Barnstable County Fair, E Falmouth, MA
Indian Ranch, Webster, MA
18th and 20th July 2003
by Elsie

Heading straight to Hal –

First let me say that not only do I have Hal to thank for his music, but for the friendship I have made with Mary and Larry. Met them at Ramshead in Annapolis this past February. Yep – met my match in the Hal Fan department. Spoke with them for about twenty minutes – exchanged emails then went our merry way. But then how lucky was I to run into Hal in the lobby of the hotel – give him a hug – get an autograph – and a picture. Well, I just had to email Mary and Larry right away– We kept in touch. Them Mary calls to say that Hal is coming up to their neck of the woods. I live in NY – they in NH. So the planning we did. Took a few months to get things together. I don’t have a car – so Amtrak was the way. Brought my thirteen to be fourteen-year-old son (his birthday was on Saturday) with me - What a weekend!

Three shows in three days. Friday at Barnstable, Cape Cod. Could we have asked for anything better. Front row on the lawn – Hal’s trailer right on the side. Getting glimpses of Hal every ten minutes. You just about had to tie us down to our chairs – how could one resist not running over to him. What else could you ask for? Hal looked great!! So many smiles. Did a meet and greet after his first show. Got lots of autographs and pictures. There was a little drizzle but we just kept “laughing in the rain”. First show Hal wore dungarees and gray/blue shirt. Told his favorite talking dog joke. Second show all decked in black – wow!! Played the harmonica in “Evangeline”. Sang Happy Birthday to woman in the audience. He was in such a good mood and looked well.

Saturday – had to rest up from all the excitement then on to Indian Ranch at Webster, MA.

Hal looked even better – again dungarees and gray/blue shirt. Sang his heart out – made some (like Mary and I) cry. Was able to personally give him on stage a plant and the poem I had written for him. Again a meet and greet – could we not get enough of him. Absolutely not – more autographs and pictures. Band members were Gerald on bass, Jerry on electric guitar, John on the drums – hope we did not bother you guys too much!!!!! Then we had to say goodbye. – Too many memories for one heart to hold!!!!! Til the next time – Peace!

Songs Hal played:

• Past the Point of Rescue
• I Know Were Love Lives
• Sure Love
• Awaiting Redemption
• Miss my Mary
• Evangeline
• Too Many Memories
• Small Time Saturday Night
• Unforgiven
• Five O’clock World
• Hearts Are Gonna Roll
• Stay Forever
• Dreams of Martina
• Superman
• Encore – King of Love