I'm just back from the 24th Appalachian Family Folk Week at the Hindman (Ky.) Settlement School and thought a few catters familiar with the event might like a brief report.
But let me get my bragging out of the way first. On Sunday, the day after Folk Week ended, I spent a few hours in the log house of the catter who signs in as Kytrad and, in one of the nerviest things I've ever done, sang two songs for her and her husband, George Pickow. One was "Fire at Slane," in honor of their 50th wedding anniversary last year. Kytrad is normally a truthful person, but she said I sounded good anyway.
The week was up to its usual high standards. Lots of great music, mountain crafts and cameraderie.
There are, alas, a few losses to report. The great poet and writer James Still, who has often dropped in at mealtimes, died at the end of April. Al Stuart, founding editor of Appalachian Heritage and a hero of the land preservation movement, died a few weeks earlier. Many of us also missed Verna Mae Slone, whose position in literature is akin to Grandma Moses' in art, was reported feeling a bit down and did not visit as she has in the past. Some of the Florida catters may appreciate how much Tom Bledsoe was missed; sure hope he's back next year.
I can see I've already made this post too long, so I'll stop here.