Wow, where to begin?

I am thankful to the Yankee Springs State Game area for providing the wonderful, rustic cabin in the primitive area of the park. It was here that 5 lads,(meself included) decided to get together for a weekend of making music. We decided to stay together and The Conklin Ceili Band was born. We have become friends, brothers and fellow travellers on the musical road. I am especially thankful to them and their families for putting up with my tantrums and sharing their talents and time as we seek to be faithful to our music.

I am thankful for the rich, musical heritage of my people. It is one of the most important of the elements that define who Mick Lane is. And I promise the memory of my people that I will do my very best to present it credibly and honorably and with reverence for the events that caused these stories to be told.

And how do I express how thankful I am that I found The Mudcat Cafe and The Digital Tradition? How do I tell Dick and Susan that their incredible treasure trove of music has literally expanded my horizons, and set me adrift and wandering in a sea of song. How would one tell Max that his sacrifice of precious time with his family, has enabled others like myself to have friends from around the world who share this love of music. Good friends, lifelong friends, I am sure. And how about Joe Offer, who spends so much of his time taking care of us and fixing our boo-boos? How does one tell these good people, that Godlike, they have created a world built around the joy of a song, the love of a tune, and the enjoyment of a debate? And that I am grateful beyond what I can express.

And how do I tell you, dear friends, what you have come to mean to me. Whether in Sydney, Florida, Oregon, Sacramento, England, Ireland, Japan, Massachusetts, Michigan, every corner of the globe, we have become a community. And I give thanks for all of you.

Mick