Godfrey's Gazette - March, 2011
Godfrey’s 35th
Hello, friends,
Time’s fun when you’re having flies, as the saying goes. And how the flies have flown these last 35 years at Godfrey’s and still the club holds its own in the Lehigh Valley and on the national folk circuit as well. It’s quite appropriate to ring in the anniversary weekend with our own homegrown (and internationally known) John Gorka for our members’ concert, and our own homegrown Celtic band, Blackwater. And I’m proud to open both shows, as I did on March 19th, 1976 with Ruff and Reddy, Mary Faith Rhodes, the Shimersville Sheiks, et al.
Godfrey’s initially found renown by booking some fine performers out of New York City. People like Eric Frandsen, Elizabeth Corrigan, Pat Chamberlain played here, enjoyed our great listening and appreciative audience, and went back to the Village and spread the word about this small folk club ‘out in the country’. Good sound, fine food and hospitality, too. Soon calls came in from East Coast performers like Bill Staines, Paul Seibel, Dave Van Ronk, Bob Franke and the reputation grew. I remember tiptoeing sheepishly up to John Hartford at the Philly Folk Festival and asking him, “Sir, would you come play at Godfrey Daniels?” And he said, “Sure. I’d love to.” Boy, that was easier than I thought it would be. We owe a debt of gratitude to the many folk performers who continue to spread the good word.
It’s remarkable, though, to consider the local community effort that has supported the club, and continues to do so, even now. And, though many wonderful volunteers have come and gone, they found their particular niche to mesh their talents, time and energy with the needs of this struggling folk club along the way. Godfrey’s has always been blessed with dedicated board members and presidents, volunteer coordinators, sound techs, hospitality folks, cooks, open mike hosts, counter help, graphic artists, and supporting patrons who have jumped in and greased the gears. What a great community of people, for these many, many years. (Still need those memberships, friends…)
And, of course, it wouldn’t be possible to make it through three and a half decades without the support of our audience. It’s not uncommon to hear stories of parents bringing their family, and now have their children, as adults, coming back with their kids. Once you’ve been to a show here at Godfrey’s, you understand why the performers, the audience and the volunteers have cherished this small venue for years, and have spread the word to the larger community.
As we face new challenges from new and bigger venues, we’ve come to realize that what separates Godfrey’s from these is the magic that can only happen in this very intimate and historic folk club. That’s why we invite you to share your stories of your favorite moments at the club, and relate some of the magic that has happened to you here at Godfrey’s. Look for our new website for details, and let the history flow, as Godfrey’s moves on into the 21st century. Let the future begin.
On a sad note, we’re saying goodbye to our good friend and long-time audience member, George Richards. George was a music-lover, retired from the Bethlehem Fire Dept, and frequented our area festivals, as well as our little room. Our deepest condolences to his wife Pam and all who knew George – we will miss seeing him in all the music places.
Dave Fry
Founder