It is a memorable experience when a song really connects with the audience. Two families who attended my performance at the Glendale Folk & Heritage Festival had a special connection to my songs. Joyce Sackett is the great-niece of William Porter Jones, the subject of "A Miner's Letter Home". "Uncle Will" left his parent's home in Missouri in 1858 at the age of 21 to search for gold out west. William Jones spent the next six years prospecting and corresponding with his family and friends back home. My song traces his experiences in the gold fields of Colorado, California, Nevada, and Arizona. He was among the first group of prospectors to stake a claim along Lynx Creek in the winter of 1863. His adventurous life was cut short in June, 1864 when he was ambushed by Apache braves while travelling along Big Bug Creek.
Three sisters of Onofre "Taffy" Tafoya attended to hear my newest song, "Los Mineros", which is based on Taffy's successful 40-year career working in the San Manuel Mine. Mr. Tafoya wrote two books about his experiences in the mine: "Los Mineros" and "Mother Magma". Mr. Tafoya is proud of all that he accomplished during his working years. His books recognize the contributions made by all of his co-workers toward the safe and productive record in the San Manuel Mine.
Thanks to everyone for making this such a memorable experience for me.
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