After many years of safely singing folk songs from the earthly bound cages of car and shower, I rediscovered folk music in 1988 thanks to the Branford Folk Music Socitey (CT). I truly believed that I was the only person in the entire world who still liked traditional music. I then bought a guitar, took introductory lessons in an evening public education program, and began going to concerts and house hoots. I very weakly attemped a few songs, but I can't say I really performed. I gained confidence and exposure over the next several years (Pinewoods '89 & '91, Swannanoa Gathering '93, Houston Folk Music Society, and Oklahoma City Traditional Music Assn) until I was ready to perform in public. Finally my public debut (9/93) was with The Oklahoma Traditions as we performed at the Nichols Hills Arts Fest. I played back up guitar, sang harmony, and lead in the singing of "The Whistling Gypsy Rover" At this point I was 54 yrs old!

I since have been to the Augusta Heritage '95 and back to Pinewoods '97 (plan to go again in 2000). I have to thank the wonderful people of local Folk Music organizations (Branford, Houston, OKC) and the great faculty and students at folk music camps for their warm welcome, encouragement, and sharing of expertise and music. I'm truly looking forward to making music with some other 'catters!