Instrument of Change

I read an article that Pete Seeger, performer and activist, had put his banjo head for sale at Ebay to raise money to donate to the relief efforts in Haiti. At some pont he reconsidered, removed the item from auction and decided to raise money for Haiti in some other way. Alternatively, he decided to donate the banjo head to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum instead. Well, at least the banjo head of note will be able to be viewed and pondered by the many instead of the one individual who sought to win the auction.

I recalled seeing Pete Seeger at Avon Old Farms School where, in spring, 2008, Pete Seeger was honored with the first ever Distinguished Alumnus Award. One of my sons attends Avon Old Farms School where Pete Seeger himself graduated back in 1936. Pete Seeger seemed quite fit at 89 years old at the time. He spoke and gave a rousing performance, even singing a new song that he had composed. Pete Seeger is shown above meeting with old friends.

In the above image, see the banjo head while still in action, soon to be displayed in Cleveland, Ohio. If I am not mistaken, the blue jean jacket that Pete Seeger wore that day was awarded to him by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

I decided to leave Pete Seeger alone, however, he seemed so receptive to visitors saying hello, that I introduced myself and reminded him that we had met some thirty or so years prior at Croton Point Park at one, if not the first, of the Clearwater Festivals. At the festival, he was quite friendly to me. It meant a lot to a shy teenager! Pete said "oh" quite knowingly at this recollection and gladly posed for yet another photo. That is Pete and me shown above. He then launched into quite a long discussion with me about how there are extraordinary people everywhere across the country, doing great things in obscurity. I didn't presume to say much. I just listened and payed close attention to the words of this great, great man.