Returning to Connecticut after a couple of weeks away, I was greeted by this sad, terrible news. For all of the time I have been involved in folk music events in this region - over 35 years now - it seemed that Sandy was all over the place - at concerts, festivals, workshops and other events. Even when he wasn't physically present, his influence could always be felt. I can't even guess what direction my own interests would have gone if it hadn't been for that influence.

Years ago, when NOMAD transformed itself from a small, mostly dance event to a more ambitious traditional dance and music festival, it was Sandy's support and encouragement that made it possible. We could not have done it without him, and it is not likely that NOMAD would have continued providing a gathering place for friends of traditional music as long as it did.

Sandy was also helpful in my radio programming efforts in New Haven, making sure we always received the latest additions to that magnificent Folk-Legacy catalog, and providing advice, suggestions and background information for my broadcast Child Ballads project.

It is so difficult to accept the reality of his passing. Somehow, it seemed that he would go on forever. In one sense though, we will always have him - in those wonderful recordings he made and his informative posts here on Mudcat.

We have lost a giant. Our world is poorer for his passing and enriched by what he did for us while he was here.

Regards,
John