I, too would echo the Deckman in his applause for your efforts John, and those of the whole group who stage this every year.. After being away from the music for a few years and coming back to Seattle after many years...........I found the Folklife festival to be an absolute joy!! The diversity of music and dance is unequaled anywhere and the reason is in large part because of it's size and budget and support!
I can understand the feelings pro and con stated in this thread, but have to say the opportunity to perform here the past couple of years has given me much pleasure; as well as being able to hear Don and Bob and Maggie and Nancy and Steve and Matapat, and Buddy MacMasters and Jerry Holland and Phil and Viv Williams, and Alice Stuart and Stewart H. and Blackthorn, and the Cutters and Hank Cramer and all the maritime and celtic performers and on and on.....and the lovely Teresa Morgan! Well I'm running out of breath.....plus Jon and Rika and Mary Garvey and our own Reggie Miles ( I too live in snohomish County): I absolutely look forward to it every year in spite of the food smoke and the crowds. I've learned to find hiding places for quiet time...like the volunteer and performer lounge (sometimes) and the Intiman Court. Ah well.........enough.eh?
Mike