A Life in Song: A Tribute to the Life & Legacy of Bill Vanaver in Music & Dance

With full hearts and deep gratitude, the Bill Vanaver Memorial Fund invites you to a joyful and moving tribute to the life, music, and legacy of William “Bill” Vanaver—visionary musician, folklorist, beloved teacher, and co-founder of The Vanaver Caravan. This memorial concert brings together a remarkable gathering of artists, friends, and family to honor Bill’s life through the art forms he lived for—story, song, dance, and memory.

Featuring performances by Natalie Merchant, Tom Chapin, Guy Davis, David Amram, Cole Quest & the City Pickers, Brenda Buffalino, Matoaka Little Eagle, Ramona Staffeld, Joel Hanna, and more

Bill carried within him an unimaginable wealth of musical knowledge—a global archive housed not in libraries, but in the strings of his instruments, the cadence of his voice, and the sparkle of his spirit. With his passing, we lost a singular musical soul—but through this Fund, his legacy lives on.

It was Bill’s dying wish that the many cultures and peoples of this world be given the chance to fall in love with music the way he did: deeply, curiously, joyfully. The Bill Vanaver Memorial Fund will ensure that his songs—and the songs of future keepers of tradition—continue to be heard.

• All proceeds from this event will support the Fund, helping carry forward the work Bill held most dear:
• Creating new works and world-class touring performances (including America in Motion and The Nine Muses)
• Preserving and sharing Bill’s vast archive of original and traditional music
• Bringing world music and folk traditions into schools and community programs
• Supporting international collaborations and cultural exchange
• Providing scholarships for young musicians and dancers
• Fostering intergenerational mentorship in the performing arts

Whether you knew Bill personally, were moved by his music, or simply wish to honor a life lived in service of song, this evening is for you. Let’s gather to sing, to dance, and to celebrate a legacy that continues to resonate across generations and cultures.