LETTER to MEMBERS
32 YEARS IN THE COMMUNITY
Howdy, folks,
Dave Fry here. I'm chiming in on the 32nd Birthday of Godfrey's this month. I've
been driving around the East Coast, playing in schools, etc. and listening to
podcasts of leftist radio to maintain my sanity. I recently listened to some
podcasts of one of my favorite icons and philosophers on the folk scene, U. Utah
Phillips. You know, Utah is partially responsible for implanting the idea of
Godfrey's in my head, long ago. I had the opportunity to catch The Golden Voice
of the Great Southwest at Caffè Lena in Saratoga Springs, NY, close to my
ancestral home in upstate New York in the early ‘70s. As it turns out, it was
one of his first gigs "in the trade" as he says, encouraged by his friend
Rosalie Sorrels to get out and play his songs and tell his stories. He has
subsequently appeared here many times to the delight of our Godfrey Daniels
audiences. Bruce Phillips is a great raconteur, historian, performer,
storyteller and keeper of the faith.
www.UtahPhillips.org
This particular podcast had Utah talking about the folk music circuit,
especially concerning his sense of community that he recognized as he toured the
country. Clubs like Godfrey’s, folk societies, pickin' and singin' gatherings,
open mikes, and house concert series are part of the larger effort for people to
reclaim our music and spread it around our home towns. Sure, we all enjoy the
talents of traveling professional musicians, but the thing that makes it all
function is the local community. And the important word is community.
One of the things that tickles me most about Godfrey's, especially now that I'm
somewhat tangential to the club, is recognizing that the longevity of Godfrey's
is due to that sense of community which remains the glue that has kept Godfrey's
alive and kicking, lo, these 32 years. It's a function of the dedicated
volunteers, committed staff, gifted performers, consistent audience support, and
a tremendous amount of goodwill in the Lehigh Valley. Folks have drifted in and
out over the years, but the basic premise remains strong - live music shared in
a listening situation is a rare and precious thing, and it is still nurtured
here in Bethlehem.
Happy 32nd Birthday, Godfrey's!
Please check out www.UtahPhillips.org
to subscribe to this amazing man's podcasts.
Dave
