Barry:

Not since my Mother have I heard a voice as yours. I grew up with a woman whose voice was far and away better then most of those that are recorded. Hers was pure as crystal and clean as a cold Blue Ridge mountain stream! Her control was amazing! She regularly yodeled at the third level but I'd listen to her at night, practicing in her room controlling 4th level with ease. I believe the reason that my Mother was so good is that she truly loved the music. It was her salvation. Sadly, she was never "discovered".

Only one who truly loves the music would put so much of themselves into it like you do. Going out of my way wouldn't be any burden, it would be an honor! I'm sure that others appreciate your contributions too and we all can figure a way to get you there and back home again. It's part of the camaraderie that we have through this music.

The Rockport thing was one town's way of saying that they could keep the home-folk happy without traveling to Boston for "First Night". There were many shows and entertainment venues and they dropped a "ball" from a fire-truck at midnight!

We were one show, well, it was supposed to be Peter Marston & Friends but a few of our group felt that we should be included and sort of, well… Peter Marston was very generous to allow us all up to join him and the rest of who we consider to be members of the "Three Sheets (to the Wind)". I think we did no harm and all had a good time!

At one point Peter orchestrated an impromptu medley of sea shanties, having me go right into "Bonnie" as soon as Pete Sousa finished one then George Thompson rolled right into one followed by George's son, Alexander. It was sort of neat! Brian Dunn did Stan Rogers' Athens Queen during which we incorporate certain "appropriately placed embellishments". It really irks Brian when we do that but that's half the fun! Peter Sousa's wife Joann was up there too and she was celebrating her 30th birthday, for the umpteenth time!

I'm not very good remembering names but that accounts for about half of the Gloucester group. There's Tim, Roger & Carol, my wife Carol, and a Martha to name a few and there some that I just can't remember their names!   Basically "Three Sheets" is the name we've given to those who show up and sing on a somewhat regular basis to our "practice sessions" on Wednesday nights.

Happy New Year and I hope to see you soon!

Gardi