I don't remember when I first met Uncle Lew. It was probably when I was attending UWS, so late 1970s for sure. He became one of my best friends. During my college years there was a group of folks that would gather during holidays. We were either "homeless" or just tired of family. Lew was at those gatherings, usually there was a guitar around and Lew always played. Good times. 

Lew helped me when I was writing short stories and he encouraged me when I started writing songs. He was at my first gig ever and joined my band on stage to sing "Kansas City" (audience request). Lew recorded a number of songs at Inland Sea ("Blackbirds ...," "Lake Superior Waltz" and more). I'm not sure if he ever released those songs other than on handwritten cassettes. I have seen a few versions of "Lake Superior Waltz" over the years, and they never give writers credit.

Lew worked at the Anchor Bar for a stretch; it was always good times there when Lew was working. Lew played at Tony's Cabaret and I think he had a regular set at the Ground Round up on the hill. Lew played a concert at Cathedral one time, no drinks, no snacks, no TV over the bar, just Lew, his Martin guitar and a spotlight. I was mesmerized. At that very moment I wanted to be Lew Orsoni. I moved away from Duluth in '89, I never got back much, I never did see his band perform. When I perform "Blackbirds ..." I give Lew a shout out -- "If you see Uncle Lew out there, be sure and tell him I played his song." 

I miss him every day.

"... and it's so damn cold, it's so damn cold."