This is a shot-in-the-dark query, seeking an old schoolmate from New Jersey who moved to Australia and is a reportedly a Celtic-music multi-instrumentalist of some note.

After 36+ years in New Orleans, I've been living in exile at my childhood home in New Jersey since September. This has given me the opportunity to reestablish some long-dormant friendships, which has been pretty interesting.

Last week I met with some high school classmates and got into a conversation with a fellow from another class, slightly younger, who asked if I were still playing folk guitar. I was taken by surprise, because I only started playing during my final two years of school and didn't make a serious effort at performing until several years later, after finishing college. However, I did play a couple of numbers once at a school talent show before graduating, and somebody ~ this one fellow. at least ~ actually remembers!

Anyway ~ my new/old friend asked if I remembered one Bernie O'Connor, and I do (although NOT as a fellow musician-wannabe). Bernie apparently took up the fiddle and a few other instruments at some point in time, and also relocated from the US to Sydney, Australia, where he reportedly plays in an Irish/Celtic band.

It occurred to me that some of our OZ correspondants might know Bernie, or even that he himself might be a member. Perhaps he's someone I already "know" under a fake Mudacat name; stranger things have happened!

So, Bernie O'Connor, class of '66, St. Joe's of Metuchen, NJ ~ or anyone who knows him ~ please send me a PM if you're out there. This is Tom Henehan, SJHS 1965. Sorry, I didn't catch the name of our common acquantance, but I will be able to get that information from the other characters who were there that evening.

PS to elfs/clones ~ I wasn't sure whether or not to start my subject line with the "BS" prefix. Please feel free to add the prefix and post this message "downstairs" if appropriate...