Rika and I are in the Shanty Show with the VFSS Crew and as ourselves (Saturday, NW Court, 2-6, hope the beer's more interesting this year), The Tribute to Phil Thomas Show (Sunday 1-2 Center House Theatre) in recognition of the man without whom there'd be no BC traditional music, and with the NW History Labour Songs (also Sunday 11-1, Nesholm Family Lecture hall). I hope there'll be some sort of mass sing Saturday night (last year we were at McMmininiminiumns) and of course the Sunday night sing at the other Irish pub.

Among others I'm looking forward to is Jim Page - he gets better every year! Yes, it's crowded and very noisy, but I figure I can put up with that in return for the best group sings anywhere. I've only missed 2 or 3 since 1975 and I don't plan to stop now! Mary G., I'll look out for you.

Jon Bartlett