Remembering Rod Veverka

I met Rod last spring. He posted on Banjo Hangout that he was going to host The Northeast Ohio Spring Clawhammer Jam. For y'all that don't play Old Time music, Clawhammer is an old pre-bluegrass style of banjo playing. I answered his post, got instructions to his cabin in Harrison County, and met up with a fellow banjo player to ride down together. Rod had some friends in attendance, as well as several of us new friends he hadn't met before. We spent the afternoon playing, singing and enjoying each others company. Had a great time. We just seemed to blend with each other's personality real well. Rod sent a review of the event to Banjo Newsletter, and it was printed there.
Rod hosted the Fall campout in a park near Medina, Ohio. I went, and we had another great time. Things werelooking up for Old Time music in NE Ohio, where jams have been scarce for a while.
In Dec, I was at the hospital as my wife was having heart surgery, and ran into Rod's wife, Helen in the hallway. Rod was in also, and had surgery the same day. He made it through the surgery. but had a stroke that evening. He hung in for a couple of weeks, passing away on Dec 28th, about 5 or 6 o'clock. I got a call from his daughter just a few minutes after it happened.
Sometimes you just feel you were supposed to be somewhere, or do something and you don't know why. I'm glad to have met and known Rod, even if for such a short time.I think we were meant to pick a few songs together, maybe just for a few moments of fun. I'll take my moments as they come, and cherish the memories of them. For a couple of days, spread over several months, we made some banjos/guitars and dulcimers ring. Sometimes, it just don't get any better.

Welcome, Y'all

Welcome, Y'all; Paul on this end. I play a variety of music, most of it from before WWII A good portion is from before the 20th century, although a little new stuff creeps in, mostly '60's-'70's folk, blues and rock. I play 5 string banjo, mostly Clawhammer, and some Old Tyme 2 and 3 finger style. Also guitar, mountain dulcimer and harmonica. I live outside Cleveland, Ohio with my wife and cat. We have 2 grown daughters. I'm not politically correct. I eat meat, and shoot it myself when possible. I'll respect your lifestyle choices, if you'll respect mine.