This song hits home as I struggle to help create situations that can make all Jan's wishes for folk musicians come true. Back around late 80s when I had just returned from northern Illinois steeped in the musical riches of that time and place, I started doing House Concerts, starting with performers I enjoyed there. It was then not a common, or even much known, way of hearing performers in Cleveland.

The house concert with Jan Marra competed with a contra dance that many of my friends- and potential audience- were at. She condensed her show, finishing early enough that the 5 of us, including Jan, all went to the end of the dance. I remember her so fondly for that graceful interlude. Rather than grousing, she embraced the moment. I heard from friends a while later that she'd stopped touring. I felt sad to hear that, but understood all too well how those choices get made for survival. It was good to be reminded of a lovely person I knew so fleetingly.

Joanne in Cleveland