I have tried to be there for a lot of people when they seemed to be lurking at the threshold of a musical breakthrough. These were younger singers. When they showed a propensity for the more traditional songs and instrumental styles, that's when I began showing them the musical path I'd been on. I gave my mountain dulcimer to one of these kids---after I wasn't able to play it any more. He has, since then (several years ago), become a monster rock guitar player in our area---and beyond. His father tells me he's using the dulcimer on some songs in his shows now...

Often I provide recorded CD and cassette insights for them. At least I try to tell young performers, when I think they have all the right instincts, how very much I am enjoying watching their progress through this road less travelled side of what passes for folk music in the USA now.

Sometimes my own doings in the folk revival are the best examples I can show them.

Some folksingers around here in the Midwest area of the USA that I've actively encouraged because, even early on, they were all so damn good, are: Li'l Rev, Mark Dvorak, Anna Stang, and Lee Murdock-----all solo performers.-------------If you've not caught what they're doing, you are missing a lot of wonderful music!!

Art Thieme