Carolyn's Comments

Carolyn's Comments

7/29/2008

Maple Mountain Music played a set at the Brockport Conservation Club last Saturday - great fun! We're meeting old musician friends at Sandra's Saloon tomorrow. Dad is still in respite care at park Ridge, but he's improving a little every day. I'm going to try to bust him out of there very soon. We thought about the folks at the Sailing Squadron last night and we REALLY miss our Florida music buddies!!!

7/23/2008

I'm driving back to Burlington, VT today from Rochester, NY. I checked in with dad - he'still in the Living Center slowly healing. We're trying to bust him out of there ASAP! I'm picking up my stand-up bass from the shop today. Jim and I will be driving from Burlington, VT to Rochester, NY on Sat. for a week. We have some gigs and family gatherings planned, and then Jim will be driving back to FL. Uncle Snake is in Rochester - I met he and Aunt Donna for lunch at Schaller's yeserday :-) Terrific hamburgers and fries!!!

7/18/2008

The Semicon West trade show in San Francisco ended yesterday. We had dinner at Scoma's, near Pier 39 - one of the best seafood restaurants in the area for sure. I'm flying to VT today, and meeting up with Jim - it feels like I haven't seen him in a year... Jim, our son, Mike, daughter, Julia, and I are playing a party on Sat - big fun! We only wish our other son, Paul, could join us on stage, but he couldn't fly up this summer. We'll be like the Partridge Family (my kids love that) ;=)

7/12/2008

I REALLY miss everything Florida! I'm getting ready for a trade show I'll be attending all next week in San Francisco. It's been a long and intense work week getting the software ready for the show!!! No music until July 19 - whaaaa.

7/4/2008

I'll miss everyone at Jean's tomorrow! I'm still in Rochester trying to set up caregivers for dad. He'll be in the Transitional Care Unit for 2-3 weeks more before he can come home.

6/30/2008

I've been hanging out at the hospital - poor ol' dad has five broken bones. The whole hospital has WIFI. I ran into a country-western performer I met a couple times, Gary Hogan, at a coffee shop on Ridge Road. We swapped a few songs and I enjoyed a set he played that evening. Motto - always toss a guitar in the car; you never know who you'll run into!

6/26/2008

It appears that I'm supposed to be up North for now. My day job is going very well, and my daughter is also doing very well. Thanks to all who wished her well through a difficult time. Unfortunately, my dad is not doing well at all. He was in a car accident, and landed back in the hospital with a broken ankle and arm. I'll be driving to Rochester tomorrow to see him. I miss everyone in FL!! Hello to my Hot Pocket Sistahs - I hope all is well with you.

6/20/2008

It was a rockin' folk jam at Jean's last night! We held another SFF meeting this week. Jim Chaps agreed to be the chair of the Sponsors Committee - TOO COOL!!

6/16/2008

The SFF meeting at Oscar scherer State Park was terrific! This is getting really exciting!! Did you know that the SARASOTA FOLK FESTIVAL is moving to Oscar Scherer State Park! March 14th and 15th , 2009. We will NOT be holding a festival event in 2008 as we commit our time and energy to making the 6th festival our very best!!

6/9/2008

We stopped by Bruce's jam at Books A Million in Venice tonight. It's a good jam with an excellent and loyal audience. We have a meeting at Oscar Scherer on Wed. this week to discuss plans for the Sarasota Folk Festival 2009.

6/7/2008

We met a new friend, Jim, last week in Bay Lake Estates. He's been a fiddler in Sarasota for many many years. He had lots of stories! Plans for next week include Hot Pocket practices & a meeting at Oscar Scherer Park to discuss SFF 2009. We will also be distributing the new SFC flyers. We will try to make time to check out the Folk Jam at the Venice Books A Million on Monday night.

6/1/2008

Planning for the Sarasota Folk Festival 2009 has begun! There's lots to do, and we will be asking for volunteers soon.

5/26/2008

We're back from the Florida Folk Festival - what a terrific time we had!!! Sarasota was very well represented with excellent volunteers and musicians - I was really proud to be a Sarasotian!! And now we will be taking a nap...

5/20/2008

Last night was just too fun! I hope the audience had as much fun as the Hot Pockets did!! By the way, Mindy found her capo - hehe...

5/18/2008

The Hot Pockets had our last practice today before the Invitational at the Sailing Squadron tomorrow. Thanks to B & W for playing audience today ;-) We're all excited about this concert!!! I started making a list for the Florida Folk Festival. Jim and I will be there Thurs - Sunday - HOORAY!

5/11/2008

I'm heading back to FL on Monday :-)

5/4/2008

I hated missing the Gamble Rogers Folk Fest! I can't wait for the Floida Folk Fest!!! I'm still in Vermont, but will be back in FL on May 12.

4/28/2008

Back in Burlington, VT and it's cold & rainy. The jam in Brockport, NY yesterday was loads of fun! I hope to be back in FL in a week or two.

4/25/2008

I'm in Rochester, NY for the weekend, and then back to Burlington, VT. I may be in Florida by next weekend - we'll see...

4/17/2008

It was 75 in Burlington today - can you believe it??? I've been super busy here - I miss ya'll in FL.

4/10/2008

I made it to VT today - a long but fairly easy drive. I lost my voice singing along with all my CDs. HIP HIP HOORAY - we are on at Oscar Scherer State Park for the Sarasota Folk Festival 2009!!!

4/7/2008

Hot Pockets will be one of the acts at this year's Sailing Squadron Invitational!

4/6/2008

I got back from Willfest tonight, and after a long, hot shower, I'm starting to feel human again. Saturday night was AMAZING!!! I got to be on the main stage with Mindy Simmons, Amy Carol Webb, Ed Kinder and Grant Livingston during Mindy's "Ain't Florida Neat?" - my life is now complete ;=) I hope Jean's cold gets better very soon!

4/1/2008

Thanks to everyone at the Sailing Squadron concert last night for the acclamation for our new group, Hot Pockets. What a blast! Any project with Mindy is a real adventure - she's the best! Also, thanks for the warm reception for our daughter, Julia. Jim and I are trying to get her to move down here, but those Vermonters are a stubborn bunch! The people who come to the Sailing Squadron concerts are the best audience ever, and all of the performers appreciate the support.

3/25/2008

I had to buy a PHP/MySQL/Apache computer book, and ran into Brad at Books A Million, Sarasota today. That was the first time I've seen Brad wearing street clothes ;-)

3/23/2008

Too much computer work - not enough music!!!!

3/21/2008

It was good to see friends, family and fellow musicians at the Sarasota County Fair. It was also good to see everyone at Jean's - good jam this month.

3/12/2008

Good gospal jam tonight - we'll be getting busy recording tomorrow night!

3/11/2008

The BAM Jam (funny) was fun - next time we'll bring our own chairs ;=) We hope to see the fiddle player again next winter (if not sooner)!!! A bunch of us 'folkies' will be playing on the Cracker Land Stage at the Sarasota County Fair - it promises to be a good time (FRIED DOUGH...YAAAHOOO!!!)

3/10/2008

Jim and I (Well Dunn) played at Books A Million yesterday - lots of fun! Uncle Brian had to work at Myakka State Park, so he couldn't join us. We'll be at the BAM jam tonight (maybe a little late).

3/7/2008

Back in FL :-) We just got home from the Sarasota Books A Million jam - it was an excellent jam (very talented people & very tasty music)!

3/4/2008

BRRRRR!!!! I just flew into Rochester, NY in the middle of an ice storm.

2/28/2008

Here I am in Essex Junction, VT. It's going down to -15 tonight!!! What's up with that??? It took two days at various airports to get here due to bad weather. Anyway, business is doing well, but I miss FL! Brad & Lisa, so sorry to hear about your accident, and sooooo glad neither one of you was seriously injured!

2/26/2008

WOW!!! What an amazing show ShaeLaurel gave us last night at the Sailing Squadron!!! The open mic was terrific too - an excellent and entertaining show all around.

2/23/2008

We're back from the Kissimmee bluegrass festival. The music line up was outstanding, but I'd rather be outdoors next year. We're looking forward to the Sailing Squadron concert on Monday!!!

2/21/2008

We jammed with Curt last night. His version of If You Could Read My Mind gave me chills!!! We may head up to Kissimmee for the bluegrass festival - not sure yet...

2/20/2008

We played at the Cortez fish Festival on the 17th - the weather was terrific and there was a big crowd! I'm really glad I got to meet Richard and all of his family. I jammed with Minderella on the 21st - just wait 'til you'll see her on the ol' banjo!!!

2/13/2008

It was good jamming with Curt! He's working on my old guitar - I heard Curt has a "special way" with good old instruments! I got this guitar used when I was 12 - so I think that makes it an antique ;-)

2/12/2008

We played at the Venice Books A Million jam last night. We met some new friends and had an excellent jam with a good mix of folk, bluegrass and old time. We're looking forward to jamming with Curt Clark tomorrow night!

2/10/2008

It looks like I'm club VP - I hope I know what I'm getting myself into! But seriously, a great group of people with a common interest - I'm looking forward...

2/10/2008

Maple Mountain Music played at Barnie's Coffee & Wine Bar last night. It's a terrific new venue full of great people! Thanks to Brad, the word is getting out there.

2/6/2008

We went to the Snobird & Cracker Reunion at Craig's RV last weekend. We went to The Chapmans (my favorite bluegrass band) and Cadallac Sky's afternoon show. The Chapmans were excellent as usual,but I hope next time they have a few less slow songs. Cadallac Sky was more Americana than Bluegrass. I'm not sure how they were received at Craig's RV, but they were very talented and skillful.

1/29/2008

We were all very entertained by the open mic performers during the Sailing Squadron concert!!! I hope we see them all again next year!

1/27/2008

Mindy and I went to Oscar Scherer Saturday to check out the park as a possible location for March 2009. We talked with John Roach and it went very well.

1/22/2008

Jim Gromko resigned as the Vice Present of the club early this morning.

1/21/2008

James Hawkins officially resigned as the club president today. Mindy Simmons was named as the new acting President.

1/20/2008

We're back from the South Florida Folk Festival. The weather Friday night and Saturday during the day was terrific. The rain held off until Saturday night. Mindy's performance was excellent as usual! Patty, once again, prepared an outstanding dinner for all of us - WE LOVE PATTY!!! Meeting at Mindy's tomorrow...

1/14/2008

We're off to the South Florida Folk Festival this Friday!!!

1/13/2008

The rain held off for Sarasota Arts Day. Juniper had an excellent set on the Sarasota Folk Club stage - thank you Juniper!!!

1/11/2008

We wish James Hawkins good luck with his musical projects, and thank him for his work as the club president. Arts Day is coming right up - Jan 13!!!

1/10/2008

We had loads of fun jamming with Curt Clark & Jim only sneezed a couple times - maybe those meds really helped?

1/3/2008

Work on the Sarasota Folk Festival 2009 is underway. Stay tuned. The Sarasota Arts Day is coming right up. Many of our club folkies will be performing - don't miss it!!!

1/1/2008

Happy New Year!!!! I hope everyone has a very folkie year!

12/30/2007

We're back from Vermont. We had a terrific time with kids and grandkids!!!

12/21/2007

Winter Solstice Eve at the Gromko's was a wonderful way to bring in the winter!

12/20/2007

We sang some Christmas songs at Jean's jam tonight. Jm Gromko's Winter Solstice Eve Gathering 2007 is tomorrow night.

12/19/2007

The blues jam at Buckingham's didn't go so well - I guess I'd better stick with Folk!

12/17/2007

WOW!!! The Holiday of Song 2007 was fantastic!!! We are sooo lucky to live in a community with so many talented people.

12/16/2007

We met with John and Diana from Oscar Scherer State Park today to discuss moving the Sarasota Folk Festival to the park in March 2009. It was a very positive and informative meeting!

12/15/2007

Mindy Simmons' Holiday concert w/ Ed Kinder was terrfic!

12/12/2007

Ed Kinder as agreed to play piano during the show - TOO COOL!

12/10/2007

What a terrific Folk Community we have in Sarasota! The support for Holiday of Song 2007 has been stellar!

12/9/2007

We're back from a weekend of Bluegrass at Craig's RV Park in Arcadia. All of the young people in the Bluegrass Parlor Band out of Tampa were amazing! Except for the fire aunts, a jammin' good time was had by all.

12/1/2007

Playing at the Metro last night with Mindy Simmons, Ed Kinder, Nick Dow, and Jim Dunn was soooooo fun!!! Mindy ROCKS!!! And Ed is a WILD MAN!!!

11/28/2007

Holiday of Song: The Jewish Chorale said YES!! I'm still waiting to hear back from Jim Gromko and Bruce Brunette. Jim and I practiced with Mindy, Ed and Nick tonight - LOTS OF FUN! Ed needs to stay away from dentists ;-)

11/27/2007

Maple Mountain Music just booked Cortez Festival - like...totally cool man.

11/25/2007

It's COLD in Rochester, NY!!! There's snow on the ground! James Hawkins will let me know tomorrow about having the Pineview Chorus for the Holiday show. I'm still waiting to hear back from Jim Gromko and The Jewish Chorale.

11/22/2007

Thanksgiving was terrific - with family and friends. I wrote a few emails today for the Holiday Of Song. I heard back from Elaine Silver - very cool person. I hope to hear back from the Jewish Chorale and Jim Gromko soon about being in the show. Also, James Hawkins is working on recruiting the Pineview Chorus. Jim and I will be playing with Mindy and Ed at the Metro on Nov 30 - VERY COOL! Jim and I are flying to Rochester, NY tomorrow AM to visit family and friends. I get to spend time with my granddaughters :-) Ohhhh the Wheels On The Bus Go Round And Round.... We'll be back Tues.

11/18/2007

The SFC meeting was this evening. Discussions included the Sarasota Folk Festival and Holiday of Song 2007. It was a lively meeting and good exchange of ideas. I'll be making some calls and sending out emails tomorrow for the Holiday of Song.

11/16/2007

TGIF!!! The SFC meeting is on Sunday. We have lots of stuff to discuss, so I hope everyone is there on time! Pot luck at 5pm, and meeting should begin by 6 or 6:30 at the latest I hope. Jean's jam was fun last night :-)

Holiday of Song 2007: Ishmael and Carl have both agreed to perform at the Holiday Of Song 2007 - hooray! I haven't heard back yet from Jim Gromko. I also haven't heard back yet from Marie Horn, verifying the Squadron availability for Dec 17. I'll be sending out some more emails today.

11/15/2007

We're looking forward to Jean's jam tonight.

11/13/2007

I'll be ramping up for the Holiday of Song 2007 very soon. I'll be calling on performers and volunteers - please please say YES!!! Barbara has kindly offered guidance, and I know we can put on a wonderful Holiday show again this year.

11/12/2007

We are almost recovered from the Florida Folk Festival 2007! It was AMAZING!!! Mindy Simmons was kind enough to let us hang tightly to her coat tails and perform 3 sets with her. Mindy, we love you - you ROCK! Frank Thomas generously let me sing my "Where the Myakka River Flows" song on the Gazebo - WHAT AN AWESOME and humbling experience!!! The nights were dark and cold, but we did brave it on Saturday night to catch some of the jams. The talent, song swapping, energy, passion, sense of community and brotherhood were powerful and wonderful. Jean Hewitt and Jeanne and Robert Scicard were our neighbors, as were Will and Barbara Simmons, and they all worked relentlessly. All of the volunteers at the FOFF booth & golf cart drivers were terrific! It's impossible to put into words what an amazing experience the Florida Folk Festival is, and Jim and I can't wait until May for the next one!!!


7/29/2008	Maple Mountain Music played a set at the Brockport Conservation Club last Saturday - great fun! We're meeting old musician friends at Sandra's Saloon tomorrow. Dad is still in respite care at park Ridge, but he's improving a little every day. I'm going to try to bust him out of there very soon. We thought about the folks at the Sailing Squadron last night and we REALLY miss our Florida music buddies!!!
7/23/2008	I'm driving back to Burlington, VT today from Rochester, NY. I checked in with dad - he'still in the Living Center slowly healing. We're trying to bust him out of there ASAP! I'm picking up my stand-up bass from the shop today. Jim and I will be driving from Burlington, VT to Rochester, NY on Sat. for a week. We have some gigs and family gatherings planned, and then Jim will be driving back to FL. Uncle Snake is in Rochester - I met he and Aunt Donna for lunch at Schaller's yeserday :-) Terrific hamburgers and fries!!!
7/18/2008	The Semicon West trade show in San Francisco ended yesterday. We had dinner at Scoma's, near Pier 39 - one of the best seafood restaurants in the area for sure. I'm flying to VT today, and meeting up with Jim - it feels like I haven't seen him in a year... Jim, our son, Mike, daughter, Julia, and I are playing a party on Sat - big fun! We only wish our other son, Paul, could join us on stage, but he couldn't fly up this summer. We'll be like the Partridge Family (my kids love that) ;=)
7/12/2008	I REALLY miss everything Florida! I'm getting ready for a trade show I'll be attending all next week in San Francisco. It's been a long and intense work week getting the software ready for the show!!! No music until July 19 - whaaaa.
7/4/2008	I'll miss everyone at Jean's tomorrow! I'm still in Rochester trying to set up caregivers for dad. He'll be in the Transitional Care Unit for 2-3 weeks more before he can come home.
6/30/2008	I've been hanging out at the hospital - poor ol' dad has five broken bones. The whole hospital has WIFI. I ran into a country-western performer I met a couple times, Gary Hogan, at a coffee shop on Ridge Road. We swapped a few songs and I enjoyed a set he played that evening. Motto - always toss a guitar in the car; you never know who you'll run into!
6/26/2008	It appears that I'm supposed to be up North for now. My day job is going very well, and my daughter is also doing very well. Thanks to all who wished her well through a difficult time. Unfortunately, my dad is not doing well at all. He was in a car accident, and landed back in the hospital with a broken ankle and arm. I'll be driving to Rochester tomorrow to see him. I miss everyone in FL!! Hello to my Hot Pocket Sistahs - I hope all is well with you.
6/20/2008	It was a rockin' folk jam at Jean's last night! We held another SFF meeting this week. Jim Chaps agreed to be the chair of the Sponsors Committee - TOO COOL!!
6/16/2008	The SFF meeting at Oscar scherer State Park was terrific! This is getting really exciting!! Did you know that the SARASOTA FOLK FESTIVAL is moving to Oscar Scherer State Park! March 14th and 15th , 2009. We will NOT be holding a festival event in 2008 as we commit our time and energy to making the 6th festival our very best!!
6/9/2008	We stopped by Bruce's jam at Books A Million in Venice tonight. It's a good jam with an excellent and loyal audience. We have a meeting at Oscar Scherer on Wed. this week to discuss plans for the Sarasota Folk Festival 2009.
6/7/2008	We met a new friend, Jim, last week in Bay Lake Estates. He's been a fiddler in Sarasota for many many years. He had lots of stories! Plans for next week include Hot Pocket practices & a meeting at Oscar Scherer Park to discuss SFF 2009. We will also be distributing the new SFC flyers. We will try to make time to check out the Folk Jam at the Venice Books A Million on Monday night.
6/1/2008	Planning for the Sarasota Folk Festival 2009 has begun! There's lots to do, and we will be asking for volunteers soon.
5/26/2008	We're back from the Florida Folk Festival - what a terrific time we had!!! Sarasota was very well represented with excellent volunteers and musicians - I was really proud to be a Sarasotian!! And now we will be taking a nap...
5/20/2008	Last night was just too fun! I hope the audience had as much fun as the Hot Pockets did!! By the way, Mindy found her capo - hehe...
5/18/2008	The Hot Pockets had our last practice today before the Invitational at the Sailing Squadron tomorrow. Thanks to B & W for playing audience today ;-) We're all excited about this concert!!! I started making a list for the Florida Folk Festival. Jim and I will be there Thurs - Sunday - HOORAY!
5/11/2008	I'm heading back to FL on Monday :-)
5/4/2008	I hated missing the Gamble Rogers Folk Fest! I can't wait for the Floida Folk Fest!!! I'm still in Vermont, but will be back in FL on May 12.
4/28/2008	Back in Burlington, VT and it's cold & rainy. The jam in Brockport, NY yesterday was loads of fun! I hope to be back in FL in a week or two.
4/25/2008	I'm in Rochester, NY for the weekend, and then back to Burlington, VT. I may be in Florida by next weekend - we'll see...
4/17/2008	It was 75 in Burlington today - can you believe it??? I've been super busy here - I miss ya'll in FL.
4/10/2008	I made it to VT today - a long but fairly easy drive. I lost my voice singing along with all my CDs. HIP HIP HOORAY - we are on at Oscar Scherer State Park for the Sarasota Folk Festival 2009!!!
4/7/2008	Hot Pockets will be one of the acts at this year's Sailing Squadron Invitational!
4/6/2008	I got back from Willfest tonight, and after a long, hot shower, I'm starting to feel human again. Saturday night was AMAZING!!! I got to be on the main stage with Mindy Simmons, Amy Carol Webb, Ed Kinder and Grant Livingston during Mindy's "Ain't Florida Neat?" - my life is now complete ;=) I hope Jean's cold gets better very soon!
4/1/2008	Thanks to everyone at the Sailing Squadron concert last night for the acclamation for our new group, Hot Pockets. What a blast! Any project with Mindy is a real adventure - she's the best! Also, thanks for the warm reception for our daughter, Julia. Jim and I are trying to get her to move down here, but those Vermonters are a stubborn bunch! The people who come to the Sailing Squadron concerts are the best audience ever, and all of the performers appreciate the support.
3/25/2008	I had to buy a PHP/MySQL/Apache computer book, and ran into Brad at Books A Million, Sarasota today. That was the first time I've seen Brad wearing street clothes ;-)
3/23/2008	Too much computer work - not enough music!!!!
3/21/2008	It was good to see friends, family and fellow musicians at the Sarasota County Fair. It was also good to see everyone at Jean's - good jam this month.
3/12/2008	Good gospal jam tonight - we'll be getting busy recording tomorrow night!
3/11/2008	The BAM Jam (funny) was fun - next time we'll bring our own chairs ;=) We hope to see the fiddle player again next winter (if not sooner)!!! A bunch of us 'folkies' will be playing on the Cracker Land Stage at the Sarasota County Fair - it promises to be a good time (FRIED DOUGH...YAAAHOOO!!!)
3/10/2008	Jim and I (Well Dunn) played at Books A Million yesterday - lots of fun! Uncle Brian had to work at Myakka State Park, so he couldn't join us. We'll be at the BAM jam tonight (maybe a little late).
3/7/2008	Back in FL :-) We just got home from the Sarasota Books A Million jam - it was an excellent jam (very talented people & very tasty music)!
3/4/2008	BRRRRR!!!! I just flew into Rochester, NY in the middle of an ice storm.
2/28/2008	Here I am in Essex Junction, VT. It's going down to -15 tonight!!! What's up with that??? It took two days at various airports to get here due to bad weather. Anyway, business is doing well, but I miss FL! Brad & Lisa, so sorry to hear about your accident, and sooooo glad neither one of you was seriously injured!
2/26/2008	WOW!!! What an amazing show ShaeLaurel gave us last night at the Sailing Squadron!!! The open mic was terrific too - an excellent and entertaining show all around.
2/23/2008	We're back from the Kissimmee bluegrass festival. The music line up was outstanding, but I'd rather be outdoors next year. We're looking forward to the Sailing Squadron concert on Monday!!!
2/21/2008	We jammed with Curt last night. His version of If You Could Read My Mind gave me chills!!! We may head up to Kissimmee for the bluegrass festival - not sure yet...
2/20/2008	We played at the Cortez fish Festival on the 17th - the weather was terrific and there was a big crowd! I'm really glad I got to meet Richard and all of his family. I jammed with Minderella on the 21st - just wait 'til you'll see her on the ol' banjo!!!
2/13/2008	It was good jamming with Curt! He's working on my old guitar - I heard Curt has a "special way" with good old instruments! I got this guitar used when I was 12 - so I think that makes it an antique ;-)
2/12/2008	We played at the Venice Books A Million jam last night. We met some new friends and had an excellent jam with a good mix of folk, bluegrass and old time. We're looking forward to jamming with Curt Clark tomorrow night!
2/10/2008	It looks like I'm club VP - I hope I know what I'm getting myself into! But seriously, a great group of people with a common interest - I'm looking forward...
2/10/2008	Maple Mountain Music played at Barnie's Coffee & Wine Bar last night. It's a terrific new venue full of great people! Thanks to Brad, the word is getting out there.
2/6/2008	We went to the Snobird & Cracker Reunion at Craig's RV last weekend. We went to The Chapmans (my favorite bluegrass band) and Cadallac Sky's afternoon show. The Chapmans were excellent as usual,but I hope next time they have a few less slow songs. Cadallac Sky was more Americana than Bluegrass. I'm not sure how they were received at Craig's RV, but they were very talented and skillful.
1/29/2008	We were all very entertained by the open mic performers during the Sailing Squadron concert!!! I hope we see them all again next year!
1/27/2008	Mindy and I went to Oscar Scherer Saturday to check out the park as a possible location for March 2009. We talked with John Roach and it went very well.
1/22/2008	Jim Gromko resigned as the Vice Present of the club early this morning.
1/21/2008	James Hawkins officially resigned as the club president today. Mindy Simmons was named as the new acting President.
1/20/2008	We're back from the South Florida Folk Festival. The weather Friday night and Saturday during the day was terrific. The rain held off until Saturday night. Mindy's performance was excellent as usual! Patty, once again, prepared an outstanding dinner for all of us - WE LOVE PATTY!!! Meeting at Mindy's tomorrow...
1/14/2008	We're off to the South Florida Folk Festival this Friday!!!
1/13/2008	The rain held off for Sarasota Arts Day. Juniper had an excellent set on the Sarasota Folk Club stage - thank you Juniper!!!
1/11/2008	We wish James Hawkins good luck with his musical projects, and thank him for his work as the club president. Arts Day is coming right up - Jan 13!!!
1/10/2008	We had loads of fun jamming with Curt Clark & Jim only sneezed a couple times - maybe those meds really helped?
1/3/2008	Work on the Sarasota Folk Festival 2009 is underway. Stay tuned. The Sarasota Arts Day is coming right up. Many of our club folkies will be performing - don't miss it!!!
1/1/2008	Happy New Year!!!! I hope everyone has a very folkie year!
12/30/2007	We're back from Vermont. We had a terrific time with kids and grandkids!!!
12/21/2007	Winter Solstice Eve at the Gromko's was a wonderful way to bring in the winter!
12/20/2007	We sang some Christmas songs at Jean's jam tonight. Jm Gromko's Winter Solstice Eve Gathering 2007 is tomorrow night.
12/19/2007	The blues jam at Buckingham's didn't go so well - I guess I'd better stick with Folk!
12/17/2007	WOW!!! The Holiday of Song 2007 was fantastic!!! We are sooo lucky to live in a community with so many talented people.
12/16/2007	We met with John and Diana from Oscar Scherer State Park today to discuss moving the Sarasota Folk Festival to the park in March 2009. It was a very positive and informative meeting!
12/15/2007	Mindy Simmons' Holiday concert w/ Ed Kinder was terrfic!
12/12/2007	Ed Kinder as agreed to play piano during the show - TOO COOL!
12/10/2007	What a terrific Folk Community we have in Sarasota! The support for Holiday of Song 2007 has been stellar!
12/9/2007	We're back from a weekend of Bluegrass at Craig's RV Park in Arcadia. All of the young people in the Bluegrass Parlor Band out of Tampa were amazing! Except for the fire aunts, a jammin' good time was had by all.
12/1/2007	Playing at the Metro last night with Mindy Simmons, Ed Kinder, Nick Dow, and Jim Dunn was soooooo fun!!! Mindy ROCKS!!! And Ed is a WILD MAN!!!
11/28/2007	Holiday of Song: The Jewish Chorale said YES!! I'm still waiting to hear back from Jim Gromko and Bruce Brunette. Jim and I practiced with Mindy, Ed and Nick tonight - LOTS OF FUN! Ed needs to stay away from dentists ;-)
11/27/2007	Maple Mountain Music just booked Cortez Festival - like...totally cool man.
11/25/2007	It's COLD in Rochester, NY!!! There's snow on the ground! James Hawkins will let me know tomorrow about having the Pineview Chorus for the Holiday show. I'm still waiting to hear back from Jim Gromko and The Jewish Chorale.
11/22/2007	Thanksgiving was terrific - with family and friends. I wrote a few emails today for the Holiday Of Song. I heard back from Elaine Silver - very cool person. I hope to hear back from the Jewish Chorale and Jim Gromko soon about being in the show. Also, James Hawkins is working on recruiting the Pineview Chorus. Jim and I will be playing with Mindy and Ed at the Metro on Nov 30 - VERY COOL! Jim and I are flying to Rochester, NY tomorrow AM to visit family and friends. I get to spend time with my granddaughters :-) Ohhhh the Wheels On The Bus Go Round And Round.... We'll be back Tues.
11/18/2007	The SFC meeting was this evening. Discussions included the Sarasota Folk Festival and Holiday of Song 2007. It was a lively meeting and good exchange of ideas. I'll be making some calls and sending out emails tomorrow for the Holiday of Song.
11/16/2007	TGIF!!! The SFC meeting is on Sunday. We have lots of stuff to discuss, so I hope everyone is there on time! Pot luck at 5pm, and meeting should begin by 6 or 6:30 at the latest I hope. Jean's jam was fun last night :-) Holiday of Song 2007: Ishmael and Carl have both agreed to perform at the Holiday Of Song 2007 - hooray! I haven't heard back yet from Jim Gromko. I also haven't heard back yet from Marie Horn, verifying the Squadron availability for Dec 17. I'll be sending out some more emails today.
11/15/2007	We're looking forward to Jean's jam tonight.
11/13/2007	I'll be ramping up for the Holiday of Song 2007 very soon. I'll be calling on performers and volunteers - please please say YES!!! Barbara has kindly offered guidance, and I know we can put on a wonderful Holiday show again this year.
11/12/2007	We are almost recovered from the Florida Folk Festival 2007! It was AMAZING!!! Mindy Simmons was kind enough to let us hang tightly to her coat tails and perform 3 sets with her. Mindy, we love you - you ROCK! Frank Thomas generously let me sing my "Where the Myakka River Flows" song on the Gazebo - WHAT AN AWESOME and humbling experience!!! The nights were dark and cold, but we did brave it on Saturday night to catch some of the jams. The talent, song swapping, energy, passion, sense of community and brotherhood were powerful and wonderful. Jean Hewitt and Jeanne and Robert Scicard were our neighbors, as were Will and Barbara Simmons, and they all worked relentlessly. All of the volunteers at the FOFF booth & golf cart drivers were terrific! It's impossible to put into words what an amazing experience the Florida Folk Festival is, and Jim and I can't wait until May for the next one!!!