by Paul Kaplan, Philadelphia, PA

It was at the 1977 Philadelphia Folk Festival. I was in the campground area after an evening concert, where we volunteers and paying campers gathered around the campfire to play and sing. I had a “musical” washboard, decked out with cowbell and bicycle bell, and I used thimbles and spoons for varied effects.

To our surprise and delight, we were joined by the late, great Steve Goodman, who had done a rousing set to close the show. And where did he decide to stand? Right next to me! I don’t remember the tune he played, but I accompanied him on my washboard, which earned me a handshake and a pat on the back.

One thing I remember most about him is that although he was on the short side like me, he had enormous hands (like Johnny Bench, I thought). I still have the washboard, and a memory of my one moment in the musical spotlight alongside one of the all-time greats.