Rick,

What you say about "friends" is so true. We do fundraising once per year, and it is so rewarding to see the same names coming back year after year and pledging their support. It is the dedicated people who make the committment that keep this music alive. As you say, it is also people who create venues for artists to perform that deserve so much credit.

The amazing thing is - it take so little to make things work. Just attending a show or making a contribution goes a long way to keeping these traditions alive. People really can make a difference without breaking a sweat.

Hat's off to the owner of Hugh's Room. It takes a lot of courage to stick with something when your income is on the line!

Ron