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Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all
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Subject: Getaway: thank you all From: Dani Date: 10 Oct 99 - 10:16 PM Well, I've arrived safely home, tired and very, very happy. Later I'll have time to reflect on the weekend and share some memories, but I wanted to pass some thanks on. Max, you are the midwife who helped the mudcat, whatever it is, into being. It's a wonderful thing and I hope you are proud of what you've created. I think the FSGW was pleased to have us: one comment I heard from a non-mudcatter, "We didn't know what to expect, but there were NO DUDS among them!" Dick, Susan, and so many others up there who scattered the seeds that grew into this fabulous garden: thanks for everything, but especially the music. You're treasures. Charlie and all the other FSGW folks: I felt like a welcome guest at your party. Your enthusiasm and joy were infectious and I am grateful for your warm hospitality to this merry bunch of interlopers. More later. Y'all missed quite a party... and YOU were missed and thought of often. Dani |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: momnopp Date: 10 Oct 99 - 10:21 PM Hello. Just got back from the Getaway myself. This is the first time I've actually ever posted anything to Mudcat although I've had a login for over a year now. It was really great to have Mudcatters from far and wide to join in the fun we always have at the Getaway. For me and my 10-year-old son, Dylan, Getaway weekends are manna from heaven. Max, keep up the good work -- looking forward to seeing you in the Spring. JudyO (aka momnopp) |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Songster Bob Date: 11 Oct 99 - 01:09 AM Well, I wondered who was going to be the first to comment on the Getaway, and now I know. As an old-line FSGW'er, I've gotta say that the musical level was incredible this weekend, and the gemutlichkeit was even that much stronger/higher/more intense than the music. I've been to every Getaway since number three (1967), I think, and have seen some wonderful weekends, where the music started upon arrival and never stopped, but the last few of them have been spotty, and in general the last dozen years have been on a downward slope (with some good times, but not the whole weekend). Not so this one. I was wondering if the musical kicks would "be there," since Mudcat is, after all, a visual electronic medium, and not specifically about performance. I wasn't sure we'd get much more out of the new campers than the run-of-the-mill "audient-oriented" camper. But man, was I wrong. Eager to share, eager to listen, eager to meet and be met, the Mudcatters were a joy to have there with us. And good singers, good musicians, good song-sharers, good folks. Looks like the family just got bigger. Bob Clayton (Songster Bob) |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Cara Date: 11 Oct 99 - 09:37 AM I, too had a great time. My only regret is that I day-tripped instead of staying for the whole weekend. Every time I turned around there were more Mudcatters to meet (and I still don't think I met everyone). I can't wait to see the photo from the Mudcat session. There was so much talent swirling around this weekend, it was a bit boggling. The FSGW people are a very talented, fun group of people, and of course the 'Catters are too, which one would expect of course. What I didn't expect was to see quite how excellent everyone was. I think I'll spend the whole weekend in April. Those of you who weren't there were missed. Max, what are you going to do with all of the recorded material?? |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: annamill Date: 11 Oct 99 - 10:27 AM Hello, everyone. Glenn and I arrived home about 2:30am. I'm having trouble coming up with words powerful enough to describe this wonderful weekend. The music was AWESOME, the people were fantastic, and I mean everyone, not just mudcatters. We were made to feel at much at home and received with such warmth. I loved meeting the other mudcatters there. Catspaw, I presented your "gift" to Mick at a Mudcat Gathering that was going on in one of the lodges when we arrived Saturday afternoon about 1PM. We went there first when someone told us they were meeting right then. We didn't even sign in til it was over. After hearing each Mudcatter play/sing, ad it was about to end, I walked to the front and asked for Big Mick, whom I had already recognized. I told him, in front of everyone, that I had a gift from someone we all wished could be there. It was in tissue papaer, in a brightly colored bag. When he pulled out the "potato", everyone had a good laugh. Then we all went out and had a group picture in front of the lodge. I am so glad we made there in time for that meeting. After that, we went to scheduled workshops. There was so much going on, it was very hard to decide where to go. Max's blues workshop was great, Barry Finn and RiB's prizon song workshop was great fun and very informative. I cannot mention everyone because I know I'll forget one and hurt someones feelings, but every single workshop we went to was wonderful and informative. There were too many to name and each was wonderful. Glenn said it was inspiring, and that was exactly what it all was. When we had the concerts in the evenings, and the voices of all that talent was raised in one voice, it brought tears to my eyes. I hope more of you can make it next year. It was wonderful and you all were spoken of and sorely missed. I have to go now. Honey is waiting patiently to go have breakfast. Love, annap |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Knitpick (Jennifer Woods) Date: 11 Oct 99 - 11:29 AM What a brilliant Getaway! Even though it rained almost ALL day on Sunday, even though the loos in Areas C, D & E couldn't/shouldn't be used --- OH the music, the friendliness! What a wonderful addition ALL the Mudcatters were to our Getaway. I've been to every Getaway since 1981 (I'd have to go look-up the #) and it ranks up there with some of the best!
The evening concerts were increible! The acts that were not outstanding were no one who is part of this Cafe! ('Nuff said -- if you were there you probably know the ones I speak of!)
I've not posted before -- but have lurked for awhile -- I'm so glad folks took the time to come -- and I was psyched just from knowing such folks and Caroline and Sandy Paton were coming! And hopeful that Dan & Bonnie Milner would be as neat/wonderful additons as everyone said (actually MORE so!)
It really was a brilliant magical weekend -- and my only complaint is that my own voice went away by Sunday afternoon! I left the neat Sea Shanties workshop that Barry Finn, Bonnie Milner & Dave Diamond were leading beause I was SO frustrated by not being able to sing alone.
Knitpick (aka Jennifer -- wife of Songster Bob) |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Lorraine Date: 11 Oct 99 - 11:36 AM Hello All. What an incredibly lovely and wonderful time! The Voices and people. Such special additions to a Getaway that has been so essential to my family and my life for years. Thank you, thank you and see you and more folks next time-Lorraine |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Knitpick Date: 11 Oct 99 - 11:50 AM Just a quick addition -- being a worry wart -- could all Mudcatters who were at the Getaway -- please post a "made it home safely" message? (I can vouch for me, Songster Bob, Lorraine, Charlie Baum already--) (I'm especailly worrin' 'bout Big Mick, Karen K, Jeri and Sandy [& Caroline!]
knitpick |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Bill D Date: 11 Oct 99 - 02:55 PM I'm home...me, Ferrara & Joe Offer were the very last ones out of the camp...Joe mopped and swept floors till the last moment!..(ya know how clean he keeps THIS place!)...We sang and ate and listened and traded stories till we were confused and had to start over..*grin*....the most precious commodity may have been sleep, and there wasn't a lot to be had.....And I will be absorbing the music for months. Durn, we have some nice talent from this group! (Barry Finn has a VOICE..and the Milners and Big Mich, and Bert and Max, and Vixen and Dani and Roger & Jeri and Moonchild and.....20 more..ALL made great music and better talk!..(even got bbc to sing!! [Duane D was easier to convince!])..there will be posts piling up in here as folks get home...brace yourselves!! |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Susan of DT Date: 11 Oct 99 - 05:10 PM Yes, it was incredible. The hour and a half alloted to the mudcat workshop at the Getaway was not nearly long enough. at one point I counted 54 people in the lodge for our workshop and more came later. A few were "just curious" and several were "lurkers" (who I would include as mudcatters). I was very pleased with the types and quality of the songs sung there. It was wonderful. You'll come back again. Mudcatters in other portions of this county or in other countries could attemp to organize something like it - find a campground or someone with lots of room and schedule something. Those who come will provide the music. |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: lamarca Date: 11 Oct 99 - 05:31 PM This was one of the nicest Getaways I've been to in awhile -visiting and singing with old friends from FSGW and past Getaways, and hearing the riches brought in by new voices from the Mudcatters. I'm reminded of a Bill Caddick line:
"We were travelling North to sing and play, Finally getting to meet folks was wonderful - it added new songs, new harmonies and new faces that I hope we'll see and hear next year (and the one after that, and all the other years, too!). Thanks to all for a great weekend! Mary (and George) |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: catspaw49 Date: 11 Oct 99 - 06:53 PM The many of us who could not make it (try as we might) are all anxious to here more, and envious too...well at least I am! LaMarca, that is exactly the line Rick and I talked about when we finally met. This may be a strange way to make friends, but it is a REAL way nonetheless. I look forward to another chance to meet you and the rest in the future. And come hell or high water (sorry Father Joebro), we will be in DC next year. And ANNAP.......Thanks for being the delivery person and for doing such a fine job of it. Somehow I knew you'd come through!!! Now, I'll sit back and read...and remain envious, but excited for all of you, and look toward the future. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: bbelle Date: 11 Oct 99 - 07:57 PM Haven't made it home, yet ... am leaving from Alexandria, VA, tomorrow morning approx 5am, which should put me in Tallahassee around 9pm tomorrow night ... will post when I gets there. I'm not sure I can put into words how I feel about the past weekend. When I left last evening, I was crying because it was like leaving so many family friends. To say it was an emotional event, would not be enough. To say it was an event in my life which, behind the births of my nieces and nephews, was insurmountable, would be more. Because many of us have been corresponding for at least two years made this gathering an extremely intimate moment in time, for me, at least, because I can only speak for myself, although I think I can step out on a limb and say for many of us. Spiritually, emotionally, intellectually ... I "found" some parts of me and "discovered" other parts of me. Thank you all for being there ... Max, you are far too old and wise for your years; bbc ... you know far too much about me, for which I'm greatful; Mick ... your heart is as big as the rest of you; Bert ... your sense of equality is magnificent, as well as, your command of common venacular; Allen ... trim the upper lip; Jeri ... what a grand "roomie" you were; vixen ... your sweet countenance was refreshing; Sandy & Caroline ... meeting you and hearing your music was a dream come true; Joe Offer ... you are for real and not Max's alter ego!; Charlie Baum, Ferarra, BillD ... thank you for your wonderful hospitality and making the mudcat session possible; Dani ... keep singing; your voice is lovely and you need to use it!; Cara ... next year, hopefully, you'll be able to stay the weekend - there wasn't enough time to get to know you; Songster Bob and Knitpick ... What a grand couple! Songster's a man of words, unless he's singing, which kind of says everything he wants to say anyhow; Barry Finn ... one of this year's goals will be to learn Irish songs. I could go on and on ... Again, thank you all for being there and I'm already looking forward to any mudcat gatherings on the East Coast ... love to all ... moonchild |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Roger in Baltimore Date: 11 Oct 99 - 08:37 PM I'm home! First, I want to thank Catspaw. I was sorry he couldn't come, but at least it sounds like it was good news in the Patterson household this time. I'm thanking you 'Spaw for not making me look so foolish as I might. I posted several times on the 'Cat in the last month that there was no way the Getaway could meet the expectations I was having. And thanks to you 'Spaw, whom I look forward to meeting some day, it didn't. Because I was thought I'd finally meet you there. BUT in every other way, the Getaway may have exceeded my expectations. Everyone was so wonderful! Every workshop was a joy! For those of you who wonder if these Mudcatters' real-life personalities resemble their on-line personalities, let me tell you that they do. For example, Bruce O. is quiet, but informative (and ever ready to tell you the origin of some song). Thanks to bbc's resource page, we often recognized each other right away. And it did seem like meeting old friends, people whom you know something about, with whom you share common ideas, interests, and experiences. The major differences are the voices and the accents that go with them. I want to thank Barry Finn, publicly for agreeing to do a Prison Songs Workshop with me. We had never met except here on the 'Cat and we both were going into this blind. But it was wonderful, it went very well and we received some very appreciative reviews from our audience. And Mudcatters, Dan Milner, Bill Day, and Dick Greenhouse all contributed a holler or two. Barry house a wonderful tenor voice that rolls perfectly into shanties and work songs. Thanks, again, Barry. I will share other experiences as this thread rolls along and as I digest the wonderful time that I've just had. I was headed for bed about the time the informal sessions started. I hear they went from 10:00 PM to past 2:00 PM. Marge and I had to head back for the motel as we have another priority that includes sweet music of its own. (This is a reference to my snoring for those "feelthy" minds out there). Two last comments. I got to sing more harmony in this last weekend than I probably got to sing all year. What a joy to someone who his still finding his harmony voices. Lastly, just so you don't think all was wonderful. Marge kept asking me how much the motel cost (she watches the money, you know) and I kept dodging the questions. When we got the to Camp Pleasant in the Prince William Forest Park and got to see the accomodations, she told me she didn't need to know the cost, she was entirely supportive of my decision. Marge has never been camping (not even Girl Scout camp) and the facilities were just one step above tenting. If you like the comfort of home (hot showers, toilets just a step away from the bed, and such) then you would have been disappointed. However, there is nothing like suffering through a day like Sunday, when you just never really get dry, to bring folks even closer together. Roger in Baltimore |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: bbelle Date: 11 Oct 99 - 08:44 PM RiB ... Of course we had hot showers and toilets just a few steps away from the bed! They just didn't have doors and we all had to "go" together! That is the true meaning of "gettin' together!" moonchildwhoisscrapingawaythemoldfromherwillowyfiggawithasmileonherface |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Susan A-R Date: 11 Oct 99 - 08:55 PM I'll be there next April. I am a most awful shade of green. Did go to an interesting concert. Loved Tommy Sands and could have drowned the cellist from Sarajevo. Michael and I gave our WW II concert to some ten people out at Goddard College (they have something to learn about publicity. Normally Michael draws at least 100 souls around these parts) I'd rather have been at tha getaway. (Is that what's known as whinging??) Susan |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: katlaughing Date: 11 Oct 99 - 08:59 PM Annap and moonchild, I knew it would be that way. Everyone's postings about it are wonderful and so affirming of what I've always felt about all of you, but your postings brought tears to my eyes, for not being there and also, in gratitude to know that the magic of the Mudcat is so real and does carry over. bLessed Be and keep telling us more, everybody. katlaughingwhoalsocomehellorhighwaterwillbetherenextyear...inamotelroomgirlscoutorno! |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Roger in Baltimore Date: 11 Oct 99 - 09:02 PM Oh, sure, Moonchild! Paint a pretty picture. Folks! You had to leave your cabin!! (in the rain!!!), and traipse across 60 or 70 feet of soggy grass and/or mud, to the communal latrine!!!! Nothin' like getting fully dressed to go take a shower!!! It was so reminiscent of Army life: concrete floors and no heat (it was 40 degrees most mornings); a lo-o-o-ong sink with a battery of faucets hanging down; two open toilets with no doors and only vanity partitions, about four feet high (just high enough so you couldn't see anyone who was sitting down and you had to holler "Anybody home?" before getting too close); and open showers. In the Army, they wouldn't have had the vanity partitions, but the john would have been shared by only one sex. Don't sweeten the pie too much Moonchild! Big RiB |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Ferrara Date: 11 Oct 99 - 09:27 PM I'm trying to figure out what to say and all I can do is sit here and grin at the screen. This morning as Barry Finn was leaving I told him it wasn't like meeting strangers, it was like getting back together with someone you haven't seen for a few years. There was so much in common, all of us are held together by our love of the music and have gotten to know so much about each other via this Forum. Well, one thing I can say is that this year's Getaway was as magical in its way as the Mudcat itself, which is saying a lot. Since I was program chairman, I gave myself the treat of leading the workshop called "Music from the Mudcat Cafe'." What a treat that was, and it was just the beginning. Catspaw, your name was spoken a lot but not in vain. Just as I was about to ask if anyone could do a really gross and funny song in your honor, the next person in the circle did just that. I was in a trance at the time, don't remember who sang it or what she sang.... When Max was introduced, he got a fine round of applause. ... I think Dick and Susan did too, but as I say, I was in a trance (not very different from my usual state except it was such a *happy* trance) and don't quite remember.... What a glorious bunch of people and voices and musicians. You don't have to be the best musician in the world to lead a song at the Getaway, but it helps if you obviously love the music and put your whole self into it, and everyone from the Mudcat did just that. Some people spent much of their time getting to know each other, others (me included) spent the weekend trying to get in as many concerts, workshops and impromptu singing sessions as they could manage. We always have a lot of out of town guests at the Getaway, some have been coming for years and some come because they've met people from FSGW who thought they'd be a great addition to the weekend. I heard lots of people say that they thought this was a lovely weekend and a lovely bunch of new guests and they'd sure love to have you back again. Lorraine told me that whenever she looked at me this weekend, I just sort of glowed. That's how I feel. And like a really good part of my life just got better. - Rita Ferrara |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Bruce O. Date: 11 Oct 99 - 09:31 PM Thanks Roger, but I don't relly know the origin of many songs, maybe now 0.001%, and I'm still working on the other 99.999%. But it almost always turns out that just when you think you've got all the evidence and have it all figured out, some new fact come along that shakes everything up, and you've got go back and start over. |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Ferrara Date: 11 Oct 99 - 09:41 PM Moonchild and RiB, there were definitely some physical drawbacks! One long-time attendee who came all the way from Portland, OR, said that she's prefer a campsite, almost any campsite, that had doors on the johns. A sewer pump broke and the bathroom buildings in three of the cabin areas were totally unusable, so those people had to walk not 60 or 70 feet, but over the hills and through the woods to use the potty in the nearest cabin area where they were still functioning. Yuck! -- And it rained from Saturday night til Monday morning, and since we have had umpteen weeks of rain, the ground was already soggy and turned to gooey mud in lots of places where the park service hasn't put any gravel on the paths... And the level of maintenance of the cabins is even worse than it used to be ... And the woods were rotting before our very eyes from the soggy perpetual rain we've been having.... and besides they smelled bad from the sewer break.... One couple ("Hardscrabble Farm") who raise mushrooms, were in ecstasy because there were dozen and dozens of different kinds of mushrooms growing huge all around us at the edge of the woods.... And we had a salad and cold cut lunch on Saturday and nobody had enough foresight to put it out in the dining hall where two lines could make their selections at the same time, so some people were still standing in line for food when the afternoon concerts started. Jennifer Woods started the Songs From History workshop 20 minutes late because she didn't get any food til time for the workshop to start. And, shame on me, some people were unhappy because there were *too many good workshops going on at the same time!!!* -- It got really frustrating. I had set up all these sessions and as the weekend went on, I realized that every single session was something that I really wanted to see. Sorry, no can do. And people were scheduled opposite a workshop they really wanted to participate in. And... and... and.... But it was still wonderful wonderful wonderful. |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: catspaw49 Date: 11 Oct 99 - 09:48 PM LOL...Calm down Rita.....I worry about your health!!!! All kidding aside, reading your accounts, I'm sitting here with this huge smile and oddly warm feeling. I believe that passion makes the world go round and joyful, enthusiastic, passion is really contagious...even across the cyber world. Thanks Ferrara!!!! Spaw |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Lorraine Date: 11 Oct 99 - 09:53 PM There is an on-going discussion whether to move the Getaway to a bigger, nicer (indoor toilets...)but more expensive facility. So next year's site is a question. But there is no question that magic occurred. -Lorraine |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Guy Wolff Date: 11 Oct 99 - 09:55 PM Wow what a thing to miss!!!It realley sounds wanderfull and I'm green with envy as well!!! Next year!!! yours Guy |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: bbelle Date: 11 Oct 99 - 10:20 PM Well ... RiB ... didn't notice the 4' partitions since I'm a shade under the 5' mark and as for having to get fully dressed ... you apparently missed the memorable sight of me traipsing across the great divide in my teddy bear flannel jammies! I'm taking orders for next year! moonchild |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Roger in Baltimore Date: 11 Oct 99 - 10:49 PM Actually Moonchild that was my first sighting of you and it is how I will always remember you. But you were too far away for me to see that there were Teddy Bears in the design. Roger in Baltimore |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Songster Bob Date: 11 Oct 99 - 11:03 PM Just a thought or two about the music. Many of us sang in both formal and informal settings, and I wondered if we might not do one of two things (the way this group goes about it, we'll be doing both is my bet): List all the songs that you yourself sang (particularly those you led or performed) OR provide the lyric for at least one song NOT in Digitrad which you sang at the Getaway. -- perhaps a separate thread for these ideas is in order, but it seems to me that memories are more solidly made if a song is connected to it. We will remember the song and the singer, together, and make these images all the more vivid in our mental "album." Just a thought. Bob Clayton (Songster Bob) |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Dani Date: 11 Oct 99 - 11:44 PM Oh, hear hear, Bob. I heard a few songs this weekend that I really need to know. Wonderul music, all of it, but some that really touched me. And one problem (if you could call it that) is that so often there was not enough time after a workshop to go talk with a person to learn more about them/their song/their music. There was some especially wonderful stuff I heard from folks I DON'T know, and I was wondering how people feel about sharing recordings? The gospel session especially seemed to be worth preserving ;) and not just for my own posterity. And, speaking of posterity... I was NOT going to bring it up, but since you did first, Moonchild, and Roger seconded it, I WILL tell everyone how lost and forlorn you looked walking across the clearing toward us in your jammies with your ditty bag under your arm saying, "shower? Is there a hot shower? WHERE?" I still haven't had time to process all my thoughts about meeting you all, and impressions of the warm people behind these blue labels. Whew. Some quick impressions: Barry's fabulous voice filling the hall with his own powerful music. Rogers harmonies are beautiful! and he can tear up a raunch song better than anyone I'VE ever heard. Baking powder, indeed ;) Moonchild and AllanC are like peanut butter and jelly, folks. Their voices are lovely together. Joe just IS a camper. A person would feel like they were camping in his presence even if having dinner at the Waldorf Astoria. That infectious sense of fun is such a gift. What else? So much else.... after I put my laundry in the dryer for the third time. Dani |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Roger in Baltimore Date: 11 Oct 99 - 11:50 PM Okay, one more post, and then I gotta get to bed.
Mudcat workshop - "Biscuit Blues" as performed by the Mississippi Sheiks
Julie
Julie, hear me when I call you,
Believe I'll go to Dallas,(2)
Julie and the baby,(3)
Run to get the Sergeant, (3)
Julie, hear me when I call you,
Baby, gettin' hungry, (3)
Feet are gettin' itchy, (3)
Rattler can't hold me.(3)
Julie, hear me when I call you, Country Western Jam - "Last Letter Home" as performed by Sam Bush. This was a pleasure. I was not sure anyone would know it. A fiddle player joined in and Bill D. strummed lightly on his autoharp. It sounded "just right"; one of those ethereal moments for me. Sunday night concert - "You Don't Even Care" by Tim Wallace. I think that's it. And SongBob, you sang a couple of songs, too, didn't you? Roger in Baltimore. |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Jeri Date: 12 Oct 99 - 01:15 AM Well, I made it back alive (I think so, anyway) and so did Barry - I rode with him. I'm half dead with sleep deprivation, but I still had to log on... I loved meeting everyone I met. FSGW members took us in and treated us like family - what an incredible bunch of folks! THANK YOU for inviting us/me - there's nothing y'all could have done better. I got so many kind words, pats on the back and general ego-boosting that I did two songs Sun night and didn't even feel nervous - a first for me. I played on stage at a real concert (another first) at Big Mick's request. The kind, generous, sweet Mick gave me the opportunity, and the Getaway community gave me the confidence. I want to say more here, but I really have to go to bed. To make a really long post short(er), I thought I was going to have an amazing time meeting, listening to, and singing with remarkable people. It was better than that. |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Rick Fielding Date: 12 Oct 99 - 01:26 AM I'm so jealous I can't tell you. But I'm sure glad you're all back safely. Love. Rick |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Charlie Baum Date: 12 Oct 99 - 01:39 AM I just don't know what to say, partly because I'm still brain-dead from lack of sleep (who wants to sleep when they have all those people to make music with?) and partly because the weekend was so overwhelming... It'll take a few days to recover. The FSGW has always tried to invite "outsiders" to the Getaway. The local bunch of us sing together for each other regularly all year long, so we're eager to hear people from beyond, people who have songs in their repertoire we haven't heard and muscial talents we haven't encountered. We're always trying to get our friends from folk clubs in the Northeast to come to the Getaway. Now we've got our friends from the Folk Club in Cyberspace coming to the Getaway! It was a year ago, after the 1998 Getaway (and also two years ago, after the 1997 Getaway) that the locals sat around moping: "Attendance at the Getaway is shrinking. Are we going to shrivel to nothing? We need to find new people." Well, you all have answered our prayers. So many good musicians, so much good music, good songs, good harmonies, good instrumentals... Administrative trivia-- If anyone lost anything or thinks they've left stuff behind, send me an e-amil or better yet, a note on the mudcat message system. In a few days, we'll try to post a "found" list on the FSGW website. As anyone who was there knows, we're contemplating at least two alternate venues in the future. Anyone with feedback is welcome to message me. Even folks who were at the Getaway for the first time--I find your reactions informative, especially since you came in without preconceived opinions, not knowing what to expect. (Many FSGW locals have been to Prince William before). I'll admit to all the failings of the camp facilities. Next year, if we're still there, we'll remind people to bring portable folding chairs to sit in at the lodges, and a chamberpot to cut down on those cold, wet runs to the latrines in the wee wee hours of the morning. And let me apologize for the long lines at mealtimes, especially lunch--chalk it up to the inexperience of feeding almost 150 hungry mouths in that small space. I hope that everyone who came for the first time this year will come back next year (and the years after that, too), and that those of you who are kicking yourself for missing it will make it next year. -Charlie Baum |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Dani Date: 12 Oct 99 - 08:31 AM The wee wee hours, Charlie? That's good! I LIKED the place, though rustic IS a good word for it. I, personally would not be able to travel any farther north for a weekend, but it sounded like there are advantages to other places. Wherever you go, make sure Debby can come. She is a treasure! Delays are par for the course when volunteers are playing and I think she/everyone did a wonderful job. I'd come back just for the breakfasts! Coffee was good and abundant, which is all that REALLY matters! |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Vixen Date: 12 Oct 99 - 08:50 AM What a weekend! Tim and I got back Sunday night, because 1) we had a gig Monday night, and 2)I had papers to correct for Tuesday. But we had a wonderful time. For those of you who didn't like the accommodations, we tented at the Travel Trailer Village, where the bathrooms were about a 60-second walk from our tent, but they were clean, modern, and heated! Wherever the Getaway moves to, I hope it allows camping. We drove in to the Getaway itself (which would have been a 5-7 minute walk) because we didn't want to traipse back to the tent at 1 a.m. carrying all the instruments. Those of you who carry your tunes in your throats could have had a grand time singing through the woods. Anyway, we're still reminiscing about the weekend. Every Mudcat we met was a cool person. So were the non-Mudcats who so generously opened the doors of their Getaway to the rest of us. So much talent. So much *GOOD COMPANY*!!! Anxiously awaiting the pictures... I just wish I'd had more time to hang out with everybody. We had to go back to our tent after the Saturday concert to attend to drainage issues. By the time we got things straightened out, we were too tired to drive back and see if anyone was still awake. I wish we'd been able to stay through 'til Monday. I wish we were still making all that beautiful music. I hope we can all get together again soon. V (and Tim!) |
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Subject: Lyr Add: WHEN FIRST WE MET^^^ From: KathWestra Date: 12 Oct 99 - 10:42 AM Well, this Getaway was a treasure and, like Rita, I'm still glowing. Wonderful music, and a great sense of fellowship with a whole bunch of people I now consider friends. Thanks for joining us, fellow Mudcatters, and for making what has always been a special weekend even more special and memorable. My song (by Alan Bell of England) from the Saturday concert says it all:
When first we met, we were total strangers,
Chorus:
We talked of dreams, and the good tomorrows
A long, long road now winds before me, And speaking of that long, long, road... I second Jennifer's request for all you visitors from far away to check in and let us know you're safe home. Kath (who is still smiling and singing on Tuesday) |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: annamill Date: 12 Oct 99 - 11:41 AM Gee Roger and Rita, Glenn and I didn't even notice all those little inconviences your mentioning! Did it rain? Was it muddy? Was there no heat in the cabins? When we walked into the dining hall from out of the rain, not one person even mentioned that it was raining. We were way too busy enjoying each other and the music. BTW, Glenn and I got to meet moonchild in her jammies with the teddys on her way to the shower. I can't wait till next year. Love, annap |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Bill D Date: 12 Oct 99 - 11:41 AM songs I attempted.: "The Good Peanuts" "The Rivers of Texas".(Brazos) A work song/holler "Bald-Headed Woman",(which Barry & Roger assured me was originally "Jet-Black Woman"..but I went there HOPING to find out about a song I had carried in my head for 30 years...) "I've Rambled This Country Both Earlye and Late"(from the singing of Mike Seeger) a bawdy Elizabethan song, about 3 sisters 'compromised' by a naughty Miller... .....maybe one or two I have forgotten... and, JUST before we left on Monday morning..shared about 2/3 of Billy Ed Wheelers "Ode to the Little Brown Shack Out Back" with Joe Offer, who does know a lot more than camp songs.. I'll check the DB in a bit and type in one or more... |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Liam's Brother Date: 12 Oct 99 - 11:53 AM Bonnie (make that Liam's-Sister-in-Law) and I closed out our drive home with a 30-minute cruise across Upper New York Bay on the ferry boat, American Legion. It certainly was the low pressure way to go and it was entirely in keeping with the Getaway Weekend as a whole. Each of us spent different times in different places with different people. For example, Bonnie was with Barry Finn and David Diamond at lot. I have known Lisa Null about 25 years and I hardly ever see her anymore. Lisa and Judy Cook are both extremely fine singers. Scheduling conflicts kept me from hearing all of them that I wanted but it was great to be with them. Max and Bert are 2 splendid, humorful chaps. I met them for the first time. They do a lot for us. I have to clean out the closet and find a few more auction items to help support their efforts. I had not met Dick and Susan until this year but we now find ourselves in the same place fairly often. Dick always has a thoughtful take on things and it's often unique. Sandy and Caroline are friends of 25 years and I'm always happy to be in their presence. The same for Debbie McClatchy whose food was great. I had some nice chats with Dick Swain. Joe Offer hosted Bob Conroy and myself in Sacramento fairly recently and we became fast friends there. It was great to see him in his true enviornment - the camp. I missed some people entirely... Mary LaMarca and Allan Clark, for example. How could that happen? I enjoyed hearing Roger in Baltimore though we didn't talk enough. Regards to everyone who exchanged a friendly glance or wink but not a lot of words. Thanks to all of the team that put it together and made it work. What a great memory you've given us all!
All the best, |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Uilleand Date: 12 Oct 99 - 12:00 PM I'm sorry I didn't have the pleasure to see your jammies, moonchild. But I do want to thank you for helping me carry my sleeping bag to the cabin. What a lovely way to start the weekend: being overwhelmed by the sweetness of a fellow mudcatter. It was so wonderful to put faces to the names on this forum and find what a great crowd they are. I only wished there had been more time to get to know everybody much better. Thanks Rita and Joe in particular for attending Flawn's and my mini-concert. Some of the songs were picked with you in mind. Love, Uilleand (Shana) |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Liam's Brother Date: 12 Oct 99 - 12:01 PM I nearly forgot one of the high points of the weekend... a 12-inch largemouth bass on a fly rod. Summer is now officially over.
All the best,
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Allan C. Date: 12 Oct 99 - 12:15 PM It was better than that. There is nothing I could say that couldn't be followed by those words. I felt the warmth and openness of the people there in the first five minutes after I arrived - and I was among the first ten or fifteen there at that point! Yes, it was terrible being torn with choices of attending either one workshop or another or just jamming with a few folks or simply hanging out and talking. Almost any way you chose was at the sacrifice of something else which had the potential of being yet another wonderful experience. I never once felt like any choice I made was a wrong one. All - every single one of the workshops that I attended - were excellent. Many were surprising in the intensity of their content and the scope they covered. Some were simply great fun! Sure, the facilities were not the best in many ways but I think that for the most part the Getaway events were so outstanding that there were not nearly enough negative experiences to outweigh the positive ones. For me, it became overwhelming after the first full day and night. Sunday, I went to a couple of workshops, but mostly I just hung around at the dining hall, slurped coffee and chatted with people. Most of the 'Catters were almost exactly as I pictured them. (Of course, thanks to bbc's resource page, I already had a little help.) Some were surprises. All of the surprises were very, very pleasant ones. It was wonderful to be able to make music with these people; but it was far more important for me to spend time with them and to get to know them better. I spent the weekend in search of a balance of both. On a personal level, the Getaway was very good for me in terms of my musical ego. I had, until my arrival here at the Mudcat, allowed real life to get in the way of my musical development. I felt stagnant and rather lacking in a large number of ways which I cannot explain very well. I had fallen away from playing guitar and singing to a great degree - and was especially timid about being heard by anyone outside of my livingroom. It was a real leap for me when I played and sang at Annap's first gathering. Now suddenly here I was at the Getaway. Eventually, I was more or less called upon to do something musical in front of all those many people - perhaps fifty at that particular moment. I started to play and sing a song but my nervousness prevented my chord fingers from going where they should. I immediately abandoned that song for another. All went well. I managed to get through it without any major problems. The surprise came much later when so many people went out of their way to comment upon my song. I was amazed. My musical self-esteem had been sorely in need of feeding. This was just what was called for. Then, later, I got another stroke when someone quoted Dani who had complimented as she did in her post (above). And then Moonchild capped it off by referring to me as a "fancy guitarist"!! I found it all to be quite astounding. It was not at all the way I felt inside about my abilities. It was good to get a few strokes. I told you that to tell you this: My experience was not unique. I think there were many there who "grew" quite a bit at the Getaway. The wonderful people there were not at all shy about handing out compliments to one another. For me, it was one of the very best things to come out of the entire weekend. Thank you to all who made the Getaway what it became. It meant much more to me than I can express here. It was better than that. Allan C. |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 12 Oct 99 - 01:14 PM It sounds wonderful and I thought of you all weekend. A few of you have mentioned next April... what, where and when??? I felt so sad not to be there this time- when is next time?????????? Allison |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Vixen Date: 12 Oct 99 - 01:40 PM I just penned this, in response to Allan C.'s post above. I wanted to use "it was better than that" as the refrain, but it just didn't happen this time. There is a melody, but I won't be able to communicate it until I write it down; since Tim hasn't seen it yet, there's no chords. Enjoy!
We planned with excitement,
And we're gettin' away to the Getaway
We drove from New England
And we're gettin' away to the Getaway
We met up with old friends
And we're gettin' away to the Getaway
And we got away to the Getaway V |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Bert Date: 12 Oct 99 - 01:47 PM Sure was a good time. Here's a few high spots that no one has yet mentioned... I saw Joe Offer entertain a group of kids around the campfire. Wonderful. Something I'll never forget. At a workshop I heard Charlie and Lisa singing slightly different notes and they got a harmonic beat frequency ringing like a bell. Not just wonderful, I would have said impossible if I hadn't heard it. And, for the first time in my life, I heard someone (I think her name is Alice) sing "Oh Mr. Porter" ALL THE WAY THROUGH. And when we left, bbc said, "It's not really like leaving because we'll meet tomorrow on the Mudcat" Bert. |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Knitpick Date: 12 Oct 99 - 03:01 PM Bert it was Gail Snider who sang "Oh Mr. Porter" all the way through -- she has lots of wonderful songs like that! (She's English ex-pat living in the DC area-- and is also visual imparied)
I 'm not fond of the rustic nature of the Getaway sight -- (it does a number on my allergies, and it seems my voice -- I still can't sing having lost that ability mid-day Sunday) but that doesn't stick in my mind at all -- the spaces added to the intimicy -- and I too am glowing and smiling as I think back on it -- it really was one of the best Getaways --definately in the 1990s -- and I KNOW it's because of all the wonderful Mudcatters that came!
knitpick |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: TimS Date: 12 Oct 99 - 03:07 PM THANK YOU to all the Mudcatters who came to the Getaway last weekend! You folks made it an absolutely extraordinary weekend! I was absolutly floored to find so many new faces, and so many incredible new voices. This was the best Getaway in many years, and your talent and enthusiasm is what made that happen. Please, please come back! |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Sandy Paton Date: 12 Oct 99 - 03:37 PM Caroline and I are home safely, and still coming down from the high of a truly great weekend. Karen K. was caravaning with us en route, but she went on ahead when I found I had to stop and doze for about half an hour along the way. The road was disappearing in front of me and at one point I was startled to realize I had actually fallen asleep for a second or two. No trouble after the 40 winks, though. |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Sandy Paton Date: 12 Oct 99 - 03:51 PM Holy Cow! My machine just went nuts! Hope Joe gets home soon and can eliminate all that stuff! I told Caroline, after Sunday night, that if she ever woke up and found me gone, she'd be wise to call Bill D and see if Ferrara had been kidnapped. I have never seen a more beautiful smile bestowed so freely upon so many. All that, and she knows a zillion songs and sings them wonderfully well! Yes, it was hard to decide which workshop to attend, and I missed several I really had planned to visit, but there's always another year... Too many highlights to list them all, but let me tell you this: one that made my heart soar was hearing my own dear Caroline sing that Tennessee version of "Wild Mountain Thyme" ("Braes of Balquidder") at the Sunday night after-hours song-swap. Glorious! Sandy (if pride goeth before a fall, look out below!) |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Bert Date: 12 Oct 99 - 04:15 PM KnitPick, Thanks for giving me Gail's name, I shouldn't have got it wrong in the first place Gail, Sorry I got your name wrong. I didn't forget your song though. Next time we'll have to get together and sing some more old London Songs. I'm glad us 'Catters blended in, I was concerned that we might stand out because there were so many of us. Personally, I wouldn't have been able to tell the difference if it wasn't for the Tee Shirts. Thanks FSGW folks for making us feel part of your family. Bert. |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: lamarca Date: 12 Oct 99 - 04:39 PM Hmmm; think I sang/performed Fisher Lassies/Pittinweem Jo (MacColl/Watt) Down Where the Drunkards Roll (Thompson) William Taylor (trad., signed for the hearing-impaired; co-starring Ken Schatz, Daphne ?, Big Mick, Barry Finn, George Stephens, Lorraine and directed by Sue West) Maid from Cabra West (trad.) Essiquibo River (trad.)
My husband George and I together did |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Allan C. Date: 12 Oct 99 - 05:09 PM I feel compelled to relate just one more thing. I was overwhelmed by the enormous degree of talent displayed at the Getaway. The talents were evidenced in a wide variety of ways. Some had voices which were truly amazing to hear. Some played instruments with great skill. Some didn't do either but brought wonderful songs to share, many of which I am sure none of us had ever heard before. Others only chimed in on the choruses or hummed a good bass line or harmony. A few demonstrated great interpersonal skills while chatting over dinner or a cup of coffee. An impressive number showed vast knowledge of world history or of folk artists and their recordings. Some brought and played rare and unusual musical instruments. Many took the time to interact with the children and teens who were there in a way that I think was very appreciated. Yes, every single person there made good use of one talent or another throughout the weekend. Altogether the talents made for an outstanding event. I thank all of you who came for making it such a memorable time for us all. |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: bbc Date: 12 Oct 99 - 05:11 PM If we're going to post lyrics, I'd like us to use a thread with a clearer title, so it will be easier for Susan & Dick to harvest them. I don't know this kind of link, but I'm going to start a "Songs from the Get-Away" thread with the one I sang at the Mudcat workshop. bbc |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: KathWestra Date: 12 Oct 99 - 05:29 PM Good idea, bbc! Maybe Joe Offer or Max can pull the lyrics already posted into your new thread.
It was REALLY hard to go to the office this morning. Having this thread to read made things a little more bearable. |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Big Mick Date: 12 Oct 99 - 06:09 PM I made it home at 3:30 a.m. this morning. Ran into Sandy, Caroline and Karen at the Cracker Barrel and we decided to do our "Cholesterol Bullet" thing. That is Chicken Fried Steak, grits, and biscuits and gravy. We also threw in some over easy eggs. Waddya think, Sandy, have we started a tradition here? Didn't leave until 2:30 p.m. or so. I still had 12 1/2 hours to go. The trip to the gathering was 20 hours. I had to leave from a point that is several hundred miles north of where I live due to a job assignment. I had plotted the course using the quickest route setting on AAA Map 'n Go. If you have this program, download it to disk and send it to your worst enemy. It routed me along Route 250. That is a very scenic route which contains switchbacks through the mountains. Then to add to the misery, the car broke down on a blind curve on a mountain road at 2:30 Saturday morning. I kept waiting for somebody coming from the bar to take me out. I finally found a twist tie and managed to jury rig the vehicle and arrived at the gathering at 8 a.m. I stopped for one 45 minute nap along the way. So, one might ask, was it worth it...................YESSSSSSSSSSSSS. I had every intention of taking a nap, but the adrenalin started running the minute I got there. All these old friends waiting to be met. And such hospitality. The FSGWers took us in, fed us, and treated us in a very gracious manner. The first session I dropped in on was Father JoeBro leading one on campfire songs. I didn't have a campfire song, so I sang a Dublin street song. Then my Guild and I headed for "Music Of The Mudcat". As I am walking up the porch, I was greeted very warmly by the 'Catters. It was wonderful. KathWestra has a beautiful voice and I determined immediately that I had to sing with her. I watched Rita Ferrarra play beautiful music. And Grandpa Paton is spot on when he says she has a wonderful smile. She warms the cockles of me heart with it. A wonderful person. Caroline and Sandy are, of course, just as wonderful as they are here. Watch out Sandy, I have my eye on that woman of yours. Madly in love with her. But come to think of it, I am in love with you as well. You both are special to me. I can see why Rick considers you his family. Allan C. did a song in Portuguese that was wonderful........If he is self conscious about his singing or guitar technique, it is without merit. He has a fine voice and very good guitar technique. I found myself wanting to learn the technique he used. Barry Finn has a strong voice and a great repertoire. And he loves to screw with big guys. As I was getting ready to sing, I was mentioning that I was knocked out to be here with such great old friends just met. He pops up and says, "Fall down lateh, now is the time to sing". I chuckled about it all the way home. Beebs and Duane were wonderful from the get go. I enjoyed them all through the weekend. I can say nothing better than to say we will be friends for a long time. Moonchild is a rare find. She has a beautiful voice and plays her guitar wonderfully. And we are destined to be great friends. But then, that is true about all of the 'Catters. Joe Offer is exactly as you would imagine. He was one of the first, if not the first, friends that I made here. His repertoire of camp songs is huge. And probably one of the nicest, and most genuine people on could meet.............Now if I can just get him to stop trying to get me to behave. I have tried that and I get bored..........LOL. Bert ..........I am so glad to know you. This is a gentle soul that one canna help but be friends with. A perfectly lovely gent, who sings great songs. Max........I don't know if I want to lecture him or worship him.........guess we will just be friends. Such an amazing YOUNG man. But he has an old soul. And just about as good a man as you would ever have the pleasure of meeting. Git yer arse up here, lad, we have fishing to do. Jeri is one of the nicest ever. Another one who felt selfconscious of her talent. No need for that, my dear. I was part of a session after the Saturday night session and I hear this lovely voice in the corner. It was our Jeri. And a bit later, she hauled out her fiddle and was super. I determined that I had to try and make music with her. She obliged by joining KathWestra and I in performing "Far From Their Homes" at the Sunday night concert. At one point I choked up while singing this very emotional song. She immediately moved in and covered with her fiddle while I composed meself. She and Kath were wonderful and I am grateful for their accompaniment on this wonderful song. Karen is a joy. She was there with kind words and encouragement at every step of the way. A wonderful person........even though she did break the kitchen at Cracker Barrel..........HAHAHAHAHAHAHA......She ordered a hamburg and they had a helluva time getting it to her. Dan and Bonnie Milner are simply one of the most talented couples that I have ever had the pleasure of being around. That woman can sing a shanty, the blues, a ballad.........you name it and she can do it. They bill themselves as Mrs. and Mr. Milner. She is marvelous, and gracious. I really enjoyed coming to know her. And our Liam's Brother, Dan Milner, reinforced what I have already known. My fellow 'Catters, I have been listening to the music of my people for my entire life. I have heard many fine singers. You will simply not find anyone anywhere that is better than Dan Milner. He has an amazing voice which he backs up with incredible technique. Clearly this man takes his singing seriously. I feel so privileged to have been able to hear him. He asked me to come and sing some in his Celtic songs workshop. I must tell you that I was somewhat fearful to sing in the presence of such a fine singer. But he makes you feel so welcome that I was entirely at ease. Dan............thanks for becoming my friend. I am reminded of how you put yourself out for my friend while he was in NYC. While it didn't work out, you went beyond the pale in trying to accomodate him. I am grateful. And you were a special part of this weekend for us all. One of the most special moments came for me after we performed "Far From Their Homes" on Sunday night. Ed Trickett took me outside and gave me a new song that he had heard. The folk tradition at its best. Here I am, just a guy from Michigan who loves the music, out sitting on the hood of a car with ED TRICKETT, learning a new song. I was overcome by the thought of this, Dan Milner, Sandy and Caroline, and all the other great talents, and I was there participating with them. This was an amazing weekend that I will never forget. I know I have left things out, and people out, and I apologize for that. I will post more later as it comes to me. I have a 7 year old who wants to go fishing. Suffice it to say that this weekend will affect me for years. As an experience, it was validating and it was warm with the love of friendship shared. Shared between old friends just met, and new friends that I will have for the rest of my life. Thanks to all of you. All the best, Big Mick |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: karen k Date: 12 Oct 99 - 08:59 PM Well, guess it is time to put in my 2 cents worth although I don't know what else I can possibly add to what has already been said. The weekend was absolutely wonderful. Highlights for me included getting to know some people I already knew a little bit, a whole lot better, especially Jennifer Woods. Big Mick and Roger in Baltimore are great and oh, how they can sing and play! Meeting both Max and Joe was a treat, especially being able to thank Max in person for how much the Mudcat means to me. One regret is not being able to get to know Rita Ferrara better. She's definitely on my list to get to know better in the future. I was fortunate to already know a fair number of FSGW folks, some for at least 25 years and it was great to see them again. Also met for the first time some DC folks whom I know will become good friends. What has left the biggest impression on me,however, is that it was one Getaway. By that I mean everyone mixed together. We didn't have Mudcatter's in one group and FSGW members in another. Everyone mixed and mingled right from the beginning. I certainly felt welcomed. FSGW, you folks sure are gracious hosts of the highest degree. The song Kathy Westra sang, Total Strangers, really does capture the feeling of the Getaway. I kept saying during the weekend that I have wanted to come to the Getaway for 30 years and now that I have been I realize just how much I have missed. How could I have been so foolish! Of the Getaway I can only say that, "This time again, this time again We'll not see this time again." This Getaway has been so special for me. Getaways in the future will be wonderful and I hope to be able to attend many more. But for me I don't think that there will ever be another quite like this one. This Getaway and everyone involved, the singing and particularly the people mentioned above will live in my heart forever. Thanks Washington, for a wonderful weekend and for opening your hearts and your arms and making so many new folks feel part of a great thing. karen k |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Roger in Baltimore Date: 12 Oct 99 - 09:22 PM I knew I forgot something. I sang "Breakfast Blues" in Bill D.'s humorous songs (no parodies, please) workshop. Roger in Baltimore |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Dani Date: 12 Oct 99 - 10:21 PM Vixen, I like your song - would like to hear it when it's together! I also VERY much enjoyed the love song you and Tim sang together. It spoke to many people's loves, but it made me especially squishy hearted to hear you sing it to each other. Allan, I know exactly what you're talking about. I have so much music in me, so much singing (and, someday, banjo playing ;) wanting to come out. Singing in front of strangers is not something I ever imagined myself doing. But the the great gifts of the Getaway were that A) I was given no choice; and B) there were no strangers there. It WAS better than that! Dani |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: bbelle Date: 12 Oct 99 - 10:47 PM Just arrived home ... left Alexandria, VA at 6am and arrived at my doorstep at 10:30pm. A very long trip to be sure, but worth every mile. Again, I have so many memories and they kept me trucking. I'd do it again, for the same reason, at the drop of a hat. Well ... maybe not this weekend ... but the weekend after! I think it's going to take me a few days to come down from my cloud. I'm even thinking of checking into Sprint PCS opportunities farther north, since most everyone I want to sing with lives north of Tallahassee. BTW ... it's not a big secret that I'm not particularly fond of Irish music, however, I heard Big Mick sing some absolutely beautiful music last weekend ... especially "Dear Margaret." Makes me want to hunker down and add some of these to my repetoire! I'm beat ... so it's off to a hot tubby and my own bed ... moonchild |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Sandy Paton Date: 13 Oct 99 - 12:00 AM I have to ask a favor of all of the Mudcatters who were at the Getaway. In order for us to credit the Mudcat with the percentage they get for sales of Folk-Legacy items to Mudcatters, we need to know what you bought there. No one was keeping track of our sales, as we were much too busy running off to sing or listen somewhere. Please use the "personal message" function of this site, or drop us an e-pistle at folklegacy@snet.net telling us what you bought. We want to send Max a check. Sandy |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Barry Finn Date: 13 Oct 99 - 12:12 AM Hi All, WOW, I just got in from work, I'm still overwhelmed by the whole weekend. First off I gotta say you locals have mostly yourselfs to thank for all the pleasures. You took all of us out of town Catter's & treated us as if we blood relations that you hadn't seen in ages. THANKS. It's all that's been said above & more.
Well Mick, it was me that you knocked out with the first song you sang, I've never heard it done with more, everything, you came as close to bringing tears to my eyes as any song could. And after going to Bert's songwriting workshop I cursed him because I can't hear songs anymore without looking for some of the pointers that he pointed out, Thanks Bert it was great. Singing with Bonny is always a treat but she sang one of Frank MaGraf's (sp? sorry Frank) song's, not a soul took a breath until the last note crawled off into the hills & what a song Frank, great job. Roger, thanks for the memories, it was a something, eh. We had never met before never mind sing together, we didn't even have a chance to swap more than a couple of notes before doing the prison workshop & it went so smooth but how could I've know what a blues man you were. And talk about blues, Max must've been born 75 yrs. ago in the Delta, they must've called him Little Robert back then. Sandy & Caroline were all over the place & in each place they left their mark (as always) through the rain they're like a beacon. Nancy-Jean, thanks for letting us see into the life of your granmother & the world of collecting. Mary (Lamarca) & George do wonders to their very fine & enormous store of songs that they obviously love to share. I'd like to thank Ken Schatz (of the NexTradition) & Daphne Glover (of the Windlasses) for jumping in at the shanty workshop (Ken also helped to drive the prison session too) & giving Dave Diamond & Bonnie Milner & myself that extra drive that helped to get the joint really rockin & rollin. I've had the pleasure of hearing Dan Milner a number of times in a number of places & even though I've been lucky enough to be exposed to some of the best of Irish singing for quite some time, I'm continually amazed at how his style creeps up on me & before I realize it I'm trapped into his interpretation of whatever song he's singing & feel like I'm listening to one of the great ones from long ago. Funny, at the prison workshop I joked about his owing us a song, wouldn't you know it, he launched right in "Ain't No More Cane On The Brazos", I thought he just got out of the Joint. No better setting to meet Joe Offer than at this camp, his personality mimickes his voice & his songs (playfully encompassing & he has a habit of dragging you right into the fray) he was in his element but I suspect after meeting up with him that he be in his element anywhere. Jeri may not think it but the drinking songs she sang & the way she sang it make drinking look like the only thing you could be sure of. |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Big Mick Date: 13 Oct 99 - 06:20 AM How could I have forgotten to mention Mary LaMarca & her wonderful husband George. This woman has a voice that makes me want to hear much more of her work. Barry uses the term "drawing you in". This is certainly how I would describe her voice. And George is no slouch either. When he tells a story, one is spellbound. I attended their workshop and thought it was one of the best. It is clear that they are partners in the best sense. Individually they are great, together they were fantastic. George and Mary, you were one of the highlights of my weekend. How could I have forgotten to say "thank you" to the FSGW? They made us all feel so comfortable. I was concerned on the way of the impact of the Mudcatters on this well established gathering. My concerns were unfounded. They took us in and made us a part of them. I feel that I am probably going to join this organization, even though I live so far away. They are marvellous. One other person I forgot to mention was Charley Baum. He is such a gentleman, and a genuinely nice person. I found some of his tips on breath control to be very useful. And his knowledge of the music is marvelous. BTW Charley, your driving instructions were spot on. I had no trouble following them and made it home safely. Wish like hell I had taken those to get to the gathering. More as it comes to me. It will take a week to digest it all. All the best, Mick |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Big Mick Date: 13 Oct 99 - 06:53 AM And to Dick and Susan, I can only add that they were marvellous. Dick, is there any music that you don't know? And I owe you a big thank you for not kicking me in the pants for a grievous sin. Let me explain. Due to some work needs, I only got about 4 hours sleep on Thursday night. Then I leave for the Getaway on Friday at noon and arrive at 8 a.m. Saturday due to a bad route and car problems. I managed to sleep for 45 minutes in the car. I get to the Getaway and never manage to take a nap as the event gets going. Later that night after the evening concert, I decided to sit in the dining hall and sing for a bit. I was so damned worn out that I kept wondering what dumbass was playing out of tune. About three songs later I realized it was me. I quietly picked up Jeri's tuner and tuned up. As I was starting to play the next song, Dick gently said, "It's about time you tuned that damn thing". HAHAHAHAAHAHAH............LOL. He could have worked me over much more than he did for committing this cardinal sin. And the songs he did were wonderful. I hope to hear much more of his work as the years go by. I have said before and I say it again. You two have created something that will long outlive you. I am grateful to be a part of it. Mick |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: karen k Date: 13 Oct 99 - 07:37 AM Meant to sing this Bob Stuart song but never got the chance - next time. I think it's safe to say that it expresses feelings that the Getaway has left within all who were there. CIRCLE OF FRIENDS CHO: We have become a circle of friends Extending our hands and blending our voices. And just for the moment that we sing a song We are the song that comes from within us. And we're filled with the spirit of the harmony. We are part of a greater reality. And the song that we sing, rises up like a spring From our hearts to go on for eternity. For we are a circle of friends. We have not come here as strangers, But come seeking promise of a song. While life's filled with strife, joy and danger Come seeking refuge from the storm, As the crowd settles in, the chorus begins One by one we join in with our voices strong For all fear is gone. The luck that has brought us together, It wasn't by chance that we have come here. For together like birds of a feather We've come for to sing with our voices clear. What started out as a few has expanded and grew Till the song in our hearts flew to the stars above, And that song is love. And when this meeting is over We'll leave with a spirit of time well spent. For I feel that we are but beholding To all that is truly heaven sent. What we're witnessing here is love conquering fear And the feeling is healing for all those who we hold dear To those both far and near. For me this Getaway was a circle of friends, both new and old. And when you have a circle there are no sides. Thank you again, FSGW, for welcoming Mudcatters and truly making us all part of your circle. My memories of this past weekend will last forever. karen k
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Dani Date: 13 Oct 99 - 08:33 AM Saturday night I staggered into the dining hall without an ounce of strength left. All I could do was slump on a bench and wait for sleep. Mick and Barry, obviously exhausted, were trading insults with aplomb, in between songs. And a fiddle plays. And here comes a harp. And a woman I've not met with a voice from heaven. And there's Dick with his flashy, splashy guitar and tender singing. Can't a girl get any sleep? I had nothing left in me to offer, but was the willing recipient of aural beauty. Was someone out of tune?! To paraphrase Annap, "Was it raining?" |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Jeri Date: 13 Oct 99 - 09:24 AM Mick Saturday night: "I'm going to bed." I guess he believes in three hour warnings. Mick, I just thought you were too tired to tune. If I haven't yet said it, thanks for asking me to join you on stage. It took a lot of faith and willingness to forgive to do that. I was looking forward to meeting you. I was expecting a friendly big guy with a great sense of humor, a pleasant voice, and a huge love of the music and people in general. I apologize for underestimating you. It was a terrible thing to have to ride down there with Barry and David Diamond. I was forced to listen to them and sing along the whole way down. I had to listen to Barry talk about music and people the whole way back. Seriously Barry, thanks for letting me ride with you. I don't usually enjoy the trip very much, and the way down and back felt like part of the Getaway. To be honest, I had what I thought were overblown expectations of what everyone was going to be like. Each and every one far surpassed them. You read thoughts and sometimes feelings here - you can't read talent, or hugs, or the smiles and winks in the spaces between the words. |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Liam's Brother Date: 13 Oct 99 - 09:36 AM Hi Mick! Why don't you take a minute and tell us about the song you sang in the concert on Sunday night... nice little pick-up band you pulled together.
All the best, |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: lamarca Date: 13 Oct 99 - 11:06 AM I'd like to thank Big Mick and Liam's Sister-in-law and all the other folks who went out of their way to say nice things to us about our music. This weekend was definitely an ego-boost for an amateur musician like me- folks really seemed so supportive of each other's music, whether they were "pros" or living-room singers. I think having a space made for everyone to shine is what makes gatherings like this so important and so special for those of us that aren't professional musicians. The Mudcat Cafe' session was one such place - Ferrara made a point of asking all the 'Catters who weren't leading a workshop or doing a "mini"concert to sing, so that folks would get a chance to hear them, too. It resulted in a wonderful session that I hope Max may put out on Mudcat radio for everyone to hear! Special highlights for me were Barry Finn, Liam's-Sister-in-law (Bonnie Milner), Dave Diamond, Ken Schatz and Daphne Glover's exciting set of black-influenced shanties and songs, especially "Go Down, You Blood-Red Roses"...Hearing Big Mick, KathWestra and Jeri rehearsing their song for Sunday's concert, then getting to hear the gorgeous and moving performance that night...Sandy telling "stories" about Caroline's 'Uncle Jalmer' (an excuse for a wickedly funny Midwestern joke)...KathWestra singing Jan Harmon's "Lonnie" in her concert set...Lorraine getting her courage up to sing in front of a mike and wowing everyone with "Them Stars"...Vixen and Tim's great harmonies and talented songwriting...too many other things to remember with my foggy post-Getaway brain right now (it takes longer every year for me to recover from sleep deprivation...) Thank you to Charlie Baum and Delores Nichols for making the Getaway happen again this year, but especially thank you to Ferrara for putting together a great program that let so many people have a chance to shine... |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: bbelle Date: 13 Oct 99 - 01:24 PM Having been a convention/meeting planner in a past life, when I attend any type of group function I never complain about the setup, food, etc. If you've never done it, all I can say is, it's takes an incredible amount of time and energy to pull-off an event like the Getaway. And, to having been doing this for 35 years is more than a job, it's a labor of love. Too, from experience, I know that the planners of this year are already planning next years Getaway. I'm not saying this to imply anyone was complaining, because they weren't. It's just a thought ... One of my own parting statements was "I'm going to mold." I was a bit braindead by the time I arrived Friday night and it took Dani's husband (sorry, forgot his name!) to practically lead me by the hand to my cabin because the words "left" and "right" and "200 yards" made no sense to me. It was sooooo dark and I'm petrified of snakes and I took far too many clothes and extraneous items and it took me 3 trips to unload everything! I got lost on one of my trips back and forth because I was concentrating more on snakes than on the path. When I saw my wonderful roomie Jeri's neat little bundle of "stuff," I was duly embarrassed, although, she was very gracious and didn't point out the obvious. My statement to Max was "When have you ever seen a Jewish American Princess who could pack for a weekend in a mere duffle bag." His reply to me was "I'm surprised you're even here." Well ... I'm not quite the priss my statement implied, but, at that point, I was determined to adapt. So, while I hope future times are drier, I wouldn't give up the experience of the past weekend for anything. I understand Dani's concern about traveling farther north, because my drive north just to Northern Virginia was very, very long, however, not to despair ... Henderson, NC is not that far off the beaten path on I95 and I can just pick you up on the way up and drop you off on the way back, if you want ... moonchild |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: KathWestra Date: 13 Oct 99 - 01:35 PM I need to add my special thanks to (Rita) Ferrara, the woman with a heart and smile as big as the world who put the program together. Lamarca couldn't have said it better. Sometimes when you live in a place, and see the same people all the time, you can start to take them and their contributions (as friends, musicians, and organizers)for granted -- part of the landscape of your world. All the visiting Mudcatters, with their great appreciation for the people, the music, and the event, have reminded me how very lucky I am to live here, to know such great folks, and to have such an incredible wealth of music surrounding me. And doubly lucky, now, to have a new group of "old" friends. Thanks. Kath (who's having a very hard time adjusting to the "real" post-Getaway world) |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Big Mick Date: 13 Oct 99 - 02:07 PM Sure Dan, happy to oblige. It gives me a chance to thank Jeri and KathWestra again. Weren't they something? One of my favorite performers is Brendan Nolan. He currently resides in Florida, but he is a Dublin man who originally immigrated to Montreal. While living there he discovered Grosse Ile, not the one near Detroit, but the one in the St. Lawrence near Montreal. Grosse Ile, during the time of the Great Hunger, was a quarantine station for the Irish that came in from Ireland in the so-called "coffin ships". These were ships that were taking advantage of the misery of the Irish who would sell everything they owned to gain passage to North America for themselves and their families. They would be packed into the hold so tightly that there was barely room to move. These conditions would spawn outbreaks of disease, so the holds would be battened down to keep the fever below. By the time these coffin ships would arrive, more were dead than alive. And many that were alive had fever so bad that they would succumb soon after landfall. The brave French Canadians would take the ill to what became known as the fever sheds and try to save them. Many of these French Canadians would die in the attempt to save others. This is made especially precious when you understand that this occurred during a time of intense dislike for the Irish emigrant. The dead were buried in mass graves on Grosse Ile. The spot is marked by a white marker on top of the island. When Brendan visited the spot, he was overcome by the knowledge and feelings of standing on the spot where so many of our people were buried. These were people seeking a better life just as he was. He was inspired to write their song. His inspiration can be found in the verse that I sang in French. The translation came from Peter T. who assisted me because my French is poor. Here is the translation of the French lyric: My name is Leo Quinn My ancestors are here Buried on Grosse Ile Which looks over to (or is beside) the/my village, Montmagny My memories are only ghosts That hover and dance in the wind They plead that someone remember them,Even if only in song. It is a powerful recounting of the time of the Great Hunger, and what many of our forebears went through to escape for a chance for their families sake. It is difficult to perform, because of the intensity of the song. We had a discussion of it when I was looking for an exact translation of the French verse. You can read about it by CLICKING HERE. Brendan is, in my humble opinion, one of the most talented musicians and teller of tales out there today. If you get a chance to see him perform, take it. Thanks for asking Dan. All the best, Mick
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: bbelle Date: 13 Oct 99 - 06:33 PM REFRESH |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Charlie Baum Date: 14 Oct 99 - 12:30 AM I'm still not entirely recovered (and I know, because I'm checking into these Mudcat threads about 30 times a day, as if to keep the Getaway going), but I want to thank the people who put in a ton of work to make the Getaway go: Dolores Nichols, who did the lion's share of the behind the scenes organizing; Rita Ferrara, who had the best program EVER (in my memory, at least) for the Getaway; Jennifer Woods (knitpick), who did all the registration and the lists nad the keeping track of money, and the buttons and brochures and graphics and newsletter publicity and.. and..; Dennis Cook and Don Nichols, who took care of sound equipment and a whole batch of other accoutrements; Debby McClatchy, who cooked for a lot of people in tight quarters; the National Park Service Rangers who supplied us with light bulbs when things went dark and who allowed us to stay in the camp even though the sewer line servicing Units C, D, and E was broken; and everybody who came, Mudcatter or not, because it was the participants who made the music and the conversation and entertained and inspired each other. --Charlie Baum |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: katlaughing Date: 14 Oct 99 - 12:58 AM Has anyone heard from Joe Offer, yet? When was he supposed to get back home? Sounds as if he was great and a lot of fun around the campfire. kat |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Roger in Baltimore Date: 14 Oct 99 - 06:14 AM Joe's plan was to spend about a week touring around the Eastern Seaboard. Checking out lighthouses I do believe. He is probably unWebbed unless he finds a cyber-cafe somewhere. Certainly he must be wondering what we are talking about. I know I could hardly wait to get on-line and talk about "the event." Roger in Baltimore |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Ferrara Date: 14 Oct 99 - 07:59 AM Ummm... I'm lurking here, haven't been saying anything because was afraid you'd all somehow see the pleased silly grin on my face. Bill and I figure that the unusually large number of items left behind this year, was a measure of how blitzed we all were. Here's the list, let me or Bill or Charlie know if you think any of it is yours (or just post your claim in this thread):
Tan sweater, hand knit? Somehow I have a strong hunch as to who's the owner of that last item. I haven't listed the stuff whereof we've already located the owners. |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Allan C. Date: 14 Oct 99 - 08:15 AM I accidentally left a couple of green folding camp chairs in the main lodge. If you - or anybody found them, just keep them. I have others. Maybe you will think to bring them to the next Getaway - especially if it happens in the same location. Those damned wooden benches got harder and harder as the weekend wore on! |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Big Mick Date: 14 Oct 99 - 08:25 AM The metal thermos coffee mug is mine. Spent $10 on it on the way down and then left it there. Let me know a snail mail address and I will send the appropriate amount to cover shipping. Or as Allen said, you can just hold on to it and give it to me next year. That way I won't have to buy another. ......LOL. Mick |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Jeri Date: 14 Oct 99 - 09:29 AM Allan, thank you for bringing those chairs! I sat in one Sun night, and my butt was happier than it had been all weekend! |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: annamill Date: 14 Oct 99 - 09:38 AM Next year, chairs will be at the top of MY list! Maybe by then I'll have a song to play on my guitar, maybe. Geez! I hope so. Love, annap |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Date: 14 Oct 99 - 10:07 AM The Bugle Boy pullover is my daughter's. Let me know how to get it. Mail, pick-up ( I am only a half hour from the park if it is in their lost and found). I'm at jeggerton@cahners.com. Thanks |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Bill D Date: 14 Oct 99 - 12:14 PM to anon at jeggerton..nope, *smile*...we never leave stuff with the park...everything is carted home with someone...in this case Ferrara & I....so the pullover is with us in Wheaton,,,as are the folding chairs, Alan..(they were downstairs, so Ferrara missed them as she made the list)... Nice cup, Mick..*grin*...I always wanted one of those...no, seriously, we'll send it when you want...looks like there's 'just' about room in it for this potato (we get the strangest lost & found!)..and a lovely potato it is. I will send snail mail address to Mick and any others that need it thru private messages....Ferrara's email is zither@erols.com |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: bbelle Date: 14 Oct 99 - 03:24 PM Allan ... Those of us whose bottoms were happily glued to your stools could have rented them out for at least $10 an hour. But ... being the honest folk that we are, we kept our happy butts (or gladyses) firmly ensconced on the stools to keep us honest ... moonchild |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Knitpick Date: 14 Oct 99 - 05:53 PM Ferrara & BillD -- we're NOT to send Mick his cup back! (grin) He has to come and sing for it back! We want him to come to DC and do a House Concert -- that can be part of the bribe to get him here!
And Roger in baltimore can drive down and pick up his chairs -- we'll use at the concert first!
Knitpick |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Knitpick Date: 14 Oct 99 - 05:53 PM Ferrara & BillD -- we're NOT to send Mick his cup back! (grin) He has to come and sing for it back! We want him to come to DC and do a House Concert -- that can be part of the bribe to get him here!
And Roger in baltimore can drive down and pick up his chairs -- we'll use at the concert first!
Knitpick |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: bbc Date: 14 Oct 99 - 06:13 PM One more story on Mick. I met him on the Saturday of the weekend. It was clear who he was. I walked up & said, Mick, may I have a hug?" He opened his arms & smiled. Then, he bent down & said, "Who are you?" He say my name button & said, "Oh, bbc!" & I got a lovely hug. The point is--this man will hug anyone! :) Seriously, Mick's a wonderful man. His heart is as big as the rest of him (though that doesn't make logical sense). He & I might disagree mind to mind, but never heart to heart. Everyone I met fulfilled or exceeded my expectations. One thing I noticed was the lack of ego. Those who perform for a living were appreciative & affirming of those of us who mostly just enjoy the music. I went home with a desire to increase my repretoire to more than 5 & maybe even pick up an instrument. I was encouraged in that by the finest kind of people! I won't name all the names, because that always leaves someone out. Suffice it to say, though, that I feel honored & proud to know you all. with my love, bbc Barbara P.S.--Since I know now that "Beebs" is pronounced w/ love, that's ok, too. |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Jeri Date: 14 Oct 99 - 11:00 PM Oh, I know he'll hug anyone - repeatedly! I got one right before I thought I was gonna leave. Fifteen minutes later, I was still there, so I collected another one. I think I didn't leave until about an hour later, and kept grabbing the poor man. (Well, I probably won't see him for quite a while, so I was saving up.) |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Barry Finn Date: 14 Oct 99 - 11:45 PM It's true, he would hug anybody, which isn't a bad thing but I saw the way he was hugging that goat he was drumming so it raised an eyebrow then when I went to bed I found out that he snoars, that raised the other eyebrow but the third thing that he did that really raised my suspicion was that he didn't hug me, oh just as well he smells like a bodhran when he hasn't shaved, is that him in the beard? Sorry Mick, I just wanted to get some of those "lost that getaway felling, now it's gone, gone, gone for a year" back before it's gone, gone, gone & I can't go on. Look at me, no wonder I don't get hugs. Barry |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Big Mick Date: 15 Oct 99 - 01:59 AM I was going to hug you, Barry, but when I kissed you, you tried to slip me a tongue and I didn't want to encourage you...............hahahahahahahaha. If you don't believe Barry is Irish, solely on his name, let me assure you that he is on the basis of the affectionate barbs we were trading. These are signs of affection. And proof that he lived in the North of Ireland for a period of time. That is how they say hello up there to friends.........Right, FAIR ONE And Beebs(with love) and Jeri(with love also), you can have all of those hugs you want. You are special friends. Mick |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: bbc Date: 15 Oct 99 - 05:48 AM Hey, Barry, tell the truth! I remember hugging you at least once & enjoying it!)! That business w/ the tongue, though, Mick, must have just been a reaction to you! :) bbc |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Joe Offer Date: 15 Oct 99 - 06:19 AM Well, I got home, and it was a nice trip. As I said in another thread, it was nice to spend some time traveling by myself, savoring all the good experiences I had at the Getaway. More than just about anything, I've wanted to get together with a bunch of Mudcatters and sing. I got a nice taste of it when I was in Washington in March, but the Getaway was just about a perfect experience. As I was driving away on Monday, I got all teary-eyed and everything. It was just so wonderful. I tried to make sure I heard every Mudcatter sing at least something, and they all did us proud. Some songs really moved me, especially songs sung by Kath Westra, Karen K, Mick, and BBC. There was one moment, though, when I was affected so strongly that tears started running down my cheeks. That was when Barry Finn sang the song about his son, You Wouldn't Know It To Look At Me. Barry really puts his heart into his song. Thanks, Barry, and thanks to everyone. -Joe Offer- |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Big Mick Date: 15 Oct 99 - 09:14 AM Damn, Joe. I didn't get to hear that one. All kidding aside, Barry is a helluva human being. I wish I could have heard that song. Barry, when next I see you, I hope you will do it again. Mick |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: catspaw49 Date: 15 Oct 99 - 10:14 AM THAT SONG was one of the things I missed most in not making the Getaway, but like I said...there will be other times. I also missed out on a lot of hugs I was looking forward to giving and getting!!! Spaw |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Vixen Date: 15 Oct 99 - 10:44 AM 'Spaw-- You and Karen and the boys also missed some lovely camping. TTV was very nice, and mostly empty--we had a whole "road" of about 20 sites to ourselves. Would have been nice to have you for neighbors! We kept hoping that you would all miraculously appear. Better luck next time!!! V |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: bbc Date: 15 Oct 99 - 11:22 AM Don't worry, 'spaw, we're saving those hugs just for you! We missed you, too! bbc |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: bbelle Date: 15 Oct 99 - 01:55 PM Being, I think, the shortest of the Mudcat Getaway contention, my experiences are more at the ground level than in the upper reaches. My memories of Big Mick are kisses on top of my head ... I think it's called "nose to belly button." But that's okay because there's just something odd about the sight of a 7' tall man stooping down to hug a 5' tall woman ... I'm still wondering how Barry managed to find the ONLY real chair in the whole camp and sit in it the entire weekend! I'm not saying he was protective of the chair, but it was an odd sight seeing him tote it around from workshop to workshop. Me ... I was just looking for something comfortable that would also let my feet touch the floor! Uh Oh ... I'm now in the flashback mode of the weekend ... moonchild |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Joe Offer Date: 15 Oct 99 - 03:25 PM You know, I discovered an interesting phenomenon at the Getaway - compulsive singers, people who can't talk for over a minute or two without singing a song. The classic examples are Sandy and Caroline Paton and Dick Greenhaus, who were giving mini-concerts to everybody near them the whole weekend long. But come to think of it, most of the Mudcatters who were at the concert are like that - they have a constant aura of song around them, and it's a marvelous thing. Then there's Max. Put that guy near a guitar, and he immediately becomes a Blues Man. Gosh, he's good. Gee, I had a good time. -Joe Offer, still basking in the joy of the weekend- |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Jeri Date: 15 Oct 99 - 10:00 PM Catspaw, one of these days, I'll just show up at your house, and whoever answers the door better be prepared to be grabbed. Warn your kids. (Just kidding, but it's a nice fantasy.) The Getaway has, for me, carried over into Real Life. I did "A Drink for Each Song" tonight in the session. Someone who has not heard it before, and who's opinion I highly respect leaned over the table and said "that's a great f****ing song!" My voice still hasn't come back, and I sound like a very loud bullfrog, but the song still came out. I think one thing I loved about being at the Getaway - and people have said this before in different words - is that it's the music that counts, not the personalities. The "stars" are the songs. |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Barry Finn Date: 15 Oct 99 - 11:21 PM Well thanks for the kind words Joe, it's nice to know when a job's been well done but then the song "Rubber Ducky" had the same effect on you as it did on me, only different recations, you thought it was sexy. Haven't laughed about a song so hard, I nearly had to be carried out. What was that woman's name, she told me about her doing that song but i just couldn't've been prepaired. bbc, that was a tounge lashing that Mick got, he's probably so used to them that he confuses them with a kiss. Hi Moonchild, you'll take to Irish songs like a duck to water with the way you sing I'll be waiting to hear them the next time. I tried to get out of that chair but Mick said he'd knock me right down again if I got up so out of fear I just slept, eat, drank & showered in that chair, finally I had enough of his threats & told him if he felt froggy, leap but that I was never beaten by someone who wanted to do it twice after that he strightened right out & humbled himself (right) but I know Mick to be a very warm hearted , loving guy maybe a bit shy (**grin**, there are alot of grins here) but still someone that I was very pleased to hook up with, it seems that he has that effect on all he meets. It seems that everyone was just peachy, Rita, Bill D, Charlie B, Dolores, Songster Bob & all the others that had a big hand in making a beautiful thing like this happen. Barry |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Big Mick Date: 16 Oct 99 - 02:25 PM Don't be insulted, Barry, but he is telling the truth. I made some comment about the dress, and I asked how he would like his arse whupped by someone in a dress.........He said sure, but how many was I willin' to hand out cause he would just keep coming. I took one look at that stocky wee Irishman (they all look little to me), and the set of his jaw, and figured I didn't need what I was going to get there............LOL. Don't worry folks who don't know us. This was just verbal sport. We Irish folks do this all the time. Barry was one of the best there, and has a heart as big as forever. And I MUST hear him sing that song for his son next time. Mick |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Jeri Date: 16 Oct 99 - 03:00 PM Barry, her first name is Janice - don't know the last one. |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Bill D Date: 16 Oct 99 - 10:02 PM Rubber ducky!!Janice Cole!..*grin*...the 'voice'..she sang at my wedding!...you ought hear her do 'Kitchen Man'..or any of a 100 Scots ballads...or "Tramp on the Street"...I have been fascinated with Janice's voice for 20+years now... |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Max Date: 19 Oct 99 - 05:25 PM Wow, what a week. I am sorry that I have not had a chance to write here yet, but its been one thing after the other (NMPA, car accidents, etc.).
I just want to say that I had a fanfawckingtastic time at the Getaway. I think it was the best display of music and fine folk that I have ever experienced. I can't say enough about how great it was. If I were to sit and imagine an ideal way to spend a weekend, my imagination would describe very closely the Getaway. Bert and I came in Friday afternoon, very nearly the first there. It was a joy to stand our front watching folks arrive, and meeting them for the first time, or seeing them again. Sandy and Caroline show up soon after we, and I got to finally meet them. As delightful as I thought and have been told. It was as if I've always known them. Jeri comes in, Alan C., Barry Finn. Barry's been around the Cat a long time, so it was a grand pleasure to meeting him. Jeri and Alan, I met a annap's gathering, wonderful folk, Alan comes in with a lovely wig.
Several of us dig into the Pot Luck while catching up on things. Bert and I change strings on our guitars to get ready for the Friday night open sing. That was amazing. 30 or 40 folks, all wonderful musicians, sharing songs all night. Nothing like a 35 part harmony. I swear the sounds you hear at these sings are thought to only be mythical. The acoustics of the cabin and the combination of ranges and styles, the sheer number of folks in the room that know the words or melodies (or at least can fake it) just can't exist anywhere else. Wow. Saturday the workshops start, as does my head a spinning. One great after the other, bouncing from cabin to cabin, trying in vain to see and hear it all. Songs from the Mudcat Café was wonderful. I think there should be a law about having that many Mudcatters in one place though. The cosmic positive energy in that room was uplifting to say the least. I grasped a little more reality of what I have done that day. Every time I meet another Mudcatter, I realize what I am doing is good, and worth it no matter what. You all make sure I know that too, and let me tell you I do. I did a blues workshop in the afternoon, that was fun. I'll take any chance I can get to talk about that, so I probably had more fun that anyone else in the room. I finally got to here Roger in Baltimore sing the blues, which was amazing. I gotta learn some of those tunes. Truly amazing Roger. And Duane D. floored me with San Fran Bay. I've heard him play a few tunes before, but never could I imagine that he had that inside of him. Sunday was more of the same. Lots o' Workshops, one to the next, trying to ignore the effects of sleep deprivation. I got a chance to have some quality time with some Mudcatters, sharing more of myself, and learning more of them. That was very special for me. No matter where I go to see Mudcatters, I am as happy playing and listening to music as I am just chatting about life and love and everything. It helps me make sense of what I am doing. Very much of a reason why I am interested in traditional music is the people associated with it. A demographic that must include just the most righteous of folk. I am constantly amazed at the wonderful nature of a Mudcatter.
Well, I am forgetting a lot as well as rambling, so let me close with some Thank You's. Thank You to the FSGW for welcoming us in. You are a wonderful organization made up of wonderful people. Thank You to you Mudcatters that came, you brightened my year with your warmth. It was an honor to meet all of you. And thanks to everyone else. This really give my life meaning. |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: bbc Date: 19 Oct 99 - 09:13 PM Max, It was a pleasure to see *you* (even if you *are* trying to influence my son to go to a California school!)! love, bbc |
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Subject: RE: Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all From: Roger in Baltimore Date: 20 Oct 99 - 07:55 PM Max, I thanked FSGW for the Getaway, it was pure joy. I have forgotten to thank you, Max (and I don't think I can overdo that). I thank you because these wonderful people we call Mudcatters would NEVER have gotten together if it had not been for your Mudcat Cafe. It is the common bond that has connected us for these oh so few years. I know you just wanted to learn a little more about the blues, but like so many of our actions, your creation had unintended consequences. Fortunately, this time they were wonderful consequences. I know I would not have ever been to the Getaway without the Mudcat (and I only live 50 miles from DC). And without the Mudcat I would not have gotten to spend an hour sharing worksongs and hollers with these people. It was the highlight of my weekend. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Roger in Baltimore |
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