SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — The legacy of Jackie Alper, a prominent figure in the folk music scene and a passionate activist, will be honored on March 16, 2024, at Proctors’ GE Theatre. The event, titled “Ms. Music: the Jackie Alper Story,” aims to celebrate her contributions to music and social justice through a curated musical performance.
Starting at 19:00, the event is a collaboration between the Eighth Step Coffee House and various members of the local music community. It promises to be a heartfelt tribute, showcasing the life of Alper through a folk musical that features songs she cherished. This is not merely a nostalgic gathering; the performance includes a structured narrative alongside a handpicked selection of music, providing attendees with an engaging and informative experience.
A Life of Music and Activism
The production has been written and directed by Andy Spence and Sarah Dillon, both notable figures in the folk music community. Spence, the Director Emeritus of Old Songs, has crafted a story that reflects Alper’s significant impact on both local and national levels. The performance will include nine talented musicians, including Ruth Pelham, a close friend of Alper, who will perform and narrate her journey.
Jackie Alper, who passed away in 2007, was well-known not only for her local presence but also as a national figure in the folk music movement of the 1950s and 1960s. A key collaborator with renowned musicians such as Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie, Alper played an influential role in the formation of the Weavers, a pivotal folk music group of the era. She co-wrote a song with Nina Simone and supported Paul Robeson during a concert, further solidifying her status as a versatile artist.
Honoring a Community Leader
Born in Brooklyn in 1921, Alper attended one of the first progressive high schools in New York City. During the 1940s, she was active in Greenwich Village, where she collaborated with notable figures like Seeger and Guthrie to advocate for social issues, including racism, environmental concerns, and workers’ rights. Her son, George Alper, remarked, “If the cause was just, she was willing to do whatever she had to do for someone, whether it was in her immediate family or someone she didn’t know.”
Upon relocating to Schenectady in the 1970s, the Alpers became integral to the local music scene, providing support to venues like Caffe Lena. They frequently hosted musicians, including a young Bob Dylan. Alper was a founding supporter of the 8th Step in Albany and a guiding force behind Old Songs in Altamont. Her dedication to the arts extended to her radio show, “Mostly Folk,” on WRPI-fm, where she showcased a variety of music genres beyond folk, including jazz, blues, and gospel.
In 2024, Alper was posthumously honored with the Thomas Edison Award for Lifetime Achievement, recognizing her commitment to using music as a tool for community building. The dedication highlighted her ability to unite people through music, reflecting the profound impact she had on those around her.
The public is invited to join in celebrating Jackie Alper’s remarkable legacy on March 16 at Proctors’ GE Theatre. Tickets and further information are available at proctors.org.