Spook Handy, creator of songs of peace, hope and survival will perform at the Echo Lake in the town hall, 9 Montague Rd., Leverett, on Saturday, November 19, 7:30 pm.  Admittance is $10-$12. For more info: 413-548-9394

Is it any wonder that Pete Seeger is singing one of Spook Handy's songs? Spook Handy has performed over 3000 concerts in his 23 years of performances, has written hundreds of songs, recorded 4 CDs, and now his own compositions are being performed by over a dozen other musicians. 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 has acquired a reputation for making his performances intimate interactive experiences for audiences to long remember.  His music has been described as "Songs of peace, hope and survival."

One of Spook's goals is to give people some ideas to take home - maybe a slightly better knowledge of the history, geography, culture or values behind a familiar song or a new song they haven't heard before. Music lovers love these tidbits. His recordings are said to "Make you want to get up and do the two-step, while the lyrics will put a smile on your face." And Spook himself has been called "a master of wit" and "worth listening to again and again."

Pete Seeger says, "There's a songwriter from New Jersey really understands how to write a good song that says something important His name is Spook Handy and his song Vote is both funny and to the point. I hope this song becomes nationally famous and helps inspire people to 'get their butts in the booth and pull down the lever!'" "

The lyrical witt of John Prine, the humor of Arlo Guthrie, the sincerity of John Denver , the boldness of Bob Dylan and the courage of Pete Seeger meld into a cohesive unit that emerges full of hope and promise." - Briz