He was Uncle Andy to me (and my two sisters Julie and Leslie) and was definitely the “cool” uncle, partly because he was much younger than our parents, but mostly because he was Andy! He spent some time in Cincinnati (1969-1970?) and it was always a treat when he was there.

One of the biggest impacts he had on our lives was that he gave us a puppy – Buffy was a golden retriever that Andy had named “Bufferin” because he could cure any headache. He was a big part of our family (my best friend) growing up and to this day I feel like a house isn’t a home without a dog.

Andy also introduced us to great music. He always had his guitar and loved to entertain us kids. One memory I have is seeing “Andy and Frank” at a club in Cincinnati called Reflections. I am sure my sisters and I were the only kids there. He may have had to pull some strings to get us in underage. He also shared records with us – Blind Faith, Derek and the Dominoes and of course the Beatles. This helped spur a lifelong love of music, record collecting and going out to see live performances.

I was a shy kid and seeing how Andy could instantly connect with people – I was in awe. There was just something about him that was so genuine. More recently, I remember a conversation I had with him about my job. He didn’t ask superficial questions like if it paid well, or if I managed others – his questions were more like – “Do you feel like your coworkers appreciate you?” 

He knew what was important in life!

I knew Andy from Jamaica Plain.    I lived there when he and Helen H were campaigning to establish the Arts Council in the Firehouse.      Good times!

I did not know him well,  but he was a great presence.

My condolences.

Andy loved life and people. He communicated this love through music and taking the time to sit and talk. I spent many great years with Andy when he lived in JP--first in the apartment he rented and then upstairs when he taught part time. He would commute to ensure so he could spend time with Annie, the love of his life.  When my granddaughter was born he serenaded her and as she got older showed her the beauty and freedom of music. I will miss him!

Bruni

While it was hard to get to visit all of VSA’s teaching artists, I never missed my excuse to get out of the office and make my annual visit with Andy at the BC Campus School.  It was always a truly joyous event that uplifted everyone involved and gave me all the motivation I could ever need to “keep on keepin’ on”.

The sheer rapture of his students as they were immersed in music and movement was enough all by itself to call his residency a success.  But Andy’s ability to introduce the college education school students to the human potential of their substantially challenged students was life affirming and life altering in ways that little else can be.

He was one of the greats

On the afternoon of Andy's 70th bday, Penny and I were able to visit and celebrate with him and Annie at a small party at their place. Of course, he got us dancing around the living room and later that evening he sent me a lovely email in response to my birthday card:

From: Andrew Holiner <andywildestdreams@gmail.com>

Date: Wed, Sep 20, 2017 at 11:29 PM

Subject: I gotta tell you

To: Paul Shumsky <pshumsky@gmail.com>

Paul, 

You're card was beautiful, absolutely beautiful! It warmed my heart and moved me to tears. Thank you for your kind, appreciative and validating words which continue to resonate inside me. Your thoughts about the band evoked vivid memories of what a joyful, spirit-filled journey we shared. And we got to share it with a gaggle of wonderful musicians who were also great people to work with and get to know: Kevin, Alice, Dr. Monzon, Scott, Jay, Chagai, Andreas, Daniel, Luis, Ricardo, Pernell, Paula, Ana... 

What a cast of characters! And all the folks who responded to our music, giving us their energy to bounce off. It was a great ride sparked by creativity, camaraderie  and collaboration. Yeah, who cared if it was 2am, if the creative juices were flowing - We were living in Dream Time. And Paul, I could not have dreamed up a better partner to share the journey with. Thank you for all the ways you helped make Wildest Dreams the wonderful experience it was for me and thank you for your continued friendship which I have and will always cherish.

My gratitude and love to you, Dear Brother.

Andy

ps. the Happier than a pig in shitake card was hysterical!

May you be at peace and May you have a smooth transition.Sending you so much love & light 🙏🏽

Ashe 

I smile when I think of him cause he seemed to always have a smile to share .

Annie, I hope you had a bit of a smile on today while singing with Jerry.  You give him such pleasure with your friendship.

Ann