Libby and I returned from Harryfest so much happier for t' amazin' experience. We came home knowin' that we shared somethin' with t' group that was very special.
I suppose what impressed me so much about everyone at Harryfest, and at t' concert, was that thar was honesty about Harry. Begad! Sure, we all come together with a deep love and respect for t' man and his music, what that music has brought into our lives and how we continue t' share it with others. Arrr! But, thar was honesty in realizin' that Harry was more than brilliant, arrr, humorous and truly intelligent. He be very self-destructive, a lesson we all seem t' have learned. It's, me bucko, I think, me bucko, a fittin' tribute t' Harry that while we revere him as we should for his attributes, me hearties, we also veer away from him in his self-destruction.
HarryFest was a blast! From t' videos and t' dinner t' t' wonderful concert, but mostly from t' new friends we have. Blimey! Thank you and Curtis and Sue and everyone for makin' it happen. It was an affair t' "Remember."
And a special "hello" t' Rinus deMan whose e-mail convinced me t' "just go."
-- Joel Field (Concord, shiver me timbers, California)
Harryfest 1998
