Pete Seeger Tribute

It was proposed this week that the New Tappan Zee Bridge be named in honor of Pete Seeger.  I think the even bigger tribute to Pete is already in place and has been for a while.  Pete was a champion of the Hudson River and his work on the Clearwater set in motion the gradual cleaning of the river.  The tribute is the return of the Bald Eagle to the banks of the river.  Growing up I could only see this majestic bird in a zoo, but was told at one time they could be seen along the river all winter long.  Yesterday I drove to Haverstraw Bay Park, which is about 10 minutes from my house.  There were three bald eagles sitting in a tree.  The one pictured here took off north and across the river towards Beacon as if to pay his respects to Pete.  I was able to snap off a few shots as the eagle finished his trip and headed back to his perch along the river.  The river is clean enough to support the eagles again because of Petes work and the people he inspired to take action.  So if you see an eagle along the Hudson (and they are not hard to find now) Say a little word of thanks to Pete.

Keep Makin' Art!
Carl

Farewell Pete Seeger

We lost one of the greats this week.  Pete Seeger passed away at the age of 94.  I first saw Pete on the Clearwater Sloop when I was 11 or 12.  My love of the Hudson River, the banjo and old time American music comes from him.  Thanks for the music Pete!

Keep Makin' Art!

Carl

Pete Seeger - January 19th 2013

 The Master's hand

 Pete Picks a tune with Jim Scott.

I was fortunate enough to see Pete Seeger in concert again.  This time he performed with Jim Scott and also the Walkabout Clearwater Chorus at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Rock Tavern, NY.  Pete is just amazing.  At 93 years of age he carries his own equipment, plays and tells the most amazing stories.  I can think of no better way to celebrate the legacy of Dr King than to sing 'We Shall Overcome' with Pete Seeger and a 150 other folks on a cold night in January, in Upstate New York.  It was an amazing experience.  Pete is still an activist as well.  Some things will never change I guess.  The note above is something Mr Seeger sent to NY Governor Andrew Cuomo to weigh in on the fracking debate.  The man is a national treasure.  If you agree with his politics or not you have to admit he has stood up for what he believed his entire life.  I hope to be able to see Pete in concert for many more years to come.

Keep Makin' Art!

Carl

Pete Seeger - Bearsville Theater - 3/17/12

Last night I had the privilege of seeing Pete and Peggy Seeger in Woodstock, NY.  Pete is a living legend.  As a folk singer and activist based here in the Hudson Valley I have always admired him.  I had a chance to see him on the environmental sloop Clearwater when I was about 12 and have never forgotten it.  The concert was a wonderful event filled with old folk songs and stories.

I hope that when I am 92 I am still getting out there with my camera the way Pete does with his banjo!

Thanks to my friend Nigel for making the trip to Woodstock with me!  I had a great time.

 Pete and Peggy play a tune.

 I love this shot.  The legend quietly watching his baby sister sing.

Master story teller. 

My wish for you all... That you are healthy and have this kind of joy at 92 years old.

Keep Makin' Art!

Carl

Happy 90th Birthday Pete Seeger

Folk Legend, Humanitarian, Activist - Pete Seeger turns ninety today, May 3rd, 2009

Growing up in the Hudson Valley I almost took the name Pete Seeger for granted. He has always been there.. whether it was playing for kids at a school or camp, being the driving force behind the environmental/educational sloop Clearwater , protesting the war in Iraq or the countless other ways he contributes to making the world a better place.

Mr Seeger is a champion for human rights and will fight injustice where ever he finds it. He practically single-handedly brought folk music back into popularity in the 1950's and faced down the house committee on unamerican activities saying "I am not going to answer any questions as to my association, my philosophical or religious beliefs or my political beliefs, or how I voted in any election, or any of these private affairs. I think these are very improper questions for any American to be asked, especially under such compulsion as this. I would be very glad to tell you my life if you want to hear of it." when everyone else was naming names to get of the hook.

Pete Seeger wrote Where have all the flowers gone, Turn turn turn, If I had a hammer and many other famous songs.

Truly one of the great Americans... an inspiration for all of us to do more for mankind. Mr Seeger lives in Beacon NY with his wife Toshi. A Nobel Prize for peace is long overdue for this remarkable man.

To send a birthday message to Pete Seeger:
Pete Seeger

P. O. Box 431
Beacon, NY 12508