Hi, folks,
Just saw this as I don't drop by very often these days. Yes, I did go to Old Songs, as I have most years except for a couple high school graduations & the past 2 COVID years, since the late 1980s. Vaccine cards were checked outside the gate. I chose to only attend sessions in the 2 large halls & to sit, distanced, in the back by the door. I got through the weekend without contracting COVID & had a lovely time! I miss Folk Legacy & CAMSCO & various friends who have either passed away, moved away, or become infirm enough that they can't comfortably negotiate the fairgrounds. Even so, I saw many friends & thoroughly enjoyed the sessions I attended. The most notable for me were the Bill Staines memorial led by Joe Jencks, the Peace session led by John McCutcheon, & the Sacred Harp sings. Although many people sat close together, as usual, some of us chose to sit at the back or, at least, to mask. Although I think attendance was somewhat down, there was still a good crowd! Joy Bennett did a great job! I look forward to next year! There was no rain this year, but the temp was in the 90s both days; Oppressive!

Here's what I shared about the weekend on my Facebook page.

My account of Old Songs, 2022. First & foremost, sincere thanks to Joy Bennett & all personnel for making this weekend possible; it means so much to so many of us! It was wonderful to come home to Old Songs after two years away!

Now that I live closer to the fairgrounds, I daytrip. I attended on Saturday & Sunday &, despite the high temps & still some COVID risk, I felt blessed to see quite a few friends, to hear some performers who I love, & to do some singing myself! I had decided to only attend sessions in the Sheep & Cattle barns & to sit at the back near the doors.

On Saturday, before I even got through virus check & the gate, I was tickled pink to see Lori Fassman! We exchanged a quick greeting & hug! Then, I caught the last 3 songs in Sacred Harp in the sheep barn. I moved to the cattle barn for "Southern Voices" with John McCutcheon, Sam Gleaves & Deborah Payne, & Sheila Kay Adams. I have known & admired both John & Sheila for years. It was a distinct pleasure to hear Sam & Deborah & to pick up their CD "Welcome as the Flowers in May."

At the end of the session, I was so pleased to have a chance for a quick chat with Charlie Baum before I took a break from 12:30-1:30 PM to stop by the Folk Song Society of Greater Boston sing-along & connect for lunch with my dear friend Denise. Then, at 1:45 PM, Denise & I went together to the cattle barn for the "Peace" session with John McCutcheon, Claudia Schmidt, Reggie Harris, & Joe Jencks. Each one had something so special to share, but the closing song "We Shall Overcome" led by John had us standing in solidarity &, many of us, weeping. It was a powerful & healing session, so needed in these times! From there, I followed John to the Street Corner for some hammered dulcimer jam. Sweet, as always! At 4 PM, I called it a day & went home to rehydrate.

I enjoyed a few words a few times with both Joy Bennett & Chris Koldewey as they went about the festival, making sure things were running smoothly! I believe it was during the "Peace" session when I had the chance to have a short chat with Howie Bursen & to sing harmony next to him on a song or two. I saw Pamela Goddard, Carolyn Miante Pepler, John Roberts, & Lori Fassman there, too! I had a chance to say hello to Sally Rogers after the Bill Staines & also to blow a kiss to Reggie Harris. Sometimes, that is enough. Oh, almost forgot! At one point, I managed a short chat with Sheila outside the Ladies by the sheep & cattle barns. Poor Sheila! I didn't identify myself by name & what with the fact that my hairstyle is now quite different from what it's been for years, I don't think she actually recognized me. I wasn't a bit offended. She did the great performer thing, though, playing along famously as if she *did* know who I am. No worries, Sheila. The important thing is that I know who you are & I appreciate you! I'm not actually sure if Howie recognized me either, but that is aok! Love to both!

On Sunday, I got up on alarm to make it to the whole 1 1/2 hours of Sacred Harp singing in the sheep barn ably led by Stefan Amidon. Boy, did that do my heart good! I stayed in that hall for the Gospel Sing with Sheila Kay Adams, daughter Melanie Rice Penland, & cousin Donna Ray Norton, Sam Gleaves & Deborah Payne, Stefan Amidon, as well as Jim Lloyd & Addie Levy. Sam Gleaves & Jim Lloyd were new to me & both were a pleasure to hear!

"Remembering Bill Staines" came next, in the cattle barn. Good turn-out & lots of harmony singing along with Joe Jencks, Reggie Harris, Magpie, Sally Rogers & Howie Bursen. It was a joy & sorrow to remember Bill!

After that session, I was really feeling the heat & told friend Carolyn Miante Pepler that I thought I needed to head home. I stopped at Ann Schunior's booth to buy a gorgeous mug & dropped by Performer Sales to buy a CD by Sam Gleaves & Deborah Payne. This morning, I've already listened to one & drunk from the other. You can figure out which! LOL

All in all, it was a great weekend & I was so glad to be back! I took a few shots with my cell phone camera, but the quality is poor. I'm only sharing a few.

John Kirk & Trish Miller were missed, having come down with COVID just before the festival! Here's hoping for quick recovery & full healing!

I found Old Songs to be full of ghosts, albeit friendly ones--folks who've passed from this life & those who, for one reason or another, no longer journey to the festival. I was thinking of you, missing you, loving you! You were there with me in my heart!

Best,

bbc