Kerrville 2003

Last year in July 2002 it was not at all clear that there would be a 2003 "Big Folk." Financing was shaky and leadership in shambles. But thanks to a critical intervention by Peter Yarrow and the coming together of a Board of Directors that kept plugging ahead, the 2003 Festival did take place and it was generally regarded as one of the best. There were several heavy rainstorms that wetted clothing and blew over tents but by the next day, normalcy prevailed. The highlight of the main stage shows were Judy Collins and Shawn Colvin, Peter Yarrow and Noel Paul Stookey, Susan Warner and Vance Gilbert, Ruthie Foster and Disappear Fear.

The heart of Kerrville, of course, is not Main Stage but campfires, Ballad Tree, and more recently, the Rouse breakfasts. The informal presentations of songs emphasizes the music, and that is where the heart of Kerrville beats.

Rouse Breakfasts


The hosts -- Liz and Bruce Rouse	Karen Mal played mandolin in support of dozens of other performers as well as playing lead guitar.	Lisa Asheman is a prolific writer who plays no instruments

Ellen Buktel and our daughter Judy	Stefanie Fix from NYC is a fine writer and singer	The Winstons from Colorado


Jenny Reynolds was a New Folk this year	Kerry Powers, another New Folk finalist	Steve Key returns to Kerrville after 10 years

Annie Wenz puts on a fine show these days	Annie took this one	John Flynn did a highly political Main Stage act which was very well received.


Allison Downey moved from Austin to Kallamazoo	Jean Synodinos, formerly with Kick at Heaven and the Non Chalants, is now pushing ahead solo	Rod Kennedy and Fran dropped by for a bagel.

Andrew McKnight from the DC area


Juliet Wyers was a New Folk as well as winning Wildflower, Telluride, Utah, and Falcon Ridge	Zoe Lewis played the spoons	Mary comfortably watching the action

Steve Taylor plays a Martin	The photographer	Bruce gets to relax on ocasion