Review: Mike Regenstrief - In Appreciation

Subject: Review: Mike Regenstrief - In Appreciation
From: Big Mick
Date: 03 Aug 07 - 01:15 AM

Mike announced today that he is stepping down from hosting one of the finest Folk shows anywhere in the world. I just want us all to thank this man for all he has done to protect and promote our music.

Thanks for everything, Mike. I hope this means we get to meet along the way and make some music together.

You are the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Review: Mike Regenstrief - In Appreciation
From: Peace
Date: 03 Aug 07 - 01:30 AM

From another thread:

"I felt a great sense of sadness when Mike told me he'd be leaving the show. The first thing folks have to understand about Mike is that he's knowledgeable about folk music and sincere in his love for it. He's a great interviewer because to him it's about the person on the other side of the microphone and he checks the background of the people he has on, so he already knows the answers to many of the questions he asks. He has an exquisite sense of when to redirect, clarify or let his guest go on. That is rare in my experience with radio shows--and I've done many of them over the years. However, the quality of the man and his love for the music and people who make it shows in the transition. Gerry Goodfriend is up to speed on the way things are done, and while I know that Gerry will add his personal stamp, I also know the show will maintain its high quality standard, because Gerry is one good guy with a love for music that rivals Mike's. CKUT FM will continue to be in good hands."

Mike, I have been a fan of yours for decades now. I am not a fan of too many concert promotors or club operators, but I would be if they were all like you. You have such tremendous organizational ability and your 'people' skills are remarkable. You are one guy in the music business I have never heard anyone say a bad about, and that speaks volumes. I'd said I'll get the CD to you--if or when--two weeks before anyone else. I'd like your permission to rephrase that. I'll get one to you and and one to Gerry two weeks before anyone else.

"Bear in mind that the wonderful things you learn in your schools are the work of many generations. All this is put in your hands as your inheritance in order that you may receive it, honor it, add to it, and one day faithfully hand it on to your children." Maybe old Albert was thinking about someone like you, Mike. Just maybe. Hold that thought, OK?

Please keep well and please keep in touch.

Bruce

Subject: RE: Review: Mike Regenstrief - In Appreciation
From: Beer
Date: 03 Aug 07 - 06:58 AM

Mike helped me keep my sanity with his show. At work in Montreal, I use to tape his show every Thursday morning on a small radio cassette, than on the way home and coming back to work the next morning I would listen to it during the traffic rush hours.
I don't know if you planned it this way but I think after spending a weekend with so many of your friends that you hadn't seen in years was a very appropriate move on your part. I didn't catch your announcement so I don't know what your plans are but I do hope you remain in the music field as it would be a tremendous loss if hung up your gloves.   All the very best to you and your family and the best to Gerry as well.
Adrien (beer)

Subject: RE: Review: Mike Regenstrief - In Appreciation
From: bobad
Date: 03 Aug 07 - 07:17 AM

Mike said he will be keeping his fingers in the pie by producing half hour features that will air on Gerry's show and who knows, maybe now that he has more time on his hands, he'll hang around here a bit more and share his knowledge and love of music with us.

Subject: RE: Review: Mike Regenstrief - In Appreciation
From: sapper82
Date: 03 Aug 07 - 10:18 AM

I've downloaded some of Mike's programmes and really enjoy listening to them.
Thamk's Mike.

Subject: RE: Review: Mike Regenstrief - In Appreciation
From: C. Ham
Date: 03 Aug 07 - 11:24 AM

maybe now that he has more time on his hands, he'll hang around here a bit more and share his knowledge and love of music with us.


I think the reason that Mike is stepping back from his show is that he just doesn't have time to give it the justice he thinks it deserves. Listening to his programs, it's quite obvious that he's done a thorough job of preparation and put a lot of time into all aspects of the show; from researching the interviews to the choice of music and, most brilliantly, the sequencing of the music.

I've listened to a lot of other radio programs, from here in Toronto and all over via webstreams. Mike is among the very best.

Although it won't be the same as a 2 hour show, I'm looking forward to hearing the features that he'll be contributing to Gerry's new show.

And there are still 4 more shows that Mike will be doing before passing the torch. I have a feeling they're all going to be pretty special.

Subject: RE: Review: Mike Regenstrief - In Appreciation
From: GUEST,Bob Ryszkiewicz
Date: 03 Aug 07 - 11:41 AM

Mike: I've already commented in another thread, but I would like to say Thank You again right here. With all that was going on in Ormstown, we didn't have too much time...But I KNOW you will continue to support Folk Music in a new way, much the same as you've done your whole life. "One door closes, and another opens..." Talk to you soon...

Subject: RE: Review: Mike Regenstrief - In Appreciation
From: Cluin
Date: 03 Aug 07 - 12:14 PM

Guess all good things come to an end sometime.

Thanks, Mike.

And hope more good things are on the way.

Subject: RE: Review: Mike Regenstrief - In Appreciation
From: C. Ham
Date: 10 Aug 07 - 11:00 AM

Another most excellent show this week.

August 9 playlist

podcast page

The countdown to the end of Folk Roots/Folk Branches, at least as we know and love it, is on. Mike has only 3 more shows to go.

Subject: RE: Review: Mike Regenstrief - In Appreciation
From: Chris in Portland
Date: 10 Aug 07 - 08:18 PM

It was the best folkshow on the net - the recent (separate) interviews with Ian and Sylvia were the just fantastic.
Mike is not replaceable, but I have heard Gerry in the past and I do believe he will come close.
For something a little different, but in line with the spirit of Mike's show, I highly recommend Frank Hennessy's Celtic Heartbeat on BBC Radio Wales.
Best wishes to Mike and many, many thanks -- as well as prayers for Ros Larman and hoping that she can carry on as long as she wants.
Thanks too for CKUT for archiving the shows.
Chris in Portland.

Subject: RE: Review: Mike Regenstrief - In Appreciation
From: C. Ham
Date: 12 Aug 07 - 11:23 AM

Mike's announcement posted yesterday on his website.

Subject: RE: Review: Mike Regenstrief - In Appreciation
From: C. Ham
Date: 16 Aug 07 - 09:02 PM

Today was Mike's third to last show and it was another excellent show with segments on Elvis (30th anniversary of his death) and Woody Guthrie.

August 16 playlist

podcast page

Subject: RE: Review: Mike Regenstrief - In Appreciation
From: gnu
Date: 17 Aug 07 - 02:35 PM

"...half hour features". Semi-shows? for semi-retirement?

Thanks Mike.

Subject: RE: Review: Mike Regenstrief - In Appreciation
From: C. Ham
Date: 24 Aug 07 - 02:09 PM

And yesterday was Mike's next to last show and it was another excellent listen. The guest was Noah Zacharin. Like me, Noah is a former Montrealer who lives in Toronto. I remember him at Yellow Door hoot nights when he was quite a young kid.

August 23 playlist

podcast page

Subject: RE: Review: Mike Regenstrief - In Appreciation
From: Peace
Date: 26 Aug 07 - 08:14 AM

Noah Zacharin rocks. Big time.

Subject: RE: Review: Mike Regenstrief - In Appreciation
From: C. Ham
Date: 29 Aug 07 - 10:18 PM

Mike's last show is tomorrow.

Subject: RE: Review: Mike Regenstrief - In Appreciation
From: C. Ham
Date: 30 Aug 07 - 03:48 PM

Thanks Mike for the beautiful, emotional final show.

August 30 playlist

podcast page

Thanks also for 14 years of radio and so many years of concerts and coffeehouses. I think you're a "lifer" on the folk music scene and there's much more to come from you.

And all the best to Gerry Goodfriend as he begins Folk Directions next week.

Subject: RE: Review: Mike Regenstrief - In Appreciation
From: Peace
Date: 30 Aug 07 - 03:50 PM

Ditto C. Ham's words, Mike.

Subject: RE: Review: Mike Regenstrief - In Appreciation
From: GUEST,Bob Ryszkiewicz
Date: 30 Aug 07 - 10:35 PM

Lots of music, lots of memories...Here's to a new beginning...Thanks Mike

Subject: RE: Review: Mike Regenstrief - In Appreciation
From: Big Mick
Date: 31 Aug 07 - 12:24 AM

I started this thread to show you how much you are appreciated for your contributions and dedication. Thanks, Mike, for all you have done. I wish you all the best in everything you do, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping to perpetuate our music.

Mick

Subject: RE: Review: Mike Regenstrief - In Appreciation
From: Dogwhistle
Date: 31 Aug 07 - 01:01 AM

Your contribution to folk music has touched so many lives, in so many ways. Thank You, Mike. You are really appreciated by all.

Subject: RE: Review: Mike Regenstrief - In Appreciation
From: Noah Zacharin
Date: 31 Aug 07 - 05:05 PM

I'll throw in my echo here.
Thanks Mike: for the Golem way back when, and all the great concerts I saw and participated in, and, more recently, for having me on as a guest on the show. It was great to finally see you working your magic. Hope the next 15 years are rich ones for you. I look forward to our paths crossing again soon. Be well, nz

Subject: RE: Review: Mike Regenstrief - In Appreciation
From: Mike Regenstreif
Date: 03 Sep 07 - 02:14 PM

Thanks to everyone for their comments, the public ones here, and the private messages I've received via e-mail. Some of the people who have posted here are old friends going back many decades, some I've never met in person. Special thanks to Big Mick for starting this thread, and to C. Ham for refreshing it over the weeks with the playlist and podcast links.

Winding down the show over the past few weeks, and particularly the finale this past Thursday, has been a very emotional experience. To borrow some words from my friend Tom Paxton: "Thank you for the honor of your company...I'm here to say the honor was all mine."

And I will try and check in to Mudcat more often than I've had a chance to over the past few years.

I'm looking forward to keeping Folk Roots/Folk Branches going as feature segments that will be part of my good friend Gerry Goodfriend's Folk Directions.

Mike Regenstreif

Subject: RE: Review: Mike Regenstrief - In Appreciation
From: Beer
Date: 03 Sep 07 - 09:10 PM

Mike,
I just got back from a great relaxing time in the Atlantic Provinces and I only wished as I was driving that I could have tuned into your show. I will check it out in the archives.
I guess I am one of your lesser known friends, but friend you were, and friend you have become. Thank you for turning me on to Dave Van Rock, Deloris Keen (sp.), Tom Russell, David Massengill,Eric Bibb, Guy Clarke, Jimmy LaFave, Rosalie Sorrels and Patrick Sky. Oh there are many many more but these are just a few that come to mind.
And then there is Kirk MacGeachy whom my heart still aches for.
Adrien (beer)

Subject: RE: Review: Mike Regenstrief - In Appreciation
From: C. Ham
Date: 07 Sep 07 - 11:04 PM

Mike,

Thursdays just aren't the same without Folk Roots/Folk Branches. But Gerry got off to a nice start. I'm looking forward to your contributions.

Subject: RE: Review: Mike Regenstrief - In Appreciation
From: sapper82
Date: 11 Sep 07 - 09:48 AM

Looks like CKUT have rehashed their Folk Pages and removed the archives of Mike's programmes.
Shame as I've not been able to catch up with his last programme.

Subject: RE: Review: Mike Regenstrief - In Appreciation
From: Jeri
Date: 11 Sep 07 - 10:03 AM

Sapper - try here.