The Spook Handy Show
w/ host Spook Handy

Ran every Tuesday Night (except on Holidays) at the Corner Tavern for 20 years starting Sept 16, 1985!

 The 1000th and Final Show occurred on Sept 13, 2005!

Read article in Upstage Magazine

       The "Spook Handy Show" happed every Tuesday in the basement of the Corner Tavern (corner of Easton Av. and Somerset St.) in New Brunswick.  The show ran from 9:30 PM til 1:00.  Performers were given 20 minutes.  Most spots for any given show were usually filled by the end of the previous week's show.  However, you never knew when you can call or just show up and find an open spot.

       Bob Makin of the Courier News called the Spook Handy Show
"The Premier songwriter scene in New Jersey."

Check out some of the Spook Handy Show Performers

TIME SLOTS:

20 minute spots began at:

9:30
9:55   
10:20    
10:45    
11:10    
11:35    
12:00    
12:30    
  
HISTORY:

       The first Spook Handy Show occurred on September 16, 1985 and ran 1000 times making this the longest running open mic in NJ history.  However, technically, the Spook Handy Show was not an open mic but a talent showcase.  Open mics are open to all and usually have sign ups on the evening of the event.  At the SHS we signed people up in advance.  For that reason the show was always well attended.  It was also well known for its atmosphere of sharing and comradory among musicians.

SOUND SYSTEM:

       We have a sound system with a monitor speaker and two main speakers.  There are 2 SM58 mics with stands and cables and two guitar cables available for plugging in.  Anybody who plans to bring an electric instrument should clear this with me beforehand.  It always helps if you have your own acoustic guitar pick-up but it is not necessary.  Just remember, we have only 2 mics.  The sound board has 8 channels so feel free to bring additional mics if you need them.

PRINCETON SONGWRITERS:

       The Spook Handy Show was affiliated with the Princeton Songwriters, a local chapter of the Nashville Songwriters Association International.  The Princeton Songwriters sponsored monthly seminars at the Corner Tavern on the 4th Tuesday of each month. 

*****

Hey Folks,

Help me fill in the details

     Do you have an interesting fact or story to tell about the Spook Handy Show.  If so, send your comments to Spook@SpookHandy.com .  We would love to post your comments on this page and /or add your name and URL to the growing list of SHS performers and attendees.

Peace

- Spook :->

Who has played at the Spook Handy show? 

Giles Davis - Played Sax with Bruce Springstein.  Also plays keyboards, acoustic guitar, drums - you name it.  When Spook plays an occassional bar gig, Giles often sits in and makes the night even more fun!

Anton Roolaart - Anton hosts a Progressive Rock Webcast 
He's open to submissions by unsigned artists.  Check it out

Steward Brodian - Interesting and diverse performer from Pennsylvania, on air DJ, runs own newspaper and record company.  Also works as a Howard Stern impersonator.

Todd\'s Porch - featuring Jammin' Jersey Jeff Ray, performs at festivals and clubs throughout New Jersey, playing classic rock covers in addition to its 60's-influenced originals. Their latest is the folk-rock single, "Rancocas."