Talking Animals

Richard X. Heyman, veteran singer-songwriter and animal rescuer

Richard X. Heyman–an extraordinary if underappreciated singer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist who’s been rescuing cats and other animals in New York City for nearly 30 years, and been creating music longer–discusses his two new albums, “Tiers/And Other Stories,” includin a song, “No Time To Rest On Sunday,” about cat rescue.

 

He also addressed the circumstances behind “Birds,” another new song that touches on Heyman’s effforts to feed numerous birds and squirrels throughout New York City, and the criticisms of Heyman surrounding those efforts. Heyman recounted how he first got involved in animal rescue nearly three decades ago, and the evolution of that work, including humane traps he created or innovated over the years. Toward the end of the conversation, he described plans for some New York multi-media performances in support of “Tiers/And Other Stories.” (www.RichardXHeyman.com).

ALSO: We spoke briefly with Barbara Howard, head of Friends Of Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges about its mission and how proceeds from the April 23 Birdstock II event in St. Petersburg will be earmarked for renovation of those Refuges. (www.TampaBayRefuges.org)

COMEDY CORNER: Matt Braunger’s “Owls/Dalmatians” (snippet) (www.MattBraunger.com)

MUSIC: Richard X. Heyman’s “Birds,” Richard X. Heyman’s “No Time To Rest On Sunday,” instrumentals

NAME THAT ANIMAL TUNE: Roy Hargrove’s version of “Everybody Wants To Be A Cat”