In 1985, with a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from UC Santa Cruz, I didn’t know much about Ithaca, and my only experience of the town was riding through it on a bus. I have a memory of looking at funky houses, people who dressed like I did, and the sun shining on the lake.
I had a feeling like I would like it there.
I was looking for a town that had good music, and restaurants and culture. Someplace where it snowed. Someplace I could play my songs in a cafe. Not too big, and not too small.
And on that basis, knowing only one person slightly, I came here, with a dulcimer and a backpack, looking to start a new life. 24 years later I’m leaving with a 14 foot UHaul packed to the rafters, with a friend driving my car.
I spent all of my adult life here (after college.)
Virtually all the songs I’ve ever written and recorded were done here.
My first puppet show was here.
My first girlfriend was here.
I learned how to swing dance here.
I formed a band and met lots of great musicians.
I will miss:
My friends
My yoga teacher - Jessica Rodgers at Soma
My chiropractor - David Cedarbaum
My haircutter - Ellie Jones at Hairy Canary
My songwriter’s group
Treman Park
The walk along the inlet
The Plantations
Greenstar
Wegman’s
The State Theater
Cinemapolis
ABC Cafe (farewell!)
The Commons
The Ithaca Festival (though I might be back for it!)
The Tompkins County Library
Cayuga Lake
The numbers that change on New Year’s Eve at the Ithaca College Towers
I had a feeling like I would like it there.
I was looking for a town that had good music, and restaurants and culture. Someplace where it snowed. Someplace I could play my songs in a cafe. Not too big, and not too small.
And on that basis, knowing only one person slightly, I came here, with a dulcimer and a backpack, looking to start a new life. 24 years later I’m leaving with a 14 foot UHaul packed to the rafters, with a friend driving my car.
I spent all of my adult life here (after college.)
Virtually all the songs I’ve ever written and recorded were done here.
My first puppet show was here.
My first girlfriend was here.
I learned how to swing dance here.
I formed a band and met lots of great musicians.
I will miss:
My friends
My yoga teacher - Jessica Rodgers at Soma
My chiropractor - David Cedarbaum
My haircutter - Ellie Jones at Hairy Canary
My songwriter’s group
Treman Park
The walk along the inlet
The Plantations
Greenstar
Wegman’s
The State Theater
Cinemapolis
ABC Cafe (farewell!)
The Commons
The Ithaca Festival (though I might be back for it!)
The Tompkins County Library
Cayuga Lake
The numbers that change on New Year’s Eve at the Ithaca College Towers
