Maybe I'm missing it, but there doesn't seem to be mention on Mudcat's Forum of the passing this week of the wonderful, John Hartford. Wednesday, I attended a screening of the film, "Down from the Mountain," a delightful documentary of the concert held in May 2000 featuring traditional players from the movie, "O Brother Where Art Thou." John Hartford not only performed with great vitality and spirit, but was a terrific host for the concert. After the screening of the film, director D.A.Pennebaker (who also did "The War Room" and "Don't Look Back") spoke about the film and the concert. He also relayed the sad news that John Hartford had passed away just two days prior. He went on to praise John as both musician and human being and said that John's skillful and talented hosting of the concert truly was key in making it such a success. "Down from the Mountain" is a very special film, not only due to John's delightful performance, or those by greats like Ralph Stanley, Emmylou Harris, Fairfield Four, among many others, but because of the significance, respect, and honor it bestows upon traditional music and its players. This USA film is in very limited release, if you get the opportunity to see it, go! Great film, fabulous concert, and a wonderful final glimpse of John Hartford.

Cindy Peloquin