Ms. Music: Jackie Alper Story

A Tribute to Jackie Alper, Her Relentless Fight for Social Justice, and the Music That Inspired Her

“A small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”  MARGARET MEAD

JACKIE ALPER was legend around the Capital Region folk music world, a familiar sight at folk concerts and activist events in the Capital Region recognized for her shirt or vest covered with social justice message buttons. For over two decades, she hosted “Mostly Folk,” WRPI-fm’s popular Sunday afternoon radio show. Her on-air support of folk venues, festivals and artists both known and new helped support one of America’s largest and most vibrant folk/acoustic music communities. Her massive music collection stretched back many decades, and on air she played a wide range of genres.  Contemporary and traditional folk, jazz, blues, bluegrass, comedy, swing, Celtic, Gospel, World were anchored by songs by such great progressive musicians (and old friends) NYC: Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Ronnie Gilbert, Paul Robeson, Len Chandler, Bernice Reagan. Often you could hear her interview one of them on the air. Her music was an expression of her belief that our culture can be changed for the benefit of all.

There’s much more: tales and music from her fascinating life in New York City, Washington, DC, and Schenectady span her involvement with important issues of the day, whether singing or marching for justice, running an office or broadcasting from Troy on Sunday afternoons.

Ms. Music was extensively researched thanks to input from family, close friends, co-workers at WRPI-fm, and more. Come hear Jackie’s fascinating, Forrest Gump-like story and the music that animated her over the years, sung by regional musicians who will always love and admire her. 

Performers, alphabetically, all on vocals: Kate Blain (guitar), Greg Giorgio, Howard Jack (guitar), Ruth Pelham, Charlie Rhynhart (guitar), Toby Stover (piano)), Alan Thompson (piano), George Wilson (fiddle, banjo).