Roger in BAltimore

Subject: Roger in Baltimore
From: BFP
Date: 29 May 99 - 04:50 PM

Roger: I keep seeing your name on the threads I read and enjoy your comments. I also live near/in Baltimore and I play a mountain dulcimer. I like playing old time tunes and would love to connect with a group of like souls and get together for some jams. Can you help me out?

BFP

Subject: RE: Roger in BAltimore
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 29 May 99 - 05:43 PM

BFP,

Thanks for the compliments.

As I have 'fessed up in several threads, I don't really live in Baltimore, but rather in Westminster, Maryland in Carroll County. A group of friends get together about once a month and have a potluck supper and a sing. We welcome new members especially singers and players of instruments. Our music tastes cover a wide range so the musical selections are diverse, but we sing all of it. We spend time with, but are not limited to, Rise Up Singing (and, yes, I know many of you think it stunts the group. Well, we've been stunted for 15 years, so there!).

Our next "do" is Saturday, June 5. It starts a little earlier than usual (around 2:00 PM) 'cause my youngest son is graduating from High School that night and my ex-wife who lives in Austin, Texas wants to visit with her friends from the Potluck Singing Society while she is in town.

If you are interested in this date or in the future (we con't break for the summer) post me an e-mail. I'm at [e-mail]. I will e-mail you back some phone numbers to contact myself and the host of the next sing.

I just checked the Baltimore Folk Music Society website. They used to have monthly sings, but I don't see those events on the schedule anywhere. You might try a contact person there and see if there are any.

And finally, to all you Country Western Comedians out there, I already know "all my ex's live in Texas."

Roger in Baltimore (but he's lying about that)

Subject: RE: Roger in BAltimore
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 29 May 99 - 08:38 PM

Hi Roger. Glad to see your name in lights. I've got a question that is perhaps monumental in it's stupidity - but that ain't stopped me before. Is the Carroll County you live in connected with any of the several "Carroll County" songs? "Carroll County Accident" and "Carroll County Blues" come to mind immediately. There are probably many Carroll Counties in various states, but I thought I'd ask. Who was "Carroll?"

Subject: RE: Roger in BAltimore
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 29 May 99 - 08:40 PM

Sorry, forgot to say:
thanks,
rick.
Momma raised me to be polite.

Subject: RE: Roger in BAltimore
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 29 May 99 - 10:21 PM

Sorry, Rick, this is not "that" Carroll County. This particular County is named after Charles Carroll of Carrollton, one of the rich guys in Maryland who signed the Declaration of Independence.

The Carroll County you hear about in all those country songs is most likely Carroll County in Tennessee as I recall.

Carroll County is most famous for having the first Rural Free Delivery mail route in the USA. It is also the location where Meade wanted to throw his defensive line when Lee invaded Pennsylvania. Instead, one of his units bumped into one of Lee's units at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Lee's men were just looking for shoes and they heard there were some to be had in Gettysburg. It's just not a famous place.

It was a little scary to see my name in a thread given how Catspaw got his started. Had to check my pulse before I logged onto the thread.

Big RiB

Subject: RE: Roger in BAltimore
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 30 May 99 - 07:49 AM

BFP,

Some other thoughts that come to mind. The Appalacian Bluegrass Shop has group classes in Appalacian lap dulcimer. They are usually taught by Christina Muir (daughter of Ann Muir of Bok, Trickett, and Muir fame). If I wasn't already attached, Christina could motivate me to learn to play dulcimer (see photo which doesn't do her justice).

Also, the Folklore Society of Greater Washington (Click here) has many singing events and are quite traditionally oriented. Some Mudcatters you are likely to meet there include Bill D., Ferrara, and Charlie Baum. Check out the Washington Folk Life Festival thread for a "free" event happening next weekend, June 5th and 6th, not far from where you live.

Just some ideas as I have not received any e-mail at [e-mail]. Besides, this puts "my thread" up top!

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Roger in BAltimore
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 30 May 99 - 12:22 PM

Sorry for continuing to extend your time in the sun Roger, but I've never gotten a chance to say publicly (sort of) how much I enjoy your postings. You have the ability to be both an "adrenalin pumper" AND a "calmer downer". Thanks.
I think "Roger in Baltimore" is too unwieldy (as well as untrue). "Roger in Carroll" would really give the wrong impression to new mudcatters. I like "Big Raj"! You know, to give Mick a run for his money!
rick

Subject: RE: Roger in BAltimore
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 30 May 99 - 12:42 PM

Rick,

Why thanks for the kind words, Rick.

I do agree with your concern about my signature, but you are late in giving me a new monicker. The inimitable Catspaw has dubbed me Big RiB and I have signed a number of posts that way and will probably continue to do so. I have especially used it when speaking to dedicated Mudcatters and saved "Roger in Baltimore" for newer folk.

I told Catspaw I like it, and he continues to refer to me that way (as you and anyone else is welcome to do). I see great potential. It would be a great blues nickname, you know, Roger "Big RiB" Himler has a certain ring to it (can't get past being a WASP, however). It relates to food, which is a true love of mine, and it has a little sexual double entendre if you get my drift. And, as you have suggested it gives Big Mick a run for his money. And of course, RiB is just short for Roger in Baltimore. Thanks for the interest, though.

Big RiB

Subject: RE: Roger in BAltimore
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 30 May 99 - 12:54 PM

Jeez Roger, don't give Catspaw any new ideas! Big RiB certainly works, but I don't want to see "paw" start signing himself as "Big" Anything! There ARE younger catters around here.
Speaking of "blues singing wasps": Years ago in Toronto there was a transplanted Brit named Nigel something. He used to do spot on John lee Hooker and Rev. Gary, guitar things...and then he'd open his mouth! Picture Queen Elizabeth singing Bessie Smith. I'm trying to write out an approximation, but it's impossible. sort of.."I have gahht my mayo-jao whurking....
rick

Subject: RE: Roger in BAltimore
From: Banjer
Date: 30 May 99 - 04:09 PM

Catspaw,? Oh you mean "Old Possum Butt Lips!"

Subject: RE: Roger in BAltimore
From: Bill D
Date: 30 May 99 - 06:19 PM

BFP...there is, in the Wash DC area, something called "The Dulcimer Dis-Organization"...largely centered around Keith Young and his group..(he makes dulcimers & autoharps..)..they have occcasional meetings..(weekend campouts, et.)...I'll see if I can dig up anything on them and post it...