Thing is, there are so many living treasures on the Mudcat. I'd include Kendall in that list, at the very least - or at least I would have until you mentioned it had to be someone getting along in years. I know better than to nominate ANYONE by that criterion.

It seems to me characteristic of our particular art form (traditional music) and this kind of forum that we are able to benefit directly from the wisdom and experiences of people like these, who have not only been making good music all of their lives, but who have been helping other people make music as well.

Add to that the people on this list who are enormously talented, but not so well known, who enliven and lift our gatherings whenever we're together, whose music we look forward to, even if we only know them as "that nice couple who sing Australian songs" or "you know, the big bearded guy with the guitar - no, the other one" and you have an impressive list indeed. And what about the people who may not be the world's best singers or instrumentalists, but who know more and different kinds of songs then most of the rest of us put together? And.... and... well you get the idea.

It's a good idea, Kat. You're right - we'd never run out.

Dan Schatz