WOW!!
Perhaps the most enjoyable 26 hours of music, chat, storytelling, and just pure human interaction with two of the finest people one could hope to meet.
First of all a mesaage to (Kate, I think (I've forgotten your name))- Allan's girl friend back home in in VA. Allan wanted to you to know that he's being a good boy. We kept the guys off the streets and out of the pool halls, at least for a day. They're both doing great.
The guys arrived at 12:10 Sat, just 10 minutes later than we'd planned. We had a fun and relaxing afternoon of talking, making music, and, of course, eating (BBQ brisket, home made special coleslaw with mandarin oranges, and cornbread with whole corn, jalapenos, and cheddar cheese). Around 5:00pm we left for the monthly Oklahoma City Traditional Music Assn (octma.org) meeting. Bill grativated toward the Celtic Music, while Allan and I attended the intermediate guitar workshop. Our club members were thrilled to meet and play with the guys. And believe me, they did plenty of playing and singing. We had around 100 members at our meeting. During the Play-around session (where we all gather in the auditorium to listen to members and guests play and sing in a concert environment) Bill and Allan each did two songs. Allan brought a reverent hush to the crowd when he sang "Two Brothers". Bill quickly changed the pace, altered the mood, and lowered the level as he sang a song about The Mermaid (Upper and Lower Half). Absolutely hilarious! He closed our playaround with "My Old Man". Tears flowed freely from almost every eye.
Then came the jam sessions. Bill opted for the Celtic jam and Allan and I participated in the general folk ballad, etc jam. Folks in the jam did everything from Child ballads to "Didn't I Dance", "New Harmony", "The Boxer", many more and even some 60's and 70's folk rock - something about being high. A typical OCTMA night. A great time was had by all. Allan and Bill probably recruited a dozen more Mudcatters. We got back to Ada at 1:30 am. totally pleased, and dreadfully exhausted.
Sunday Morning Coming Down. Allan and my lovely wife of 32 years (aka Jellicle Cat on Mudcat - registered but never posted) were up and about around 7:30 am, chating and having coffee. I got up around 9:00 and Bill around 10:00. More coffee, tea, and chat, then a leisurely and hardy breakfast of eggs imperial, sausage, sourdough toast, and a fruit compote (blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and kiwi). After long good byes Bill and Allan left about 2:00pm enroute to Amarillo (approx 6 hours drive).
My wife and I can't express our joy of hosting these two wonderful guys. For those upstream, you know what I mean. For you downstream, be prepared for one of those memorable moments.
Excuse by rambling on and on, but these two gentlemen deserve the Mudcat Folk Music Medal of Honor for what they are doing.
Sincerely and happy chords
folk1234