The Eighth Step at Proctors will premiere “Ms. Music: The Jackie Alper Story,” tracing the life and times of the late musician and activist Jackie Alper and the music that animated her on Saturday, November 1 at the Eighth Step at Proctors in the GE Theatre. This new ‘folk musical’ of story and music was written by Andy Spence & Sarah Dillon.
Jackie Alper (1921-2007) believed in the power of song to bring about social change, promote spiritual connection, and influence cultural movements. The music of resistance can inspire others to show up, organize, march, pay attention and help advocate for a more just world.
On November 1, the premiere of “Ms. Music: the Jackie Alper Story,’ will present a folk musical tracing the life, times and music of an influential musician, folk radio host and local legend, and an extraordinary lifelong social justice advocate who was part of some of the 20th century’s most important movements toward social justice.
Jackie’s story started with a child of activist parents who themselves worked for social justice, and often took her along. She attended one of New York City’s first progressive schools, and came of age as the contemporary folk wave took hold and lived through WW II. She found herself part of a community of performer activists who fought against fascism, believing in the power of music to profoundly influence people and inspire support at home.
Her colleagues Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Len Chandler, Tom Paxton and others dedicated their talent and energy to supporting unions and fair working conditions, joining the war effort, fighting against poverty, later resisting the McCarthy Committee witch hunts, and – fast forward to more contemporary times – writing music that spoke truth about racism, environmental degradation, women’s rights, worker’s rights, gay rights – and so much more. She was there for it all.
Jackie Alper was inducted into the Thomas Edison (“Eddies”) Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs in 2024 for her contributions to the music and community of the Capital Region and beyond. Ms. Music was written and directed by Old Songs Director Emeritus Andy Spence & Sarah Dillon from interviews with Jackie’s son and close personal friends, an interview by Ruth Pelham with Jackie, and from close colleagues through music, activism or WRPI-fm.
The cast of “Ms. Music: The Jackie Alper Story” includes Kate Blain (vocals), Greg Giorgio (narration, vocals), Howard Jack (bass, vocals), Ruth Pelham (narration, vocals), Mike Slik (dobro, steel guitar, vocals), Charlie Rhynhart (guitar, bass, vocals), Toby Stover (keyboard, percussion, vocals), Alan Thompson (keyboard, vocals), George Wilson (fiddle, banjo, 12-string guitar, vocals).
Doors open at 6:30 pm; 8th Step at Proctors (GE Theatre) is accessible; free audience parking is available around the corner in the Broadway Garage. Tickets are $26 general advance / $28 general day of show / $40 Gold Circle (front center section seats & 6 pm Artist Reception onstage), available online at 8thstep.org.
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