Its proper name may be the Walnut Valley Festival, and one may see WVA Festival, but everyone except longhaired engineer types who don't know better than to make a washtub bass with two washtubs just call it WINFIELD.

It's arguably the best festival there is, especially for those who enjoy campground music. It doesn't present its best from the daytrip perspective; one must camp on the grounds to fully experience what it has to offer -- which is a lot. If anyone wants more info, whether persuasion on why it would be foolish, bordering on criminal, not to come, or tips on negotiating it easily, give me a call: 816-699-5889 (if I don't know you, identify yourself as a Mudcatter).

I too plan to arrive on Landrush day and camp in the Pecan Grove. Not sure where exactly; I'll be looking for good shade. If you're at Winfield and want to see if I'm really as funny-looking as I'm sure John tells everyone I am, give a call.

John (whose "double bass" really is a fine design), it's always a treat seeing you and Lin, and I'll look forward to it in a few days. The act I suggest making special effort to see is the Quebe Sisters. I suspect they'll be what I call the "Sweetheart of the Weekend" -- i.e., the act that everybody raves about.

So, who's this Art Thieme guy? :-)

Gary