Obit: Jonathan Eberhart (18 Feb 2003)

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: Bill D
Date: 24 Feb 03 - 12:24 AM

there will be pictures taken....and if I dig fast and hard, I can find worthy pictures of Jonathan to grace the service. I know I have some video of him at Glen Echo (the Washington Folk Festival)....there might be some who would like one more dip into Jonathan's spell....

(I have no idea how appropriate it would be, or how the service will be planned, but I will try to get what I have together, just in case..)

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: GUEST,Murray
Date: 24 Feb 03 - 10:37 AM

Many, many years ago I was among the ranks of Jonathan's sweethearts - not the easiest of roles to fill, but exciting and fun and very romantic. Jonathan had an especial fondness for Eeyore and I made him a "Pin the Tail On Eeyore" fabric wallhanging. (Hey, it was the 70's, OK?) And I told him about Rebuses. He'd never encountered them before but took them up with gusto. He found the perfect gift for me, too. I was studying French at the time and he sent me a set of French Rebus plates. He also gave me a gorgeous antique lace mourning shawl. I guess it's time to wear it.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: GUEST,Sondra Wallace
Date: 24 Feb 03 - 10:07 PM

Some of the messages here have asked for information on the memorial celebration for Jonathan. It will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at the Washington Ethical Society, 7760 - 16th Street, NW, Washington DC. (That's a few blocks below the District line, at the intersection with Kalmia Road. For information and directions, go to the Folklore Society of Greater Washington website, www.fsgw.org.)

Thanks to all of you who've been sharing your memories of Jonathan on this thread. Your wonderful stories cut through the clouds of those last years of illness and bring him back in all his ornery, quicksilver aliveness. Don't stop! And if you can come to the memorial, please bring them to share.

Andy and I still play the road sign game. From long drives with Jonathan he remembers Samaria Blissfield (elegant, graceful, leading a charmed life) and Ida Peabody (not) -- from, he believes, the road to Ann Arbor.

One lasting regret is that I never could persuade Jonathan to let me (or anyone else, so far as I know) record -- or even write down the words to -- "Waltzing With Whales", his exquisite parody of "Waltzing With Bears". ("...trip the heavy fantastic, waltzing with whales...") He had taken the notion that he might get caught up in the copyright litigation around "WWB" and some alleged predecessor called "Waltzing With Terwilliger", and nothing could shake his opinion. Part of me thinks it was as much cussedness as conviction. But now Jonathan's gone, and the whales may be gone, too. Unless someone out there was luckier than I?

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: woodsong
Date: 25 Feb 03 - 01:43 AM

Wonderful to read all the memories about Jonathan tonight. Many of my own to add......maybe later. Jonathan's essence is in his songs. His warmth, humor, intelligence, eclecticism and, even, his eccentricities are all in his wonderful music. Jonathan had an impact on everyone he ever met, whether a one-time dinner companion at his favorite restaurant or a longtime music or science/space friend. The memories and messages are pouring in from around the country from his friends in the Folk Music community and the Science News community. Jonathan stories are being told and his music is being played and sung . Sounds like he is still with us all. Mia Gardiner

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: GUEST,Larry K
Date: 25 Feb 03 - 10:17 AM

Here is my favorite memory of Jonathan.    The Folk Project of New Jersery runs two festivals a year.   In the mid 1980's, Boarding Party was one of the feature acts for the festival.    They have a lot of great serious workshops at the festival, but they also have some silly ones.   One member (Dwayne) volunteered to lead a rock skipping workshop at the nearbye lake.   Dwayne taught the proper techniques for rock skipping and than a bunch of us spent the hour rock skipping.   What make the workshop special was Boarding Party coming out to the lake and serenading us with Sea Shanty's while we were rock skipping.   Almost 20 years later and I still remember that with very fond memories.

I really enjoyed the folks from Boarding Party.    We will all miss Jonathan.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: EBarnacle1
Date: 25 Feb 03 - 02:30 PM

Sondra, PM me with your e-dress and I will put you in contact with Jan Christensen. I believe he might be willing to set you up with what you asked for. Eric

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: Abby Sale
Date: 25 Feb 03 - 03:17 PM

The announcement is Announcement

Jonathan Eberhart          EBERHART, JONATHAN

On Tuesday, February 18, 2003 JONATHAN EBERHART of Washington, D.C. passed away after a long illness. A Memorial Celebration will be held at the Washington Ethical Society, 7760 16th St. N.W. on March 15, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jonathan's memory to SOME (So Others Might Eat), 70 O St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001 or the Jonathan Ebert Memorial Fund of the Folklore Society of Greater Washington, P.O. Box 5693, Friendship Heights Station, Washington, D.C. 20016.
This ad appeared in The Washington Post on 2/23/2003.

(Links) Flowers & gifts • Charities • Guest Book

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: Nancy King
Date: 25 Feb 03 - 10:05 PM

Larry K., I remember the rock-skipping shanties! Seems to me that was the same year the Folk Project's skit was titled "Indiana Jones and the Dead Sea Shanties," and featured a cantankerous and pedantic shanty expert as one of its characters. I don't know what Jonathan thought of it, but the rest of us were rolling in the aisles!

I hope the Folk Project is still doing those fantastic skits!

Cheers, Nancy

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: GUEST,Sandy Paton
Date: 26 Feb 03 - 12:36 AM

My son and I have spent this evening mastering the "made-to-order" CD version of Jonathan's solo album, "Life's Trolley Tide." Tomorrow I will make up the insert and traycard, and we'll be ready to send a copy to Science News to use a cut on their web site honoring Jonathan. The second Boarding Party recording will come next. I'll let you know when it, too, is ready.
    Sandy

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: Bill D
Date: 26 Feb 03 - 10:15 AM

Here is the obituary for Jonathan published in today's Washington Post

click here

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: KathWestra
Date: 26 Feb 03 - 03:28 PM

Just one tiny correction in Sondra's message and of the announcement of the memorial celebration. The Washington Ethical Society's address is 7-7-five-0 (not 7-7-six-0) 16th street in northwest Washington, DC, just south of the Maryland line. It's the second building from the southwest corner of 16th and Kalmia.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 26 Feb 03 - 06:36 PM

I remember booking the "International Room" one year at the FSGW Minifest. I called Jonathan for his advice about whom to invite. Being Jonathan, he first launched into a diatribe that nobody ever booked it right, but as soon as i was able to explain that I wanted his advice, it was like I was handed the keys to the encyclopedia in his brain.

By the way, parking in the vicinity of the Washington Ethical Society is screwy due to the reconstruction of 16th Street, but the FSGW website includes updates as to the construction and parking situation there, and I'll make sure to update it the week beforehand with current information.

--Charlie Baum

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: Bill D
Date: 28 Feb 03 - 11:24 AM

for those who have not already found it, here is a link to a memorial page about Jonathan at Science News. Many stories and tributes from those in science...and some from the folk community also....and the words to several of Jon's songs, along with a sound byte of Jon singing "Lifes' Trolley Ride"

read, and be amazed, amused, and saddened......

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: susan
Date: 28 Feb 03 - 11:41 AM

I came to know Jonathan at a stage of his life when his careers as a musician and writer were slowing down, and finally ended. Yet Jonathan the man and the friend still had indescribably bounty to offer.

Jonathan had some healing power. When he didn't know my name, I'm sure, I was recovering from a major operation, a life-threatening one, and I played his record over and over; that was the voice I wanted to hear, somehow. Some years later, when I did come to know him, I remember we were going back to his apartment one evening and the battery of his wheelchair gave up the ghost. I was pushing uphill and getting pretty winded when other hands appeared to help. Jonathan and our new companion began to talk. He was from Bangaladesh; he was feeling lonely and sad; he had not met anyone in this strange new place. Jonathan sang for him in his native Bengali that beautiful river song Tom mentioned, spelled (possibly) Oray Sujan Anaya - and that deep voice brought him home....I remember the wonder with which he asked, "How did you come to know that song - !!!!!"

And I remember, too, when I came to see Jonathan at a time when I was really hurting, so much I couldn't talk. I sat and tears rolled down my cheeks, and quietly he just got up and went to the piano and played for me, song after song...How did he ever come to know which ones I loved? The gentle power of the music reached so deeply.

He was a generous man. He was fine. I loved him.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: EBarnacle1
Date: 01 Mar 03 - 02:13 AM

We all did and we revere his memory.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: Charley Noble
Date: 01 Mar 03 - 09:14 AM

There is a wealth of memorial songs to choose from. This one probably has no direct connection with the Boarding Party or Jonathan, but I'd like to think it would resonate with those who were closest to him. The song is based on a poem by C. Fox Smith, musically arranged and sung by Danny and Joyce M McLeod on their CD Never a Cross Word, © 2002 Old & New Tradition:

SO LONG

(Words by C. Fox Smith in Sea Songs & Ballads © 1924
Words slightly modified by Charlie Ipcar-8/12/02
Tune by Alan Fitzsimmons)

Chorus:

C----------Am------------Dm-------C--Dm
All coiled down, an' it's time for us to go;
G-------------------------F--------------C
Every sail's furled in a neat harbour stow;
--------------------Am--------Dm---------C-Dm
Another ship for us, an' for her a-noth-er crew –
----G--------C------G----F------------------G-C
An' so long, sailor-man, here's good luck to you!


Fun an' friends I wish you, till your pay's all gone –
Pleasure while you're spending, satisfaction when you're done –
A chest that's never empty, when you're back to sea,
An' a better ship than she's been, an' a truer pal than me. (CHO)

A good berth I wish you, in a ship that's well found,
With a decent crowd up forrard, an' her running gear all sound,
Spars a man can trust, when it comes on to blow,
An' no bucko mate a-bawlin', when it's your watch below. (CHO)

A good Trade I wish you, an' a fair landfall,
Neither fog nor iceberg, nor long calm, nor squall,
A pleasant port to come to, when your work's all through –
An' so long, sailorman, here's good luck to you. (CHO)

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: GUEST,Steve Beste
Date: 01 Mar 03 - 10:23 AM

Susan, I'm touched by your story (and your telling of it). I knew Jonathan for many years, though never well. But I always thought of him as shy. Sure, he could take over a room and carry everyone happily along as many have said here. But in matters of the heart, he seemed shy and unsure of his footing. I always found that sweet, because I was otherwise so in awe of him.

I invited him to my wedding in 1982, and to my surprise he came. He peeked in the door of the church, left a bottle of single malt whisky and slipped away again. Linda saw him, but I didn't. They say that every wedding you go to is your own wedding, so I always figured that he found the whole affair too poignant. Or maybe it was just too formal or too churchy. But Susan, I'm glad to hear that you were close to him.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: GUEST,Riki Schneyer
Date: 02 Mar 03 - 01:06 PM

Hello, all--Susan, you made me cry--Our dear old friend--he could be such a softie, sometimes. Once, when I was 15 years old and was having boyfriend trouble (Jonathan had introduced me to the guy!), I was sitting in my Ma's living room crying (so glad I'm not 15, anymore, not that tears over men are the exclusive province of teenagers!), when Jonathan came into the room from the door behind me. He didn't say a word, just put his hand on my head and gave me a few strokes, then left. I never forgot it. For a man who thrived on words, he wasn't bad with the non-verbal, as well.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: Ship'scat
Date: 02 Mar 03 - 04:48 PM

Dear friends of J.E.

A pattern emerges. If Jonathan wanted to connect with you, it didn't happen directly, eye-to-eye, toe-to-toe. Instead it happened in another, tangential, distantly fantastical and irreverent sphere. Places where highway names and songs came to life as real characters. Some of my favorites where:

"The old slope at the furnace" - An aging vietnamese peasant picking coal from the slag heap in Pennsylvania was inflicted on one of Helen's heart-rending mining songs

"Strokeman" - An 8 foot ebony oarsman with abs of steal chasing whales (and ripping bodices) off the coast of Bequia was taken from the Boarding Party's treatment of (Roger Abhrams' collected) "Solid Fas'"

"Flavius Lash" - Actually a (real? - we never believed him) work colleage of Tom McHenry's who we imagined tended to the slaves in a Roman galley - Raming Speed!!!

Then there was the particularly fascinating way in which Jonathan connected with Bob Hitchcock, a native-speaking Brit. Jonathan was fascinated by the notion of Wurzel Gummidge as Bob related the British verson or our Holloween jack-o-latern. This fascination peaked, Jonathan-style, when, in preparation for our first tour of Britan, which included a gig in the Devonshire seaside town of Barnstable, Jonathan acquired a Department of Agriculture permit to import Mangle Wurzel seeds.

If you wanted the seriously twisted form of these connections you attended Jonathan's FSGW Getaway "Songs from the Shower" workshop where we would both rapsodize about his father's (and mine) fraternity (Kappa Sigma)songs. And this from one who was the antithesis of your "frat" type.

Synaptic firings like these do NOT happen with a mere mortal - only the immortal that Jonathan most assuredly is.

KC

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: Abby Sale
Date: 03 Mar 03 - 10:53 AM

Does anyone have Jonathan's exact date of birth? (Or the rest of the Boarding Party, come to that.) I haven't been able to find this anywhere.

Thanks.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: voorhees
Date: 03 Mar 03 - 11:26 AM

My first connection to Jonathon was when, as a college student and organizer of the Five College Folk Festival at Hampshire College (1977 I think?) I was put in charge of Jonathon and Helen Schneyer during their stay there. It was a daunting task and took all my wits and courage to manage. There was all that gruffness to get through that had me cowering at first. But then there was the compelling power of his music and the stories he told. I finally started to enjoy the challenge and even talk back a little. I recall, therefore, the elation I felt when he was thrilled my recitation of "Jabborwocky" in German at a late night party.

That experience attached me permanently to the Washington folk scene. I have been a tremendous fan of Jonathon's ever since.

Jenni Voorhees

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: voorhees
Date: 03 Mar 03 - 01:44 PM

Here is the obituary in Science News.
http://sciencenews.org/20030301/fob8.asp

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: GUEST,Nancy King at work
Date: 03 Mar 03 - 03:46 PM

Abby --

Jonathan's birthdate was August 11, 1942.

As for the rest of the BP, I only know KC's, which was December 1, 1940.

Why do you ask?

Nancy

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: Padre
Date: 03 Mar 03 - 10:22 PM

I know my birthday: August 14, 1942. But I thought JE's was September 11, 1942?

Tom McHenry+

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: Bill D
Date: 03 Mar 03 - 10:52 PM

Abby keeps a list/journal/'honor roll' of significant..(some famous, some not so) musicians and posts notes about them at relevant times...

is that a fair assessment of it, Abby?

(hello, Padre Tom *grin*...do you still get to drink interesting beer sometimes? I haven't had a Rödenback in ages!)

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: Mary Cliff
Date: 04 Mar 03 - 01:56 AM

This thread & the one at Science News have brought both laughter and tears. I met Jonathan in 1964, part of the DC folk scene. He & Andy Wallace & Mike Rivers & my husband & i actually played a gig together. Jon scared the bejesus outta me.   Much later at an unsettled time in both our lives, we reconnected, much to my surprise. I look forward to recalling some of our adventures with Pete the Spy at the memorial. Sushi gathering afterward?

Jon and i spent about two years together. I did, do, and always will love his "presence," his voice, his intelligence, his imagination and his gentleness. I don't think he had a practical bone in his body, and i have never found the right occasion to don the kimono that hangs in my closet.

Mary

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: Abby Sale
Date: 05 Mar 03 - 09:24 AM

Nancy: Thank you. Dates of birth in folkishness are problematic. Much like asking on which date some particular whaler sailed. When there's a discrepancy such as your and Tom's estimates, I usually record them as "so and so was born on xxxxxx AND on xxxxxx" instead of 'or.' Seems better for reasons I've well-established but won't go into here. In this case, KC separately confirms his own DOB. Although the two of you may well have conspired on this, I think I'm safe to take it as authoritative.

Tom: Thank you. By the same token, I can accept your own estimate of your own DOB. (This is not altogether flip - people often err in this or else mislead others in this for many reasons. At age 99, my grandmother insisted she was only 96 and didn't see why people were making such a fuss. Although my father probably told the truth about his age, but at age 91 his driver's licence still said he was two years older. He claimed he lied about it back in the days when records weren't so checkable so he could get his licence a couple of years early and be able to work and help support the family.)

I hope I can get more confirmation for Jonathan. I do especially need it for the "Happy!" file. Perhaps it will come out at the Memorial.

Among musicians, Noel Stucky & Louis Armstrong, eg, are famous for being born on multiple days - four or five different ones - so no surprise here.   Actually, I have good proof for their "actual" dates.

Bill D & Nancy: Sort of. Although I take that "relevant times" as a high compliment. Not all would agree.   The "Happy!" file is now a monster file of "today in folk history." Some 8 or 12 items per day. About half (the Happy! part) are aniversaries or birthday that you can say "Happy ....." to someone about.   

                           Happy Birthday!
                            Isla Cameron
                         born March 5, 1930
                               (d1980)

The other half are the "happy?" events giving any other event or link or song with this date, etc. etc.

The Fenian Uprising was March 5, 1867 (ie, Irish Republican Brotherhood – est by James Stephens 1858 – disolved c1885)

        'Twas down by the glenside, I met an old woman
        She was picking young nettles and she scarce saw me coming
        I listened a while to the song she was humming
        Glory O, Glory O, to the bold Fenian men.

"The Bold Fenian Man" (or Down by the Glenside) by Peadar Kearney, and when Margaret Barry sings it, you get the feeling she meant it.

Some obscure folkie kindly posted a few examples at Front page of a pretty good site

I'm not actively posting it these days but I'm still collecting & editing & one day it will impinge on All again.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: Bob Hitchcock
Date: 05 Mar 03 - 11:05 AM

Well Abby, my birthdate is April 25, 1951. Which makes me the youngest member of the Boarding Party, still.

Bob.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: GUEST,Richard Ortega
Date: 06 Mar 03 - 11:51 AM

Jonathan was born September 11, 1942. Some of you may remember the birthday bash he put on at Sushi-ko (Wisconsin Ave., Washington DC) on September 11, 1982. When Jonathan did things, he went all out and this was a sushi feast of gargantuan proportions. It was Jonathan who taught me in 1965 at the International House of Pancakes in Arlington that you can, if you want, eat more than two eggs for breakfast. I had thought this impossible, and when I said, "More than two?" he looked quite amazed at my ignorance. He proceeded to order a six-egg omlette, and I did likewise, to my amazement and enjoyment. He had great contempt for doing things by halves--all out, or nothing. Like so many of you, I was transformed by knowing him. When I hear music (like Kaleidoscope's first album) he seems very much alive.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: Charley Noble
Date: 06 Mar 03 - 05:04 PM

Here's another suggestion for a song for the memorial service based on a poem by C. Fox Smith. I'm not sure how aware Jonathan was of her sea poems and the recent efforts that have been made to arrange them for singing but I'd like to think he would have been appreciative (copy and paste into Word/Times/12 for chord placement):

(Words by C. Fox Smith in Sea Songs & Ballads © 1924
As sung by Danny & Joyce McLeod on Never a Cross Word, © 2002 Old & New Tradition
Words slightly modified by Charlie Ipcar-8/12/02
Tune by Alan Fitzsimmons
Sing at a brisk pace rather than as a dirge; Key: Gb (6/C))

So Long

Chorus:

C----------Am------------Dm-------C--Dm
All coiled down, an' it's time for us to go;
G-------------------------F--------------C
Every sail's furled in a neat harbour stow;
--------------------Am--------Dm---------C-Dm
Another ship for us, an' for her a-noth-er crew –
----G--------C------G----F------------------G-C
An' so long, sailor-man, here's good luck to you!


Fun an' friends I wish you, till your pay's all gone –
Pleasure while you're spending, satisfaction when you're done –
A chest that's never empty, when you're back to sea,
An' a better ship than she's been, an' a truer pal than me. (CHO)

A good berth I wish you, in a ship that's well found,
With a decent crowd up forrard, an' her running gear all sound,
Spars a man can trust, when it comes on to blow,
An' no bucko mate a-bawlin', when it's your watch below. (CHO)

A good Trade I wish you, an' a fair landfall,
Neither fog nor iceberg, nor long calm, nor squall,
A pleasant port to come to, when your work's all through –
An' so long, sailorman, here's good luck to you. (CHO)

I'll sing it at our Press Room shanty gathering this weekend.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 06 Mar 03 - 07:16 PM

I didn't know him, but I'm a Science News, as well as a Mudcat reader. Their obit article (linked above and as a clicky here) may not last long, but I suspect they'll keep up the page at their site with additional reminiscences from that side of his life (as well as from Mudcatters) for a while. It's here.

~ Becky in Tucson

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: SaulBro
Date: 13 Mar 03 - 01:58 PM

So sad to have just heard the news of Jonathan's passing. I have many happy memories of hanging out with him during the 60s and 70s when I'd visit DC from Philadelphia. Thanks to everyone for sharing their wonderful memories.

I will try to make the Mar.15 memorial, though may be difficult due to family illness.

Good on ya, Jonathan!

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: GUEST,Jennifer Woods
Date: 14 Mar 03 - 01:01 PM

Yesterday I had a memory of Jonathan that actually brought tears to my eyes.
I am a constant knitter, and Jonathan LOVED being my "swift" -- holding a skein of yarn while I wound it into a ball! After I'd known him awhile (I met him in 1980) I would actually save skeins to be wound and take them to concerts, parties, the Getaway and other weekend events -- so JE could be my swift. He'd go into somesort of Zen state -- he really loved doing it! And it always supplied wonderful conversations for me -- and usually brought others over to extend the converstaions!

jennifer woods
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: DeanC
Date: 16 Mar 03 - 08:36 AM

"Sned!" Jonathan pointed and sort of sneered at me when I walked into the room. "Is there such a word as sned and what does it mean?" This was at an Indian Neck Folk Festival. Jonathan was surrounded by a group, as he often was, including Pete the Spy, Don Duncan and I'm not sure who else. They had been sitting around discussing the existence of sned. Nobody seemed to know although I think Pete had suggested that it might be the plural of some word in some Balkan language. I didn't know either, but I felt in some way honored that he had asked me because it meant that he at least thought I spoke the language well enough that I might know. That kind of faint praise from such a master of the language was good enough for me.
There being no OED at Camp Friedman, the question remained unanswered. Well, for the record, Jonathan, sned means "to lop off, as a branch."

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: Fortunato
Date: 16 Mar 03 - 09:00 AM

Yesterday, dear Mudcat,
Andy Wallace's tribute to Jonathan, the testimony and music of Jonathan's many friends from his folk music life and his science life, was exquisitely beautiful.

The laughter and tears that unmasked the agony of loss and remembered joy of friendship, were pure as crystal, unmarred by the worn, hackneyed, and maudlin sentiments so frequently associated with such a gathering.
Jonathan was manifested in that auditorium through the recordings of his music, the reading of his words, and the sharply defined memories pulled from the minds of his most intimate friends and lovers. The music of the Koto trailed vibrations in the air that lingered...
I ate the Unagi, Jonathan, and I remembered.

Thank you Andy, Mia, Mary, Mike, Bob, Casey, David, The Patons...et al. I am in your debt.
Chance Shiver.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: Bill D
Date: 16 Mar 03 - 10:16 AM

we laughed. we cried.we sang.we ate.we talked.we shared...we IMMERSED ourselves in memories of this amazing man, and on tapes, some dating back to the 60s, Jonathan sang for US once more.

It was as moving a day as I can remember.....and, Jonathan, in your honor..(so's you don't feel you failed to convert EVERYONE,), yesterday even this reprobate boy from Kansas ate Sushi...and enjoyed it..

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: Ferrara
Date: 16 Mar 03 - 02:40 PM

The folks who organized yesterday's service, and the folks who participated, truly gave Jonathon a royal send-off.

Andy and Mike, well done with the music!

For those who were too far away to be there but would like to share, I'll say a little more about this extraordinary celebration of Jonathon's life.

In addition to the glorious live music, we heard tapes that included the following: a blues version of Froggy Went A-Courtin' with JE playing harmonica on the breaks (at the start of the cut, you could hear Jonathon talking to the guitarists: "Dirtier, dirtier!"); the Boarding Party, hereinafter referred to as the BP, singing a version **in Japanese** of Keep on the Sunny Side, recorded in Japan with a Japanese DJ singing lead on the Japanese parts, while Jonathon led a couple of verses in English; three songs from the Clearwater voyage, with Lou Killen and Pete Seeger; oh dear can't remember any more but the effect was to give us just a little feel for the way that Jonathon lived much of his life surrounded by an incredible variety of fascinating music.

The live music included a subtle, elegant Koto solo -- quite devastating in the context. In front of the stage on a pedestal there was an ikebana arrangement, surrounded by assorted charming, grotesque, beautiful, but always interesting JE memorabilia. (What the hell were the fire-horn looking things?)

Then, forgive me for not knowing the names of the artists, the Indian gentleman who taught the BP the Bengali water song was there with his daughter, and they sang that very song. I about melted, it was so beautiful and so poignant.

There is just no way for me to describe the wonderful tributes to Jonathon, given in both words and music.

Thank you all for a trip through the years of our own lives as well as Jonathon's. Thank you for the hilarious stories, for sharing your memories, for the picture of Jonathon's big heart and gentle kindness, his restless and brilliant mind, his enthusiasms, his inventiveness, his free and idiosyncratic way of being in the world, even for the memories of his impatience, grumpiness, and general curmudgeonliness. It was all Jonathon.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: GUEST,Mark Washburn
Date: 16 Mar 03 - 04:20 PM

I want to thank, again, all of the people who were responsible for organizing the memorial service for Jonathan. Best damn wake I've ever been to. I can't tell you how glad I am that I was able to be there and be a part of it. I reconnected with some old and valued friends, finally met some of the people I had heard Jonathan speak of with great affection over the years, got a dragonfly and other wonderful gifts, and some much-needed handshakes and hugs. I laughed till I cried, and cried till I laughed.
    Andy mentioned that many people in the folk community were generally aware that Jonathan was a science writer and was really good at it, but that most did not fully realize the great esteem and respect that he had in the space science community. I hope I was able to shed a little more light on that side of his life for you. The two halves of his life didn't really overlap much, except in his music, where he brought together the best of both worlds.
    I think I mentioned that I had some of the best times of my life with Jonathan. In a profoundly strange and moving way, I think yesterday qualifies as another. Thanks yet again, Jonathan. In the words of one of his own songs, Jonathan truly was "a golden spark in the endless dark." The universe is a dimmer place without him.
    And thanks to all of you folkies and friends for sharing your warmth and kindness, your memories and music. I hope I'll see you again sometime.

Mark Washburn
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: Fortunato
Date: 16 Mar 03 - 04:22 PM

The Indian Singer was Bachu Roy. I don't have the spelling just right, sorry.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: Fortunato
Date: 16 Mar 03 - 04:43 PM

Thanks, Mark, I was there listening. Your contribution was pivotal. Best regards, Chance Shiver

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: Charley Noble
Date: 16 Mar 03 - 05:03 PM

Thanks for describing this memorial service for those of us who wish we could have been there.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: Nancy King
Date: 17 Mar 03 - 12:02 AM

Just for the record, Rita, the Japanese radio show with "Keep on the Sunny Side" pre-dated the Boarding Party by quite a few years. The ones singing with Jonathan on that occasion, in addition to the Japanese DJ, were Andy Wallace and Mike Rivers. It was a remarkable recording.

And a remarkable event. We'd hoped to have more time for informal schmoozing, but kept turning up more stuff that had to be on the "official" program! For me, one of the most affecting moments was the tribute to Elise, the wonderful woman who was JE's caregiver for the last 6 years of his life. She deserves more than any of us can give, for her unselfish devotion and patience.

The "fire-horn looking things" were part of Jonathan's extensive collection of weird instruments. These particular items were part of the "Bath-house Brass" -- kazoos in fanciful shapes.

A fine sendoff, indeed -- I think Jonathan would have enjoyed it.

Nancy

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: Ferrara
Date: 17 Mar 03 - 12:33 AM

Right, Nancy, thanks for the correction. I "really" knew that it was Andy and Mike who were part of that trip ;-) -- who could forget it, after Mike's description of living in close quarters with Jonathon in Japan for 7 months?

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: Art Thieme
Date: 17 Mar 03 - 11:16 AM

As I said, I wish I had been there. Just know I'm taking the pile o' lemmons I've got and working with 'em as best as I can. I still pick up the banjo in open-G tuning once in a while. Managed to get through "Tom Joad" last week. And I love lemonade. Even applied to the state for LemonAid. ;-) With all the cutbacks there, I'll be happy if I get a twist stuck on the top of my glass.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: Fortunato
Date: 17 Mar 03 - 12:27 PM

Keep on keeping on, Art. We're out here listening to you.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: GUEST,Emily Gunyou
Date: 19 Mar 03 - 10:14 PM

In reading this forum I have been deeply (and rather profoundly)touched by the notion of a community growing around the love of an individual and of it's continual growth.

I didn't know Jonathan, but rather, am a friend of Ken Schatz. When Ken relayed the story of a dragonfly saving Jonathan's life in Japan I was immediately put in mind of a traditional children's song about red dragonflies I learned during my years at Concordia Japanese Language Camp on the White Earth Reservation in Northern Minnesota (and yet, we managed to elect Jesse Ventura?)

YUYAKE KOYAKE
by shin kusakawa

Yuyake koyake no aka tonbo
Owarete mitano wa itsu no hi ka?

This line translates, roughly, to mean "Is the sunrise/sunset due to the red dragonflies riding on the backs of their mates?"
Aka tonbo meaning red dragonfly.
Here's a link to the rest of the lyrics, melody and a Koto score:

http://koto.sapp.org/dict/akatonbo

I hope it's of interest and can act as a thank you of sorts.

Emily Gunyou
Minneapolis, MN
Harlem, NYC

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: Carly
Date: 20 Mar 03 - 11:28 AM

Thank you, Emily, for the beautiful song. I think that Jonathan would have loved the song, and your understanding of music and caring building community.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: musicmick
Date: 21 Mar 03 - 02:18 AM

I am saddened to learn of Jonathan's passing. He was a marvelous singer and folk enthusiast. We did a lot of singing together with Andy
Wallace and a few others whose names escape me. I will never forget the late nights at the Getaway, cold but content. It was Jonathan and Andy who sang with me on stage at Fox Hollow and lured me to the frigid forrests of northern Virginia. I never thanked him. I do so now.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: lamarca
Date: 21 Mar 03 - 10:59 AM

It's taken me a long time to post to this thread. I was always a bit afraid of Jonathan, but am happy to have known him, and, after hearing and reading the outpouring of stories and memories, regret that I didn't know him better.

I'd like to thank Andy, Mia, Susan, Sandy and any others I may not have known about for doing a very difficult thing in their time of mourning, and putting together a true celebration of Jonathan's life. It was a little like trying to show people a kaleidoscope - presenting colorful images of crystal facets, constantly changing, which add up to a wondrous and beautiful whole.

Jonathan Eberhart is probably the only real genius I've ever known - his quicksilver mind and his imposing presence will be sorely missed, but his contributions in all the many, many fields of his interests will live on. The Nonesuch Explorer series, his life's work at Science News, the Folklore Society, the Washington Folk Festival, the introduction of sushi to half the population of North America, scholarly research into every kind of music he ever touched, his vast collection of musical recordings (which is going to Smithsonian Folkways) and musical instruments from around the world, his written songs, and his memory in the minds of people whose lives he touched will all live on. The world is a richer place for his having been here.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jonathan Eberhart
From: Duane D.
Date: 29 Mar 03 - 11:21 PM

I remember meeting Jonathan on several occasions, usually at a Boarding Party concert, and had some memorable conversations with him. Guest Larry K and Nancy King--Thanks for remembering my rock skipping workshop at the FP festival(despite misspelling my name). I well remember the Boarding Party's musical accompaniment to my workshop, and btw, I still have tapes of many of the skits in my personal FP archives.