BOISE, Idaho (17 October 2019) – The Peregrine Fund announces a new collaboration with Marcus Eaton, a singer-songwriter hailed by David Crosby as one of the best in America, “maybe even the world.” His new video “Handed Down,” will be released on Thursday, October 24 at marcuseaton.com. The release coincides with the upcoming celebration of The Peregrine Fund’s 50th anniversary in 2020.
“‘Handed Down’ perfectly describes where we find ourselves in conservation today,” says Erin Katzner, The Peregrine Fund’s Engagement Director. “We’ve been given a priceless legacy by those who saved the Peregrine Falcon and other species from extinction. Handing down their vision and call to action to the next generation is the most important thing we can do.”
Marcus Eaton’s love for birds of prey stems from his upbringing in the mountains of Idaho, when he became a falconer at age 14 and helped heal and release injured birds. His father, Steve Eaton, is a beloved icon of the Idaho music scene, and longtime songwriter for artists including Art Garfunkel, The Carpenters, and The Righteous Brothers.
“When I was young, my parents introduced me to Morley Nelson, a legendary falconer and pioneer of raptor conservation. From his home in the foothills of Boise, Idaho, I watched in wonder as his trained Gyrfalcon took to the skies,” recounts Marcus. “Since then, I have been completely entranced with birds of prey.”
“Birds of prey are vital to our world, and with the ongoing destruction of the environment from human activities, the work of The Peregrine Fund is more important than ever. I am proud to partner with The Peregrine Fund and I hope my song will help raise awareness for this invaluable organization so that future generations can continue to look to the skies and experience the same sense of wonder.”
Marcus received recent acclaim for his original score for the new documentary “David Crosby: Remember My Name.” His friendship with the iconic musician (of Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young fame) began in 2010 when Crosby asked him to collaborate on ‘Croz’- his first solo album in 20 years.
During this recording, Marcus introduced his brother, filmmaker A.J. Eaton to Crosby -- which sparked A.J.’s interest in making a film about this rare musical renaissance. A.J. approached Cameron Crowe to produce the documentary that premiered at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival that Rolling Stone called “one of the best rock docs of all time.
Marcus will perform “Handed Down” at The Peregrine Fund’s 50th Anniversary gala on May 2. The gala is the culmination of a 2-year effort by FUNDSY (an organization that raises funds for brick-and-mortar projects for Idaho non-profits) to expand the World Center for Birds of Prey. The planned expansion will allow The Peregrine Fund to double the number of visitors and children who can experience nose-to-beak educational programming at the center. Tickets are available at www.fundsy.org.
