Please share your memories!

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Comments

[Kary Fronk Clark]

I saw WTC as many times as possible as a student at Colgate University from 1995-1999. Nobody can do "Foolish Questions" like Rusty; you can hear the smile in his voice on my live CD. I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing when I came to Colgate this past weekend for my reunion.

I want to thank the rest of WTC for honoring his memory in the best way I can think of: Continuing to make beautiful and memorable music with an amazing group of talented musicians.

"And the tears of the people ran together."

[Darryl Brashier]

I was lucky enough to see WTC play at Wichita State twice back in the 80's. My old cassette tapes are about done, but I remember well laying in the grass and listening to an amazing performance by all the band, but the penny whistle and the drumming just blew me away. I'd never seen a drum like that before and the only penny whistle I'd seen was dross where this was precious metal in the hands of a master. And Rusty did it all while being fun, even after the band's van broke down on the way from Montana or some place like that...

[Tracy Carpenter and Mark Muller]

We are sitting here now, listening to Rusty's playful banter with the audience from a CD purchased at the Parting Glass in Saratoga Springs around 2001. Many years (and several CDs) later, we are still enjoying all our favorites. Checked in to find the next opportunity for a concert in our area, to discover the news of his passing.
So glad to have had the opportunity to enjoy his performance live when he was with us, and continually through the music that is his legacy.
We still look forward to enjoying WTC in person again, and won't hesitate to track you all down with impunity when you're back on the East Coast!
A glass raised in memory of your fallen friend, and for the hope of many more years of fantastic music from one of our favorite bands.
(this was the first "concert" I ever brought my son to, at 9yrs old (ish), and he's still hooked. Makes all his friends listen to "Stupid Questions regularly)

[Chris]

I was a student at Colgate from 2000 to 2004, and seeing WTC play every semester was one of the highlights of my time there.

My favorite memory of Rusty was when, right in the middle of the show, he called Howard, who was in the hospital with a broken leg, on his cell phone in the hospital bed. Rusty held the phone up to the crowd and we all shouted "Arrghh!!" into the phone.

Rusty made a lot of people happy. He is truly missed.

[David Arduini]

Rusty was such a talented, funny, good-natured, down-to-earth kind of guy. Someone you would love to just hang out with. Rusty's talent and generous spirit was remarkable.

He, along with the other bandmembers signed CD's for me when I first saw the band live @ 2002. Rusty chatted with me like an old friend who really cares even though he had just met me. I have been listening for nearly 20 years now. WTC is one of my all-time favorites. I emailed back and forth with Rusty from time-to-time hoping to help book a show in my area. So, he informed me when Chip died, which was also quite sad.

I am planning on seeing the band in April, and was just going to the site to recheck the date. I almost fell out of my chair when I saw Rusty was gone - I had no idea. I still have a lot of respect for WTC, Mike and the others, but it will never be the same without Rusty. Peace, bro - I know you are cheering up the place wherever you are! :-)

[Cindy Heath]

The Woods Tea Company has performed regularly over the years here in Lebanon, NH, to very appreciative crowds. I always enjoyed the annual call from Rusty asking to perform "on the green" for our summer concert series. It was always more than just a booking call, with plenty of chat about what the band was up to, and that was much appreciated.
Rusty & Chip's memories live on in the wonderful music the band has created over the years, and we look forward to continuing to host Woods Tea Company.

[Anne Brandolini]

My all time favorite Rusty story, told probably many times, but I heard it at Colgate University. He was talking about being in a grocery store with his then three year old daughter. Rusty mentioned that he had enormous respect for EMT's and that one was in line ahead of them. He was a rather large man. When the EMT's pager went off, his daughter said "Look out, Daddy, he's backing up!" So sad to hear of his death.

[Charlie WIlls]

I attended RPI in the late eighties in upstate New York. A friend introduced me to a Saratoga Springs Pub, The Parting Glass. Many a fine Saturdays were spent among friends listening to WTC. At that time you played regularly (twice a month maybe even more frequently). I purchased a tape that I played in my car for several years after graduating.

One evening within days of the tape breaking, I came upon one of your CD's at Tower Records in Boston. The music reminds me of a simple time in my life and Rusty will be sorely missed as I have purchased several of your CD's over the internet over the years and always remember the peace in my heart I had when Rusty and the other bandmembers were on stage.

I was surprised to hear of his death. His spirit will live on in his music.

[Joe, Middletown, CT :-((]

I heard this cd one day. It was from some group of hippies named the Woods Tea Company, or something. The more I listened to it, and heard Rusty with his Foolish Questions,, the more I enjoyed the Live cd...So, after looking up the band's info, I made a point to travel to Fermi High School in northern CT to hear the band play. My elderly Mom, a girlfriend (who I don't remember her name), and myself. We all had a ball!! I can't think of another band, with such diversity and talent, making me love folk music as much. Rusty, to me (I'm a newbie groupie of the band who lives in an area the WTC avoids, Connecticut!) made me feel like he, Chip, and the rest would be here forever playing the Cat Came Back for me to enjoy. Rusty had a lot of energy and talent that made me willing to travel VT, just for an evening of the WTC.. I just found out about these losses 15 minutes ago. Honestly, I am very sad for the loss. I wish Rusty's Family, and the WTC members the best. :-((

[Ruth Lepper]

I was deeply saddened to learn of Rusty's passing. I had the pleasure of interviewing Rusty for the San Diego Union when Wood's Tea Co. played in Ramona, CA, a few years ago. We were unable to attend the second concert here but I did a telephone interview with Rusty for that show. We spoke at length at that time about losing Chip. How sad!

During the first concert in Ramona, I purchased 10 CDs and a pennywhistle from Rusty. We frequently play the CDs while traveling and I always had a secret hope that one day Rusty would teach me how to play the pennywhistle!

Coincidentally, I just came across one of the articles I wrote about Wood's Tea Co. and decided to go online to see when they would be back in Southern California. I'm pleased to see three shows coming up next February and March and have already marked my calendar to attend.

My heart goes out to all of Rusty's family, friends, fans and fellow musicians!
Ruth Lepper

[Tom Koetje]

Rusty-Rest in peace

Always on our minds and so sadly missed. A year has passed so quickly.

Port Hope Tom

[Lisa]

Just having looked up Wood's Tea Co to see what their 2008-09 tour is, I am very saddened to read of Rusty's death. Both he and Chip and the other members of Wood's Tea Co. comprise some of my fondest memories of working with bands here in the Intermountain West and the Bridger Folk Music Society. We had them perform twice here, and my husband and I enjoyed having them over for breakfast and hearing their stories. They were and are one of the most delightful groups to work with, and Rusty's personality was genuinely kind, generous and fun. It was a privelege to know him and work with him. It is hard to imaagine Woods Tea Co. without him, but I trust that he would want his memory and legacy live on in other ways. Lisa Duskin-Goede, Bridger Folk Music Society, Logan, Utah.

[Kathie]

PS - In Ireland we attended the Clancy Brothers Festival, saw Liam in concert in Carrick-on-Suir, north of Waterford, and at 72 he is still wonderful! After a 40-year crush on the folksinger, I met him back stage and got a kiss on the cheek when I handed him a US Civil War cap {the reason we were in Ireland--Bill is writing a book on an Irishman from Carrick who fought for Vermont in Gettysburg}.

Danu backed up Liam, his son is a member; I reminded Liam of his visits to the Flynn! My point here is, the group did "No, Nay, Never" and only clapped once! Except for the Vermonter in Row S, clapping for the Woods Tea Company: 4, 2, 1 -- and "1/2" for Rusty!!
I heard the silver saxophone on 'There Were Roses", too, as clear as if he were there...which, of course, he was!
-- had to share this! Hope it made you smile! KK

[Kathie, Burlington VT]

Just home from my third trip to Ireland, Rusty was with us, Bill & me;
we climbed Slievenamon near Carrick-on-Suir and tradition has that you can 'spill a drop on the mountain top' for a loved one on your mind.
I'm sure it should've been Jameson, but it was water, and we were as
close to heaven as we could get for now, and we smiled up and spoke
to him....'we're here Rusty and you're with us in our hearts'

I bought a new whistle in Doolin, a "C" as I have two "D" whistles;
I hope to learn to play with Rusty as my hero!

Coming up on a year, now, and July 4th just passed, I recall last year watching the fireworks with Rusty & Katie at Overlook Park, so the fireworks of every year from now on, will invoke his memory, though never ever far away, and the thrill of the display and cheers of the crowd will always, for me, be an exclamation of his wonderful life!
Slainte, Rusty...you live on with those who loved you, and that was many...remembering you today & always.
Kathie, South Burlington VT

[Virginia Robinson]

I was blessed to have known Russ when we worked together in the early 80s at the Vermont Department of Employment & Training. He was just starting Woods Tea Company at the time but I didn't get a chance to go to an early concerts. I lost track of Russ until the mid-90s when I began noticing articles and ads about WTC. I took my teen-aged daughter to several shows in Montpelier (The Garage?)and Burlington. She and I thoroughly enjoyed the music and atmosphere. I especially enjoyed recalling working with him. What wonderful experiences these were! I know Rusty will be missed but I will always remember him as Russ.

[Gerry Nason]

Learning of the death of friend and long time acquaintance Rusty Jacobs, leaves me with a sense of shame for not continuing to keep in touch and enjoy the many wonderful gifts this talented man offered so freely. Having left the world of booking concerts and videotaping performances, it was easy to get wrapped up in the riggors of a "real job" and not keep in touch.

I met Rusty and Wood's Tea Company ten years ago, booking them repeatedly at Bennington's Summer in the Park festivalas well as First Night Bennington. I also had the privlage of working with Rusty and the band on a commercial video, which the band offered fans on VHS.

Rusty Jacobs was by far one of the nicest people which I encountered in ten plus years of being involved in the entertainment business. Working with him was always a fun and enjoyable experience. You looked forward to hearing from him, hearing the stories of the band's latest journeys and what new adventures were in store for them.

I loved being able to present Wood's Tea Company because I knew that those who attended the show would leave with a nice memory to cherish, a smile in thier heart and two or three CD's in hand. Everyone enjoyed the act so much and saw them so often, that it seemed as though the entire theater would know the words to every song and the punch line to every joke. You easily would recognize familiar faces in the crowd, as the band enjoyed almost a cult following.

The real scary thought is that Bennington, VT was just one of MANY communities from coast to coast that enjoyed this same cult following. Rusty Jacobs and Wood's Tea company were road warriors, taking their special brand of music and humor on the road for well over 250 dates a year. For band members, this meant much personal sacrifice, being away from friends and family, not watching your children grow up, and not being there when you are needed.

It is difficult to say how many lives that Rusty touched during his 16 year stint with Wood's Tea Company. However, he will be firmly remembered for his boyish charm, sly wit, hauntinly delicious penny wistle solos and the sonic joy which he delivered to fans on a nightly basis. Rusty leaves the world a better place not just because of his contributions as an entertainer, but because of his concern for others, and his kind, gentle, friendly spirit.

The one thing I learned working in the entertainment industry is that there are many highly skilled and talented musicians dedicated to bringing enjoyment to us. They sacrifice everything to travel near and far, just to be on stage for those two or three hours of magic. People like Rusty Jacobs and Chip Chase lived for those precious opportunities to be able to display their talents for all to see. Please honor their memory by continuing to support live local music. Take in a concert soon.

[Kathy Creedon Spaman]

I am so sad to learn that Rusty Jacobs has passed away. The world of music has lost a kind, gentle, talented soul. I first encountered the Woods Tea Co. in 1985 when I was working in the Adirondacks for the summer. A group of us went to The Eagle's Nest where I fell in love with Irish folk music and became a huge fan of Rusty, Bruce and Mike. I have seen the band many times over the years in the Central New York area, and was always treated to a great show! I shared my 21st birthday cake with you all at Kelly O'Neill's Exchange (more years ago than I wish to admit to)! Whenever I hear a penny whistle I will think of Rusty and smile! God bless!

[Aron]

Happy St. Pat's Day Rus, have one for us eh?

[Dylan Green]

I was only 10 or 12 when you guys played in Wyoming for the first time. Every time you came through, as long as I lived in lander, I went to your shows and came away elated! I loved folk music my whole life thanks to you. I remember being astonished by Rusty when I was just a boy. His skill and the music which touches my soul to this day. For years the only songs I knew by heart were Woods Tea Co. songs.

Thanks Rusty

I don't know what else to say...

[Dixie Henry]

Learning of Rusty's passing has made me so sad, but it has also provided me with an opportunity to remember Rusty and his music... My husband and I started dating as freshmen at Colgate University in Hamilton, NY. We celebrated our first St. Patrick's Day together at the Pub -- and it was the first time that I would see Wood's Tea Co. perform. It was a joyful, rousing, and tender experience. I will never forget the first time that I ever heard "There Were Roses." Rusty's wit and musical ability were stunning. My husband and I have MANY fond memories of our college years, but WTC performances rank among the best. In 1999, we moved to Maryland, where we had the opportunity to see WTC perform at Historic St. Mary's City. We wore our Colgate sweatshirts, and Rusty singled us out -- poking fun at my husband's fraternity, our drinking capabilities, etc...and then he signed my CD. Rusty will be greatly missed, but his spirit will live on in the love of his family and friends, and in the music of WTC.

[Janey Gleichenhaus Hudson]

I went through school with him in Harrison, NY. I still think of him as one of the few people who got my sense of humor, and could match me, pun for pun! I had no idea what he was up to after all these years, and I am so pleased that he has made a difference in the lives of so many. Russ was an amazing boy who became an amazing adult. Thank you,
Jane Gleichenhaus Hudson

[Beverly Faulkner]

I have just this date learned of the passing of Rusty Jacobs, and I am sorry and saddened by the news. Those of us who had the opportunity to listen to him are definitely made less by his passing. I met Rusty in Watertown, NY at a small 'Project Children' Irish Festival many years ago. I am an artist who paints Ireland, sadly filed as an "Itinerant Vendor" by the tax collectors....Tramps and Hawkers, all of us! None-the-less, my 25 + years on the road have been made very special by knowing such people as Rusty Jacobs, Tommy Makem, and Frank Patterson. I mourn Rusty's passing, and I realize how very difficult the road ahead must be for Mike and Tom and Howard....hang in there guys, and my sincerest condolences to you and his family. I hope to see you further on, down the road....

[Faith Bottge]

I first saw the Woods Tea Company when I was a student at SUNY Potsdam. The band would come do our coffeehouses every year, and there were lots of students on our campus who really looked forward to seeing the band play.
After I graduated from college, I was able to go see them play at First Night in Burlington, which was great as well.
My favorite song ever was "Foolish Questions" - what a remarkable display of humor and wit! :)
Needless to say, I was at last night's First Night performance in Burlington. It was an absolutely WONDERFUL performance [Kudos to the penny whistler for jumping in and doing such a great job!], but it was definitely a little bittersweet without Rusty being there.
Remember - ALWAYS BLESSINGS, NEVER LOSSES.
Cheers,
Faith Bottge

[Donna Walter]

I was in the audience of WTC's last show of 2007. I have attended many of the 25 Burlington First Night Celebrations, WTC is one group that is on the must see list each year. While I missed Rusty's presence this year, his spirit was certainly alive and well in the music that was made last evening. I was also lucky enough to purchase your newest CD and have started out the New Year by playing it. My favorite songs are the last two and I feel lucky to be able to enjoy them. Thank you sending the old year out in style as always. Best wishes for the rest of 2008, see you at First Night 2009!

[Andrea & David Gelber]

We discovered Woods Tea Company at the Schroon Lake Boathouse in the Adirondacks many, many years ago, and we were instantly smitten by the groups' charm, wit, sensitivity, and musical talents. We bought every tape, every CD over the years. We enjoyed their performances with our young boys and extended family who we shared vacations with. In fact, we used to plan our vacation week at Woods' Lodge based on when Woods Tea Company was scheduled to play! Later we sought them out in New Jersey and attended several concerts of theirs at the Watchung Arts Center and through the Sanctuary Concerts series. We will continue to support the music of the Woods Tea Company, and although it won't be the same without Rusty, his memory will live on in our hearts as we listen to the music. We wish the group strength as you play your first concerts without your dear friend.