Larry Bruner July 31, 1943 – November 19, 2024

Larry’s importance to the music scene goes decades back, before Folknet. He had a newsletter with music scheduled in the area. That was the kind of information that became part of the Folknet newsletter, and continued for many years. Larry’s passion for the music was evident in his seeking it out, paying attention to who was doing what, asking questions, and unceasing listening to live music in the Cleveland area. His familiarity with big names in the Folk world likely started decades back with his involvement with LaCave. In recent decades, his preference for singer-songwriters occupied him. (thus the picture of him off to the side at Joe Rollin Porter’s album release party)Larry and Joe Larry was active on the Folknet Board for many years, and he & Marcia Petchers were the local coordinators for the 2000 Folk Alliance, a mammoth undertaking for a convention bringing thousands of folk performers, promoters, broadcasters & recording companies. People came from all over the US, Canada, the UK, representing dozens of traditions. It was an amazing event, with most of the Cleveland folkies unaware of what Folk Alliance (now international) conferences could be. “I just got to talk to — insert guitar or banjo hero —!” Larry helps visitors see that Cleveland was not just rock and roll. As how the world works changed, with more reliance on digital or web based information, so changed our newsletter to a monthly PDF calendar primarily assembled and formatted by Larry. This coincided with a large decrease in Larry’s ability to get around unassisted. Friends help gather information that Larry couldn’t. There came a time when Larry could no longer do it, and that was the end of the calendar. We all understood that had been his great gift to Folknet, and there was no one with his passion and time to continue it. Many people know Larry more than I, and can give a depth of understanding of other aspects of this unusual man. His contribution to Folknet & folk life in Cleveland is immense.