By Noah Lopez
Arizona Daily Wildcat
In the span of 30 years, 32 albums, six songbooks and eight children's books, Tom Paxton has quietly established himself as one of America's finest singer-songwriters.
Tomorrow night Paxton will make his inaugural Tucson performance as part of a benefit for the Tucson Peace Center at the Berger Performing Arts Center.
For more than 30 years, Paxton's folk songs have charmed wide audiences. As a result, his material has been covered by such wide-ranging artists as Pete Seeger, Peter Paul & Mary, U2, Sinead O'Connor and Emmylou Harris. He is also responsible for such folk standards as "Bottle of Wine" and "Ramblin Boy."
In recent years, Paxton has turned his attention to children's music as well, penning such albums as Peanut Butter Pie, A Car Full of Songs and 1992s Suzy is a Rocker. Paxton has also been able to parlay his appeal to children into a successful side career as a children's author.
In line with this change in audience, tomorrow night's concert will provide free childcare, but don't expect a full children's show. The 54-year-old guitarist still has a strong critical vision, leading to the appearance of such songs as "Exxon Marks the Spot," "The Ballad of Danny Quayle" and "Yuppies in the Sky" on his recent adult folk album It Ain't Easy.
Advance tickets are $10 and are available at Bentley's, Hear's Music, the Folk Shop and Loco Records. Door tickets will be $12. For more information, call 327-4809.