JudyB and I have just returned from a wonderful extended weekend at Mystic. Roll & Go members (and assorted friends and family) all survived the experience, and the weather was far better than advertised. Yes, it was quite nippy Saturday evening but NO rainouts during the day workshops or early evening concerts.

Several Roll & Go members have worked as sound volunteers for years at Mystic, so we basically understood the ground rules, written and unwritten, and planned accordingly. We dutifully filled out all the forms provided and among other things mailed in 60 CD's by the deadline of May 20th. We were surprised and delighted that over 50 CD's were sold by Sunday afternoon. We do agree that a more flexible system would be nice (such as in previous years) so that people whose stock sold out early had a chance to resupply but there was no limit on what could be initially sent.

The late night singing just got better and better, and it was just great to see and hear folks getting together and harmonizing (and dancing!). I was especially captivated by the powerful singing of Jon Bartlett and Rika Ruebsaat from Vancouver, BC, whom I've only heard on recordings. And this was the first time I'd heard Hughie Jones in three dimensions (of the Spinners). But there was a raft of good singing, and much of it from volunteers and guests.

My only regret is that there appeared to be less of the more quiet song-swapping that used to take place in the Youth Training Building. Maybe it still happened. Saturday night I did turn in early, well, actually 2:30 AM Sunday morning and maybe things mellowed down after I left.

Our friends from Gloucester, Three Sheets to The Winds, were well represented and did themselves credit. I do have this weird memory that on Saturday night they were accompanied on the stage by one of their dogs (Luke) who promptly went to sleep. Did this really happen or am I still experiencing flashbacks?

I also have clear flashback images of Jon Campbell, Ida Red, Barry Finn, ... Oh, what the hell, once one starts there is no end of the names to list! Maybe I should provide a link back to the Mystic Website.

One of the real fun parts about performing was to try out several of our sea shanties aboard the Charles W. Morgan and to discover that they actually are functional. Of course there was an experienced workcrew to heave and haul on the lines and work the windlass, and an experienced shantyman to back us up. Lord knows what would have happened if we were required to work as well as sing!

Our support team was taking a lot of digital photos and we'll try to process at least some of them so we can provide a link in this thread.

Our thanks to the organizers of the Festival and the many people who have sustained it through the years. May it continue to happen.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble