The Side Door Coffeehouse in Brunswick, Maine, places a foam mattress on the floor in front of the stage for kids to lie on. Every show it hosts at least two or thre kids. For a while they roll and tumble (very distracting but good trining for the performer) but eventually they settle down and watch the show till they fall asleep.

Once, when our chantey group was there, the mattress was covered by teenagers, swaying and clapping time. What an awesome sight. It was a great evening.

My point is, for those who thought there was none, that kids need to be exposed to folk music before they can know it exists. They aren't going to hear about it on the top 40 radio stations or on TV. You have to get them out to the coffeehouses, folk clubs, and festivals. Show them that folk music is as much fun as anything else available in their lives. Then they will join us, learn from us, excel and pass us on the road to perpetuate the art.

Welcome, Dorrie, and any of your friends who want to join us.

Naemanson