A big Mudcat welcome to four new members - Marc Bernier, Rev, Shantysinger, and, after being here longer than most of us, Barry Finn has now gotten computer access to membership. I've known Rev for eight years as a great friend and former co-worker, so I know his scholarly and sea music performance experience will be a great asset here. Marc Bernier, as of this writing, is having some cookie problems getting in here as a member, so even though I'm jumping the gun on his offical membership, it looks imminent. You don't know me, Marc, but I saw you sing at Mystic the last two years. It's great to see your name on the Mudcat! Shantysinger introduced himself on his first posting in the "calling all shanty experts" thread, and then signed up as a member. He performs in a Netherlands sea music band. The U.S./England sea music experience is well represented here. Good to have your perspective added to the pool.

Barry's membership seems like a mere formality. What can I say that's adequate to the occasion, except that I've valued the few times I've met you, that you're one of the central people here, and that I'll now defer to the people who have known you much longer to add their piece here.

Welcome to you all! My apologies to any new members I might have missed.