We just got home. We had a wonderful time! It was great to have 10 Mudcatters present to support Rick (not that he needs it!). He amazed us, as usual, w/ the breadth of his musical abilities! That man picked up instrument after instrument & played them so smoothly & effortlessly! Back at the house, in addition to the ones Barbara mentioned, he also picked up the autoharp & bowed psaltery! It was a pleasure to see Rick & Heather, Tiger & Nora, Vixen & Reynaud. We had a chance to chat w/ Jerry Rasmussen & his lovely wife Ruth. We were so sorry that they had early plans for Sunday morning & couldn't join us in the after-concert song circle. Ruth, I did play "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" & it was my best song! I hope I'll be able to play it for you another time. Barbara & Frank were great hosts. I couldn't believe I was actually still awake & kicking at 3 am! Rick is a modest & generous performer. We really appreciated him inviting Jerry up to do a couple of his songs (& accompanying him on Tim's mandolin). Jerry, I hope you heard us all singing along. So many of us know & love your music. You have a special place in folk music & in our hearts! It was great ending the evening w/ Shoregrass & Tim joining Rick on stage. I think they ended w/ us all singing along w/ "Canaan Land" or "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot." Can someone clarify that?

For those who are inclined to come to future Branford appearances, there's a really comfortable Ramada Inn very close-by,as well as beautiful shoreline by the Thimble Islands. We took our time coming home & had a lovely end to a great weekend!

bbc