sorry for the above typos---too much coffee this afternoon.

A problem, as I see it, is the Folk Alliance (of which I'm a proud charter member) muddying the waters and bluring the distinctions as well as making this a real business for the first time. That wasn't true in the past except for the few mega-stars. But think how very many jobs have been created for agents and roadies etc. etc. In the old days we were a group gettin' to gigs by sticking out our thumbs (trying to be like Woody) or taking the bus. Did that until we got a $50.00 car. Thought that was how it should be done if we were in the tradtion of those who went before. Got our own gigs too--on the phone & not using the computer.

We always thought you could take all the sincerity in show business and stuff it into a flea's naval & still have enough room left over for 3 carraway seeds and an agent's heart!!!

Now, I see we're all folks doing the best we can.---While some are still shysters (spelling?), others, like my good friends Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer(who once again, have been nominated for a Grammy in the kid's music category) are simply superb musicians AS WELL AS being top-notch, go-gettin', business folk!! I, to Cathy's huge frustration, hated doing that end of things. But I sure do admire it when I see it done so well by Cathy & Marcy! (And _Blue Rose_ is one of the finest bluegrass bands I've ever heard.)

Art