Bob Franke (rhymes with "Yankee") is best known for his wise and spiritually generous songs, along with wrenchingly convincing topical songs and sugared with the hilarious. His are the kind of songs that really do have the power to change the world by being taken into the lives of people. As Tom Paxton says, "It's his integrity. I always think of Bob as if Emerson and Thoreau had picked up acoustic guitars and gotten into songwriting. touches of Mark Twain and Buddy Holly in there, too." Franke began his career as a singer-songwriter in 1965 while studying English literature at the U of Michigan and has since made New England his home. Franke's songs are considered classics, fueled by the real-life lessons taught him in his 30-odd years of playing everywhere. Many famous singers and songwriters have recorded his songs. When not singing, he teaches songwriting workshops.

A two-day Songwriting Workshop will be taught by Bob Franke on Saturday and Sunday, May 17 & 18, (1-4 PM both days). The workshop will be held at: The Arts of the Southern Fingerlakes, 32 West Market St., Corning. The $40 workshop fee includes coffee/tea and snacks plus free admission to the Saturday night Bob Franke concert. Please register in advance by contacting Valley Folk Music at (607) 962-4461 or info@valleyfolk.org

Visit Bob Franke at: www.bobfranke.com