January 26, 2015 Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) Protest Rally and March in Manhattan

March to Senator Schumer’s office from the rally outside the Sheraton New York to stop implementation of the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP). My accordion provided musical accompaniment for the march, as well as for the Raging Grannies at the Sheraton rally. About 130 folks rallied in the cold and snow. I led the singing of “We Shall Not Be Moved” at the Sheraton and “We’re Gonna Stop the TPP” (to the tune of “We’re Gonna Roll the Union On”) outside Senator Schumer’s office building for a couple of dozen intrepid protestors who made the march. My accordion was well-protected from the snow by the rain poncho. Thanks to Owsspag Apollo for the photo.
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Thanks for this photo to Jason Cone of Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).

Christmas Day 2014 Holiday Dinner at the Goddard Riverside Community Center in Manhattan

http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/pope-francis-calls-peace-christmas-day-speech-article-1.2056832 I had a wonderful time on Christmas Day entertaining diners waiting to be seated or to take out meals at the Goddard Riverside Community Center holiday dinner in Manhattan. Thanks to David Wexler and the New York Daily News for the photo featured in an article describing the dinner. Please scroll down the article for the text and picture.
Goddard Riverside 2014 David Wexler for New York Daily News

Saturday, October 11, 2014, the Filthy Rotten System at the Peoples’ Voice Cafe in Manhattan

The Filthy Rotten System had a great time with a large, enthusiastic audience at the Peoples’ Voice Cafe and were fortunate to share the evening with talented Michigan singer/songwriter Steve Deasy. We are leader Bud Courtney on rhythm guitar, banjo and vocals, Jim Reagan on rhythm guitar and vocals, Jeff Schneider on lead guitar, Anthony Donovan on harmonica and vocals, Ray Todd on trombone, Brian Hynes on bass guitar, Jack Courtney on drums, and Paul Stein on accordion. Unfortunately, Jack Courtney and Ray Todd are obscured in this view.FRS PVC 10-11-14Photo by Dennis Flores

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

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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

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.

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Playing the Claviola at the Master Class & Concert Series of the American Accordionists’ Association

On the evening of Saturday July 27th, I played the Claviola with my teacher William Schimmel on the accordion in concert at the 19th annual Master Class & Concert Series in Manhattan sponsored by the American Accordionists’ Association and curated by Dr. Schimmel. It is hard to believe that I have been on the program all 19 years. Saturday afternoon, I conducted a workshop about the Claviola and the melodica (along with Bill). Thanks to accordionist Mayumi Miyaoka for capturing the moment. It is a very humbling experience for me to be surrounded by so many incredibly talented musicians.
Claviola at Tenri 2013