Well, I thought I'd wait to post my report until I felt more coherent. Since I'm home sick today, that should do it. This was my 1st time at NEFFA. Of the festivals I attend--Old Songs, NOMAD, & now NEFFA, I'd rate NEFFA 3rd, but still worthwhile. Yes, it was crowded & that was somewhat inconvenient. I'm always a little frustrated at these events because I think I'll have chatting time w/ the friends I only see 1-3 times a year & then, because we are dashing off to listen to music/perform, not much of that happens. Nonetheless, it is delightful to see those folks & support their music. Leo & Jeri, I'm sorry you didn't make it. Tom & Linn, Steve & Marilyn Suffet, I'm sorry that I missed you. George Stevens & Mary LaMarca, you were missed. I saw various performers attend, who I don't think performed--Lui Collins, David Paton as a couple of examples.

I started out Saturday morning at Woodchucks' Revenge "Cowboys & Outlaws" session. They were fun, as usual. Peter has one of the best deadpan expressions I've ever seen. Is that Vermont? The highlight for me was hearing again their rendition of "Tunbridge Fair." It would be nice to see that recorded or, at least, lyrics available. Thanks for singing it.

From there, I went to Bob Clayton & Jennifer Woods' "Histories, Mysteries." I can't recall particular songs, but I enjoyed seeing & hearing them.

"New England Fireside" was next, with the 'Chucks, Pamela Goddard, & Dave Ruch. Pamela has a beautiful, clear voice & gives wonderful introductions to her songs--always a pleasure. It was very nice meeting Dave Ruch. He has a very pleasant voice & a refreshing, enthusiastic presentation. He also seems to know the background of his songs. After that session, he & I attended so many other sessions as audience that he accused me of following him, until he realized that I had arrived at the session before him! :)

On to "Folk Song Harvest" w/ Sandy & Caroline Paton. This session was well-attended & the love folks have for the Patons was reflected on their faces. Although I have the privilege of living close enough to the Patons to see them socially, I never tire of seeing them perform together. I enjoy their sweet, distinctive voices & the interaction between folks who've put in time as a couple.

Next, I went to "Traditional English Songs" w/ John Roberts. I sat in the front row w/ hecklers Jacqui, SINSULL, & (perhaps) Jennifer. Although I have heard John's music before, I heard more of him this weekend than in the past & felt like I got to know him a bit better. What a great performer! His commentary before the songs was so much fun that I didn't know if he'd ever actually start to sing. The love for him in the audience was apparent, too.

I couldn't miss "Songs of Sea & Shore" w/ Dan & Bonnie Milner. I enjoy hearing them separately, but even more, together. And what a nice couple!

After that, I thought I was done for the evening, when who did I meet in the hall but our own Allison (Animaterra)! In scanning the schedule, I hadn't realized that she was performing that evening in her alter-ego as Seanmas--w/ herself on concertina & her good friend & harpist, Melanie Everard! Beautiful, heavenly music!

Sunday, I was up bright & early at the Red Roof Inn. Enjoyed talking w/ David Paton in the parking lot & dropped by Dunkin' Donuts for a quick breakfast. Then, off to an hour of Sacred Harp singing. Even though I only do it a few times a year, I do pretty well, except w/ the fast ones! What a great sound, though; does your heart good.

Sunday was a singing day for me. Next was "Sing for Joy" w/ the Animaterra chorus. Allison is a skilled, enthusiastic director & a beautiful woman, body & soul.

On to "Remembering Helen Schneyer," led by Kathy Westra, w/ John Roberts, Ellen Christensen, & Irene Saletan. I never saw Helen in person & have only learned her music in recent times, through my contact w/ the Patons (They keep trying to educate me!) She must have had a very powerful presence, from what folks say & the continuing love for her that was shown & sung in that session. Kathy surprised me by calling Bob Franke up from the audience for a guest spot. He sang "He turned the water into wine." It was a neat song, easy to harmonize w/. His song, but he said Helen is the only one who's ever recorded it. I liked it.

The last session I attended was Kathy Westra's "In the Tradition." Kathy has a lovely voice & chooses great material. She is involved in her music in a wonderful way. I have to say I always enjoy music more if I can like the performers as people, too. Kathy certainly ranks high in that group!

You may have noticed that every session I attended (except the Sacred Harp) involved Mudcat folks. In the past 7 or so years, this site has great enriched my life & broadened my experience in music. I'm grateful for it. I am not a performer, nor am I ever likely to be, but I sure appreciate those of you who keep the music alive & make it available for the rest of us. Weekends like this one soothe & uplift my spirit.

Thanks,

Barbara