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Willy's Washboard Jamboree

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Willy's Washboard Jamboree

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Thank You.

Larry,
We are from Pennsylvania and my wife and I saw you at the Alaska State Fair
this year.  We were pleasantly surprised with your unique performance,
entertaining the little kids and me, age 53, LOL.  I felt compelled to
compliment you on your talent.
Keith  Hbg., PA

My husband and I enjoyed seeing you at the Alaska State Fair in Palmer. We
hope to see you again next year.

Gayle
Anchorage

Dear Washboard Willy,
 My son Jacob has been listening to your CD everyday since he saw you
again this year at the Deschutes County Fair in Redmond, OR. His picture
from 2000 is in  your photo album. He is the little guy in the flag
shirt and shorts.
Anyway you are his hero. He has liked music since he was a tiny baby,
now that he is 3 he is much more excited about music.  Jacob  likes your
music so much that he asked for his own washboard. His grandma and
grandpa found him one and rigged it up with backpack straps so he could
play it. Then we superglued thimbles to the fingers of a small pair of
gardening gloves. He plays his washboard every day.  I will have to send
a picture to you.  His favorite song is Billy Billy Bayou. He knows most
of the words too.  And he asked for a "Washboard Willy Wagon" for a
present.  I am a percussionist and I think its great that Jacob has
begun to enjoy rhythm.
Thank you for bring hours of entertainment to my son. We will see you
again at the Deschutes County Fair if not sooner.
Thank you,
Jaylynn and Jacob Mickel

My wife (Sylvia) and I saw you Aug 31st at the Alaska State Fair. We were
sitting at Roscoes Ribs when you came by then you turned around and came back. We
really enjoyed you and your music. Hope you see you entertain again soon.
GREAT !!!!!!
                                       Lindy & Sylvia
                                       Eagle River, Alaska

Dear Mr. Willy,
Just a note to say thanks for the fun in Alaska.  I hope you time here was
rewarding and fun...
As I write this I bet you are resting from your busy day at the Alaska State
Fair.  You truly are a magician and one can really see the unique love you have for the kids
and your work!!
All the best and good success to you!
Jim Sally Arianna

Dear Washboard Willy,
   I followed you around Deschutes County fair the last 2 years. ( My
kiddos are in 4-H so I live there all week )   I love music and you just
intrigue me so much with your talent.  Mostly what Intrigues me is your
happiness and Joy while you sing and play all day.  My little girl
who is 4 loves you too and loved following you and playing along.  I
didn't go to one concert either year.  Who can top you?
thank you for the Joy you brought to our fair. Hugs from Bend,
OR             Laurie

Hey Washboard Willy,
 My family saw you for the first time in Santa Maria, Ca before the
Diamond Rio concert. And let me tell as a father of 3 kids (10, 4 and 2
years of age), I enjoyed as much as they did and you are awesome and very
entertaining... thanks again
The Grossini family
p.s. We checked out the schedule for the remaining year and your to far
for us to drive or we would be there.....  : (

Dear Washboard Willy, or Larry,

Just thought I'd let you know I saw your show just recently
at Jackson County Fair in Medford, Oregon.  I loved it!  I
am a grown-up and I really wanted to sing with you too!  (I
didn't...way to chicken...but I watched in fascination.)
You also have a beautiful voice!  I don't usually write
these notes, but I saw your e-mail address on your wagon,
and once in a while, I think you should tell people when you
think nice things about them or what they are doing.

Thanks for the great songs and fun!
Nina

I saw you at the harvest festival-I loved your show!!!!!!! 
                your friend,
                   Megan Rossoni

Dear Larry,
It was wonderful to see you again last Sunday at the Sonoma/Marin Fair.  Our
son Christian has been talking about you non-stop since the Jubilee and has
been counting down the days until Sunday.  He also told us that he felt shy and nervous
when he finally saw you.  Although he is not full of smiles and laughter he
soaks up every note, movement, and contact he has with you.  He was totally
touched that you remembered his name.  He called his grandma the minute we
got home, telling her "Grandma, Washboard Willy remembered my name!  He
remembered ME!"  Thank you Larry!  He noticed more parts to your washboard
that he hadn't noticed before.  He had me play different parts of the CD
today to show me where you played certain instruments that he learned
watching you on Sunday.  It's so very exciting to see this interest and love
in him.  

Our daughter, Madelyn truly enjoyed you also.  She definitely has her
favorite songs from your CD.  She will squeal out when she hears a familiar
part.  (-:

Thank you again for all you do!
Warmly,
Keri, Jose, Christian and Madelyn

Dear Larry,
We would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for bringing such
joy to our 4 year old son Christian.  He has become a HUGE Washboard Willy
fan!!!  We attended every set you performed at the Children's Stage at the
Sacramento Jazz Jubilee.  I play trombone and piano and performed every year at the
Jubilee during my teen and young adult years.  Music has brought me the most
precious experiences and memories and we truly wish for our children that
music will hold such a magical place in their lives.  YOU have definitely
helped with that process!!!  Your performances were magical and your spirit
filled each and every one of the children present.  Since the first
performance, Christian saw he has put himself to sleep pretending to be
performing with you or "being" you.  (-:  He has a picture of you taped to
the ceiling of his bunk bed so he can look at you while going to sleep.  We
have been listening to your CD continuously since the weekend.  Our 10 month
old daughter was mesmerized by your performances, clapping and dancing
throughout.  The second she hears your CD she starts "singing" and clapping.  
We wish you the very best in your future and will do our part in spreading
the news of you and the magic you have to share with the children.  We live
in Santa Rosa and will be in Petaluma to see you at the Sonoma/Marin County
Fair in the end of June.  Thank you again for the smiles and the true joy you
have given our family.  See you soon!
Warmly,
Keri, Jose, Christian and Madelyn

I understand you were GREAT!!!  - good job, Willy!  Elizabeth

I saw you at the Young Masters Art Show in Irvine on Saturday ... you were great!
Thank you, Beth

Dear WW -
My husband and I took our 18 month old granddaughter to the end of April
Harvest Festival in Pleasanton. We got such a kick out of your show! Our
little sweetie pie was groovin' with the sounds, rhythms and other kids!!!!
And so were we! We've printed out your schedule and will definitely make a
point of coming to see you next time you're in the area. Thanks for sharing
your gift! It was a happy, feel-good time!  Jennifer & Ron

I'm writing to you with misty eyes after reading your bio. You truly are a
special spirit and touch so many people. I feel honored to have been able to
work with you. You give so much to your audience and (your music just started
playing!!! I'm smiling:) ) to your fellow performers.
I've had your music stuck in my head all day "Right leg, left leg, top to
bottom..."
         Your ever lovin, Granny Fanny...

Dear Washboard Willy,

I saw you at the Harvest Festival in Pleasanton-LOVED YOU!!!!!!!!!!!
I am nine years old.

Megan

Hello,

Last weekend I saw you perform at the Sacramento Spring Harvest Fair. I was quite impressed and enjoyed watching the kids and adults get involved and enjoy your work.

Cordially, Denise

I saw you at the Harvest Festival in Del Mar yesterday, and was totally entranced!  

Thanks, Sharon

Thanks for the memories, Michael

Hi Washboard!  I have been watching your act for several years now and think
your GREAT!!  I work as a Dental Assistant for a 65yr. old Dr. who just
caught your act last year at the fair.  Needless to say, he hasn't stopped
talking about you or your music since.  I took your picture this year as you
strolled past my family on one of your musical journeys.  Today I gave it to
the Dr. and it now has a home taped to his office desk.  He really likes your
style and type of music-In his day he was a pretty good saxaphone player.
His band was on the local radio shows every evening. I think he and the band
would have made it big if that darn WAR didn't interupt.  Years later he
donated that saxaphone to a needy child.  Just recently, the Dr.'s family
relocated the beloved saxaphone and presented it to the Dr..  He was so
overwhelmed with joy--A REAL TEAR JERKING MOMENT!  Anyway,  the girls and I
are going to purchase your CD and fill his life with your intoxicating music.
 I'm not sure if he owns a CD player, but if he doesn't, we'll just have to
throw one of those in for the heck of it.  I can bet you that the Dr. would
keep it at the office for all of our patients to enjoy!!  Keep an eye open
for our order and send it to us with a little BANG-JINGLE-BAPIDITTY-ZAP.
Thanks again washboard willy.
                                    Sincerely, Kristi Deer Park, Wa.

Larry,

    My daughter and I just got back from the fair, here in Yakima, Wa.  We
had a great time and, of course, had to stop by and watch your show.  We had
seen you last year, and my daughter was very excited to see you again.  She
has really taken a very big interest in music lately.  I am very glad that
you do what you do.  It must not be an easy life, but I am sure the rewards
are abundant.

Thanks again,   Wendy

Hello there! While at the OR State fair this year I purchased your CD.  I am mezmerized by your Rythum and the musical vibrations that you put forth .  I still hold onto the vision of how the children parade behind you with such pleasure.   The point is I must have the sound that you create.     I am a visual therepist and my husband is a Naturopathic physicion, we both enjoyed hearing you at the State Fair and look forward to another opportunity of seeing you.  

With warmest regards, Sheila

I wanted to thank you for sharing the fun! Kat told me you would amuse me, and she was right.                            

Tammy

Hey Willy.  I just wanted to tell you that I think you're awesome!  I worked
concession at the fair this year and every day we looked forward to seeing
you go by.  Keep up the good work!
Miranda

Hi Willie!

We saw you last night at the Oregon State fair (9-4-00).
You played with Lightnin' Willie and you guys were great.
My two year old boy (Jared) was rockin' out to the song "Bye, bye baby" and
signing along. We saw your act the week before and my whole family thought
you were awesome. My kid loves you. He even calls you "Villie" when your
music comes on. We love your Cd and we love to rock to the walkin' Willie
song!!
Thanks, and we'll be lookin' for you at the fairs next season!
Nancy and Jared   ;-)

Hi Willy,  Just a note to let you know we really enjoyed your performance at
the Oregon State Fair this weekend. We bought your CD- our son Nick (3 1/2
years old) has not listened to any other music since !    Thanks Again, The
Belair Family

Dear Larry
	Or do you prefer to be called Washboard at all times?
	I very much enjoyed hearing and seeing you at the Josephine County
Fair.  I admire your talent and dedication to what you are doing.  I'm
sure it's had many ups and downs, & I hope it's all ups for you from now
on.  I was very touched when I read in your bio about the bike
accident.  "Peace has in it confidence in the Lord, that He directs all
things, and provides all things, and that He leads to a good end."
Arcana Coelestia 8455 Emanuel Swedenborg.
	
88 (Kathy)

The Kundert Family of Bend, Oregon

keep up the tunes :)

twinnie

We just saw you at the coos County Fair, Aug. 11th.  All of us were really impressed. You have done super to do what you are doing. Please continue. I do landscape planning, plantings and maintenance so, I'll do that for you. I just looked up your website. Very nice. Glad tolearn more about you and your schedule of where you will be. I do plan to have all the people I know in those areas to be notified you will be in their areas -- to come se you.

Thanks so much for coming to Coos County Fair. Hello toyour motorcycle friend and dog, Penny. We all enjoyed seeing you at work.

Bev Coos Bay, OR

I REALLY liked the songs that yo did at the fair.  Thanks for the CD.  I really liked all the tings you used for music.

Sincerely Angela,

Minni Me

Stephen

Thanks! Samantha

Though the circumstances which brought about Washboard Willy were unfortunate, we were glad to have you. Jon

My name is Sara, and I am 17 years old and live in West Sacramento, California. I just wanted to write yo a quick letter to tell you that currently, I am performing in the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee with my Youth Band.  The Syncopating Seamonkeys.

I saw you on the streets today and yesterday, and I have to tell you - I think that what you do is great. I watched the little kids when you came around, and especially when you gave them the instruments to play... their little faces just lit right up. Keep on making people smile, and thank you for being to darn entertaining!

Sara, Lead Vocalist of the Syncopating Seamonkeys

Loved your performance today at the Sacramento Jazz festival just before it closed today.

Thank you--Visitor #373

When we first heard your music, we thought it was piped-in through the speakers of the bridal path and my wife & I were both amazed that it was you on the other side of the hedge. If there ever comes a day when you are second-guessing what you do, you remember this day and strap-on that washboard knowing that you make a difference in children's lives. That is all that matters. Continued success and thank you.

Clay, Rickie, Bianca & Noah...