Greetings:

I have already said "all thanks should go to John Pietaro," but I'll add one more comment. Near the festival stage was a sign that read DON'T WHINE, ORGANIZE! John truly took those words to heart. Other people have been kicking around the idea of an explicitly political folk festival for years. They point to the Raise Your Banners festival in the UK and the similar festival that takes place in Germany. But John went beyond talking about it; he did it!

And it wasn't easy. I am certain that many well meaning people told him that it would cost too much, or that it would never work in a small town like Beacon, or that he needed a large organization behind him, or that he had to book some few "really big names" to draw the audience. But John kept plugging away, and the Dissident Folk Festival was a success.

I know that Pete Seeger's unscheduled appearance is the topic I chose for this thread. Quite honestly, that's what excited me. It was the highlight of my day, and I figured it would be of particular interest to other Mudcatters. But if it were not for John Pietaro's tireless efforts, there would have been no festival for Pete to show up at. So, in addition to thanks, John also deserves our respect for a job well done.

--- Steve