Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 16 Nov 03 - 04:07 PM

That is very sad news, and a poignant write-up about him. Thank you Dan for getting word out.

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: GUEST,Dan Lanier
Date: 16 Nov 03 - 03:43 PM

To All Concerned:

Edgar "Master Mick" Mulraine, the eldest of the "Barrouallie Whalers" and an extraordinary man, appears to be dying after a very difficult year of health problems. He is the man who first assisted me and Vince Reid in convening a group of whalers in 2001, including men Roger Abrahams had recorded in the '60s. Those who have witnessed chantey performances of the Whalers will recall Mulraine's enthusiasm and his expertly delivered upbeat yaps on "Bulldog Na Bite Me." He never dreamt that in his twilight years he might have the chance to achieve international acclaim as a representative of his culture, but he zealously embraced this opportunity when it came about. Each time the prospect of an international performance of the Whalers comes up, he eagerly and unabashedly offers "I hope I will be at the top of the list!"

Fortunately, Mulraine was able to participate in a trip to the Netherlands (Workum) for a very successful series of performances this October, something he dearly wanted to experience. As before in the US, he readily made friends and delighted audiences in Holland. He alone knew the potential severity of his condition, but he braved the long journey and endured considerable pain throughout the week because he so loves the adventure of world travel and the opportunity to share his memories and music with us. During the past year, Mulraine's deep Christian faith and the anticipation of one more overseas tour sustained him through the worst of his health ordeal and enabled him to rally for the Holland trip.

Since his return home to Barrouallie, Mulraine's health and spirits have declined. He has outlived the vast majority of his generation, having worked harder and longer than most of us can imagine, educated himself, raised and supported a distinguished family, and become a mainstay of his community. In the developing nation of St. Vincent, the quality and affordability of health care, and the general (lack of) awareness of elderly health issues, unfortunately do not favor early detection and treatment of cancers to the extent that our health care systems in the developed world do. In spite of his perennial optimism and enthusiasm, Mulraine has been subtly preparing for death for quite some time. He knew he could not afford prescribed medications and did not wish to deprive his family. We deeply hope he will obtain relief from the great suffering he now endures. He is blessed to have loving family members, friends, and an attentive pastor nearby to comfort him.

Your letters or cards would be most welcome to the Mulraines as expressions of appreciation and concern. Please send these ($0.80 airmail stamp from USA) to:

    Edgar and Verona Mulraine
    Keartons Hill
    Barrouallie
    St. Vincent & the Grenadines
    West Indies

Please forward this information to others who have enjoyed experiencing the Barrouallie Whalers.

Thank you very much for your help and kindness.

Sincerely,

Dan Lanier

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: EBarnacle1
Date: 29 Aug 02 - 01:09 PM

Amen

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: Charley Noble
Date: 29 Aug 02 - 09:15 AM

Yes, keep us up to date with the status of any CD recording project. I'm sure there are folks here who would commit to purchasing a CD. Put me down for six (6) for all members of Roll & Go.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: GUEST,Dan Lanier
Date: 28 Aug 02 - 11:53 PM

Thanks for all the positive remarks about the "Barroualie Whalers!" They returned home safely, tickled to death by the overwhelming reception they received at the SMF, and now look forward to further projects. They would like very much to visit again, and also to produce a recording. Vincent Reid and I are very grateful for your interest in these remarkable men. Please let me know if you'd like to be informed of further activities of the whalers.

Dan

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: Skipper Jack
Date: 18 Jun 02 - 05:49 PM

Congratulations to the Mystic's "Festival of Sea Music" organisers. For me, the highlight of the festival were The Barrouallie Whalers.

On this our first visit to America, we were impressed by the town and its magnificent houses. It was a sensible idea to extend the festival into the community and Baggyrinkle were pleased to be part of that.

It was quite an experience for us to sing shanties whilst the crew actually performed the job of heaving and hauling on board the whaler Charles W. Morgan.

It was also very nice to meet fellow Mudcatters, especially Barry Finn, who proved very helpful in the early stages of our planning the American Trip.

To Craig, Rick and fellow organisers, the festival was a job well done! Long may it continue to flourish and we very much hope to be part of it at some future date.

Thanks also to Michelle who looked after us well.

Dave Robinson & Baggyrinkle.

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: Charley Noble
Date: 18 Jun 02 - 04:04 PM

Naemanson-

There's always next year, that is if you fly back from Italy...

CN

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: Naemanson
Date: 18 Jun 02 - 11:28 AM

WAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: Ferrara
Date: 18 Jun 02 - 08:52 AM

Chanteyranger, I agree that a whole recording of the B.Whalers would be well received!

Danny and Joyce McLeod, so glad to see your post here! And thanks to whoever invited non-Mudcat participants to take a look at this thread.

Danny and Joyce, I loved your music, and your good humor and enthusiasm. I went to the Geordie songs, then Karen K coaxed me to the Women and the Sea workshop by telling me you would be there....

Had to miss the C.Fox Smith session because I hadn't had a chance yet to hear the Barouallie whalers and they were doing work songs at that time. One of the hardest choices of the weekend. (Other than the absolute requirement to get some sleep instead of being around music for 24 hours at a time....)

Joyce, you sang a lovely parlor song about a young girl who goes on shipboard to bid her impressed sailor sweetheart goodbye. (How realistic is that???) I have raved about that song to my friends back home. It was wonderfully sung. In the Greencastle church, with the wonderful acoustics, and with that gorgeous ship painting behind you, it was magical. Thank you.

Rita Ferrara

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 18 Jun 02 - 02:03 AM

Good seeing you again, Barry, and thanks again for "Hard Times In Old Virginia." I wonder if Mystic will release a CD of the whalers songs that were recorded off the boards. Mystic puts out fest compilation CDs, but a whole recording devoted to them would be in demand, I'd think.

chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: Barry Finn
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 09:31 PM

Whew, "wasn't that a time". Have to agree with Abby the Barrouallie Whalers were the highlight of the festival. The highlight for me was to be asked to join them on stage for their final song along with the J-Girls (whom I always look forward to seeing) & with Ken Schatz leading "Wake Her, Shake Her" ("Poor Old Man"). Next is meeting up with Roger Abrahams, a real nice & friendly guy. Got to talking about collections from the Georgia Sea Islands. Abby, I finally keep good on my promise to you. Talked a good bit to Roger about my thoughts on the same raw tapes you sent me way back.The whaler's weren't all that along, Liam's Sis took them out on a shopping spree & they were in fine company when they were singing in the late evening
Everyone was sounding real fine & meeting up again with them all was just as fine. It was real nice to hang with Wotcha, Chanteyranger (who both sounded great at the late night sings), Charlie, Dan & Bonnie (always somekind of a treat them), Gina who, along with the rest of Shipping News (Eric & Paula), did themselves a real proud performence in joining in on stage at the final concert (have never known them to do less). Hi Rita, nice to see you you & Bill again, not enough time though, not like the Getaway. Hey Pelrad, no bother about your kids, they're only getting some practice in to make ready for they're time, good to see you about again (no Seagoddess, what's up with that?). Got to see alot of others around, Vixen, Dick, Susan, nice to meet up with EBarnacle, finally met up with Madame Gashee (sp.?), (a Baggywrinkle wonder) she's a real pleasure (Oh,Oh. I mean that in a most honorable way Terry). Deb C always is in top form & another one of those real nice pleasureable people. Great to see & hear Dan & Joyce McLeod, they're both a loveable ball of joy & energy, Greg B who's another treat (it's about time you showed your face around here again), along with all the Mystic Men (who have always somehow managed to pull off the finast kind of festival) & Windlass 1, I didn't know you were around & about the Mudcat (glad you are), thanks for the big bear hug, it was real nice of you. Enough already, don't want to start putting people to sleep here. Is it to soon to be looking forward to next year.
Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: Abby Sale
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 03:32 PM

I enjoyed the workshop, too. When the three major book titles were on the screen, Greenhaus pointed out that each of the three spelled chantey a different way. I think that definitively solves the issue of the "correct" way.

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 03:07 PM

Liam's Brother - the place is full of birds? They better put you in a ranger hat soon! :-) Congratulations on the job. One thing about the National Park Service, they do recognise and nurture the good ones, and will get you into that ranger uniform sooner or later.

Greetings, Danny and Joyce McLeod. Why not join Mudcat as members? We'd love to have you here! Great to hear you at Mystic (which was the first time I've had the opportunity to hear you, after hearing about you). Thank you for your generosity - always available to answer questions about the songs you sing. Learning about the tremendous output of C. Fox Smith was a revelation to me.

chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: GUEST,Danny and Joyce McLeod
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 09:40 AM

We've only just returned from singing at Liverpool's Mersey Shanty Festival held at the week end. Having returned on Tuesday morning from our amazing visit to America highlighted by the Mystic Festival.

Thank you to everyone who made our visit so very special and we hope to see everyone again on either side of the ocean.

Special thanks to Donna Glover for her second to none hospitality and to Rick and Craig for giving us the oportunity to sing in Mystic and make a dream come true

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: GUEST,Liam's Brother away-from-home
Date: 14 Jun 02 - 12:18 PM

Hi Chanteyranger!

Found out this morning that I start at Gateway in 2 days; beyond that I know nothing. I guess the Smokey the Bear hat comes later. It should be fun issuing fishing licenses, driving a truck, telling kids not to rollerblade and looking at the birds; the place is full of birds!

I had to bow out of the gig at O'Neill's on Saturday night because it would have finished 5 hours before I have to report for work... not the best way to prepare for the first day on the job.

It was fun spending time with you and meeting Celeste as well.

All the best.

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: Naemanson
Date: 14 Jun 02 - 08:54 AM

Well, you guys may have had a great time at Mystic but my daughter's graduation was great too! At least as good as any fun I might have had at.. sniff, some crummy, cold, Connecticut seaport...

Oh hell, who am I kidding...

WAAAAAHHHHH!

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: Charley Noble
Date: 14 Jun 02 - 08:30 AM

Chanteyranger-enjoyed meeting you as well and looking forward to more singing when I visit the SF Bay area this September.

"Bulldog, Don't Bite Me" is probably best dealt with as a separate lyric request. I have some of what they sang on microcassette and there are also references, as well as other songs they sang, in DEEP THE WATER, SHALLOW THE SHORE by Roger Abrahams, recently reprinted by Mystic Seaport.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 14 Jun 02 - 12:15 AM

Home now from a great 10 days in Montreal/MysticBoston and its environs. I second, fourth, fifth, and sixth the motions that the Barrouallie Whalers were the highlight of the festival. "Bulldog, Don't Bite Me" was for me the highlight of the highlight. Can anyone post the lyrics? The verses I could make out were: This dog is an American dog/This dog is an English dog/This dog is a German dog. (Each verse is followed by the chorus, "Bulldog, don't bite me").

Somewhat hidden in the program was the excellent Lighthouse Point Sunday morning set by Rick Spencer and the Mudcat's own "Windlass1." Their voices blend extremely well, and anyone who has seen Forebitter and The Windlasses perform also know what good stage presence they have.

Many thanks to everyone who puts this festival together. It is THE place to learn great maritime songs not yet well-known, as well as all the other great things about this fest that make it, well, GREAT.

Mudcatters were everywhere! We were never in one place for a big group photo, and I'm sorry I didn't get to meet all the 'Catters. It was good meeting you, Charley Noble, Abby, Dick, and Susan of DT. Good to see you again, Greg, as always, and I expect to see you fly your plane onto Hyde Street Pier for a chantey sing. Good to hang out with you some, Liam's Brother, and keep me posted on your NPS job status. Ran into Michael of Swansea who was singing with the Welsh group Baggyrinkle.

By the way, my upstairs neighbor here back home complained that he was awoken by the sounds of a "Sineti" Sunday morning.

-chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 13 Jun 02 - 04:18 PM

The Baggies had told me Clinton but, when you're traveling in a strange country it can be tough to keep things straight.

All the best,
Dan

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: Marc
Date: 13 Jun 02 - 04:16 PM

Thank you Gina, I just couldn't think of a folk venue in Clinton. Marc Bernier

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: Gina Dunlap
Date: 13 Jun 02 - 02:20 PM

They sang at Frankies in Westbrook..

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: Marc
Date: 13 Jun 02 - 12:50 AM

Dan; Where did they sing in Clinton? Just out of curiousity?

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: Charley Noble
Date: 12 Jun 02 - 04:21 PM

GregB-

If you'd like a MP3 of "West Indies Blues", send me a PM with your e-mail address.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: EBarnacle1
Date: 12 Jun 02 - 02:20 PM

OK, OK, next year I will actually bring the caviar and bialys.

On a more serious note, please remember to write to The Minister of Culture in Kingston, Saint Vincent to try to get the government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to suport culture documentation and support for groups like the Barrouallie Whalers. Now that they are back together there should be a way to keep them working and (let us pray) recording.

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 12 Jun 02 - 01:45 PM

It was an excellent festival. My wife, Bonnie - unbelievably - has been to every single one and rates it very highly in the post-Hugill period. The Barrouallie Whalers of St. Vincent, W.I. were brilliant. Their singing, in which you can hear Africa, New England, Ireland and Britain, is, beyond that, really indescribable, must be heard and truly exceptional. Having said that, if any of us were to try and sing like them, we'd probably be killed. On a personal note, when Edgar Mulraine of the Whalers asked me if my wife was my daughter, it just made my weekend! Thank you, Edgar, I will never live that down.

Martin Carthy's inspired rendition of "The Famous Flower of Servingmen" will also be remembered by everyone who heard it.

I had not been to Mystic for a few years. Bob Conroy and I were invited to the great Mersey Shanty Festival in Liverpool last year and it fell on same weekend as Mystic. Bonnie and the other Johnson Girls sang in Saturday's main concert, did a great job by every report and we were sorry to have not heard them. What I really missed this year were the intimate late night ballad sessions of the past that were never on the program but which were much looked forward to by many people in the mid-90s; people who were there at the time still talk about them often.

I particularly enjoyed hanging out with my old pals, Barry Finn, Don Sineti and John Roberts; seeing some of the Washington Mudcat gang; and meeting a few people new to me like Abby Sale.

Mystic is a special place, a beautiful, unique and totally fitting location.

The festival seems to be continuing. Bonnie and I were at the Griswold Inn in Essex, CT on Monday. It's one of the oldest inns in the United States. Cliff Haslam, originally from Warrington, Lancashire, has been singing there weekly for the last 30 years. A number of the invited festival singers and some of us from previous festival years were asked up to sing… Warp Four, David Littlefield, Carl Thornton, Marc Bernier, The Johnson Girls, etc.

Last night, Louis Killen was our guest at South Street Seaport Museum's Maritime Music Concert Series in New York City. It was billed as Louis' "Farewell Concert." Lou has lived in the USA for some time and he's returning to live in England later in the year. He was in great, classic form last night and the audience went wild. Lou was preceded by The New York Packet singing 1 song each. After the concert, many of us went to what can only be called "a waterfront bar with a twist" and there were more songs from Louis, Baggywrinkle and the rest of us. The bar was there when the David Crockett, which is immortalized in the lines of "The Leaving of Liverpool" sailed from the piers of South Street to Liverpool and San Francisco. The David Crockett was built in Mystic, by the way.

Baggywrinkle is in Clinton, CT tonight and in Boston later and will be going to the Songs of the Sea festival in Kennebunk, ME over next weekend. Louis and I will be in White Plains, NY tonight with All-Ireland Champion fiddler Brian Conway. The location is Dunne's Pub on Shapham Place if anyone out there hasn't heard enough music yet.

So, again, Mystic was great. Thanks to all who make it happen.

All the best,
Dan Milner

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: Abby Sale
Date: 12 Jun 02 - 12:00 PM

The music will be in my head for many months. Even 'Randy Dandy Oh,' a favorite, anyway. I learned much at the Seminar and as much in the "settings" of the songs as presented. That's why we went and what was exciting. But I was surprised at the warmth or the people-contact. I'm not a feel-good person. I generally scowl, am sarcastic, hate huggers and am disgusted by anything cute. But it was a family feeling up there. Especially for people I know a lot or little from the 'net but also for total strangers I first met there. All (or nearly all) were warm & open. Odd experience. I feel that I'm now friends, eg, with the Vixon - we only chatted a moment and then I rushed this way and she that but it was a good contact. It was often that way. Even the marine guard seemed a decent sort. (Once he stood down from DefCon 5 and raised his battle helmet.)

I regret not talking more with the Whalers. I only chatted a scant minute but I now realize people tended to avoid them - out of diffidence & shyness, I know, but still leaving them all alone & lonely. Something to keep in mind. I know they had a great deal to offer.

Well, that's enough gushing. Back to my job shovelling in the sewer.

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: DebC
Date: 12 Jun 02 - 09:47 AM

Abby, you said : "We were most impressed at the gold tableware and the champagne and caviar and lobster lay-out for the performers."

All right, Spencer, ya Skallywag. Where did you hide THAT spread?

Deb Cowan

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: Charley Noble
Date: 12 Jun 02 - 09:38 AM

Three cheers for "Kitchen Little"! However, if you're eating out back you may have to compete with ferocious house sparrows; one flew off with half a Portugese sausage.

Glad to get a report from Trader Jack's; we were too stressed by the wind and rain to attempt it.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: GUEST,Greg B
Date: 12 Jun 02 - 08:45 AM

Oh, bloody hell, Abby! We were sitting not 15 feet from one other looking directly into each others' ugly mugs. And it wasn't even a crowded room.

In consolation, I was sitting with two rather comely young lasses from New Hampshire, with a pint of IPA in front of me and the Swansea lads singing 'long side.

I do recall your song, as well as its intro. I was the bloke who sang 'Randy Dandy Oh' and found that there were plenty among the bunch who could sing a lick and more.

As a suggestion, I've often made a time to meet friends at the Seaman's Inne Pub prior either to Thursday or Friday concerts or both. The food there (in the pub)is good and what passes for reasonable in tourist traps. It's not entirely unusual for those groups to include a few of the performers. Maybe the Mudcatters would like to try that next year.

Another populer Mystic meeting ground, in the morning, is the redoubtable 'Kitchen Little' where breakfasts are nothing short of stunning. It's on the water side, just a block north of the North Entrance.

Greg

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: GUEST,Rick Spencer
Date: 12 Jun 02 - 07:35 AM

Abby: Thanks for the warning. We'll have our security force more heavily armed next year! Unfortunately (or perhaps not, I'm not sure) our "security" at the YTB is drawn from our museum staff, and some of them are folk music infidels who are unfamiliar with names like Killen, Posen and even Carthy. Thanks for the understanding about the need for the musicians to have a secure and semi-private area to hang out. More to the point, in the past we've had trouble with hangers-on coming into the building and helping themselves to food and drink (no folks, it's not cavair, lobster and champagne) that is intended for performers, volunteers and festival staff. This has resulted in a shortage and hard feelings. You'd be astonished to know what a small budget we have to put on this event, and one of the big costs is food. We'd love to be able to feed and water everyone, but we just can't afford to. Relentless security at the YTB is the only answer. Believe me, nobody wants to be the bad guy, but even in our folk music community there are those who will take advantage.

An addendum to my last message: Those who would like to be in touch with us or be put on the mailing list for the festival should probably write to our Sea Music Festival email address rather than my personal one in the office. The address is [e-mail]. That way the other festival organizers will see your letters.

Thanks again to all who came, saw, heard, conquered and enjoyed themselves. RS

Thanks

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: Abby Sale
Date: 11 Jun 02 - 09:52 PM

:-) Arr, I'm the only Abby Sale there is. (At least many people hope so.) I shudder at the thought of name badges but maybe they have a purpose... I am sorry I didn't get to at least say hello to many people. Greg, I regret to say I was at Trader Jack's, too. With considerable trepidation I sang a whole song there. But I couldn't let D-Day pass without without singing "Dodgers." The "Happy!" file would never have forgiven me. (I did explain that it qualified as a sea song as the soldiers very likely sang it while being shipped home. Well...)

As to the YTB letting in occasional outsiders, I'll admit they do but the security check is pretty severe. (I do agree with the principle of offering a haven for the performers.) Happens that Posen is one of our oldest friends, but we've only seen once in 30 years. To have a moment, he said to meet him at the YTB. The armed marine guard wouldn't let us pass, though. Just then Killen comes up and I said Hey, tell them we're with you. He did so at great length and with gusts of force. The guard, now brandishing grenades and bayonets asked Killen if he had a pass, himself and if he had a guest pass for us (spouse, Tinker & me). So I said, ok, please tell Shelley Posen we won't be comming in so he won't worry. Who's Posen says the guard (now locking and loading.) I said well then, please tell Carthy in there (whom we've also been close to most of 4 decades) to tell Posen. Who's Carthy, says the guard (now taking aim and lining up the grenade launcher to catch Spouse, Killen and me in one shot.) Finally the guard's mother speaks up and says to let us in. Oh? says I. Yes, says he. Well, says I, that's ok...I wouldn't want to force my way in and break any rules, you know. Please do enter here, says Mother. Oh, no, says I...I've never been one to break the rules - that's alright. PLEASE, says he. So we went in. We were most impressed at the gold tableware and the champagne and caviar and lobster lay-out for the performers. (We had to swear a loyalty oath and another to touch no food nor drink before finally passing through.)

Geez, this was a good festival. It does take a bit of effort to get there from Orlando but I'd rather have had that weekend than two weeks in Paris. Unfortunately, for certain reasons, we will be forced to attend again next year. You been warned.

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: GUEST,Rick Spencer
Date: 11 Jun 02 - 06:19 PM

Dear Friends: Rick here, in slow recovery from the Sea Music Festival. It was a huge task again this year, and Craig Edwards and I owe thanks to a large number of people who help us make it work. Thanks to all of you for the comments and input on this thread. What we read and hear from our performers, volunteers, contributors and visitors is very important to us. We've already started thinking about what we need to do to make next year's event even better.

Just a few things to mention. Thanks Marc for being our contact with the 'catters. I haven't had time to get on and check for SMF threads or questions, since most of my time has been spent working on the thing. Thanks to Greg for all the support, the report and a lot of hard work.

Abby: I didn't realize when you introduced yourself to me as being from Mudcat that you were THE mudcat himself. I looked for you later in the weekend to get you the copy of my "Contentment" CD that you had asked for, but had no luck finding you. Write to me in care of the museum and I'll ship one to you.

Yes, the website was not what we would have liked. It's been under construction for quite a while and there are still some bugs to work out. I hope that as things are determined for next year (performer lineups, etc) they'll be added to a specific Sea Music Festival page that will be updated regularly.

As far as getting on the roster of the festival, that's a tough one. I suggest that musicians who would like to be considered first attend the festival to see what it's like and what we expect from our acts. You'd be amazed at the kind of stuff we get from people who think they should be considered. Everything from pop-folk "yo-ho" music by people dressed as pirates to solicitations from musicians who don't seem to understand that "Sea Music Festival" involves sea music. Go figure. Ours is a scholarly as well as entertaining event. Here's what we look for in our performers: A significant scholarly understanding about some aspect of sea music (like Bob Walser or the McLeods). An understanding of the differences between the various major chantey forms. A knowledge of the difference between sea songs (forebitters, ballads, wardroom songs, etc) and chanteys. A particular and/or specific cultural connection to some aspect of sea music (like the Barrouallie Whalers). Oh yes, it would help if you were a musician.

Every year we are solicited by hundreds of people who want to perform at our festival, and by many who have been performers here in the past who want to come back. We only have room for a tiny percentage of the qualified acts. Those of you who want to solicit are invited to. First I suggest that you look at the lineup for the last few years and understand that you're competing with some pretty heavy hitters. Still I don't intend to discourage anyone. Once in a while a performer comes out of nowhere with an extraordinary sound and talent, and gets onto the roster. Note the case of the WindLasses.

Well that's enough out of me. I'll check to see if there are any additions to this thread in the days ahead. Anyone who would like to write directly to me can at [e-mail] I'll try to respond as fully as time will allow. Thanks again to all who attended, volunteered, contributed and worked hard to make it another great festival. I hope to see you all next year if not before. RS

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: Greg B
Date: 11 Jun 02 - 05:28 PM

Okay, I'm awake now. Nothing like getting up at 0600 following the post-Festival bash-and-bellow. Then being back at work at 0500 this morning. Argh!

Abby, you filthy bugger, how could you show up at Mystic and not introduce yourself?!? It's not like I'm 'low profile' or unknown about the place!

And Brian, bloody good to see you again, even if you are the oddest-sounding US Army officer since Washington met Cornwallis.

This year really felt good...truly well-organized. Believe me, it doesn't happen by accident. Thanks, Craig, Rick, David, Geoff, Chris, Meg, Doug... Major thanks are due to the volunteer Chris, who put together a potluck dinner, much of it cooked by herself on Friday afternoon, to sate the volunteers' appetites prior-to. We've needed that for so many years. And that volunteer meeting just looked so well-attended and organized. All the leadership over and within the volunteer ranks sure showed, and paid off.

Of course, it didn't hurt that the catered food in the YTB was much-improved. Dare I say it... it was 'good!'

Even the pub-sing at 'Trader Jack's,' historically a bit of a challenge, was quite pleasant on Thursday night. All could be heard, and no shouting dinner crowd to try and be heard over. I noted the wait-staff there listening with intent interest. Sure was wet outside though!

I passed the time from Thursday afternoon through Friday afternoon in sea-boots and foulies. My cabin aboard the Whaler was just starting to get that 'special' wet-weather feeling (one set of foulies, 3 wet towels, another set of boots, closed port-holes and a sweaty body in a 6x6x6 space) when the sun broke through and all dried up. If I could just to figure out how not to exhale, such conditions would be much easier.

The 'Friends of the Festival' program is developing nicely, and gave some people to enjoy some extra privileges in lieu of volunteering, if they were in a position to help that way. Contact the Development Office at the Seaport, or any of the resident chantey staff for the details. At least some of us 'Friends' spend a bit of time in trenches none the less. It's hard not to want to keep a hand in. Especially when you know where everything in and see the staff busting a vessel trying to get it all dealt with. A thousand little problems...

I think Marc mentioned that the YTB is for performers and volunteers only: to that I'd add that, at some levels, a 'Friend of the Festival' status admits you to that sacred space as well.

Barry, the time the concertina disappeared it was actually from a museum staff area (I'd as soon not say which), not from the YTB. It belonged to a Mystic chantey staff member, and has not been recovered after some years have passed.

I had a new (to me) Salterelle Nuage melodeon to pollute the air with. Bought from Button Box on the way up Thursday. Naturally, its former owner recognized it. It's a small world, after all (and I know a song that gets on everybody's nerves).

The Captain of the Mystic Whaler and his Lady once again donated their vessel's hospitality for the duration to make a home for performers and others. As ever, their generosity continues to amaze. God bless 'em. Thanks, John and Marelda, for your kindness, love, and patience. The same goes for your delightful crew, most of them having first come aboard this weekend. You sure know how to pick 'em.

Strangest moment was being called up for 'Friends' recognition at the very moment after I found Jill, the long-suffering cabin steward up to her elbows in shite from a balky (okay, full) holding tank. There she was, cleaning up the resulting mess in Carthy's shower. These kids are really something. A real 'Martha and Mary' sort of experience, I'd say.

If you ever want to feel popular, be the guy passing out the 'free beer' tickets to performers and contributers at a Pub Sing :-)

I second and third all the remarks on our new West Indian friends. And to our own Mr. Noble, that is one heck of a song you have there, and a mighty nice banjo on which to play it.

It's been ten years since our dear Stan Hugill passed. It doesn't seem like that long, but we remembered him on Lighthouse Point.

Mary Kay and her team of squaddies once again doubled and trebled any expectation of normal human effort in setting and striking seemingly every sail in the Seaport. Repeatedly, so the lubbers could have a go at it themselves. In between they row and sail whale-boats AND display extraordinary scholarship and historical integrity.

Carl Thorton once again drafted me to lead the children's parades from the barn to the point, at melodeon-point. This in spite of suggestions from some that we deftly step aside at the last moment and let the little critters plunge, lemming-like, into the Mystic River. We try to remember that when we're old and grey, like Stan, these are the ones who will be wheeling us about.

I have found the right way to depart the site. Captain John graciously accepted my offer to row the Mystic Whaler's tender away from the Seaport and to the Whaler's down-river dock after the final concert once the Whaler departed. Leave-taking never felt quite so fitting before.

The blow was softened by an evening of singing with Baggywrinkle.

On Monday, before he and I went off to the airport, Mr. Carthy received his introduction to 'hands on' chantey-work. Don Sineti graciously yielded the falls of the Charles W. Morgan's main tops'l to yours truly for a bit of 'Reuben Ranzo,' and Martin got to be number 3 seaman behind squad's Carl Thornton. Martin rather quickly found out how LITTLE the conscripted tourists behind him actually contributed to the actual pulling on a line.

It is always fun to watch our first-time visitor performers get overwhelmed at the scale and quality of our dear Mystic Seaport. Those of us who see it frequently sometimes forget how we felt the first time that it smacked us square between the eyes...on a Sea Music Festival weekend at that!

Greg

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: Ferrara
Date: 11 Jun 02 - 02:06 PM

I'd like to second Charlie's thanks to Craig Edwards and Rick Spencer.

The Mystic festival was the most folklore-oriented and informative gathering I've ever been to. The musicians were so knowledgeable and willing to share info on the background and history behind the songs. I learned a tremendous amount.

And the music was - IMHO - as good as I've ever heard.

Rita

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: Charley Noble
Date: 11 Jun 02 - 08:41 AM

Mudcat was down when I tried to post this yesterday:

Mystic Sea Music Report 6/10/02

Just got back in after an extra day of recovery at the Mystic end. Unlike Barry, I packed it in early Friday and Saturday nights getting four hours of sleep each night aboard the Conrad. I do have this recurring image from the closing songs at Sunday's final concert - The Barrouallie Whalers (traditional singers from St. Vincent), The Johnson Girls, and associated friends raising the rafters with "Goin' Down to Cuba for a Load of Sugar." What energy, what joy! Barry said afterwards he could go to Heaven now - it just don't get no better.

I also enjoyed meeting Greg and Jan from the NYC crew, jamming with them on "West Indies Blues", and some time I've got to check in on the shanty sessions at or near the South Street Sea Port. I also got together with Chanteyranger whom I'll be seeing this September in the Bay area, and I'm sure we'll sing another round of "Shanghai Passage."

I had a great time running sound as a volunteer with the crew at the North End stage, and participating in the C. Fox Smith Workshop (I sang my arrangements of "Shanghai Passage" and "Flying-Fish Sailor") with those fine folks Danny and Joyce McLeod. That was pretty close to Heaven for me; I even got to leaf through Danny's notebook of C. Fox Smith personal hand-written sea poem collection.

Now I've got to see if a song the Ancient Mariners sang, "The Spray," is in the DT; they've really nailed the arrangement and as far as I could determine they haven't recorded it yet on a CD.

Thanks again to Craig Edwards and Rick Spencer for doing the chief organizing work for this remarkable and, to me, unique sea music festival.

See you all next year! And some of you in Kennebunk next weekend!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: Bill D
Date: 10 Jun 02 - 11:20 PM

such a time!...so many great singers in one place...and ships and scenery, too..

I got to MEET folks I had only heard or heard about..

Debra Cowan is a FINE singer!...and the Johnson Girls were in their usual good voice....and Martin Carthy sang, played, explained, listened, hung out and seemed to enjoy himself every minute! (yes, it is impressive to SEE "Prince Heathen" performed)...and for the first time, I understood what Martin is doing with his distinctive guitar style...and where he started. (He says his guitar 'heros' were Libba Cotton, Big Bill Broonzy, and Doc Watson...then he started studying how to make the guitar follow and 'enhance' what the voice was doing..)

I have some pictures to post, and I'll get them up somewhere in the next few days...(if you DONT want to be seen, ya' better tell me soon, as I'll assume you don't mind being part of the scenery!)

(and next time I will NOT forget my jacket...wind over water can be VERY chilly after dark...*wry grin*)...thanks to Dick G. and Susan of DT for harassing us into going and rescuing us from ourselves, also...

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: Abby Sale
Date: 10 Jun 02 - 10:50 PM

Yep! Unbestaggeringlylieveable! I shall be happily gushing for months. Youse guys that live in the Norheast are spoiled. What music! Carthy/Robb/Posen/Killen all together and dozens more. But screw the people, there were great songs I never heard before & great songs I love & heard new. Those St. Vincent whalers were worth the trip, themselves. I can admit now I've had Abrahams' raw tapes & the book for some time but hearing & seeing, of course, added a vital dimension. I was actually able to say I understood (most of) the words. The Shenandoah song is "Solid Fas'" and in the data base. Yep, it was all one big highlight...true.

Only sad I didn't get to see some 'catters but great to see/meet those I did. Turns out I met some what don't have that many pimples, can actually keep on key most of a verse and didn't drool at the mouth. Some, anyway.

Who cares from a little freezing rain and exhaustion

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: Ferrara
Date: 10 Jun 02 - 10:18 PM

Jeri good suggestion about the play-party games.

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: GUEST,pelrad
Date: 10 Jun 02 - 10:07 PM

That was Bill Harley who did the "Singing In The Rain" bit. Quite the storm, and my toddler slept through the whole thing. :-)

The Barrouallie Whalers were just wonderful! They were the high point of the festival as far as I was concerned. It was particularly interesting to see them sing off-stage; they get into this tight little group and dance together the whole time. And what they don't know about fishing could fill a teaspoon. Tons of knowledge there.

I apologize to anyone who was disturbed by my three yr-old talking at the top of his lungs or by his baby sister, who alternately pushed her stroller all over the place and threw tantrums because we attempted to restrain her. I was mighty glad to see them go home with their daddy!

Anyone want to cast their vote as to whether Jeff Warner should grow back his beard? So far I have three yays and one nay. ;-)

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: Jeri
Date: 10 Jun 02 - 07:19 PM

I couldn't afford it, but it's nice to hear what went on. I'm looking forward to Kennebunk next weekend.

Rita, wouldn't a play-party games workshop be nice at the Getaway? I don't know any, but there's a certain person named in your post above, right after Ken Schatz, who just might.

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: Ferrara
Date: 10 Jun 02 - 04:17 PM

Home, feeling blissful. Many many thanks to Dick, Susan, Abby, Barry who cajoled me into it!

Highlights: The Geordie workshop. Lou Killen sang "Ah Can Hew" the best I've ever heard it (better than his recorded version.) Everything Lou sang. Everything I heard Danny and Joyce McLeod sing. Ditto Ian Robb and Jeff Warner. Watching the Banoullie (sp) Whalers do a play-party game that involved passing bricks from one spot to another at top speed without getting your fingers pinched....

Loved the Friday night sing, and Wotcha really raised the rafters with "We'll Fathom the Bowl." Fantastic singing, Wotcha. Dan and Bonnie Milner, Ken Schatz, Barry Finn, I agree with Vixen -- so nice to get to see them more than once a year! And the Welsh group were fantastic at the Friday late night sing.

Early Friday night, singing chestnuts like The Old Dun Cow with Warp Four, who were here from Ireland for the festival. During the day, hearing Pat Sheridan of W4 sing The Rocky Road to Dublin.

Guess it was all one big highlight. I slept through a lot of it as usual (including the Saturday pub sing) but I'm so glad to have gone and I got home in great shape -- very relaxed.

Rita

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: MsMoon
Date: 10 Jun 02 - 03:31 PM

Highlight for me: The Barrouallie Whalers' 'Shenandoah' variant.

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From:
Date: 10 Jun 02 - 12:04 PM

Well, Reynaud and I only got to stay for 4 hours (we just had too much to do this weekend...) but we *did* get to see folks we only see once or twice a year! (this year we get to see them an extra time, with extra pleasure!) Ferrara and BillD, Dick Greenhaus and Susan of DT, Don and Delores, Barry Finn, and others! We got to meet Abby Sales, and I'm not sure how many folks we saw that we know from places other than the Mudcat. Great Music at everything we stopped at. Barry's voice is amazing! Great to see old and new friends under such happy circumstances.

And, since Reynaud had never been to the Seaport before, we toured the Morgan and the Amistad as well. A busy day for sure!

I hope we get to Old Songs in a couple of weeks...In any case, we're looking forward to the Getaway!

V

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: Marc
Date: 09 Jun 02 - 06:48 PM

Just got home. GREAT WEEKEND! Instead of listing the brilliant performances, I'll mention the ones that weren't. None!

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: Wotcha
Date: 09 Jun 02 - 05:33 PM

Just got back ... Lots of Catters there. Great time had by all: just wear long johns at the evening concerts (those New England Yankees have a different definition of summer weather than those of us South of the Mason Dixon Line).
Great acts and great songs. I learned that if you want to sound really good at a pub sing, ask the Welsh to back you up (thanks, Baggywrinkle) ...
Yechi-Dah (I got the right pronunciation at least),
Cheers,
Brian

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: GUEST,Bill D, posting from Susan of DT's place
Date: 06 Jun 02 - 09:36 PM

we are halfway there, enjoying a quiet evening and good company and looking forward to seeing folks tomorrow...and all weekend.

Looks like the rain rained itself out today! Nice weather ahead....

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: Marc
Date: 06 Jun 02 - 12:26 AM

On a more positive note, I hope to have a beverage and song with each of you. As you can expect ,I'll do my best to be about this weekend.

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: Charley Noble
Date: 05 Jun 02 - 10:34 PM

Sorry about my misinformation about the YTC/YTB space. Now where did I stow those f***ing forms, the ones I so carefully filled out in advance.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: Wotcha
Date: 05 Jun 02 - 09:30 PM

I was last in Mystic 3 years ago before shipping for Kuwait ... I meant to go back last year ... I'll be there this year ... I'll be looking for familiar faces and hoarse vocies on Friday night at the pub sings.
Cheers,
Brian

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
From: Barry Finn
Date: 05 Jun 02 - 08:05 PM

To add to Marc (Also not to be a jerk). A few years back one of the performers had a real nice concertina stolen from the YTB. It's sometimes used as place where performers & volunteers can feel secure (or should) about their belongings. Those that sleep on the Conrad can't access their quaters from (I think, maybe Marc can straighten me out) around 8 or 9 am till 5pm, so the YTB is sometimes used as a place where some can lay a burden or a nessessity down for awhile with out a lookout on duty full time & with out worry. Sorry, I guess that's the real world. Barry