01:01:45 Donna Hopkins: Happy Birthday, David, and thank you for your musical generosity over the years! You have made such a difference in so many lives! Lots of love from Montpelier! 01:03:19 Fiddle Hell: When I first began playing fiddle about 35 years ago I went to the Ashokan fiddle camp. There after dinner you taught Scandinavian tunes and harmonies. Everyone in the dining room joined it and it was the most amazing sound I'd ever heard. I was enthralled. Just wanted to thank you so much for that experience and with you happy birthday! 01:04:25 Tim Swartz: Happy Birthday David, and many happy returns to you and all of us. You have earned so many wonderful friends and given us all so much! From Northfield VT...and the Montpelier Contra Dance... 01:05:13 Kathy Shimberg: First met you at Indian Neck many years ago,, David -- and followed you all these years since then. Thank you for everything you've contributed to so many of all of our lives! Love to you and Happy Birthday! 01:05:28 Carole Schaad: Happy Birthday to the composer of so many tunes I love to play and teach to the next generation. 01:06:12 Merideth & Fred from VT: Thank you, David, for playing for us to dance in that parking lot in Bulgaria, when we met the Swedes! 01:06:51 Ann Hazelrigg: the best mentor ever... he always had something nice to say to our fiddle orchestra, even when we knew we sounded not so good!! 01:07:41 Jacqueline Schwab: David, your playing (duo recording with Betsy Branch) is at our dinner table on many a night--beautiful, clear tone and lovely harmonies and so much heart. Thanks for the many, many things you've given our community! 01:07:52 Sophie Sawyer: so much Thanks to you. I have followed your music and Your dances. Thank you for giving so generous of yourself!! Love 01:08:05 Paul Gitlitz Saskatoon Saskatchewan: We love you David. Your book helped bring Contra Dance to Saskatoon. Your visit to Vancouver Island will never be forgotten. 01:09:16 Meg Lippert-Honolulu: Happy Birthday, David! LOVED that processional AND the dancing that was going with it! Sending ALOHA to everyone from Honolulu where it is 8 AM and a spectacular way to kick off our weekend. 01:09:25 Tom Duncan @ Fiddle Hell: Thank you David, for letting me help you teach Josefin’s Dopvals at Fiddle Hell. It was truly an honor to work with you. You have been a wonderful teacher and friend. 01:09:47 Tom Hutcheson - Greenfield: Happy birthday and thanks for all the fun and life! And for my first memory of you, sharing some moonshine in the cabin just down from the Bookmill. 01:10:03 Ruth Rappaport, Watertown MA: David, I will never forget our magical week in Sweden. I think of it often. Thank you for all the music and dance. 01:10:20 Rachel Bell: Sooo many memories of wonderful, joyful dances and jam sessions at Ashokan. Thank you, David. 01:10:46 JANET GOULSTON: Happy Birthday David! You have made all of our lives richer and more joyous! Janet from Portland OR 01:11:54 Deborah Cooper: Much love to you, David, and happy birthday!!! Congratulations on earning the CDSS Lifetime Achievement Award. So deserving for the support, mentoring gifts, and friendship you’re so known for. So much thanks to you from one of your Brasstown students! Deborah from Clarkesville, GA 01:11:58 Arlene Jamar, CA: David, I so enjoyed a run we did together during our time at Monte Toyon dance camp. It was a real up hill challenge for me to keep up - much fun too! 01:12:31 Bob Littman, Needham MA: One of my First ever workshop at Fiddle Hell in Groton, by David, “he piqued my interest!” Happy Birthday. 01:12:41 Sande G Seattle WA: Happy Birthday, David! Thank you for your tradition of acceptance of everyone, no matter what their level of expertise in music, dance, or calling. Thank you for inspiring us to continue and to pass on the Folk Music and traditions, and to continue to build community. 01:13:29 Dan Gottfried NYC - Northern Week and Camp Unirondack: It is not just in what we think of as the music community. David brought Contra Dancing to Family Camp at a UU Camp I ran for many years called Unirondack. It was such a rich experience that he becamse a regular part of our program for three years, the first time we ever had a program repeated 01:13:34 Suzanne Girardot: Happy birthday and congratulations, David, from Suzanne in Seattle. I will never forget playing with you in the Fabulous Girls at Folklife and also as part of our Folkfloor crew putting down our dance floor for a weekend of wonderful dancing. I'm so glad I got to share that time with you! 01:14:17 Dan Gottfried NYC - Northern Week and Camp Unirondack: It is not just in what we think of as the music community. David brought Contra Dancing to Family Camp at a UU Camp I ran for many years called Unirondack. It was such a rich experience that he becamse a regular part of our program for three years, the first time we ever had a program repeated 01:14:43 Paul Gitlitz Saskatoon Saskatchewan: David, you taught me more about teaching than any other teacher. 01:15:15 Margaret (Allegra's Mom), Blacksburg VA: Happy Birthday, David! Thank you for all those wonderful summer weeks at the John C. Campbell Folk School, and for your warm welcome whenever I was in Greenfield. It's the only time anyone has invited me, a lapsed musician, to "sit in" with the band. Sending love and thanks for all the joy. 01:15:15 RICK WINSTON: Some of my happiest moments of the last many years involve sitting with you and others around the tables at the Coffee Corner and Bagito's....love your spirit, your harmonies, your jokes. Best wishes from Adamant! 01:15:15 Ellen Eagan: I started contra dancing at that dance he did with his cousin and uncle. Thank you so much for that dance. 01:15:53 David Bateman Dover NH: David you helped the world become a better place to be Thank you for all you have done. Richly deserve the award. Happy Birthday! 01:15:56 Pete Sutherland - South Burlap, VT: Just reflecting on knowing you for SOOOOOOOOOO long - pre-dancing/calling/fiddling even! With the greatest admiration….. 01:16:14 Sarah Strong: My first contradance was a Fourgone Conclusions dance in Northfield, MA. So I'm pleased to say anyone who thinks any Kaynor is irrelevant, is simply mistaken! 01:16:31 Mara Shea-North Carolina: David, you have been a wonderful teacher for so many of us. Thank you…you have created a huge and profound legacy of musicians and teachers! 01:17:20 Lise Brown: David - You created a home for me as you have for so many others - and I don’t just mean the room I rented from you during the time I was up there. Thank you for bringing music, community and joy into my life. It lives there always! 01:18:14 Jan Jones: Thank you for your presence in the dance community. Your joy always comes through. 01:19:00 Gary & Christy W MA (near David): We have loved having you share your music and calling and humor and spirit with us. Happy, Happy Birthday, David! 01:19:13 Sue Dupre (NJ, she): David, I send you love and best wishes and congratulations for a world you've made better! 01:19:19 Mary Lea -Brattleboro VT: phenomenal David. You are so articulate and DEEP; thanks for these thoughtful reflections and perspectives on your rich and generous life. 01:19:42 Suze (Arizona): David - it was truly an honor to meet you, host you for a night, drive to Tucson with you for Dance in the Desert, and dance to your wonderful calling and fiddling. You encouraged me as a caller and choreographer, and inspired me to return to the cello and try playing contra music! I treasure that time. This award is so deserved. Much love. 01:20:12 Lori Shaffer, Portland, OR: Happy Birthday, David! Thanks for the fun, tunes, calling, mentorship, and dinners (including that chicken bowl at The Book Mill!). Your inclusiveness and generous spirit have influenced and set an example for so many communities! Your spirit remains a part of every community you have participated in. Much love! 01:21:12 Diane Brown: Happy Birthday David. I will always remember you calling at Folklife, helping with the Folkfloor and a lively conversation we were both a part of in the participants lounge a few years back. Good memories. 01:21:15 Elizabeth Stehl Niskayuna NY: Happy Birthday David. You played my first Contra and the Fair Martha’s Vineyard 1990s 01:22:56 Fred Breunig, Brattleboro, VT: David, I am in total awe of you, your accomplishments, your words, your spirit, your legacy. 01:23:01 Marni Rachmiel (Seattle): David, you have mattered so very much to so many, in so many ways. One of your legacies that I hold the closest is the way you show with everything you say and do that everyone matters. I’m so grateful for the conversations we’ve had and getting to play and work with you. My mom’s viola carries my memories of you playing it, as well as of her. Much love to you. <3 01:23:34 Robin Russell: Your spirit, David, shines on all of us, and touched us each to feel that we matter. What a gift to share….for you have held welcoming space for all. That is a gift to this world that will continue to be an inspiration. Thank you for being you, being there, and being here now. Sending you love and hugs to celebrate the joy you always have harbored deep inside. 01:23:53 S. R. Ritter--Winsted, CT: Thank you, David! I am grateful for all you are and all you do. You have meant a lot to me over the years. May peace and joy fill your life. 01:23:56 Sophie Sawyer: Thank you! for writing the dance, the "Baby Rose" my first dance I called for home dance. 01:24:06 val scott: Val Scott from Greenfield...Thank you, David, for inviting all to join The Back Row Band. I enjoyed every minute of it and will never forget it! 01:24:34 CYNTHIA STENGER: Happy Birthday David and congratulations on receiving the lifetime achievement award. I appreciate that when you were visiting Portland, OR you also played for the English Country Dance. With love and thanks - Cynthia 01:25:00 Erol Tamerman: Thank you David, for letting me sit in The Woodstock Dance, on Trumpet! You are an inspiration! 01:25:14 Paul Gitlitz Saskatoon Saskatchewan: I remember all the great inclusive sessions you led at Fiddle Tunes in Fort Warden. They were always a great joy. 01:25:35 Joe Grote: Happy B’day - I’m so glad you are a member of our Seattle part of the tribe. Joe & Kip feel fortunate to be in your sphere/universe. 01:25:36 Ann Dillemuth: David,thank you for the gift of music and dance that you've given so many for so long. After several years of dancing at the Grange in the early 2000s, it wasn't until I left and danced elsewhere that I truly appreciated the incredibly special dance community that you worked to create. It was such a treat when you called the Chicago dance on your way across the country several years ago -- I'm glad I had a small chance then to try to express some of my appreciation. Thank you so much for the joy you've brought this community, congratulations on this much deserved lifetime achievement award, and a very happy birthday! - Ann 01:25:45 Larry Wegehaupt: Happy Birthday, David. I have a good memory of playing piano to your fiddle for Marcia Dow Alecksiewicz's mother in her living room. Congratulations on your achievement! 01:26:01 Barbara Dyskant: Happy birthday David! I have many memories of you, one being how patient you were when I was trying to learn the hambo at Ashokan. And of course your support of me and Nadine in our music. And your kindnesss and how much fun you always have been. Much love. 01:26:13 Naomi, Ronan, Amy and families (VT): Happy birthday, David and much love from Naomi Morse and family and Amy Englesberg and family. So grateful for David and all he has done to encourage and nurture our music over the years. 01:26:44 Arlene Jamar, CA: David, we joined you many times at Ashokan for the Montegue Processional and stroll down to the dance pavilion. 01:27:22 Harvey from Seattle: Dear David: We all treasure you and the many gifts you have brought to each and everyone of us. Thank you also for blessing us with so many trips to the NW, teachin and mentoring us at our Monday Night Jams @ Sande & Alan’s home and for leading our community in so much laughter and awesome dancing at Northwest Folklife. Sending you much love and strength and all our very best wishes - brachot rabot! . 01:27:31 Lynn Feinman- NYC: Drinking French press coffee today in honor of David, who made me one of the best cups of coffee I've ever tasted. 01:27:34 Trish Mailler, Montague: Thanks, David, for always welcoming me to your sessions! As a beginner, your comments were always so positive. Happy Birthday! 01:27:36 diane herbst: Happy birthday and congratulation on so many levels. Your warmth, humor, and welcoming heart make this world and our community so much healthier. I send you heartfelt gratitude 01:27:59 virginia Beekmann: Happy Birthday David. So many wonderful memories of you in Washington State. And our walking around the Minneapolis airport. 01:28:05 Swansea Benham Bleicher, Western MA: David, without hesitation you welcomed me and my daughter, Kyra, to play in the dance band with you here in Western MA, which started her on her way playing for dances all over. Thank you for valuing inclusion and community of all generations. I was so lucky that Kyra’s lessons with Lissa were timed perfectly to when you caught the train north from Brattleboro so I got to drive you to the station several times! And you have spread musical joy to dozens of us at the Fiddle Orchestra of Western MA! The most magical moment with you, though, in my memory, was 2019 under the garlic tent at Maine Fiddle Camp, late late at night an amazing Swedish session… Happy Birthday and warm wishes and gratitude! -Swansea 01:28:57 Lee and Julian Shepherd, Ashokan Northern Week regulars: Speaking of antics, he would jog down the hill to the pavilion at Ashokan camp, dash right through the two dance lines of English dancers, shirtless and sweating! It was a welcome break from the too serious class and it always made us laugh! 01:30:33 George (Fiddle Hell): So many memories that still influence me when teaching, leading a dance, or playing with others. Making music, dance, and just hanging out so inclusive is an inspiration fo me and many others. Thank you! 01:30:37 George Fowler, Maine & Hanover NH: Hi David. Fiddle Hell? Fond memories of helping organize the dance band for your fine calling at the conclusion of Saturday night concerts, and the real pleasure of us sitting side-by-side swatting out the tunes at the 2019 Fiddle Hell, what an honor for me! All good thoughts going your way on this very special day. Cheers, George, 01:30:54 Holly Hendricks Surry, ME: Remembering meeting David in the 70s at the Chelsea Folklore Center, of beloved memory. You inspired me then and ever since. 01:31:56 Kenric Kite, VFO, Montpelier Vt: David, it was always a joy swapping tunes for all those Thursday mornings in Montpelier. I have memories of you, Susan, and Leeds all ordering sliders at Positive Pi, of spontaneous harmonies, of gentle wisdom and vigorous conviviality. 01:31:59 Tim Van Egmond, Montague MA: David, Happy Birthday and congratulations on this award! There are so many people that you’ve welcomed, supported, inspired, taught and befriended. 01:33:09 Lynn Baumeister: David — I am so grateful to have been able to hear your music and dance to your calling. Happy Birthday 01:33:11 Valerie & Brad Seattle WA: So deserving of this celebration! Your contributions are countless to so many communities. We have loved all your visits to Seattle and Fiddle Tunes, your kind generosity as session leader, teacher, mentor, caller, and especially the wonderful memory of you leading our wedding procession. So many tunes, and still writing. Thank you for your inspiration and energy 01:33:20 Kathy Shimberg, upstate-NY: David -- Such a wonderful model in action of inclusiveness and everybody-together sharing together. An inspiration to all -- and all thru the delights of music & dancing in community. A beautiful -- and modest -- community leader-follower-togetherer. 01:33:39 Richard Futyma - Ballston Spa, NY: David, when I was just learning to be a caller, and bought your book on Calling for Beginners by Beginners, you wrote in it, "So: When are YOU calling your next dance? Hire me to be in your band." Well, that eventually came to be, and there were a number of times when I was calling and could turn around and see you leading the band. I know that numerous other callers can say that they felt the same delight and feeling of confidence that I did at those times. Thank you for being a mentor and inspiration to so many of us. 01:33:56 Michael Pavan, Cape Cod: David, Thank you for all the Music and Dance you have shared and the opportunities (and venues) for it, that you as much (probably more than anyone I have known) have made possible. 01:34:19 Paddy Tutty: Fine memories of your music and calling at Fiddle Tunes in Port Townsend! Congratulations and Happy Birthday David! 01:34:52 Kathryn Barnhardt-Phildelphia: David, your support and encouragement of my fiddling journey sustains and inspires me daily. 01:35:49 Maria Howe: Montague Processional 1984. My sister Clarissa and I danced barefoot on the hot road! 01:35:52 CAROL NOYES: My favorite thing about you David is your sense of humor. Every time you joked around it made everyone in the Vermont Fiddle orchestra feel so comfortable performing. My favorite memory was the crackling of the empty soda bottle, making everyone think you broke your back. Hilarious!!! 01:36:08 Peter Johnson of VT in Denver: Happy Birthday, David! Early in my calling career, you gave me my first gig at the Vaunted Greenfield Grange, a big boost for me. That actually occurred as I was student-teaching in preparation for my 2nd professional career. My practice as a professional educator has been deeply influenced and informed by your style, humor, and grace. In particular, I strive to emulate your recognition of things that did not go as intended in ways that evaporate tension, and instead unite the group in a chuckle that enables us to move forward together. David, you no doubt know many folks who consider you a mentor. Please know that there are literally thousands of us who consider you a powerful mentor, so many of us whose direct interactions were few, but upon whom your influence was profound. 01:36:19 Saralinda Lobrose: Your sense of community and inclusion has always spread throughout the hall at your dances so that just being there is such an incredibly welcoming experience. You touch so many lives! 01:36:33 Keith and Becky, Brattleboro, VT: Congratulations David! So well deserved! I thank you for inviting me to sit in with you on the back of the stage back in the late 80s. So grateful for all that you’ve shown me on so many levels. I have always loved any opportunity to play with you. with Love, 01:36:36 Valerie & Brad Seattle WA: Happy Birthday, David! You made our wedding such an extra ordinary special event. People are still talking about it. You have welcomed us into your Montague home for shelter and music. Thanks for all the kindness and wisdom. Love from Seattle. -Brad 01:36:58 Kate Barnes & Jeanne Morrill: What a anazing community we have. Fostering and building community is what I think of when I think of David. Love to him and to you all. 01:38:27 Keith and Becky, Brattleboro, VT: David, you have changed the course of music and dance history (for the better!). Your music and inspiration will always be a part of who we are and what we do. Thank you, David. Keith 01:38:32 Colin Lindsay: Happy Birthday David, and congratulations on your Lifetime Achievement Award! Thank you for inviting me to play for contradances with the Greenfield Dance Band and in Montague when I showed up in Western Mass as a college student. You will always be connected in my mind with soaring Scandinavian harmonies, playing couple dances without amplification in the center of the room, and of course, the ever-aptly named Democratic Rage Hornpipe. You inspire me to welcome newcomers in all my communities. Thank you also for the wonderful comments that Becky read today, typed with your eyes. Here’s to more musical sharing! 01:38:37 Tyler - Portland OR: Happy Birthday David! And congratulations on this well-earned award. Thank you for all your wonderful music, clear calling and delightful story-telling. - Tyler Robinson 01:39:28 Paul Prestopino: Fond memories of the early years at Ashokan, and of a couple of summers teaching at the J.C. 01:39:51 cynthia thomas: david is our guiding star! 01:39:58 Marjorie Geiger: Happy Birthday David. I have fond memories of dancing to your music and calling at many dances: Greenfield, Albany NY dances and of course the Flurry. Thank you as always for the great music and times. Take care 01:42:24 Pam Bockes: I found myself hearing a voice in my head that said “Here we go” recently. I tried and tried to figure out where I’d heard it. Then I realized it was David’s voice, echoing back from when we were lucky enough here in Montpelier to become a band in David’s tutelage and to play in public for a good cause. Now I have his voice in my head for good! 01:45:20 Margaret Shepard, Lodi, NY: David has always been the heart of my “home” dance. Thank you, friends, for saying this so eloquently today, in words, music, and visuals. A deep love fest. 01:45:31 Marnen Laibow-Koser, Randolph, MA: David, I know we never interacted that much, but your harmony playing was a huge inspiration in getting me to develop my own sort of harmony playing! 01:46:29 Carl Levine (he/him) (Brooklyn): A few years ago I called at the Wednesday night contra in Amherst for the first time. David and George were playing. I asked David, how I knew, whether they planned on playing 2 or 3 tune medleys. David's response: "At least." 01:48:56 STORM Greenfield, MA: Without David Guiding Star Grange dances wouldn't exist still and probably neither the organization nor the building either, He's had a hand fundraising and guiding the physical maintaining of the building for many years. I've been an officer of Guiding Star Grange with him for several years. David still zooms into our monthly meetings. STORM 01:49:15 Liz Sturgen: Thank you again, David, for including me and my friends in that first week of dancing in Craftsbury, VT, and inviting us to your next dance in South Amherst. It was one of those moments when my life changed directions on the spot, and I am forever grateful. 01:49:40 Kathy Shimberg, upstate-NY: Spreading joy contagiously! Thanks to David, and thanks to CDSS for this wonderful tribute, further spreading the joy-spreading with and among us all. 01:49:56 Jeremy Gottfried, NYC: Hi David, as a kid I always looked forward to your level 1 fiddle classes at Ashokan, and I still remember tunes I learned from you 20 years later! Also your belly dancing while calling dances will always be imprinted in my mind :-D 01:50:14 Fiddle Hell: Miss you David and all the good times we had jammin' especially your excellent musicianship at all the FH Waltz Sessions. I remember especially when FH was still at the Concord Colonial Inn and we were in some sort of sitting room where there was a recliner type chair, and you suggested that all the session attendees one-by-one take a break from playing and sit in the chair, recline, and enjoy everybody's music. You took a turn, then I took a turn, and it was a magical moment of truly and completely enjoying and appreciating traditional acoustic session music. Thanks for that excellent suggestion and your long-time friendship. All the best to the BEST! 01:51:28 Brian Lindsay: David, happy birthday! As a kid growing up at northeast contra dances you were a fixture, and when I moved to Washington in 2014 I was so happy to find that you were magically a part of the dance community on this coast too!!! I have loved seeing you every year at folklife, and playing with you on stage at our Seattle dances. So much love and admiration, I think of you often. 01:54:08 Ellen Bailey, Woods Hole: David, I originally "knew" you on YouTube when I was first learning to play the fiddle a very short 14 years ago. I looked up instruction on How To Bow!! That one lesson led to many more. Then I saw you in person at my first Fiddle Hell, and many more now after that. I always went to as many of your workshops as possible. (You may recall my mentioning our mutual friend, Ellen Vickers?) I see from all of those singing your praises today, that your warm personality, mentorship, musicianship and dedication to 'inclusion' of players of all skills was an accurate assessment of my first impression of you. The legacy of David Kaynor will live on forever. Thank you, thank you!! 01:54:35 Jack Howe-Janssen, Northampton, MA: David taught me that the caller can teach more than the dance. He can teach the dancers how to approach each other with love, kindness, and respect. And humor. All the things that make dancing so much more than "moves". 01:54:40 Sarah Pilzer (Greenfield, MA): Thank you David for always encouraging me to bring and play my French horn with any band or jam you were leading. I've often felt a little too shy to make it a regular habit since brass instruments aren't always expected or welcome at a contra dance, but you always made me feel like I belonged as much as any fiddle player. I have especially fond memories of parading with you at Ashokan with that awesome Swedish walking tune and of course the Montague Processional. 01:58:12 Nadine Dyskant-Miller, Boston MA: David, I often think about that wonderful time we had lunch at the Bookmill a few years ago. We talked for a long time about tune writing. I was feeling a lot of uncertainty around writing music, and that was such an important conversation for me. Thank you for all of your mentorship and encouragement and exuberance and warmth. <3 01:58:13 Marilyn Rowland Cape Cod: Happy Birthday, David. I met you at the 2019 Fiddle Hell, and, though you were unable to speak, you shook my hand with great strength and intensity as I wished you well and told you about my sister, a classical pianist who loved to play the fiddle and had also been diagnosed with ALS. Thank you for all the joy you have brought to so many! 01:59:07 virginia Beekmann: David told me that he always scheduled long layovers between flights. I was a lucky participant in a long walk with David around the Minneapolis Airport between flights from Seattle To Hartford CT. Delightful! 01:59:11 Woody Lane & Jeri Frank, Roseburg, Oregon: At Northwest Folklife a few years ago, I was scheduled to call a set but on that day -- a caller's nightmare -- was losing my voice. But when I got up on stage with the band (the Folklife stage was chest-high from the ground), with 700 dancers in the hall waiting to begin the dance, I was ready with my dances, but we had made a contingency arrangement: David was standing at the foot of the stage as my backup. If case my voice totally failed , David was ready to jump onto the stage, take my place, and call the set. I made it through that set, but David was my backup, ready to go. And of course, he had no cards, just himself. THANK YOU DAVID! 02:04:09 Gary & Christy W MA (near David): A favorite David dancing moment: At the end of the night at a Greenfield dance, when most folks have left and things just get nutty and silly and funny. So much hilarity on stage and off! 02:05:38 Bethany Waickman: Coming back from playing dance weekend in Ohio with Lissa and David, I ended up missing my flight. Was able to hop on their flight instead. David housed me for the night and then drove me to the commuter rail to get back to Boston in time for my day job the next morning. Getting my luggage is a whole other story… luckily my guitar was carry on :) In addition to great tune memories from that weekend, I appreciate his helping (hospitable) hand 02:08:20 Amy Hathaway, Keene NH: One night during the break in Greenfield, ages ago, David and I were chatting and somehow randomly discovered we are both descendants of Deacon Samuel Chapin of Springfield MA. I have yet to solidify the particular family connection,but.. all in due time. It was an unexpected and fun discovery! 02:09:18 Lee and Julian Shepherd, Ashokan Northern Week regulars: David called and played for a Binghamton contradance many years ago and was our houseguest. After sitting and visiting at our kitchen table, he said he was pleasantly surprised that we weren’t ivory tower eggheads, just regular folks. Such a nice compliment! Professor Shepherd and Lee. 02:09:26 Ron and Ramona: David, Happy Birthday and congratulations on this special award! We have both danced to your calling and playing many times, and to your dances and tunes from many other callers and musicians. Thank you for all you have done for the contra community here in the Northwest and everywhere else in the community. 02:13:55 David, Susan, Ethan: Happy Birthday, David! We always looked forward to the fiddle orchestra times, when you’d stay with us on the way to catch the Amtrak. I’m having some home-roasted coffee in your honor, one of the many things you taught me. 02:15:00 Tim Swartz--Montpelier Contra Dance: One of the most pleasant surprises I got was getting on the train in Montpelier VT--on the way to visit my son in NYC--and finding David on the same train, traveling back to Montague. A rare chance to hang out with him one-on-one. 02:15:56 Richie Davis * Montague: David, I consider myself privileged to be part of your community here in Montague for decades. But it’s clear from hearing and seeing all of the people whose lives you’ve touched that “your community” extends to every place where you’ve mentored and inspired everyone around you. You imbue all of our lives with a true sense of community. That’s what love is all about, as far as I’m concerned. Obviously, everyone you’ve ever met is in total agreement. 02:17:31 Mary Dart: Congratulations and Happy Birthday, David. It has been too long since I have seen you, but I keep track of you from afar! You taught me most of the Swedish tunes that I know and love. I recorded them on your porch long ago. All the best. Mary Dart, now in Asheville, NC. 02:17:34 Tod Whittemore: David - congratulations on a well-deserved honor. Who knew the dance in Petersham, so long ago was the beginning of a lifetime music, dance and touching countless souls with your grace, humor, humility, exceptional skill and devotion to the national community. Memories Thanksgiving dances with the Fourgone Conclusions and more recently in Worcester will linger for a lifetime. Bless you for a lifetime of giving. 02:17:39 Sharon and Laurie Seattle WA: Sending happy birthday wishes and congratulations on a well-deserved recognition by CDSS. You represent all that award recognizes - reaching across the country and including and inspiring so many of all ages. So many great times playing tunes here in Seattle and sharing coffee and life - the connections that make life matter. 02:22:25 Gianna (Cambridge MA): David, I’m just thinking how lucky we all are to be on the planet at the same time that you have been building and mentoring all of the communities represented here. I feel pretty certain that generations of musicians who aren’t even born yet will benefit from your contributions but I keep coming back to the fact that it is such a privilege to experience them first hand. 02:31:09 Rachel Lachow, Maryland: My first contradance memories are the Kaynor boys with Ed and Becky, at the Northfield, Greenfield, and Monday night Munson Library dance. We danced three nights a week and I met Lloyd Lachow in the back row, thanks to Sue Sternberg. It was a golden age—we were all young and the music was sublime. I understand more of the story behind that amazing music now thanks to your words Cammy and Van. 02:46:19 Marie Wendt (Pownal, ME): David Kaynor! Happy Birthday - Thank you for memories that take me WAY back to “a previous life.” Thinking about David - The Swedish connection, of which Van just spoke, is how I first remember David and worked with him “in a previous life.” It was a Simonton Corners Contra Dance in Rockport Maine, Oct 26, 1996. (I just dug out my gig notes from the 90’s and found the flier for this event.) David and I presented a Hambo Dance Workshop in the afternoon before the usual potluck and Contra Dance. The flier says that I was the dance instructor and that David was the musician, but I remember that David danced with me as well. I don’t remember that he played the fiddle while we were both dancing - I think I would remember that if it were true. I’m not positive but possibly Becky Ashenden was there and provided the music. Thank you David, for great memories and many (but from afar) since then. 02:48:37 Amidons Brattleboro VT: Hi David, I remember playing a dance with you in Newfane with Andy Davis I think around 1984? Not many folks came but I remember diligently you were practicing the fiddle. Thanks for everything and love to you! 02:48:50 Ilana Schmitt: Add my voice to all those expressing appreciation both to David and to CDSS. Without his encouragement at Monday night sessions, this classically trained not young musician would never have dared to go not super boldly but still going forward playing sometimes with no black notes! Thank you!