Phil and I met Karl in 1999 on a folk dance trip to Turkey which he co-led with Bora Ozkuk. We remained friends ever since. For our 20th anniversary in 2009, Karl came to FFD and performed a tune which he had written for our anniversary. I am also a "local" representative of the Karl Finger folk dance friends group who worked this fall to host an 85th birthday party for Karl at his facility in Great Barrington on November 10th, which sadly had to be cancelled due to a significant downturn in Karl's health. While some of you may have already been informed of the sad news of Karl's passing on January 1st, I wanted to be sure that you knew that he had passed. Please share this news with friends whom we might not have managed to contact. Also, apologies if you have received multiple notifications. Our group is now helping his family organize a memorial gathering. I am our group's link to Karl's family, so I am including below a copy of the announcement our group has written about Karl, and the family's plans to organize a memorial in the Spring. Please contact me if you would like to be a part of planning the memorial, or to receive notification when it has been scheduled. Karl's family would appreciate contributions from Karl's friends. With gratitude for all that Karl shared, and for all the people whose lives he touched, I am Jacqui Horwitz Hopkinton, MA 508-740-0996 Dear Friends of Karl, Our dear friend, Karl Finger, passed away peacefully at the age of 85 in Great Barrington, MA, on January 1st at 3:40 pm. After many years of dealing with his Parkinson’s Disease, Karl was admitted to the Skilled Nursing Facility, Fairview Commons, in Great Barrington, in December, 2022. Staff there enjoyed his humor and really helped him be as comfortable as possible. As recently as this past summer, a few of us dancers got to visit with him and he joined us in a dancing performance for his fellow residents. But about a month before his 85th birthday party, Karl's physical health started to deteriorate rapidly. Karl has touched so many people with his energy and determination. Just one example: Irene Gold, who knew Karl from Chait’s Hotel events, texted me: “Karl Finger was an icon, a hero, and one of the kindest people I have known. He taught us to dance and sing and he taught us about compassion, humility, kindness, justice, and speaking (or singing) our voices for those who had no voice. A Memorial Gathering will Take Place Later this Spring. Karl and those who knew him would appreciate a memorial gathering to celebrate his life. So, plans for a spring Memorial Celebration, in-person and on Zoom, to honor all that Karl did throughout his life are already underway. More information will be available soon. If you have ideas and/or interest in planning the event, please (if on FB: Direct Message me) (or if email: email jacquihorwitz@gmail.com <mailto:jacquihorwitz@gmail.com>) and she/I will let you know how you can participate. To remember Karl, we hope you will sing a song … and do a dance … Sincerely, Adrian Alcala and Sharon True, Great Barrington, MA Elaine and Peter Sohn, Brooklyn, NY Jacqui Horwitz and Phil Mason, Hopkinton, MA Murray and Randi Spiegel, Roseland, NJ Steve and Emily Steiner, Scarsdale,NY We will miss Karl! Adapted from Karl’s Facebook Page: Karl Finger was a notable folk singer and guitarist, recognized for his heartfelt storytelling and melodic compositions that resonate with the roots of traditional folk music. With a style that blends classic folk elements with contemporary influences, Karl's work often reflected themes of nature, love, and social issues, drawing from a rich tapestry of cultural narratives. His guitar skills were characterized by intricate fingerpicking and rhythmic strumming, which complemented his evocative lyrics. Over the years, Karl built a dedicated following through live performances internationally, showcasing his ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level. His discography includes several albums that highlight his evolution as an artist and his commitment to preserving the essence of folk music while also exploring new musical landscapes. Karl's contributions to the folk genre are not only significant in terms of music but also in fostering a sense of community among listeners and fellow musicians. Jacqui Horwitz jacquihh@mac.com 508-740-0996