What I Did Last Summer

[Clarke Buehling]

Thought I would check in to the Classic Banjo site at least once this year.

My apologies for being distracted by other , less important things.

 

So, I tried to get the Skirtlifters booked into some gigs in Europe so we could showcase at the European World of Bluegrass in the Netherlands.

The price of airfare had increased 50%, so I dropped that idea and went out by myself in May to stay maybe three weeks and recoup my expenses.

With help from some very generous friends in Holland I was able to get around, play a few gigs and generally have an enjoyable stay. Then I went on to Germany for a weekend in Dortmund and Goettingen. All very well until I was about to head to the airport to fly home, when I felt lousy and went in for an x-ray. It seems my left lung had collapsed.

After a surgery and 9 days in the hospital I found I had to remain on the ground for at least 6 weeks. Banjo player Howard Schultens and his wife Irene were very kind to let me stay in their small home while I healed up and I later found a house to take care of (and a cat to feed). Howard and I with two of his friends formed a band to help me pay my expenses. I was able to visit central France and the Mosel valley, too, so I generally had a good time of it. 

Here I am home in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and trying to straighten out my bills and get my phone reconnected, etc. Jason, help me put together that Miss. tour now, I can use the work.

By the way, my classic fingerstyle set list in Germany consisted of numerous jigs, reels, hornpipes with a polka, Little Germany, by Fred Oehler and Wien Bleibt Wien, by Schrammel, plus a couple rags.

[thereallyniceman]

Hey Clarke,

We are glad to have you back safe and, eventually, well. The Europe trip was slightly more eventful than expected I see! We would love to see any video footage of your performances, so please so post if you get chance.

All the best, and keep well too!

Ian

[Clarke Buehling]

Thanks, Ian.  I have photos, but I'm not sure I have any video.  I'll get back to you on that.

[Clarke Buehling]

There are 2 videos at Youtube under Clarke Buehling.Norgelbuff.