Old Songs Festival 2001

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: kendall
Date: 08 Apr 01 - 06:22 PM

There is nothing wrong with taking a wash basin, soap and a face cloth and towel along. What Helen Schneyer calls an APC bath. Better than standing in line or going without. 'Course, I dont expect to be getting too close to anyone to worry about it anyway.

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 08 Apr 01 - 01:54 PM

Thanks folks. I'm going to try for a "professional day" and sign up for a workshop and get professional credit for it. That way I can arrive when the gates open. And Naemanson, I'd be happy to camp near you, if we can set our coordinates correctly! I usually hover on the line between the "quiet at night" and "quiet in the am" sides. There's a water spigot nearby, and yes, we all get quite funky by the end of the weekend!

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: Naemanson
Date: 08 Apr 01 - 11:32 AM

By the way, Joy, do you know where the hot showers are at Mystic? Or do they bunk you down in a semi-private space as they did for us when I performed there with Bill Bonyon?

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: Joy Bennett
Date: 08 Apr 01 - 10:53 AM

Showers there are -- but only a few for 1000 campers, so you may have to be unclean for the weekend -- or find a friend with a motel room nearby and beg.

Begging is good.

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: Jeri
Date: 08 Apr 01 - 10:50 AM

There are showers in the fixed facilities. I don't know how many there are for men, but there's only one for women. (There is supposedly another one somewhere, but it may be a local legend.) The hot water runs out fast, and there's a line in the morning. At bedtime (4AM), they're quite empty, and the water's hot.

I don't think people will care if you smell funky anyway.

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: Naemanson
Date: 08 Apr 01 - 10:32 AM

As I was showering this morning it occurred to me to ask about facilities at Old Songs. Should I plan on being unclean for the weekend? Or are there showers for the campers? (Unclean is no hardship for me but those around me may not agree.)

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: GUEST,Midchuck upstairs
Date: 08 Apr 01 - 10:02 AM

It's very definitely first-come-first-served. If you get there as late as Friday night, you pretty much haveta squeeze in where you can.

I suggest being sick on Friday and coming Thursday night.

For a sure-fire way of locating close to some other 'catters, find the sign shown in the link under one of my posts higher up in this thread. But you may regret it. We tend to accumulate flatpickers (sigh!) and fiddlers (twitch!) and a few banjo players (gag!)

P.

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: Jeri
Date: 08 Apr 01 - 10:02 AM

Missed the movie, but for some reason, I'm familiar with that scene. (First response was "Listen, you flippin' flip - just because we're from flippin' NY doesn't mean were flippin' rude. Ya got that, pal?!?!?!" but I thought there was a possibility someone could have missed the irony.)

Funny about the clock, Spaw. The biggest mistake I ever made at Old Songs was sleeping in the "quiet" end. The folks next door had and ALARM CLOCK! Fine, if somebody needed to take medication or something. If not, it's just plain anal to have an alarm wake you up at 6AM when you're camping! (No offense to anyone who reads this who might be that anal.)

Joy, I saw you there last year. You were off to one side of the stage with Tony Barrand, Lou Killen and some other folks, and Bill Sables and brought the guitar for Lou to sign. Ah, the price of being a performer - many people know who you are, but you can't possibly know all of them.

There is usually an acapella singing session after the concert in the Creature Comforts area. This is sometimes put on the program, and sometimes not. Last year, it was pretty sparse. I don't know if folks gave it up in favor of the singing led by Sandy Paton (which was worth it) or whether they're just getting too old for that late night stuff.

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: Naemanson
Date: 08 Apr 01 - 09:53 AM

So, if I can come up with the money for camping and if I can get my station wagon on site is there any way, on first arriving, that I can get to camp near some fellow 'catters? Or is the camping in assigned spaces?

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: kendall
Date: 08 Apr 01 - 09:12 AM

I was just quoting that line from Terms of Endearment". Debra Winger didnt have enough money for the stuff she took to the checkout counter. John Lithgowe said it about the clerk.

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: Jeri
Date: 07 Apr 01 - 10:57 PM

Kendall, I'm from NY. She was rude.

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: kendall
Date: 07 Apr 01 - 10:51 PM

She wasn't rude, she was from NY

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: Jeri
Date: 07 Apr 01 - 11:52 AM

Barbara, I hope you ran into the same rude "lady at the booth" as I. I'd hate to think there was more than one - it's the first time anyone working at that festival was ever rude to me. Sort of made me want to sneak my tent in and camp anyway, but I guess there's no way to sneak a motorhome in.

As for getting tickets in advance, not only do you know you'll be able to get into the campground, but it's $15 less for an all-festival ticket if you pay before June 4.

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 07 Apr 01 - 10:33 AM

It's true about the camping selling out. Last year we drove there on Saturday from another festival on the Rhode Island border, expecting to stay overnight. The lady at the booth was rather rude, and wouldn't even let me finish my sentence when I asked about parking our motorhome on the grounds! So we stayed for a few hours and then moved on.

But the festival is lots of fun and the music is great. Don't worry about finding old songs. BYO. And it's really great to meet all the mudcats at Sandy & Caroline's Folk Legacy booth.

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: Joy Bennett
Date: 06 Apr 01 - 11:41 PM

Hey all -- Steve and I will be there too!! Wouldn't miss it. hope we can all get together -- great lineup this year -- and don't miss Finest Kind!!! One of my favorite groups!

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: Jeri
Date: 06 Apr 01 - 11:41 PM

SINSULL, I am depressed at the thought that you probably mean the "knight in shining armor" literally. As far as "Turkey in the Straw" - I have occasionally made the mistake of camping near old-timey all-night jam sessions. No Turkey in the Straw, no Old Joe Clark or Cripple Creek or Sail Away Ladies. Never Again.

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: catspaw49
Date: 06 Apr 01 - 11:01 PM

Say Sins.....How about a train clock that will scare the livin' crap out of you on an hourly basis?

Spaw

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: SINSULL
Date: 06 Apr 01 - 10:55 PM

Jeri,
I have a knight in shining armor and a turkey that sings "Turkey In The Straw". Will any of them do?

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: Jeri
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 10:01 PM

The Chucks have a virtual compound there...
Last year was the first time since 198-something that I didn't see the yacht there. And there's always someone who puts up pink flamingos by their tent. Maybe I ought to find some garden gnomes.

Dharmabum, I'm pretty sure they'll have a site map with the tickets. If I could find last year's program, I could scan it, but I don't know what I did with it.

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: catspaw49
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 09:50 PM

Allison my dear..........What a bummer!!! When I hear "Old Songs" I always think of you! I know how much you love this one and having school up til that day is just the pits! On the other hand, what a fine way to unwind and let it all out. I'll bet you're in fine form for the weekend anyway.....maybe even better than before!!!

Spaw

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: Dharmabum
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 09:42 PM

Is there any kind of a site map available for this fest? Or do they send one out with the tickets? I didn't see anything on their website.

DB.

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: GUEST,Midchuck upstairs
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 06:08 PM

Animaterra: Done.

P.

(We usually have a circle of tents around the big awning where we cook and what-all, and if your tent isn't too large, we can always squeeze in one more.)

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 05:16 PM

Anyone want to save me a tent site? I'll cook a meal a day for anyone who'll do that!

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: SINSULL
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 12:43 PM

UH OH Sounds like the boys are having a pissing contest and we're supposed to supply the beer!

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: MMario
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 12:18 PM

So are all the songs here known to the 'chucks?

bawdy songs

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: SINSULL
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 12:12 PM

Any particular brand, Midchuck? I am partial to Guinness myself. My nephew drinks Coor's Lite and it is disgusting but you're welcome to it.

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: GUEST,bbc at work
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 11:54 AM

We haven't sent papers in yet, but Duane D. & I expect to be attending. Hmmm...Allison, I'll need to check *my* school calendar to be sure when I'm through. This is tenure year, though, & my principal has recommended me! Just waiting to hear officially from the school board. This is something I've been trying to attain for 10 years. Yea!!!

bbc

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: Midchuck
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 11:30 AM

Link for some pictures from Old Songs 2 years ago, including the "Sign of the Woodchuck" that bigchuck mentioned.

Don't take bigchuck's offer of beer too literally. He not only tends to scrounge beer from others, he loves to offer other people's beer to third parties. But I suppose we all have our flaws of character. Some day I'll think of what mine might be.

If people want to bring beer into the Woodchuck encampment, they will be welcomed with open arms, and mouths. We will also accept food, spare strings, toilet paper, and new dirty songs that we don't know. (unlikely)

BUT WATCH OUT FOR WICKED CHILDREN!

Peter.

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: annamill
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 11:21 AM

Thank you Mario, for the link. Looking at the date, it will be very hard to make it this year, as much as I would like. The grand opening of our store will be May 19th (finally) and we may need to be there as we are open 7 days a week. Boy, I really want to go.

Today is still cool here in Jersey, but you can feel the sun. WARMTH!

This is the third year I've wanted to go and couldn't. Boo!

Love, annamill

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: MMario
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 08:32 AM

well #1 - it may be that it was true when he went - or that he didn't listen - but I heard pre-'75 music before I even got through the gates last year. And a great deal more when I entered.

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: GUEST,#1
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 08:01 AM

Amergin, wasn't talking from my arse, as you deserve after a comment like that.

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: Amergin
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 01:52 AM

either that or you're talking from your arse again....

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: GUEST,#1
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 01:48 AM

You win by default, because I won't name said folklorist/folk singer. That would put him in an awkward position, to which I will not be a party. His wife, who sometimes visits this Forum, might verify my statement, but certainly not under her real name.

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: Anglo
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 01:35 AM

Don't think I've seen any famous folklorists at the festival except maybe Sandy Paton. (Aside: _Are_ there any famous folklorists?) But it's one of the few festivals that really tries to promote traditional music. There are some recent shape note hymns, but most of them are pre-1975. I suspect Guest #1 is trying to get a rise out of us.

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: GUEST,#1
Date: 05 Apr 01 - 12:16 AM

And Sandy and Caroline will be selling records and CDs by the folklorist that Jeri denigated above.

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: Dharmabum
Date: 04 Apr 01 - 11:15 PM

Looking forward to meeting everyone.

Ron.

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 04 Apr 01 - 09:30 PM

JohnB--besides wandering around the campgrounds looking for singing circles at night, be sure to wander around the rest of the festival site too. There's a "formal" (i.e. hosted) gathering at the Dutch Barn starting after the concert until around 2 a.m., but once the assigned host goes away, it gets really good. Other stages are also used for jamming and singing (usually instrumental jamming at the Area 3 shed, drinking songs on Saturday at "Creature Comforts", Alan Block holding forth with fiddlers near his sandals booth in the crafts area)--the whole of the festival grounds is alive with music.

And yes, Mudcat Central is definitely the Folk Legacy booth. sandy and Caroline Paton will introduce you to everybody as they come along.

--Charlie Baum

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: bill\sables
Date: 04 Apr 01 - 08:15 PM

I would advise you to book your camping early. Last year the campsite was full on the Friday evening. I don't think I will be able to make it across the water for this years festival but I might get over for the getaway.
Bill

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: MMario
Date: 04 Apr 01 - 08:01 PM

I cana't wait. And this year I'm pre-buying my camping ticket so I don't get stuck driving back and forth to the state campgrounds!

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: Jeri
Date: 04 Apr 01 - 07:15 PM

JohnB, there are no open fires, but as far as campsites - just wander around to find one where they're doing the kind of music you like. There's no rhyme nor reason to where people set up, except a "quiet at night" and "singing at night" area. The shape note singing, led by Peter Amidon, is usually Sat and Sun mornings.

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: JohnB
Date: 04 Apr 01 - 06:56 PM

I will be making my first sojourn there too. I was told that there are different campfires/ areas for Trad, Singer Songwriter, whatever. Is this true ? if so where is the TRAD one located. I also understand that they do Shape note singing, if so and they do it every year, I would be inclined to find another "famous folklorist" I will without a shadow of doubt, Guarantee, that Martin Carthy and Norma Waterson do something pre 1975. JohnB

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: Jeri
Date: 04 Apr 01 - 06:19 PM

#1, the famous folklorist was probably sitting in his car listening to CDs. They have modern stuff, but there's loads of traditional music.

Dharmabum, we usually meet up at the Folk Legacy booth. I'll see you there!

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: GUEST,#1
Date: 04 Apr 01 - 06:06 PM

I was told by a famous folklorist who went to it one year, that the oldest song he heard there was one of 1975.

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: Dharmabum
Date: 04 Apr 01 - 06:04 PM

So where's Mudcat Central at O S F?

DB.

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 04 Apr 01 - 05:56 PM

Ah, Old Songs! It's such a great time! I can't wait to get there this year! I won't be there until late on Friday- since we've had so many snow days this winter, the 22d is the last day of school, and I have to teach until noon, forsooth!
But I'll be there, with bells on.

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: MMario
Date: 04 Apr 01 - 05:15 PM

if I knew my alphabet those clickie things would work better

click

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: MMario
Date: 04 Apr 01 - 05:14 PM

Point your browser to

http://www.oldsongs.org/festival.html

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: annamill
Date: 04 Apr 01 - 05:11 PM

Would someone please put up a link to Old Songs. I'm very interested as I've heard it mentioned often by Mudcatters. I thought it was after the Getaway??

Love, annamill

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: Dharmabum
Date: 04 Apr 01 - 05:05 PM

Thanks Sandy, I'm planning on goin up on Thursday. I'll keep an eye out for you. Look for a green tye dyed banner with Dharmabums written on it.

Ron.

Subject: RE: OLD SONGS FEST
From: GUEST,Bigchuck at work
Date: 04 Apr 01 - 04:19 PM

The last couple of years, the campground opened at 6:00 on Thursday and I believe at 2:00 on Friday. Look for the sign of the Woodchuck for jamming and beer.
Sandy