FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories

Subject: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 23 Oct 00 - 12:20 AM

Wow, I guess I am first back and connected. I'm sitting and listening to Jed Marum's CD (1 of many I came home with) just trying to re-capture some of the great time I had.

Great Weather, Great Friends, Great Music!!!

The only things that I can think of that would have made it better are: More Mudcatters; Better Food; and of course much more time!

Mudcatville (our cabin) had a big central hall with 2 bedrooms on each side. On one side, the single girls (Moonjen, Dani, Jeri, Tinker, PJ, and Lani) stayed in 1 room. The single guys (JAB, Max, Joe Offer, Barry Finn, Allan C, Folk1234, and Big Mick) stayed in the other. Across the hall there was Roger from Baltimore and his wife, David Diamond, Dick Greenhouse (and wife ?), and Annamill/Annap and her husband Glen. Other mudcatter's at the Getaway inlcuded Momnopp/Judy0 (my ride up thanks again) Songster Bob and his wife Jennifer (Jennifer put the whole thing together. Thanks Jennifer), Bill D and Ferrara, Susan of DT, Dan and Bonnie Milner, Vixen and Reynard, MaryMac, Bert with family, Sandy and Caroline Patton, Fortunato and his wife Suzette, and many many others (total 39 'catters I think).

What Fun!

Highlights for me inlcuded:

Jeri singing...our cabin jams....Shanty Singing Saturday night listening to The Milners, Barry Finn, Ken Schotz, David Diamond, and others trade songs... The Mudcat Workshop, The Gospel Sing on Sunday Morning (Dani can sing folks)... taking a singing lesson with Lisa Null... our cabin jams ... hearing the gasps of those that dared the cold water showers Saturday Morning... earplugs ... and last but not least meeting everybody.

There, I got it started. Please continue... If I missed mentioning you It is not because I meant to. I just very very tired

JAB (with a smile on my face)...

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 23 Oct 00 - 01:00 AM

OK.. Kick me in the head.. Charlie Baum, Lorraine, Judy Cook, and Uilleand were at the Getaway too.

Charlie helped lead the Chants, Catches and Rounds session with Dick Swain and Nancy Mattilla (wife?). The chant was from Mongolia and sent chills up and down our spines.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 23 Oct 00 - 09:31 AM

Here is Annamill's message from another thread:

Subject: After the getaway From: annamill Date: 23-Oct-00 - 08:15 AM

I looked for another thread but didn't see any so Here we are. Of course it was wonderful. The weather was perfect, the company was perfect, and the music... where do I start. There were a lot of Mudcat members doing workshops and concerts and each was awesome. The was a gospel sing on Sunday morning that was wonderful. Honey even started Wade in the Water and everyone helped him with the words as all he really knew was the chorus. It was good though. It was very inspiring, even for me. Sunday afternoon had a blues gathering, a Carter Family gathering, Mac Ochs, non-Mudcat, did a wonderful workshop on M. John Hurt. I could go on and on. I'm not going to mention all the Mudcatters that gave workshops because I know I'll forget someone and they'll be hurt. So let me just say that everyone I heard was fantastic. What amazing talent we have in our group. After hours was great too! We got together in the dining hall with some work songs, and in our cabin we had late night music on Saturday and from what they told me it was wonderful on Friday too. I cannot wait til next year. I'm sure you'll hear a lot more from others. My heart is still bursting here on Monday at 8:15 AM at work.

Love, annamill

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 23 Oct 00 - 09:37 AM

You should have seen the smile on Glen's face when "Wade on the Water" resonated throughout the Gym, and the lead went from person to person, the harmonies building upon each other. He was laying back with his eyes closed leaning on Annamill and just taking it all in...and floating away ...

JAB

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: Catrin
Date: 23 Oct 00 - 10:42 AM

That sound like some do folks!

As good as Llanstock even - and that's saying something!

We'll have to do swaps - sending delegates from one side of the pond to the other. *BG*

Glad it all went so well.

Cheers,

Catrin

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: Fortunato
Date: 23 Oct 00 - 10:57 AM

We were out on Saturday and had loads of fun. We started with the telephone workshop. Nan Goland and Bootsie and Judy Cook and Ferrera and lots more good folks. My favorite tune was TJ and Julie O'Malley doing "Jesus is on the mail line, tell him what you want".

Later we took the usual suspects, Dick and Lois Parks, Marv and Kathy Reitz, Nan Goland, TJ and Julie and Ron and Tim from Baltimore and lots more new folks, including Folk1234 up for the Country Music Workshop. Great, I will send pictures to the mudcat soon.

Our gaggle had so many songs to share that we went to the Gazebo for a Jam session. Then we did it again Saturday night in the 'jam' room of the dining hall.

We had a blast. Unfortunately I couldn't clone myself to be with everyone there and hear every song sung. Some time again, as my friend, Micca, says.

Thanks to the FSGW for another great year!

Chance & Susette

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: Bill D
Date: 23 Oct 00 - 03:31 PM

wekk, Ferrara & I are home, wiped, but pretty happy...we were, as usual, the last ones out of the camp, along with Big Mick and Joe Offer and the Patons and a couple of others (one of whom lurks here but never posts)...Joe and Mick were extremely generous in helping straighten up the camp and making sure things were 'right' before they left. It was a new camp, and there were 'things to learn', so help like that was epsecially appreciated!..(they made LOTS of music, too!...Ya know what?, Bro Joe has quite a voice when he relaxes in the evening, and did a lot more than his camp songs specialty...he filled a room with a couple of gospel numbers...and got one He** of a chorus going. Of course, Mick did too...such moving and beautiful songs he knows......and JAB is a real virtuoso on that washtub bass!...I really enjoyed it in the Carter Family workshop.

And there were SO many more....I'll add other thoughts when I can think more clearly...(maybe about July...*grin*)....Im sure others will be filling in here as they get home and unpile.....

(also...there were MANY pictures taken..I will post most of mine on one of those 'album' sites in a day or two...I will assume that if you saw me taking pictures and didnt hide, that you wont object ..let me know if you feel otherwise)

Thanks to all for making it a great time...

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 23 Oct 00 - 03:45 PM

PAM SWAN HERE, POSTING ON RICK'S COOKIE...

Thanks Rita, Jennifer, Charlie and all who made FSGW possible and wonderful! It was a great experience, and I can't wait for next year. I'll join in the fun more here later, but I'm off to rehearse with Rick for now. Hello from Toronto!

pj

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: MMario
Date: 23 Oct 00 - 04:07 PM

the visual I get from the phrase "posting on Rick's cookie" ....never mind....

sounds fantastic , makes me wish even more that I had been able to go this year. Here's hoping I can figure it out for next year.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: Tinker
Date: 23 Oct 00 - 04:39 PM

Well, I got back just in time to jump into after school pickups and activities, but I'm looking to keep my mind set in the weekend. I drove through the Port of Elizabeth Area and turnt on the Johnson Girls( Many too many CD's came home, naah, not possible, after all there were even more I should have bought) And my children got picked up from school to Celtic Mouth Music.... Spent hour after hour just soaking in such amazing music...Filled to over flowing with amazing amounts of wonderful music and experience and a great many really great laughs...... Now on to the next drop off. Thanks Catters for a amazin' time.
Tinker

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: SINSULL
Date: 23 Oct 00 - 05:47 PM

Did AllanC bring the "Mudcat Guitar" with him on its maiden voyage? Did Jennie bring her rosewood kazoo? Did Joe remember the marshmallows? Details! We need details!

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: DougR
Date: 23 Oct 00 - 05:57 PM

Sounds like you all had a great time! Thanks for the reports. Jen, when are you writing yours?

DougR

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: Jeri
Date: 23 Oct 00 - 06:23 PM

Me: Tooke an 8 hour drive to Getaway that turned into over 10 hours because of bleeping NYC and the bleeping NJ turnpike. Spent Fri night thru Sun (about 2:15) at Getaway. Drove 9 hours home and arrived about 11:30. I HATE the NJ turnpike! Stayed up until almost 1AM reading "one more thread, me Johnny, one more thread, come rock and roll me over..." Got up at 6AM this morning and feigned conciousness through work.

On that bit in the middle - Fri night food and lotsa people singing in the main building. More singing in the cabin later. Sat - don't know what happened, but all the singing seemed rather quiet and polite. (I know a lot of people like this, but IMO singing's best when there's a mixture of rowdy and peaceful) That lasted until after the concert Sat night, but let me talk a bit about the concert.

I enjoyed it very much. Moonjen borrowed Tim (of VicTim - Vixen's sweetie) and did a wonderful song. (Duh - something about Georgia.) VicTim sang (duh again, but it was a good song). There was lots of great music, but the high point for me was the beautiful song (and tune) Lani Hermann sang - something about "Teach Me to Waltz." The tune itself is beautiful, but add some great words and an incredible arrangement, and you have people singing AND waltzing. Lani, if you happen to see this, where can I find words and tune? Well, another high point was Dan and Bonnie Milner, Also Dick Swain and Nancy Mattila (sp?)... I've got to stop some time!

Anyway, after the concert, we went back to the dining hall for make-your-own sundaes. Ken Schatz started a chantey and all hell broke loose, singing-wise. Folks were standing around in a circle. We wouldn't have just managed to get the sails hoisted, the anchors weighed and the pumps pumping - we would have just blown the whole damn ship out of the water. I actually left before it was over for fear I'd kill my vocal chords.

Back at the cabin, Mudcatters were still singing. We finally went to sleep, and I had a great time on Sun, even though I sounded like Janis Joplin without the talent.

Now - I'd like a report on Big Mick's workshop on Sun. He'd been practicing a song I like very much, but wasn't sure he was going to do it. Hope he did! I wish I could have been everywhere at once. I would have loved to hear Honey sing! I really enjoyed Lisa Null's voice workshop last year. Didn't have enough chance to talk to folks, either.

Oy - what a weekend!

(Oh, and just to make a long post longer, I bought a pile of CDs there, and listened to most of them on the way home. Not a less-than-wonderful one in the bunch! Thank you Folk Legacy and Camco - I actually enjoyed the drive home.)

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: Jeri
Date: 23 Oct 00 - 06:39 PM

SINS, Allan did indeed bring the famous guitar. Jenny had the kazoo, but I believe the workshop fizzled - even the kids must have been wiped on Sun morning. Bert even made a "cameo" appearance on Sun.

My guess is Mudcat Radio on Tue is going to be a "must see/hear" event.

(Did I really spell "took" "tooke" up there? I need sleep...)

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: Old Ark-ey
Date: 23 Oct 00 - 07:00 PM

This wasn't my first Getaway, but it was my first encounter w/catters. Now I are one. Look for Popular Songs of the Civil War in the future.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 23 Oct 00 - 09:11 PM

Blessed weather!

The concert on Saturday night was one of the best I've ever attended in my life. There were 20-odd performers and the variety and talent was just great. Charlie Baum did a perfect job as MC... very witty, descriptive and engaging. Dennis Cook's sound was clear as a bell (without the ring). The stage managers did a wonderful job getting everybody on and off so fast that it moved seamlessly and you could hardly scratch your, um, nose between performers.

The impromptu shanty-sing on Saturday night was cracklingly good but I heard a lot of very fine music coming from one cranny or another during the weekend. The country music, for example, that caught my ear going back and forth to the pond sounded really fine.

I hate to single out anyone because it could have the effect of diminishing others and everyone sang very well. However, I really enjoyed listening to Lisa Null. I've known Lisa about 25 years and she has always sang well. She was brilliant this weekend.

The temperature was warm enough that the fish were active down at the pond. There were a lot of 8 inch bluegill sunfish and the largemouth bass were about a pound and biting much of the time. Mick brought some supplies (worms and Guinness) from Michigan and he and I pretty much matched each other fish for fish at the water.

I enjoyed performing with my wife, Bonnie. We are not a duo in that sense. We had a lot of fun singing together in our concert spots and informal settings.

It was good to meet Mudcatters old - some very dear friends - and putting faces to names on threads. All-in-all, it was a very relaxed weekend and I thank all who put in the hard work organizing the event and congratulate them on their success!

All the best,
Dan Milner

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 23 Oct 00 - 09:53 PM

My second time at the Getaway and it was even better than last year (especially the weather). Even heard an Italian folk song or two! (The three tenors should take notice - Sandy and Caroline Paton and also Rita Ferrara are closing in). Put a few more faces to Mudcat names and now cannot be accused of never having posted myself!
A lot of good music, camaraderie, and some great laughs made for a weekend of sheer fun and relaxation. Highlights? The overall feeling of being welcomed so warmly (thanks to a great group of you in the folk club) and finding people just as keen on sharing the same musical interests.
Barry & Mick - are you home yet? It was a long trip down there on Friday due to traffic and road construction and the added anticipation of getting there - but well worth the trek. Coming back home was much faster - too fast! Till next time - Ciao, ciao

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: Dani
Date: 23 Oct 00 - 10:18 PM

Oy.

All I can say is, I'm glad for my own bathroom back, and a chance to rest my voice. That's what I thought when I left this morning, but as soon as I hit 95 South I popped in my new CD: Ken Shatz. 7 hours later, I had no voice at all.

I am also the proud new owner of the rosewood kazoo, gifted to me by Jen after I complimented her playing on Roger in Baltimore's FINEFINE 'Biscuit Blues'. Thank you, Jen.

And yes, there were plenty of marshmallows! I'll tell you more later about how wonderful your own Joe Offer was with those kids.

My friends, JAB is a heck of a singer, too - or will be if he sits up straight like his teacher told him to! And he plucks a mean tub. Photos soon...

I suspect the Mudcatters proved their chops to those warm, wonderful FSGW'ers. A friendlier welcome there never was.

Thank you, all.

More stories later...

Dani

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: GUEST,ShadowMonk
Date: 23 Oct 00 - 10:33 PM

AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! I MISSED IT!!! Don't get me wrong, my weekend with my girlfriend was great, but this is the first Getaway I have ever missed. Some of my best memories are from the Getaway. That's where I MET my girlfriend! All I can say if that I am NOT missing the next one...

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: GUEST,Barry Finn
Date: 23 Oct 00 - 10:34 PM

Hi & Bonnie, Yup just got in a little while ago, took around 11 hrs, got lost some where around Philly & started heading for Alantic City & when I tried to correct that mistake I found I was headed back to getaway, it was right out of the twilight light zone. The workshops & concerts I made it to were all great & I mean everyone was top notch. The evening concerts were even more outstanding but it's the late night singing that was the real kicker. The first night was guite blast it started off & didn't stop till bout 2am (the other session in the other room went till 3:30am) I went back to my cabin to nap & couldn't get to bed for want of the session in the outer hall baring the way to bed, oh well, can't beat 'em join 'em (didn't take much arm twisting). Those that had to head back Sun missed a killer of a jam Joe & another fellow (can't remember his name) had me, Dan & Mick doing a 60's gospel backup complete with soul saving & dancing. Rita & Lani & PJ had a corner on the swinging, spanking, sexual, singing mode & Judy Cook & hubby Dennis took yodeling into a new & never seen dimension, it had to've been the funniest & best late night session in ages. Have to come down from my high & get another nap, I'll come back, good night all. Barry

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: Gorgeous Gary
Date: 23 Oct 00 - 10:57 PM

And a few more comments from another member of the "home team"...'twas another fun Getaway (and the plumbing worked this time!), great to see all the 'Catters again. Great to see Mike Agaronoff again too; I'd made one NJ Folk Project Spring Festival a few years back and got to hear him there (and Camille West, now of the Bitchin' Babes). Brought home a pile of CD's to peruse and a list of songs to troll the database for. The Saturday concert was wonderful (I had to flee before Sunday's), and Roger, Mick, and Moonjen's sets. So now I have just a week to recover, then I'm off to Ohio...

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: Dani
Date: 23 Oct 00 - 11:53 PM

Of course, what I said above was not at ALL what I meant. What I MEANT to say was that, knowing that there had been some trepidation about inviting this motley mudcat crew last year, I was hoping that there were no regrets. And then, this year, what struck me was that I couldn't tell one from the other! Music, the great equalizer, seems to have bestowed her blessings on all of us. When voices are raised in song, walls fall down.

And Barry, you forgot to mention the trad gem uncovered last night: Bench shanty!

Dani

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: bbelle
Date: 24 Oct 00 - 12:42 AM

Hi y'll ... I'm not going to post long tonight. I just arrived home ... 3 hours late because they was a bomb on my plane leaving BWI. After sitting on tarmac for a while, the captain comes on a says they have a "profiled passenger" who checked luggage but did not board and "they" would be bringing in bomb squad and dogs to search through luggage and cabin. I was the first one on the plane and noticed a man standing in the very back looking very casually official and very much like a G-man. I thought it a little strange and watched him ... he was looking at everyone's face who boarded. So, they took all the luggage out on the tarmac and the dogs sniffed luggage until they found the bag, which they promptly put into some kind of "bomb" cart. Then they brought a dog onto the plane to sniff, but they didn't find anything else.

No ... they didn't let us move off that plane. I kept my composure and didn't panic, although I was dying a thousand deaths inside. I was very glad to reach Atlanta and then Jacksonville and home, here in Tallahassee.

I have wonderful memories and anecdotes and I want to share them but I know you'll understand if I wait a couple of days to calm down a bit.

jen

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: Ferrara
Date: 24 Oct 00 - 08:39 AM

Jen, who did you offend badly enough to be cursed with "living in interesting times"? You've lived through about 14 people's share of interesting times so far. So glad you could get to the Getaway which was a lot less "interesting" and a lot more relaxing.

Dani, thanks for the lovely words about "not being able to tell one from the other." The Getaway has always attracted people from all over the country, who heard about it in various ways. Now that lots of people have heard about it via the Mudcat, it's richer and there's a wider variety of music and even more layers of friendship and warmth and fun.

Allan C and the Mudcat Guitar were sitting next to me in Mick's Songs of the Struggle workshop. I wanted to sign it! - But he has a protective finish on it now, so it will forever be just the people who signed it on The Tour.

Speaking of the Struggle workshop. Oh, my. A three hankie special, and enjoyed every minute. Mick opened with Rick Fielding's "Voices of Struggle." Lorraine sang a Frankie Armstrong song about fishing trawlers being sent out by the owners too late in the season. Sondra Wallace (Andy's wife) sang "The Town I Loved So Well," with so much feeling that Sandy Paton couldn't even sing right afterwards, he was too choked up. Then Sandy set us all off again with "My Old Man." Luckily there were folks, including Nancy King (mom of Ken Schatz, ex of Boarding Party's K.C.King, wonderful woman) who sang "It's UAW/CIO that makes the army roll and go," and Joe Offer, who had some more great upbeat Union songs to balance things.

Well, that was my favorite workshop, will try to offer not quite so many details from here on.

I was wore out from tramping over the camp to figure out which building to use for the concerts, etc. and I missed the campfire for the second year in a row! This was inexcusable. Joe works magic at those things.

They're organized by Annie Storr and Joel Greer, parents who have done it for about 6 years I think. They bring the marshmallows. Joe leads the campfire sing. After his songs and stories, while they were roasting S'Mores, kids were clustered around Joe, hanging on him, coaxing more stories out of him and telling him stories in return. Last year one kid even buttonholed him in the dining room to tell him another story. Oh, Joe, I'm sorry I missed the campfire! Please please come back next year! Give me another chance!

Biggest surprise of the weekend was looking up after the first song in my concert and seeing Bert there! - He came down as a day-tripper, surprised everyone.

In the past, workshops have often been mostly sing-arounds. I was impressed by the success in the last two years of Lisa Null's vocal clinic and Max Ochs' Mississippi John Hurt and Slide Guitar sessions, and last year by Roger in Baltimore's and Barry Finn's Prison Work Songs. So this year we arranged for more folklore and opportunities to learn. The Mudcatters really contributed to that. Pam Swan's Mouth Music workshop, Barry Finn and Dan Milner's Ireland and the Irish (with help from Big Mick), Mark Gilston and Uillean's (have I misspelled it again, Shana?) International Songs were all chances to learn a lot of the history of the music and the cultures that created it, as well as have a very good time. There were others but this is a core dump and those are the ones I remember right now.

A high point of the weekend was hearing Sandy and Caroline Paton sing an Italian lullabye for me and Liam's Sister-in-Law who also has Italian origins.

Oh. The bench moving shanty. Who started that? Was it Jeri? No, Judy Cook, I think. I do know my husband was on the other end. You see, they had these high backed benches like church pews and there was a very long one that was on an uneven spot in the floor. My memory is a bit fuzzed here but it seems to me Barry Finn and Dani were the worst instigators of a little game that involved waiting till every one was immersed in a song, then shifting your weight, like on a seesaw, so the people at the far end of the bench would go bump in a most startling and unexpected way.

Well, what the hell were we singing? Can't remember but it has to have been loud and boisterous. Judy said, "I'm Gonna Do It," and she grabbed the back of the bench and started pushing the whole thing in a circle, pivoting on the rough spot in the floor. About six people were being taken for a ride. But it's hard for one person to get up any real speed, you see. So then Bill got on the other end, and there were other aiders and abetters, and for the entire length of one song they pushed this damn thing 90 degrees round, reversed direction, back again to Start and away we go again. It's the second silliest thing I've ever seen at a Getaway.

Enough.

Many, many thanks to Joe Offer, Barry Schlesinger, Big Mick and Bruce Gewirz for their help in leaving the camp in good condition on Monday morning.

Hope to hear some of these people again tonight on the Mudcat Gig.

Love to all. Gosh it was good to see you. Rita Ferrara

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: catspaw49
Date: 24 Oct 00 - 09:22 AM

I'm with Rita.......Geeziz Moon, you really have some "interesting" experiences! for almost 5 years I averaged 4 flights a week and NEVER had a bomb, hijacker, or too many bad landings (yeah, I know...if you walk away,its a good landing). How do you rate such neat stuff? So tell me, did they pass out clean underwear?

Glad you're OK.

Spaw

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: Allan C.
Date: 24 Oct 00 - 11:55 AM

There were far too many wonderous things which happened over the weekend to list - lots of them were not on the program. In many cases I was getting to visit some of the 'Catters for the third time in the same year; others, for the second time. What a privilege! It was good as well to renew acquaintences with some I had seen at last year's Getaway. But it was especially cool to see some Mudcatters for the first time - some of whom were quite new to the Mudcat.

It is simply amazing to discover/rediscover the incredible diversity of interests and talents of the people who attended. There was so much music within these folks that there simply was not time to hear all of what was presented.

The surprises were many. I think nearly everyone's voices were challenged by both the intense use and the cold night air. I found myself (normally a tenor) singing basso profundo, hitting notes formerly unknown to my throat. Folks who had been spoiled in previous years by excellent food, prepared with imagination and amazing talent, were somewhat disappointed by what was made available to us.

On the other hand, the facilities were all we could have wanted. Heck, there were so many buildings and gathering places that some were never even used! Although it seemed that anyplace you needed to be was uphill from where you were, the exercise was good for us and the trips were always worth the effort.

My personal favorite moments were:

listening to Pam Swan singing in the shower

watching Mick work incessantly to "nail" a song he wanted to do for his workshop

seeing and hearing Glenn Hammil (Anna's "Honey") as he got with the spirit of "Wade in the Water"

witnessing the almost-physical change Max made whenever he sang some blues. He virtually becomes an old black man at times.

sitting with Sandy as he described a young man named Art Thieme who had asked Sandy how to be a folksinger

watching JAB as he thumped the night away on his washtub bass

listening to Joe as he traded gospel songs with Sandy

watching Caroline - just watching her do nearly anything is a pure joy; she exudes joy at every turn

hearing Barry Finn put heart and soul into every note of every song

singing a few with Moonjen, Vixen and Tim

listening to Tinker speak of her travels into the not-so-nice parts of a southern town

seeing Dani's rosy cheeks glow as she sings

noticing again how easy Roger in Baltimore makes it look to play blues guitar

having my heart shredded by Ferrara's singing of a poignant song of struggle

finding that once again Dick Greenhaus can dredge up a song from a zillion years ago and play it in such a way that I feel as if I have known the song all my life

discussing music theory with Songster Bob

hearing Jeri's blending in of her fiddle on a tune or two

sitting among 'Catters until the wee hours as we traded songs and quips

...so many more

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: folk1234
Date: 24 Oct 00 - 12:26 PM

What a weekend! It was truly a pleasure to meet so many 'catters. All were 9 feet tall and so full of music and 'togetherness'. My favorite times were Moonjen's and Mick's concerts, and my most favoritest activity was the late night 'cat-jams' in the cabin.
Got in at 1:00 am this morning, tired and aching for my real bed and a long hot shower.
Many thanks to the FSGW folks for putting on such a fine event.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: Bill D
Date: 24 Oct 00 - 01:03 PM

re: the food....

I do know I would NEVER take on the job of catering to that many varied tastes...this camp handled it by doing big heaps of simple stuff. At least it was ready on time and easy to get to..*grin*...For a 'man of simple tastes', like me, it was tolerable, though I know some looked at piles of sort of dryish hamburger patties and thought longingly of past spreads. (The chicken & baked potato Sunday night wasn't bad at all)..and not being a fan of eggs, having heaps of hash browns and french toast and link sausages suited me. Perhaps the food can be negotiated in the future.

as to 'uphill', I'm afraid that we can do little to level out what one fellow referred to as "Camp Escher", but they were fairly tolerant of us using cars to ferry loads of stuff and handicapped campers to the various venues.

Rita & I have been sort of non-stop debriefing and talking to Charlie and others about how it all worked and how well it suits us...I expect there IS a good chance we will be there next year, but a long-term deal is still undecided. Any input from attendees is welcome...(emailed, hopefully, not all typed in here)

But, yep, all that good stuff referred to was just as good as it sounds. Much relaxing, music making, and making & renewing friendships. I feel very fortunate to have found the FSGW 20++ years ago and been amongst this kind of music ever since...and now, with the "Miracle of Mudcat" adding to the rich texture and talent we already had, I expect to sing, gripe, slog and exhult thru many MORE years of sleep deprivation and pure joy at the Getaway.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: Dani
Date: 24 Oct 00 - 01:37 PM

Allan's not kidding - he was in top form, especially with the beautiful love song he sang at Sunday's concert.

Hmmm. Highlights? That implies LOWlights, of which I found none. Well, OK, the bathrooms were a challenge for grownups to fit it, but other than that….

A few things that will remain with me:

- Mick and Barry singing us a lullaby. They had to: we couldn't stop giggling. I didn't know I COULD giggle.

- The weirdness of brushing my teeth while listening to the sounds of mudcatters singing various things all over the cabins

- Folk1234 spins out some haunting songs. Gentle spirit and beautiful playing and singing

- The Friday night cabin jam. Roger's Marge had brought some moodlighting, and it was a cozy, safe, wonderful reason to be a 'catter.

- the Sunday night jam was a struggle for the soul. I've never heard a finer collection of salacious, gory, scary, funny, raunchy songs in my life. Or maybe it was just the singing. Even the gospel songs were a little too exciting.

- Pamela's Celtic and Scots mouth music. She shared something so foreign to many of us in a way that made if haunting and funny and very accessible. I want to know more!

- Lordy - between Mick's Songs of Struggle workshop and Sunday's concert, my heart was bruised and battered. Really. If part of the job of folk music is to carry on stories, then people, it's happening. There was Sandy's song (mentioned above), Rita's (mentioned also), Charlie Baum's at the concert, about the woman mistakenly imprisoned in the lunatic asylum, any of several songs Barry wrote and sang his heart out on, Judy's song about a woman finding her birth mother…

- Barry Finn's own songs are amazing. He writes these wise, hard-hitting things and then just flings them out of his soul into your face.

- Roger can just tickle you to the floor with his Biscuit Blues, Breakfast Blues, and others that he can just DEADPAN like crazy.

- I don't know about Max changing color, but I do know somebody's speaking through that guitar when he plays. Beautiful.

- You really might have mistaken Barry, Mick and Dan for the Shirelles. Watch out for three Irishmen with glints in their eyes and glasses in their hands…

- I loved ANYthing Lani Hermann sang, but her singing of "Teach Me to Waltz"(?) was so sad and so lovely all at the same time. Sheesh. I hope she'll forgive us for acting like a bunch of ninnies in the cabin!

- Blues Workshop. Wow. Dave Diamond is a hoot! What a treasure. His "Sushi Blues"? (or "California Roll"?) is too hot for prime time. And Dave Thorpe is one helluvan ambassador for the blues and a helluva singer to boot.

- A nice surprise: Jeri's fiddling is almost as lovely as her singing, but neither one is as wicked as her sense of humor.

OK - enough for now.

Dani

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: Barbara
Date: 24 Oct 00 - 03:03 PM

Jeez you all make me jealous. I'm going to have to find a way from here to there next year,
And Jeri, give me a day or so, and I'll post a version of that song Lani sang. It was written by Sharyn Dimmick of SF without a chorus, something that Sharyn feels very strongly about, and maybe possibly has forgiven Lani for by now, but don't count on it.
We ran Sharyn's version in the Folknik, the SFFMC's newsletter, where I'm still hoping we can get your "Islip Long Island" one of these days.
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: Dani
Date: 24 Oct 00 - 03:20 PM

Barbara, in her defense, Lani was clear that Sharyn Dimmick didn't like it that way, but let me tell you... the song itself is lovely, but it is the WAY Lani performed it that gave it its tremendous power. At least, I think so.

Dani

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: Ferrara
Date: 24 Oct 00 - 04:02 PM

This is stunning. I was there, and I'm learning about so many parts of it that I missed because we can't run it all in simulcast! Neat.

Jen, I forgot to say, I'm mighty thankful that the people responsible did their job and you didn't take off with a bomb on board.... have been thanking Whomever all day.

Boy, Barb, you've got my hopes up now. I'm gonna be campaigning to get you here next year. I think the last time I saw you was New Year's '79 ... too long. This year's Getaway makes me want to try harder to get to other Mudcat gatherings in our neighborhood, too!

In response to Allan's comment that "it seemed that anyplace you needed to be was uphill from where you were," I want to state firmly that the dining hall was *downhill* from wherever you were. This had the consequence that as soon as you finished eating, you got to trudge uphill to the next workshop. No matter where you were going, unless it was downstairs to the pool area, you got to climb to it from the dining hall. Remarkable. A real incentive not to eat too heavily.

Just after we left camp, I saw a bald eagle circling. Who else saw it/them during the weekend?

Am really enjoying reading people's lists of highlights. Hope more folks will share their highlights. Here are a couple more of mine.

Hearing Barry Finn sing a marvelous song about miners by Ewan McColl. Bill said later, "I suspect it didn't sound as good when Ewan McColl sang it." I got to hear more of Barry's singing this year than last, and every time, it was a moment to remember. He wrote a song about corruption in labor unions, from personal experience; and sang it in Songs of Struggle. Very fine.

Well, I see I can't write a nice concise highlight, can I? Guess I better hush for a while.

No, wait, just one more highlight, OK? Then I'll stop.

The mudcat community should be informed that the Salacious Songs at the Saturday Sing were Requested By Joe Offer. He said he wanted a song of "salacious love." Well, I sang my favorite, "The Links of Montrose," which sounds like a sweet, tacky parlor song for the first three verses and then descends into sewers and bogs of fairly raw single entendres. No subtlety but lots of humor. Learned it from Ed Miller, of Scotland and Austin. Apparently I missed much more salacious stuff later in the evening. Rats. Was anybody recording the song about the nuns?

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: bbc
Date: 24 Oct 00 - 04:27 PM

I'm really enjoying reading your memories; so many of you are dear to us. Brings back last year's Getaway for me. We would have loved to be w/ you at this year's, but will try for the next one.

love from NY,

bbc

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: GUEST,Liam's Brother
Date: 24 Oct 00 - 05:09 PM

Ms. Ferrara:

I have just looked up salacious in the dictionary. Yes, your song was lustful, lewd and obscene. Filthy, actually, and with no socially redeeming characteristics.

I like it immensely, of course.

All the best
Dan

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: Dani
Date: 24 Oct 00 - 05:18 PM

Pamela, I am sure, will provide the nun lyrics so we can get them in the DT posthaste. Had it actually BEEN recorded, she may have had her name in Post Offices all up and down the East Coast. Though, I am ashamed to admit, that we ALL sang it... lustily.

Dani

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 24 Oct 00 - 05:23 PM

The Wallflower Waltz is the correct name of the song Lani Hermann played on Saturday night--and the lyrics are already here at Mudcat! It was amazing to listen to, and to watch people in the back of the hall uncontrollably giving in to waltzing with one another.

I'll have a lot to say, once I get caught up with my sleep, my mail, my phone messages, and my life. In the meanwhile, I've also been debriefing and listening to ideas for improvements for next year (you're welcome to send me private messages contianing ideas and criticisms, since I hope to be a position to fix them--and yes, the food is the first thing I've got to improve.)

Thanks to everyone who cleaned up after themselves, and who cleaned up after others, and also thanks to everyone who came, because the weekend's success is the sum of all of the music and good times everyone brought with them to the valley of the Susquehanna.

--Charlie Baum

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: bbelle
Date: 24 Oct 00 - 06:56 PM

Now that I've had a chance to regroup, realize the fact that one of my nine lives went by the wayside during the bomb thing and now I'm down to eight lives, I'll give you my impression of the weekend.

Charlie, Rita, Dolores, Jennifer, et. al., did an awesome job of planning and I am eternally grateful. So, the food wasn't Debbie McClatchy, I didn't go hungry. The beds were comfortable, as were all the workshop and individual concert venues. The after-dinner concerts in the gym were great, with lighting and microphones, theatre seating, and a fabulous stage crew.

P.J.'s Mouth Music concert and workshop was different and unusual and new and a delight. And, she can play a "mean" bodran!

Of all the individual songs I heard, Lani Hermann's "The Wallflower Waltz" and her fiddle accompaniment was the most poignant and brought me to tears. She was a pretty good sport, too, bunking in with all us rowdy mudcatters!

This year was different than last. Last year, there was the magic (for me at least) of meeting everyone for the first time. Every single memory was magic. But, this year, there was a comfort level in knowing these folks, and is equally as special as the magic.

Our Mudcat Cabin was lively. Four very large rooms, with no doors, and a common room in the middle. They put the couples on one side of the common room and the singles on the other side, with the shared bathroom/shower inbetween. You would have laughed at me and P.J. locating the "blind" spot in the room so we could dress with some modicum of respectability. The boys, on the other hand, have neither couth, respectability, or modesty!!!

The camp site was beautiful and it was a schlep up to the gym, but I managed, even with my heavier-than-lead guitar case. This year, I will invest in a Reunion Blues Gig Bag!!!!

The following I wrote last night on the plane, between bomb squads and home. I don't mention everyone, but y'll know who you are.

For the second year I journeyed far
to follow the roadmap in my heart.
Clefs were turns, notes were stops along the way.
To make music with friends and share in the joy
Of my second Getaway.

The first 'cat I saw was folk1234.
'Cats have a way about them, you see
Open arms for a stranger and a friend to be.
Then we gathered our wits and our guitars in hands
And off we went to explore this new land.

We were the first to arrive and play Lewis & Clark
It was mid afternoon but soon to be dark.
Changing leaves, rustic cabins, surely g-d at first sight
Up the hill and down the hill with all of our might.
Little did we know that for three days we would repeat this same hike.

'Cats arrived in waves and floods through the night
To see their faces once again was pure delight.
The hugs were many and the smiles many more.
My heart was bursting with thanks, for these friends
As each walked through the door.

Now close your eyes and imagine this sight
13 "single" Mudcatters turned into teenagers overnight.
Rooms side-by-side with seven beds each and no doors.
The boys were boys and the girls giggled long into the night
We froze our tushies and our nightclothes were a fright.

Shared showers and toidies I won't discuss
Some things must remain sacred but who can you trust.
The first morning up couldn't have been finer
Then think of When Harry Met Sally and the scene in the diner.
It's what was heard when Dani and I braved a cold shower.

Making music with friends cannot be described
There are no words that say what I feel deep down inside.
The talent was boundless and generous of heart
And I took advantage with no shame
Adding mandolin and banjo and voices to my part.

We sang of a Rose in Georgia, Tim and I
My guitar and his banjo the perfect complement ... what a high.
Songster Bob added mandolin to the story of the Long Black Veil
You could hear the cries and the moans of the man about to see hell.
On the Old Kentucky Shore is about two lovers with one about to die
P.J.'s harmony to my melody brought them together in the sky.

Other memorable moments almost too many to confer
But lying on my bed one night this is what I heard.
Roger singing the blues like cutting through butter
Max and Robert Johnson a match like no other.
P.J.'s Funeral Lament, haunting and pure
Dani's voice soft and low in a spiritual so sure.

Allan's For Baby like a lullaby so soft
Jim's washtub bass adding the bottom to the loft.
Dick and his inimitable style long gone
Barry's song of struggle and the battles to be won.
Jeri's voice, which last year we barely heard
Now lifted soaring like a bird.

But the moment I will hold most dear was the night before going home
It was late, we were down to a few and chilled to the bone.
The lights were out and we were young girls gone back in time
We giggled not wanting to say goodnight not wanting to leave the rhyme.
And try as we might our eyes would not close
Until a low soft voice from the other room arose.

It was Barry and Mick with an Irish lullaby
Their voices like one as in a whisper and a sigh.
We quieted and snuggled down deep in our covers
Our eyes growing sleepy new dreams to discover.
We sailed the ocean on ships of long, long ago
Wild roses and brave Irish lovers our hearts to behold.

So, to close this great memory and lock it away
In that part of my heart in which it will stay.
Forever and a day still glowing through the years
Of the music, and the laughter, and the wondrous tears.
I came for the music as many of us do
But I stayed for the people, the many and the few.

jenny

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: Joe Offer
Date: 24 Oct 00 - 07:13 PM

Well, the most memorable thing for me was the kid who sat on my lap and fell asleep after the campfire. He was such a sweet kid - until his diaper started leaking. Good thing I found a Wal-Mart and a new pair of jeans.
The music was wonderful, and so were the people.
-Joe, visiting Mudcat Central in Beautiful Downtown West Chester-
(it really is beautiful)

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: Barbara
Date: 24 Oct 00 - 08:50 PM

Dani and all, I really like Lani's version, too, and that's the way I heard it first. I also happened to be the person who played Sharyn the tape of Lani and DADGBE performing it, and got to hear just exactly how Sharyn felt about the way the song had changed...BSEG
(Just so you don't think being a song editor for the SFFMC is ALL a bed of roses), we did eventually get a version in there that Sharyn approved of...eventually....
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 24 Oct 00 - 10:59 PM

Jen:

All I can say is Ditto! you put in words the feelings that (as an engineer) I have the inability to express.

Hope to see (or hear) EVERYONE before next year!!!!!

JAB

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: Ferrara
Date: 25 Oct 00 - 12:29 AM

Jen, your poem is wonderful. Thank you.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: GUEST,Nancy King
Date: 25 Oct 00 - 12:39 AM

As a longtime FSGW member and Getaway-goer, I wasn't sure at first that I liked the idea of all these Mudcat folks taking over our Getaway. But of course it hasn't been like that at all, and it's been a pleasure to meet and hear such great folks and to have some new blood in the old gang. One of my few disappointments this year was that I couldn't stay for very much of the Mudcat session on Saturday morning, having promised Nan a while ago I'd be at her telephone songs workshop. That was fun--and we came up with a lot more songs than the last time we tried that topic--but I missed matching faces to a lot of the handles that have become familiar in the last few months of Mudcat-lurking. I did identify and meet a few more 'Catters over the course of the weekend, but not by any means all. Maybe Bill's pictures will help. And of course we'll do it all again next year! Other (all minor) disappointments: (a) Saturday lunch. Other meals were better, not great, but as Bill and Jenny have pointed out, the food was on time, with no long lines, and there was plenty of it. (b)I arrived and left in the dark, so I couldn't see what I imagine was probably a pretty drive between I-95 and Ramblewood. (c)There was no ballad skit this year--last year's was hilarious. (d) Nobody cleaned up my house while I was away for the weekend (I guess that's more of an unfulfilled fantasy than a disappointment...) As for highlights--it's hard to pick out just a few, but: (a) Being met in the parking lot upon arrival in the dark by a fellow with a flashlight, who pointed out how to get to the dining hall. Thanks, whoever you were! (b) Sitting outdoors on a fabulously beautiful afternoon talking about and singing harmony with Sandy and Caroline and a bunch of great singers; (c) Standing in the middle of one of the best dining-hall shanty-sings it's been my pleasure to participate in for quite some time; (d) Reclining poolside in a lounge chair while listening to some great music; (e) Being transported by Dick and Nancy's Mongolian chant--the whole room was vibrating! (f) Being fantastically proud of my son Ken Schatz, who has turned out to be one of the best singers I know. As one who has worked on Getaways years ago, I really appreciate all the work that went into it, from Dolores and Charlie spending much of 1999 canvassing all the camps in the Mid-Atlantic and coming up with a good one, to Rita putting together such a terrific program, to Jennifer handling all the registrations, to all the others who did so much to ensure that we all had a great time. Thanks! --Nancy

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: Dani
Date: 25 Oct 00 - 08:20 AM

Nancy, I have only not mentioned Ken because I couldn't find the right words yet.

You folks need to hear this boy sing. You just need to. I played his CD all the way home, and it doesn't even approach the power and feeling his singing has in real life. I love the stuff he does, and hope he's there next year so there are more opportunities to sing with him. You have also reinforced my feelings about bringing my kids to the next Getaway. KEN is what's supposed to happen when you soak kids with this stuff!

Also, I want it pointed out for the record that Moonjen and I were in SEPARATE showers. That ice cold water was just what I needed. I figured they put it there on purpose to keep alla us 'single' campers behaving!!

Dani

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: bbelle
Date: 25 Oct 00 - 08:52 AM

The showers were only BIG ENOUGH for one! And everytime "someone" breezed through the shower curtain would blow in and stick to your butt. But, hey, who was counting!

jen

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: Tinker
Date: 25 Oct 00 - 09:20 AM

Dani, I have to second all of the above. Ken made me think long and hard about bringing my kids next year. I can see my boys loving his stuff, and well, maybe we'll still let the teenage daughter stay home. I can't believe that the pile of Cd's I brought home doesn't have his... I really thought it did.HOW DO I FIX THIS MAJOR PROBLEM??? Nancy, the absolute joy Ken brings to his music is so contagious that you can't help but be pulled in ...
Found this quote while working today and it seems to apply to the whole weekend, but especially to Ken's style.
"Sing form the depths of your being, at the top of your voice. Clap your hands to the rhythm; stomp your feet to the beat. Let loose; throw away your inhibitions and your retraints. Let the pulse of the music become your pulse. Feel the resonance deep inside, and let your spirit and your soul soar to the greatest heights."Rabbi Wayne Dosick

I'm still soaring and drifting on the currents...From the Bench Chantey to Salacious Love from Giggles to Lullabyes there is a string of Joyousness woven through out
Thanks to Rita, and Jennifer and Charlie and all these others who made it happen.
The flashlight man who greeted me late Friday night as I drove in alone and was beginning to wonder just what I thought I was doing meeting strangers in a far dark wood..
To Moonjen for PM'S designed to make me feel that running off to meet strangers was really finding friends
To Jab and all the Catters, for all the concern and care, really, not singing solo did not mean fear on the contrary for the first time in years I got to watch and enjoy and learn with no demands, it was a great gift. And I did sing in the Blues Neighborhood .. all those bawdy blues need the female dialoge sometimes...Next year ...
Tinker

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 25 Oct 00 - 11:10 AM

Tinker: One of the joys of the Getaway was seeing the spark in people's eyes (both old and new) when the music connected with them. I really wish that I could have heard you during the Blues Workshop! After sitting next to you in some of the sing-a-rounds I know that you can sing. What about helping Joe teach us about the "Oral Tradition of Summer Camps" next year and teaching us some of your Girl Scout Camp songs and variations (or maybe just the song that your daughter brought home).:-)

To all the Girls:

Now we know that everyone sings their best in the shower (I think you even mentioned it once during the weekend). We've heard how good PJ's voice came through.

So how about a "Singing in the Shower" Concert/workshop next year ? We could line chairs up in the Front Room. The first half: Dani, PJ, and Moonjen. The second half: The Mudcat Gospel Choir of Dan, Mick, and Barry.

Of course, the workshop will also include a discussion of the proper water temp for best singing, warm up time and excersizes, and how to sing through shampoo and other hazards.

Can't wait :-)

JAB

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: Bill D
Date: 25 Oct 00 - 01:04 PM

some of you know that Nancy Kink has another son, Dan, who is ALSO a fine musician! He plays guitar and autoharp and does a wide range of trad, "new folk" and some things he has written. Totally different direction than Ken, but also a good example of what being exposed to music all his life can do. In my earliest Getaways, 20++ years ago, I remember these 2 polite, quiet little kids playing in the corner while the grown-ups sang....turns out they were just absorbing it through the pores...waiting. Hope that Dan can make it to a Getaway again soon.

(And JAB...now that you have publicly made your shower songs suggestion, you KNOW that the word will be out!....I can see the crowd in the cabin now, singing along and praying for a good breeze....*BG*)

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: Tinker
Date: 25 Oct 00 - 01:06 PM

As for the shower workshop I think perhaps Joe and I can play counselors and stand watch at the doorways....The carry over acoustics between the rooms are great.. The wall stops short of the rafters and "bounces" in beautifully. Perhaps Joe will lead Singing in the Rain (camp style)? How about Wetspers? I promise I'll be ready to sing next year.... ya won't be able to stop me.
Tinker

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: Barbara
Date: 25 Oct 00 - 01:07 PM

Jeri, or whoever else, here is Wallflower Waltz.
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2000 Memories
From: Ferrara
Date: 25 Oct 00 - 01:30 PM

Would you all help us out and check out the Getaway 2001 dates thread, OK? Charlie and Dolores Nichols and a bunch of volunteers tramped through miles of Web space and several very physical miles of camps to pick Ramblewood and it's a very nice place. Much the best available for the price.

But for next year, they only have TWO dates available and we need to know how many people already know they would have a problem with either or both of those dates.

Nuther thing. My son found out about a year ago that he too likes shantey singing, pub singing etc. He has been very active at the local Shantey Sings. At the Washington Folk Festival, there was a session called "Passing It On," about families where the kids are now singing folk music. We shared it with the families of Carly Gewirz, Dean and Sam Clemens, and Nancy King, Ken & Dan Schatz. Each family said the same thing: The kids picked up the music at the Getaways over the years. (Notice all these parents were at this year's Getaway!)

So it does make a difference if the kids come too. Especially if they are coming year after year, so it kind of gets under their skin that folk is not just music, it's a far-flung community and a way of life.