Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine

Subject: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Naemanson
Date: 28 Nov 01 - 06:16 PM

Well, let's try that again! Last year was fun. This summer we did it again and once more enjoyed ourselves tremendously. So here we go again.

On December 27, 2001, we will gather at China Sea Marine Trading Co, 10 Dana St, Portland, ME ([phone]). We will gather at 4:00 PM and sing until the owner kicks us out. The establishment is a shop that deals in nautical antiques and oddities. It is a great place to sit and sing sea music.

So come on down and give us a visit!

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Charley Noble
Date: 28 Nov 01 - 07:55 PM

That's Thursday, December 27, for those of you not used to calendars. If you're coming from far away, we should be able to help with local crash smace - get your reservations in early.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: GUEST,SINSULL
Date: 28 Nov 01 - 08:02 PM

I hope...but can't commit yet.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Brían
Date: 28 Nov 01 - 09:39 PM

Count me in!

Brían

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Naemanson
Date: 29 Nov 01 - 12:25 PM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Naemanson
Date: 01 Dec 01 - 03:09 PM

Chanties, the pause that REFRESHES!

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: SINSULL
Date: 02 Dec 01 - 12:12 PM

No Uncle Jacques? Or Kendall? Or Dick? Willie-O? Jeri? Linn and Curmudgeon?
Trying to refresh without appearing to.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: kendall
Date: 02 Dec 01 - 12:24 PM

If I have a voice I'll be there.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Jeri
Date: 02 Dec 01 - 12:28 PM

I have a prior commitment, but I'll be there in spirit. Hugs and harmonies all 'round. Have a great time, friends!

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 02 Dec 01 - 01:16 PM

Hmmm, it's intriguing. Sins, if you think you can get this far we could go the rest of the way together... except, isn't that Press Room night? I was hoping to make it there- oh, decisions, decisions!

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Brían
Date: 02 Dec 01 - 01:38 PM

I received a rather cryptic email from Uncle Jacque that I think indicates that he plans to be there.

Brían

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Jeri
Date: 02 Dec 01 - 02:10 PM

Animaterra, the shanty sing is Thu, and the Press Room is Fri. You can hit both of 'em.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: GUEST,Charley Noble in Oz
Date: 02 Dec 01 - 05:55 PM

Well, I'm thinking of coming.Maybe I can talk some of the "Roaring Forties" into coming with me. Off to the Blue Mountains for now.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Naemanson
Date: 03 Dec 01 - 10:53 AM

Yeah, Alison, we can arrange crash space if you want to come all the way over here. How about this for a vacation plan. Come up to Portland, hit the chanty sing, stay over, make a slow way down to Portsmouth sightseeing and shopping all the way on Friday, enjoy the Press Room on Friday evening, and have Saturday to make your way home.

I don't know if this will help you make up your mind or not but I am planning to come to the Press Room that Friday too. And I'll be bringing a friend who does some wonderful Irish music on flute, pennywhistle and guitar. He sings in gaelic.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Susan A-R
Date: 03 Dec 01 - 10:32 PM

Oh tempting, depends on what family is visiting. Maybe the press room too?? I am feeling a bit music starved as I have just briefly put my fiddle hand out of commission with a kitchen accident. Makes me more likely to say yes. (also makes typing interesting.) Susan A-R

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Naemanson
Date: 03 Dec 01 - 10:39 PM

C'mon along! The more the merrier!

I expect Charlie Noble will bring some new songs from OZ when he returns.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Dec 01 - 06:29 AM

What is "Xmas"?

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: curmudgeon
Date: 04 Dec 01 - 08:13 AM

Barring unforeseen problems such as snow or work, it does look like we'll be able to make this one. The thought of two nights in a row of great music and good company is a bit overwhelming though. I'll leave it to Linn to post more later and work out the details.

Happy Jeriday to all -- Tom

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 04 Dec 01 - 10:59 AM

Oh, great -- I get to work out the details. Hey, Sinsull, Animaterra, Susan A-R -- for Friday night we've got a guest room bed, a livingroom couch (overhung by the Christmas tree) and some floor space for a sleeping bag if necessary. What can we work out? If I can work out the details, then Curmudgeon can work out the Saturday a.m. quiche (with gruyere this time, not the other stuff that doesn't melt quite right).

'Scuse me, I've got a cat on my lap who wants her tush on the keyboard.

Linn

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Susan A-R
Date: 04 Dec 01 - 09:08 PM

I believe I am about ready for two nights of great singing. I'll work on details form this end. Thanks for the offer Bat Goddess.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: GUEST,Uncle Jaque in Yarmouth Town
Date: 04 Dec 01 - 11:36 PM

Avast, me Maties! Yer Uncle Jaque'll be there, if th' Devil don't git me first; AAaargh!!! };^{)~

A good Chantey-hoot'll be good fer us all, I reckon. I'm lookin' for'd tae it.

If anyone needs a bunk Thurs. night, we've got a spare or two here in Yarmouth - about 20 minutes North of Portland.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: SINSULL
Date: 04 Dec 01 - 11:45 PM

Thanks all. I am trying to work out some details.
Mary

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 08 Dec 01 - 05:25 AM

If I can work out Thursday night coverage for the kids, I'm there! Otherwise I think at least I'll surely catch some of you at the Press room (thanks, Linn!).
Allison

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Naemanson
Date: 12 Dec 01 - 02:21 PM

Looks like this needs to get REFRESHED.

I think the attendance at this time will include present and some past members of Roll & Go (Brett (me), Dick (Dahlin), Charlie (Noble), Judy, Eli and Nor, and Brian). Also we have a possible attendance by Uncle Jaque, Curmudgeon, Bat Goddess, Animaterra, Susan A-R. Kendall will possible be there as well as Sinsul.

Who else dares come to Portland?

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Dec 01 - 03:59 PM

All you shanty singers, be sure to check out the thread Abby Sale posted. Disney is looking to send a folk singer/shantyman to Tokyo for six months all expenses paid + a salary.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: GUEST,Charley Noble in Oz
Date: 16 Dec 01 - 06:00 PM

Hey, you lazy lumpers, who's tending this thread? Time to be refreshed! Anyone else got it together to make their way to Captain Bunker's crimping shop?

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 17 Dec 01 - 11:18 AM

Right now Tom's got to work on the 27th. He's in the middle of trying to find someone to switch days with.

Otherwise we've got to work out the logistics of us both taking separate cars to Portland. Which is complicated by the fact it looks like we'll have houseguests on the 28th after the Press Room session and Tom has to be back at the shop in York, ME at 10 a.m. on Saturday, so I can't just meet him at the shop on Thursday and pick up my car on Saturday. In theory, I'll be fixing breakfast for houseguests!

We'll get it worked out!

Linn

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Wotcha
Date: 17 Dec 01 - 08:45 PM

oooh ... how long will it take to drive from DC to Portland -- will I need snow chains? I am very tempted and this may be just the ticket to entertain the kids ... Besides maybe I can join in an Aussie song or two ..."Click Go the Shears."
Cheers,
Brian

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: kendall
Date: 17 Dec 01 - 09:04 PM

12 hours in good weather. You wont need snow tires, our highways are always clear

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 17 Dec 01 - 09:54 PM

It might be noted by Mudcat Pilgrims South of Portland that AMTRAK now runs between Portland and Boston, and the fare is, IMHO, pretty reasonable.

Check it out on: http://www.thedowneaster.com/

Of course getting between North and South Stations in Boston to make a connection could be a little exiting... but heck; boston can be an interesting town.

I reckon that a "Mudcat Shuttle" might be arranged between the station and China Seas, should any choose this mode of transport.

All AbOOOOOoooard!!!

Hmmmm; I wonder if AMTRAK would like a "Train Song" hoot in their Station-House?

O! ; I feel a new thread coming on!

All together, now: "Iiii've been wor-kin' on the Raaaaail-road, AAAaall the live-long DAAAaaaay.... "

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: kendall
Date: 18 Dec 01 - 06:05 AM

I would be glad to furnish a ride to anyone who needs it. (If you dare to ride with me, I hear I'm dangerous)

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 18 Dec 01 - 06:36 AM

I'm sad to say I'm not going to be there after all! When there are so many wonderful choices on the table, sometimes a person has to just choose family. I do, every time.
(But I still might make it to the Press Room Friday the 27th...)

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: GUEST,Charley Noble in transit from Oz
Date: 19 Dec 01 - 11:59 PM

Well, I'll be there for sure, maybe not so bright-eyed but certainly bushy-tailed.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Naemanson
Date: 20 Dec 01 - 06:08 PM

Uncle Jaque, you might want to watch out for the unexpected if you are going to be offering rides to the sing from the verious transportation points. I did last time and ended up running from bus stations to airport and back again trying to track down my riders. Of course I managed to use the experience and come up with a new pick up line. If I hadn't already had a woman in my car it might have worked.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: GUEST,jets
Date: 21 Dec 01 - 05:54 PM

Who else is going?

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: kendall
Date: 21 Dec 01 - 09:22 PM

It is highly unlikely that I will be there. I have no voice at all.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Charley Noble
Date: 22 Dec 01 - 04:53 PM

Alison Freeman, Roll & Go extended family, says she's planning to come. Maybe I'll lead a rendition of "Rolling Down to Bethlehem."

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Franz S.
Date: 22 Dec 01 - 07:02 PM

Since I will be in California on that date, I won't be there (Was I invited?) At that timeI will be engaged with a local foodbank, but when I get home I'll get out my A. L. Lloyd album and sing along. Welcome home, Charlie

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 22 Dec 01 - 09:58 PM

Sorry about the vocal probs, Cpt. K.; hope it's all better and you're feeling tip-top by at least NOW (?) There are a lot of "bugs" going around it seems. A'nt Mahtha & me have been feelin' a tad peaked the past few days but we reckon it'll pass presently, and hope that the roads , sinuses and voices will all be clear come Thursday.

Charlie; at Fife & Drum Corps rehearsals fri night, our Bass Drummer (Ret'd USN) mentioned hearing about the Japanese fishing boat that got bombed by the falling cow while he was stationed over there. He might just show up to hear the sad ballad you composed in memorium of the tragic event. Perhaps the Drum Major & his Wife (Fifer) might come and demonstrate "Whup Jamboree" or "Sailor's Hornpipe" on Military Fife & Drum.

Any chance of Gordon B.?

Blessings of the season, Amigos!

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: SINSULL
Date: 23 Dec 01 - 12:34 AM

I still don't know. I am just back from a whirlwind tour of Portland courtesy of Captain Morse. Thanks to him, I have a car and probably a home to move into. For the record, he is a safe driver (although he speeds up when unsuspecting kitties and old ladies get in his path), a background kibbitzer when you are trying to make intelligent ("Yes, I am unemployed and have five cats...your ideal tenant")conversation with prospective landlords, and a good, patient man - I tend to babble barely coherently when nervous. Many times, the old curmudgeon glazed over with an impish grin - the only indication that I was making no sense. If I need to make an appearance to sign a lease, I will try to coordinate it with the chanty sing...but I still don't know.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: kendall
Date: 23 Dec 01 - 08:16 AM

Thanks for the concern Uncle J. but, this is not a "bug". There is something seriously wrong down there. I'm going in for a second opinion tomorrow. The ENT who did the operation said it is old damage and live with it.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Charley Noble
Date: 23 Dec 01 - 02:07 PM

Franz S.- we'll direct a song or two for you and Mary out to California.

Sinsull - sounds like you're really moving to Maine. Well, if you don't get here by the Xmas Chanty Sing, we'll just have to throw you a special welcome party - trash your new place!

Uncle Jaque - I'm sure I could resurrect an old cow song or two for your friend. Members of The Roaring Forties in Sydney found it udderly delightful.

Hey, Jeri, there's still room for you, with or without prior commitments.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: SINSULL
Date: 23 Dec 01 - 03:07 PM

Charley - nothing could make me happier. See you all soon! Enjoy.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 23 Dec 01 - 10:05 PM

Ahoy, SINSULL; So ye're gonna be a Mainer, eh? Well, keep a supply o' them rum-balls about, and I reckon we'll get on well enough, Lass. As to trashing ye're new digs, it's been my experience that the cats can usually be relied upon to accomplish that mission well enough! Hope tae see ye at the hoot, Deah.

Sorry to hear about the cooked pipes there, Cpt; hope the Medics can work some kind of wonders for ye. Do you still play the bagpipes? Now There's a good way to make a "joyfull noise" (and plenty of it) without having to sing a lick!

Here Rush Limbaugh goes deaf and you lose the voice... is that weird or what? Anyway, I hopes ye don't stay away just 'cause the pipes are down for a bit; I'd be tickled just t' have ye on board & lookin' funny! Charlie no doubt has a special banjo solo jest for ye's! Perhaps you could pick up some sign-language... but then you probably have the more common gestural expressions down pat already; I think I can visualize one of 'em now... {8^}0~ Take care, y'ol' coot.

Charlie; I've been working on a banjo rendition of "Shanghai Passage"; prob'ly won't be ready by then, but it's a lot of fun! I've tuned the Vega down from "C" to A# (where a lot of the 1850 - Minstrel era banjos were tuned) and it seems to work a lot better using the standard "C" chord patterns... at least in my vocal range. We'd likely have to noodle around a bit in order to figure out which whistle key (if any) i could successfully accompany you in, but it might be fun to experiment.

Looks like you had a bully-good trip to Aussie-land; hope to get the nutshell report thursday!

Merry Christmas - or whatever you're celibrating this time of year - all hands! Hope ye all has somethin' special tae celebrate, Mates!

Shalom ; - Uncle Jaque

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Naemanson
Date: 24 Dec 01 - 09:49 AM

My goodness, when you turn your back there seems to be plenty of activity. Sorry to hear about the voice, Kendall. Will it affect your winter plans?

I've been a little distracted by the impact of Cupid's dart. Stay tuned to the Mudcat for an important announcement in January.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Charley Noble
Date: 24 Dec 01 - 10:38 AM

No wonder Naemanson's been having such a tough time singing "Sally Free and Easy." He's just too pleased with himself.

Kendall, I'm sure you can still grumble. Come along anyway and cuss us out!

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Brían
Date: 24 Dec 01 - 03:31 PM

I was at the Side Door Café this past Friday night. There were a good bunch of singers there. I heard rumors of Naemanson appearing, but, shucks, it didn't happen. I heard that Roll & Go, whose ever-broadening appeal will grace the stage there this coming February(Third Thursday, I believe).

Uncle Jaque, I was hoping to see you there,as you mentioned on an erlier thread. That would have added some symmetry to the Limbaugh/Kendall equation(LOL).

Well, Merry Whatevah to everyone. I am looking forward to seeing y'all at the China Sea Trading Thing-a ma Jig.

Beannachtaí Na Nollaig,

Brían

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: kendall
Date: 24 Dec 01 - 08:55 PM

Limbaugh lost his hearing? How does he know?

Got another opinion on the vocal chords today. This one says I have some whitening on the back side of the vocal folds, and, this is usually associated with acid reflux. He prescribed Pepdid AC and a speech therapist. He said he noticed that I tend to tense up when I speak. Well who the hell wouldn't when a stranger rams a freekin' tv probe up his nose and half way down his throat? It is not a pleasant way to spend a few minutes. At least, there is no cancer or polyps, so, maybe I can get underway for the south on time.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: kendall
Date: 24 Dec 01 - 08:59 PM

Funny thing is, I had coffee with Gordon yesterday, and, he suggested the same thing.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Barry Finn
Date: 25 Dec 01 - 03:34 PM

Hi Kendall, if south means southern NH you'd be more than welcome & if we (Wife & I) don't see you at this shanty sing we wish you good luck with your throat. See the rest of you there baring a blizzard. By luck (maybe) the in-laws have offered to take the kids for the first time in 7 years. They never did like kids until they weren't kids anymore. Barry

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 25 Dec 01 - 05:08 PM

Thanks Mate, by south I mean Florida. And, I understand about the parents. I just left a family gathering because my 5 year old grand son was being a pain in the ass and his mother trying to reason with him. When I spoke to him, she got all bent, but, he calmed down so we could hear ourselves think. No 5 year old is going tO TELL ME WHAT TO DO.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 25 Dec 01 - 09:16 PM

Sheesh, Cpt.; I can't imagine much of anybody, much less a bratty little crumb-cruncher, telling you "what to do" and getting away with it! It's a wonder the little tyrant didn't get his young arse kicked amain as would any insolent youngster a Century ago - and prob'ly would've fully deserved it. No doubt Mommy would've taken umberage (does she read a lot of Dr. Spock? Has anyone told her that he's dead - after appologizing to a Nation for screwing up at least one generation of Americans with his cockananney ideas on how to raise children?) but I'll bet young Lord Fauntleroy would think twice before flipping off his Gran'pa again! One of our Mentors in the Social Work program we once pursued said that over-empowering children is one of the worst forms of abuse we can inflict upon them - yet is the most common in our culture. Amen to that!

Say, I like that second opinion a lot better than the first one! When a cure is indeed effected, I wouldn't be surprised if some silly landlubber or two considered it an answer to prayer... imagine that!

And you think a laryngyscopy is stress - inducing? No doubt it is, but say; have you ever had a colonoscopy, ol' salt? Now that's a memorable experience (trust me!) {8>{Q.

Have a safe migration, & (far be it from me to tell ye whats t' do, but...) keep in touch, eh?

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Naemanson
Date: 25 Dec 01 - 10:36 PM

Gee, Kendall, didn't you hear that the proper way to raise kids these days is to let them raise hell and sass their elders? If you want to change there behavior you have to reason with them and explain carefully and patiently where they are straying from acceptable behavior. They are NEVER wrong!

Of course, a good swat on the rump never hurt me more than the immediate embarrassment and pain. And look how I turned out....

Never mind...

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 25 Dec 01 - 11:04 PM

I'm just an old fossil I guess. While I dont believe in beating kids, I do believe in making them mind. There are other ways, and one of them is to teach them respect. I never licked my kids, never had to because they knew I would if they pushed me far enough. Consequently, they grew up not fearing me, but, respecting me. Uncle J. as a matter of fact, I did have a colonoscopy. That was a real pain in the ass. Not to mention having my large intestines shown on a monitor screen for the whole unit to see.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Charley Noble
Date: 26 Dec 01 - 08:58 AM

Welcome back aboard, Barry. Looking forward to hearing your dulcet voice. I just reconfirmed with Sharon of China Sea and she and Capt. Bunker are indeed looking forward to this event; I wasn't sure if anyone else had mentioned this to them...I'll be there at 4 pm sharp. Oh, feel free to bring beer, ale, cider and other light refreshments (no leftover turkey, please).

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 26 Dec 01 - 10:13 AM

Well, bad news from this quarter -- doesn't look as if either Tom or I will be able to make it. Tom's working at the shop today, tomorrow and opening up early Friday morning. (And the shop is an hour's drive from home, to boot.)

And my throat is ticklish & scratchy, snot draining down one nostril is tearing up my throat and I''ve got a chest tickle that gives rise to an unproductive cough. I'm hoping it's early enough in the process to head the cold off at the pass, but I may not be able to sing Thursday OR Friday.

I just made some tea with honey loquat in it, will bring in some more firewood, and maybe take a nap and try to sleep away the feeling that my head is full of large dry insects.

Linn

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: SINSULL
Date: 26 Dec 01 - 12:53 PM

My father is in the hospital scheduled for a triple by-pass on Friday. I am a definite "No".
Next time...

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Naemanson
Date: 26 Dec 01 - 04:54 PM

Too bad about all of those who won't make it. I wish you could. My fian... uh, "girlfriend" will be there and I hoped some of you could meet her.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: GUEST,Brían
Date: 26 Dec 01 - 04:58 PM

Sorry to hear, Sinsull, We'll all be thinking of you.

Brían

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Charley Noble
Date: 26 Dec 01 - 08:06 PM

Sinsull, Linn and Tom, sorry you can't join us, and Kendall as well unless he miraculously recovers his gold voice. We'll just have to sing all the louder and longer! So, Brett, is this "fian" anyone I've met? Lord knows what happens when one's away down under and mere mortals are left to tend the threads.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 26 Dec 01 - 08:45 PM

Definitely planning to show eventually - working 'till 1530, then have to tend to some errands, feed & let the dogs out, pick up some fresh Guiness and that sort of thing. Muthah' is aware that she's on her own for supper Thurs. night and not to wait up; I'm assuming we'll be going strong nigh unto 2100 hrs. or so and who knows where we might wander from there. We pretty much got over the "night-life" thing years ago, but Portland is an interesting town don't ye know, even this time of the year.

One potential attendee was my good Amigo "MAV" who, due to frenetic activities elsewhere, hasn't been appearing on Mudcat all that much lately. He enjoyed his first "Shanty Sing" experience at a previous event (They don't do this much where he's from - Nebraska) and I like to think that several participants discoverd that he's not nearly the malevolent ogre that he was at one time cracked up to be.

Unfortunately, his Dad, who has been afflicted with terminal cancer for the past year or two passed over early this (Wed.12/26) Morning, and Mike has gone back to Nebraska to be with his Family for the next week or so. About 3 weeks ago his Dad was critical, and not expected to live through the night; MAV flew out despite being sick with a bad cold, and his Dad seemed to rally with the visit (needless to say, MAV and his Dad were very close). I think that they both realized that it was to be their last reunion on this Earth.

The supportive thoughts / Prayers of any so inclined for Mike and his Family are invited and welcomed to accompany mine as they confront this time of loss and grief.

Im' hoping that MAV can be with us at a subsequent Chanty hoot, and this time bring his harmonica (he's pretty handy with it!)

Save, if you will, a space nigh the foremast with some good sturdy deck underfoot fer yer' auld Uncle J., Mates; 'e'll be clambering aboard presently!

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Charley Noble
Date: 27 Dec 01 - 09:27 AM

Anyone besides me planning to come early and help shift some of the store mechandise from where we'll sing to where Sharon and Capt. Bunker will never find it? I understand they're still trying to locate some of their inventory from the last time we was there.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: GUEST,winterbright
Date: 27 Dec 01 - 05:51 PM

Brian, a correction re: The Side Door: It's always the third FRIDAY. Hope you can make it again for Roll&Go in Feb. ... Lynn Deeves is the January featured. I'll post a reminder as it gets closer.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: GUEST,Brían
Date: 27 Dec 01 - 10:46 PM

Gosh, I seem to be getting as bad as Charle Noble when it comes to dates(LOL).

Charley, what do you mean by early? I'll try to be there.

Brían

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Charley Noble
Date: 28 Dec 01 - 09:38 AM

Well, we had a small but energetic turnout for the shanty swap. Our Roll & Go members included Nor and Eli Dale, Dick Dufresne, Brett Burnham and "fian" Rebecca, and myself. Bobbi Keppel, a veteran folkie, Uncle Jaque, Barry Finn and his wife, John Paynter (newcomer to us), our hosts Stevens and Bunker and Sharon Bondroff, and a few bemused customers who were distracted from their shopping. Oh, I forgot Singapoor, the ancient store parrot who would break in from time to time with an appropriate or inappropriate squack! Barry led a Liverpoole version of what we know as the "Salt Petre Shanty" which Nor and Eli followed with "Hard Times in the Cryderville Jail" which has a surprisingly similar tune. Uncle Jaque did a robust version of "Cruisin' 'Round Yarmouth". We wanted to hear how Barry sang "Yangtse River Shanty" but he politely deferred to Dick. Brett and Eli did their nice rendition of "Maid on the Shore" but I forgot to ask Brett if he could follow it up with "I Never Will Marry." I did "West Indies Blues", "Limehouse Reach", "Shanghai Brown" and "Dead Dog Cider" (with the Rise Again break). Bobbie led "Pleasant and Delightful" and we shouted down the parody follow-ups. Barry also did "Blood Red Roses" and Dick led a Georgia Sea Islands song whose name escapes me but which I want to hear again. John led "Sloop John B" and a Pete Seeger song whose name escapes me. The beer and ale was plentiful, the chips and cheese filled in the gaps, and , thank the Great Cosmic Muffin, there was no fruitcake.

Sure is fun to get together and do this kind of thing. We may follow it up with another one in the spring, if it's OK with Singapoor.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: SINSULL
Date: 28 Dec 01 - 10:42 AM

I was there in spirit. I wish I could have heard Barry's "Blood Red Roses". Next time. Dad's surgery has been postponed indefinitely. At 88,he is fragile and they are being very conservative.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 28 Dec 01 - 11:11 AM

Aye, Mateys; 'twas a jolly grand hoot; indeed t'was!

Thanks, "Roll & Go" Crew, for organizing & orchestrating another one - and to our Gracious Hosts, Cpt. Steve and Sharon!

We were particularly blessed to have "Real Chanteyman" Barry F. back on deck with us, and in fine voice I might add. The very presence of a genuine, certified deep-water Chanteyman who has actually served & sung under sail added a certain sense of legitimacy to the whole affair, methinks. I'm not sure but what Dick may qualify as well, and wouldn't want to leave him out if so(?). Several other participants I know have plowed the sounding seas from one time to another in some capacity. Having said that, it gives us some comfort to know that some of the most sonorious Chantey-Singers on board are, in actuality, every bit as much a "Landlubber" as yours truly.

A few "regulars" were indeed missed; Cpt. KM, Sinsull (and her rumballs!), Jeri, and Brian (may have left before I got there) to name a few.

Although I had invited several Co-Workers from the lantern shop, only one (Charline) was able to make it. She seemed to enjoy perusing the facinating nautical "stuff" all over the China Seas Emporium as well as the jovial racket we were making.

Is John Paynter the fellow with the Vega 5-pinger? I had to razz him a little about it "...not even being broke in yet", although it turns out that his head (the banjo's, not "his" actually) had spontaniously exploded and was just replaced with a brandy-new uncorrupted one. Apparantly he's got some respectable mileage on the Vega despite it's pristine appearance. He's a pretty good picker, actually, and hope to see 'im back on deck next time!

Naemanson's lovely guest and reputed "Fian" seemed a little bashful, and not all that sure what to make of this rowdy gaggle of noisesome Hooligans at first. Hopefully she'll get used to us and feel both welcome and comfortable with whatever crew N. ships & sings with.

As CN mentioned, some of the customers - particularly one family from Mass. with several young children - seemed to enjoy the goings-on, and it is reputed that Cpt. Steve and Sharon made at least one significant sale attruibuted to the Sing. I like to think that our Host's generosity might be somewhat rewarded that way on occasion.

Indeed, we need to do this again - if not on a regular basis! China Seas is a good location, although parking on or around Commercial St. can be a bit of a challange prior to 5 or 5:30 PM on a weekday. Space is limited, but sufficient for the size of the crew we've been able to haul aboard on any given night thus far. I know that "work-nights" are an inhibiting factor for some, including my Wife Susan.

I have been scanning the horizon from time to time for alternative venues for a Chantey-Hoot, as have others - in the event we might need or want one, which is up for debate. One interesting alternative has been the "Arts Center" (or something like that) up in Camden, which we are told is fairly ameinable to this sort of thing. Another is a developing Community Center (in the old DeLorme Building) in Freeport. The Bath Maritime Museum perhaps could be wangled for some sort of arrangement - the big thing being, of course, "at no cost to US".

I think it may be time to retire this thread, but perhaps begin planning for a subsequent Chantey-Sing (or series thereof) on a fresh one. What thinks ye, Mates?

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Naemanson
Date: 28 Dec 01 - 12:54 PM

I guess I can confess (since I announced it last night) that "fian" is short for fiancee. Stand by for one hell of a party on July 14 in Scarborough, Maine. Everyone is invited. I will make a formal announcement next week in a separate thread.

I'm sorry if my departure last night caused a general exodus but I am recovering from a cold and I had a awful headache. Plus, Rebecca has caught a cold from someone and she wanted to leave as well.

Happy New Year!

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: GUEST,Brían
Date: 28 Dec 01 - 02:39 PM

I apologise for not being there. We are in the middle of some Real Estate business which pre-empted everything else. I hope to catch up with you folks later.

My brain is totally cooked, I'm embarassed to say I thought it eas Friday. I ended up sleeping in last night, anyway.

Brían

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Charley Noble
Date: 28 Dec 01 - 06:00 PM

Brían -

Sorry you couldn't make it. So do we need a new address for you now for mailing your overdue Xmas card?

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: GUEST,Brían
Date: 28 Dec 01 - 07:50 PM

Just send it to the address you have in Portland, Charley. The story is too long to get into here. When our current home is renovated, I hope to have one big music party. That, I'm afraid, won't be until spring.

Brían

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Susan A-R
Date: 29 Dec 01 - 09:17 PM

I HATE colds. Haven't ben able to sing much for three weeks. I'll look for furure sings. There will be an afternoon sing here in Montpelier on Jan 19 at Julioos restaurant. Last sing was small, but nice, w Wally MacNow and Margaret MacArthur, among others. I'l put up another thread, and hope like Hell that I can sing by then.

Susan

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: GUEST,Brían
Date: 30 Dec 01 - 01:12 PM

BTW, I will be playing at Rí-Rá's on Commercial St. in Portland, ME on Friday Jan. 11, 2002 9:00-11:00 P.M. if any of the N.E. contingent are in the neighborhood.

I wonder if anyone would P.M. Max(or any of the other Powers That Be) and tell him I've forgotten my password & can't log in any more.

I suspect They are all on vacation, because I,m not getting any answers.

Brían

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: GUEST,Brían
Date: 01 Jan 02 - 11:40 AM

Charley,
Thanks for the card. Is that the usual mode of public transportation in South Austrailia?

Naemanson,
I hope to get to the Press Room soon, weather permitting. If we can't link up, I may try to drive myself.

A happy new year to Roll & Go and all the NE contingent.
Brían

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Charley Noble
Date: 01 Jan 02 - 01:22 PM

Brían-

We tried our best to adapt to traditional transportation modes when we were in the bush.;~)

Is your January 11 gig at Rí-Rá's a "try-out" where you'd appreciate a large crowd of supportive people?
You should be able to revive your own "cookie" as I did a while back by going through the registration procedures; you don't need to re-register as a new member.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: GUEST,Brían
Date: 01 Jan 02 - 02:49 PM

I've done several open mic nights there. It would be great to have a few familiar faces show up, though.

I've tried re-registering, but I am asked for my password, which I have forgotten. I suppose when the administrators are back(probably tomorrow, thy'll tell me what to do). I suppose I could always re-register under a new name, but I'd hate to do that just yet.

Brían

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Brían
Date: 03 Jan 02 - 08:29 PM

Charley & all the NE folks:

I spoke to my contact at Rí-Rá's last noght and I was told that Friday's is not a good folk night there, so I won't be there Jan. 11. I will let you know what happens as I was told they did indeed like me & want me to play there.

On a better note, it would be great to get some folks down there on Monday's to the open mic.

Brían

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Jeri
Date: 03 Jan 02 - 09:02 PM

Brían, you're best bet for getting help with your password is to post in the Help Forum where Pene Azul will see it as he's the most likely to be able to help.

Please don't register as a new member. We have enough people doing that already despite being told not to.

I hope you can make it to the Press Room!

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Charley Noble
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 10:17 AM

Brían -

Congratulations on re-activating your cookie sucessfully! Could you provide some details of how and when the Rí-Rá's open-mike session happens; what time should people be there, how is it coordinated, what kind of music is encouraged, how much time does an individual get, where in the building it happens, when does it end? You might also post the results on Uncle Jaque's new thread about the Portland, Maine, folk music scene.