Since Lewis is an integral part of the "When the Rooster Crows" song, Bimstein will attempt to have him onstage in June and in August. It would be wonderful if some of the others could make it to the performances as well, and maybe they could come, some of them, to the concerts in southern Utah.

Some songs are nostalgic. In "Hay Colored Leaves," Bimstein laments the loss of the mulberry trees that used to line the streets when Louise Excell was a girl. At least one of the songs is a call to action, the song about how cafe and hotel workers are not able to afford rent in the tourist towns where they work.

Bimstein calls the Red Rock Rondo a way to "add something to oral history." Actually what he has invented is a lyrical and satisfying way to sum up a life.

From 'Hay Colored Leaves'

skipping down the lane goes louise

running with the wind through the mulberry trees...

the birds always sing for louise

every Christmas day she counts all that she sees

with their songs in her heart she believes

that the birds are forever, and so are the trees

but the hay-colored leaves

keep falling falling falling

cascades of yellow

keep falling

she's skipping through the patterns that they weave

and they keep falling falling falling

the hay colored leaves

© 2006 Phillip Bimstein (Based on an oral history interview with Louise Excell.)

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