Remembering Pete Seeger:
The world doesn’t seem the same without Pete.
It’s been a sad, difficult two weeks since Pete passed. I’ve been writing articles for newspapers, recording spots for radio shows, and talking to people on the phone for long periods of time. I have been able to make it up to Beacon a bunch of times to gather with friends and family. I really missing the guy.
Pete and I played together over 50 times since we met in 2003 and we talked on the phone probably twice a month, sometimes for over an hour. We’d talk about philosophy, the population, early hominids, the founders of this nation, Abraham Lincoln, Native Americans, Ben Franklin, the Neanderthal, Shakespeare, the Bible, Woody Guthrie, Ledbelly, Martin Luther King, new songs he or I was working on, trees, history. I have yet to find anyone else who enjoys talking about these things as much as Pete and I did. Sometimes I’ll bring up a topic to someone and they react as if there is something wrong in having such an interest. Pete and I talked about music theory. Just the other night at a Pete Seeger tribute, I mentioned a little simple theory to another musician and he brushed it off as if it was wrong to care. Among the many things I will miss about Pete is his curiosity and interest in such a wide variety of topics.
This edition of Tales From the Road is different from most others. I’m replacing most of the usual news with one of two articles I wrote in the week after Pete passed.
Here’s what’s in this newsletter:
1. Article about Pete
2. Other News
3. Upcoming Tours
4. Join The Spook Handy Street Team
5. Upcoming Dates – NJ, NY, TN, SC, NC, KY, MO, MB
1. One of two articles I wrote:
What Pete Seeger’s Legacy Looks Like
by Spook Handy, January 29, 2014
I hope everybody who loved Pete or was touched by him even in the smallest way can find a way to get involved with a group of people and sing. It can be in a living room, around a camp fire, at a concert, even in a church. Sing! Whether you sing soft or loud, sing with your heart. Don’t worry about what your voice sounds like. Listen to the voices of others. Listen to the blend and how your voice contributes to the mix. Encourage those around you to join in. Disarm their fears by welcoming them into the circle. This is one of the best ways I know to nurture community. Sing!
Pete’s passing did not come as a surprise. A close friend of mine who grew up with Pete as an adopted uncle told me two years ago Pete would live as long as he had his wife Toshi, he could still chop wood and he could still play music. Early this past summer he still had all three, but by late fall all three were gone or close to it.
I performed a concert with Pete and David Amram on November 14 at the Cutting Room in Manhattan. I was well aware that this may be our last time performing together. Pete’s health was beginning to fail but he displayed a magnificence I’ve rarely seen. Earlier in the day his hands were so swollen that he could not bend them enough to play his instruments. So he took diuretic drinks all afternoon which helped somewhat. He also found it difficult to stand for a long time and we posed the idea that he might want to sit during the concert. He would have none of that. He said people didn’t come to see an old man sitting in a chair.
When we took the stage, Pete came to life. He was excited and happy. His heart was overflowing. Earlier, when we picked out the songs we were going to play, Pete told me that I was going to have to lead all of them because he couldn’t remember them well enough. But when we began, Pete started the set with a song David and I had never heard before, an old folk song, “The Farmer’s Curst Wife.” He did a splendid job and had the sold out audience in the palm of hands by the time he finished the first verse. The rest of the show was all Pete. David and I stood alongside him, instruments in hand, but contributed very sparsely.
What made this show so magnificent was that Pete didn’t have much of voice left to sing with, his fingers were not very dexterous to play with and his memory was not sharp enough to remember all of the words with but he replaced those with a level of humanity that touched every soul in the room. There was no showmanship in this concert. There was just an ordinary man with an extraordinary love for humankind who lived an extraordinary life – a model citizen of the world who loved the ideals of America, loved humanity and cherished God’s creation – a man who understood that the world can be transformed into a better place by building culture, nurturing community and empowering a few dedicated individuals who want to accomplish something important. Here stood a man stripped of all pretension and any thoughts of self aggrandizement or personal gain who only wanted to share music and sing with people. He was completely honest and sincere. No matter that he sometimes took five or even fifteen seconds to remember the next verse to song. He made no attempts to hide that his memory was going. But when the words came to him he shared them as if he were a young boy who had just discovered something new and fantastic.
I particularly remember the song “English is Cur-ay-zee”, written by Josh White Jr. The song is a rap covering many of the crazy idiosyncrasies of the English language like parking in the driveway and driving on the parkway. The song is funny enough as it is. But to hear Pete sing it that night with the innocence of a child was so funny that people later told me it brought tears to their eyes. After the last song Pete got a standing ovation in which the love was palpable. Pete had achieved his greatest accomplishment – one he had done so many times throughout his life. He honestly, sincerely, genuinely touched people’s hearts with love, inclusion, empowerment and encouragement.
The concert can be watched at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qtl7iUIhxU
The day after Pete passed, a group of about fifty of his friends gathered in a private home in Beacon, New York, the town in which Pete lived the last 60 plus years of his life. We did what we always do. We ate food, told stories, hugged and sang. And we sang. And we sang. At first, most songs were one’s Pete had written. Then came originals about Pete. Then came other favorites. The shy fellow in the corner was encouraged to come in and sing for us. He did and we all sang with him. Those who don’t play instruments led songs while others played guitar and banjo behind them or we all sang a capella. Our local opera singer led us singing Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” At one point we all drove down to the local funeral hall and said good bye to Pete in person as he lay in state. Then went back to the house and ate more food, told more stories, did more hugging and engaged in more singing.
Somewhere in the middle of all of this something profound struck me. When it came my turn to lead another song I said, riffing off of a popular protest chant, “People may say ‘Show me what Pete’s legacy looks like.’ Well, THIS is what Pete’s legacy looks like.” And little groups of people all around are carrying it on everyday in living rooms, concert halls, churches and other places where people gather and share food and song. I hope everybody who loved Pete or was touched by him even in the smallest way can find a way to get involved with a group of people and sing!
2. Other News:
2014 will be “A Year of Remembering Pete Seeger.” I will fit in as many “Remembering Pete Seeger” concerts as possible and add songs and stories by and about him to whatever other shows I can. To that end, I’d be happy to be involved in any efforts to put together memorial concerts.
* The Spook Handy Trio/Band: Considering that Paul has also performed and recorded with Pete as well as his playing backup and recording with Peter Paul and Mary for 14 years, I hope I can get some nice concerts for the whole band this year. We have a big show coming up May 2 at the Barron Arts Center. And I’ll do my best to find more.
* Kickstarter Campaign: That’s still in the works. I’ll let you know when it is initiated. Thanks to so many of you who have already expressed an interest in helping out.
And remember, Word of Mouth is still the best way to get the music out. So, if you have suggestions let me know.
3. Where I am touring in the coming months?:
Send your suggestions for venues you think my music would fit in
Kansas City – I’ll be flying to KC in February to attend the Folk Alliance Conference where I will play several showcases and run a few myself.
Europe ?? – This is a long shot, but maybe this summer I can find a way to get to Europe for the first time. I am currently in a conversation with folks in Catalonia.
2014 Autumn Tour – I’m already booked for a two week Home Routes tour of Manitoba in October. I would like to work my way out and back, too. Of the three states I’ve never visited, two are MI and ND. Maybe I can find gigs there. As well as in NY, ON, MI, WI, MN, MB, ND, IA, IL, IN, OH, WV, PA and MD.
Winter 2015 – Back to KC and hopefully setting up a tour to and from.
4. Join The Spook Handy Street Team
Many thanks to all of you who have joined the Spook Handy Street Team – to help spread the word about upcoming events and what this musical venture is about. A lot of people have volunteered over the years to help by doing this or that and it really makes a difference. A lot of “street teammates” have helped by downloading a flier and making 1, 2, 20 or 100 copies and posting them in highly visible places. Others have connected me with newspapers or DJs or concert presenters or important music industry people. Still others have saved newspaper articles. There’s a whole slew of small things that make big differences.
Some things that I could use help getting done are:
posting flier that I will email you.
recording live shows,
taking pictures and managing an archive
maintaining my MySpace page
you name it.
If you would like to join the Spook Handy Street team, write back and let me know. There’s no obligation. I’ll just send you emails a little more often with attachments of fliers or other stuff and its up to you what you want to do with it after that.
4. Upcoming Dates:
I’m spending a good portion of February resting my vocal chords. Then it’s full steam ahead in March.
Feb 18 – 22: Folk Alliance International Conference
Kansas City, MO
Performing Showcases, Presenting and attending workshops
I will also be participating in many Tributes to Pete Seeger
Feb 26: Mercer County Institute for the Arts – Music Mentor Program
Hamilton, NJ
For students ages 8 – 21 with disabilities enrolled in music workshops of Mercer County Institute for the Arts
Mar 5: Mercer County Institute for the Arts – Music Mentor Program
Hamilton, NJ
For students ages 8 – 21 with disabilities enrolled in music workshops of Mercer County Institute for the Arts
Mar 9: Burlington County Library 2:00 PM
5 Pioneer Boulevard, Westampton, NJ – 609-267-9660
I am glad to be back at this wonderful concert series celebrating the library’s new auditorium.
Mar 11: Reformed Church Home
Oldbridge, NJ
A “Seniors Outreach” program. Contact me if you’d like to help get me booked at a seniors event. I like to play about 12 per year.
Mar 12: Mercer County Institute for the Arts – Music Mentor Program
Hamilton, NJ
For students ages 8 – 21 with disabilities enrolled in music workshops of Mercer County Institute for the Arts
Mar 13: Warren County Teen Arts
Warren County Community College
Workshops and Performance Critiques
Mar 14: Warren County Teen Arts
Warren County Community College
Workshops and Performance Critiques
Mar 14: Bayshore Discovery Project Concert Sereis 5:30 PM
Bayshore Center, 2800 High St, Port Norris, NJ 08349
The Bayshore Center at Bivalve was founded in 1988 to “motivate people to take care of the history, the culture and the environment of New Jersey’s Bayshore region through education, preservation and example.”
Mar 18: Forrestdale Elementary School
Rumson, NJ
2013 – 2014 Artist/Songwriter in Residence
Apr 2: Private Event at Piscataway High School
Piscatway, NJ
Songs and Stories reflecting the importance of literacy and literary arts
Apr 6: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the South Jersey Shore 10:00 AM
75 S Pomona Road, Egg Harbor City NJ 08215 – (609) 965-9400
* Leading Service – The Works of Pete Seeger
Apr 6: Hub City Music Festival
Hidden Grounds, 106 Easton Ave., New Brunswick, NJ
Sometime between 4 – 8 PM. With other artists. More info TBA
Apr 22: NJ Meadowlands Environment Center 7:30 PM
1 Dekorte Park Plaza, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071 – 201-460-1700
Earth Day Concert – Co-sponsored by
Bergen County Audubon Society
and The New Jersey Meadowlands Commission
Apr 24: Guest Lecture – “The Power of Song in Social Change”
Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
I am very happy to have been invited back to the “Listening Beyond the Earbud” American Studies class as a guest lecturer.
Apr 26: 40th Annual New Jersey Folk Festival 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
New Brunwick, NJ
Performing on Main Stage – Time TBA +
* Remembering Pete Seeger on Pinelands Stage 3:00 PM
* Apr 26: Remembering Pete in Story and Song 7 PM
Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Rock Tavern, 9 Vance Road, Rock Tavern, NY
$8 in advance, $12 at the door. With many other artists. More info TBA.
Apr 29: Forrestdale Elementary School
Rumson, NJ
2013 – 2014 Artist/Songwriter in Residence
Apr 30: Westfield Memorial Library 7 PM
550 East Broad Street, Westfield, NJ 07090 – – (908) 789-4090
“Spook Handy in Concert”
May 2: Barron Arts Center
582 Rahway Ave Woodbridge Township, NJ 07095 – (732) 634-0413
The Spook Handy Band in Concert – Check back for more info.
May 7 – 21: 2014 Southeast Tour
PA, DE, MD, WV, VA, NC, SC, GA, AL, TN, KY.
May 10: Madison County Library – Richmond – Time TBA
507 W. Main St., Richmond, KY 40475
America’s Story through Folk Songs
May 10: Madison County Library – Berea – Time TBA
319 Chestnut St., Berea, KY 40403
America’s Story through Folk Songs
May 11: “Soona Songs” House Concert
Jonesboro, TN
Please email info-at-soonasongs.com to register and for more info.
May 12 – 14: Highlander Education Center
1959 Highlander Way New Market, TN 37820
Guest speaker at Local 1000 Highlander Retreat
“Carry it On!” – An educational summit on carrying on the legacy or Pete Seeger.
May 15: Cherokee County Public Library
300 E. Rutledge Ave., Gaffney, SC 29340 – (864) 487-2711
America’s Story Through Folk Songs
May 15-18: South East Regional Folk Alliance Conference
Montreat, NC
Workshops, Showcases and most of all sharing community with good hearted people.
May 19: Brewer’s Alley 8 PM
124 North Market Street, Frederick, MD 21701 – 301-631-0089
Featured Artist at weekly showcase
May 22: Back on the East Coast
Jun 4: Tower Center – Hilton Hotel 12 PM
3 Tower Center Boulevard, East Brunswick, NJ, 08816 – 732-828-2000
Free Outdoor Concert (inside if it rains)
Jun 20: The Minstrel Acoustic Concert Series 8 PM – $8
Morristown Unitarian Fellowship, 21 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ, a smoke & alcohol free environment – 973-335-9489
Opening for Liza DeSavino and AJ Bodner
Jul 19: Concert Aboard the AJ Meerwald –
NJ’s official tall ship 5-8 PM
Sailing out of Alpine Boat Basin –
exit 2 off Palisades Parkway, Alpine NJ
A singing cruise of the lower Hudson River.
Open to Public – Registration required. Call 609-633-2060
Who could ask for more?
Aug 5: Carnegie Center 12 PM
US 1, Princeton, NJ
Free outdoor concert. Rain date is Aug 6
October and November: 2014 Midwest States and Canada Tour
NY, ON, MB, ND, MN, IA, WI, IL, IN, MI, OH, PA.
Available for concerts and workshops. Spook would love your help filling his calendar.
“I’ve been to all U.S. state except Hawaii, Michigan and North Dakota. Nor have I been to Manitoba. I’d love to book some gigs in this areas.”
Oct 17 – 30: Home Routes Tour of Manitoba
Manitoba, Canada
14 House Concerts in 14 days. More info tba.
I’d love help filling my calendar both on the way out and the way back.
I’m looking for fill in gigs on my drive out and back.
Plus: Many, Many More!
For bookings send email to spook@spookhandy.com or call 732-418-1340
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