May 18, 2014 with the Folk Music Society of New York (Pinewoods) Serenading 96 Year Old Irving Glazer

Posted on May 19, 2014 by Squeezer

I spent a most enjoyable couple of hours on Sunday accompanying members of the Folk Music Society of New York (Pinewoods) serenading 96 year old Irving Glazer at the Fairview Nursing Care Center in Queens. The music and showing of friendship by Irving’s friends brought great joy to him and his son Mark. The power of shared music and musical memories to lift people’s spirits is truly amazing!

Filthy Rotten System at May 2, 2014 First Friends of NJ & NY Dinner Honoring Fr. Jack Martin, A Dedicated Advocate for Immigrant Families

Posted on May 5, 2014 by Squeezer

The Filthy Rotten System (FRS) was honored to play at St. Helen’s Church in Westfield, NJ for the annual dinner of First Friends of NJ & NY, a wonderful organization that supports and advocates for detained immigrants and their families. The Honoree Father Jack Martin has dedicated his life to the cause of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Chris Hedges gave a moving presentation.

Father Jack (center in white shirt) and the FRS (Leader Bud Courtney, Jim Reagan, Jeff Schneider, and Paul Stein were present) closed out the evening with the 200 guests singing a heartfelt “We Shall Overcome”. Photos by Karen Long

May Day 2014 Rally for Workers’ and Immigrants’ Rights – Union Square – Manhattan – With Occupy Guitarmy

Posted on May 1, 2014 by Squeezer

Thanks to Jerry Levy for vividly capturing the moment.

April 27, 2014, El Día de los Niños Celebration at St. Jacobi Lutheran Church in Sunset Park, Brooklyn

Posted on April 28, 2014 by Squeezer

About 20 or 25 children and I kept quite busy with musical chairs, the hokey pokey, and smashing the piñata (look up to see 1 of the 2 colorful piñatas) among other activities. Children and parents who were not playing a game enthusiastically accompanied the accordion on rhythm instruments. A good time was had by all. Thanks to Juan Carlos Ruiz for the photo.

Jon Batiste – Stay Human band show at Webster Hall, April 19, 2014

Posted on April 20, 2014 by Squeezer

Elena and I had a great time at the Jon Batiste – Stay Human band show at Webster Hall last night. He is an incredible jazz pianist and all-around musician and entertainer! I feel very lucky to have had three opportunities to join Jon (and some of his bandmates) and other musicians in melodica parades in Manhattan as part of the Make Music New York program. Thanks to Elena Schwolsky for the photo.

Peoples’ Voice Cafe Tribute to Pete Seeger on April 12, 2014

Posted on April 14, 2014 by Squeezer

One of the more endearing performances (SPOILER ALERT – the young daughter of the singer Joel Landy with another young friend steal the show, but he still manages to do a rousing job) at the Peoples’ Voice Cafe Pete Seeger tribute sing-along this past Saturday night. It was a wonderful evening with many great folk/protest singers on stage and over 200 people joining in. Margaret Pinskiy and I mixed and miked the show.

Peoples’ Purim: Jewish Voices for Peace & Justice at the Peoples’ Voice Cafe in Manhattan on March 15, 2014

Posted on April 11, 2014 by Squeezer

Had a great time on the accordion, claviola, and melodica at this progressive Purim party with Robin Greenstein on the guitar, banjo, and doumbek! We played and sang in English, Yiddish, Hebrew, and Ladino, and the crowd sang along and danced. Elena Schwolsky made and displayed cue cards to aid in the sing-along. Steve Suffet updated the Purim story with humor. What fun!

The Filthy Rotten System in Union Square – April 5, 2014

Posted on April 5, 2014 by Squeezer

The Filthy Rotten System band led by Bud Courtney at the Kairos Imagine a World Without War Peace Vigil. Members playing today included Anthony Donovan, Jim Reagan, and Paul Stein. Photo by Anthony Donovan.