Great posts, Mary and SINSULL.

For my 2 cents, I have known some FSGW members for years and I have known about the Getaway probably since the 70's. I have always wanted to go but felt that I would be intruding on something private. Of course, I did not ask to come and certainly FSGW did nothing to indicate that I or anyone else outside FSGW would not be welcome. Anyway, it was Charlie Baum who encouraged me to come in 1999 when others from Mudcat were coming as well. I didn't feel totally on the outside because I knew a few of the FSGW members from festivals over the years. But I didn't feel totally on the inside either. But I did feel welcome. It was great to meet Mudcatters as well as FSGWers. I've been coming ever since and wouldn't miss it. It bother me that this issue comes up every year. Just when I think it has equalized and become a non-issue someone brings it up and we start all over. Mudcatters have always been willing to help out however possible. I have offered on several occasions to help with the program by coordinating the Mudcatters' workshops through phone and e-mail. There's no reason I can't do this from Connecticut. To date I have not been taken up on my offer. It's still on the table. I think SINSULL is right when she says that formalizing Mudcat with a board etc. is not going to happen. But I don't think that has to happen in order for Mudcatters to sit down with FSGW and try to share the work and responsibility. This has become a very important event for Mudcat as well as FSGW. I hope we can all just enjoy each other and the music that brings us together and erase the line that has been drawn in the sand.

karen