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Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again
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Subject: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Stewart Date: 18 Sep 07 - 02:36 PM This will be an historic event for folk singing in Seattle. Don and Bob were there from the early '50s singing in coffee houses, concert halls and other venues. Come from near, come from far (if you can) to hear their wonderful voices, great songs, and interesting stories. DON FIRTH & BOB NELSON IN CONCERT AGAIN. Sunday, Oct. 14, 2 pm, Central Lutheran Church, 1710 11th Ave. (11th and Olive), Seattle. $10, children half price. Don and Bob first met in Seattle in 1953, and over the years have performed at many coffee houses, nightclubs, and concerts in Seattle and San Francisco. And most of all ... they remain loyal friends! Come for an afternoon of folk songs and stories. Don Firth and Bob Nelson are two of Seattle's best folk singers from the late '50s and '60s. They will be singing together again in a reunion concert at Central Lutheran Church in Seattle on October 14th at 2 pm. They last performed together at the 2003 Northwest Folklife Festival's Seattle Coffeehouse Reunion Concert with other old-timers from the early Seattle coffee house days. Here's what Don Firth says about their times together: "We began singing together early in 1959 at The Place Next Door, one of Seattle's first and finest coffee houses. Television appearances and concerts followed, and in summer of 1959, we went to the San Francisco Bay area where we performed in a wide variety of venues. Back in Seattle, we sang in the weekly concerts at the U. N. Pavilion during the Seattle World's Fair in 1962. The following year I performed in the Seattle Center Hootenannies and traveled with the tour group, while Bob, working in California, was a regular singer at The Catalyst, a coffee house in Santa Cruz. Since the '60s we have continued to perform, singing occasional concerts and at various events such as folk festivals." Cheers, S. in Seattle |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Ebbie Date: 18 Sep 07 - 02:59 PM Man. If I could get a air ticket that was under $400 I'd be there. Great opportunity to hear them and to meet others of like mind. Just checked. The lowest fare is $475.00. Y'all might think that isn't bad- and it's true it could be worse. Consider, however, that Seattle is Juneau's first out of state landing. On occasion I have told people that Seattle people are FAR more provincial than Juneau people: There are many Seattle people who have never been in Juneau but EVERYBODY in Juneau has been in Seattle. As I said, Seattle is our first port of call. |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Stewart Date: 18 Sep 07 - 03:08 PM Hi Ebbie, We sent a lot of people from Seattle to Alaska in the late 1890s, and I came up to Juneau about a hundred years later. I'd love to get up there again for your folk festival, but air fare isn't cheap. Keep checking for a lower fare. Cheers, S. in Seattle |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: open mike Date: 18 Sep 07 - 03:22 PM Is this connected with the Pacific NW Folklore society? |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: frogprince Date: 18 Sep 07 - 03:23 PM On the basis of my one "Deckman" CD, if I were only filthy rich, I would be there (from Michigan) for the concert. Have fun, guys. Dean |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Stewart Date: 18 Sep 07 - 03:29 PM Don't know. You should come to the concert. Cheers, S. in Seattle |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Stewart Date: 18 Sep 07 - 03:31 PM that last post was an answer to open mic S. |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Wesley S Date: 18 Sep 07 - 03:53 PM Will a live recording be made? Those of us in far flung lands would appreciate the chance to purchase one. |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Stewart Date: 18 Sep 07 - 04:13 PM Yes, we plan to. But the real thing will be so much better. Cheers, S. in Seattle |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Ebbie Date: 18 Sep 07 - 05:32 PM As you probably know, Stewart, we in Juneau have only one airline so unless Alaska Air comes up with a three-day web special for the appropriate dates it isn't likely that prices will drop. No competition. During the summer we have a 'redeye' flight but that ends in September. I think. I'll have to check. |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: SINSULL Date: 19 Sep 07 - 07:22 AM I have a copy of the poster.I had forgotten that "folk singers" in the 50s and 60s were clean cut. Wish I could be there but it is not likely. Hope to see at least some of this concert on UTube. Mary |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Deckman Date: 19 Sep 07 - 08:46 AM Sins ... Pm me a request and maybe I can sing one for you. But, one of these days, you know you have to come out here. We have electricity now and everything! Hugs, Bob |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Stewart Date: 19 Sep 07 - 12:10 PM Here's the concert poster Bob Nelson & Don Firth In Concert Again There's a nice "before and after" picture. Which is which? Someone said "they look like a couple of FBI agents!" Cheers, S. in Seattle |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego Date: 19 Sep 07 - 12:44 PM Drat - I hit "enter" again! I hope this event will yield a CD! This is a historic opportunity for those of us who remember those times and venues. I regret that I will be unlikely to make the show, due to work commitments (Yep,still a working stiff at 67)in my non-profit job. Though I spent a good deal of time in your area in the early '60's, I never had the good fortune to meet either gentleman, though I have received some great information from both on this site. This ought to produce a grand turnout. "Break a leg," boys! |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Deckman Date: 19 Sep 07 - 05:36 PM The "before" picture was taken in 1959 ... 48 years ago. I showed the two pictures to my son and he said: "Damn ... what happened?" (smart aleck kids)! Bob |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Stewart Date: 20 Sep 07 - 04:40 PM Well, you had a lot more hair, at least on the top of your head, back then. Smart aleck kids will do it every time. How are the rehearsals coming? I know, but others might want to know. Cheers, S. in Seattle |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Deckman Date: 20 Sep 07 - 05:14 PM The rehersals are coming along just fine! It's kinda erie ... Don and I were "known" for several duets we did back in the fifites, but we haven't them a lot lately. Just yesterday were practising and reserected a couple of those duets. A couple of slow times through, then a couple of times almost up to speed, then we "let 'er rip!" It was really. fun. I think we sound better than ever. Don's wife Barabara came in from the other room saying: "WOW!" Yep ... this is being real fun! Bob |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Rapparee Date: 20 Sep 07 - 06:04 PM And I can't be there. As I emailed you, will you and Don be doing a bit for us here in Pocatello on the 13th? The offer was in my email. |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Deckman Date: 20 Sep 07 - 06:21 PM It might be a bit of a stretch ... Pocatello, Idaho on the 13th, then Seattle on the 14th. I did gigs like that years ago, but at the age of 170 ... I don't think so. BTW ...O owe you a pm. I'll start now. CHEERS, Bob |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: frogprince Date: 20 Sep 07 - 08:46 PM Pocatello, Idaho; wow; if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere... |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Rapparee Date: 20 Sep 07 - 09:07 PM Let's see: we've got The Old Time Fiddlers; at least three (3) Celtic/Irish groups; the group Kyd J and a bunch of others, including alt rock; probably a half-dozen jazz groups; seven blues groups (that I know of); an annual Bluegrass Festival; the International Choral Festival every other year; the City band; the Idaho State Symphony Orchestra; the Idaho State Jazz Ensemble; the Idaho State marching band.... Yeah, for a town of 53,000 we don't do too badly. You can find live music 'most every night of the week. |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Deckman Date: 20 Sep 07 - 09:50 PM What's tonight's menu at the city jail. After all, it's important to do yer homework! Bob |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Rapparee Date: 21 Sep 07 - 11:55 AM Leftover FEMA MREs, Bob. Sheriff got a great deal on 'em. |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Stewart Date: 01 Oct 07 - 08:23 PM Here's an article I wrote about Don & Bob in the October issue of Victory Review Don Firth & Bob Nelson In Concert Again Reservations are starting to come in for their concert, Sunday, October 14th, 2 pm, Central Lutheran Church, 1710 11th Ave, Seattle. Cheers, S. in Seattle |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Mark Cohen Date: 02 Oct 07 - 12:36 AM Wish I could be there. Hope there's a DVD, or at least a recording. I promised Jackie that one of these days we'll take a trip to Portland and Seattle, neither of which she's seen. This would be a great event to come up for, but I know we can't swing it before the summer. Just keep singing, guys... Aloha, Mark |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Deckman Date: 02 Oct 07 - 11:29 AM The acoustics in the church are phenominal. Many musical groups in the Seattle area perform and record here just for that reason. We will be singing without any amplication ... none is needed. And the acoustics allow me to do one particuliar song ("No Wood Fire") where the only guitar is a single note playing a low harmony. But knowing that "churches" are naturally dangerous places, I'll most likely wear my hard hat and steel toed boots. I mean, after all, one can't be too safe! CHEERS, Bob(deckman)Nelson |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Rapparee Date: 02 Oct 07 - 11:52 AM Humph. Just a couple of old farts on guitars and banjos singing that old folk stuff in an old church. Humph. (If I can't be there I might as well give it a bad review, right? Next time you'll remember to send us reviewer free tickets, paid airfare, a suite in a fancy hotel, and lots of good free booze.) |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Deckman Date: 02 Oct 07 - 12:32 PM I'll make a note of that! Bob |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Don Firth Date: 04 Oct 07 - 06:20 PM Oh, heck! Bob, I'm afraid Rapaire has us nailed in his pre-view just above. On a sit-com I was watching a few months back, one of the characters listened to a couple of old geezers sitting around clearing their throats. He said something like, "You guys ought to form a singing group. You could call yourselves 'The PhlegmTones!'" I wonder if that name is copyrighted. If not, maybe we could. . . ? I'm reminded of a couple quotes from the plays of the Immortal Bard: Shall we clap into't roundly, without hawking or spitting or saying we are hoarse, which are the only prologues to a bad voice?And An he had been a dog that should have howled thus, they would have hanged him.Actually, our practice sessions are going pretty well, so if we have a good tail-wind, we should be able to lay down a pretty fair concert program. Really. No, really! Don Firth |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego Date: 05 Oct 07 - 12:29 PM I once knew a couple of old guys who specialized in ribald song and limerick. They called themselves "The Senior Smut Brothers." Old farts or not, I KNOW you guys are destined for greater things than that! "Break a leg," as they once said in the theater. |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Deckman Date: 05 Oct 07 - 02:53 PM Thanks for the good thoughts. I also knew several singers who did a LOT of those songs. They're all dead now! Bob |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Stewart Date: 18 Oct 07 - 10:40 PM It was a beautiful sunny afternoon in Seattle (how lucky can you get?) when Bob and Don gave their concert last Sunday. The concert was great! We recorded the audio and also video taped it. We plan to put some of that on the web site of the Pacific Northwest Folklore Society later. But here is a review by Paul Ashford. Cheers, S. in Seattle Concert Review: Local guys sing folk… A concert by Bob Nelson & Don Firth at Central Lutheran Church By John Ashford On October 14th the duo of Bob Nelson and Don Firth presented ballads and tunes, some new and a few that I've enjoyed many times. The setting for the concert was a church with a beautiful old world interior. The hard pews and lack of amplification did not seem to dampen the enjoyment of the audience. The two men have a loyal following and one that knows the repertoire. Their audience attends to hear certain favorites and recover the memories of folksong gatherings held in Seattle's University District in the '60's and '70's or beyond. The material of the two singers consists largely of songs collected, not written, although Bob sang one song that he wrote. Don is an uncompromising singer of British Isles ballads, some performed in Scottish dialect. It was refreshing to hear him do traditional ballads, such as Three Ravens and others dealing with soldiers and maidens. Bob, also, is uncompromising in his enthusiasm for folk songs. Close your eyes and you're back in a coffee house in the 1950's. When he entered the stage, Bob asked the audience, "How many of you are surprised to see me in church?" I wasn't a bit surprised. Bob's religion is folk music. He has to be considered the dean of Northwest folksingers due to his longevity and undying faith in the music. His songs are mostly optimistic and energetic, with a thumping accompaniment. Exceptions were the unaccompanied "Sully's Pail", a haunting song about a mine tragedy written by Seattle-ite Richard Gibbons, and "Wild Flying Dove" by songwriter Tom Paxton. Both Firth and Nelson are singers of the folk revival. They present their songs with a point of view, whether or not it is stated. Their performance is an advocacy of traditional songs from historical periods, labor conflicts, or an anonymous poet's heartache. The category broadens to include anything else they enjoy singing. I have heard many of the same songs performed in clubs in Vancouver, New York, California, and even in village pubs in England. A case of familiarity breeding conviviality. Not only is there an audience for this music in Seattle, there is an international audience. It's their music, after all. |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Stewart Date: 18 Oct 07 - 10:43 PM And here is another review by Paul Ashford's 18 year-old grandson. It was Jordan Myers first folk concert. Cheers, S. in Seattle Concert Review: By Jordan Myers The light from the stained glass windows washed the little church with an autumn glow as we filed into the pews, excited murmurs filling the space where we waited for the music. As Bob Nelson and Don Firth were being introduced, I felt like I was looking in on a closely knit family joining in reunion: the audience, the announcer, the performers- there was an intimacy that truly surprised me. As they began, a complete hush fell over the crowd, allowing their voices and the sounds of their guitars to fill every corner of the room. Watching the two perform, separately or in unison, one feels that behind their good-humored faces hides the history of hundreds of lives. Simple and real and earnest, they are like actors of short stories, giving us a small slice of another era through which we can enjoy a full spectrum of feeling and experience that would otherwise be entirely lost in the sands of time. Though reading a history book can give you times and places of events and an idea of what happened, an essential grain of humanity is lost in transition from the lives of history to the text. Bob played a few songs of cheek and vigor that had me envious of such a vital, simple time, wishing I could travel back and sit around a campfire with the protagonist, or be told secondhand of the extortion of a father by his daughter and her beloved. One song struck me in its beauty of form and execution: a simple, sad Scottish ballad of longing sung by Don without accompaniment. His great voice rose and rumbled up in mourning to haunt the rafters of that fragile church with the memory of a love now centuries dead; the beauty of the ballad and of his steady voice struck me with a kind of pure sadness that is all but impossible to find in modern music- for a moment I felt as if I, too, were wandering the hills and valleys of Scotland singing a hopeless plea for companionship. I had always liked folk music, but never really pursued it- after seeing Bob Nelson and Don Firth perform, I have no choice but to seek it out whenever possible. |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Stewart Date: 18 Oct 07 - 11:04 PM Oops, I meant to say John Ashford in my post of the review above. John became active in the Seattle folk singing community in the early '50s. His father Paul was also an active Seattle folk singer even before then. S. in Seattle |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: mg Date: 18 Oct 07 - 11:31 PM And who would be the father or mother of this young man? I remember the Ashford kids..they couldn't be old enough to have kids themselves could they? mg |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Stewart Date: 18 Oct 07 - 11:51 PM Jordan Myers is John Asford's grandson - there, I finally got it right - or the late Paul Ashford's great grandson. I don't know the 'Ashford kids' but they certainly must be old enough. Anyway, it was nice of Jordan to do a review of his first folk concert. Cheers, S. in Seattle |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Deckman Date: 19 Oct 07 - 06:41 PM What great reviews ... makes me wish I could have been there. Oh ... wait a minute ... I think I was there! CHEERS, Bob Nelson |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Rapparee Date: 19 Oct 07 - 06:46 PM Well, I wasn't and it's all your fault! (You don't think I'd blame myself now, do you?) |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: emjay Date: 20 Oct 07 - 04:55 AM Wow! Sounds like anyone -- ANYONE -- who appreciates traditional music shoulda been there! I'd like to say more than that -- but what is there left that hasn't already been said in this great thread. I'd like to hear about more performances like this one. MJ |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Stewart Date: 20 Oct 07 - 12:35 PM "I'd like to hear about more performances like this one." Yes MJ. Some of us in the Seattle area would like to hear more performances like this one. As a step in that direction we've resurrected the Pacific Northwest Folklore Society, founded by Walt Robertson, Don Firth and others in 1953 to promote traditional folk music. We'd like to produce more concerts by some of these early Seattle area folk singers. And we'd like to be a traditional folk music counter-balance to the pop-folk that seems to permeate this region. Actually, that other "folklore" society here does have a traditional-ethnic music committee, and we will also work with them to promote more traditional folk music. Cheers, S. in Seattle |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Stewart Date: 08 Nov 07 - 05:53 PM Don and Bob's concert audio is now on the new Pacific Norhwest Folklore Society web page pnwfolklore.org HERE Check it out! When I figure how to stream video, that will be up also. Cheers, S. in Seattle |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Deckman Date: 08 Nov 07 - 06:06 PM Ye god's and little fishes! I just bought a whole new puter system, and now I can hear myself on line ... I WANT MY MONEY BACK!!!! Bob |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: SINSULL Date: 08 Nov 07 - 06:14 PM A very slow download - it will have to wait for the weekend. That is a very young Walt Robertson. |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Deckman Date: 08 Nov 07 - 06:29 PM Mary ... if you'll recall ... we ALL were once! Bad Bad Bob |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Stewart Date: 10 Nov 07 - 05:04 PM New video is now up on the pnwfolklore.org website. Don Firth and Bob Nelson each doing a song from their reunion concert (10/14/07) The Three Ravens - Don Firth Wild Flying Dove - Bob Nelson Cheers, S. in Seattle |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Bill D Date: 10 Nov 07 - 05:53 PM Great videos...thanks. (But did the one of Bob end prematurely?) |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Bill D Date: 10 Nov 07 - 05:59 PM I go only 1:17 and it seemed he was poised for another verse. |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Stewart Date: 10 Nov 07 - 06:40 PM a. Bob was taking too long and we had to cut him off. b. We ran out of video tape. c. Bob couldn't remember the last verse. One of the above. All of the above. You'll have to ask Bob. Cheers, S. in Seattle |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Bill D Date: 10 Nov 07 - 07:08 PM *grin*...fine. Just thought I'd ask...nice, anyway. |
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Subject: RE: Don Firth & Bob Nelson in concert again From: Deckman Date: 10 Nov 07 - 08:54 PM In viewing the video just now, my memory tells me that Tom Paxton's wonderful song is one verse short because: 1. I might have forgotten the last verse; 2. I may have forgotten the last verse; 3. Perhaps I forgot the final verse; 4. What was the question again, please? Bob |
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