franklin, massachusetts own . . .

jamie barrett– i was very happy to hear my cousin jamie playing at the franklin strawberry festival this past friday 062207–

besides being the writer of franklin’s “town song,” jamie is also a music teacher within the franklin school system and a writer of songs which are used within the school’s curriculum–

quoting from jamie’s website

“After purchaing his very first electric guitar from neighbor Dave Packer (using his savings from his paper route), he began jamming with a lot of local musician friends- Lee, Keith, Will, Chris, and many others. At this time he was also taking guitar lessons from very well respected teachers in the area, such as Ron Appicelli and Bob DeMarco. He also began performing in jazz and pit bands in high school and was playing in night clubs well before he hit drinking age (he had to get his parents to sign papers stating that he would not touch a drop of alcohol!)!

He went on to play in a number of bands in CT and RI, as well as in Boston, MA (where he also attended Berklee College of Music) and Hollywood, CA (where he attended Musician’s Institute and met and became friends with many musicians who are now ‘celebrities!’). He also had some of the best teachers in the world at that school (sitting right across from the legendary Joe Pass on a number of occasions!!!).”
(end quote)

working with grade school children, jamie is continually working on his performance skills and this shows as he appears exceedingly comfortable in front of an audience–

the material which jamie covers during his show is varied yet appropriate for all ages which is extremely important when performing before members of your own community– a big beatle fan himself, jamie played several selections from the group as well as john lennon’s “Beautiful Boy” for his own son samuel–

besides being able to visit with family, i was able to hear some great music and also able to get extra strawberries with cream when no one was looking–

idaho tears

idaho tears (for vicki)

idaho tears at idaho falls

letting them roll down

as the eyes see it all

to reach out and hold the hand that you held . . . as a child

to look back across the years and the time

and there’s no way to stop time from going on

“crossing the river” you tell me again

would siddhartha guide the raft

that you take to the end

the river’s always flowing on over the blackfoot land

with idaho tears idaho tears

at idaho falls

the river it rolls on and carries it all

and the spirits on the wind with gentle laughter

they stay above the water line and watch them pass into the snake

as idaho tears

victoria penichter 05/07/54- 06/07/07

ira pray and vicki penichter 2005

vicki, you will always be in our hearts–