Bio

Spook’s 5th and 6th CD’s:
“Pete, Woody & Me, Volume II – Dedicated to the Proposition”
No. 3 CD – May, 2019
“Pete, Woody & Me, Volume I – Keep the Flame Alive”
No. 3 CD – June/July 2016
on the International Folk Radio Charts
No. 2 and No. 3 songs (“Vote” & “Banks of Marble”)

One Sentence Bio:

“The passion, purpose and spirit of American Folk Music are alive and well with Spook Handy and his Remembering Pete Seeger World Tour and concert.”
… Gary Wien – Editor in Chief, New Jersey Stage

Short Bio:

Spook Handy performed alongside Pete Seeger at festivals and concerts more than 50 times from 2003 – 2013 learning firsthand many of Pete’s songs and the stories behind them. Even more, he learned who Pete Seeger was and what he stood for. Spook is now traveling throughout the U.S. and Canada with his “Remembering Pete Seeger” World Tour, keeping alive Pete’s tradition by sharing a few songs by Woody Guthrie (Pete’s most notable mentor), plenty of songs by Pete Seeger and a healthy handful of new songs Spook wrote under Pete’s tutelage.

Spook’s sixth studio album, “Pete, Woody & Me, Volume II – Dedicated to the Proposition” reached the No. 3 position on the International Folk Radio Charts in May, 2019. His fifth studio album, “Pete, Woody & Me, Volume I – Keep the Flame Alive,” held the No. 3 position on the same charts in June and July , 2016 with his original song, “Vote!” reaching No. 2. Recorded with his backup band “The Seed Planters,” the CD is more than just a tribute to Pete. It is a work that, as John Weingart of WPRB Radio says, “certainly rests on the shoulders of the past but is unmistakably steeped in the present.”

Spook was named Best Folk Artist by Upstage Magazine, Gannett New Jersey, The Courier News, The Home News and About.com. His song “Whatcha Gonna Do?” was used in the BBC documentary film “Doomsday Code,” and four of his sings, including “Bring Back Abiyoyo” were used in a theatrical adaptation of Pete’s children’s story, “Abiyoyo.” Spook is a well known speaker and workshop facilitator at festivals, conferences and colleges around the country.

Full Bio:

Spook Handy was No Musical Genius As a Kid ~ He played no instrument, owned no records, and didn’t even have a radio until he was in high school. In fact, he didn’t make the first cut when he tried out for Glee Club in 5th grade.

But he Had a Dream ~ His love for music dates back to his first time watching the Beatles perform on TV and listening to the only contemporary album in the house – “Peter Paul and Mary in Concert.” A seed was planted – a vision, a possibility of still being a fun loving person when he grew up. And little was anyone to know that one day that seed would sprout.

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And The Dream Grew ~It happened on a stiflingly humid New Jersey morning the summer after graduating Rutgers University (Phi Beta Kappa) with a major in Math and Business. Spook had been offered several lucrative jobs in the actuarial field. He had been groomed for this career by his parents and teachers because he was good at math as a child. This day was to be his orientation day at Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company. But…

Spook Always Carried with him a Lust for Living “Outside the Box”~ His “what if” and “why not” questions raised many eyebrows. His unorthodox religious perspectives got him kicked out of Catholic school after 1st grade. And somewhere in the back of his mind he never gave up on the dream he had when he first saw the Beatles and heard Peter Paul and Mary. So, on that fateful morning as he stood in the mirror hopelessly trying to tie his tie, a sudden and unforgiving truth overwhelmed him. The world of convention was not his fate. Sure, math came easy. But his lessons were to be learned through his heart, not his mind. So he put his suit in storage – eventually giving it to the local thrift shop – bought a used Yahama guitar for $50 and set out to follow his heart’s dream.

Today, Spook has 5 full length CDs to his credit with his new CD, “Pete Woody & Me, Volume I – Keep the Flame Alive charting at No.3 on the International Folk Radio Charts in both June and July 2016. ~The CD charted just behind Joan Baez and just ahead of Shawn Colvin and Steve Earle with three songs in the top 20. Spook has written for film and theatre. His original songs have charted as high as #2 on the Folk Radio Charts. He has toured throughout North America playing over 3000 concerts in 47 U.S states and 4 Canadian provinces. And he has MCed over 1300 events including open mics and festivals, facilitated scores of workshops and presented lecture/concerts on the Power of Song at colleges and universities. He has performed with the likes of Peter Yarrow, David Amram, Guy Davis and Donovan. And he had a life altering relationship with Pete Seeger.

Spook Handy and Pete Seeger:

Spook performed alongside Pete Seeger more than 50 times in the last ten years of Pete’s life. In 2003, Pete invited Spook to perform with him a the Pumpkin Festival in Beacon, New York. The two hit it off. What happened that day profoundly changed the direction of Spook’s life. Over the next ten years, Spook learned a lot of Pete’s songs and the stories behind them. And he learned a lot about who Pete Seeger was and what he stood for.

Spook was profoundly impressed with Pete’s belief that each of us has all the tools we need to shape ourselves and our world into what we wish them to be – a belief Spook himself has held for most of his adult life. 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.

“Spook Handy really understands how to write a good song that says something important.”… Pete Seeger

“Spook’s songs embody the same intellectual rattle and simple honesty that have characterized so much of (Pete) Seeger’s career.”… Kim Ruehl – About.com

“I’ve always felt that an individual can leave a positive mark on the world,” says Spook. “I eventually came to realize that the way I could make a difference was through music. The songs we choose are very important because all songs reflect and promote values. We want to sing songs that promote values we can espouse. But, Pete showed me that it’s not just the content of a song that makes the difference. It’s the humanity and the interaction you have with people. That’s what touches people most. Pete knew how to make an audience feel comfortable, get involved in the conversation, and be part of the collective experience.”

Spook new CD, “Pete, Woody & Me, Volume I – Keep the Flame Alive” is is being very well received by media and radio:

“Spook Handy has created a record that certainly rests on the shoulders of the past but is unmistakably steeped in the present….The musical arrangements, … playing … (and) lyrics are rich and delightful.”

… John Weingart – “Music You Can’t Hear on the Radio” – WPRB, Princeton, NJ

“Spook let’s his hammer ring loud and true on a genuinely important album released in a very propitious time.”

… Art Menius – First President of Folk Alliance International

The recording features Spook’s own songs, as well as those of Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie. Spook says, “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 are represented in these CDs.

Genuine Human Interaction

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

One Sentence Bio:

Short Bio:

Full Bio:

Spook Handy and Pete Seeger:

Genuine Human Interaction

Good Honest Acoustic Music

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