Debra Cowan was the second artist to perform here in Lubec and a regular for many years and a great friend too. John was a guest with Deb and many others at a marvelous event in Pembroke. Or was it Dennysville? I still get them mixed up. Having broken the "80" barrier back in August, (maybe that's why I get D-ville and Pembroke confused) I'm happy that John will be joining me in the exclusive Octogenarian club. 

From Debra Cowan:

John Roberts Turns 80!

On Sunday, May 5, my dear friend and occasional music partner, John Roberts will be turning 80. He will be celebrating the occasion with a solo concert sponsored by the Old SongsOrganization and this concert will be live streamed! The concert begins at 3 PM EDT and details can be found HERE on how to access the live stream.  This is sure to be a delightful concert and my husband and I will be traveling to Voorheesville, NY to join in the festivities.

The shirt that John is wearing in the photo was a gift from me back in 2019. At the Old Songs Festival that year, we were all paying tribute to the late Bill Spence who was known for his vast collection of Hawaiian shirts, great sense of humor and most of all being a world class hammered dulcimer player. John told me he didn’t own a Hawaiian shirt and I “gave him the shirt off of my back” and said “Now you do!”

I do hope you will tune in and help John celebrate this milestone. His solo performances lately have been amazing and I know you will enjoy it.