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We were very saddened by the news that Richard Kniss, bass player with Peter, Paul and Mary for most of their 50 years together, passed away on the morning of January 25th, 2012.  Dick played at several of our WFMA Benefit Concerts and he will be greatly missed.  In addition to his work with PP&M, Dick played almost eight years with John Denver, co-authoring John's hit "Sunshine On My Shoulders" and "The Season Suite."  During his long and prolific career he has enjoyed the musical companionship of jazz legends like Woody Herman, Herbie Hancock, Donald Byrd, Pepper Adams, Zoot Sims, Don Friedman, Teddy Charles, and Sal Salvador.  There will be a memorial service for Dick on Sunday in Saugerties, NY.                 (Photo by Sally Farr)
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After leading WFMA since its inception, WFMA Founder and President, Dick Cerri, has retired as WFMA President.  Dick, along with Tom Paxton, founded the organization in 1982 and has been the guiding force behind WFMA for 29 years.

Under Dick’s leadership, WFMA sponsored a wide variety of events in support of its mission to bring performers and fans together in ways that support the intimate nature of the folk tradition.  While in recent years we have focused on our Annual Benefit Concert, WFMA has also sponsored monthly showcases, group travel to see performances around the country and many unique events in the Washington, DC area.  Through these activities and his radio show, Music Americana, Dick introduced many Washington area fans to the music of his favorite artists, to the delight of fans and performers alike.

We have decided to reorganize WFMA in order to better continue the work that Dick began in 1982 and have elected a governing Board and Officers.  Now serving as Co-Presidents are Doris Justis and Chuck Morse.  Jim Jones is the new Vice-President and Paul Demmitt is our Secretary.  The duties of Treasurer will be shared by Naomi and Eric Horowitz.  Other members of the Board are Fred Cherney, Bill Mims, Joanne Nanna, Nancy Votel and Steve Rosenberg.

While we will miss Dick Cerri at the helm of WFMA, we will continue to rely on his experience and expertise whenever possible.  As we complete the work of establishing the new organizational structure, we are also planning some exciting events in the WFMA tradition.  Watch for more details to be announced soon.
 

It was magical evening of music honoring Dick Cerri and celebrating 25 years of annual benefit concerts.

The long awaited Tom Paxton Celebration DVD is now available! This DVD contains highlights of the Tom Paxton Celebration Concert, May 3, 2008 and includes performances by Tom Paxton, The Chad Mitchell Trio, Peter Yarrow, Noel Paul Stookey, The Limeliters, Christine Lavin, Ann Hills, Carolyn Hester and Side by Side. More details can be found here.