Gems to Discover and Enjoy in person or at least knowing about: The Sounding Board Folk Music series in W Hartford/Bloomfield CT. Also a New CT Peace Center for Hartford in the vision works.

 A warm wondrous time was had by about a friendly folk music crowd in W Hartford at The Sounding Board Coffee House on October 1st, 2016. About thirty performers took the stage to do a song or two as part of a Tribute to Folk-Legacy Records Inc, with Caroline Paton, one of the three founders (the late Sandy Paton and Lee Haggerty being the others). People were in the right mood to give a listen to one group or singer after the next, knowing many have been on albums (or CDs) and others were part of newer endeavors.

Brothers Rob and Dave Paton and family also performed. Dave's group Wildcat Creek played lively tunes while Rob sang moving songs about the early Irish  who 'need not apply' to jobs and a maiden Molly who was a diamond in the rough.  Everyone did a great job and deserve a round of applause from the wider communities which they represent and CT which they helped CT get off to a great start this October 2016!

The event was a great success and was a benefit for Folk-Legacy, raising over $3,000! That will go a long way to keep the tunes flowing to the people and of course, others may donate as they may be inspired to help them celebrate 55 years in business in what some call a 'dying art' but for all who get to discover the joys of people singing and making music together, know that it's a big part of what keeps the life blood of a community flowing in reality and even in spirit. We can remember loved ones through music as one friend wrote on a billboard by his Millerton NY farm, "when words fail..."

Keeping our son Kaelan in mind during this time was something bittersweet, but mainly knowing our journeys our families have taken over the decades, particularly with most members alive and well, outweighs some of the sting of Kealan's early exit when trying to save a friend, and likely being instrumental in the rescue to some degree

. Seeing old friends like Ed Trickett, who I requested he read the book Quick as a Cricket (or maybe put it to music) and even better, hearing him sing all the way from south Florida, was a treat for me and everyone else there. Each singer and musician brought a host of talent and for many I am sure, the great memories of hearing them live over the years and on recordings. The Domler family, particuarly Jan, was thanked for starting and keeping a wonderful tradition. Donations to that non-profit could be a special way to gift music and more for future gatherings. 

I also received word from Peace In CT visionaries to create a Peace Center in Hartford Ct. They will have an event on October 13th, 2016. I will keep you posted as I hear updates.