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    <title>Tidewater Friends of Folk Music Message Base</title>
    <link>http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/index.php</link>
    <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
    <language>EN</language>
    <pubDate>Sat,  9 Jun 2007 18:17:02 -0400</pubDate>
    <lastBuildDate>Sat,  9 Jun 2007 18:17:02 -0400</lastBuildDate>
    <category>Tidewater Friends of Folk Music Message Base</category>
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    <item>
      <title>[General Messages] New Message Base</title>
      <link>http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?1,1063,1063#msg-1063</link>
      <author>hscadden</author>
      <description><![CDATA[It has been a long time since I did anything serious with the message base on this site; however, that has been corrected.  It has been an extreme challenge keeping ahead of the spammers, but with this new version of the message system hopefully that wont be just a dream

Enjoy!]]></description>
      <category>General Messages</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?1,1063,1063#msg-1063</guid>
      <pubDate>Sat,  9 Jun 2007 18:17:02 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[30th Anniversary] Re: Remembering SOV</title>
      <link>http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1058,1062#msg-1062</link>
      <author>Jim Kay</author>
      <description><![CDATA[To George Morgan. Hi. The coffeehouse in portsmouth was the &quot;D&quot; coffeehouse.
                                                                                Jim]]></description>
      <category>30th Anniversary</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1058,1062#msg-1062</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun, 26 Jun 2005 20:07:58 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[30th Anniversary] Re: Remembering SOV</title>
      <link>http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1058,1061#msg-1061</link>
      <author>amy ferebee</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Wow....this is really cool......the way...the anniversary message board is still got life in it....Thanks to Harold Scadden for the user friendly TFFM message boards.
Amy Ferebee]]></description>
      <category>30th Anniversary</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1058,1061#msg-1061</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu,  7 Aug 2003 14:57:15 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[30th Anniversary] Re: Remembering SOV</title>
      <link>http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1058,1060#msg-1060</link>
      <author>George Morgan</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Hope I'm not imposing on these emails or remembrances. I too got my inspiration
from Ramblin Conrads. I was addicted to the place and loved picking up all the various instruments and even if I couldn't play them, feeling them and listening to so many sounds that could be produced. Thanks for reminding me of the place.
I also would go to the downtown Portsmouth coffeehouse (can't remember the name) in the sixties and gig with some of the locals and folk music enthusiast. That was awesome.  I plan to join TFFM ASAP. If guys like you hang out there, I'm all for it.  I'm starting to get back into playing guitar and have more time than I did in the past.  At present I'm playing in a Bluegrass band (Virginia SawGrass) and having a great time. Can't wait to come and listen to the the folk music family. I probably have met the older ones in the past, if they are in their 50's or so..]]></description>
      <category>30th Anniversary</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1058,1060#msg-1060</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon,  7 Apr 2003 17:43:34 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[30th Anniversary] Re: Remembering SOV</title>
      <link>http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1058,1059#msg-1059</link>
      <author>Bob Zentz</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Ah Dick, What great memories! Thank You so much.  Just stumbled across Your post...&amp; what a treat...That's surly a good place to return to.  So how are Ya?  Where are Ya? &amp; what You been doing?  Ever back this way?  Maybe its soon time for an RC's Reunion-while most of us are still shakin'   I'd love to be in touch!
Bob Z]]></description>
      <category>30th Anniversary</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1058,1059#msg-1059</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu,  6 Mar 2003 03:05:02 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[30th Anniversary] Remembering SOV</title>
      <link>http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1058,1058#msg-1058</link>
      <author>Dick Jensen</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Jumping in--inexpertly--to several of the email postings from 6 months ago or longer prompted me to look more closely at the TFFM site and finally figure out how to post some memories.

I found Ramblin' Conrads shortly after Bob and Ron opened it in 1972.  Steve Milhouse had just signed on as repairman and he took a look at my National guitar (which became known forever after as the &quot;Batguitar&quot;), and checked it in for some of his TLC.  I was fascinated by this most unusual music store where the instruments weren't in cases, in fact you were encouraged to pick one off the wall, sit down and play.  Amazing!

I was then, and still am, in the financial services business.  Many of my lunch hours for the next several years were spent pickin'and grinnin' at Ramblin' Conrads.  (The sight of me in my blue 3 piece suit playing with Bob, Ron, John Curry, Steve, or anyone else who happened by gave many ODU students cause for big double-takes at the window.)  Milhouse appointed me the unofficial ambassador from Ramblin' Conrads to the real world. (We can argue about whose world was real!)

I remember the first SOV Christmas concert  at the barn.  I remember looking down from the stage and seeing my infant daughter sound asleep in my guitar case.  (She's now a Mom with an infant daughter of her own.) 

At the first (and last?) Pungo Bluegrass Festival, Bob set up a mobile Ramblin Conrads booth on the grounds.  A bunch of us were there, sitting around a campfire in the middle of the night playing music (what else?)  John Hartford and others stopped by to talk and pick.  We ended up on stage the next day--a raggedy bunch of (mostly) hung over people playing old timey music we'd stolen from Highwoods (then called the Fat City String band) opening for Earl Scruggs!!

I called 1973 &quot;Festival Summer&quot;.  In various combinations Bob Zentz, John Currey, Steve Milhouse, Steve Prosscher and I went to fiddle contests and folk festivals up and down the Eastern Seaboard, capped by the Philadelphia Folk Festival.  (There's probably still remnants of Kentucky Fried in the floorboards of that old blue van!)

Doug taught me about Tom Rush songs; John Curry taught me about John Hurt and Pink Anderson and many others; Walt, Bob, Doug, Jenny, &amp; Mac sent me looking for Uncle Dave; Steve took a busted-up rice-burner guitar and remade it into a beauty that I still play; Bob filled in so many of the missing blanks in my music education.  (and who was the guy who used to do Hal Holbrook doing Mark Twain at the Friday night coffeehouses?  Weird, cause I sit next to Hal Holbrook in church these days)  I will be forever grateful to all of them.  Hello to all.]]></description>
      <category>30th Anniversary</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1058,1058#msg-1058</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Apr 2002 17:15:14 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[30th Anniversary] Re: John Beale checks in</title>
      <link>http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1032,1057#msg-1057</link>
      <author>Dick Jensen</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Doug--Incredible!  Talk about bringing back a bunch of memories!  Way to  late for the reunion, but I'd love to stay in touch with Steve Proeshur, Milhouse (if he's ever found!) John Bealle (remember the Jack tales!), Dinger, you and all the rest. &quot;Ramblin' Conrads Blue Ridge Buddies&quot;!  I found a Gove Scrivenor disc the other day and a Bryan Bowers tune came over the computer radio that I listen to at work.  
Dick Jensen--still your connection to the real world!]]></description>
      <category>30th Anniversary</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1032,1057#msg-1057</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Apr 2002 14:07:59 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[30th Anniversary] Re: TFFM Memorabilia</title>
      <link>http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1025,1056#msg-1056</link>
      <author>Dick Jensen</author>
      <description><![CDATA[I was on the Board of the old &quot;Songmakers&quot;, lived in VA Beach from 1971 to 1974.  Provided some sweat labor for the old Ramblin' Conrads store.  Was a founding member of Ramblin' Conrad's Blue Ridge Buddies (Bob Zentz, Steve Milhouse, Steve Proeshur, John Curry, John Beale, and anyone else who felt old timey!).  I have some of the old newsletters, and a framed poster from the 1973 ODU Folk Festival.  Too late for your reunion, but they're here if anyone is interested.]]></description>
      <category>30th Anniversary</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1025,1056#msg-1056</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Apr 2002 13:56:48 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[30th Anniversary] Re: John Beale checks in</title>
      <link>http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1032,1055#msg-1055</link>
      <author>Dick Jensen</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Doug--Incredible!  Talk about bringing back a bunch of memories!  Way to  late for the reunion, but I'd love to stay in touch with Steve Proeshur, Milhouse (if he's ever found!) John Bealle (remember the Jack tales!), Dinger, you and all the rest. &quot;Ramblin' Conrads Blue Ridge Buddies&quot;!  I found a Gove Scrivenor disc the other day and a Bryan Bowers tune came over the computer radio that I listen to at work.  
Dick Jensen--still your connection to the real world!]]></description>
      <category>30th Anniversary</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1032,1055#msg-1055</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 19 Apr 2002 13:47:44 -0400</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[30th Anniversary] an old SOV</title>
      <link>http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1054,1054#msg-1054</link>
      <author>Mary Ritchie</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Hi...back when I was a Navy wife I lived in Chesapeake and VA Beach and was a member of SOV.  I have three sons who attended many concerts and camping trips organized or supported by SOV.  Recently, the Grammy Award for Album of the year was won by &quot;Oh, Brother, Where Art Thou?&quot;  My middle son bought the CD for me.  He is 34 years old and listens to music that isn't what I would call pleasant to the ear, but he loved that album.  It hit a nerve for him because of his early exposure to the roots of American traditional music.  He grew up on it.
I read the posts about the reunion last year and the many names of performers we loved to listen to when my children were young.  What sweet and powerful memories.

Mary (was Dunnington) Ritchie]]></description>
      <category>30th Anniversary</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1054,1054#msg-1054</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun, 24 Mar 2002 12:13:54 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[30th Anniversary] Re: folk ghetto/upstairs reunion</title>
      <link>http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1050,1053#msg-1053</link>
      <author>amyferebee</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Hi Merrily,

   I've always wanted to come to one of the Upstairs reunions. But something always got in the way. Let me know when you are planning the next one. It would be cool to link up and fill in the gaps of continuity from the earliest days, which I wasn't around for, and the Song Makers, then TFFM  &quot;periods&quot;, shall we say. My sense is that it is really the same energy flow. I think you could maintain more momentem and have more impact for the earlier crowd by doing what your doing, connecting up with TFFM. Come on under that umbrella so the history and heritage of it all can be preserved. It is too hard to do it alone, and with the success of the Anniversary, it is a good time to link up. I am not a board member or officer so I can't speak for the org in an official capacity, but there should be ways for you to access some support in your efforts. Consider me in. We still haven't finished the Anniversary Newsletter. that might be a vehicle to focus on the Upstairs crowd and highlight the folk Ghetto etc. Can you write an article for us? Call me and we can brain storm.....Amy Ferebee   757-456-1446
                                                       amyferebee@hotmail.com]]></description>
      <category>30th Anniversary</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1050,1053#msg-1053</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri,  8 Mar 2002 12:49:40 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[30th Anniversary] Re: alto recorder lessons</title>
      <link>http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1051,1052#msg-1052</link>
      <author>Susan Lawlor</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Mia,

I was alerted to your message, and though I don't play recorder myself well enough teach, I have some contacts at Colonial Williamsburg.  I'll pass your request on to them.

Susan]]></description>
      <category>30th Anniversary</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1051,1052#msg-1052</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2002 12:19:28 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[30th Anniversary] alto recorder lessons</title>
      <link>http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1051,1051#msg-1051</link>
      <author>Mia</author>
      <description><![CDATA[I live in Gloucester VA ( North of Newport News). Does anyone know a person who gives alto recorder lessons? I have a great alto recorder, can play some by ear but would like to take some lessons. If you find anyone within reasonable distance (say 45-50 min away, let me know). Williamsburg, the Peninsula, Goulcester, etc. Thanks.  Mia]]></description>
      <category>30th Anniversary</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1051,1051#msg-1051</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 14 Feb 2002 20:03:32 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[30th Anniversary] folk ghetto/upstairs reunion</title>
      <link>http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1050,1050#msg-1050</link>
      <author>Merrily May</author>
      <description><![CDATA[We're gonna do it again.  We really haven't had a good one since 1987 when we honored Herb Selby at Ramblin' Conrad's in Norfolk. 

This same bunch of folks want to get together again at The Bourban Street Grill (Nick is opening his stage for us).  We haven't been together to do a show in a long time - and who knows will show up - but it's bound to be fun and the music will be great.  I'm very aware of how well organized y'all are and  have watched in awe at your success.  Just wanted to let you know that a lot of these old folkies from the 60's are still around and still doing what they do best.

Merrily.]]></description>
      <category>30th Anniversary</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1050,1050#msg-1050</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri,  8 Feb 2002 19:00:46 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[30th Anniversary] Re: Thanks</title>
      <link>http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1045,1049#msg-1049</link>
      <author>Lorie O'Connor</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Hey Jim -

Thank you for coming out to be part of the celebration and allow old friends to give a hug.  You dropped out of sight and contact for awhile, but you better not disappear again.  You and Julie gave so much to TFFM.  The artwork Julie did.  The instrument check-ins you both ran.  You guys were part of the continuity, part of the joy.  Don't think anyone has forgotten.  Even more, many of us have memories of you being there on a core level through personal hard times.  

You know it's hard for me to express myself.  I'm going to plagerize an old circulated e-mail because it seems to apply to TFFM relationships.
  
People come into your life for:  a reason, a season, or a lifetime.  

When someone is in your life for a reason, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly.  They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.  They may seem like a godsend, and they are.  They are there for the reason you need them to be.

When people come into your life for a season, it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. It is real! But, only for a season.

Lifetime relationships teach you lifetime lessons; those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Accept the lesson, love the person/people; and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.

Thanks for the lessons. 

Hang tough my friends,
Lorie]]></description>
      <category>30th Anniversary</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1045,1049#msg-1049</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Dec 2001 13:41:05 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[30th Anniversary] Re: Wish I Were There!</title>
      <link>http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1047,1048#msg-1048</link>
      <author>Lorie O'Connor</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Mark -

So good to see your name.  Bob A. and I have spoken often of you and Lucy and those crazy, fun times of festivals, fold-ins, fellowship.  We were disappointed you weren't there,
but knew you were an &quot;eternal folk music and TFFM fan.&quot;  

Conrad's Story wasn't sung, but I know so many of us had it firmly in mind.  Anyone in TFFM who has not heard it needs to purchase Mirrors and Changes.  Knowing the general story is not the same.  

Keep in touch,

Lorie O'Connor
Bob Augustine]]></description>
      <category>30th Anniversary</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1047,1048#msg-1048</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 11 Dec 2001 13:01:34 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[30th Anniversary] Wish I Were There!</title>
      <link>http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1047,1047#msg-1047</link>
      <author>Mark Swingle</author>
      <description><![CDATA[November 30, 2001

Dear Friends,

	Greetings from Vancouver, BC where I am attending an international conference on the biology and conservation of marine mammals.  Despite a wonderful conference experience and meeting many old and new friends, I wish I could snap my fingers, or click my heels together, and return home for tomorrow*s gathering of friends.  It is impossible to put into words how important TFFM and the folk music community have been in my life.  I truly believe in the &quot;folk music process&quot; because I have first hand experience with the people and the incredible talent and timeless stories they share.  My personal journey began in 1969 with a visit to my high school from a local folk musician by the name of Bob Zentz.  Bob was really my inspiration to later take some music lessons and, more importantly, begin to hang out at Ramblin' Conrad's, the ODU Folk Festival and join the fledgling Songmakers of Virginia.  I believe Bob and Conrad's are truly the roots of our organization.  While I greatly miss having Conrad's as a base for my passion, I know that the family tree of folk tradition is alive and well in Tidewater (and beyond) and thus our &quot;roots&quot; are still performing their vital role.

	So, thanks for all the incredible musical and personal memories; from Chris Smither playing by candlelight in Conrad's after a massive power outage, to some of my personal favorites La Boutine Souriante, to the incredible Tommy Emmanueland Stephen Bennett.  Stan Rogers, Vin Garbut, Sally Rogers, Highwoods, Stephen Wade, Maura O'Connell and DeDanann, Robert Earl Keen, Utah Phillips, Bookbinder - the unforgettable performances are too numerous to relate them all.  I will miss seeing all of you and sharing our recollections of these many performances and other adventures.  Take lots of pictures, make sure Ken plays &quot;For all the good people&quot; and Bob plays &quot;In my time&quot; and at least a few verses of &quot;Conrad's Story&quot;.  I will be there in spirit!

T	tremendous talent and tradition
F	fellowship within the folk circle
F	friends and family sharing a common bond
M	music, the spirit that keeps the folk tradition alive

Cheers,	Mark Swingle
Eternal Folk Music and TFFM Fan]]></description>
      <category>30th Anniversary</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1047,1047#msg-1047</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue,  4 Dec 2001 14:20:36 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[30th Anniversary] Anniversary</title>
      <link>http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1046,1046#msg-1046</link>
      <author>Jack Warren</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Thank you Amy (and everyone else in TFFM),

I was part of this group way in the past and had memories of friends and music, but now I have renewed my memories and started anew with friends and music.
Some of the friends and some of the music is different, but the spirit is the same.

What a great event, a real folk festival event for me.  I wish that I could have stayed in the workshops all day (thanks Bob, Lynn and Greg for the ones that I did get to attend).  I wish I could have sat near the open stage all day (thanks to all of those that I did get to hear sharing their songs and stories).  I wish I could have sat in the Jam room all day (thanks to all of those who participated and listened).  I wish I could have sat around and looked through all of the pictures and memorabilia from the past 30 years all day (thanks to all of those who shared things and collected things).

Most of all I wish I could have stayed at the evening concert for days and listened until all of the folks ran out of songs.  What a great group of folks and a great bunch of songs and stories.  

&quot;You don't know what you've got till it's gone&quot;, surely a quote from some great philosopher or prophet.  I want to learn all of the songs that I hear and sometimes feel like I can't learn any.

As if I have a vote, I vote for this event every year (heck, I would vote for this event every month if I thought it was remotely possible).

Thanks and God Bless to all,
Jack and Mary Warren]]></description>
      <category>30th Anniversary</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1046,1046#msg-1046</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon,  3 Dec 2001 07:48:52 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[30th Anniversary] Thanks</title>
      <link>http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1045,1045#msg-1045</link>
      <author>jim sizemore</author>
      <description><![CDATA[To all my friends old and new

This will be one night that I shall remember, a special night of great music, old friends, and the sprits of those that went before us.
I would especially like to thank Amy for letting me know about the event
may Grandfather always light your path my friend
Lorie, Bob, Ruth, and Bob Z thank you for showing me that there is still life beyond these gray walls
Chuck my brother what can I say your words, music and friendship has always meant so much a beacon in my darkest night 

mitakuye oyasin
Peace  Jim Sizemore


Weevil1@earthlink.net




I am tired
And this solemn wind is cold
The wisdom of my youth
Lays in rags at my feet
Visions of unimpeachable truths
Litter the worn path of lives schemas

I am tired 
And the darkness an infinite black
Seizing the soul in a seamless grip
Relentlessly extracting the I out of me

I am tired 
And once more I see what once was
The shadows of could be
The crutches of should have been
The dull ache of maybes

I am tired 
And the years have drained me
Of my immortal madness



Jim Sizemore
ã  3/25/2000]]></description>
      <category>30th Anniversary</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1045,1045#msg-1045</guid>
      <pubDate>Sun,  2 Dec 2001 16:21:04 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[30th Anniversary] Bill Gurley checking in</title>
      <link>http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1044,1044#msg-1044</link>
      <author>amyferebee</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Dear Amy,
                    Thanks for keeping me informed about the TFFM
activities.  The weekend sounds like a great time.  I am booked out of
town that week and would otherwise be there.  So much has happened since
I saw you last.  Pam has gotten out of nursing and fallen into a job as
a chef in a local 150 year old inn.  She loves it and is doing quite
well.  I am playing solo nearly every weekend.  We have a new CD almost
completed and will do some concerts to promote it's release.  I want to
keep some visibility down there so let me know if you see opportunities
to play .  I am enjoying the solo thing .  A whole different ball game.
                    On a sadder note-  My father passed away a few weeks
ago.  Not sure if you knew that.  He had a major stroke and died in the
hospital with my brother, Pam, and myself by his side.  He encouraged me
in my music since I was big enough to hold a guitar.  He loved my
musician friends and they thought a lot of him.  I am just now beginning
to understand the loss.
                    If you think about it, please remember me to Bob Augustine as it has been a long time since I last saw him.

Bill]]></description>
      <category>30th Anniversary</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1044,1044#msg-1044</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Nov 2001 22:45:04 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[30th Anniversary] Kim Korman Brown checking in</title>
      <link>http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1043,1043#msg-1043</link>
      <author>amyferebee</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Hi Amy

Got the mailing about the festival, and am going to North Carolina
for that weekend with our family. It really sounds like a lot of fun,
and Ellington's is one of our favorite beach spots. Do you know
Faith the waitress/realtor, she's great.

Thanks for sending out the mailing, what I'm wondering also if this
is a kind of through the looking glass event since it takes place on
November 31st -- A Harry Potter 9 3/4 Train platform kind of
thing.....???

I've recently started attending events, and 
 I just did a small review for the Tommy
Emmanuelle concert last month for the newsletter.

Take care and have fun at the anniversary party.

Kim Brown

ps I took my 14 year old son and his best friend to see Tommy
Emmanuelle. They really enjoyed it and were inspired beyond
belief. They are both 1st year guitar students -- I was wondering if
you knew of any jam session kind of events they could attend to
kind of learn things by osmosis from older musicians.

We just watched the American Roots Music series on PBS which
was great and they talked about passing on the music and
techniques like that. Very inspiring. Of course my boy and his
friend are interested in playing like Eric Clapton but I'm trying to get
them interested in the folk genre.]]></description>
      <category>30th Anniversary</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1043,1043#msg-1043</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Nov 2001 22:39:50 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[30th Anniversary] Mike Lille checking in</title>
      <link>http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1042,1042#msg-1042</link>
      <author>amyferebee</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Hi Amy -
Thanks for the invitation - sounds like a nostalgic event.  Wish i could be
there but I'll be moving into a new place from Boulder to Lakewood that
weekend - I'm on a plane at the moment coming back to the U.S. after 2 weeks
in Europe - training musicians and distributors who are selling ELIXIR
strings.  It was quite a fun trip - got to play with some great guitarists
and have a little time off in Amsterdam and Italy.

I often think of the old daze and how Ramblin' Conrad's and those years
carved so much of the opportunity that finds me these days.  Please give my
best to those I know - I may forward this e-mail to Dave Jennings who used to
run the record shop next to Conrad's.

Peace -
Michael Lille]]></description>
      <category>30th Anniversary</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1042,1042#msg-1042</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 Nov 2001 22:33:28 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[30th Anniversary] Re: TFFM /Songmakers of VA Presidents/Board memberssign in</title>
      <link>http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1029,1041#msg-1041</link>
      <author>Cindy Ressler Kays</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Hey everybody,

Amy asked for my rememberances, warts and all, so here they are.

I remember moving back to the Tidewater area (nobody had heard of Hampton Roads back then...come to think of it they still haven't heard of Hampton Roads) in late 1989 and friends of mine talked me into going to a folk concert at Ramblin' Conrads. I knew about Ramblin' Conrads as a music store ( I bought a Sabine chromatic tuner from the shop a few years before on one of my visits from Danville, VA to friends on the Peninsula) but didn't know much else. 

I don't remember what concert it was but it was probably great! I thought it was pretty neat how everyone pretty much knew everyone else and after getting settled into my job and new apartment in Newport News made it a point to come out to more concerts on the &quot;other side.&quot; 

Pretty soon I was making new friends and being invited out after the concerts to go to Lums or Bennigans with the performer(s) and TFFM members. What fun times they were! It was 'cool' hanging out with Tom Chapin, The Battlefield Band, Dougie MacLean, Tom Paxton and so many more. I also started 'working the door' at concerts and taking ticket money. It took me awhile to stop trying to charge Herb every time he came to a show. :-) There were so many new names (an I apologize now for any misspellings): Bob &amp; Cathy Augustine, George &amp; Peggy Bame, Lori Shapiro, Bob &amp; Kay Zentz, Meade Stith, Reggie Brooks, Alice Gordy, Lila, Chuck Mosser, Lisa Shremp, Herb, Greg Anderson, Bobbie, Amy Ferebee, &quot;Ranger Dick&quot; Jeffers, Pamela Brothers (now Pamela Denyes), Janis Miller, Katherine Yatrofsky (now Katherine Rickett), Roland, Mr. &amp; Mrs. Z., Lorie O'Connor, Mary Beth (MB), and so many more that I just can't remember right now.

Before I knew it, I was helping out at the Norfolk Family Folk Festival at Town Point Park in downtown Norfolk. (I didn't live in the area during the Old Dominion Folk Festival years.) Then Bob Z. offered me a part time job at the Waterside store of Ramblin' Conrads and after that shop closed I moved to the &quot;main store&quot; on Military Highway. My biggest thrill was working the Ramblin' Conrads booth at the old British and Irish Festival or the Bluegrass Festival or the Family Folk Festival or the Scottish Festival. I loved working with all of the great people who were employed there at the time. I bought my first fiddle from Mike Munden, I took clawhammer banjo and mandolin lessons from Marc Carraway (now a high school principal), I took fiddle lessons from Kay Janecka (living in Florida the last I heard); I loved listening to Steve Claus and Bob Z. or Mike, Shelly Craig or Marc jam in the store. I used to go back to the repair shop area and hang out with Gerry (who now works at Taylor guitars in California) and ask him a million questions about guitar repair and why he did things the way he did them. He even let me do a few minor repairs under his supervision (I think I replaced a pick guard once.) I met my current singing partner at Conrads, Shelly Craig - it'll be 10 years next year that we've been together performing children's music.

With TFFM I soon was nominated and voted onto the Board of Directors. I'm not sure of the years, sometime in the early 90's. When I was on the Board, I served as secretary (I think) and then eventually president. I remember that during my term as president Bob Z. moved the store to Ghent, and a lot of members were not pleased with that. (He didn't have a lot of choice about moving the store, the highway department was about to demolish the one on Military Hwy.) Membership in the club declined during those last few years of Conrads and eventually in 1993 Ramblin' Conrads closed its doors for good. It was a tough time for everyone. I lost my fulltime job later in the year and was struggling to make ends meet, just as the club was struggling, too. 

The new board at the time took on the daunting task of rebuilding TFFM. Under Susan Lawlor's leadership the club is a healthy and viable organization again and the quality of the concerts presented over the past 7 years is excellent.

Most of my memories are of good times and some bad times but mostly good times. I look forward to meeting with old friends at the reunion and renewing old friendships and memories. Especially memories.

With fond affection, 
Cindy (Ressler) Kays]]></description>
      <category>30th Anniversary</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1029,1041#msg-1041</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 23 Nov 2001 16:33:40 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[30th Anniversary] Things YOU can do to Participate in the TFFM 30th Anniversary Celebration</title>
      <link>http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1040,1040#msg-1040</link>
      <author>amyferebee</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Things you can do to participate in The TFFM 30th Anniversary

Come to The Colonial Inn (28th and Oceanfront VB) on Saturday Dec.1st 12:00-5:00 for workshops exhibits open mic in the pub and jam sessions
Attend the Gala member’s Reunion Concert on Saturday Dec.1st   7:00-until at the Virginia Beach Central Library on Va. Beach Blvd.
Become a new TFFM member or renew your membership
Give a membership or a season ticket to a friend
Get a free membership if you were born in 1971 (30 years ago)
Make a weekend of it and reserve a room at the Colonial Inn for Friday and Saturday nights Nov 30th and Dec.1st (Special room rate available til Oct. 30th)
Visit the TFFM web site and leave a birthday greeting on the Anniversary message board  http://www.tffm.org
If you are a past president or board member, please visit the TFFM Anniversary message board and leave a remembrance and a record of your term
Contact your old TFFM buddies and encourage them to meet you for all or part of this event
Bring any Folk memorabilia, photos, posters, old news letters, concert videos to the exhibit room  on Sat Dec. 1st at the Colonial Inn
Play at the open mic on Sat Dec 1st at the Colonial Inn (first come first served)
Write an article for the Special Anniversary Edition of the News Letter
Bring a Camera and help us make a record of the event
Write a memorial tribute to your favorite TFFM member whose passed on to the big jam in the sky( ie. Herb Selby, Bobbi Slagel, Roland Lakey, Mrs.Zentz, Gene Kraeh,                                          Al (Bones)Lindemen, Mordecai Hines)
Create an award honoring your favorite hard working folkie volunteer
Arrive early 10:00 and help set up at the daytime event at the Colonial Inn
Help relocate some of the exhibit items to the VB Library and help set up for the concert  5:00
Meet for Sunday breakfast at Ellington’s Restaurant (managed by Steve Proesher) In the Oceanfront Inn, next door to the Colonial Inn
Call Amy Ferebee event chairman, 456-1446  and offer to volunteer to help the day of the event   amyferebee@hotmail.com]]></description>
      <category>30th Anniversary</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1040,1040#msg-1040</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 16 Nov 2001 15:04:52 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[30th Anniversary] TFFM 30th</title>
      <link>http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1039,1039#msg-1039</link>
      <author>Ruth Bizot</author>
      <description><![CDATA[TFFM 30th
Ruth M. Bizot

There are two things about TFFM that matter to me:  folk music and friends.  And there is one person who epitomizes both:  Bob Zentz.

Without Bob, my relationship with Tidewater Friends of Folk Music would not exist. It's that simple.  From the beginning, he provided the music-and the welcome-that kept me coming back.

The first TFFM concert I heard set an almost unreachable standard for all that came after-Dougie MacLean at his frenzied, fiddling best.  I was hooked, and for the next two years drove an hour each way from Williamsburg anytime I read the words &quot;concert tonight.&quot; Rarely was I disappointed.  Early on I learned that if Bob said it would be good, it was.  No exceptions.  Often I found myself listening, entranced, to music and musicians I would never have discovered on my own.

Music is only part of the story. Had I not felt comfortable, a stranger walking alone into my first Ramblin Conrad's concert, I might never have gone back, never met the other folks who have become such deep true friends over the years. But Bob was there, the quiet center around which the hubbub and commotion of concerts and conversations swirled.

This welcoming quietness emanates from him, filling a living room, concert hall or coffee house with easy comfort. If you don't pay attention, you can easily miss the source, because Bob is a master of reticence.  Anyone who's ever seen him play has watched him invite some other performer to share his stage, then step back, away from the microphone, and let the light shine on his guest.

Setting the stage and then stepping back is characteristic of Bob. He's been the impetus for many events, from folk festivals to songmaking associations, that have gone on to flourish on their own.  Unconcerned with credit, he lets them go, content that the music is alive and well.

Over the years, Bob's light has shined on a lot of people.  I'm fortunate to be one of them. Thanks, Bob, for putting the folk-and the friend-in Tidewater Friends of Folk Music.]]></description>
      <category>30th Anniversary</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1039,1039#msg-1039</guid>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Nov 2001 15:21:55 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[30th Anniversary] Memories</title>
      <link>http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1038,1038#msg-1038</link>
      <author>Jack &amp;amp; Mary Warren</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Mary and I were members of Songmakers of Virginia in the early 70s.  I may have even been an officer in the early organization, but I don't remember (there's lots of stuff I don't remember).  

We loved to hang around Ramblin Conrad's and I took a Rainbow class or two at ODU.  We were staff members for several ODU Folk Festivals and remember great performers with large crowds at Webb Center.  

Rory Fitzpatrick and Geary Parkinson worked for the Navy at the same place that employed me and Geary was a big influence in getting us started with local folk music.

I remember lots of great people and great musicians (Jim Ringer, Red Jones, Jess Essex, Bob Zentz, Ken Hicks, Marty, Shelley, Amy, Steve Proesher, and lots of others whose music and friendship touched us).  We went on several camp outs where the SOV provided music for a wilderness hiking/camping organization and we had some great campfire music sessions.  

We have recently rejoined TFFM and plan to attend the 30th Anniversary. 

Thanks Amy for all you do.]]></description>
      <category>30th Anniversary</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1038,1038#msg-1038</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Nov 2001 09:19:08 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[30th Anniversary] more from Bob and Lorie</title>
      <link>http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1035,1037#msg-1037</link>
      <author>amyferebee</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Hi Amy -

Just to let you know...

I made reservations at the hotel, so I guess we're committed
(or is that commitable?)

The 800 number on the TFFM website is incorrect.  They
told me to call 1-800-344-3342.  They do charge
$46 immediately.  The remainder of the charges for the
stay go through at the visit.

I used the contact information on the TFFM website to
encourage them to update and unbury the info on the
reunion.  At the time I sent it I didn't know about the
phone number.

I've sent an e-mail to Ed Robinson.  If he can't come, maybe
he'll write something.
Sent one to Cindy Kays encouraging her to write something for site.
Bob is out of town, but said he would contact Meade Stith.
I'll call Ranger Dick Jeffers this week.

How about Mark &amp; Lucy Swingle?
Lou &amp; Carol Loria?
George Bame?

Yes, we know we need to write something.  Trying to get the
dates straight.  As I remember, the era in which we were most
involved, the presidents were Meade followed by Bob followed
by Cindy.  I'm trying to reconstruct the dates.

Take care,
Lorie]]></description>
      <category>30th Anniversary</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1035,1037#msg-1037</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Nov 2001 20:04:11 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[30th Anniversary] Rory Fitzpatrick checking in with Bob Zentz</title>
      <link>http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1036,1036#msg-1036</link>
      <author>amyferebee</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Bob,
Great to see you last night.  It brought back all kinds of memories of the
old days.  Glad to hear about all the music and writing your doing and
getting together with Gordon.  You have influenced so may people and have
carried the torch for folk music for so long, I think you are the undisputed
godfather of folk in this area (everyone it seems has heard your music,
radio show, taken your classes or worked at your store at one time or
another).  Good to hear how well Brian and Sky are doing.  I still have a
copy of the old Newsletter somewhere with Brian on the cover (Crank er up
boys!).

The reunion sounds great! Lets do it before we all croak! If there's
anything I can do to help let me know.]]></description>
      <category>30th Anniversary</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1036,1036#msg-1036</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Nov 2001 19:44:02 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[30th Anniversary] Bob Augustine and Lorie checking in</title>
      <link>http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1035,1035#msg-1035</link>
      <author>amyferebee</author>
      <description><![CDATA[
Hey Amy,

You may not get this before the meeting, but I hope you will all
consider media coverage way beyond the Tidewater area.  What
an opportunity to keep the songs, the stories, and the story tellers
alive!  Wish I could be there with you all to throw around ideas.
So many names are coming to mind as well as possibilities for a
tremendous celebration.  Keep us in the flow.

We will certainly plan to be there.  Yes, Bob was one of the TFFM
presidents.  The story of what TFFM and the music has meant to
him (and everyone involved through the years) could be a book.
Right now, Bob goes regularly to play music at an adult day care
center.  How amazing to be in a room of people with strokes and
Alzheimers and cerebral palsy and mental retardation and know
beyond doubt that the music has touched their souls.  There are
many stories we can tell directly related to the blessing of Conrad,
BZ, TFFM and all the wonderful people who have opened and healed
our hearts.  Guess it is time for all of us share.

Love to you all,
Lorie]]></description>
      <category>30th Anniversary</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1035,1035#msg-1035</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Nov 2001 19:40:48 -0500</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>[30th Anniversary] John Beale checks in</title>
      <link>http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1032,1034#msg-1034</link>
      <author>amyferebee</author>
      <description><![CDATA[Amy - I received your message.  I'll get my info on the website in due time.  I
doubt I'll make it to the reunion--
it's quite a distance and I'm tied up with other things.  But not that I've
found Steve Proeshur, I'll probably come around
and visit some time in the future.  Thanks so much. - John Bealle]]></description>
      <category>30th Anniversary</category>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.tffm.org/reunion/Phorum5/read.php?2,1032,1034#msg-1034</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 12 Nov 2001 19:36:19 -0500</pubDate>
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