Who is Spook Handy?
Spook Handy spent most of the first six years of this particular lifetime growing up on a dead-end road in Montclair, New Jersey. At the end of the road Railroad Tracks proscribed Spook’s domain of childhood play. Mom used to warn him that the tracks meant trouble and there would be severe consequences for playing there! But, beyond the tracks lay a whole world to wonder about – a world to someday explore and conquer. Spook made up all kinds of stories about what happened on the other side of the tracks. Thus, in his formative years, he learned that his imagination and creativity thrived on the other side of trouble. Naturally, when Mom wasn’t looking Spook wandered up to the edge of the tracks and one day took a walk to the other side. At the young age of six he learned that his life was to be lived in the world or creativity and imagination. And for him, the only way to get there was through trouble. So, when he graduated from Rutgers University, Phi Beta Kappa with a BA in math and business, Spook turned down several lucrative job offers in the actuarial field and bought his first guitar – a $50 used Yamaha acoustic.
Within weeks, Howard Schwartz, banjo player in the legendary bluegrass/country rock band Wood N Strings serendipitously moved next door and days after that Spook was working as sound technician and manager of the band. By summer’s end, Spook could strum a few chords and so formed his first duo called the K-9’s (who played mostly dog songs) with his buddy Carl Alderson and soon started an open mic at the college pub. He now runs New Jersey’s longest running open mic – The Spook Handy Show – with over 995 nights under its belt. In 1986, Spook co-founded his first full band, the widely acclaimed Love Project and in 1989 formed a separate project Be Here Now. Spook played his first professional solo performance in 1989 and by 1991 left his bands to travel solo on his first tour – a 5-month sojourn through most of the 50 states.
Spook Handy Music available at http://store.laborheritage.org/
Spook’s Music
The theme’s of Spook’s songs range from spiritual to songs about social responsibility, sometimes blatant, sometimes covert and are full of fictitious and real characters who have walked through his life.
“Spook really understands how to write a good song that says something important.” – Pete Seger
Preview song clips by clicking here
Upcoming Events
Mountain States Tour 2011
Thanks to everyone who helped me fill in dates. It’s the best way to book a tour.
Email me at spook@spookhandy.com if you have ideas
Mar 26: Crumb Brothers House Concert 7:30pm show, doors open 7:00pm
291 S., 300 W., Logan, Utah
Tickets: $13 each by calling 435-757-3468. Seating is very limited so advance purchase is highly recommended.
Mar 27: House Concert 1:00 PM Pot Luck, 3:00 PM Concert $5 – $15 Suggested Donation
Pocatello, ID
Send me an email for more info spook-at-spookhandy-dot-com
Mar 28: Marshall Public Library 6:30PM
113 South Garfield, Pocatello, Idaho 83204 (208) 232-1263
I am very happy to be invited back to this great concert venue.
Mar 29: Guitar Workshop at Red Eye Express Coffee House 6:30 – 8:30PM Suggested Donation $10
7301 South 900 East #18, Midvale, Utah
Thanks Ruthie Naccarato for arranging this.
Apr 1: Su Tearo at the Denver Civic Center 5 – 10 PM
734 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 80205 [720] 434-6415
5:00 pm: Family Folk Songs
7:00 pm: “Spook Handy in Concert”
This is a major fund raiser for the newest non-profit art studio in the Sante Fe Arts District, Gratis Studio. Gratis Studio makes a positive difference in the lives of young people through free programs that advance the study, appreciation, understanding, and enjoyment of the arts. A cause worth my traveling 1800 miles to support.
Apr 2: House Concert 6:00 PM Pot Luck, 7:00 PM Concert $15 Suggested Donation
Longmont, CO
Send me an email for more info spook-at-spookhandy-dot-com
Ever think of hosting a House Concert? Let me know. And visit Concerts In Your Home to learn more.
Apr 3: House Concert 1:00pm Brunch, 2:00 Concert $15 Suggested Donation
Hygiene, CO
Send me an email for more info spook-at-spookhandy-dot-com
Back on the East Coast
Apr 6: Smithsonian “New Harmonies” Exhibit
Asbury Park, NJ
More info TBA
Apr 20: Town of Ballston Community Library 7:00 PM
2 Lawmar Lane, Burnt Hills, NY 12027 (518) 399-8174
“Freedom Is Your Destiny” family show
Apr 30: New Jersey Folk Festival
Douglass College, New Brunswick, NJ
Lots of performers, and food vendors all day!!
May 14: Soup and Song House Concert 7:30PM $15 Suggested Donation
Laurel, MD
For info or to register send an email to Charlie at Soup and Song Productions
Ever think of hosting a House Concert? Let me know. And visit Concerts In Your Home to learn more.
May 18: Songwriting and Effective Stage Presence Workshops
Teen Arts Festival – Somerset County
May 26: Arts Festival
Burlington County, NJ
Private event for special needs children
Jun 1: VSA/NJ Arts Festival 9:30AM – 2PM
Middlesex County College, 2600 Woodbridge Avenue, Edison, NJ – College Center Building 732-745-3885
“The Wonders of Singing” – Workshops and Sing-alongs with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families.
Jun 18: Burlington County Earth Fair: Back to Our Roots 10:30AM – 4:00PM
Historic Smithville Park, Smithville Road, Eastampton, NJ 609-265-5858
Performing sets at 1:00pm and 3:00pm
Featuring vendors, environmental displays, entertainment, kids’ activities, and much more. The theme for 2011 is “Back to Our Roots: Environmentally, Culturally, and Musically.” Visit the “Sustainable Living Tent” that will showcase a wide assortment of earth-friendly solutions for the home.
Jun 21: Reformed Church Home
Oldbridge, NJ
A “Seniors Outreach” program.
Jul 29: Beech Woods Park Gazebo 7:00 PM
Corner of Rt. 1 and 137 Beekman Rd. Monmouth Junction 08852
Rain site: Community Center. 124 New Road, Monmouth Junction
Aug 5: Burlington County Amphitheatre 7:00 – 8:15 PM
5 Pioneer Boulevard,Westampton, NJ 08060 609-267-9660
“The Works of Pete Seeger” presented by The Spook Handy Trio
Aug 14: Beacon Sloop Club Corn Festival Noon – 5PM
Beacon Waterfront Park, Beacon, NY
w/ Pete Seeger and other performers.
Lot’s of good food and corn on the cob, too!
Click here To see pictures of Spook and Pete singing together at the 2006 Corn Festival.
My set time TBA
Nov 19: Echo Lake Coffeehouse 7:30 PM $10/12 sliding scale.
Town Hall, 9 Montague Rd., Leverett, MA (413)-548-9394
My first time playing in Massachusetts this millennium!
Nov 23: Reformed Church Home
Oldbridge, NJ
A “Seniors Outreach” program.
Plus: Many, Many More
For bookings send email to spook@spookhandy.com or call 732-418-1340