Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: Siochain
Date: 27 Sep 08 - 10:13 AM

Ha,
Scotland the Brave would have been fun, but the last lay about just crawled out of bed, so I'll save that suggestion for another time. The late risers are moving at a snail's pace, and I'm limping about none too fast, so I suspect we'll be pulling in in time for the Press Room.

Siochain

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: Leadfingers
Date: 27 Sep 08 - 10:47 AM

Have Fun All - And I will look forward to meetng as many of you as posible at The Getaway !

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: SINSULL
Date: 28 Sep 08 - 02:36 AM

Oh my goodness! I don't ever remember having such a completely perfect day of great music, good people, and fun. The concertina workshop this morning was fascinating. Some notes go in; others go out; some go in and out; and if you have only one hand/arm, we can adjust it.

Carole and Andrew's set was wonderful. A perfect mix of their own songs, others' contributions and nonsense - all with choruses. The audience ate them up. Gracie Allan lives!

Finn and Haddie were the best I have ever seen them. Guantanamo Bay was a favorite. But then there was the song about the Texas coast...another favorite.Barry fills the room with his booming voice; Neil supplies the guitar and a bit of banter.

The Press Room is still vibrating with shanties, forebitters and assorted goodies. I went 'round with the tip jar and had lovely chats with people who had stopped in for a bite to eat and just couldn't leave. The harmonies were amazing. And the absolute joy on everyone's faces as they shared in the music..a great time.

The concert was a treat. I have heard Mudhook (?) at various times at the Press Room with spontaneous outbursts of good music. Their concert was a pleasure. I hope to catch some more tomorrow. Incredibly talented musicians working together to produce beautiful harmonies. Each is a "lead singer" in his own right but with egos in their back pockets they work together to make the entire group sound great. They could have done the entire concert themselves and the audience would have been thrilled.It is too bad that their simply isn't time for encores.

John Roberts followed with an assortment of songs from his most recent CD, requests, and ones he just enjoys singing. As always, John is so relaxed and so in love with the music that he draws his audience in and makes them love it too. Carrying Nelson Home - there were tears in the eyes of grown men. Patrick Spencer, The Figurehead Carver, The Bateau Song (Cure),etc. Every chorus had a roomful of happy people joining in. John is a treasure and his performance was gold. It was the first time I have heard John do a concert without my being involved with feeding and bedding a houseful of people. Maybe that made it even more special. Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
Jerry then followed with an assortment of his own songs and favorites. His Appalachian "Mermaid" version stands out. A different instrument for every song. I am falling asleep...
BUT I can't go to bed without thanking the Holloways for a warm welcome, beautiful food that never stopped coming, separate rooms for assorted musical tastes and a beautiful home. There home is one of those places where you feel instantly comfortable and welcome. The perfect end to a perfect day.

Tom and Linn must be thrilled at Day One of the festival. Crappy weather, cancelled venues and schedule changes did not keep away the enthusiastic crowd who joined in every chorus and generously filled the tip jar. You did good guys. More tomorrow.

SINS

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 28 Sep 08 - 09:22 AM

What a great post, Mary!

I love your line about Mudhook -- "their egos in their pockets"! True, true! The music and the songs are more important than the singers. Mudhook is one of quite a few groups that have come out of the twenty-five years of the weekly Press Room session, where conversation about the songs and the tradition thrives along with the melodies and songs themselves.

Sorry we missed the gathering at Dave and Chris Hallowell's after the concert, but it's 40 minutes home plus wind down time (in this case a wee dram and having more time with ClaireBear) before trying to get enough sleep to head back to Portsmouth for today's festivities.

It would be nice -- very nice -- if the rain restrained itself until after the afternoon's singing in Market Square and the shanty blast, but not a disaster if it happens; there are rain venues for each.

And, from the hardy and adventurous folkies who joined us yesterday, it seems rain alone doesn't keep fans of the festival from coming great distances to join the fun and music.

Wow.

Linn

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: Jeri
Date: 28 Sep 08 - 10:10 AM

Who was it (Charley?) wondered if people would be there because of the weather.

Everybody that would normally be walking the streets of Portsmouth on a Saturday afternoon was in the Press Room. Every last one of them, with their second cousins in tow, and they all were singing. The concert was indeed wonderful. More later maybe, but I gotta get back down there.

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: Charley Noble
Date: 28 Sep 08 - 09:12 PM

Jeri-

What I had said was:

Never mind the weather,
As long as we're together...
(We're off to see the Wild West Show!)

It was a great weekend and everyone who took part in planning it, and helping to carry out the plan, should be very satisfied. And special thanks to Tom and Linn (and the publicity was the best ever!)

The Press Room session on Saturday afternoon had the place bursting at the seams. I have the greatest admiration for the lone waitress who bravely tried to provide service to each and every one. She certainly got a big tip from us. I gave up trying to lead songs after "Whiskey-O" and "West Indies Blues." It was just too much fun watching the energy flow back and forth, and once I left my prime seat to talk with someone at the other end of the room it was gone in a flash.

And I thought everyone did a great job at the evening concert.

The after concert party at Dave's house was certainly a delight, with at least two full singing sessions going on simultaneously, and lots of good food and things to drink. But Judy and I only lasted until 1 am and I'm sure it continued on for hours more.

A personal highlight for me was hearing Emery Hutchins rendition of "West Indies Blues." He's certainly nailed this song and paid appropriate tribute to Ella Robinson Madison who taught the song to my family.

Barry and Neil are always a joy to watch and listen to, and, Barry, I really enjoy Neil's song introductions, and yours as well!

Andrew and Carole certainly made a good impression on folks they sang to, and Andrew is a master at composing songs that sound like they've been sung for a hundred years or more.

And I certainly enjoyed hearing Kendall Morse in storytelling mode again. I think the Festival organizers should follow his advice (from his story about Mr. and Mrs. Toothacker) and "strip off the take an' set him again!"

So next year will be the 10th Annual!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 29 Sep 08 - 07:28 AM

Thank you Tom and Linn

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: SINSULL
Date: 29 Sep 08 - 08:42 AM

The Rusty Hammer was packed to the gills as well. And the bartender and waitress had their work cut out for them trying to navigate platters of food and drinks through the crowds. From what I saw the tips were large and frequent.
I missed Marc's workshop and John Robert's but caught Three Sheets to the Wind, Emery Hutchins, Ken Sweeney, Carole and Andrew and Captain Kendall Morse on Sunday. Any one of them could have performed for hours and kept their audience spellbound.
My only complaint was that every session ended with continous applause hoping to provoke an encore but there was no time.
Linn, Tom, Barbara and everyone else involved - you outdid yourselves. This has been a weekend to remember.

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: Charley Noble
Date: 29 Sep 08 - 10:16 AM

I would agree that there needs to be some change-over time between sets, both for the sanity of performers who must move from place to place and for the audience to shift, if the wish, as well. That may have been the plan but what I observed was that many workshops went the full time, resulting in an awkward scramble.

It was a lovely weekend!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: SINSULL
Date: 29 Sep 08 - 10:30 AM

That is not what I said Charlie. The last thing I want is less music. The only improvement I can suggest is to extend the festival an additional day or two.


heh heh
I will creep slowly away while Tom and Linn finish sputtering.

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: GUEST,Peadar (formerly) of Portsmouth
Date: 29 Sep 08 - 10:44 AM

Such a great festival! I turned 40 on Friday and the entire weekend will make this the most memorable birthday ever.

The joys are too may to list, but I do want to say how much I enjoyed the Friday night Press Room session with all the special guests -- particularly Andrew, Carole and Liam. I'll also treasure the quiet session in Dave's attic studio at the after party...Jeff W., Liam and a few others whose names I don't know...pure flippin' magic.

On behalf of Mudhook, the lads and I would like to thank everyone for their kind words. As Dave said at concert, it was a honor to represent "the home team" at the concert. Considering the wealth of talent that gathered in the Port City this weekend, it would have been easy to choose a better known, more seasoned act to open the concert. We are eternally grateful for the opportunity.

Finally, thanks to Tom, Linn, Jeff, Barbara, Bruce and Dave: not only for their hard work in pulling the festival together, but also for their friendship, support and tutelage.

I can't wait to see how the 10th Annual turns out next year...

Peter

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 29 Sep 08 - 01:20 PM

Ah, Pete...

I didn't realize this B.D. was the BIG FOUR-OH!

Alas, you're now too old for Yale Younger Poets, too old to be a salvage diver...

(But you're still a kid!!!)

Linn, who just realized she's old enough to be your mother, ohmagawd!

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: GUEST,Peadar (formerly) of Portsmouth
Date: 29 Sep 08 - 01:30 PM

My only regret from the weekend is that I STILL have not met Kendall or seen him perform...we were booked opposite him. D'oh!

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: Siochain
Date: 29 Sep 08 - 03:07 PM

I want to add my thanks to Tom and Linn and everyone who pitched in to put this event on. I'm very grateful to have been a participant. It was a wonderful week-end. Can we do more to forward our warm appreciation to the many business who supported this festival, especially the one's that provided the much needed rain space? I'd gladly send a card of thanks to the store owners/managers who were so accommodating.

Siochain

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: kendall
Date: 29 Sep 08 - 11:17 PM

Guest Peadar, thank you very much. It will happen, I plan to be around a long time.

Tom, I thank you for asking me to be involved in this festival. It felt good.
I don't get to see Emery Hutchins often enough. It was good to touch base with him again.

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: SINSULL
Date: 30 Sep 08 - 08:21 AM

Saturday night someone sang a song that had a different pub in each verse. Anyone know it? A recording?
Thanks,
Mary

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: GUEST,Peadar (formerly) of Portsmouth
Date: 30 Sep 08 - 08:56 AM

Siochain (and anyone else)

The Porstmouth Herald runs a special column called "Kisses & Disses"...anyone who feels inclined to send Kisses to RiverRun Books or the Discover Portsmouth Center (who stepped up as rainy day venues) should send an email to [e-mail].

Of course, a Kiss should also be sent for the hard working staff at The Press Room, who had to deal with a tidal wave of folkies on Saturday afternoon.

I'd send these myself, but I've already been hitting the papers with Letters to the Editor.   ;-)

Peter

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: Barry Finn
Date: 30 Sep 08 - 11:47 PM

It was a great festival, not at all dampened by the wettish weather. Tom, Linn & Barbara & all the others envolved you did a wonderful job. The worksohps & conerts that I attended were very well done, espically liked Barbara's Bethel. It was a matter of not being able to be in 2 & 3 places at the same time. The session at the Press Room, though packed was roof raising. My only thoughts on that would be that there were many great singers that either came from far away or don't often make it as often as many of the regular locals & that they were not heard from enough nor were they invited to bring there songs forth, an oversite that I hope never gets repeated. The locals get to sing plenty & they did, they should be more inviting to their guests & more willing to sit out in favor of those that came the distance. Many good singers got to sing only once while some locals got to toss about 3 or 4 times, they were the guest, they should feel the need to jump in at a venue that's not in there terrority, they should be invited. I'll catch flack for this but it's said & done with, bite me. OK, I'm done with that one slight oversite, I'll move on with my head covered. Thanks to those that squared away the last minute hussle for the rain change venues & the concert hall venue. The concert hall ended up to be filled beyond capacity, better than expected I imagine & it was a good show to, Jerry Bryant did a fine job closing the house. As for us (Finn & Haddie) it was an honor & an extreme pleasure to perform at the festival, we hope that we were enjoyed half as much as we enjoyed our selves. I'm sure that the 10th will go beyond this one but I can't see how but I won't miss that one either.
Thanks again to all who came, performed & helped out
Barry

If anyone wants to slap me upside the head don't do it here, meet me in an alley.

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: SINSULL
Date: 01 Oct 08 - 08:20 AM

Hey Ho
Bully in the Alley!

Interesting point Barry.I wonder if seating might have been the issue more than anything else. The core group around Tom and Linn were in the eye of the storm so to speak. Might be interesting to reserve prime seats for out of towners next year and see how that plays out.

I am still on a high from the festival and now headed down to the Getaway. Just remembered one of Kendall's sets. He had the audience in the palm of his hand and more than a few ladies were responding to the blue eyes and dimples. Jacqui is a saint.

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 01 Oct 08 - 08:47 AM

Sorry, I've been too tied up at work to post until now, but I really want to thank EVERYBODY who had anything to do with the festival -- the board members and volunteer staff who helped Tom organize and publicize it and deal with last minute complications and man the venue sites and product tables, the wonderful people who found rooms in their homes for performers, Barbara Benn for one of the cleanest most accessible websites on the internet, all our generous donors both corporate and individual who help to keep us FREE, the publications who printed news releases provided by Pete Hale and ably reported on the festivities, the providers of venues, the concert's sound crew, the performers who put on such an incredible show for the modest fees we can afford, all the singers from near and far who come to add their voices and the lovers of sea music who come, also from great distances or just around the corner, to listen, enjoy, eat and drink at local pubs and join in, if they like, on the choruses and everyone who has given support -- moral, monetary, etcet etcet.

Better weather would have been nice, but without the rain we might not have found how well the Discover Portsmouth Center can work into future festivals.

THANK YOU, EVERYONE!!!

Linn

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: Jeri
Date: 01 Oct 08 - 03:23 PM

The Press Room session was bananas. I couldn't find a place by the music, so I was at the last booth before the door. I was singing, so were others, and the people down at that end were all paying attention to the music if not joining in. I needed to eat something, but eventually found a spot on the stairs.

I really hate crowds, but the music in that place was (because of the crowd) un-freakin'-believable!

Every year has been better than the last. This year though, was a solid roof-raising blow-out. We've had bigger names in past years, but so what. Rick Watson did a faultlessly elegant job on sound and the only thing wrong with the performers was that they had to stop eventually.

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: SINSULL
Date: 01 Oct 08 - 03:29 PM

LOL Makes me wonder what kind of a crowd would have shown up at the Press Room if it hadn't rained - a little scary actually. I made several rounds with the tip bucket and was amused when people said no twice but finally fell under the spell of the moment and dropped in $20s.
It was on a par with some of the all nighters at the Getaway. Everybody sharing in the sheer joy of the moment.
Tom and Linn must be very pleased.

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: curmudgeon
Date: 01 Oct 08 - 06:06 PM

Many thanks for all the nice comments. I do think, however, that "very pleased" is a bit of an understatement.

There are a few matters that could do with improvement, not the least of which was the weather; a bright sunny Sunday would have been much better. While Saturday's rain did force a change of venue, the Discover Center was a great room, and they want us back. As to the Press Room, I really think that a nice day would have allowed a bit more room for for those who were there for the music as some of the crowd was just seeking shelter and a drink.

All suggestions and "complaints" will be taken under advisement. Reserving seats at the Press Room is nigh on impossuble. I fear that holding places for Andrew, Carole and Mary may have disjointed a nos eor two..

I do my best as a catherd to call on people to sing. But unless I know that an individual is willing and ready to sing, I won't. All too often I have done so at random to be met with a demurral - not ready- don't know what to sing, etc.

But, all things considered, a resounding success - Tom

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: adventure
Date: 01 Oct 08 - 09:01 PM

Tom, Linn, Jeff, Barb, Bruce, Dave, Peter et al,,,,,,
Many cudos for many things to each and all from planning to selection to PR to venues......no humbleness allowed. You all did a fine job in spite of the weather. From the Gloucester crew you deserve to be viewed as ..."the finest kind". You stepped into the boat and rowed hard to make this all tie together to come out as just one incredible event and great weekend. The Book Store and the Rusty Hammer suited our Three Sheets crew just great. We all send our thanks for hosting the event and for having us there to enjoy the festival and events.
Cheers.
Doryman, his mate and the crew.

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: Barry Finn
Date: 02 Oct 08 - 01:44 AM

Tom, there's always room for improvement but this was a good festival, every year there will be some new kinks that arise (weather venues) & we'll get work out the following year, it just keeps getting better all the time & that's is how it should be.
Just a thought for the Press Room. If the upstairs were to be used it could easily hold the crowd that came for the music on Saturday & it would pay in drinks & food to make it worth while for the publicans to open it, even if a bit of "rent" were tossed in to boot, then those that drifted in could populate the donwstairs & not take up room from the music, it would also generate enough revenue for the wait-staff. I think that they'd believe that it would call for a least a couple of waitresses who'd do well for the afternoon. I know that there were a good few folks that turned around to eat elsewhere that weren't interested in the festival so it would generate more food servings too. Just one man's thoughts.
Another thought, Prescott Park. I did a gig there for the Gundalow when she was christened there sometime in the early 90's, it's not that far removed from the downtown area, they have a bit of a maritime museum (you'd think that they'd want to be involoved). Just another thought, if that were to happen the water is deep enough at the piers there for the gundalow to tie up there during the festivies, a thought that Barbara had mentioned to me was to involove the barge as a venue platform, I like it.
Well there's a while for more thoughts & ideas as the year goes on.

Again thanks to all
Barry