Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Busy Lizzy
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 04:21 PM

To say I am both shocked and saddened by this news is an understatement. I popped onto Mudcat this evening to say hello and start a chat about something else and read this awful news.

I am sure I speak on behalf of all of us (including Mr Happy who writes above) who were at Anglesey for the BUll Bay Music Festival this summer, it was a REAL priviledge to have met Barry - a truly likable and knowledgable man who wholeheartedly joined in our little festival and made himself really at home with us.

If any of Barry's family read this, we want you to know we are proud to have met him and it is with much sadness we send you our condolences.

Liz Rosenfield and Ian Murfitt and all the family here in Cheshire, England.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: alanabit
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 03:55 PM

Like many others, I only knew him from here. I can only add that I am one of many who will miss this direct and likeable man.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: SINSULL
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 03:32 PM

Fatima:
http://www.wincingdevil.com/FSGWGetaway08/081004_204918.html

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Skivee
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 03:15 PM

What sad news.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 03:01 PM

"Barry was in San Francisco for awhile many years ago, back when I was singing with my former group Out of the Rain. Barry learned a shanty from us that he really loved - the river shanty version of "One More Day". Now I'll always think of Barry when I sing this. It's traditionally sung much slower than the deep water version:"




I have that playing on my page at the moment, radriano...it's on Barry and Neil's Myspace..

Finn & Haddie Myspace

This is a beautiful thread...and one he richly deserves. I hope it brings some comfort to Barry's family to see how many people cared so deeply about him.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 02:31 PM

I think I have photos. We'll check later. Or search the thread from last year? Those eyes behind the veil, then the giggle. Oh Lord.

Dani

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: radriano
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 02:26 PM

It was a shock to hear of Barry's death.

Barry was in San Francisco for awhile many years ago, back when I was singing with my former group Out of the Rain. Barry learned a shanty from us that he really loved - the river shanty version of "One More Day". Now I'll always think of Barry when I sing this. It's traditionally sung much slower than the deep water version:

ONE MORE DAY
river shanty

Oh, row me 'cross the river, I heard a maiden say
Oh, row me to my lover
One more day

One more day, my Johnny, one more day
Oh, rock and row me over
One more day

I'm almost brokenhearted, he can no longer stay
Once more we shall be parted
One more day

I've seen the seabirds flying, ashore from o'er the bay
I felt they all were crying
One more day

For seabirds get the warning, which one and all obey
The tempest loud is storming
One more day

Oh, do not fear, my beauty, the call I must obey
But love gives place to duty
One more day

Oh, heave and sight the anchor, we sail out from the bay
Oh, heave and sight the anchor
One more day

O'er many seas I'll roam, love, ere I return to stay
To stay with thee at home, love
One more day

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: jacqui.c
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 02:20 PM

That was what we ended up calling Barry when he dressed up for the Mummer's play - check my post at 10:01 AM today. Trust me, once seen, never forgotten.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: RiGGy
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 02:16 PM

Please, pray tell, WHAT is "Fatima's giggle" ?
Google only gets me back to THIS thread . . .

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: SINSULL
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 02:10 PM

Fatima's falsetto was more than I could take. Diaphanous, indeed. Hairy!

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: GUEST,Martin Ryan
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 01:51 PM

Very sad to hear of Barry's death...

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: GUEST,Jed on a borrowed PC
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 01:34 PM

What very sad news. I am so sorry to find this notice - and I'm so late to the news. I wishI could be there for the funeral and the goodbyes.

My most heartfelt conolences to his loved ones - and my thanks to the heavens for the opprtunity to have known him, even for just a little while.

Barry - thanks for your song, thanks for your story and now may you add another strong voice to the Angel Chorus!

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: ClaireBear
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 01:15 PM

Omigosh, yes! I'd forgotten that giggle!

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: jacqui.c
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 12:38 PM

LOL Dani. Thank you.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 12:20 PM

Lord, I love these stories. How nice for his family to have this.

I just spit my coffee out remembering Fatima's giggle.

Dani

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Dave Swan
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 12:18 PM

I found this thread yesterday and I'm still trying to get my head around it.

Several years ago at a singing session at my house Barry stood, jammed his hands in his pockets, threw back his head, and made the house ring. It was the first time I'd heard him live. Of course I was more than impressed. When he was finished Barry sat down as if what he had done was no big deal. He was the only one in the room who thought so.

On another visit out here I took Barry to the Thurday night chantey show at Quinn's Lighthouse pub. It's a regular performance of Skip Henderson and Starboard Watch with occasional guests. I asked Skip if he had a spot for a friend from out of town, which he graciously provided. During the second set Barry, the mild mannered out of towner, stood at our table and let go. Quinn's is usually pretty noisy and people seated at the bar normally shout over the music. Barry wasn't far into his song when the place fell quiet. He had the room to himself and made the best of it. The place went crazy when Barry finished. He acknowledged the applause with a little shrug and sat down, again as if nothing wonderful had just poured out of him.

Talent, warmth and style.

Like the rest of us, I'll miss him.

Warmest condolences to Justine, Natalie and Gabriel.

D

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: RiGGy
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 12:06 PM

I knew Barry pretty well. We first met in the late '70s when we were both part of the Boston Irish scene centering on the Village Coach House in Brookline Village. He became my first concertina student and I his chantey understudy. When my painful breakup with an ex became too much he convinced me to pack it in for Boston and try San Francisco.

He'd lived out here for a while after sailing in from Hawaii. We packed up the car in Nov '81 and kept the snowflakes in the rear view mirror. Sang in 2-part harmony in every college town coffee house during a very relaxed, slow trip cross-country. Arriving on Thanksgiving, we had our dinner at a Zen Center across from the Plough and Stars. Found an apt in a fancy part of town near the Hyde Street Pier and Paul's Saloon and made the best of it.

Got the brilliant idea of hauling out our Cruel Ship's Captain type of songs and singing on the streets in those thriving, pre-AIDS, S&M neighborhoods in the South-of-Market and Castro. We were inseparable, and some folks thought we were an item. Justine and her sisters were lived here, and when Barry sidled up to her, she thought it he was joking.   

His roofing gig was really problematic for him and his East Coast mouth got him in trouble and the union black-balled him. He struck back with a law suit he won, and with it moved back east and bought the historic Derry house with the winnings [ please correct any of this if "kinder memory is fooling me"... ].

I later married Mary and got her deaf son, Paul, in the bargain. He and Barry got along really well, When Barry's son also had a "disability" we had a big thing we shared, and I so resonated with the song mentioned above.   

Got a nice visit last year with Barry and his daughter to my ranch, and as you all know with Barry, it was like we'd never parted. An immediate, what-you-see-is-what-you-get guy every day and every time. Sorely missed ......

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: irishenglish
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 11:43 AM

R.I.P. Barry

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: SINSULL
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 11:25 AM

"or bowsed on a lee forebrace off the Horn"
Actually, I think he may have. Barry led a very colorful existence pre-Justine. I hope Micca can remember some of the sailing tales Barry told on the infamous drive/lurch back from the Getaway.
Barry never said an unkind word about anybody. He loved life, his family, his music, his friends.
For all his roughness he was a gentle soul.
Damn! It is hard to lose him.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: JWB
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 11:07 AM

Barry was a true folk singer: unschooled, unique, passionate, talented and genuine. He may not have done hard time flat-weeding at Parchman Farm, or bowsed on a lee forebrace off the Horn, but the way he sang made you think he had. And his repertoire! My God, he had an ear for the back-of-the-drawer kind of songs, ones that 99 out of a hundred singers would pass by. He would take them and find the soul of them, and share them with us and we were amazed. I think he's the person I've asked more than any other, "Where ever did you find that song?"

He and Neil invited me to be part of Finn and Haddie some years back, and during the year I was able to participate I received an invaluable education from Barry in how to put across a ballad. He could captivate an audience with a long slow song that, in the mouths of most singers, wouldn't hold attention past the third verse. It was his energy, his belief in the song, and most of all his voice: rust on silver, with a chanteyman's stridency and the warmth of crooner, all at once.

I don't want to have to say goodbye. I need to belt out "Trinidad to Venezuela!" with him again. I didn't get the "The Old Brig" from him yet. I didn't tell him what a treasure he is, or thank him for all the times he surprised, moved and delighted me. Now it's too #!@>ing late!

A sailor stood at the pearly gates,
His face was scarred and old.
He stood before the man of fate
For admission to the fold.

"And what have you done?" Saint Peter said,
"To gain admission here?"
"Oh, I've been sailor, sir," he said,
"For many and manys a year."

The pearly gates swung open wide
As Saint Peter struck the bell.
"Come on inside and choose your harp –
"You've served your time in hell."

Jerry

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 11:00 AM

For those who can access facebook, there is a really beautiful picture of Barry and Justine. Maybe someone who knows them better could ask permission to copy and paste it elsewhere where everyone could see it.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: maeve
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 10:37 AM

Barry was kind to me when we both appeared in the Maritime Folk Music Festival at Spring Point last year. I was so afraid I'd forget the words to the songs in my little set, and he encouraged me to just sing out, then told me I did a good job. It was a bonus to exchange some songs and conversation later that day at Sinsull's house. Just a few days ago I sent a PM telling him how much I looked forward to hearing his songs again.

I loved his singing, but was most impressed by his devotion to his family. He was so happy to have made a garden for them this summer, and was unencumbered by ego in seeking the best approach to garden challenges he encountered.

It would be an honor to meet Justine, Natalie, and Gabriel. Your husband- your father- loved you. Thank you all for sharing him with so many of us.

maeve

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Severn
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 10:22 AM

Devastating news.I've greatly admired his singing since I first heard him sing "Won't You Help Me To Raise 'Em Boys" years ago at a Getaway, and looked forward to hearing him sing there at every chance I got in succeeding years. Always one of the major highlights among a those in a weekend always jam packed with them. I didn't know him well, alas, but was always in complete awe of him. A huge loss to the folk community and I'll mourn as an individual still learning how to sing to whom in both performance and choice he set a standard to aim for.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: catspaw49
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 10:04 AM

When I posted before when Barry had just entered the hospital, I jokingly said he was "experienced" and knew what to do to get well.

Barry, I wish you'd taken my advice.

Back in '98 when I arrived here, Barry was one of the exchanges I remember first. I agreed with his antipathy toward RUS but in his case, I don't think that was the right word. No, for Barry RUS was more like a "stomp it in the mud, rip it to shreds, burn the remains, and bury the ashes in a tar pit, hatred" than antipathy. Like many other issues, he made clear where he stood and it was not straddling a rail.

I think many of us felt a love and kinship for Barry Finn and I always felt a bond based on some similarities more than RUS.....We were close in age and were paying later in life for the "sins" of our earlier one. Somewhere along the line, 23 years ago, we both married unbelievable women who were also our best friends and had some really special kids......LOL......and a Weimaraner. Yesterday was Karen and my 23rd anniversary and we spent it with me in the hospital getting checked out once again. As we waited for testing and test results, we talked about Barry and Justine.....two people we had never met in 3D but nevertheless felt the friendship which Mudcat had given us. On a lighter note, I told Karen not to let me order any ice chips as I didn't like what they did to Barry!

On occasion I have used the old line, "If I'd known I was going to live this long, I'd have treated myself better." And while, like Barry, I too would give about anything for more time with my family, who we were in our earlier days also was a significant part of who we became. Maybe if we'd had some kind of Crystal Ball and could have seen ahead to our great fortune in finding the wonderful women we did..............but there is only what is and what should be never existed.

To Justine, Natalie, and Gabriel. you have the warmest thoughts and most heartfelt sympathies from Karen, Tristan, Michael, and myself. I know that time does heal, but it never quite heals enough. Perhaps that's the right way of things..........I dunno'...........But I also know his memory will fill your heart and be passed along to others. That's what real immortality is.

We will all miss you Barry for hundreds of reasons.......Thanks for being here, for sharing so much, so freely, and so well with us, and most of all..........For being the man you were.

   
Pat

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: jacqui.c
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 10:01 AM

At last year's Getaway I asked Barry to take part in the Mummer's play, as the Egyptian Princess. I told him that all he had to do was to stand there looking diaphanous. Once he knew what that meant he was quite happy, particularly as he didn't have a speaking part.

We really dressed him up like a Christmas tree. You can see what he looked like here. He went along with all of it and even put in a few of his own ad libs during the performance. I loved him for that.

I was at the Scarborough (UK) Seafest this year and Barry and Ken really were the hit of the weekend. wherever I went people had nothing but good things to say about them and they just seemed to be having the best time.

Barry died way too soon for all of us but he went out on a real high. He really was a man who knew how to live life and to love every person and every minute of it. I am so glad to have known him.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Big Mick
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 09:54 AM

I remember well the session at the Getaway that Bill and Rita refer to. A great moment and a treasured memory. When I pulled into Prince Willian for my first Getaway, in the middle of the night, rain coming down, not a light anywhere, this wee man appears out of the mist, and sez something to the effect of, "It's about time you got here, ya big lug, where ya been? I'm Barry". Thus started an immediate connection, kindred souls had met once more. Here is what I wrote about that on Facebook while the Cat was down:


I have walked a long and winding path, and I have met many great characters on that journey. In all those travels, across this land and others, there have been those rare few folks that immediately made a mark on me, and planted themselves firmly in my heart and my affections. Barry is one of those. I believe it is akin to two old souls crossing paths once more, in the eternal trek. He was irreverent, caring, talented, larger than life, and loving. He had been damaged by his life and healed stronger than before. His love of his family is legendary, and his love of his friends ran a close second, with music solidly in the third spot. It is good to have been part of your circle, old friend. See you when next our paths cross. Love, Mick


It is good Mudcat is back up. This place, after all, is the place that connected most of the names you see posting these wonderful rememberances. It is our community, my friends, please remember that. It is the source of great love and affection for us all from disparate parts of the world. Barry's life was greatly enriched by those he met here, and my life was enriched by knowing him from here. We must guard this precious thing.

I will miss you, lad, until I see you again.

Mick

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Azizi
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 09:50 AM

Barry made the world a better place.

Thank you.

My heart felt condolences to his family.

Azizi

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Becca72
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 09:46 AM

Just seeing this now after being offline all weekend. I'm absolutely shocked. I only met Barry a few times at Mary's and Spring Point last year, but enjoyed his company and sense of humor.

RIP Barry

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: JoeSimes
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 09:40 AM

Thanks Mark for the stories!

I've only known Barry for a few years from the Press Room. Earlier this year he decided we should learn a song together. We both like Admiral Benbow by June Tabor/Martin Simpson. So he says to me "You learn the guitar parts and I'll get the words down". I didn't tell him I already knew the guitar parts.

A few weeks ago he says to me at the Press Room. "So where's your guitar?" I said to him I was too busy with work and stuff to think about doing anything.

He said "It's just as well I don't know the $#&*^!% words!" :)

You'll be missed buddy!!

Joe

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Uncle Phil
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 09:23 AM

Sad news. Please add my condolences to Barry's family and friends. One measure of a man is what others say about him. This thread is a great testament to Barry.
- Phil

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: GUEST,John from "Elsie`s Band"
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 07:04 AM

To Barry`s family and all who knew him, please accept our deepest condolences. This year at Mystic there was not an outward hint of any underlying problems. We are so glad friends in Britain got to see him this year.
Rest in Peace.
John

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Dave Roberts
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 07:01 AM

Like Mr H, I met Barry only once, at the Bull Bay Festival at the start of August. He was wonderful.
Sincere condolences to family and friends.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: SussexCarole
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 06:35 AM

We are both devasted by this news.   We've shared many wonderful times and songs with Barry on both sides of the pond and we have so many memories especially from this summer when Barry stayed with us on his UK trip. Barry was such a special person

Our love and thoughts are with you Justine and all your family and to all Barry's friends who are sharing this tragic loss

Carole & Andrew

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 06:19 AM

I can't hope to match the quality of the tributes above from people who knew Barry in the flesh, but I was stunned when I heard the news from katlaughing on Sunday. Although I only knew Barry from postings by and about him on the 'Cat I feel yet another good friend has gone. Condolences to his family. Glad his music will live on.

RtS

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 05:41 AM

I never did, but Barry was on my long list of people I would like to have met. Missed him in the UK this year because of festival commitments elsewhere. God's speed Mr Finn.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: GUEST,Skipper Jack
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 04:59 AM

I was shocked to learn of Barry's passing.

On behalf of Baggyrinkle of Swansea, Wales, UK we send our deepest sympathy to his family.

We met Barry at Mystic in 2002.

RIP.

Dave Robinson
pp Baggyrinkle (Swansea Shantymen)

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Sailor Ron
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 04:51 AM

So sorry to hear this sad news. I never met Barry, I missed him when he was over here a few mths ago, buthave 'talked' to him on Mud Cat.
My thoughts & prayers are with his family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Mr Happy
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 04:48 AM

So sorry to hear sad news.

I'd met Barry just briefly this year at the Bull Bay fest in Anglesey, North Wales, when he was staying in uk with Andrew [Crane Driver] & enjoyed his fine renditions of shanties & trad British songs.

He was a little miffed with the large quantity of American material being performed by others, & I recall him remarking something like 'I've come all the way to Britain from the 'states & you're all doing American songs!!'

However, he did hear some British stuff from us as well.

I'm very glad he was able to make it over here & experience a good time on his holiday, travelling all over.

Guess he's now on another plane, entertaining folk in the afterlife!!

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: stallion
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 04:17 AM

Jo, my wife, just came across the enormous pot, endless pot, of maple syrup barry gave us.............little bits are still around us. For a moment, in the cafe overlooking the harbour in scarborough, Barry and i connected through an experience of the past that we had both been through, no words could describe nor were needed, we just gazed at the boats in the harbour and I thought thank f*** i made it to be here and i think he maybe thought the same. Sorry to ramble on, I am in a bit of a state.
Pete

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 04:13 AM

I have just realised with a shock that it is over ten years since I met Barry, at the singaround he used to host in Boston. Since then I have always looked forward to seeing and hearing him again one day, and it is an even greater shock to realise that now that day will never come.

R.I.P Barry, you were one of the good guys.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Spleen Cringe
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 04:11 AM

So sorry to hear this. Never met Barry, but enjoyed his posts here and the Youtube clips.

My condolences to his family and friends.

Nigel

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 03:35 AM

Heard the news via facebook and was shocked.

I met Barry atthe Getaway in 2005. He was a lovely man with a fantastic voice. A genuine soul.

Khatt

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 01:10 AM

The Banks of the Callow

Amos made this video just two weeks ago. A stunning performance by Barry Finn at the 2009 Getaway.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: open mike
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 12:09 AM

Will someone please tell me if there is a connection?
I happened to open a message tonight with a tune written in it:
X: 1
T: Barry Finn
M: 6/8
L: 1/8
R: jig
K: Gmaj
|:D3 FED|FAA A2 B|c3 BAG|EDC EGE|
D3 FED|FAA EGG|EDC A,B,C|D3 A3:|
|:d2 e d2 c|ABc EFG|ABc EFG|A3 A2G|
FED EGG|CEE G2A| EDC A,B,C|D3 D2 A:|

this was the web site:
http://www.thesession.org/tunes/display.php/9970

tune: Barry Finn, jig

Key signature: Gmajor

Submitted on October 17th 2009 by seinnteoir.

Is the person seinnteoir a mudcat? is this tune about "our" Barry?

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Genie
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 11:51 PM

Wonderful picture of Barry here!
This is the pic that was used for the prayer card at Barry's wake today.

Genie

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 11:45 PM

God, this is sad news.
Thank you, Barry for sharing your gift with us all, and rest in peace.

My sincere condolences to his family.

Seamus

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Neil D
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 11:41 PM

Mudcat has lost a brilliant voice. Whether it was singing an old prison song or passionately speaking his mind in a Mudcat thread, it was magnificent. I didn't know him personally but I'll miss him that way.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Genie
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 11:32 PM

I too have had a terribly strong feeling of loss since Joe emailed me the news of Barry's death. Somehow I felt this loss, viscerally, even more than I have felt at the death of people I've known much better.

I can't actually say I "knew" Barry - except for occasional online exchanges in Mudcat threads and, finally, being in the same room with him at the 2008 Getaway and getting to hear him several times and record videos of 3 of his songs. But, of course, his was a presence that had a powerful impact. Not just the voice, but the wonderful warmth, wit, and energy that emanate from this man.

The first time I hear him was when he and Ken Schatz were doing some spontaneous singing in the room where the auction items were at last year's Getaway. Jaw-dropping singing, to say the least.   Next day I learned who these two were. And then Barry dropped in about 4 or 5 AM in the Peace Cabin on Sunday AM -- just as we 'residents' were about to finally hit the sack.   Couldn't do that, of course, with Big Mick playing bodhran while Barry belted out "Salonika"and "Woolloomooroo Lair" "now, could we? *g*

Then on Sunday night Barry sang his own sardonic "Guantanamo Bay"" at the Sunday night concert.

I was so fortunate to be able to capture those 3 on video and, as I realize now, even more fortunate that the Barry Finn videos were not among the casualties of my hard drive crash earlier this year.   And Barry had added those 3 to his own, recently inaugurated YouTube channel: "MrBarryFinn"

I was sad to have to miss this year's Getaway and looked forward to hearing Barry again next year and maybe having the chance to get to know him a little better. So sorry that won't happen now.   But I do so value the contribution Barry has made to Mudcat and to the folk community.   
And, yes, that heavenly "choir"/"jam band" will now have another angelic voice. But that choir is growing too big, too fast to suit me.   (Bobert, it's looking like your Blues Band (w Floozies) workshop is gonna have strong competition again next year. This has got to stop.)

My condolences to Justine and the rest of the family.

Genie

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Ferrara
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 11:14 PM

MRyer, thank you for those reminiscences, especially the story of the Polish tall ship! I can just see Barry communicating with those guys. And the story about his song sheets. Rabbi-Sol, I hope you will be able to do your Barry Finn Memorial Tribute concert. That is so right.

Subject: RE: Obit: Barry Finn (16 Oct 2009)
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 18 Oct 09 - 10:58 PM

I personally feel a very profound loss. When we held the Mystic Sea Music Festival Fundraiser at The Borderline last April Barry was the first to volunteer his services, driving 6 hours each way from NH to perform gratis. While we were in the planning stage Barry would PM me at least 3 times a week for an update and to ask me what else he could do to be of assistance. At the fundraiser itself, Barry's performance was memorable. He also joined in on stage with many of the other performers in the choruses and to do background vocals.

I last spoke with Barry at the Mystic Festival itself on Sunday. He was standing near the boat shed at Lighthouse Point during the final concert. He asked me when I was going to book him for a paid gig at The Borderline and knowing my requirements in advance he handed me his latest CD to take to our booking committee. This past Thursday night we were working on our schedule for 2010 and we tentatively penciled Barry's name in for our March 7th show. I was going to get word to him on Friday morning or as soon as I could reach him. However, when I booted up my my computer on Friday morning I received the shocking news of his passing and I felt as if I had lost a family member. It affected me the entire weekend.

I communicated with CeltAddict last night via Facebook and suggested that we might fill that date with a Barry Finn Memorial Tribute concert. She thought it was a great idea and was going to contact some musicians from Mystic to see who might want to participate and would get back to me later this week. At the time Mudcat was down and we did not know when it would be back on line. Now that it is back up and running I expect to hear from her soon.

SOL