Scott,

Congrats on the move.

I grew up in Plainfield and North Plainfield; haven't lived there full-time since 1965, but my Mom is still living in the same house so I visit periodically, and I have driven/ridden past the Watchung Arts Center many times -- especially since I-78 has replaced US22 as the preferred route to and from Newark Airport.

I wasn't aware of your concert series, and may or may not ever have been in the area when an event was actually underway. (My visits are generally pretty brief, and tightly scheduled with various obligations.) Now that I know about the series, I'll keep an eye open and perhaps make the short trip to Berkley Hts. for a concert if I'm there on the right weekend.

My very first exposure to live folk music, and my first open mike appearances, were in the basement coffeehouse under Leon's Restaurant on Somerset Street in North Plainfield, right next to the Green Brook (the Plfd/NoPlfd boundary) and just a mile or two directly downhill from that venue you've just outgrown. This was probably about 1962-64. I have no idea whether you're old enough to know what I'm talking about, but if your group includes any long-time folkies with roots in the area, they should recognize the reference.

Pops