Singer-songwriter John Schindler of Boothbay will perform a set of his folk-influenced original music during the Lincoln County Democratic Committee’s online Frances Perkins Award Celebration honoring longtime Democratic activist Barb Burt on Sunday, May 1, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. 

Schindler’s original approach to songwriting and performing has been recognized by performance spaces and the press across New England. The Amazing Things Art Center in Framingham, Massachusetts, wrote, “John’s songs ring with truth and power. On top of that, the man is a hoot!” SouthCoastToday.com commented, “John Schindler is a natural funnyman, yet has the ability to craft a song that tugs at the deepest personal emotions. With his resonant baritone voice and understated guitar parts, Mr. Schindler is able to command attention and bring a room to complete silence.”

“We’re so very happy that John could find time to join us again for our Perkins Award Celebration,” said Geoff Bates, organizer of the event. “His song, “His Father’s Coat,” which he performed in 2020 to a rapt audience is poignant and moving in all the best ways. I can’t wait to hear what he’ll deliver this year!”

Schindler was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and was influenced early on by that town’s rhythm and blues and his Oklahoma mother’s singing. He spent nine years at a Catholic seminary where, as his website notes, “silence and Gregorian chant were his daily bread.” He later moved to New England where he has developed a reputation for being “a captivating performer and one of the best songwriters you will hear,” as noted by the Bull Run Sound Showcase. Winner of both the 2003 Boston Folk Festival Songwriting Contest and the 2006 Rose Garden Coffeehouse Song Contest, his CD “Memory Train” was named CD of the week on Chicago’s WFMT’s “Midnight Special.” His most recent CD, “Two-Step Man,” was released in 2008.

“I met Barb at an exercise class at the Y in Boothbay Harbor,” Schindler said of his friendship with Burt. “It didn’t take long for me to realize her dedication to progressive ideals, causes I, too, embrace in my music. She’s also a fine writer and, over time, I discovered she studied Music Performance at Boston University,” he continued. “More recently, I’ve noticed she’s been producing LCTV’s ‘Maine Challenge’ and, along with host Betsy Sweet, highlighting issues important to all Mainers. I’m looking forward to being part of an evening that recognizes such a gifted woman!”

The biennial Frances Perkins Award recognizes a Lincoln County Democrat whose actions exemplify the continuing legacy of Frances Perkins, the first woman in U.S. history to serve as a secretary on a president’s cabinet. Perkins’ parents hailed from Lincoln County and she spent her childhood summers on her grandmother’s farm in Newcastle. Appointed by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Secretary of Labor Perkins was the lead advocate of the New Deal for Social Security, the 40-hour work week, workers’ compensation, and unemployment insurance, as well as for laws regulating child labor. Lincoln County Democrats share her values rooted in the needs of working people.

Friends and associates of Burt will have the chance to communicate personal messages and their best wishes through the purchase of online congratulatory advertisements that will be shared during the event. The ad program will be accessible during the reservation process.

Reservations for the online Zoom event are now open and donations in honor of Burt, for those who are unable to attend the event, may be made at https://lincolncountydemocrats.com/fpa. Full details can be found online at https://lincolncountydemocrats.com/award. Questions should be directed to Bates at 644-8776 or via email at info@lincolncountydemocrats.com.

The LCDC uses the money they raise through this and other fundraising initiatives to support their local efforts in Lincoln County. Its grassroots mission is to organize volunteers and communicate with voters in support of candidates who believe in the Democratic ideals and principles of government by, of, and for all the people.