Well, I'm a novice at this internet business, but after reading a fair number of the above postings, I guess its time for me to jump in and introduce myself.

I'm 43, living in St. Louis, Missouri. The weather this morning is that gorgeous, cool autumn that we get around here where the grey skies show off the bright oranges, reds and yellows of the tree leaves to their best advantage. I'm loving it.

I've been playing guitar for about thirty years now, and someday I'm sure, I'll be satisfied with my skill. I recently picked up a banjo and am attempting to learn to play clawhammer style on it. I was a pretty regular performer on the local coffee-house circuit in St. louis in the early seventies. But due to a side trip into acting, I haven't performed music on stage in several years (aside from some very rare benefit shows and an open mike night a couple of months ago). I think I may be ready for it again, though, and am 'wood shedding' a short set to test the waters.

My beginnings in folk music can be blamed on a really great local library where I was exposed to Pete Seeger, Leadbelly and Woody Guthrie's Folkways recordings. Also, I had a grandfather who played guitar and fiddle and had been part of an old-time/country music band in Southern Illinois in the 30's. Between hearing grandpa Buck around his house and those Folkways lp's, I realized that one didn't have to play electric guitars and Beatles tunes to express oneself in music. It's been a great ride ever since.

Somewhat off topic, but if you've read this far I hope you won't mind. I'm looking for an opportunity to jam with folks in a fairly nurturing, non-competitive setting. I'd love to hear from anyone who has information about this kind of thing going on in the St. area.