Yep, I got out to see Andy Cohen last night---a wonderful concert in Princeton, Illinois. I've always enjoyed the music made by this man ever since I first met him back in Chicago---the early 1960s---when I went to a party at his house where his friend and mentor, the Reverend Gary Davis, was staying and picking with Andy.

If you ever find yourself wondering what this wonderful Afro-American acoustic music called "the country blues" and "ragtime" and "country gospel" is all about, treat youself to one of his apearances. Hearing and participating in an Andy Cohen workshop or concert will give you a grand dose of that wonderful music played just about like a hundred or more of those people from the arly 20th century used to play it.

Andy is a musical way back machine, and an expert practitioner of his art. I enjoyed myself thoroughly--and learned some great stuff I never knew about several of my favorite artists!!

Today Andy is on his way to St. Louis where he is doing a concert and also some things at the home of Scot Joplin in that city. Be sure to hear him if you're in the area. He is a master of his collection of string folk instruments---and one of the few who plays the DOLCIOLA !!!

Love,

Art Thieme