Favorite CD: "I played over 200 concerts in 2004. I regret to say it, but I had no time or energy to do any CD shopping. The new Jethro Tull Christmas album is proving to be a late-year favorite, however."

In 2005: "Writing a new solo album."

2004 Highlight: "Drinking Black Bush shot for shot with Shane MacGowan at the Boogaloo in north London. Now I know how Miles felt when he first jammed with Bird."

Favorite CD: "The Arcade Fire, 'Funeral' -- every bit as compelling a debut album as Interpol's 'Turn On The Bright Lights.' I may even like it better. Honorable mention to Tegan and Sara's 'So Jealous' and the self-titled effort from Franz Ferdinand. Locally, I haven't removed Hubcap's "Between the Rails" since putting it in the car changer earlier this fall. Steve Gollnick can't quite drink like Shane MacGowan, but his teeth are robust in comparison."

In 2005: "The new Sleater-Kinney album -- I need oxygen less."

2004 Highlight: "I finished recording and mixing a new CD of 100 extremely short songs, which will come out in January. I also got to meet and interview Malcolm Cecil, the legendary bassist, synthesizer guru and record producer, and visit with his barn-sized modular synth, TONTO, that was featured on all those 70's Stevie Wonder records. A great guy."

Favorite CD: "Brian Wilson's 'Smile.' Never has there been an album with more potential to stink--and it turns out to be an instant classic. I still can't believe it."

In 2005: "Writing normal-length songs again!"

2004 Highlight: "We played some really great gigs this year. Opening for Guided By Voices in New York City and Cleveland this fall was an unreal experience. I don't think you could dream up a better gig for a band like us. We also played at the GrassRoots Festival and at CBGB's, so we have been living large. Also, I got to learn some valuable tricks of the drumming trade from the great Willie B.

Favorite CD: "Smile" by Brian Wilson. "Wah Wah Ho Wah."

In 2005: "Playing rock and roll music with your friends is such a blast and I am looking forward to making many groovy sounds with them. You never know what is coming around the corner next, and I am excited to see where the good Lord will direct us. The past year exceeded our wildest dreams, and I imagine that can happen again this year. So we shall see."

2004 Highlights: "Recording 'What Child Is This?' would have to top the list, and the release party at the Moosewood was the perfect culmination of the whole experience. Other highlights include having two radio stations play my music, forming the mostly Celtic Hanshaw Trio with Jerry Drumheller and Craig Higgins, and performing with the Ithaca College Orchestra in their spring concert.

Favorite CD: I can't really answer this one; the only locally released CD that I've heard is my own.

In 2005: "I'm just looking forward to continuing to play music -- especially with the mostly Celtic Hanshaw Trio and with a new duo, Pas de Deux, with harp and flute player Lisa Fenwick. I'm also excited about getting some new dulcimer students and teaching at some festivals."

2004 Highlight: "Many highlights, but also demise. 2004 saw the end of the MacGillicuddies after months of trying to hold everything together with chewing gum and duct tape because of band member relocations, injuries, and life event curve balls. It all came to an end last August finally with a farewell gig at a 110-degree Close Hall in Jacksonville when we flared out sometime after 2 a.m. in a haze of beer and heat exhaustion. The final nail in the coffin was our ill-fated CD recordings literally going up in smoke when Chad Crumm's studio tragically burned out in T-burg in December."

Favorite CD: "I was obsessive about 'The Derby Ram' by the Anomoanon. I also loved Carla Bozulich's remake of 'The Red Headed Stranger.' Salt Creek deejay Annie Keville told me about both of these."

In 2005: "I've still got my fingers crossed that in 2005 I'll find some good players in the State College, Pa., area and start some new adventures down here."

2004 Highlight: "Touring with Sally Timms."

Favorite CD: "World of Him' by Sally Timms

In 2005: "Putting a new engine and transmission in the mighty Astro-Van."

2004 Highlight: "My musical highlight of the year was the David Byrne show at the State. Incredible. I'd seen Byrne several times before, but this show was really special."

Favorite CD: "My favorite CD I discovered this year was "It Still Moves" by My Morning Jacket. (I think it was released in 2004.) They are a great band."

In 2005: "I'm looking forward to hopefully finding a drummer that wants to have a real rocking band. I'm also looking forward to the Neil Young tribute show at Castaways on March 12."

2004 Highlight: "Seeing Neil Young and the Allman Brothers in the same weekend in NYC. Close second: convincing Cornell Police not to cancel the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club show after the drummer got into an argument with a student."

Favorite CD: Interpol, "Antics"

In 2005: "Booking a wide variety of shows at the Rongo. Seeing the Ithaca scene continue to grow and release quality music."

2004 Highlight: "I see very few shows, but the best show I saw this year was Buddy Miller's AMA showcase, Mercy Lounge, Nashville. My own performance highlights were shared with Dee Specker in Nashville, and with Ken Johnson in Telluride."

Favorite CD: "I'm no expert on new releases but I love Chuck Prophet's 'Age of Miracles.'"

In 2005: "Collaborating with some local musicians on new and older songs; participating in I-Town Records' continuing evolution; Holland...? A new CD? I'm hoping that a dedicated "listening" music venue, one not dependent on tips, bar, coffee or restaurant sales, will emerge in Ithaca. I can dream, can't I?"

2004 Highlight: "I suppose being lucky enough to play at Warped tour and the Knitting Factory. But playing shows at the Chapter house opening for the Atomic Forces and The Witching really kicked ass."

Favorite CD: "Locally, The Sutras and The Atomic Forces. My personal fave: The French Kicks, 'Trial of the Century.'"

In 2005: "The GrassRoots Festival! I'm counting the days!"

2004 Highlight: "My personal highlight was hearing my commissioned piece 'Mountains Swimming' performed in March by Women's Works. I hadn't written for such a large assemblage of musicians in a long time (three sopranos, women's choir, violin, flute, piano, bass) and I was so thrilled at one of the performances that I slid right off my seat onto the floor!"

Favorite CD: "This year at GrassRoots I saw for the first time the Navajo punk rock trio BlackFire and they blew my socks off. I loved their passion and the total staged performance - very impressive. Their song with words by Woody Guthrie 'Mean Things Happenin' in this World' is on a two-cut CD of Woody Guthrie songs they put out -- it is a total winner to me. (It's a 2003 release, but I discovered it in 2004, can that count?) I also re-visited some heroes of the past on CD, and discovered musicians new to me. I had forgotten how much the Beatles' Eleanor Rigby influenced me as a string player/composer until I listened to it again. Imagine the total accompaniment is strings! And D'Gary was a delight to discover, the guitar playing yes, but especially the singing. And I fell in love with jazz big band composer Maria Schneider, who visited Cornell. She's incredible and her CDs are just beautiful!"

In 2005: "I'm looking forward to writing music for some film and video projects, doing some singing, and am hoping to be able to play violin again. That would be just great! So much music, so little time... and in the meantime, lots of prayerful loving thoughts for world peace in all of our hearts."

2004 Highlight: "The Los Lobos set at GrassRoots: my favorite band in the world up close and vibrational."

Favorite CD: Los Lobos, "The Ride"; Boy With a Fish, "Birds Fly Backwards"

In 2005: "I'm looking forward to new album: 'Circle D Nation.'"

2004 Highlight: "As far as playing gigs with our band, there was one night that we played at the Chapter House when everything felt just right. I like playing there. The band sounded great, and there was this nice feeling - one of those nights that stays fresh in your mind for a long time.

The performance highlight - Guided by Voices' last NYC show at Irving Plaza. Those guys on so on top of their game it's crazy. Brilliant rock show that featured lots of their more melodic numbers. It's the perfect time to disband, when you think about it."

Favorite CD: "Cemetery Shoes" by Johnny Dowd.

In 2005: "I want the Forces to make a video. Park (Doing; Forces' frontman) has a great eye for the moving image, and writes great songs. Time to put them together and have some fun! Also, I'm vowing to see Johnny Winter this year."

2004 Highlight: "My 10-year anniversary hosting Crossroads."

Favorite CD: Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers, "Keepin' It Real"

In 2005: "New studios for WVBR (hopefully)"

2004 Highlight: "I'd have to say that the first show that we ever played in Europe was my musical highlight. It was at this large outdoor amphitheatre called Kiosk Zomert, right in the middle of a town called Rijkevorsel, Belgium. We sold over 200 euro worth of merchandise that night, a telltale sign of how the rest of the tour would shape up. It was especially gratifying to see some of the folks that bought our CDs and shirts that first night at different shows later in the tour."

Favorite CD: "I haven't been able to get Franz Ferdinand's debut CD out of my stereo, or out of my head" ("So come dance with me, Michael").

In 2005: "Touring with the Them Hubcap Fellers through Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium next summer!"

2004 Highlight: "Getting involved in the music scene--we've only just begun and everything that's happened has been worth mentioning."

Favorite CD: "Probably Interpol, 'Interpolactics.'"

In 2005: "Whatever comes our way--more shows in and around Ithaca, meeting new bands, all the stuff that makes being in a band worthwhile."

2004 Highlight: "Playing with Papa Muse at Musefest 2004."

Favorite CD: Sean Kobuk, "Angels in the Review Mirror"

In 2005: "Papa Muse with The Witching at Castaways on January 15."

2004 Highlight: "Recording my first CD at Wilburland and playing a couple of gigs with Matt Saccuccimorano, Walt Lorenzut, AJ Strauss and Derek Tripp."

Favorite CD: Ken Stringfellow, " Soft Commands"

In 2005: "Playing out live with a band again."

2004 Highlight: "Watching Ramatou Diakite and her band at GrassRoots."

Favorite CD: Rose Polenzani, "August."

In 2005: "Hearing the Moles play."

2004 Highlight: "Getting an Echoplex and using it for a performance at MoMA in New York City last summer was a personal highlight (Many thanks to my Echoplex guru, Samite!!) Also, developing performances that integrate multimedia (web sites, and stage set backdrops), letting me combine all my artistic interests, as well as work with artists and intellectuals of all media."

Favorite CD: "The soundtrack for 'Zatoichi,' a film by Takeshi Kitano, music by Joe Hisaishi. Watch the film, too--the music seamlessly flows with the sound design and visual rhythms."

In 2005: "Two multimedia projects, one at Cornell for Light in Winter, and another with Ithaca-based artist Leslie Eliet for the Buffalo Biennial at SUNY Buffalo in April. Also continuing to develop an idea for performance/multimedia piece, 'Variations on Heaven and Hell'--a musical portrait of Creation stories from different cultures and time periods--with my dream team collaborators... Hank Roberts (!!), Judy Hyman, Peter Wetherbee, Anna B. Scott."

2004 Highlight: "My debut album 'WMD' finally dropped (to much fanfare and good public response).

Favorite CD: "Tough question. Don't know. I like a lot of 2003's releases that I HEARD in 2004."

In 2005: Now that I've joined cypher:dissident, I'm looking forward to taking the group to new heights, new venues, and reaching more people with our art and our message."

2004 Highlight: "Celebrating for my friends (the Sim Redmond Band) while they did a 10-day tour in Japan! (or could have been when a certain special guest was passed out in the middle of the stage at a New Paradigm performance in August???)"

Favorite CD: Urban Horse Thieves, "Won't Be Long"

In 2005: "Route 5 & New Paradigm performing at GrassRoots! (naturally)."

2004 Highlight: "2004 was a very full year with several musical highlights. Boy with a Fish released its first album, 'Birds Fly Backwards,' which has gotten some nice attention including strong reviews in Amplifier Magazine, The All Music Guide, Belgian publication Rootstime and ... the Ithaca Journal! Also very exciting was playing violin with pop singer/songwriter Natalie Merchant on the CBS Late Show with David Letterman. This would have been very special in any case, but it was particularly thrilling that we performed my husband Jeff Claus's song 'Sally Ann.' Another highlight of 2004 was being interviewed for Fiddler Magazine. They made the piece the cover article of the August issue using a photo taken here in Ithaca at Rep Studio by former Ithacan, Randi Anglin.

Favorite CD: "I'm very taken with Argentinean singer/songwriter Juana Molina, who opened for David Byrne at the State Theater this year. I have two of her albums: 'Segundo' and 'Tres Cosas.' Her songs and settings are very original and quirky, yet understated."

In 2005: I feel lucky to have a lot to look forward to in 2005-- performing with Boy with a Fish in New York and Boston, working on a Horse Flies album, and playing with the Flies at events as far away as Florida and California. I'm especially excited that Jeff and I have been asked to score a feature film of a Howard Frank Mosher novel titled 'Disappearances' for director Jay Craven ('Where the Rivers Flow North', 'A Stranger in the Kingdom', 'The Year that Trembled'). Kris Kristofferson will play the lead and I'll coach him to look like he's playing the fiddle. Should be fun!"

2004 Highlight: "A highlight of 2004 was playing our first gig on May 1 at the ABC Cafe, which was later topped by our first gig at Monty's in Rochester with our new drummer, Gregg."

Favorite CD: "Johnny Dowd's new CD 'Cemetery Shoes' is a favorite of the year--his backing musicians are awesome!"

In 2005: "I'm most looking forward to releasing our debut CD in 2005. Of course, we'll have to record it first."

2004 Highlight: "Burning Spear at the Haunt."

Favorite CD: Animal Collective, "Sung Tongs"

In 2005: "The successful return of the Rongo. Figuring out what the 'Presence' knob does. Maybe getting into Steely Dan--I hear they're pretty good."

2004 Highlight: Hosting the GrassRoots Songwriter Circle for the first time was a blast this year. The Hubcap and Sim Redmond Band CD release shows, and reflecting on how far both bands have come, were also incredible. But the moment when I thought about how lucky we are was at Solas' GrassRoots set. That musicians of their caliber make an annual stop in our area is a rare gift indeed.

Favorite CD: "I'm still listening to things I bought at the end of November. Of what I've listened to, my favorite local release is 'Between the Rails' by Hubcap. Great songs, great arrangements, great sound. My favorite major label release of the year has local roots, too: Old Crow Medicine Show's 'O.C.M.S'. is probably the unlikeliest major label debut you'll ever hear, but it's an instant classic.

In 2005: "Getting into the studio and recording my third CD, this time with a full band behind me. It's finally written; now I just need the musicians to bring it to life."

2004 Highlight: "One of many: Spinning Ethiopian music on Sonic Planet with my neighbor and IC prof, Gossa Tsegaye."

Favorite CD: "Neraye Sheron" by the Alayev Family with Ariel Alayev -- "Israeli music by Central Asian immigrants."

In 2005: "I'm looking forward to continuing to discover the wealth of international musical knowledge and talent here in Ithaca and being inspired by great out-of-town artists."

2004 Highlight: "David Byrne's performance at the State Theatre was extraordinary, Austin's best new band The Greencards and The Wilders (from Kansas City) both gave fine first-time shows here, and I had more fun hosting the musicians from Po' Girl and Shiftless Rounders than I can remember any other time. But the highlight: having Bela Fleck open our little Rootabaga Boogie show at the Chapter House (Uncle Earl, the "all-girl" old-time band we brought here in late August). I was sworn to secrecy for two days prior: that night, Bela quietly took the stage with his banjo, and as he moved seamlessly between Bach, bluegrass, and his own original tunes for the next 25 minutes, the only crowd noise was the sound of jaws dropping."

Favorite CD: "The box set of previously unreleased Johnny Cash, 'Cash Unearthed,' was a tour de force and I loved Tom Waits'' Real Gone,' but my personal favorite: Dave Van Ronk's final performance, half words, half music, called 'And The Tin Pan Bended, and the Story Ended,' on Smithsonian Folkways. Even on this last recording, Van Ronk's guitar work is often beautiful, his wit is sharp, his spirit as generous as ever."

In 2005: "The Rongo reopening, better sound at the Chapter House, and more good Rootabaga Boogie music this spring: Red Stick Ramblers with their Cajun gypsy blues from Lafayette, La.; Spider John Koerner; Mary Gauthier; Paul Burch; Dirk Powell with Riley Baugus and the Foghorn String Band from Portland, Ore.; and more."

2004 Highlight: "I put out my first CD a few months ago, and was really happy to get excellent reviews and radio play began, including a listing as a 'fave' at RadioioAcoustic.com, little unknown me from Ithaca listed as a favorite along with famous musicians. I played in the NYC area, in the Williamsburg part of Brooklyn, which is really hopping with live music. I'm lucky to play as a trio with Charlie Shew on drums -- he's just an amazing musician --and Joe Prusch on electric bass (he has also played viola with me).

Favorite CD: "A tie: 'One Moment More' by songwriter Mindy Smith of Nashville-- it's varied Americana rock, and she has a beautiful sweet voice; and 'Deep Ravines,' by my friend, Colleen Geraghty of New Paltz; Colleen wrote traditional-sounding folk originals; she also has a clear soulful voice."

In 2005: "I look forward to lots of gigs: Jan. 8 at Soul Full Cup in Corning; Jan. 13 at Felicia's Atomic Lounge in Ithaca; and at the Alphabet Lounge Jan. 19 in the East Village in New York, as part of a Janis Joplin tribute. I think the best goal is to continue to work daily to grow as a musician."

2004 Highlight: "Seeing the Tin Hat Trio performing live at Cornell Cinema with 'The Amazing Insect Animations of Ladislaw Starewicz' was amazing. So was seeing Hun Huur Tu at the State Theatre! I was also thrilled to produce and record a great CD for Jamestown's Big Leg Emma."

Favorite CD: The Tin Hat Trio, "Book Of Silk"

In 2005: "Continuing to record the amazing musical talent we have here in the Ithaca area, and finishing the hopefully upcoming Horse Flies CD."

2004 Highlight: "Los Lobos appearing at the Grassroots Festival."

Favorite CD: "Corky Siegel's Traveling Chamber Blues Show"

In 2005: "Traveling to Europe with the Lost Sailors--we will be embarking on our first European tour in over 13 years."

2004 Highlight: Getting a little recognition as a metal band in Ithaca and crumbling the farce that is those who portray themselves as a metal band when they are not. Heretics!!!.

Favorite CD: "Leviathan" by Mastodon. This album crushes with kill'em all thrash speed and stoner rock melody, Moby Dick will eat your wooden puppet soul!!" "Epitaph" by Necrophagist. "I can't believe that these are humans!!! PEOPLE CAN ACTUALLY PLAY THIS STUFF!! Best technical metal band...EVER!"

In 2005: "Playing the big city, again and again and again. Oh, and Maryland Death Fest. I propose that Mayor Peterson makes it a paid holiday and all the residents of Ithaca make the trip! Smell the glove!"

2004 Highlight: "We made an album! 'Further Gone' was released on December 7, after six months of intense, and rewarding, labor. But we can't really say what our highlight has been, because the year's not over yet. We have until 11:59 pm on December 31st, and since we're playing with Sim Redmond Band that night, we're reserving judgment until then. (Update: "Even though we went on stage first Friday night, the place was packed already and we played to a brand new crowd.")

Favorite CD: Sim Redmond Band, "Shining Through."

In 2005: "In 2005 we're going to start a gigging frenzy and support our record, and we'll also be writing lots of new music. We're not sure which is more exciting."

2004 Highlight: "Hanging out with John Brown's Body at Pyramid as they worked on their record."

Favorite CD: "Shining Through," Sim Redmond Band

In 2005: "Releasing my second CD, titled 'Splashes Look Like Crowns.'"

2004 Highlight: "Our Taughannock Falls State Park Concert last July stands out--a great crowd, beautiful evening assisted by such great musicians. Also, reflecting on my continued good fortune in Ithaca, the privilege of years of steady gigs within walking distance of downtown: Stella's/Mahogany Grill, and 20 years at Rulloff's, the fraternities, Cornell reunions/homecoming, The Farmers Market, to name several.

At times, this community can be tough on musicians --very competitive, intense-- but I'm positive there is no small community in the country that supports musicians/ artists like ours, gives us a chance to stand or fall doing our thing. It is no mystery to me why so many want to live here, perform here, enjoy the talent, and why Ithaca was selected "No. 1 Emerging Small City in America." It is exactly that."

Favorite CD: "I appreciate seeing beautiful blondes, brunettes and redheads, and so with CDs, I can't select one over the other as better. I listen to so much that I admire and learn from; on radio, at home, live; both classical and jazz; etc. So I plead the fifth."

In 2005: "Completing a new CD, and an upcoming concert in April that will feature well-known guitarist Mike Dowling with our group; this will be in April at the First Unitarian Church."