John bought tickets...perhaps a tad late. We would have been in the peanut gallery. However, there are sometimes perks to being "The Grammy Man". John e-mailed Arlo that we were going to be at the concert. He comped us seats right up close, and 2 backstage passes. His concert was a part of his "Lost World Tour". Last night the rest of the tour musicians were on a break, so it was Arlo--solo. No disappointment. Arlo played and sang his heart out. 3 guitars, one a blue 12-string, and did not let us down, with many remembered tunes from his historic past. His new tunes are as to the point in his inimitable style--to the subjects of today as were his in the past. His particular forte is his storytelling....and that is not to diminish his musical talents. I was astounded by his piano playing on " The City of New Orleans"---a bravura performance, and so much more poignant after Katrina. ....After a fabulous concert, we had the opportunity to go to a backstage space to "meet and greet" with Arlo. First must say, I was surprised that he was so tall--over 6 feet. His hair is so curly, and of course white. The thing about these backstage meetings is that there are so many other people involved. There was a large contingent of "HD"--Huntington's Disease--folks there. Woody Guthrie suffered and eventually succumbed to that disease, so Arlo has had a long history of supporting efforts to raise awareness of this devastating illness. John and I had a brief moment to convey our appreciation of his generosity to us in particular, and to thank him from the bottom of our hearts for such a beautiful concert.....one that brought both of us to tears at points. John and Arlo had a brief exchange about their mutual friends, Hoyt Axton and "Rambling" Jack Elliot---who was Woody's close friend and essentially, Arlo's mentor. Then Arlo gave John the guitar pick he had played with during the concert. Arlo is a truly gifted artist...who does not deny his historic legacy, but who also is not shackled by it. He is living in his "today", but is burnished in gold by his yesterdays. All I can say is, bless his soul. It was a very moving event for us.

That was so sweet of Arlo. He is such a dear man. Glad you had fun at the show...

Robin sounds so atypical of Arlo. It's like that little jingle he speils off, on his myspace page. To run with his pack, expect nothing from him, and he promise's nothing. cut to the chase look what you walked away with. Guitar picks are a dime a dozen but don't lose that one. Aye"



My son still has a set of drum sticks, from the new millenium show in 2000 at the church, signed by Danny Tiechart and they mean the world to him .... Randy Cormier signed a guitar pick, and it's framed around here somewhere.

Funny story..... Ever have the exerience of explaining to someone that might not of heard of Arlo Guthrie. ( those poor sheltered souls ) well around here, most folks know... I may be a tad responcible for passing on storys. But it's like . Arlo Guthrie. His Dad Woody wrote 'this land is your land" and they go uh huh.... Okay I know, I know, City of New Orleans... But didn't willie nelson write that? Then on to Abe. You know the guy who wrote the song "this land is your land' and books like bound for Glory... Lots of people recognize that movie. Think it fiction...* arlo's right it is a terrible film... love to see a remake... But then it's well Woody had a son named Arlo, and he in turn had a son named Abe...

NEVER met anyone that didn't fall in love with Xaviers 'Full Circle'

Rbs up early

Kindest Regards/RB

My youngest son Robbie after Xavier show in 2000, talking to Arlo with a photo shoot. Can you see the excitement, as Robbies on cloud #9 with the folkslinger. Arlo was so generous with his time that night. ntm: Robbie went on to take a photograph at age 12 for the Sept. page of the 2000 Blunderite Calendar.... Cute.