Well, I was one of the folks who had the honor of performing Bruce's words and songs at the Old Song's remembrance. No one would really know me, as I perform infrequently, but I was around the music scene in Saratoga in the 60's and early seventies. I had the good fortune to know Bruce well, and as I wrote in a story on the closed tribute thread, I have always considered Bruce to be sort of a second father, as well as a major influence on who I am today. I had wanted to go to his service in Nevada, but family obligations prevented that. I really wanted to do something for him, before he died, organize a benefit, attend one of the benefits, maybe get to sing a song for him or something, but none of this happened. George wrote me about my post here on mudcat, and told about the remembrance that was planned at Old Songs. Thinking nothing ventured nothing gained, I asked him if I might be able to say a few words or sing a song or two. I fully expected to hear 'thanks but no thanks', and you could have knocked me over with a feather when George replied that I could be a part of the remembrance. When I saw the final schedule I was overcome by emotion when I was given the oppurtunity to sing Queen of the Rails, my favorite song of his, as well as end the tribute by singing Ship Gonna Sail, and reciting his introduction to this powerful song. I consider this piece to be an anthem of unusual power, along with 'This Land is Your Land', Where Have all the Flowers Gone, Blowin' in the Wind, etc. I practiced for weeks. I felt a deep obligation to Bruce to continue the work he did during his life. I spoke with him about this song in Saratoga in 2005, I asked him for the words to it, and he said he would send them to me as well as the introduction, so I know he wanted the words to be performed with the song. The opportunity to perform this work, share his words and song was a huge gift to me, and the feeling that in some small way I was carrying the message he can no longer carry is life-changing.

The most meaningful part of the day for me did involve Caroline Paton. After the remembrance, and the audience had left she came over and talked a bit about Bruce, times past and other things. She sang me 'Sweet Briar', the song that was sung as Bruce's coffin was lowered into the ground. I can't describe what having Caroline sing a song like that while standing 2 feet away feels like. I felt like I was experiencing some of what I missed at his funeral. She sang a bit more for me and left. I'm still stunned.

Kendall, I'm sorry you didn't get to perform. I heard Priscilla Herdman couldn't either. I'm sure there were many others. I still don't understand how or why I was given this rare gift. I am very grateful for it , and worked as hard as I could to be worthy of the honor I was given.

About Old Songs. This was the first one I had been to, and yes the rain and the bugs were annoying. But, as I walked around the grounds, I thought back to the 1960's and the my time with the early days of the Pickin and Singin Gatherin, the early days of the Caffe Lena, and the Fox Hollow festival, when and where this musical community was born. I was struck by how this community, based on a love of traditional, participatory acoustic music and social awareness had not only survived but flourished and grown over the years. I was amazed by the work that Andy, George, and others did to organize this festival, and keep the spirit of those old days alive and growing. I was grateful and humbled to be welcomed back into this community even though I had not been around much over the last few years. In these days of Clear Channel, and corporate control of the media, I think it is so important to support and treasure festivals like Old Songs, and be grateful for the hard work done by so many to stage these events. As Bruce said so many times: "Today, revolutionary music is music you make yourself. Welcome to the Revolution!"

Mike