Katzberg, Warren Team Up Again for Baptist Church Celebration

The Baptist Church in Warren continues its 250th anniversary celebration this Sunday, Jan. 12, with a concert that involves one of Warren’s most renowned singers ever. 

Joyce Katzberg will team up again with Jimmy Warren in a concert in the church on the corner of Main and Miller streets. It starts at 3 pm.

Katzberg has been entertaining New England audiences with her blend of topical and traditional, historic and hysterical songs for 41 years. It’s often described as folk-fusion.

Folk music legend Pete Seeger said of Katzberg: "Joyce has one of the best voices I have ever heard -- she is a truly extraordinary person." 

Providence actor, director and author Bob Collona said: "Joyce Katzberg is the Moon Goddess with a giggle. She's the first girl that broke your heart, the jolly big sister you never had, the wise woman in the shack at the end of town, the tough kid that defended you against the town bully and the big hug at the end of a bad day. She's not just entertainment - she is nourishment." 

Katzberg also has been nominated "best female vocalist" by both the Providence Phoenix (1999 and 2001) and R.I. Motif (2005), according to her website. In 2003, the Phoenix included her in their list of "most influential" Rhode Islanders because of her social activism for numerous causes all over Rhode Island for decades.

In 2006, in fact, she was honored by the University of Rhode Island honors colloquium for "career contributions using music as a tool of peace, non-violence and social justice - changing the world one song at a time."

Katzberg also is a founder of the renowned Stone Soup Coffeehouse in Rhode Island, now in its 33rd year. 

Together, Katzberg and Warren have spent many years singing together. Warren also has recorded with Cold Zipper, No Shamus and the Flying Ditchdiggers.

Warren’s song, "Mr. Whiskey" has been recorded and performed by many other artists. He is regarded widely as a mighty fine "guitar-pickin' man."

A free will offering will be collected during intermission to benefit the Historic Rehabilitation Capital Campaign Fund of the church, according to Rick Irish of the Baptist Church. The concert is the second in the 250th series.