Thursday, June 26, 1997

Dear friends,

Well, we've finished our first Ren. Fest. stint with one three weekend festival (Pittsburgh) to go. This weekend a Ren. Fest. hiatus. We travel to Holland, MI for their Celebration 97 Festival whereat we will perform two children's shows. We'll be finished by late afternoon and then head toward Suzie Blair's (formerly Suzie of Suzie and Mark Southard) home in South Haven for a concert at their Art Center on Sunday, then to drive home on Monday. The following weekend starts the Pittsburgh Ren. Fair at which we will do 3 weekends. The summer's blitzing past.

Sasha is enjoying a two week vacation at Bass Lake with Moira and Mom. Moira reports that Sasha is being a good girl and enjoying the rides on the "Margarita Yacht." We miss her but it's good to know the little girl is having a good time.

Things at Oakland University have been heating up. I'm involved in two sudden, big projects: planning for a new Library automation system and moving the Performing

On the Renaissance Trail

with Anne & Rob.

This time: Kynges Company Renaissance Festival.

In the pubwhere we spent most of our time (performing)at the pub sing at the end of the day. L to R: Ghost of Thomas Moore, Archbishop Cranmer, King Henry VIII, Nan of Rooster.

Arts Library (my little kingdom back when I was in charge of that music library in the early 80s) over to the main library. All this has sprung up in a matter of days and I'm kept quite busy for my 5 hours a day there. I'm very glad Anne advised me to cease teaching private lessons for the summer . I can't think how I would have kept up with everything.

Thanks a bunch for the wee Japanese maple. Anne planted it right in front of the house between the yew bushes. We have had little luck growing things in that place because of something the yews do to the soil. We hope the maple fares well there. Love those red maple trees.

Master Juggler Touy walking the flaming tightrope. Moments later he fell on the rope as on a saddle. Ouch. I think he was ok. He took his bows and collected his hat money. If he cried offstage later, I cannot say.

Our time at the Streetsboro festival (pictured all around) was enjoyable. Not that we wouldn't have appreciated slightly cooler conditions this past weekend, or less dust billowing from the parking lot. We had much more fun than normal thanks to an agreeable cast and especially thanks to Tisa and Chris who welcomed us into their home, saving us pots of motel cash and becoming what I think will be fast friends in spite of their distance from Rochester. We plan to visit then on return trips from Pittsburgh. After a bit of packing, it's off to Holland for us! See you soon, I hope..

Our new friends and hosts, Tisa McGraw and Chris Noon of Gwynwydden, celtic musicians.