Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest

Subject: Mudcatters at PMFF
From: curmudgeon
Date: 28 May 08 - 07:47 PM

The Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival will be taking place on Saturday and Sunday, 27 and 28 September, 2008.

Mudcatters who will be perfoming include Anglo, Crane Driver, Sussex Carol, Barry Finn, Doryman and his Mate, Pirate of Cape Anne, Charley Noble, Peadar of Portsmouth, Marc Bernier,Bat Goddess & Curmudgeon. Staff - Jeri, Judy B. and Guest BB.

Expected to be in attendanc - Sinsull, Claire Bear, TRUEBRIT, Ranger1, JacquiC.

Check out the website for more details.

NB - The festival takes place one week prior to the Getaway. Fellow travellers from across the pond might wnat to think about taking in both events.

The festival events are all free, but we do accept donations.

How many more Mudcatters can we count on?

See you in September - Tom

Subject: RE: Mudcatters at PMFF
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 29 May 08 - 07:18 AM

Do you want any more performers? We (a trio un named at the moment) would very much like to be there if at all possible.

Just a sample of what I do and John and the other guy

now put all that together and well...

Sal

Subject: RE: Mudcatters at PMFF
From: Barry Finn
Date: 29 May 08 - 04:24 PM

ms lemon, your "lass of Mohee" is wonderful, great job & version. You do relize PMFF is in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, USA & not the Portsmouth, UK so close by to you. I have nothing to do with the Festival aside from performing but I'd love to hear & see you there & bring the lemons too.

Barry

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth Maritime Folk Fest
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 29 May 08 - 05:42 PM

No i didn't realise that, but makes no difference, i'm game to come over there and sing it again!

xx Sal

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth Maritime Folk Fest
From: curmudgeon
Date: 29 May 08 - 07:24 PM

There's always room at the Sat. afternoon shanty sessionat the Press Room - Tom

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth Maritime Folk Fest
From: SINSULL
Date: 29 May 08 - 08:02 PM

I will be in attendance and have bneds available if needed. WHoo Whoo

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth Maritime Folk Fest
From: SussexCarole
Date: 30 May 08 - 06:22 PM

Flights booked - we're really looking forward to the Portsmouth Maritime Festival & then we'll be heading on down to Washington for the Getaway. Can't wait to see you all again

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth Maritime Folk Fest
From: ClaireBear
Date: 30 May 08 - 06:35 PM

I can hardly wait! And oh, do I look forward to hearing Barry sing again -- and to hearing so many other old and new friends for the first time.

Claire

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: curmudgeon
Date: 24 Jun 08 - 09:34 AM

And yet another venerable Mudcatter has signed on for this year's festival. You can find out just who it is by going   here and scrolling down.

Please don't spoil the surprise by revealing the name on this thread...yet.

Thenks - Tom

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: Charley Noble
Date: 24 Jun 08 - 09:37 AM

Why it's ...!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: Leadfingers
Date: 24 Jun 08 - 10:15 AM

I dont think Herself would be too happy if I abandoned her to her concert in Richmond - So I will wait to meet you all at The Getaway !

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Jun 08 - 11:22 AM

Holy Crap, Tom! How did you manage that?

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: Barry Finn
Date: 24 Jun 08 - 11:44 AM

He offered 'em up the bird seed Mary, didn't ya know about those nightingales. They'll whisper in the willows & sing in the sewers if you're giving 'em the right feed.

Barry, whollsingforhissupper & breakfast

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: jacqui.c
Date: 24 Jun 08 - 12:27 PM

Now, that really is something special!

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: ranger1
Date: 24 Jun 08 - 12:35 PM

Don't count on me, Tom. I work weekends, remember? Prolly won't make the Getaway, either. sniffle

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Jun 08 - 02:02 PM

Oh no, Tami. That means I will have to share a room with Kendall and jacqui...

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: GUEST,Pamela from Ithaca
Date: 24 Jun 08 - 08:17 PM

Wow! This is a great line-up.
I wonder if there's *any* chance that gas will be
under $4 a gallon (or $5 a gallon) by PMMF time?
I know it'll still take me 7 hours to get there.
Don't know whether I can make it this year, but...
it gets more and more tempting.

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 25 Jun 08 - 07:41 AM

Last week was the first time I paid more than four bucks at the pump -- I saved my receipt for my scrapbook.

Yesterday it was $3.999, so I guess that counts both as going down and being less than four bucks!

Linn (who is dating herself by saying she remembers gas at less than 25¢ a gallon -- and gas price wars)

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: kendall
Date: 25 Jun 08 - 08:01 AM

When I was in the Explorer I bought diesel fuel for 17 cents a gallon. When I was a teen ager gas was 18 cents. If you figure it right, things haven't risen in price that much, but the value of the dollar has tanked.
When I was in the service the price of a new VW was around $1200.00. That was a full year's pay. They still cost a year's pay.

Remember the Reagan years? everything doubled in price in that span of 8 years. Whose income doubled?

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: GUEST,Pamela from Ithaca
Date: 25 Jun 08 - 11:22 PM

Ah, dear friends. The average price for gas in NYS
is around $4.25. And I doubt it'll get better.
I remember under a dollar, but beyond that I'm foggy.
Then, I'm a mite younger than Kendall...

Even with the Prius, travel is costly. I don't imagine that
this will hurt the PMMF much, since you mostly attract a local crowd.
For a free-lancer like me... well, it makes sense to stay at home more.

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: Barry Finn
Date: 26 Jun 08 - 01:02 AM

Cigarettes & gas have kept up with each other in the pricing game good thing that bread, rice & milk haven't done the same thing. Otherwise we wouldn't be able to attract anyone but the locals to folk festivals these days. Can't even afford to pay performers for gas at these rates.

Barry

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: curmudgeon
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 10:24 AM

The schedule for this year's Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival is now available at the website,

http://www.newenglandfolknetwork.org/pmff/

Weve got an exceptionally fine crew of singers for this year, the weather is usually sublime, and all the events are free.

It would really be swell to have more Mudcatters in the audience than on the stage(s)

See you in September - Tom

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: SINSULL
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 10:33 AM

I will be driving down from Maine each day if anyone needs a ride. Carole and Andrew will be staying with me.

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: Charley Noble
Date: 27 Aug 08 - 02:28 PM

It will be great to hear Andrew McKay and Carole Etherton again.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: Jon Bartlett
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 12:09 AM

Have a good one! maybe we'll see yez all NEXT year.
Jon & Rika

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: kendall
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 07:02 AM

I'm looking forward to this, and Tom thanks for including me in this bash. ..they did the Portsmouth bash...it was a harbor smash...

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 11:04 AM

...we'll do the sea song mash...

ClaireBear will be staying with us in the wilds of Nottingham during the festival, exploring New England (or at least our corner of it) for the first time.

She may not be an official performer, but I'm sure she'll be joining her voice and enthusistically participating in the open sings and the other performances.

Linn

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: Charley Noble
Date: 28 Aug 08 - 07:48 PM

Jon & Rika-

Nothing would make us happier than to see and hear you folks in Portsmouth next year, or even in Maine.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 09:49 AM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: rumanci
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 09:56 AM

wow - what a line-up !
Tom and Linn - WHERE do you find the time to organise that ?
I envy you all being there and listening
mutter.....mutter
Carole and Andrew - I expect a full report
LOL
Best Wishes and have a fabulous festival
rum

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: curmudgeon
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 02:02 PM

We manage by having a few other people on board with the planning, Jeff Warner, Barbara Benn (Guest BB), Bruce MacIntyre, Peter Hale (Peadar from Portsmouth) and a lot of support from friends and performers alike.

Of course, all is not easy. This morning I found out that the Masonic Lodge, which had promised us use of their hall for the Saturday Concert, decided to let someone else use it. So now we have to find a suitable venue on two weeks notice, free or cheap. Ther's no money in the budget as we were promised free use of the hall.

Wish us luck - Tom

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 02:17 PM

YIKES!!!!!
That's a bitch. Good Luck Tom. If I can help...but I suspect my house is a bit out of the way.

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: ClaireBear
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 03:30 PM

Oh dear! I'm very sorry for your troubles.

If there's anything I can do to help when I get there, I'm happy to volunteer. But if I end up holding up one corner of a giant tarp over the stage and audience in a big open field somewhere, I should let you know that I'm pretty short and will need a crate to stand on.

Cheers,
Claire

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: curmudgeon
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 03:37 PM

Thanks for the offers and good will. We have a friend who handles the insurance for many businesses who is checking out some other locations, and we have sought legal counsel should it come to that.

We will persevere - Tom

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 04:08 PM

I have two canopies and Tami has one.

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: SINSULL
Date: 15 Sep 08 - 11:21 AM

REFRESH
If anyone wants to make this festival but needs a place to crash, I can put two people up in one room at my house. Carole and Andrew will be here and we will be going down to the festival Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Linn had an article published in a New Hampshire tourist magazine with pictures of last years' festival. I can see the leaf peepers making a point of putting it on their calendars.

Tom says Saturday night's concert is a go with a space provided in an old church. The line up of talent is amazing.

I hear that John Roberts will be sining the Two Magicians and emphasizing the verse about the sailing ship and captain.

heh heh

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: MaineDog
Date: 15 Sep 08 - 08:21 PM

SINSULL,
Can I park my camper in your yard?
MD

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: SINSULL
Date: 16 Sep 08 - 12:31 PM

Sure. There is even an electric outlet if you need it.

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: Barry Finn
Date: 16 Sep 08 - 12:35 PM

I didn't know that the Two Magicians were to be sining instead of frolicing?

Barry

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: SINSULL
Date: 16 Sep 08 - 01:07 PM

Cosining autographs as well but that's just tangental to the festival.

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: maeve
Date: 16 Sep 08 - 01:43 PM

One must approach it from the right angle, howeve, or miss the hypotenuse entirely.

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: SINSULL
Date: 16 Sep 08 - 02:01 PM

LOL THat's how Kendall's car ended up on my lawn, I think.

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: curmudgeon
Date: 16 Sep 08 - 02:10 PM

Continuing on this plane might leave you with an obtuse anglo.

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: maeve
Date: 16 Sep 08 - 04:06 PM

To return to the point under consideration one must first bisect the angle. Having done so, one returns to:

Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: kendall
Date: 16 Sep 08 - 04:19 PM

Are we there yet?

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: SINSULL
Date: 16 Sep 08 - 04:25 PM

Yes - Corner of Daniel and Water Street, I think.

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: ClaireBear
Date: 16 Sep 08 - 04:38 PM

and this is the highlight of our day...

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Sep 08 - 09:27 AM

Silliness aside, this is a wonderful line up:
John Roberts
Bob Webb
Emery Hutchins
Jerry Bryant
Finn & Haddie
Three Sheets to the Wind
Ken Sweeney
Liam Robinson
Linn Noel
Kendall Morse
Andrew McKay and Carole Etherton
Tom Hall and Linn Schulz
Mudhook
Great Bay Sailor
Jerry Bryant
Marc Bernier

and a schedule that makes you wish you could be in two places at once.

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: curmudgeon
Date: 18 Sep 08 - 09:31 AM

The new and improved schedule grid with updated locations should be up on the website sometime this evening - Tom

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Sep 08 - 10:25 AM

Ah, Sinsull, Water Street is the OLD name of Marcy St. -- renamed when they "cleaned up" the Piscataqua-side neighborhood that was home to the Gloucester House among other establishments that was home to entrepreneurial women such as Mary Baker of Carole Etherton's song fame.

The Press Room is sort of on the corner of Daniel St. and Penhallow St. The Warner House is on the corner of Daniel St. and Chapel St. Marcy St., formerly Water St., is on the other side of State St.

And it is an incredible line-up. On Sunday listeners can probably hear everyone just by staying in one or two places while performers rotate between venues. I'm just about to finish the revised schedule which I will send to Babs today to post to the website --

http://www.newenglandfolknetwork.org/pmff/

or hit Curmudgeon's blue clicky at the top of this thread.

Linn

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: SussexCarole
Date: 18 Sep 08 - 03:40 PM

Yipppeeee .....Not long now. We're both really looking forward to seeing you all in Portsmouth.

Getting the packing done now...cockles/laverbread/beer hmmm what have we forgotten?

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Sep 08 - 03:59 PM

Cockles????? Leave those with Linn. She eats weird food. I don't even want it in my refrigerator.

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: SussexCarole
Date: 18 Sep 08 - 04:02 PM

No sense of adventure eh Sins? No cockles for you then but I'm sure we'll find something else to grace the shelves of your fridge that's equally appropriate

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: jacqui.c
Date: 18 Sep 08 - 05:22 PM

Cockles pleeeeeaaasse!

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Sep 08 - 06:36 PM

Oooooo! Cockles! I'll take Sinsull's share!

Nothing "weird" about cockles; we just don't grow 'em locally. (And, alas, I haven't even had periwinkle fritters for many many years.)

Linn

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: GUEST,Peadar (formerly) of Portsmouth
Date: 19 Sep 08 - 11:59 AM

Ugh...tried posting this multiple times...is there a limit to blue clickies?

Anyway...at the risk of interrupting this FASCINATING cockles discussion, I thought I'd mention that the word is getting out about the festival…

You remember…
The maritime festival…
The topic before this thread drift. ;-)

Fosters Daily Democrat

Portsmouth Herald

And, for the record, if I have "Molly Malone" stuck in my head all day because of your stinkin' cockles, there'll be hell to pay a tonight's session!

Hugs all,

Peter

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: GUEST,Peadar (formerly) of Portsmouth
Date: 19 Sep 08 - 12:05 PM

Also, Mudhook will be performing live on UNH Radio this Sunday, 9/21 at 10AM to promote the festival. Listen on 91.3FM locally, or online at UNH Radio

Cheers,

Peter

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: Charley Noble
Date: 19 Sep 08 - 12:33 PM

Excellent publicity!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 19 Sep 08 - 01:06 PM

As the festival draws nearer, it becomes clearer why I choose to not make plans very far into the future. It'll be easiest if I come up Sunday Morning, as I'm only scheduled to perform on Sunday. However, the commitment I had for Monday AM is no longer, so if there is a post festival soirée, I like to be available for that. Any chance anyone might have some floor space on Sunday night?

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: SINSULL
Date: 19 Sep 08 - 01:10 PM

I do Mark. If you don't mind the drive up to Sout Portland.


Meantime, The Schedule:
http://www.newenglandfolknetwork.org/pmff/PMFF_Schedule_2008.pdf

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 19 Sep 08 - 03:03 PM

Thank you Sinsull. If I stay and party, I'll probably not want to drive. If I maintain Sobriety so as to be able to Drive, I may drive home when the time comes. As of right now I gonna plan on partying if there is one.

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: Jeri
Date: 19 Sep 08 - 03:10 PM

The party's usually Saturday night. Sunday, folk finish up, eat dinner and bugger off home.

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 19 Sep 08 - 04:51 PM

Thank you Jeri, for the info. I may plan on that.

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 19 Sep 08 - 09:18 PM

Marc, there are several options for a real bed, not a floor, in reasonably close proximity to Saturday night's party. Tom will be in touch. We'd love to see you on Saturday!

Linn

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: GUEST,Uncle Jaque
Date: 19 Sep 08 - 09:51 PM

Gosh, I miss you folks!

Been a while, hasn't it?

The local Museum has asked me to do a gig for our upcoming "Apple Festival" here in Monmouth (we moved up here from Yarmouth a couple of years ago) on the 27th, featuring music of the 19th Century. I'll try to work a few chantys in there in honor of the occasion.

They want me to appear in full Civil War Infantry regalia as we have in the past - apparently the folks get a kick out of that and it's become a bit of a tradition as another reenactor did it before I got here. Unfortunately he got cancer about a year ago and was taken, so I guess I got drafted to fill in.

Sunday following I've committed to helping out at our Sporting Club's "Field Day" public open-house. Big weekend!

Do you know of any folkies or small amature groups up this way - sort of between Lewiston and Augusta - who might be open to session or jam on occasion? I'm getting really rusty and want to get back into it.

Have a ball one and all at Portsmouth!

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: Barry Finn
Date: 19 Sep 08 - 11:04 PM

Hey Marc,
There's a couch at my house with your name on it, if you'd like.
I'm on the closer side of Portsmouth to you than you'd be to those Main-e-axes, there an hour north of the Port. Why don't you come up here Saturday am. Leave your car here & ride to the fest with Neil & me. I don't drink (only water or soda) so I'm the DD. After the party (cause we stay up late) I drive back. On Sunday you can either ride back to Portsmouth (50 minutes) with us leaving your car at my house again or drive your car to Portsmouth if you want to head straight home from the fest, either way that couch is either gonna have you on it or the dog. You don't have to sleep with the dog, if the couch is taken she won't get on it & better yet, you don't have to sleep with Neil, he has his own couch.

Barry

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: Barry Finn
Date: 19 Sep 08 - 11:08 PM

Hi Jaque
So that's where you've been hiding, been missing ya.
Next yr make a plan for coming.
There is something going on around the Camden area but I don't know much about it, maybe Charlie has more info, good luck, come south some time to say hi, we meet at the Press Room every 3rd Saturday of the month.

Barry

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Sep 08 - 11:46 PM

Well Ahoy there Barry - our "Vocal Artillery" of the group!
I hope and trust that you are still belting them out as always!

How I miss those Chanty hoots at Bunker's place; fond memories indeed!

"Domestic Management" was never all that enthusiastic about the drive down to Portsmouth and back at night even when we lived in Yarmouth, trying to find a parking place and all. She seems to have a certain aversion to that town for some reason.

If the gas prices don't go way back up I would be tempted to make the trip solo some time - might have to crash somewhere down there as I don't like to drive late at night any more.

Now that I've turned 60 last month, I sort of have an excuse for the way I've always been! {8^{D~

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: jacqui.c
Date: 20 Sep 08 - 09:24 AM

Kendall's just now talking on air to John Mcdonald about the festival. Unfortunately it isn't streamed.

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: Charley Noble
Date: 20 Sep 08 - 09:45 AM

Uncle Jaque-

Long time, no see. Glad to hear you still walk this earth.

I'm not familiar with a traditional style session anywhere in the greater Augusta area. There are singer-songwriters that gather there but that's not the same thing as old-timey stuff. And the blue-grass folks may not be any closer to what you'd like to do.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: Barry Finn
Date: 21 Sep 08 - 12:55 PM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: SINSULL
Date: 21 Sep 08 - 02:10 PM

I have a little album for wishes of better times and health to Theresa Tooley. Look me up at the festival to add your thoughts. If you would like to include a card or picture, i can tuck it in the book.
Mary

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: SINSULL
Date: 21 Sep 08 - 10:40 PM

Counting down. Carole and Andrew arrive on Wednesday. Friday begins the festivities. Who's in?????? Anyone need a bed in MAine? I will be driving Friday, Saturday and Sunday and will be Designated Driver...DAMN!

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: maeve
Date: 22 Sep 08 - 05:28 AM

Another case of "I wish I could be there", Sinsull. I get awfully tired of writing that. Have fun.

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: GUEST,Peadar (formerly) of Portsmouth
Date: 22 Sep 08 - 07:40 AM

Hey all,

If you're interested in listening to the interview and performance on UNH Radio, you can hear it here:

The Folk Show on UNH Radio (9/21/08)

Our interview started around the 36 minute mark of the first hour and continues into the second hour.

Tom has already assured me/threatened that he's going to correct my historical inaccuracies...so no need to list them here. ;-)

Peter

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: GUEST,Peadar (formerly) of Portsmouth
Date: 22 Sep 08 - 08:03 AM

Also, please note that the program featuring the maritime festival interview will only be available online for one week...so it will not be available as of Sunday, 9/28.

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 22 Sep 08 - 05:56 PM

ClaireBear arrives in New Hampshire on Thursday a.m.

Linn

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: ClaireBear
Date: 22 Sep 08 - 08:03 PM

And ClaireBear can hardly "bear" the excitement. I am counting the seconds!

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Sep 08 - 10:34 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Sep 08 - 08:38 AM

Carole and Andrew are on their way. Chilling the wine and getting in some evening snacks and breakfast pastries.

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: ClaireBear
Date: 24 Sep 08 - 01:18 PM

Logging off now and shutting down the computer for two weeks -- see you in Portsmouth!

Claire

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: GUEST,Pamela from Ithaca
Date: 24 Sep 08 - 10:45 PM

Hi All,

I wish I could be in two places at once.
I wish that gas wasn't over $3 a gallon (at least it's under $4 a gal!)
Mostly, I wish that I could transport myself there for
the singing all weekend. If you hear a little extra harmony
in the back corners of the room... that's me in spirit.

Have a great fest.
I hope the weather's better there than they say it'll be here.

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Sep 08 - 11:11 PM

Carole and Andrew are tucked in for the night. I am about to go to bed. Counting down to Friday.
SINS

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: curmudgeon
Date: 25 Sep 08 - 03:47 PM

So far, all appears to be in readiness, except for the weather, which will not be sublime If there is rain on Saturday, the Warner House program will not happen as it is set for the garden.

If there is steady rain on Sunday (only a possibility) the Market Square venue will move to RiverRun Books.

Keep your boots and oilskins handy. See you this weekend - Tom

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: GUEST,Peadar (formerly) of Portsmouth
Date: 25 Sep 08 - 04:06 PM

Correction to last Tom's post:

In the event of rain, The Warner House program will be held at Portsmouth's new Discovery Center.

Same time: Sat. 12-2PM

The Discovery Center is the old public library located at the corner of Middle and Islington Streets. There is ample parking across the street, and it is an ever-so-brief walk from Market Square.

See ya all this weekend.

Peter

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: curmudgeon
Date: 25 Sep 08 - 04:11 PM

Thanks Peter. I will be getting a new email provider - Tom

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: Charley Noble
Date: 25 Sep 08 - 05:48 PM

We all get by with a little help from our friends.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: Charley Noble
Date: 26 Sep 08 - 04:30 PM

Al and Barbara Cuinen are already in Portsmouth and heading for the Press Room for the regular Friday session. Judy and I need to put our boat in for the winter tomorrow morning. So we probably won't make it to Portsmouth before 3 pm.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: adventure
Date: 26 Sep 08 - 04:53 PM

So where is that Spooner guy....Hey Rain?????

Foul weather gear is on the horizon at least for Saturday.

Soon.

Doryman and his mate

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: Siochain
Date: 26 Sep 08 - 06:23 PM

Is the box players' event still on? If so, where and when. I'm working on my "Whiskey", WITH whiskey, of course!

Siochain (of Gloucester)

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: maeve
Date: 26 Sep 08 - 06:50 PM

Thinking of you all and hoping the weather pales in comparison to the music and the participants.

So sorry to miss meeting Carole and Andrew and Claire.

Have a wonderful time!

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: Barry Finn
Date: 26 Sep 08 - 11:37 PM

Hi Siochain
The concertina jam, that was to be held at the Warner House will be at the Discovery Center instead due to rain (see above post about the DC from Peadar). The time is listed 12:00 noon till???

The Friday night session was packed & wonderful, very heavy on the singing side rater than the instrumental side due to the incrudable number of fantastic singers that kept coming out of the woodwork, both locals & many from afar. A few from San Francisco Chris (who's a lovely singer & now a NH resident & mudcatter Claire who I haven't seen or heard from in ages, accompanying her really wonderful voice on what I think's a 3 string dulcimer-played like a guitar??), Carole & Andrew from Wales (who did a great job singing together with Andrews duet concertina accompanyment to songs that sounded traditional but were penned by him), Liam from England (what a great concertina & accordian player & singer), Maggie (ex-Johnson Girl) along with her guitar playing canal song singing husband Mark (they both did canal songs) from Conn., Al & Barbara were there but I didn't arrive early enough to hear them sing(sigh), Paul from up state NY, NH Farmer Jane who knocks folks out when she sings but doesn't get to the Press Room nearly/hardly enough, I think this was only, my singing partner, Neil's 2nd time to the PR, central/western Mass is a ways away & April who's, I believe's also from western Mass along with her family. Many of the usualls were there but you all probably know that & who already. Though the session's not an official part of the festival it certinally proved to be what was a wonderful kick-off to what's already now a great start to a very inspiring musicial weekend of maritime music.

See you all there

Barry

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: SussexCarole
Date: 27 Sep 08 - 07:19 AM

Wow what a night that was! The Press Room is every bit as brilliant as we'd been told. Wonderful singing and music and great to see so many 'old' friends again and to meet up with new folks. If last night's sing sets the tone for the festival it's going to be one heck of a weekend.

Carole

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: Jeri
Date: 27 Sep 08 - 08:41 AM

Siochain, the Warner House events are moved to the Discovery Center, corner of Islington and Middle Street. Daniel St turns into Congress which turns into Islington at the Middle St intersection. Looks about 4 blocks west of Market Square.

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: SINSULL
Date: 27 Sep 08 - 08:54 AM

West???? Sigh

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fes
From: curmudgeon
Date: 27 Sep 08 - 09:00 AM

Mary - Daniel St., where the Press Room is, is one way, as is Congress Street which it becomes. When you see cars coming in the other direction, you're there. Check the website for more help - Tom

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: Siochain
Date: 27 Sep 08 - 09:05 AM

Thanks for the directions, Jeri. Unfortunately, there's not much movement in my household at the moment, so a 12:00 Portsmouth arrival is looking dubious. We'll be at the Press Room, though.

Siochain

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: Jeri
Date: 27 Sep 08 - 09:25 AM

There's a stop light.

Siochain, get the button box out and play Scotland the Brave! It's only almost 9:30--lots of time!

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: Jeri
Date: 27 Sep 08 - 09:28 AM

Oh yeah: Mary, four blocks east, and you'd better be wearing a wet suit--that water's COLD.

Subject: RE: Mudcatters @ Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest
From: kendall
Date: 27 Sep 08 - 09:41 AM

I just hope the rain doesn't keep everyone home.

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