Obit: Vic Heyman 6 January 2009

Subject: Obit: Vic Heyman 6 January 2009
From: Anne Lister
Date: 08 Jan 09 - 05:20 PM

Vic Heyman was one of our finest folk "angels" in several senses of the word - although I don't want to start any debate here about the use of the word "folk". His preference was, I think, for singer-songwriters, but his love was for the music overall.
I first met him back in the mid-eighties, when I was touring in the US with Mary McLaughlin as Anonyma and he and Reba came to a concert. I first got to know him properly later, at Folk Alliances (where he and his wife Reba were sponsors) and at other concerts. They became my American "Dad" and "Mum", helping and supporting me in so many ways - a place to stay, dinners out, a generous no-strings loan which enabled me to put out my second CD, company, feedback on songs, helping me to get showcase spots at Folk Alliances - the list is a long one, and not, I know, unique to me. I know they helped many other performers.
They came to our wedding, four years ago. They made the trip to Wales specifically for our day and took us out to dinner a day or so before the wedding, in typically generous style. My husband met them for the first time then and was bowled over by their friendship and kindness.
He died on Tuesday following heart problems and I only heard about it via Facebook - I've been looking ever since for Mudcat comments and been puzzled by their absence. So I'm sorry if you are one of Vic's "family" and this is the first you've heard of it.
Reba is, apparently, in Florida at the moment and likely to stay there for a while. My heart goes out to her and her family - I've been knocked sideways by the news and I'm just on the fringes of those who loved him.
On Facebook there are a number of heartfelt tributes to the man who did so much for so many musicians - so here's a space for 'Catters to add their memories.

Anne

Subject: RE: Obit: Vic Heyman 6 January 2009
From: DebC
Date: 08 Jan 09 - 05:34 PM

Thanks for this, Anne. Here is my tribute to Vic.

Vic Heyman Gave Me a Chance

It was 2002 and my very first Folk Alliance Conference. I knew about Vic Heyman, but had never met him. He was sponsoring a showcase to remember Kate Wolf and I had asked him if I might participate with my version of Kate's song "Medicine Wheel". He said "yes". I performed in that showcase to a packed room, and when I ran into Vic and his wife, Reba a day or so later, I thanked him for including me and he said "You did very well". That made my whole week.

Not long after, I sent Vic an email asking if I may perform at the venue he was running in Rockville, MD, "Vic's Music Corner'". He kindly responded that he only booked singer-songwriters, basically a thanks but no thanks.

I decided that there might be some room for discussion here, so I replied with an email, letting him know that even though I wasn't a songwriter, that I did perform many contemporary songs along with traditional songs. I also put forth the "argument" that the term folk should be inclusive, rather than exclusive and we should accommodate all aspects of folk, not just contemporary songwriters at the presenter's discretion, of course.

Vic responded that I put forth a good argument and invited me to open up for the wonderful trio "Hot Soup" the following July. So in July 2002, I performed a 20 minute set of songs both traditional and contemporary. When I got off the stage (after an encore), Vic came up to me, gave me a kiss on the cheek and said, "I am so glad you talked me into hiring you".

Ever since then, I, like so many others, always found a bit of time at conferences and festivals to sit with Vic and Reba and have a chat. I had been noticing that Vic had been physically slowing down a bit, but it was wonderful to see that this wasn't keeping him from going to Folk Alliance, no matter where it was being held or whether it was a regional conference or the big one.

I last saw Vic at NERFA 2008. We had a lovely chat; I told him about my father's health situation and how Vic reminded me so much of my own Dad. I then got a bit emotional and said, "You know, Vic, you and Reba are Mom and Dad to so many of us. You are SO loved, so loved by SO many."

He slowly looked at me and I could see tears in his eyes. We had a hug and a quiet moment of peace and joy.

Vic Heyman will be SO missed by the many that loved him. My thoughts are with Reba and the rest of the Heyman family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Vic Heyman 6 January 2009
From: GUEST,Judy Heyman
Date: 08 Jan 09 - 08:56 PM

Thanks for your kind words about my Dad. His life had many chapters, and I believe the folk years were the happiest for both my parents.

He loved all of you as much as you loved him. Thanks for being such a supportive network of friends and extended family. Love, Judy
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Obit: Vic Heyman 6 January 2009
From: GUEST,Judy Heyman
Date: 08 Jan 09 - 09:01 PM

Victor Heyman made it to 2009. 2-16-35 to 1-06-09

Subject: RE: Obit: Vic Heyman 6 January 2009
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 08 Jan 09 - 10:51 PM

Vic's first love may have been singer-songwriters, but he was a builder of the larger folk community as well. He created a "Guide to DC Booking" with the help and input of every programmer in the Washington, DC area. He was our focal point, the lens that helped us all realize that whether our niches were traditional or world or contemporary music, all of us who put on programs of folk music were helping to bring culture and entertainment and musical life to our area. He made us see how much we shared.

He will be missed by all of us.

--Charlie Baum, long-time programmer with the Folklore Society of Greater Washington

Subject: RE: Obit: Vic Heyman 6 January 2009
From: GUEST,Len Jaffe
Date: 09 Jan 09 - 03:07 AM

Subject: RE: Obit: Vic Heyman 6 January 2009
From: DebC
Date: 09 Jan 09 - 09:47 AM

Welcome to Mudcat, Judy.

Charlie, great tribute and wonderful thoughts.

Debra Cowan

Subject: RE: Obit: Vic Heyman 6 January 2009
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 09 Jan 09 - 09:53 AM

I posted some thoughts on my website (www.ronolesko.blogspot.com)
the night Vic passed, but I'd like to share some more here.

I wish I had more opportunities to spend time with Vic and Reba. I got to know them through NERFA where we served together on the formal showcase committe. It was a real pleasure to work with them and have an opportunity to witness the powerful love they had for the music and even more importantly - the musicians.

I don't think we can over-estimate the importance of their support and encouragement of artists - they enabled many artists to pursue their dreams, and we are all richer for it.

One year during the judging process, we came across an artist that both Vic & Reba loved, and I also shared their enthusiasm as this person had been a guest on my show and I could see how wonderful she was.   The other judges were lukewarm.   Vic and Reba showed up that weekend with homemade T-shirts bearing this particular artists photo. They showed up at every showcase this artist performed in - giving her not only a cheering section but a "street team" that created a buzz among the other attendees.

It was wonderful to see Vic at NERFA back in November, but it was sad to see that he was fading. Still, I don't think anyone felt it would be the last time we would see him. The twinkle in his eye was still there.

Our folk community can never replace a man like Vic. I hope that his love that he and Reba shared so freely will inspire others to do the same. We were graced by his presence, and he will never be forgotten as long as people are making music.

Subject: RE: Obit: Vic Heyman 6 January 2009
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 09 Jan 09 - 01:12 PM

Rest in peace, Vic and thank you for your assistance.

Seamus Kennedy

Subject: RE: Obit: Vic Heyman 6 January 2009
From: GUEST,Amanda Case
Date: 10 Jan 09 - 03:19 AM

Vic was always warm and welcoming to each of my artists who toured through.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends, family and all who loved him.
May you find peace in knowing he rests in the arms of angels.
He will be greatly missed.
Rest in Peace.

Subject: RE: Obit: Vic Heyman 6 January 2009
From: GUEST,uncle bill emerson
Date: 10 Jan 09 - 06:58 PM

Everyone at Kerrville will miss Vic.

Thanks for all you did sir.
Folkie51

Subject: RE: Obit: Vic Heyman 6 January 2009
From: GUEST,julia
Date: 11 Jan 09 - 07:40 PM

Vic and Reba exemplify what the folk community is all about- open-minded, kind, generous and appreciative even when your talent might not be what they were looking for. Always willing to listen and to refer you to others who might help even if they could not
Vic leaves a great void - hopefully Reba will carry on. At the very least we cam hope that Vic's dedication and attitude will serve as an example

Blessings on their family at this difficult time

Julia & Fred / Castlebay