By Gayle Schmitt

It had been a chilly but wonderful day of music at the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival (the name is a long story!) in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park on that Saturday, October 4. Along with such wonders as Ricky Skaggs, Hot Rize and Steve Earle, I was thrilled to have had the chance to see one of my all time favorite songwriters Gillian Welch, along with David Rawlings. To me what they offer is so simple and perfect - each song seems somehow to describe a feeling or mood that we've all felt. They played on the middle of the three stages and I had managed to have my blanket right up close. It was wonderfully intimate, and though a very large crowd had gathered you could hear a pin drop as Gillian and David blended their moody harmonies and unforgettable simple melodies.

Later that evening I had the opportunity to go to the private party given so generously by Warren Hellman for the artists at Slim's, the local night-club owned by San Francisco pop star Boz Scaggs. The party the year before had featured shorts sets from Emmylou Harris and Hazel Dickens, playing for a small crowd of about only about 150 people. I was feeling rather wiped out from the day and knew I had another whole day of music ahead of me but decided to go to the party, jokingly commenting to a friend, "Maybe I should go. Who knows, I might meet Gillian Welch."

 When I first arrived I ran into Billy Wilson, an old friend who had been hired to photograph the party. We talked for a short while and I mentioned that if he got any good pictures of Gillian and David I'd like to see them. I went on and filled my plate from the delicious offerings and soon found a table to share with my friends Michael Stadler and Elaine. Michael had played on the local stage earlier in the day with Mary Gibbons - the two of them have a great 'old country' sound.

Gillian and Gayle

As I left the table I heard Billy say, "Hey Gayle, stand right there, the two of you." Before I could think I found myself linking arms with a woman who was walking past. Figuring Billy needed to show folks having a good time, I smiled for the camera as the woman turned to me and said, "Hi, I'm Gillian." Yes, it was indeed Gillian Welch! I had not until that moment realized it and instantly found myself turned into a star-struck speechless fool! It wasn't just the rush any of us might feel meeting someone who is famous and in the public eye, it was because it was Gillian Welch - someone I deeply admire for what she, along with David Rawlings, is giving to the current music scene. There was so much I wanted to say and thanks I wanted to give and as I tried to do just that everything I said fell short and only sounded pathetic somehow.

Gillian Welch & David Rawlings

After we talked she invited me to drop my latest children's CD off at the middle stage the next day, when she would be singing back-up with The Old Crow Medicine Show band on Sunday afternoon. I wanted her to hear my CD, Toodala - Front Porch Favorites (a collection of Bluegrass and Old-Time tunes) as a sign of my appreciation. I figured she was sure to know most of the old tunes and might enjoy hearing them; an old sound she keeps alive through the new songs she writes.

The next day after she sang with OCMS I went backstage but Gillian was being interviewed, but there was another unexpected thrill - I got to meet David Rawlings! I handed the CD to David, who was extremely down to earth and grateful for the CD.

So that's how I got to meet some of my all time favorite musicians and give a little music back - a weekend I'll never forget.

Gayle Schmitt, San Francisco

Gayle Schmitt and the Toodala Ramblers will be playing the SF Bluegrass and Old Time Festival again this year on February 29.

Visit Gayle's website and read a short review Gayle Schmitt's Toodala or a full review

Editor's note: Gayle sent this 'In long form' for me to edit down to the essence, but I found it so charming I've left it in full - hope you agree! And Gayle is too shy to mention that she received a Parents Choice Award (her second!) for this CD. Ed.

18 Jan 2004