I kept expecting someone else to start a thread on this fabulous festival, but I guess this year it's going to be me. I've not been for 15 years, and each one of those years I've regretted not being able to go. The line up this year is as stellar as always. My Big Thrill will be getting to see Jez Lowe for the first time, though I've loved his music for two decades.

My You'll Hate Yourself If You don't Go reason is the 50th anniversary celebration of Folk Legacy records. Caroline Paton has long been a goodness in my life, the wee taste I had of her company at last year's Getaway made me realize how impoverished life has been, not being able to sing with her.

My Deeply Wonderful thrill will be that my traveling and camping partner will be the dulcet toned Margaret Nelson, she of "Let Peace Prevail" "Call Down a Blessing" and a couple dozen great recordings with Phil Cooper, Kate Early, Paul Goelz and other assorted players. Now playing solo, we're autoharp buddies as well as sharing musical tastes to a large degree. I expect to see some east coastish folks I've not seen since the 2000 Folk Alliance in Cleveland & renewing those wonderful connections.

I hope there will be Mudcat folks there who'll introduce themselves. My tent site will have a Cup Of Tea (with beads) banner & I expect to have the joy of the late night sings.


Joanne in Cleveland