The Cleveland contra dance community is reeling in shock over the sudden, unexpected death of Bob Glenn yesterday afternoon. Bob was well known for his foot percussion while fiddling, most often while playing for dances. He was a long time member of two of the longest-running contra dance band in northern Ohio, Mud in Yer Eye & Rhubarb Pie.

Bob could be counted on to show up for various old-time or Irish music sessions, sharing his delight in some new tune he'd learned or musician he'd met. His joy in the music was contagious, and his enthusiasm for trying variations in orchestration challenged his band mates to play their best. I can't begin to describe the sorrow I feel for this great loss, as it hasn't really sunk in; I was just sitting next to him on Sunday at a post-rehearsal potluck.

Tonight the MIYE band is going to play a benefit dance Bob's wife Margaret had booked us in, and I hope we can let the music lift our heavy hearts. His other band plays tomorrow night, with one less fine fiddler.

Joanne in Cleveland