Yup, it is important.

I don't believe in virtual communities. Only real ones, and this is one. Part of the big folk music community.

I've been to three Mudcat gettogethers over the past year and a half: in Toronto, Ottawa, and Portland Maine. I've turned acquaintances into friends at each one.

Punching out interesting tidbits and ruminations, and occasionally heavier stuff (see loss of parents") on a keyboard is one thing, but nothing beats sharing music, food, drink and laughter in person. (And instruments)

And its great that the Cat is so geographically flexible--I think it is, anyway. Two or three or four folks getting together in the heart of the midwest is just as valid as those big wild parties we keep hearing about...anyway, you bring your family and musical friends, right?

Willie-O