As John mentioned, the director of our center (my boss) is the leader of a bluegrass band called Grass Menagerie. You can sometimes catch their performance at Paul's Saloon near the wharf in S.F. They don't play very often: However, if you're interested (and if I can remember or if you remind me), I'll take you to the "bluegrass blowout" Rick organizes at Paul's Saloon during late summer. A number of bands will play and food cooked by Rick (he's somewhat of a gourmet) will be served.

When John was here during the summer of '87, he and I attended the first annual "blowout". Diane and I also went this past year. The food is always great and, even though I'm not a particularly big fan of bluegrass, the music is also enjoyable. John, would you agree with these observations?

[Editor's note: Yes! Great food and great music!]

Rick is a very difficult person to describe. Usually, after I've been around someone for awhile, I feel that I have a pretty good idea how he or she would respond in a given situation. Rick is generally a complete mystery to me in this respect.

I think John once described him as a blue-eyed bear of a man, which is an apt physical description. However, Rick really has to be experienced to be appreciated.