2005 Getaway Reflections Here...

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Amos
Date: 23 Oct 05 - 01:29 PM

Skarpi, I have finally gotten a chance top put your CD on and I just love it. Makes me wish I spoke Icelandic!!

A

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Allan C.
Date: 23 Oct 05 - 01:09 PM

JudyB, clearly I know what you mean about remembering names. I've definitely got more work to do on my filing system. (Apologies to Maria here.) I once was a store detective. When it got time to fill out the paperwork on someone I had caught, well, thank goodness I usually had the person on video tape. Otherwise I would never have been able to describe them or even the clothing they wore.

Knowing my nominal disability, I was totally amazed when leading an ingreasingly large, late night song circle at the former Mudcabin a couple of years ago and was somehow able to call each person in turn by name. Perhaps having had more than a few encounters with George Dickel might have had something to do with it. Dunno. I thought that usually impared recall.

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Celtaddict
Date: 23 Oct 05 - 12:58 PM

And Skarpi, your CD is beautiful. Thank you.

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: JudyB
Date: 23 Oct 05 - 12:48 PM

Some thoughts after reading through the posts from the last couple of days. I'm not usually all that shy, but I'm definitely an introvert - and for me one of the best explanations of the difference between introverts and extroverts is that introverts need solitude and quiet time to renew their strength, while extroverts need people and activity to renew their strength (the definition may not work for everyone, but immediately rang true for me).

If I go to something like the Getaway (and I'm hoping it will work out next year!), I occasionally need to step back for 20 minutes or so and wander around looking at scenery or whatever with minimal human interaction, just to recharge my internal batteries.

Of course, leading a song like "Roll the Old Chariot" and riding over the chorus is a mighty powerful feeling, too. But I also need my space now and then.

And the other thing I've learned is that I'm slow to learn names and to match names to faces, and I don't always recognize people if they change their hairdo or put on/take off the hat they've been wearing. So if I had a nice chat with you yesterday, and you come up to me today and I have a momentary blank look while I try to focus on your name badge, it's not that I didn't enjoy the conversation or am trying to avoid you - it's that I was focusing on the conversation and not on what you looked like - so if you're looking a bit different this morning (or no longer wearing the bright blue shirt I latched on to as an internal cue), I might not immediately recognize you.

Some of the folks I work with could tell you what shoes I wore with the blue suit last Wednesday - half the time I couldn't tell you what color outfit the person I spoke to 10 minutes ago was wearing - but I could explain in detail what problem they were having with their computer or what sort of report they needed me to generate!

I'm not suggesting that these are positive traits - I'm quite aware that I function better in social settings when I can remember people's names and faces. But it doesn't come naturally to me, and when I'm meeting too many people all at once, what ability I've developed in that area tends to break down totally.

Having said all that, I think I should also say that I do enjoy the song circles we go to, I've had a wonderful time at the music gatherings we've attended in other parts of the country (and the world), and I've very sure I'll enjoy the Getaway. I love hearing new songs, and getting a chance to meet new people and learn more about them. And I enjoy occasionally sharing a song that I think other people might enjoy, though I'm not a terribly strong singer.

See you next year!
JudyB

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Bobert
Date: 23 Oct 05 - 10:24 AM

An' I sho nuff had me a deja vu moment crankin' up an old John Prine song, "Paradise" that I hadn't played in a a couple hunner years... Maybe I'll dust off a few more oldies fir next year...

Bobert

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Janie
Date: 23 Oct 05 - 10:15 AM

Thanks for reeling the thread back to topic, Amos.

Janie

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Amos
Date: 23 Oct 05 - 09:56 AM

One side effect of this still-vivid weekend has been to bring scores of songs to the front of my mental jukebox which haven't seen the light of day in a while. I'll be minding my own business and all at once find myself singing "Who's Gonna Shoe Yer Pretty Little Foot" or "Lord Lovell". I appreciate that -- it's like turning mulch to keep it lively.

A

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Janie
Date: 23 Oct 05 - 09:35 AM

Now don't me wrong, folks.

Some of my best friends are from New Jersey!

(luv ya' Dani heart sister o'mine)

Janie

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Janie
Date: 23 Oct 05 - 09:32 AM

I dunno Bobert. I was born a hillbilly--coal miner, railroad, dirt farmer hillbilly. Got West Virginia, eatern Kentucky and southwest Virginia hillbilly genes. Why--I got old Regular Baptist genes. We are a pretty exclusive club. Now--I've known ferners from New York or New Jersey to move in and stay for 30 year or more, and the best of 'em only get honorary membership. We'll have to inspect that application pretty carefully.

But yessir--azaleas or no--you be a bonafide bluesman.

Janie

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Janie
Date: 23 Oct 05 - 09:12 AM

Indeed, Ebbie, Bobert's blues are the real deal. Visceral.

The kind of blues that, when you listen to him, snake down into your own gut. Heat and humidity. Sweat labor. Sweat love.

No doubt about it. The real deal.

Janie

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Bobert
Date: 23 Oct 05 - 09:03 AM

Well, gol danged it...

Can't I even go to sleep at night fir fear that my good (or other) name gonna get all trashercated???

First of all, sniff, I would go out and join no Azalea Society all on my own... Sure, I like a gardenin' as much as the next guy, but these clubs is P-Vine's doings... I'm just the driver, and hole digger, the lawn cutter, the mulcher, the weeded the leaf raker, etc. in the P-Vine's little plan... But, if I do 'um all to her satisfaction I also get to play "lover boy" so, what the hey...

As fir bein' a "hillbilly", I reckon that's in the eyes of the behoder... Okay, I might not have been borned one but after livin' in mountain hollers for the pas' 21 years, I reckon if I ain't one then I sho nuff is qualified to apply fir my papers...

And, jus' to set the record straight... I wouldn't own no B&B fir nuthin'... Gotta getr out of bed too early fir that kinda business plus vacuumin' every day... No sir, er mame, ain't my dish of tea, thank you...

As fir the blues, I jus' do 'um to keep Bobby Goldsboro's song "Honey" outtt my head...

Them is my stories fir now and unless someone comes forth with piccures to disprove any of them then I'll stick wid 'um...

Bobert

Janie,

I had piccures of the new gardens I wanted to show ya but never got hooked up wid ya.... Next year we need a gardenin' workshop, fir sure...

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: skarpi
Date: 23 Oct 05 - 06:07 AM

Halló all , dear Dani , so there will be more bodhrán players next year
yahoooooooooo , thats good to hear,

I am hoping next year we can have a Workshop about Bodhrán songs.
Can´t wait.


All the best Skarpi Iceland,,,,

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Ebbie
Date: 23 Oct 05 - 02:10 AM

When any decision is just too painful, for that moment just hang tough and don't make any. It is always possible that one or the other of them will make the decision for you. LOL

OK Janie, I understand now- I just had to make certain that you recognize the blue in Bobert's soul. (whisper: Did you know that he belongs to a couple other gardening clubs? Yes. I fear that our Beaubear travels in high flying circles when he thinks he can get away with it. tsk tsk)

By the way, I hope Big Mick reads these penitent words. I take back my claim for the position of #1 Adoring Fan of the AK Catter Known as KT. There is a category of adorism that doesn't qualify for ranking- as a couple of Juneauites made clear to me at last night's music. sniff But it was fun for awhile. Before I knew better. sniff

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Amos
Date: 23 Oct 05 - 12:42 AM

Dear Gawd I have often prayed to be spared great conflict in mah life and such a one is now visited upon me. To be torn between the Flahr of the Singer Songwriter Chic Legion and the BEst Buddy Bluesman is plainly more than mah poor heart can bear, an' I can but ask that this cup be taken from me as I am divided in Luhuuuve as no man can bear to be.

A

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 11:55 PM

Celtaddict, what you better do at the Getaway is whatever you want to do. If you are moved to sing a song, do it. If you aren't, sit back and be moved until you can't help singing!

But if there were such a thing as a 'real' musician, or a 'real' singer, people like me would still be hiding at home, WISHING they had more music in their lives, KNOWING there has to be something better than listening to CD's.

There will be real music in the world (or, in this country) when real people are making it. Everywhere!

Dani

PS: what Elena and Holly will be working on is the bodhran. You are in luck! ; )

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Janie
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 10:59 PM

Now Ebbie--I'm not sayin' his Blues is fake--just his hillbilly. And if a member of the National Azalea Society who is contemplating running a B&B in Natural Bridge, Va, can learn the blues--then so can a lovely singer-songwriter from Alaska--or New Zealand for that matter, which is a lot further than 12 inches from Mississippi on the globe.

Uhm--any blues players from New Zealand on the 'Cat? If so, please speak up..and speak loudly...Ebbie's got good instincts. I may be in trouble.]

No way. Know why? Cuz' Amos and KT are going to RULE with the igloo out on the tundra blues next time round.

KT? Amos? You guys do have my back, don'tcha?

Think I best beat a quick retreat to bed now.

Night Ebbie. Sweet dreams.

Janie

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 10:47 PM

Janie ... LOL again!

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Ebbie
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 10:43 PM

Oooooh, Janie! You're just askin' fer it. I don' think there's nothin' fake about the Bobert. He couldn't play that way if there were atall, atall. (Maybe, maybe he won't see your post.)

Iffen he does, how are your blues skills? Start practicin'.

Janie's singin' the blues, the deep down deep blue kind
Yeah, Janie's singin' the blue; it's about to blow her mind
Janie's singin' the blues- woo hoo hoo, she's singin' the blues
Have you heard the news? woo hoo hoo Janie has paid her dues...

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Janie
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 10:09 PM

Mick,

Thank you for your kind words. (Now, didn't I already mention, on another thread, about how he can still sweet-talk the colleens;>)

I think you know how I look forward to seeing you there also.

Annie,

No gardening, but I did spend the day keeping Ma company on shopping rounds. Earned myself a whole whoppin' bunch of points. And throbbing bunions. Yer right. I AM the crazy one.

KT--listen to yer buddy Amos, and don't let that skinny ol' fake hillbilly from Virginia of all places intimidate you. He may SOUND like the Blues. He may LOOK like the Blues. He may PLAY guitar like the Blues is his middle name. But...and this is a big but...he belongs to the national Azalea Society fer chrissake! He's got plans to run a B&B! Iff'n he can do the blues, baby, then so can you.

Sure you can. You go, Girl!

Janie

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Bobert
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 09:39 PM

Yeah, oaky, Ebbie... Yer right... You prolly know the name of the bluesguy in Alaaska... I must have forgotted it???... But then again, you folks in Alaska prolly know the nemaes of most of the "Laskains since there onl;y half a dopzen of folks up there, right???

(Bobert, Bobert, Bobert... You wanta end up in thje doghouse behind the igloo, keeep it up....)

Okay, I forgot the guys name...

Maybe I come up there in an airplane and do a little "Iced In Blues" and give the other guy a run fir his money...

(Bobert, Bobert, Bobert... The guy prolly kick yer butt from one igloo to the next...)

Nevermind this entitre post...

Bobert

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Janie
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 09:23 PM

What are the blues?
The man wants to know
With Muddy Waters Wailin' on the radio,
"I AM the Blues!"
And boogies on down
As Van Ronk sings of a dirty side of town.

It's an ache in your loins
A knot in your gut
When suddenly you cryin' for some sorry old slut
Whose not so old, but incredibly real
Man, you don't know just how it can feel
To be poor, be black, be broke, be blue
Hey white boy-I'm talkin' to you!

Ah but you got a woman
Or you got your man
On a hot summer's night, on the river or strand
Jelly roll, belly roll, shake and rejoice
shout halaluyah
Baby now I come to ya'
Shake it on down now
Break it on down now
Satisfy, satisfy
Baby I can testify
I ain't never, no never been satisfied.

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Ebbie
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 09:12 PM

Ah, Beaubie, you're getting downright violent in your flailin' about. Whatta ya mean that I don't know the name of THE blues player in Alaska?

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Bobert
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 08:51 PM

Well, Amos, this ain't 'bout no analytical stuff but the globe an's one proximity to Mississippi...l Okay, I gotta admit that there's some fine blues players in Norway that ain't exactly explainable but Alaska ain't Norway....

Like, ahhhh, I reads everything I can 'bout blues players and I never read nuthin' 'bout none from Alaska... Oh yeah, Ebbie, told me there was a blues player up there doin' them Igloo Blues stuff but she din't even know his name... Heck, he might not have even existed fir that matter...

Now lets get down to the down an' dirty here.... You obviously have heard KT sing... Right??? Well, I got news fir ya... She sings like the P-Vine sings.... Purdy, gol dangit... Now there's somethin' about gals that can sing purdy stuff: they is real good at it...

Ol' blues guys ain't into purdy 'cause we can't do it no more, er in most cases, never could...

But there's somethin about them purdy girls who sing purdy songs: they ain't into gettin' in the elevators from their penthouses and pushin' "O" fir outhouse on the elevator... Heck, I don't blame 'um one danged bit... If I had Vince Gill's voice, you think I'd be singin' the blues???

That's my take on it and I reckon that even if KT weer to spend the entire winter livin' in an igloo with a polar bear tryin' to get the blues that when she got to the next Getaway, she'd revert right back into being KT... Which, BTW, ain't all that bad a place to be, mind you...

But yeah, Amos, I know you leftie coasters can lay down some blues... Only 4 inches away from Mississippi...

Bobert

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Peace
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 08:40 PM

Amos,

Get to work on a song entitled, "Lord T-Tundra Jesus."

If ya never lived on the tundra, ya jus' don't KNOW the meanin' of the blues.

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Amos
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 08:35 PM

I dunno, Bobert; sounds like regional bias. Why I learned it, the blues is in the shoes and socks of every human being, whether in Mississippi, Delaware, Alaska or South Dakota. All ya gotta do is slide on down and they'll meet you half way. Seems to me, by reason of this analytical premise, that a Blues Queen of the Tundra is just as surefire for singing the blues as ole Bessie her own self.

But I aint gonna say no more. Just in case you change your minds about the Sidewalk Bob and the Moto' Scooters thang... :D

Love ya, man!


A

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Bobert
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 08:18 PM

Amos,

First of all, I'd jus' like to fess up to my envy fir, not only the quantity, but quality of drugs you folks have at yer disposal on the left coast...

With that said, I have no doubts that the foxy and talented KT could teach me a lotta stuff but the blues ain't one of them... Ya see, me and the Wes Ginny Slide Rule just got out the globe we bought at the 4-H yard sale and got to rollin' it 'round on the floor... Yeah, we used one of them cloth tape measurers that the tailers use and we discovered an alarmin' fact....


... ahhh, I's like an inch from Mississippi and KT is like, hmmmmmm, well over a foot... No, make that a foot and a half away from Mississippi...

What this means, in a nutshell (good term, Bobert) is that you is either nuts, stoned 'er both!!! Yup, even the Wes Ginny Slide Rule says so... Well, not exactly... The WGSL has it that yer chances of being nuts (40%) is less than bein' stoned (60%)... I had it the opposite, myself....

Bobert

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Jeri
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 08:14 PM

Peace, I'm jealous of the folks who got your recording, but I waited too long. I meant what I said though. I hope you'll think about next year. Know that unlike the crabfrest Mudcat is frequently, people at the Getaway get along and are supportive and welcoming. (Then we come home and have a crabfest on Mudcat. Haha) Anyway, I'll stop.

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Amos
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 07:57 PM

Bobert, me best bud, yer too late; ole KT is on her path to becoming the Blues Queen of the Tundra, and she'll teach you, come next Getaway, what a Juneau gal can do. If you've never heard a wolverine say grace, come prepared!! :D She already has the "Juneau Woman Blues" on her practice list and there are several more to come. Like the icebergs far to the North, you done started a meltdown, big brother, and you ain't heard the end of it yet!! LOL


A

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: InOBU
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 07:08 PM

Hey Scarp!
I'll have another listen, It was lovely to me! Caladonia is one of my fav's really brought tears to my eyes... great CD, ol' brother of Hagar... I will have to post more about it later
Ha Rollo! Off to the boats, Hmmmm who to plunder... Club Med anyone?

cheers ya ol viking you
lor

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Peace
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 06:26 PM

"Peace - I really had hoped you'd be a surprise attendee. I would have loved to have met you and heard your music. Maybe next year?"

Thank you very very much for saying that, Jeri.

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Naemanson
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 06:18 PM

Wakana and I got home on Friday after 19 hours on planes from the east coast. We are now seriously jet lagged and spend a lot of time sleeping.

Be that as it may be the Getaway was one hell of a way to end a three month trip. We arrived under a cloud, not quite fighting but not happy with each other. we left with goofy grins and happiness in our hearts. Wakana wants to go back again and I hope to as well. The idiot's mistake on Saturday afternoon is almost forgotten and the long talk with Rita made it all well.

I have read through half of the posts so far on this thread. I met so many of you that I have only previously known through the Mudcat pages. It was a nice sensation to read a person's name, then the post, picturing him/her as though s/he was talking directly in front of me. I could see the person, sitting at the keyboard and remember the twinkle of the eyes or the faint grin or the wrinkled nose as s/he typed. Thanks to all who made it so special.

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Tinker
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 06:13 PM

Now KT I'm gonna send you a couple of CD's and perhaps we can round up a few women can get those boys to understand that there's some solid ground where we can sing sing blues together.... I got a couple of ideas of songs I think you'll enjoy...

tinker

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Bobert
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 06:08 PM

Well, I have just one thing more to say about shy folks... Maybe we need to have a "shy folks" workshop next Getaway???

And as fir KT and the blues... The girl got it in here, fir sure... Yeah, you oughtta hear her doin' the "Tastee Freeze Blues"... It make Bonnie Raitt burn her guitar and check into a nursin' home... Sho nuff would...

Just that "Tastee Freeze Blues" is jus' messin' 'round for KT... Well, all I can say si that she could use a little more messin' 'round top balance out her angelic singin'... But what would I know 'bout that... I play the "Devil's music", right????

Ahhhh, I ain't singin'bout no igloos 'er whale blubber, Amos, so if yer gonna be in the band, get that nasty stuff outta yer head...

Bobert

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: skarpi
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 05:52 PM

HAlló all , I am told that there´s a cap in the end of the song Calidonia on my cd? if so for those who will I send another one.
I am sorry about that I was told that everything was fine .

so sorry all.

All the best Skarpi Iceland.

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Celtaddict
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 05:10 PM

Maybe one key to this is the term "GIVE us a song." When it is a performance, skill and polish and ability matter a lot. When it is an informal circle, what matters is the song itself. Even as a non-performer I know it is a real joy to hand on a song to someone who has never heard it before.

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Celtaddict
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 05:08 PM

300

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Celtaddict
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 05:08 PM

Ebbie, I have been told that is so at places in Ireland, often. At the one I described, after I had been lapping it up for many hours, a big Scot (who throws his head back, closes his eyes, and sings 8-12 minute Big Ballads) told me, "You have been here listening all day. It is your turn to give us a song." I said, "I don't have the voice for a big place like this." He said, "Then sing a small song. I will listen." He did, too.
I think it is less often spoken, but surely often thought, at places here too.
I know when I joined the one a.m. group at the all-night cabin, as I opened the door, someone said, "Welcome. Your toll is one song." Someone else came in later, and was greeted with "You owe us a song, but you can wait a bit for it." And when one person listened a short while then headed for bed, "You aren't leaving without a song are you?" She did, but it was evident that the folks remaining thought it was not quite right.

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Ebbie
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 04:54 PM

Juneau has close ties to Russia and people frequently visit back and forth. One night at a party one Russian told me that in Russia it is considered rude if each person does NOT do something- whether it's a song, a tune, a dance or a poem. Made me stop and think a bit.

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Celtaddict
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 04:53 PM

KT, I have never had the privilege (yet!) of being at a pub session in the English part of the UK, but have been to a few in Scotland, and have also been to many in Ireland, mostly in the West. Many are basically instrumental sessions, but many do in fact revolve not around a particular singer or performance, but around the sharing of songs around the room. It happens here, too, if you are in the right place at the right time.
At what could possibly be my all-time favorite, in a small place I am almost loath to identify, participants ranged from about 12 to over 80. When a song with a chorus came up, the roof was raised well and proper. When a solo type song came up, one or two men would (gently but firmly) say to the joiners-in, "one voice, please." (A tradition I have wished for here on occasion.) And possibly my favorite custom there was that when the ambient noise level had crept up between songs and someone started a song in a soft voice (including an elderly lady who was very quiet but new astounding songs) someone with a more robust voice would say, "Song here!" and people would fall quiet to listen. At one point, too, he said "Song from an ELDER here!" and you could have heard a pin drop, though I do not know how that would fly in the U.S.

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: kendall
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 04:37 PM

I was delighted to see Elana and Holly Black there. Maybe next year they will be picking banjos or guitars? Lovely ladies, both of them.

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Celtaddict
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 03:49 PM

This does bring up an idea that could make a thread of its own but I am leaving it here because I am asking it of myself specifically with the next Getaway in mind.
Some of us dearly love the music but are not performers. It's that simple. A friend of mine explained this role in the Folk Process to me years ago: we don't create, we don't perform (mercifully), we don't even really collect (just accumulate). He says we are Carriers. We pick up CDs or tapes or scratch paper and go to another person and say, "Have you heard this song?" If we do this long and often and well we rather often have the reward of hearing a song we love sung in what we think is just the right voice or venue.
At the Getaway there is such a richness of singers that in a circle that probably will not make it all the way round before the end of the allotted time, it seems a shame to take up time in which a "real" singer could present a song. I have seen threads in which people bemoan the participation at circles by singers who don't know the song well or do not carry the melody well or otherwise are not performers. I have seen other threads in which people are very supportive of all participation, the "if you can talk, you can sing" approach, and even threads in which people comment there is something not quite right about not taking one's turn with a song, not unlike not standing one's round (and even as a non-drinker I know better than that). I personally feel rather selfish if I soak up all the grand music without contributing, but also figure I am not the only one who would rather hear singers who are better at what they do. I love it that if any two aficionados sit down together, they will know something they can sing together and each will also know a song the other does not, and I have plenty of songs I can virtually guarantee you have not heard elsewhere.

SO, what should I do at the Getaway?

My personal compromise so far has been to listen in the circles/workshops, bring recordings to pass on to folks I think should hear them, and sing myself only in the late-night informal small circles or to this or that individual. (Of course this means I have sometimes placed myself in the absurd position of singing only to "real" musicians I admire, which does not help the self-consciousness a bit!)

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: skarpi
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 03:44 PM

Halló Giok , did get one ?
Glad that you are Okei my old friend.
Hear from you later.
All the best Skarpi Iceland,

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: KT
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 03:44 PM

Celtaddict, I love the idea too! And I KNOW that anyone who saw it would scoop Shy One up in a minute! I don't think there's a person there who wouldn't extend themselves to a person they knew was shy. It's just that "shy" is hard to decipher without a little help.

And Celtaddict, I loved meeting you, even though our time was mostly limited to the Pub Sing and my asking you, what did s(he) say? That pub sing was so awesome!!! I've never been to one before, but to hear one voice toss out a verse and have a hundred other voices come in on the chorus.....it was so joyful and exhilarating! Is that how it is over there? I wanna visit!!


KT

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 03:34 PM

Well I just loved meeting everyone, and maybe next year with a new hip or two, I'll be back and better able to get around, although the new place is supposed to be flatter so even if I only get one hip done I shall be better off.
Went to the Martin factory in Nazareth and did the factory tour, very interesting, should have gone on the Wednesday, but sat on the interstate for two hours because of a truck wreck, and missed that day, so went on Thursday instead.
I spent Sunday and Monday nights at Snoozy Max Spiegel's place and had lovely time; even got to meet Lily. Thank you your Lordship for the bed.
Am now at Sinsulls, and awaiting this evening's happening with joyfull anticipation, also had a brill evening at the Press Room last night.
Deep joy all round so far.
Giok

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Celtaddict
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 03:23 PM

Allan C, that was Maria with Maryrrf. I kept hoping we could get her to sing too. . . .

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Celtaddict
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 03:19 PM

KT and Shy Person: I LOVE the idea of seeing an assortment of people showing up at the next Getaway with "shy one" added to their name tags. What a lovely reminder to all that someone who hesitates is wishing to be asked to join in. Love of music and wishing to share it are the reasons we are all there. I rather like that you have not given us your "other" names (Mudcat or everyday). I suspect I am not the only one who next year will find myself making a point of seeking out a variety of people who seem to hover around the margins waiting a bit more personal inclusion, hoping I do talk and sing with the original "Shy Person."

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Allan C.
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 03:14 PM

Good grief! You people have made me go back and relive my first Getaway! Nobody could have been more of a mass of jelly when we had a massive singaround that first morning. As my turn approached I became more and more nervous. I hadn't sung in front of anyone other than family for decades! And now I was going to have to sing before a room filled with only about a dozen people whose names I sorta knew - as well as some eighty or so folks I didn't know at all! As each person did their bit, I began feeling more and more outclassed. I seriously began to consider backing out the door.

Finally, my turn came. I started to play and sing "Two Brothers" but quickly reached a place where I flubbed the chords and couldn't figure out how to resume the song. Instead, I switched to "Curimao." Somehow, I didn't screw up that one. I can't say the applause was anything more than polite. But then, I was still too shook up to be objective.

Actually, I didn't have any idea at all how it was received until I got a PM a few days later that said:

"I could feel the feeling you put into that first song I heard you play." to which was added, "... That session was a special time, and it probably will never be repeated in the same way. I really enjoyed making your acquaintance. We will be friends a long time. But do me a favor, don't tell anyone that I am a big marshmallow. It will screw up my tough guy rep."

So, I won't tell you who it was. I can only say that over the years I have continued to receive encouragement from this same person. I can't begin to tell you how much that has meant.

It was from that small bit of encouragement that a much more outgoing me began to grow. I still have bouts of shyness at times and still wonder from time to time if I really have anything to contribute. But somehow I have acquired enough confidence to be able to stand up at the Getaway's open mikes for each of the succeeding years, even though that has often been my only performance of the year.

I guess what I'm trying to say here is that shy folks, if they listen carefully, are likely to hear enough encouragement to justify whatever it might take for them to "put on their game face," to come to the Getaway, and to make part in all it has to offer. Friends - or even the potential for new friends abound at the Getaway. Every year I make it a point to approach someone I don't know and to strike up a conversation. This year I did that with Marynf and her companion, (sorry, I am horrible at remembering names and hers is no exception, I have an empty file folder in my brain marked wth the letter "D" but am not sure that's even right,) and Amiel Shotz. Both encounters were greatly rewarding.

If you are reading this and have waffled about whether to come to the Getaway, please consider how many people have come from as far away as Guam and Iceland knowing almost nobody there. I'm sure they would tell you that even if they hadn't known a single soul, they would have become well acquainted with a heck of a lot of them by the end of the weekend if they had made even the slightest effort.

End of ramble

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Celtaddict
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 03:13 PM

Of all I saw and heard, and I mostly watch and listen as I am not a musician myself, not once did I see anything remotely resembling exclusion. (Though I was not there to see KT booted from the Pedestrians; who would have the gall or the wish to boot her from anything anywhere?) Many times I did observe inclusion. Many times I did see or hear someone invite or encourage someone else. Many times was I myself the recipient of this from someone, who was of course either a minimal acquaintance or a stranger as those were all who were there from my point.

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Amos
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 03:10 PM

OK, BLues Queen of the Frozen North, yer on. I'll work up some roughs and send them to you on a CD, if I ever get an addy. That's two I owe ya.

Can't wait to hear yer take on 'em, adding that powdered sugar to the sawmill texture, ya know...

LOL!


A

Subject: RE: 2005 Getaway Reflections Here...
From: Tinker
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 02:18 PM

Dani did better than I did my first Getaway back in 2000. I can honestly say I didn't lead a single song and was often too overwhelmed to come in on the chorus. There is such a wonderful kalidescope of music and emotion that I find myself being carried along with it now and then. Each year provides new patterns and pieces.
This year in particular I found myself without time to meet everyone I wanted to meet and there were folks I never caught up with that I fully planned to when I walked in the door.
I'm often a tad distracted. I know I was in a wonderful conversation with Jeannie and then got pulled back into auction duties and was lost on the tide.

But I did finally get a walk down by the river with wonderful conversation with an old friend better met

And I got to know Giok and share some time...even if the strings weren't quite what he asked for...

Saturday night's dining hall sing standing between Jimmny T and EJ infront of Amos as the music just roilicked & rambled from song to song from one genre to the next. Harmonies and rhythmns shifting and rolling right to the rafters.

Taking a deep breath and going with Miss Mary's costume choice ...

Being told more than once I wasn't old enough to have teenagers (Thankyou)

Watching folks just let loose and enjoy on Sunday night people watching and singing and just enjoying the moment. Finally a few moments to talk with EJ ....

Hugs well met and very well meant. I too move in and out occaisionally needing a slight break and I'm one who usually only leads a song in smaller groups. But the only bits and pieces of groups are built on shared memories and each year the circle who share those gets larger.

Sharing my house on either side of Getaway and being able to take a little bit of the magic home to share with my family.

Thank You all