Magpie

Magpie is a US folk duo from Kent, Ohio, made up of Greg Artzner and Terry Leonino. The pair begin performing together in September 1973, and the project remains active. They are based in the Hudson Valley of New York State.

Career

Artzner and Leonino move from Ohio to the Washington, DC area after Leonino finishes her final year at Kent State University. Over the years, they tour extensively, perform in concerts, folk clubs and festivals, and record regularly. They also become closely associated with environmental work, using their music in support of environmental causes and education.

Environmental work

Magpie’s performances support organisations including the National Audubon Society, the National Wildlife Federation, the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Park Service, and Hudson River Sloop Clearwater. The duo also serves as presenters for statewide environmental education associations in the United States. They perform the song “We Belong to the Earth” at Harpers Ferry National Park on Earth Day 1998, after a speech by President Clinton.

Recording

Among their recordings is Sword of the Spirit, a release built around 11 songs, including seven originals, all centred on abolitionist John Brown, his family, friends and associates.