to preserve our last roadless areas."
The music itself creates for Stoltz a means through which to continue building upon the 25,000 miles he has already walked.
"I like the independence. I can just make my own schedule.
"The music allows me to take a chunk of time off to continue walking," Stoltz added.
Stoltz' path usually leads him to regions of the country untouched by people, he said. For this reason, his traveling is most often performed in solitude.
"Generally I'm walking in places where there are no people, considering I'm walking where there are no roads," Stoltz said.
"Sometimes I go days or even weeks without seeing another person," he added. "When I do meet people, they're usually out there for the same reason that I'm out there. I've made some good friendships with other hikers that I've met out there."
Stoltz is a founder of Musicians United to Sustain the Environment (MUSE), an environmental organization of musicians that has released a series of nature-
inspired CDs.
Proceeds of the albums the group sells are donated to various environmental causes.
Stoltz hopes, through his shows, to emphasize the importance of taking part in preserving our country's few remaining wild places.
"I think everybody is really receptive. The show's for all ages because it's a vicarious wilderness experience. Everyone still has that universal love for nature,"
Stoltz said.
The multi-media show will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $9 and can be purchased at Appalachian Ski & Outdoors, 324 W. College Ave., Webster's Bookstore Café, 128 S. Allen St., Sunshine Imports, 127 E. Beaver Ave., or Tussey Mountain Outfitters, 224 N. Water St., Bellefonte.
For more information regarding Stoltz or MUSE, refer respectively to these URLs: www.walkinjim.com, and www.musemusic.org.
