Michael Callan was a gentle and patient man. Our wives are best of friends but Michael and I had a relationship of our own.

He was always available to answer questions about beekeeping and loved to show and talk about his hives. Once Michael invited me to go capture a swarm at a business on North Monroe which was great fun.

Michael and I shared the joy of playing fiddle. He taught me some great old-time tunes such as Broken Down Gambler and Cuffy. Everyone knows of Michael's love (obesssion?) with Charlie Engstrom's tunes. Every once in a while Michael would send me his latest version of Charlie's tune Cotton.

A little known fact is that Michael and I (along with Steve Hodges on guitar) won the twin fiddle contest at the Florida Folk Festival playing Georgiana Moon and Cotton: You can listen to it here:
Florida Fiddle Contest 1993

Michael's intelligence and cheerful demeanor will be missed. I'll also miss his great mojitos!

(photo by Larry Coltharp)