Father Ron & Friends is a folk collective led by Father Ron Clingenpeel, a life-long musician who is also an Episcopal priest. He started out playing guitar in 1960s rock bands, covering Top 40 hits, and soon moved into the folk realm, influenced by Pete Seeger, the Byrds, Bob Dylan, and other troubadours of the era. Over the years he picked up the harmonica and ukelele, honed his vocal chops and has delved into funk, Cajun, zydeco, blues, and Western styles, all in addition to the sacred music of the church.  

Father Ron is also a songwriter, composing both liturgical and secular music. Many of his originals are featured on his two recordings, the charming 2022 release On My Way Home and the 2024 follow-up, Forever the Seasons. His songs  “On My Way Home” and “Don’t Let the Fire Die” have garnered Bronze Medals from the Global Music Awards, and the hilarious “Damned Roaches” is not to be missed.

His top-notch Friends include vocalist Barbara Smith-Davis, Robert Eustis, David Schwartz, and Max Valentino and an impressive roster of guest artists. Every live show includes a Singalong component, tapping into the American tradition of singing together, be it at family gatherings, around campfires, or in school.