In this unique, upbeat concert Ed Mc Dade sings the songs that tell the stories of America. The program covers a wide breadth of American songs and American songwriters (some well known, some lesser known, some unknown). It gives hopeful voice to the early songs of Steven Foster, "Hard Times Come Again No More" and travels the deep hollows of Appalachia with authentic renditions of "Shady Grove" and "Darlin' Corey." It jumps to the raucous ragtime of Hughie Cannon's "Frankie & Johnny" & "Bill Bailey, won't you please come home", while honoring the struggles of "John Henry" and the working man's tale of "16 Tons." It revels in 1930's (depression era) pop with Dorothy Fields' "Sunnyside of the Street" and breathes life into the beautiful ballad "Irene Goodnight"(as by H. D. Ledbetter)then grooves to the lush and dreamy "Summertime" of George Gershwin. Songs of protests and struggle come alive with Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind". The ever popular Fats Waller's "Ain't Misbehavin' " is featured along with the joyfully optimistic "Blue Skies" of Irving Berlin. Mr. Mc Dade also includes some of his original music in this program. "Always Wanted to Do It" (an award winning tune about a Vietnam veteran), and "Endangered Species" (a look at what we are losing and might ultimately lose). Two slide presentations enhance the show. The first is set to the music of Willie Nelson, "Livin' in the Promise Land." It examines the trials and struggles of early 20th century Immigrants. The second is set to the poem/music of Katherine Lee Bates, "America the Beautiful." It explores the diverse lands and peoples of our vast country.

The Philadelphia Inquirer commented, "Well sung..., impeccably played". The Reading Eagle remarked, "Powerful… uses his voice like an instrument". The Buhne Magazine (Ulm, Germany) wrote, "Grabs the listener… good guitarist." With a warm, baritone voice, lively guitar techniques, a ringing banjo and wailing harmonicas, Ed Mc Dade presents an entertaining and inspiring concert. Come "Celebrate American Song" for these songs truly are your songs and "This Land" truly "is Your Land."