Singer, songwriter and activist Holly Near, with John Bucchino, will perform at Berea College's Phelps Stokes Chapel Oct. 11 at 8 p.m.

As a part of the Stephenson Memorial Concert Series for 2001-02, the event is free and open to the public.

Holly Near

For 30 years, Near has been a voice for world peace and is one of the founding mothers of the genre “women’s music." A native of Ukiah, Calif., Near began singing publicly at age eight. Her early professional careerbegan with performances in films and television shows, and she also appeared in “Hair” on Broadway. Eventually, however, music became her focus, especially the music that articulated the social conditions of the world community, and Near began writing and singing songs. Among the artists she has collaborated with are Ronnie Gilbert, Pete Seeger, Bernice Johnson Reagon, Bonnie Raitt, Michael Tucker and many others.

In 1972, Near founded Redwood Records, which for nearly twenty years recorded and promoted music by politically conscious artists from around the world. She has received numerous awards for her work for social change, including honors from the ACLU, the National Lawyers Guild, the National Organization for Women and was “Ms. Magazine” Woman of the Year. In 2000, Near received the Legends of Women’s Music Award for her pioneering work in lesbian and feminist music.

To date, Near has released 20 recordings and has appeared as a guest on many others. Frequently invited to sing with choruses around the world, she also teaches master classes in performance craft and song writing. She has written an autobiography “Fire in the Rain: Singer in the Storm,” and also has authored a children’s book “The Great Peace March.”

Additional information is available at Near’s website at www.hollynear.com. which includes a statement in response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.