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Tune Add: Getaway: thank you all
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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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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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: bbelle Date: 13 Oct 99 - 06:33 PM REFRESH |
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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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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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