Jim,

You have so many fine musicians in the Southern Appalachians that it seems almost heretical to suggest importing some Yankees from the New York area, but I'm going to stick my neck out by giving you two suggestions for the Friday night concert.

1. The Johnson Girls. This is an all female a capella quintet that sings sea chanteys and other maritime music. They were one of the groups that performed at the Ships to Save the Waters benefit concert in New York last year, and a tired and sickly Pete Seeger rose like Lazarus from the dead when they started singing. Their effect is that magical. I know that we should wait until we hold a gathering along the coast, but maybe the Johnson Girls are what we need to provide some balance on the concert bill.

2. Water Sign. They are a quartet comprising two men and two women, and their harmonies are unbelievable. Most of their material is contemporary folk written in traditional style, and their instrumental arrangements suit the material perfectly.

Ny the way, Mudcatter Joy Bennett is a member of both the Johnson Girls and Water Sign. And she tells me she is also a member of PMN. (This is an entirely unsolicited endorsement. Unsolicited by her, that is.)


And as for workshops, you can sign me up to do the Woody Guthrie Song Swap and Jam Session. It was well attended in Queens, in Hartford, and in High Falls.

--- Steve