Spotlight on Alan Graf – Activist Musician
Local Music Makers
His songwriting influences are Bob Dylan, John Lennon and Sting. Which stands to reason since he loves a lot of words like Dylan, he writes universal message-songs like Lennon, and his arrangements are engrossing, like Sting.
This month, I am pleased to introduce to you “activist musician,” Alan Graf.
“Back Porch Hurricane Blues ” by Alan Graf
‘Sittin’ on the back porch dealing with back pain, recovery from a hurricane
Is anybody still sane? It’s 85 in late October…who’ll be president when it’s over?’
I met Graf earlier this year when I accepted his invitation to partake in a fundraiser he was organizing for Beloved Asheville. As an events planner and producer myself, I was impressed with the flow, the caliber of players, the turn out.
The general communal vibe that night at The Rivers Arts District Brewing Company was felt by all who were fortunate to be in attendance thanks to Alan Graf.
Alan was gracious enough to roll with my busy schedule and accepted my invitation this time, to address a few potent and particular questions I wrote and emailed to him last month. His answers below will help us all get to know this first-class guitarist and persuasive and provocative songwriter better.
When did & why did & from where did you move to WNC?
My wife Eleanor and I moved to Asheville two years ago from Floyd, Virginia. We stayed in Floyd for 10 years because I wanted to learn Bluegrass and Old Time music and Eleanor’s mom lived close by. After ten years we moved here to be closer to kids and to experience a more inclusive, celebratory culture.
Did the music scene here influence that decision any?
Yes. I have been a musician since I was ten, playing classical piano and then rock, rhythm and blues and folk guitar. I was ready to return to my roots and I’d heard that the music scene here was diverse with great players. I want to always play at a high level and to collaborate with other songwriters. This area gives me opportunities to continue those efforts.
Was it your intention then, to put a band together?
Absolutely! I wanted to do a project that featured my original material. That has come to fruition with our band “Rock While Rome Burns.” George Gelish is a singer/songwriter and our bassist who contributes fifty percent of the original material we do and John Burke is on drums.
What’s the reference in your band name?
Since it feels like Rome is actually burning right now, it’s an oblique; a tongue and cheek reference to how we all deal with the earth getting hotter, never ending wars and rampant inequality.
What are a few things or subject matters that influence your songwriting?
As an activist musician, I am on a mission to change the world. I am also a civil rights lawyer. Law and music are tools in my activist tool box. My goal is to write songs that stimulate people to think about the world at hand; to think about their neighbors and friends more.
How do you introduce a new song to the guys?
From my living room I video record to my Facebook timeline, a “draft” version of the song. And then I wait for reactions. We work on the song at our rehearsals and inevitably together we develop the tune into something bigger and more collaborative.
How has it been jockeying for position & acquiring gigs?
Coming into the Asheville scene as an old guy, it’s been difficult to get recognized. So we have produced some benefit and fundraising shows to make connections that way. We play on the streets anytime we want to. At the end of the day, we’re working on our art, and if someone wants to hear us, it will happen.
Tell us about the video interview series that you’ve been recently producing.
I have been a movie producer and talk show host in other parts of the country in places like Austin, Texas and Portland, Oregon. So as a way to incorporate those skills and continue my desire to play host, I created my series called: “Asheville Music and Revolution.” Readers can find episodes on my YouTube channel.
Are there musical goals you are currently accomplishing and what is a goal you set your sights on now, not yet accomplished?
At the ripe old age of 74, my goal and mission as an activist and songwriter is to raise consciousness, spread joy, get people dancing and do what I can to make the earth a better place for all. I have memories of gigs I did in Guatemala, Portland, Austin, New York and Nashville where I’ve played for hundreds, sometimes thousands of people. I’ve been part of what I might term a communion (this coming from a Jewish guy) where everyone in attendance felt like they were part of something bigger than any individual; and at that moment in time, we were free. If I could capture that again, it would be great.
Rock While Rome Burns’ debut album is called “Blood of This Land” and can be streamed or purchased on Apple Music. They are currently in the studio working on their sophomore release.
Catch the band live on January 10, 2025 from 6pm-9pm at the Auction House in Fletcher.
Peggy’s January schedule:
1/2/2025 – Acoustic Roots & Blues with Kelly Jones & Peggy Ratusz, The River Arts District Brewing Company, 6pm-8pm
1/4/2025 – Invitational Blues Showcase, One World West 4pm-7pm
1/11/2025 – Connestee Country Club, Brevard, NC, 7pm
1/16/2025 – Linda Ronstadt Tribute: Acoustic Roots & Blues with Kelly Jones & Peggy Ratusz with guest artist Paula Hanke. The River Arts District Brewing Company 6pm-8pm
1/17/2025 – Peggy Ratusz & Daddy LongLegs Blues Band, Highland Brewing Company 5pm-8pm
1/26/2025 – Sunday Funday with Adam Rose & Bob Songster, Southern Appalachian Brewing, Hendersonville, 4pm-6pm
Peggy Ratusz is a vocal coach,
song interpreter, and songwriter.
For vocal coaching email her at
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