After reading Evy's message immediately above and my own just before it, I wish to amend my thoughts by saying that giants in addition to Pete Seeger still do walk the Earth. I do not know Randi and Murray Speigel, but I do know the other folks she mentions, and I assure you that each is a giant in his or her own way.

I would especially like to pay tribute to Sol Weber. The man is on a mission and that is to get people to sing, and maybe in the process make the world a better place for all of us. Since I know that the prayers of an infidel like myself count just as much as those of the most devout believer, all I can say is God bless you, Sol!

And need I mention that four of the other people Evy mentions -- Joy Bennett, Steve Mayer, Ellen Weiss, and David Kleiman -- comprise a quartet that has been the subject of numerous Mudcat messages. That quartet is none other than Water Sign. And if you like what you hear at the Clearwater festival, come hear a full Water Sign concert on Friday evening, November 2, 2001, 8 PM, at the Advent Lutheran Church, West 93rd Street and Broadway in New York City. General adult admission is $13, but if you are a member of New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club you can get in for free. To join, stop by the NYPFMC table at the festival. Or show up at Evy's workshop and ask her or Joy Bennett.

Evy Mayer is also a giant in her own way. As the current NYPFMC program chairperson she has been tireless in her efforts to bring top quality folk music to the New York metro area. And on top of that she plays one mean uke.

---- Steve