Hi Friends,

I've been watching this chat with interest. I've been going to Old Songs
for close to 20 years now, and have seen just about every kind of weather
during that time. I've seen gale winds with dirt in our eyes, rain going sideways,
pleasant, dry festivals, and weekends of mist. I'm sure there was hail in there
somewhere, but no snow that I recall.
I think the hottest year (almost 100 all weekend, the year John Roberts had his
heart attack) was followed by one of the coldest when we huddled in the Dutch
Barn late at night, singing to each other to keep warm. When I remember all of
the years that I sat in the mud watching the Saturday evening concert under
an umbrella, I'm glad that we have the option of an indoor space. I know it's
not the best thing - space is tight - but the sound was good and many of us
were dry and safe.

The mosquitoes were the worst this year that I remember.
I think it was a "perfect storm" of rain and warm for several days.
But otherwise, the weather wasn't too bad. There were many good friends
to see, some great performers I'd never know about without this festival,
and memorable singing experiences. Where else would I have the chance
to sit with Peggy Seeger on one side and Colleen Cleveland on the other, harmonizing
together on Balm of Gilliad during the Friday performance of The Visitors?

Speaking of which (which no one has, as yet) I thought that this program
was really great! Wonderful songs, performed by good people, with
compelling stories to link them all together. The full show meant more
than the hour-long sampler they were able to do end of Festival Sunday.
If you're anywhere near Great Camp Sagamore (Raquette Lake) in August,
don't miss it!

Ever since coming home I've been regretting the folks I didn't get to
hear enough of, and the friends I didn't get to visit enough with.
That's Old Songs.. too much of a good thing and not enough time.
I wouldn't miss it for anything.