The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #18681   Message #3734431
Posted By: CupOfTea
31-Aug-15 - 10:14 AM
Thread Name: Cathy Barton & Dave Para
Subject: RE: Cathy Barton & Dave Para
These two are some of the most wonderful people on the planet, and then add in what splendid musicians they are, know that if you haven't had the pleasure of their company you have missed a great time. I've adored them since taking a band class with them at Augusta in the mid 80s, and had the good fortune of regular exposure in the years since where Cathy has been an encouraging mentor. Dave is just hilariously nuts ( anyone ever seen a "spodzooka?"). Both come with infectious laughs, a deep knowledge of whole areas of music (Missouri local, civil war, early country, old time tunes, gospel...), and multi instrument expertise - while Cathy can blow you away with banjo, hammer dulcimer and Autoharp, Dave can also blow you away with champion blown-leaf tunes as well as great guitar.

A couple years back, I had the delight of being at three festivals in one year where they were performing for the first time, (Central Ohio, Dulcimore and Mountain Laurel Autoharp Gathering) and watching folks discover them for the first time. It was so much fun to watch friends fall in love with them and their music as I have. Nothing online can give you the sense of delight that they are in person. So seldom does "the real deal" come in such an attractive package.

Joanne in Cleveland