Peter Mulvey is a local treasure. He writes honest songs over decades; now approaching twenty albums. He’s written an illustrated childrens book, given TedX talks and performed thousands of times. What began with a busking approach in Boston subways has blossomed to a career full of amazing collaborations and artistic success. Peter stopped in-studio to sing a few songs and preview his upcoming Iron Horse benefit show along with long time friends and colleagues, Pamela Means and Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem. The show is June 2 and tickets are available at Iron Horse.org

We begin our segment with a live version of Peter’s song “Mailman” in honor of my 35 year Postal career. We chat about his long time collaborator “Goody” Goodrich, his touring and signing on Ani DeFranco’s Righteous Babe Records, and the success of his Milwaukee based duo SistahStrings! The current project involves another like-minded singer Jenna Nichols in a duo called “Floyd Mercantile” with an album to be released in mid June.

We talked about the role of “place” in his career including his birthplace Milwaukee, Wisc. Peter has recorded twice in nearby Fort Atkinson at The Cafe Carpe where important connections were made. Peter began curating a Festival there annually as he bonded with the venue and town. Cambridge’s Club Passim, likewise, has had a special role in Peter’s career. The folk club just celebrated the 30th anniversary of Matt Smith with alumni of that scene including Mulvey’s colleagues Kris Delmhorst, Dinty Child, Zachariah Hickman, Rose Cousins and dozens more.

Peter has been active in environmental issues in both song and career. Peter annually does a bicycle tour form gig to gig to showcase and perhaps mitigate the environmental impacts of touring. We also chatted about social justice songs and issues that Peter felt strongly about. He sang “Take Down Your Flag”, a song written in response to the Mother Emmanuel Church shootings in Charleston, SC. It was a moving and powerful moment. Give the segment a listen in the link above.

Peter Mulvey, Pamela Means and Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem will be appearing at The Iron Horse on 6/2. It is a benefit for The Child Advocacy Center of Hampshire County. The Center provides a coordinated team response to allegations of child abuse in a dedicated child-friendly setting. Suvivors of abuse can access free trauma-informed services to help them heal and thrive.

Tickets are available. Info at ParlorRoom.org or IronHorse.org