David Drake

DAVID HB DRAKE has been called a “gentle troubadour” and an “elemental folksinger”.  The waters of the Great Lakes flow in his songs, feeding the rich Wisconsin prairie where his music takes root.  His love of the earth, of good work, and of each other blend in an evening of original writing, traditional songs, and works by contemporary singer/songwriters in the folk tradition.  The echoes of his mentors Tom Paxton, Phil Ochs, Stan Rogers, Harry Belafonte, Paul Simon, Gordon Lightfoot, Pete Seeger, and Gordon Bok are woven in his music.

David served as the resident musician /folklorist for the “Denis Sullivan”, Wisconsin’s flagship Great Lakes schooner for 30 years. He has been shantyman aboard the “HMS Bounty” and “Clearwater” and has been a professional actor, dancer, and swordfighter.  DAVID HB DRAKE has appeared on Wisconsin and National Public Radio, public television, and in concert at festivals and stages throughout the Midwest.   Performances over 40 years include Summerfest and Irish Fest in Milwaukee, Annapolis Maritime Festival, Ashland Folk Festival, and Door County Maritime Festival, The World Sing-out for Peace, and at a labor and environmental rallies alongside Pete Seeger.  

David was named the Wisconsin Area Music Industry’s 2002 Folk Music Artist of the Year and 2001 Family Music Artist of the Year.   David was awarded the 2001 Community Arts Development Award from the Wisconsin Assembly for Local Arts for his work with the homeless, social causes, the environment, and mentoring young artists and arts groups.  

He was honored as the 2003 “Lantern Bearer” Recipient by the Folk Alliance Region Midwest organization for his lifetime of work keeping folk music alive. His KIDSTUFF album received an Honor award for Audio Recordings from Parents’ Choice Magazine.

What energizes you as you consider the future of the arts in Wisconsin?

At 77 years old with over 40 years and probably over 3000 shows performing professionally, mostly in Wisconsin, what energizes me is the pathetic support Wisconsin gives its artists (49th out of 50 states, and it’s been that way for most of the past 50 years).  Rather than quit (or retire), I keep on providing quality programming to the people of Wisconsin in spite of the lack of support.  Almost no one else can do what I do, so it’s my responsibility to keep on sharing the knowledge as long as I can.

Where can we find your work?

You can find David’s work at his website here: www.davidhbdrake.com