Tracky Tuesday

The weekly ritual: writing "Inside Track."

Would you believe I started writing this column in the summer of 1981?  A vehicle to corral all the "stuff" that was going down in Burlington, Vermont's dramatically altered political/social/cultural/media  landscape with that new guy, Bernie Sanders, occupying the office of mayor.

Those were the days when Church Street closed to traffic and became a pedestrian mall. New joints, restaurants and watering holes opened like Sweetwaters and Leunig's. And the distinguished folk musician Tim Whiteford [left] was part of that scene with his band - the Highland Weavers.

Used to bump into Professor Whiteford (he teaches education at St. Michael's College], regularly at the corner of the bar in Leunig's. And a great hang-out it was! Met the two women I married in there [and that's probably why I've stayed out of the place this century.]

Tim and his Highland Weavers were regulars in Burlington's "First Night" New Year's extravaganza.  Performed for more than 20 First Nights. Bumped into him yesterday at Speeder & Earl's on Pine Street.  He told us that last year the band was not invited back. So what did he do?

Started his own First Night in Richmond, calling it "A Celtic New Year"  - sold 500 tickets - and sold out three days before the show!

This year, he said, they'll sell 1000 tickets and have jazz groups and rock and roll, too.

First Night Burlington, he said, did call and invite them back for New Year's 2008, but you know what?

A Celtic First Night is staying in Richmond.

Now....time for "Track."

Comments

[One_Vermonter]

Peter,

When are you going to compile the "Best of the Inside Track" and make it into a book?

Seriously. I'd love to read some of your old columns.

-OneVermonter

[p-aul poirier]

PETER, I jusy joined the computer age and I enjoy your daily info. Great news regarding your illness.

[montpelier28]

He looks like Jack Hoffman's twin.