Hi Suffet. Sounds like everyone had a great time and you obviously put a lot of planning and thought into your Hoot. Wether it's a hoot, or a hootenanny, or a rassafrat probably isn't the most important issue. If my memory is correct, and it rarely is these days, this thread started with the subject, Hoots, history and such. I REALLY have enjoyed all the postings on this thread (ain't mudcat great). I think we are clearly seeing basic differences between hoot styles ... and one doesn't dimminish the other. To me, a hoot has always been a small, private affair where the close gathering together of a few friends, and songs, is what it's all about. To 'stage' a hoot, as you did, is also legitimate ... but that's NOT our experience out here on the West Coast. Don makes a perfect point when he mentions the stupid TV show by the same name. Have you ever noticed that just about everything that TV touches, it ruins. We, way out here, have always felt a proprietary claim on the name "hoot." After all, it's well known that the name was coined in Seattle. And I've always felt that no one is more provincial (says Bob fondly) than us Seattlites. (try to say that word fast three times). So, what I'm trying to say is this: you have your hoots, we'll have ours, but most importantly, let's encourage the music. (just my .02 worth). CHEERS, Bob