I had a wonderful father’s day weekend and hope you did too. Saturday, I went hiking in Clarence Fahnestock State Park, where mountain laurel in full bloom painted the forest white; swimming at Conopus Beach and (just escaped pummeling thunderstorms by) eating at the fairly affordable Cold Spring Depot in the 1893 Rail Road Station house. Sunday, my mostly grown children honored me with hors d’oeuvres, cheeses, chicken, and books about bicycles.

Here are two thoughts for next weekend, weather permitting:

One reason I like folk festivals like the Clearwater Hudson River Revival (June 21-22, 2008), is the chance to hear new groups. My 2007 Clearwater favorite was three women singing as Red Molly. By chance, biking through central New York, I heard them again. They’re very good singers and instrumentalists with great songs and – in the time-honored-folk-tradition – a corny patter. They seemed to never play NYC until now. . Your one chance to hear them is Feb. 1 at 9PM at The Living Room at 154 Ludlow Street on NYC's Lower East Side: No Cover, One Drink Minimum. One 50 minute set. They’re playing for tips and may get to hawk their CDs. I don’t know if they need a geezer-rock following, but I plan to go. If you want to check them out without leaving your keyboard, listen to a clip or two here .

Folk Music Weekend with Pete Seeger and many others. This weekend coming, June 16th & 17th , I plan to bike to the Clearwater Hudson River Revival Festival at Croton Point Park, Croton-on-Hudson. John Hall, now Congress Member, sang last year while trolling for volunteers and supporters. Featured performers include: Cowboy Junkies, Buffy Sainte-Marie. Bruce Cockburn, Leo Kottke, Paul Winter, Bruce Molsky Band w/ Tony Trischka. You can also (for more money) sail on the sloop Clearwater or (for no money at all) swim in the Hudson. There's dancing & schmoozing,too. Metro-North brings people to free shuttle buses from the station. I’ll be at the volunteer tent in the morning. Come say “hi!”

Hate Folkies? Try Ulysses If folk music is not appealing, go to