John Hurd was at the last Bonn Folk Club # 152 in December

 John Hurd was not only there, but he also played on the oldest instrument known to all human beings, namely the human voice. 

Thanks very much for that John, you did us proud regaling a long-lost king of Bohemia, in what was once a priciüpality in the Holy Roman Empire, but is now known as The Czech Republic (Česká republika), "Good" King Wenceslas who lived in the 10th century. and played a leading role in an English Christmas carol of the same name. The Duke of Bohemia actually lived until he was 28 and so did not gain entrance into the tragic club of the 27ers, famous musicians who unfortunately died way too young. He was in fact murdered by his younger brother Boleslav which was not a fitting end and Wenceslas was not only elevated from a Duke to a KIng but also posthumously raised to sainthood. So even if he didn't live so well, he certainly died well! Good King Wenceslas is a wonderful English Christmas carol which personifies the good Christian tradition of doing good deeds to those less fortunate than oneself and especially at Christmas time!

I sing it "a cappella" on my English language night watchman tours set in the year 1698  with StadtReisen at the entrance to the Wenzel Gasse, whose only notoriety would otherwise be only the same as that of "Darmstadtt" ("Casing Town" - as in the pigs' intestines used to hold mincemeat when making sausages!) 

Thank you, John Hurd, for joining in on the song and also for publishing this most resplendent report of FCB evening 152 with our longest serving Special Guest, Mr Simon Kempston!:

https://3songsbonn.com/2024/12/10/folk-club-december-with-simon-kempston/

and the accompanying stunning photos:

https://johnno.jalbum.net/Folk%20Club%20Bonn%20Dec%

                                  (Photo by kind courtesy of John Hurd of 3SongsBonn)       

                                                  

"Veni, vidi vici"

Simon has certainly won over the hearts of the Folk Club Bonn audience, it was not a quick won victory, it has taken years of dedication and extremely hard work to perform so many concerts, all over the world, and also to simultaneously produce an album of original songs each year! 

I salute you dear Simon, as we all do here!

One should not kick the old year prematurely "into touch". This pointed ball can sometimes bounce irregularly, as you well know dear Simon, having played this said wonderful game, unlike a perfectly round soccer ball, with a more predictable bouncing tendency. Still, we are already waiting with bated breath for December 2025 and your return to our beautiful city on the river Rhine to this wonderful international local folk club (FCB) of which you are such an integral international part!

Thank you so much for simply being Simon, and thank you for being such a significant part of what we actually all are!

A mere microcosm of singing humanity!

Danke schön!