I just put a fond memory of the University Of Chicago Folk Festival on the Fred McDowell birthday thread. Downstairs back stage at Mandel Hall, he and I split a bottle of champagne one year at that great festival. His set was even more amazing as a result.

I never missed a session of the first 6 years. And then they actually hired me two, no, three, times to be a part of the doings. It was always an honor to play on that stage where so many of my heroes and mentors had performed.

What a time it was.

Art