Event Calendar - Event View

Kathy and Patrick Schwar rediscovered their guitars several years ago and then discovered—with Golden Link inspiration—that singing together could be rather fun. They grew up around Chicago. They later made their way west of the Mississippi (they must have gone crazy out there) and then back east of the Cuyahoga, and later, the Genesee. They landed here 34 years ago. The miles could tell a million tales . . . . 

Married 45 years, gasp, among the most difficult “discussions” have been over what songs to learn and sing together, what to go public with, and also what instruments to include. Kathy added mandolin and banjo fairly recently. But through all the tumult and the strife, how could they keep from singing?

I was born at a very young age, and have continued to grow older at the rate of one day per day. During the ensuing 71 years, I have attained a level of maturity ranging from 5 to 80 years, depending on the situation, mostly skewing toward the former.

My earliest musical experiences were from my mother. As such, instead of learning Baa Baa Black Sheep, and the Alphabet Song, I learned snippets of Gilbert & Sullivan. 

As a teenager, I marveled at the lyrics of Bob Dylan, and ached with the lyrics of Paul Simon, but when I heard Tom Paxton, I remember thinking, “Hey! Maybe I can write songs, too.” From Paxton, I learned that love songs are beautiful things, but songs that make you think, that make you want to take action, are even better. And the best way to get people to listen, is to make them smile --- or maybe even laugh out loud. Then, when you get serious, they’re likely to continue listening.

I consider Paxton to be my mentor, but my sometimes muse and always enabler, is my wife of almost 44 years, Jean.

I consider myself to be, first and foremost, a singer/songwriter. I am not a great instrumentalist, but I can accompany myself on banjo, guitar and ukulele.

On a daily basis, I take pleasure in the life trip that has brought me to Rochester, and to Golden Link. Thanks to each of you who have shared, are currently sharing, or will share this wonderful journey with me.