Yikes! I just took a look at my earlier post on this thread... what calendar was I looking at?!? All three performers were at the Philadelphia Folk Festival THIS PAST weekend (August 24-26!) I missed Paxton's 1/2 hour showcase on Friday, but saw Havens and Collins last night.

Well, Richie Havens just blew everyone away. If he shows half that much energy at the NY show, you guys are in for a real treat! Someone had best keep him away from guitars on stands, though: at the end of his final number, he jumped up off his stool, strumming like hellfire, and knocked over not only the stool but a nearby guitar. I thought for certain that he would step on the guitar on the floor (he didn't, but it was close!). Fantastic showcase... and how the heck does he play with those huge rings on eight of his fingers, anyway???

Judy Collins, of course, had a much more laid-back set. Her voice is still remarkably clear, but the content and style of the showcase was pretty much like the show I saw her do at the Philly Folk Fest 15 years earlier (except that this time, it wasn't raining cats and dogs!). Also, this time, she didn't show off by singing and holding one note forever-and-a-day... just half-of-forever. A lot of the people in the audience were leaving during her show, but let's just say that if you like what she does, she won't disappoint.