Pokagon Area Folk Music Collective: Get Together (John Getz' Birthday Party)

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The Pokagon Area Folk Music Collective is an abstract idea rather than a concrete, defined entity. Anyone who wishes or imagines himself to be a member, or who participates in a Collective activity, is a member, by that virtue alone. My role is simply to facilitate and catalyze connections and ideas that bring people and music together. More specifically, I neither have nor will I accept operational or financial responsibilities beyond promoting this vision. Whatever happens in the course of Collective get-togethers is entirely the responsibility of individual parties enjoying themselves on equal footing.

John Getz’ February 58^th birthday party was SO COOL, and while John is a LaGrange County celebrity and legend of sorts, his party and friends exemplify what I hope the Pokagon Area Folk Music Collective might someday become.

Actually, the party doubled as a commemoration and thank-you to John's friends, several of whom helped erect the giant new pole barn where John will live and work, and where the party took place (I was not one of the builders).

The potluck food was excellent, but it was the music which spun such a superb evening, while accommodating a spectrum of musical talent:

For instance, Lou Ann Homan and Lee Sauer on the left arrived early, and were the first to play - relative novices, having played only one 'gig' ever, at a kindergarten just the night before...

Joined here now by an experienced trombone player...

... And before long, these novices are swimming in a cauldron which includes several mature, accomplished, even bewitching musicians, and everyone is having a great time!

Wish I had more photos and wish I could associate all the photos with all the names [see below], but before leaving early for another commitment, I counted four guitars, two banjos, a mandolin, a trombone, a percussionist, and a ukulele, which means I missed at least one name and instrument, because before leaving there were at least 11 players, and that was only the beginning!

Come on people now, Smile on your brother

Everybody get together, Gonna love one another

Right now...

(click link for song)

Musicians included John Getz, Tim Smith, Dan Elkins, Darl Rike, Ruben Ryan, Paul Kimmerle, Mark Meyers, Joe Patton, Lou Ann Homan, and Lee Sauer. Apologies to those I missed, and thanks to all the others who brought food, their conversation, and good spirits.

Also thanks to Loren Niemi, a guest from Minneapolis, for the photos, including this one of John and me, even though I am a writer and not really a musician.