Milwaukee to Hold Annual Larry Penn Tribute Concert November 8

Lil Rev will join six other musicians at Anodyne Coffee Roasting in Milwaukee on November 8 to honor the memory of Larry Penn. The annual tribute concert runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at 224 W. Bruce St.

Penn died in 2014, but his daughter Sharon Monahan continues to organize the yearly event. This year's lineup includes Will Branch, Jim Ohlschmidt, Ed Ellis, Bob and Diana Suckiel, John Stano, and Joe Kudlada alongside Rev.

Penn was a Teamster and folk singer who never sought mainstream celebrity. He toured festivals worldwide, including stops in Russia. His catalog covered topics such as trucks, trains, family, and organized labor.

One of his songs, "I'm a Little Cookie," was recorded by Pete Seeger for Live at Carnegie Hall. It served as the theme song for a CBC children's show and was covered by dozens of other artists.

Monahan, who co-organizes the concert, recalls that Rev was a teenager when he began following her father around to watch his gigs. "Rev is an accomplished musician but fell in love with traditional folk music," Monahan said. She noted that Penn relied on Rev to help him perform during his later years when his health declined.

Rev calls Penn his mentor. Monahan stated that Rev promised to continue the legacy and that the concert relies on his work. "We would not be able to do this concert without Rev's leg work and time," she said.

Monahan is also archiving Penn's life. She is scanning CDs, pictures, videos, letters, and scrapbooks from his 87 years. She is posting the materials on larrypenn.com, where fans can currently purchase his CDs and digital music.

Penn's music often addressed social justice issues. He became involved in the 1960s movement and later focused on labor unions. Monahan said he fought for workers making a living wage, especially when corporations profited from their labor.

He also wrote lighter songs about trucks, trains, and history. Monahan said he was passionate about preserving the history of workers, railroad graffiti, and hobos. She noted that Penn stood up for the "little guy" and the marginalized when he saw injustice.

The event marks the ninth year of the tribute series. Monahan is working on a special project to showcase Penn's extensive talents. She believes his words are simple and poetic, covering stories of history, labor, love, and trucks.