Returned late last night and work, piled high, is already trying to knock down the doors to my blissful state. But I simply have to start the day by writing about the Jonifest 2002 BEFORE reality returns and two weeks mysteriously rush by.
WOW. WHAT AN AWESOME FEST!!!! UNF#?*ING BELIEVABLE. It just keeps getting better. Ashara, you are MAGICAL. You manage to pull us together over and over again, and you finding FULL MOON for us was/is divine. The performance space is so cozy and intimate, simply perfect. The staff...warm and welcoming. The food...delicious and creative. The entire experience felt like home. Thank you for all you have done, thank you, thank you!!!!!! One of the best parts about FULL MOON to me is that you had a chance to relax and enjoy yourself as well!!!! Yippie Anne, Wally K., you were on my mind throughout the fest, I saw you each standing here and there, heard your laughter, felt your tears, embraced you both, shared my heart in spirit. I missed you. I also missed Leslie and Steve. I kept hearing Leslie's voice where it wasn't and I missed singing the Gallery. I hope all is well and you'll be back again. Highlights? ...Mmmmm, I might need a few months to sort through them ALL, but here are a few that pop into my mind. Definitely OUR honeymooners ;-)))) Congratulations again, MagsnBri and thanks for sharing your happiness with your JMDL family. You both radiate such love and happiness... it is quite infectious ;-) All the music..... Wow, what a gathering of incredible talent. Everyone was there to share something from their heart, which made every performance to me a treasure. Marian, the Rodeo song is on constant replay in my head, and the songs you and Hell collaborated on are heart-wrenchingly beautiful in words and melody, WOW, thank you for sharing them with me again on Sunday; Patti, your CD is awesome, but after hearing you on Saturday, that was no surprise; Victor, your set was really beautiful- I was mesmerized by your piano songs, Asheville is doing you some good; Bryan T. you are so invisible until you get up on stage. Then you launch like a missile - wow, your Joni interpretations take me to a whole other planet. Can't wait to hear your CD. Christina and Henning, you two served such a delicious smorgasbord of Joni songs - what an authentic treat. You have remarkable talents; Gisele, - you! I have no words. I would just want to shut up and listen. What a heart, what a voice, what a player. Come back next year, ... or else I'll have to whoop your ass. The same goes for you, Jack. What a treat it is to hear you. I can't wait for your CD. Your voice and your playing...both tremendous. Sherelle - soulful to the core... your heartfelt set calmed my nerves like magic. I was just so "into the moment" when you sang. Edith was absolutely gorgeous. Thanks for moving to MD, I hope we'll see more of each other. Les R. - I've said it all before - you know I adore what you do and it is so rewarding to see you grow musically and in confidence. You've got it. Bob - you teaming up with Roberto for a Waits song delivered! - it was brilliant and flawless. Kate - I loved the wolfsong! I won your CD in the raffle, so glad to see it is on there. I could go on, and on...please forgive me for not mentioning everyone in this message... I would only sound enthusiastically repetitive. More..... Jeff, Les I., and John thank you for your collaboration on the David Olney song. It was very special to me to perform this song. You've added so much. Kate and Jeff, the songwriting workshop was very inspiring. I got a lot out of it and hope everyone walked away feeling the same. Next year, I'll be a bit more prepared. More.... The song circles, wow ... magical... perfect. The star filled sky, the full moon shining on FULL MOON; Sharon's accordion porch serenade; the holding of hands during egg dancing...the lemon bread reward right after; the late night Sugar Pants rehearsal session; the pool hall jam - standing in the middle, the blending of voices, surround sound of happiness, heavenly, exquisite, drunk with joy (and more) madness...a moment of bliss for all my still available senses ;-) Bette and John Morris, for always looking so happy and content. I enjoyed your company. Julius, Yael, Barbara, Maggie... your smiles are priceless -- Lori... you better work on yours ;-)))) Walt, I enjoyed the dinner times we shared. I am sorry that I missed your set. Now I have to waaaaaaait for the CDs... I promise, next year I'll be there on time, but only if you promise not to get any taller ;-))) Donna, Marian, Steven, Jenny, and all other regularly wet-eyed JMDLers... thank you for easing the drought situation. Alison, I was serious about the potty mouth workshop - or better yet, could I get some intensive one-on-one tutoring ;-) ... also, please let's do some bluegrass next year! I love your voice! A hidden agenda: get to hear Les play some more of that juicy kick-ass mandarin :-)))) Chris, Jimmy, Ed your hugs are among the best. Come to think of it, hugging Hell ain't too bad either ;-) Kerry, glad to discover we have something in common.. aside from Pema Chvdron ;-) Hell, thanks for the CD and your lyrics. Michael, I missed your shrimp but I didn't miss you smelling like a shrimp -- so good to see you again. Jody, thanks for my pepper and showing up numb or not....quit those cigs though Thanks, all of you, thanks... so many more to mention....I am running out of time... there is more... so it'll just have to wait,... one last wish... just be there again next year. Let me group hug all of you one more time...., for now (((((((((((((((x))))))))))))))) Much Love, Claud9
