wot a bummer, Mal, I passed the slow session most mornings!

An assortment of folkies commented upon the multitudinous folks with Mudcat labels -

I've just posted pics here - xlast 6 pics - more will follow as received. Bob has a photo of 6 Catters at the Folklore conference.

memories - stairwell session Thursday or Friday night (best acoustic space in the place - now spoiled a bit by silvery insulation on the ceiling - dunno why a concrete stairwell needs insulation). We saw a well known singer there, so joined the session - I'll embarrass Ross by saying that a number of passers-by came onto the stairs when they heard him singing! He & I were on the landing & 3 other blokes were on the stairs below him & the harmony from these deep voices was wonderful. This memory joins several other magical moments when I was surrounded by voices in harmony.

Joining in with other passers-by when the combined Union choirs gave us a street concert. Unfortunately I couldn't wave my Union card as requested as I'm retired. The Australian songs sessions at lunchtime & in the Stockcamp. The Henry Lawson workshops & concerts. The Watersons concert.

Silliness in the Hymn session - 12 Ozcatters is a record in one place! - dunno if it was the choccie eggs or the medicinal Dr Jamiesons but we even had a dance, first time ever (I think). No doubt someone will remember what hymn we were singing.

Did my usual missing of things I wanted to see. The festival has 19 venues, most are open from 8ish to sometime in the early hours, & I always see very little. I marked 5 essentials one day & only saw 2 of 'em. Another day I saw 2 of 9 essentials! Tho one day I did hear one song from one headline act, but missed the rest as I normally do, some from disinclination to sit in huge venues, others from forgetfulness, more from can't-be-botheredness & others from falling into good company.

All in all, it was my usual festival, great fun in good company, & probably a failure in the eyes of those who rush from one venue to another in their relentless search to see everything on the program.

sandra