Tonight at New York's historic Beacon Theatre, a special benefit concert was held in honor of peace activist Wavy Gravy's 75th birthday. An eclectic mix of rock, folk, and blues icons performed in celebration. Naturally, this show presented many opportunities to obtain autographs from the performers.

I arrived at the Beacon around 1:30, right as some of the performers were conducting their sound checks. One of the first notable figures I saw was the birthday celebrant himself. Wavy Gravy, while frail, was very generous with his time, signing autographs for everyone who asked him to with a simple printed "WAVY G." Even when his bodyguard attempted to lure him into the waiting car, Wavy Gravy still wanted to talk to the waiting fans and collectors.

Another success came from pianist Bruce Hornsby, known for his occasional work with the Grateful Dead. When he was finished with his sound check, Mr. Hornsby signed autographs on any item that he was asked to. He seemed flattered to be asked, joking that we as collectors should keep a look out for "bigger" names and "not waste our time" on him. Clearly, however, no time was wasted as Mr. Hornsby was extremely kind.

Of course, in our hobby, there are always disappointments as well. When guitarist Jorma Kaukonen, formerly of Jefferson Airplane, arrived for his sound check, he promised that he would sign as soon as he was done. The collectors waiting at the stage door never saw the man again throughout the whole afternoon. Also, due to the fact that blues pianist Dr. John arrived late and was slated last for a sound check, he did not return either.

Then, there was Jackson Browne. As he left to go back to his hotel, I asked him for an autograph. Mr. Browne gave me a very snobbish explanation that since he saw signed albums sell for $200 on eBay, he never signs autographs anymore. I told him that this was an index card, not one of his albums, and requested a personalization. Mr. Browne then pretended to think about it, and gave me a stern "NO!" before walking along. At least he gave some sort of an explanation.

And this brings me to David Crosby and Graham Nash. The two singer-songwriters have been performing together for over 40 years, often with Stephen Stills and Neil Young. Their vocal harmonies may be legendary, but when it came to signing autographs, these two were as different as night and day. Two weeks ago, they were performing a show at the Town Hall in Times Square. Their bus arrived at 4:30-well before the concert-and both Mr. Crosby and Mr. Nash pretty much ignored the waiting fans. Today, however, was a different story. They both acknowledged me-but in very different ways. After sound check, Mr. Nash signed an autograph immediately when I asked him to. He was very cordial, asking my name and where I was from. No, he did not use this information to personalize, but he was in a rush-what can I say?

Stories about David Crosby are legendary among autograph collectors nationwide-and they're not usually very positive. Enterprising autograph collector that I am, however, I wanted to see for myself. When Mr. Crosby left the theatre, he walked the two blocks to his hotel. He would not even look at me until I had chased him to this hotel, and he then proceeded to say "I don't care if you're a dealer, fan, collector, or whatever....I'M NOT SIGNING ANYTHING, DAMMIT!"

Fast forward about five hours-Mr. Crosby is arriving back at the Beacon for the performance. I'll script out what happened...

ME: Mr. Crosby, would you please sign for me?

CROSBY: I'll tell you what, kid. And you better leave me alone after this.

ME: Okay?

CROSBY: Take out another index card, write "I will not sell David Crosby's autograph", and then sign it. After that I will sign your index card.

I then proceeded to do what Mr. Crosby asked of me, handed him the card, and when I looked up at Mr. Crosby, all he said was "Thanks, see you later" and proceeded into the theatre without signing for me.

I guess I should be thankful for what I have....and disappointed that people like David Crosby will just never change their poor attitudes towards autograph collectors.