Spook Handy & the Seed Planters

When not playing solo, Spook is joined on acoustic guitar and vocals by Bob Harris (who toured with Vassar Clements, and Eddie Raven and produced and performed on a Johnny Cash album) and on violin and vocals by Diane Perry.

“The passion, purpose and spirit of American Folk Music are alive and well with Spook Handy…”   – Gary Wien – Editor in Chief, New Jersey Stage Magazine

The Seed Planters

Bob Harris

Bob has recorded on and produced nearly 1000 albums with some of the industry’s top acoustic and country musicians. A member of fiddle legend Vassar Clements’ band for 15 years, Bob won the prestigious Guitar Player International’s “Ultimate Guitar Competition” in 1992 and recorded on and produced Johnny Cash albums. He has had songwriting contracts with Tree Publishing (later known as Sony Tree), Movieville Music and has written with Country Music Hall of Fame writer Jerry Foster.

Bob started playing music at age 2 and wrote his first song when he was 7. In his early years he was fascinated by Bill Monroe and chose to pursue the Bluegrass style. Since his first pro studio recording at age 17, Bob has received numerous first place accolades in guitar competitions, and other awards for music production (including the Independent Music Award).

“Bob is the best rhythm guitarist I’ve ever played with.” – Vassar Clements. “One of the most talented guys I’ve ever worked with.” – Jerry Foster

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Occasionally, the groups expands to include Paul Prestopino (who backed up and recorded for Peter Paul and Mary for 14 years), Ron Greenstein (bass player for the Chad Mitchell Trio) and Gary Oleyar (violin player for Loggins and Messina).

Paul Prestopino

Perhaps you’ve seen Paul on the PBS special staring Peter Paul and Mary. He’s the other Paul – the one who toured as their back-up musician for 15 years. Before that he toured with John Denver, both as a single, and with the Mitchell Trio and is currently touring with Spook or the Chad Mitchell Trio. He’s recorded with these groups as well as with Aerosmith, Pete Seeger, and dozens more. Famous not only for his great accompani- ment but for his signature overalls and different colored socks on each foot, he plays Mandolin, Dobro, Banjo, Harmonica and 12-String Guitar.

Ron Greenstein

Ron rounds out the sound with his upright bass. He also backs up folk icons Tom Paxton and The Chad Mitchell Trio when he’s not gigging with the SHB. He has toured Europe and the US with the Lewis Brothers, and has done stints with the legendary Tanner Brothers, Bucks County Grass, Skookil Express, and Borderline. He also backs up Travis Wetzel and the gypsy jazz band Zazous.

Music seems to run in the family. Ron’s daughter Tylan was part of the internationally acclaimed folk-pop trio Girlyman for its 11 year run, and is now well into her solo singer-songwriter career. And as if that wasn’t enough, one of Girlman’s CDs was produced by none other than Bob Harris and reached #1 on the International Folk Radio Charts.

And sometimes Gary Oleyar

 

For extra kicks, Gary sometimes tags along, too. Gary toured for years with bluegrass legend Vassar Clements and currently tours with Loggins and Messina. His brilliant improvisation and contagious energy compliments Spook’s singing and guitar picking perfectly. Gary plays Violin, Mandolin and Electric Guitar.

 

Spook Handy & the Seed Planters Bio

“The passion, purpose and spirit of American Folk Music are alive and well with Spook Handy…”   
– Gary Wien – Editor in Chief, New Jersey Stage

Spook performed alongside Pete Seeger more than 50 times from 2003 – 2013.  Now he is sharing Pete’s stories, songs and message with his “Remembering Pete Seeger” international tour.  When not playing solo, Spook is joined on acoustic guitar and vocals by Bob Harris (who toured with Vassar Clements, and Eddie Raven and produced and performed on a Johnny Cash album) and on violin and vocals by Diane Perry. 

Spook was named Best Folk Artist by Upstage Magazine, Gannett New Jersey, The Courier News, The Home News and About.com. He has written for theater and film and his 2016 album “Pete, Woody & Me – Keep the Flame Alive” charted at No. 3 on the International Folk Radio Charts.  His original “Vote!” reached No. 2.