Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?

Subject: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: curmudgeon
Date: 03 Dec 02 - 08:35 PM

As I announced at the Portland (ME) Chanty (sic) Swap a couple of weeks back, our resident ensemble, The Angel Band, has a gig this Friday. This will allow for at least four chairs that need filling. Now which of you will be willing to add your voices to the mix; Brett, Charlie, Brian, Uncle Jacques, Sinsull, Barry, Kendall, Fred, Julia, et al?

Kendall, I know you don't like smoky bars, but there are smoke eaters and no one smokes in the musicians area, please?

If you can't make it, you can hear the Angel Band at the Saco River Grange that night.

Jeri, Bat Goddess and I will be looking forward to your company -- Tom

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: Barry Finn
Date: 03 Dec 02 - 09:01 PM

We'll (me & missus, maybe 1 or 2 kids) try like hell. Hopefully Barry

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: curmudgeon
Date: 03 Dec 02 - 09:03 PM

I'm really looking forward to hearing Justine sing again. Hope you can make it. I like to hear you sing too -- Tom

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: kendall
Date: 03 Dec 02 - 09:06 PM

Kat Logan wants me to come too, so, guess I will.

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: kendall
Date: 03 Dec 02 - 09:09 PM

What time do it start?

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: curmudgeon
Date: 03 Dec 02 - 09:18 PM

Usual starting time is around 4:30, earlier is there are enogh musicians, ie., two or three. We go till around 9 when the upstairs act starts. The place starts filling up fast after 5. But for you, Kendall, the chair of honour shall be reserved -- Tom

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: Charley Noble
Date: 04 Dec 02 - 08:16 AM

I'll be there, along with Brett. I have doubts, though, of finding a parking space. I hear that cars in Portsmouth have been frozen to the cobble stones all week. We'll probably get in around 4:30 pm.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 04 Dec 02 - 08:19 AM

Charley -- Keep circling the block and hope for the bridge (to Maine, fer-pete's-sake) to go up so you don't get much competition down Daniel Street's onewayness. Eventually someone decides to stop spending money in the square and ambles home with their purchases, leaving a parking spot. We got one right in front of the Press Room last week.

Linn

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: Charley Noble
Date: 04 Dec 02 - 08:28 AM

Thanks, Linn, but it would just be our luck that the bridge will go UP while we're trying to cross over. It may be safer to run the van across the river ice.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: MMario
Date: 04 Dec 02 - 08:30 AM

I do wish they would get the teleport fixed between NY and NH. *SOME* day I'm gonna make one of these...

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: curmudgeon
Date: 04 Dec 02 - 08:58 AM

Liam's Brother drove up from NY for a session once. I think that was the night when Bill Sables and Sam Pirt were visiting. And it wasn't the middle of the winter -- Tom

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: MMario
Date: 04 Dec 02 - 09:01 AM

(i'm 5 hours west of NYC!)

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: Micca
Date: 04 Dec 02 - 09:05 AM

Tom, I Wish!!!!! I would Love to have another sing with You and Linn and Jeri!! and all the others, but can I take a raincheck? against some future time?

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: curmudgeon
Date: 04 Dec 02 - 09:08 AM

Your raincheck is eternal Micca. Happy Solstice -- Tom

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 04 Dec 02 - 07:54 PM

MMario -- come in warm weather; we'll be there! (Like for the last 19 years.) Oh, and come in the spring so you can bring the lilies! (We had no spring this year and when I got back from Milwaukee it was way too hot to plant anything.)

Linn

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: SINSULL
Date: 04 Dec 02 - 08:39 PM

Not likely I will make it. I get off work at 4PM and still have lots of cartons to unpack.

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: kendall
Date: 04 Dec 02 - 09:09 PM

Gordon just reminded me that we have an appointment on Friday. I had forgotten my promise to meet him. Another time. I guess. Tom, I'm sure you can fill that seat!

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: jets
Date: 04 Dec 02 - 11:35 PM

Jim Chard and I will be coming; so don't raise the bridge.

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: curmudgeon
Date: 05 Dec 02 - 09:06 AM

Sinsull -- Skip out of work a bit early and leave the boxes for the weekend. I really need to hear you sing again.

Kendall -- You will be missed, but we'll get you there one of these Fridays.

Jets and Jim -- The bridge only goes up when there's a ship coming throgh. The trick is to get across just before it is raised. Perking becomes easier.

See you Friday -- Tom

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: Charley Noble
Date: 05 Dec 02 - 09:14 AM

Jets-

Be sure to remind Jim Chard to refresh the lyrics to his song commemorating the closing of the Kennebec Lifesaving Station at the mouth of that mighty river. I'll bring a copy of his lyrics just in case he forgets.

My wife Judy is also planning to attend and might be persuaded to contribute an off-the-wall song or story if there's a lull in the more boisterous activites.

Cheerily,
Chaley Noble

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: Big Mick
Date: 05 Dec 02 - 09:15 AM

Great session! I have been there several times and it is thoroughly enjoyable. If you are in the area, it is not to be missed.

Mick

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: Jeri
Date: 05 Dec 02 - 10:05 AM

Yes...it's very hard to find a good perking spot in Portsmouth.

Cafe Killim is nearly next door to the Press Room, but I'm not sure if they perk or drip. Great coffee though.

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: Charley Noble
Date: 05 Dec 02 - 01:55 PM

It's not "hard," Jeri. I'd say it's a strain to find a good perking place. Many the times we've rolled along, leerail under, searching for that mythical Mocha Java Head. Oh, lay! There she be, mates!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 05 Dec 02 - 07:53 PM

Perking places are easy to come by. Parking places take a few turns 'round the horn.

Linn

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: Barry Finn
Date: 05 Dec 02 - 08:53 PM

I never really have that much of a time finding a Perking place. Course I usually get there after the banks & post office close. Barry

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 05 Dec 02 - 10:20 PM

Man; I surely would love to get to one of these, and was hoping this might be the one - but alas, My 85 year old Mother (who has been in a "memory Impaired" Home for the past several years), passed over Jordan at 2:23 AM Tuesday Morning, and we need to prepare for a little Family memorial gathering here on Sat..

It was about as decent a dying as one could hope for, I suppose; she went downhill, healthwise, very quickly, and was given top-of-the-line medication to ease her suffering, including a morphine "pump" towards the end. Many of the family came to visit her and say their goodbyes in the final hours, and my Brother Dave and I were with her when the time came... and I sang her Home to "Angel Band".

There has been some thought of posting about the experience on Mudcat, but I don't suppose folks would be much interested.

Anyway, I'll miss you all, and the chance to blend our voices and hearts in song... perhaps another time - soon I hope.

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: Charley Noble
Date: 06 Dec 02 - 08:48 AM

We'll be thinking of you and your family, Uncle Jacque.

Fair seas and following winds,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: Brían
Date: 06 Dec 02 - 09:27 AM

I am sorry I can't make it to this one because I am working. I hope to make it down some time soon between the bouts of snow.

Brían

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: curmudgeon
Date: 06 Dec 02 - 10:57 AM

While the annoinced absentees will be missed, those of us who are there will try to make up for it.

Its snowing now, but should be sunny and less cold by this afternoon.

While the streets in Portsmouth should be plowed, the parking places won't be, so be prepared to slog through whatever is left on the streets.

See you this afternoon/evening -- Tom

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 06 Dec 02 - 12:27 PM

Sinsull just PMed me about directions, which I've sent to her, but should probably post them here, too.

These are basically the same directions Jeri has posted before, but I just notice they were for coming from the south, rather than north from Maine. So here they are with a few addendums:

The address is 77 Daniel Street and it is located between the Piscataqua River (and the bridge to Maine) and Market Square, the heart of downtown. It's across the street from the Post Office/Federal Building. Daniel St. (which becomes Congress St. which becomes Islington St. in not too many blocks) is one way, as is State St. and Congress St. Parking either involves going around in circles for awhile looking for an available spot or taking a berth at the Parking Garage (3 blocks away). The phone number is 431-5186.

Oh, Daniel St. is Rte 1 south and State St. is Rte 1 north, if that helps clarify anything.

Jeri posted these directions from Yahoo Maps, but I just noticed that it's from the south, rather than from Maine, so I'll have to modify:

Take exit number 7 (that's the exit from the south; not sure what the number is from the north), towards PORTSMOUTH / NEWINGTON. (0.2 miles)

Turn LEFT onto MARKET ST. (0.2 miles) (towards downtown Portsmouth)
MARKET ST becomes MARKET ST. 0.7 miles)

You'll come to a stop sign. Right after the stop, turn LEFT onto BOW ST. (0.1 miles) (there'll be a Tiki Lounge sign in front of you)

Turn SLIGHT RIGHT (road curves at raised cemetery for Episcopal church) onto CHAPEL ST. (0.1 miles) -- one way.

Turn RIGHT onto DANIEL ST. -- one way.

The Press Room is one block down, across from the post office and federal building.

Parking Polka:

Despite our political predilections, 'Mudge and I usually do the right hand turn loop: Daniel St. South, right on Penhallow, right on Bow, right on Chapel, right again on Daniel Street.

OR you can do left hand turns: Daniel St. South, through Market Square, left on the alley between the church and Eagle Photo, through next cross street, left on State St. next to the old Custom House, State St. to just before the bridge to Maine, left over to Daniel St. south and start over again.

Looks like Sinsull is going to try to make it. Hope the above directions help!

Linn

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: Charley Noble
Date: 06 Dec 02 - 12:58 PM

It was right, I was wrong all along,
It was right, I was wrong all along,
I was wrong all along, and I knew I was wrong,
It was right, or was it left, all along?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: Charley Noble
Date: 07 Dec 02 - 10:15 AM

What a bunch of lazy layabouts! Nobody's posted any report. Maybe they're still singing somewhere.

Brett and I had a good time at the session, as did several other folks from Maine. Brett got a chance to introduce one of the Bahamaian boat hauling shanties collected by Alan Lomax in the 1930's, "When you Go to Sea." Jim Chard led a wonderful Monhegan blues song, probably one of his originals, and Joe Theriaut (Jets) led several tunes on his button accordian.

Was really nice to hear Linn sing "Aunt Clara" again, and another highlight of the evening for me was the Greek music jam lead by Carol(?).

The evening low was when I discovered that the waitress had cleared away my half-finished glass of porter, not realizing that after playing musical chairs I had plans for returning to its table to finish it. Sigh!

We did find a "perking space" no further than a block from the Press Room.

Thanks again for the hospitality,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: Jeri
Date: 07 Dec 02 - 11:22 AM

Charley - new waitress. They usually don't mess with partially consumed drinkables OR edibles. I hope you discovered you'd won the prize of a free full glass of porter in the game "Fool the Waitress." (You complain politely. A subtle tear rolls out of the corner of one eye. Waitress feels absolutely horrible and volunteers to replace the drink at no cost.)

I didn't get a lot of sleep on Wed night and was paying for it last night. 'Twas a really good session though, as quiet background noise-wise as is possible with a packed house. A wee bit smoky - better than it's been but still a problem for those who can't tolerate any. Charley, Judy was sitting by the front door and mentioned the smoke. If my brain had been working better... She was a few feet away from the bar where the bulk of the smoke is generated. People at the session table don't smoke during the session and most of the regulars at outlying tables don't either. The air was probably more breathable in the 'thick' of the session than by the door.

Great to have Jim and Joe/Jets. Joe is good at finding tunes that others can play along on quickly. There were two Finnish waltzes - Emma and I-can't-remember-the-name - and I absolutely knew one of them by the time we ...Finnished. (Maybe I've played them with Carol C or heard her play them?)

Barry & Justine were there and it was GOOD to hear Justine sing again. I love her voice!

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 07 Dec 02 - 11:57 AM

Loooooved listening to Jets play! Could listen all night!

Too bad Justine (and a few others) had to put up with the loud sound check going on upstairs that commenced in the middle of the song. Doesn't happen often, but when it does, it's really annoying -- especially at the volume it was last night. Sigh.

Nice session. I sort of shut up and let the "visitors" have more time. Wish Jim had sung more.

Linn

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: kendall
Date: 07 Dec 02 - 12:35 PM

My oldest brother died thursday am. So,I Wasn't feeling very sociable

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: SINSULL
Date: 07 Dec 02 - 12:43 PM

Couldn't leave the office until 4:30 and the evening went down hill from there. Next time. And I had prepared "Those Wedding Bells Must Not Ring Out" just for Linn.

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: Jeri
Date: 07 Dec 02 - 03:07 PM

Kendall, I'm sorry.

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 07 Dec 02 - 04:05 PM

Sorry I couldn't make it this time, but as both Arnold Schwartznegger & General MacArthur said "I'll be back"
Keep haulin' them capstans.....Giok

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: jets
Date: 07 Dec 02 - 09:25 PM

Kendall,I am sorry to hear of your loss. I met him once.Liked him for his quite demeanor. Joe

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 07 Dec 02 - 10:20 PM

Sorry to hear of your Brother's loss, Kendall.

My Mom on Tuesday, Your Brother on Thursday...
Seems to be a lot of that going around lately.

I'ts times like these we get a whole new appreciation for Family and Friends, ain't it?

But we'll hang in there somehow; and knowing that we're here for one another when such storms rise surely helps us to weather the gale.

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 08 Dec 02 - 02:57 PM

I am sorry to have missed this! Kendall and Jacques, I am sorry.

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: jets
Date: 08 Dec 02 - 05:55 PM

Jeri: The two Finnish songs were" Emma and/The wild Rose"
Both in the key of Am. Joe

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: Jeri
Date: 08 Dec 02 - 06:10 PM

Thanks Joe.

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: Charley Noble
Date: 08 Dec 02 - 08:20 PM

Tom was mentioning the possibility of doing a monthly shanty/forebitter sing on a Saturday, 4 to 9 pm. Any more thoughts on this? I'd certainly try to attend as I'm sure Brett would. There are few public places one can go to try out such songs, and it's a real blast to have people pick up on the chorus and refrain. Of course, it's also a real test to try to find a key to project a more quiet song.

Jeri-the waitress did offer to remove the porter from my bill, which I declined in favor of a free one the next time I stopped by. The waitresses at the Press Room do have a tough job sorting things out at a music session, but I guess I've been spoiled with how well they've managed in the past. Next time I'll nail my mug to the table top.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 09 Dec 02 - 04:46 PM

Nice chowder too.

Giok

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: curmudgeon
Date: 09 Dec 02 - 05:39 PM

Be wary of "jumping the gun" Charly. The odds are good, but the issue has not yet been discussed. Be assured that you will read it here first -- Tom

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: Charley Noble
Date: 09 Dec 02 - 06:31 PM

Tom-

I suppose I can chill out for a while. Maybe I'll go down to the Bath Iron Works shipping office and see if they's hiring shantymen for them new misguided missle frigates.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: Charley Noble
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 05:51 PM

Refresh for Naemanson

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: curmudgeon
Date: 10 Dec 02 - 06:21 PM

Press Room management is excited and enthusiatic about the prospect of a monthly Shanty Session. but still needs okay from owner. May have a definite plan by this weekend -- Tom

Subject: RE: Fri. Press Room Session, who's coming ?
From: Naemanson
Date: 11 Dec 02 - 03:19 PM

Message received.

Sorry to hear about your brother, Kendall. It has been a season of losses.