Open Mic, apparently, my talents weren't considered valuable enough to be included in the lineup for a performance slot to play at Folklife this year. Oddly, neither was my workshop, teaching folks how to play music with an actual folk instrument, the hand saw, considered valuable enough to be added again this year in the "folk" festival lineup, even though my workshop drew 100+ attendees last year.

How folky does one have to be to get some respect around these parts? Do I have to bleed folk blood? I play a guitar that I made myself from junk that I found at garage sales. I doubt that there are many others at this event that can make that claim. I was nominated as one of the best solo blues artists of 2009 by the Washignton Blues Society. In the last year my songwriting efforts and recordings have won awards and have been featured worldwide in the press. I play melodies with a hand tool! Work with me people!!!

Yep, they decided my original folk/blues efforts weren't good enough but fortunately, the festival has mentioned that they will include those who play Huddie Ledbetter songs. They also mentioned that they will feature those who spin blues records as part of their act. Isn't that special! Why include those from your community that actually learn to play original folk/blues with actual instruments when you can include those who know how to turn on a record player.

I give up! Don't expect to see my smiling face gracing any stages there in the future.