Wasn’t that a Time – commie history on PBS tonight

I wonder about the timing in light of the threats to defund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, but maybe it’s appropriate.  Wasn’t that a Time is a documentary about the Weavers named for the song.  It was filmed shortly before Lee Hayes’ death and was released at a particularly formative moment for me.  It highlights the breakup of the band in the 1950s due in large part to the financial problems caused by the group’s blacklisting, and their last reunion at Carnegie Hall.  It’s on KEET tonight at 7:30.

Here’s a clip with an interview with Holly Near (raised on the north coast – what is she doing these days?)

In searching for video clips I came across t his reenactment of the HUAC testimonies of Pete Seeger and Lee Hayes interspersed with verses of the title song.  Is it a Mime Troupe presentation?  They used to perform a number of pieces like this at the Lincoln Brigade reunions.

Also recommended and available on Netflix is the biographical documentary about Pete Seeger entitled Power of Song.  Make sure you watch the extras.