Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: catspaw49
Date: 19 Aug 06 - 05:08 PM

I've watched this thread develop withevy for those able to be there. I can think of no better way to spend a Sunday and no one I would prefer to spend it with. I join in the long line of "me too's" and will be thinking of you all tomorrow.

Best to you Jean and all!

Spaw

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Big Mick
Date: 19 Aug 06 - 07:19 PM

It's so funny. This 14 year old of mine has the chance to go see her favorite headbanger band tomorrow with a friend and her college age aunt. She asked me what we would be doing, and I told her we would be sitting with old friends, and friends we haven't met yet, singing, eating a bit, and enjoying good company. I told her if she would rather go to the concert with her buddy, I would allow it. She told me that she would much rather meet Jean.

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: GUEST,Rosalie
Date: 19 Aug 06 - 09:46 PM

The picnic is an easy walk from the LIRR train station. Unless you are in poor health, there is no reason to have someone pick you up unless you are bringing something heavy like a watermelon to share.

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 19 Aug 06 - 11:32 PM

I hope you all have a wonderful time . If my daughter and I wern't going to Sturbridge Village for the week I would close up the pottery for this .. All the very best , Guy

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: iancarterb
Date: 20 Aug 06 - 12:51 AM

There are so many things I could do next summer after the 7/06 conclusion of keeping my day job for 36 years. Returning to the Manhasset area wasn't on the list before, but my last trip to Pinewoods was (I think) 1965, and it was already on the list. If you do the picnic again next year, post it early. Best-   Carter Bannerman

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Suffet
Date: 20 Aug 06 - 08:21 AM

Greetings:

The summer picnic has been an annual event of the New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club for many years, and we hope it will continue as long as Jean and George are willing to have us. That is entirely up to them, of course. But please note that NYPFMC sponsors many other wonderful events throughout the year: concerts large and small, singing parties, community sings, Gospel and Sacred Harp sessions, educational workshops, tributes and conferences, weekend retreats in the country (the next one being October 20-22 at the Nevele Grand Resort in the Catskills), and the Eisteddfod New York Festival of Traditional Music.

For more information, please visit our website: http://www.folkmusicny.org/

One other thing. Although we were founded by people who met at Pinewoods Camp in Massachusetts, and although we are an affiliate of CDSS, the New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club and Pinewoods Camp are not one and the same. To avoid confusion, we (the club) are beginning to use our corporate name more and more. It is Folk Music Society of New York, Inc. So when you see the letters FMSNY, please know that it is still us!

Anyway, the storms passed last night and the sky is clearing. In a few hours it shall be a great day for a picnic.

See you all there!

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 20 Aug 06 - 10:44 PM

What a beautiful gathering. Good people and lots of good singing. It's always a treat to see and hear Big Mick, my brother Ken, Heather, Karen and so many new friends whose names I probably wouldn't spell right. And of course, Jean Ritchie has been a hero for just about as long as I can remember. To sit in her own backyard and hear her sing "Now Is the Cool of The Day" was one of the sublime moments of my life. And "Pretty Saro" was every bit as good the second time around.

Thanks to Jean and George and Jon and all who helped put this day together.

Dan and Geeta

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 20 Aug 06 - 11:21 PM

This was a special experience for Fay and myself; seeing a lot of old friends and making some new ones. We had the pleasure of meeting Big Mick who is a wonderful human being as well as a super entertainer. I even got to do 2 numbers myself. We want to thank Jean, George,& Jon, for opening up their home to us & Heather Wood who ran the entire program by making sure that everyone had a chance to participate.
                                              SOL ZELLER

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Suffet
Date: 21 Aug 06 - 09:46 AM

Greetings:

Dan was a wonderful new voice at the picnic. We are certainly glad he was present, along with so many others, both newbies and veterans.

There are just so many people to thank in addition those already mentioned. At the risk of leaving someone out, let me mention Barbara Mehlman, who coordinated the food and brought the soft drinks and ice; Jerry Epstein who shlepped a giant box of paper goods, plasticware, and serving utensils to Jean's house; David Kleiman, who along with Heather announced many of the upcoming FMSNY events; Anne Price, who handled membership requests; Rosalie Friend, who helped publize the event; and Marilyn Suffet, who along with me arranged the date for this year's picnic with Jean and George.

Everyone, please remember that the Folk Music Society of New York (NY Pinewoods) sponsors many events in addition to this picnic. Please take a peek at our website for a comprehensive listing: http://www.folkmusicny.org/

--- Steve Suffet (in my capacity as FMSNY Social Committee Co-Chairperson)

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 21 Aug 06 - 02:08 PM

Picnickers: It is US who should thank YOU! How else could we have a gardenful of musical folks drop by and bring tablesful of delicious food, play a wonderful variety of instruments and sing songs all afternoon, while we sit there like guests and just enjoy? The weather chipped in too, with sun, flying clouds and breezes. Dan, "Pretty Saro" was sung a second time because someone apparently missed the first singing, Jon was strumming the dulcimer and everyone just started singing the song again...a few hours between singings so it wasn't too noticeable! Another perk is that our house got cleaned up (somewhat) and room made for a crowd in case of bad weather, and no one had to retreat from rain or heat, so for today anyway we have this neatened house. Karen spent the night and we enjoyed her company in the evening and at breakfast, and saw her on the CT road about midday.

Our yard proved roomy enough for all, this year; some room to spare though, so next year, EVERYBODY come!      Jean/George/Jon

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 21 Aug 06 - 03:13 PM

Oh, I don't know - a few hours might be too long between singings of "Saro." It's always been one of my favorites. Thanks again to all.

Dan Schatz

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: GUEST,Bob Koenig
Date: 21 Aug 06 - 10:00 PM

Had a great time meeting everyone and hearing you sing such great numbers... was fun! I do hope to see you again! Hope you didn't mind me sneaking in a piece of Levittown Suburban Folk to you!

www.bobkoenigmusic.com

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 21 Aug 06 - 10:55 PM

My friend, Murray Gewirtz, had his good digital camera with him and took some photos. I will try to convince him to have them uploaded to Mudcat. This way, everyone can see what a good time we had.

                                              SOL ZELLER

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: karen k
Date: 22 Aug 06 - 09:29 AM

I had a wonderful time. It was great seeing old friends and meeting a few new folks. But the best part was having time to visit leisurely with Jean and George. Their gracious hospitality was very much appreciated. It was really an honor. Also, got to meet Mick's wife Mary Lou and gorgeous daughter Ciara. The day was just too short. Thanks to Pinewoods for letting me crash their picnic. Had a great time.

karen

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Don Firth
Date: 22 Aug 06 - 01:12 PM

I would have given the deed to the ranch and my firstborn (well . . . maybe) to have been there, but out here on the West Coast, it wasn't too practical. Nevertheless, Rabbi-Sol, I'd really appreciated it if you could prevail upon your friend to upload the photos. I'm sure I'm not the only one who would love to be able to participate, if only vicariously. And to have had a chance to meet Jean and George would have been a high point in my musical life.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: GUEST,photos from party
Date: 22 Aug 06 - 07:17 PM

I have a few..would love to see other people's pics..I'd gladly trade what I have for them!

Bob Koenig

[e-mail]

maybe some summer I could have a gathering at my place in Levittown!!

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Ferrara
Date: 22 Aug 06 - 08:26 PM

Thanks for sharing it all on the Mudcat. Just reading the names of some of the guests is enough to bring a smile. Sigh.... It's been far too long since we've heard Jean sing in person, would have loved to be there for that and all else. What a wonderful gathering.

Rita F

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Big Mick
Date: 23 Aug 06 - 01:32 AM

I have been sans computer for several weeks but am back in the saddle, as they say.

I hardly know where to start. I guess it should be with Jean, George and Jon. They are such wonderful hosts. I have never met anyone more enjoyable to be around. They open up there home, and their hearts. Marylou, Ciara, and I stayed around and chatted with these good folks (thanks for the Guinness, George!!), and my beloved karen k. I could see Jean was tired, or I surely could have sat there and chatted till the wee hours. Ciara, my 14 year old, fell squarely in love with these gentle souls.

And Jon, we surely must play a little more music together. I enjoyed your banjo style and the songs you sang. Sure hope we can do some more of that.

Remember when Geeta and Dan were boyfriend/girlfriend? Remember when she hardly sang? That woman has a voice, and when she sings with Dan, it is pure joy. Dan is already one of my favorite musicians, and I can't wait to record a couple of his songs. The lad sings, writes, and plays. Don't get better'n that.

Steve, Joy, Rosalie, I am so very glad to be a part of your fine organization. I hope you know that if there is something you need from me, it is but an email or a call.

I sang "Voices of Struggle" because I wanted Rick to be there. His fine song resonates more today than when he wrote it all those years ago. It has become an anthem for me. I sing it at every opportunity, and every single time folks come to me and want to know about the song. I am determined that the wisdom encapsulated in it will be heard everywhere I can make it heard. In addition to other songs, I also sang Bill Gallaher's fine song "The Ballad of Ginger Goodwin".

What a joy to meet Rabbi Sol. It is always a pleasure to attach a face to the name. We will be seeing more of each other.

By the way, if Deb Cowan is performing anywhere close to you, get to the concert. What a voice! Another old friend, just met.

I want to encourage all to join your local folk society. If you are in the Greater NYC area, this one is a no brainer. The modest dues get you free concerts, this picnic, the knowledge of folks like Steve and Joy, and Jean. We simply must support the organizations that keep our music alive.

I am missing some, and I aplogize but I am just back from Dan Milner's mom's wake and tired.

Jean and George, you are very special. And you deserve all the love you get. BTW, the library in Port Washington is doing a special concert series in honor of Jean and her music. Steve Suffet, a wonderful singer, and one of the active members of FSNY is performing. Also NeXTradition (Ken Schatz and Alison Kelley-Kraan). This is a local event, but it promises to be wonderful. If folks want to travel to this, they should check with kytrad first to make sure space is available.

Ramble off.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Suffet
Date: 23 Aug 06 - 08:17 AM

Greetings:

Mick said: Jean and George, you are very special. And you deserve all the love you get. BTW, the library in Port Washington is doing a special concert series in honor of Jean and her music. Steve Suffet, a wonderful singer, and one of the active members of FSNY is performing. Also NeXTradition (Ken Schatz and Alison Kelley-Kraan). This is a local event, but it promises to be wonderful. If folks want to travel to this, they should check with kytrad first to make sure space is available.

I thank Mick for the compliment, but it is David Kleiman who will be performing at that event, along with his new group, the North River Band. The confusion is undestandable: two fat Jewish guys with with New York accents and lots of facial hair who sing folk songs!

But take heart! You will have numerous opportunities to hear me perform, including on Sunday, December 17 of this year when Anne Price and I will be presenting Woody Rediscovered, a workshop style concert of Woody Guthrie's less known songs for the New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club. The time and place are yet to be determined.

Anne and I will also be presenting Woody Rediscovered on Saturday evening, September 30, in Takoma Park, MD, for the Folklore Society of Greater Washington. The details are on my website: http://suffet.home.att.net/

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: GUEST,Sheila
Date: 23 Aug 06 - 10:55 AM

Hi all.
I'm the one who arrived late in the afternoon to this extraordinary event! Unexpectedly, this lovely woman, and beautiful singer, came up and asked what I would like to sing! I threw out "Pretty Saro" and someone said, "We already did that!" To her generous credit, Heather Wood (I subsequently learned) said, "Well, we'll do it again!"
So that's how it came to be, redux.
That picnic will remain forever in my memory. The weather was perfect, the attendants so talented, and the host and hostess, George and Jean, so special in every way!
I'm amazed by the musical abilities I heard that day. Songs that went on for 7 or more verses with singable choruses (what was that "CLAP CLAP CLAP, Bang the drum" song, sung so beautifully by a gentleman sitting next to me?)(or that Elizabethan sounding "Where did my waist go?")
Thank you, Jean and George, and Pinewoods, and all those who gave a music lover, though not a performer, an experience and thrill of a lifetime.
Sheila

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 23 Aug 06 - 01:28 PM

Here is an outstanding photo of Jean and her son Jon performing at the picnic. I have e-mailed Jeff and asked him to post it here so you all can see it. It was taken by Murray A. Gewirtz, an artistic photographer as well as a folksinger and ardent fan of Jean.

                                              SOL ZELLER

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 23 Aug 06 - 02:00 PM

Hm - the photo didn't quite make it.

To clarify, I really wasn't trying to start a "Pretty Saro" controversy - I just wanted to let folks know how much I enjoyed the song - both times. I've been humming it ever since, along with "Jemmy Taylor."

Dan Schatz

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 23 Aug 06 - 02:03 PM

I had to content myself with seeing a bit of Jean on the PBS documentary about Allan Lomax (last night). It will be repeated on channel 13 (WNET , NY) August 28th and probably on the other PBS stations too. also there is more on the pbs.org website.

no substitute for a live circle of friends, of course

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Barry Finn
Date: 23 Aug 06 - 02:49 PM

Who's in the North River Band with David Kleiman? I have always enjoyed him & any group he has a hand in.

I'm glad you all had such a great day (as I read on green & sighing), it sounds so wonderful.

Barry

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 23 Aug 06 - 03:42 PM

The concert by Dave Kleiman and friends is to be at our Port Washington Library in November, but it's not a huge room and seating priority is given to townspeople, so don't get your hopes up about getting in. The library has one one or two folkmusic concerts a year, and everyone fights to get in, as it is! I'm not being inhospitable, mind you, just want everyone to know about the space problem..... Bless you all and thanks from our family for all the beautiful words- so glad we all enjoyed the day so much- and no one more than I!    Jean

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Barry Finn
Date: 23 Aug 06 - 03:54 PM

Thanks Jean. I wasn't planning to go to hear them, to far away. Just courious who's in the North River bunch with David. He's (IMHO) got very good taste I just wanted to see who he's keeping company with these days. I don't get to see & hear him often enough.
Barry

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 24 Aug 06 - 12:06 PM

I see that Jeff never posted the photo. I do not want all you folks to miss out on it. It is really top quality. Therefore, if you PM me with your e-mail address I will e-mail it to you. Or you can e-mail me directly at [e-mail] and I will send it to you by return e-mail. I would like Jean to have a copy as well, so if anyone knows her e-mail address please send it to me. I know that George, who is an award winning professional photographer in his own right, would really enjoy seeing this picture.

                                              SOL ZELLER

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Suffet
Date: 30 Aug 06 - 12:21 AM

Greetings:

Click here for photos from the picnic at Jean and George's house. These were taken by Don Wade.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: GUEST,rosalie
Date: 31 Aug 06 - 03:16 PM

I thank Jean, George, and John for creating such a welcoming atmosphere and enabling us to enjoy great music together. I had a ball singing with all of you. I hope that you will join us again for Folk Music Society of New York's weekends, parties, concerts, etc. and especially for Eisteddfod-NY on November 17-19. Steve already has us hunting for friends who can put up guests in their houses, and there are motels nearby. We have fantastic performers lined up for Eisteddfod, but if you come and jam, it will be even better.
Bob Koenig asked about having a singing party at his place. Sure! Join the Folk Music Society of New York/New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club, and suggest a couple of dates. You might guess from our name that we love to get together & make music. I've had a Halloween party for the Pinewoods Club for a number of years. You never know who will turn up, but we always get a very high ratio of pleasant people and good singers/musicians.
Web site for Eisteddfod www.eisteddfod-ny.org
Web site for Pinewoods Club www.folkmusicny.org
Come join us!

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 01 Sep 06 - 04:33 PM

Barry-   With David Kleiman in the North River Band is Jen Larson and Chris Seymour. Also participating, from Pinewoods, is NexTradition: Ken Schatz and Alison Kelley.

Thanks for your thanks, all of you- and thanks to you for giving us a happy day- so glad we got the lawn mowed in time!

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Suffet
Date: 01 Sep 06 - 09:42 PM

Greetings:

One of the photos taken at the picnic -- this one! -- is of Heather Lev singing and playing her guitar. Heather is a critically acclaimed young (30ish) singer-songwriter. It was really wonderful seeing her come to the wellspring to soak up the waters of tradition. I only hope she doesn't mind my metaphor. She certainly won't mind my posting this link to her website.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: Suffet
Date: 08 Jun 07 - 11:19 PM

Just confirmed!

The next Folk Music Society of New York (NY Pinewoods) annual picnic will take place at the Ritchie-Pickow residence in Port Washington, NY, on Sunday, August 26, 2007. Please do not arrive before 12 noon. Barbara Mehlman will once again be coordinating the food and beverages. The address and directions are the same as last year.

Be there!

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: GUEST,Bob Koenig
Date: 12 Jun 07 - 11:55 PM

Hi
Yes/ there's another party At Jean's this August? can guests also come like last year? I'd love to attend again.
www.bobkoenigmusic.com

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Suffet
Date: 13 Jun 07 - 07:39 AM

Greetings:

Yes, guests are always welcome. Please do come, and please bring a dish to share. You should also bring a chair, if possible. There is now a Mudcat thread for the 2007 picnic at KYTRAD's, so maybe it's time to close this outdated thread.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: GUEST,old pictures
Date: 13 Jun 07 - 09:44 PM

anyone have photos from the 2006 party? I'd love to know if I'm in one of them!

www.bobkoenigmusic.com

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 13 Jun 07 - 10:41 PM

Bob,
      If I remember correctly your red hair was front and center in at least 2 of the photos. Hope to see you again this year.

                                                 SOL