It’s been several days since the gig of a lifetime, and I still feel the ripples. Donations still either trickle in or get dumped on me from out of the blues. And each time, I fight the urge to say, “Really, I shouldn’t take this.” and simply say, “Thank you.” Everyone’s intentions are all truly gratifying and I feel the love and respect that comes from each person.
A lot of folks are concerned about my health, my medical bills and, frankly, me. And that’s what I take away from all this focus and attention. People are glad that I’ve been around, that I have added to the quality of life in Bethlehem and on the larger folk music circuit and this is a way to display that respect. I remain humbled.
It starts with my kids, Jaimie and Rosalie, along with sister Janet, experiencing the community coming together for me. These folk are the core of deep family, and I really got to enjoy seeing my family laugh, talk with each other, and meet all my friends.
It continues with my Godfrey’s family, which is very extensive. Ramona and Jackie wanted to do something right after my operation in October. That was picked up by Terry Mutchler and Mark Moss, who saw the incredible process through to completion. My many fellow artists who added their love and talent to the cause. Jack Murray’s incredible poster, Dick Boak’s donation of a Martin guitar for the auction, Harley Newman’s fire-eating pre-show, Hub Willson’s photography, Brenda Brown’s killer quilt from scraps, Barbara Kozero’s ceramic cat, and many, many other folks who live and breath the arts.
On the high end:
John Gorka. I knew he would step up cause he’s my good friend from way back. I still cherish his presence in my life. He sang a ditty to start the show Dave Fry, Good Guy that was a wonderful tip o’ da hat to start off his set.
I was blown away that David Bromberg would play, and even donate his set. He doesn’t do many solo shows, so the one he did on Wednesday was a particular gem. I got to expound on his very real shaping of my personal folk trajectory. He graciously played on Maybe Mexico, a JJ Walker tune that he played on years ago. It was the first time I realized that an acoustic guitar could play the lead.
His version of Dehlia also was formative in my early fingerpicking days. And, again, he added it to his set at the Ice House.
But the kicker was the audience. My community. Folks who have been to Godfrey’s, folks who have come to my kids’ shows, people from my bar room days, and the list goes on. I was taken aback with the standing ovation when I came on for my set, and by the one at the end of the evening. Again, I am uncomfortable with this, but I do appreciate the spirit. Amen.
more to follow.