Spook Handy will present "Pete Seeger- The Subtle Evangelist," a sermon in song at Christ Unity Sunday at 11 a.m.
Mr. Handy performed alongside Pete Seeger more than 50 times in the last ten years of Mr. Seeger's life. In 2003, Mr. Seeger invited Mr. Handy to perform with him at the Pumpkin Festival in Beacon, NY. The two hit it off and what happened that day profoundly changed the direction of Mr. Handy's life. Over the next ten years, Mr. Handy learned a lot of Mr. Seeger’s songs and the stories behind them. And he learned a lot about who Mr. Seeger was and what he stood for.
"Spook and Pete shared the belief that each of us has all the tools we need to shape ourselves and our world into what we wish them to be. For some, these tools are within our grasp. For some they are at arms length. And for others they are just beyond arm’s length. But they are all attainable if we work together," officials said.
Mr. Handy is currently working on the first of three “Pete, Woody, and Me” CDs featuring his own songs, as well as those of Mr. Seeger and Woody Guthrie.
Mr. Handy said, “Pete told me, and so many other younger musicians, learn the old songs and the different ways they were sung by different groups of people, but change the words to keep them up to date. Write new verses about the world we live in today. And write new songs that everybody can sing.” All three of these will be represented in these CDs. Volume I is due out by year’s end.
Reviews of Spook Handy
It’s obvious that Spook learned a lot from Pete. Audiences can’t help but participate in Spook’s concerts. They laugh at his stories, sing along with his songs and can’t wait to chat with him after the show. In concert halls and people’s living rooms, Spook shares the pearls of everyday life and extraordinary experiences through songs that sing of our humanity, culture, history, landscape and values. He has been described as:
“a real troubadour in the style of Pete Seeger and Phil Ochs, and a messenger of peace, hope and understanding.”… Jim Beckerman – The Bergen Record
“The audience was with you every step of the way. You enthralled (them) with your exceptional musical talents and warm, charismatic personality.”… Gwendolyn Jones – Garden State Storytellers’ League.
His songs tell the story of contemporary America through the people he’s met, places he’s been and predicaments he’s found himself in – both in his own backyard and in his travels. His easy going manner invites people to step out of their own boxes, open their hearts, engage their imaginations and get involved.
“Exceedingly pleasant and fun to hear.”… Grant Hogarth, KRCL, Salt Lake City, Utah
Good Honest Acoustic Music
Spook can be heard in venues of almost all stripes, from festivals and arts centers to senior centers and churches – from TV and radio to libraries and schools. With a simple Martin D-35 guitar, banjo, harmonica, his own voice and the voices of the audience, Spook presents concerts of good honest acoustic songs that are true to the spirit, passion of purpose of American folk music.
“Spook Handy brings to the stage an awareness and respect for the history and origins of the music. His enthusiasm, music and stories are infectious and draw the audience into the show.”… Dan & Marianne Jackson of the Forksville Folk Festival.