GBS at the Fest
The Writers Workshop, of which Alan was a member, began early. No one complained though! We ended up getting more music than planned from them. As they came in to set their instruments down and stake out their spot on stage, it was obvious that Alan and James had met, or that they at least knew about each other. The conversation flowed freely between the two of them.
Craig Bickhardt was the emcee for this workshop. He’s from Philadelphia, but I’ve never heard of him. He just moved back here. But he has well-crafted songs. He’s written for some of my favorite singers  – Ray Charles, Anne Murray, Art Garfunkel, and a slew of others. He was obviously used to entertaining and had a great sense of humor. After he introduced everyone on stage (he had a cheat sheet of info), he stopped and asked who was going to introduce him. No one stepped up to the task and Alan got a mischievous look on his face, cleared his throat and said, “Craig is a successful hockey goalie and an award winning baker.” Obviously making it up as he went, Alan encouraged us to “give it up for Craig.”
He got a little embarrassed when Craig read his bio. (above)
And tried to hide after the "award winning baker" comment. (below)
Craig told about how some of his songs had been successful as sung by someone else and when he sang them, others would compliment him on his “Tony Rice cover.”  He had to set them straight that Tony Rice was covering HIM. He sang that song - called Brother to the Wind.
After he did his thing, he asked for someone to go next. For a few seconds no one volunteered. Then James Keelaghan stepped up to the occasion and gathered his band members to play with him. David Woodhead and Oscar Lopez rounded out the group with James. The called themselves “Compadres” and Oscar’s guitar work would give the reason for the name. The music was described as "Celtino" The women's worshop didn’t have a monopoly on sound troubles at the Tank Stage. I felt sorry for the Compadres because they were the ones affected by feedback in the monitors and mics that didn’t work. Same troubles that Jean Ritchie had during her presentations.
mouse!