Rita, my darling love, you have described what I was trying to say at the Sunday night concert. Thanks for capturing it so perfectly!!! Here we are, we have had a wedding on the way to Getaway (with the reception at the Getaway), we have babies we all celebrate (Goober Schatz on the way, Bodhi Spiegel here), we have babies raised at Getaway (Dan and Ken Schatz, Darriel Day), all the kids we see running around. I remember buying them all pennywhistles... where did those little rugrats go????). We have two young couples we have seen go from the dating stage to the married stage. We have friends from around this country, and around the world who come, or are planning to come....... how is this not a community? How is it not a tribe? It is like our own participatory Woodstock that happens every year. This event is a must do, and one day, when they write the book on folk history, someone will mention this amazing gathering. We owe it all to FSGW, and the work of its wonderful volunteer members. Sure, Mudcatters have put some spice in it and become part of the community. But you folks are who we owe the debt to. I, for one, just want to thank you for changing my musical life. This year, in particular, you may have had a bigger impact than you could ever imagine. I am inspired to sing again, and it has been well over a year since that has been the case.

Yep, it's a tribe. I love being a member of it.

One last thing. If you aren't a member of FSGW, why not join? You will get reduced rates on Getaway, and a wonderful newsletter. And if you are in the area, more activities than you can imagine.

All the best,

Mick