Important Message from Roy Harris

Subject: Important Message from Roy Harris
From: KathWestra
Date: 04 Feb 03 - 11:35 AM

English singer (and dear friend these past 30 years) Roy Harris will be turning 70 on June 15, 2003. Roy has graced these pages with his incredible knowledge and frequent insights under the Mudcat handle "Burl" (sorry if I've blown your cover, Roy). He recently sent me a letter, which I've pasted below in hopes that, like me, some others might be interested in organizing a 70th Year U.S. Tour for Roy. I'll work on the Washington, DC, end of things. If you're in nearby Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, or North Carolina and would consider setting something up, maybe we can coordinate. PM me about that. Others in different parts of the U.S. may also want to think about getting together to help Roy create some 70th Year U.S. memories. His contact info. is in the body of the letter which begins below. Thanks. Kathy Westra

Roy wrote:

ROY'S 70TH YEAR PLAN

On June 15th 2003 I will be 70 years old. Naturally there will be a family party but I intend to further mark this milestone in my life by having a celebratory year . From then to June 15 2004 my aim is to fill the year with as many happy times as possible.   I have some non-musical things planned, including the honeymoon that Elaine and I didn't have 45 years ago, but I would like to include some singing too.

A few years ago I retired from full-time singing and that still holds, I'm not making a comeback, but in this special year I would like to have one more go-around the clubs and festivals. There are many old pals and friendly places that I've been missing since retirement. This would be a fine way to see them again, and maybe to see some new ones.

So, club and festival organisers, if I've ever played at your place, or even if I haven't, I'd love to come around again. I can still put a song across, and tell a tall tale or two. If you're interested please contact me at 31 Carling Court, Haig Place, Cardiff, CF5 4PH. Phone [phone], or e-mail [e-mail]      Remember the time-span, June 15th 2003 -June 15th 2004.

This may well be my last go-around so I hope to hear from lots of you. Thanks in advance.

ROY HARRIS.

Subject: RE: Important Message from Roy Harris
From: Schantieman
Date: 04 Feb 03 - 11:39 AM

Delighted to hear this! Roy was one of my heroes and early influences when I started singing in the 70s/80s, and when I was in Nottingham 1979/80. I'd love to hear him again.   In fact, I suspect Clive might already have booked him at the Bothy!

...and if you're reading this, Roy, Happy Birthday!

Steve

Subject: RE: Important Message from Roy Harris
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 04 Feb 03 - 12:54 PM

Wish I was still running the series at the Stamford Museum, Roy... it would be a pleasure to bring you back. Maybe North Branford will book you (hint, hint) and you and Elaine can stay with Ruth and me.) We have first dibs!

Jerry

Subject: RE: Important Message from Roy Harris
From: GUEST,Roberto
Date: 04 Feb 03 - 01:07 PM

I'd like to know where to find recordings by Roy Harris. I only have his CD with soldier songs and the one recorded live at the lion, plus his tracks in Topic Cds and in the Cd about the Penguin Book of English Folk Songs. Is it possible to find more? Maybe on Lp? Thank you. Roberto

Subject: RE: Important Message from Roy Harris
From: KathWestra
Date: 04 Feb 03 - 01:21 PM

I know Roy has a listing of all his recordings that are still available. He had it when he and Elaine visited me in DC in October. Maybe if you e-mail him directly at the address he gave in his letter, he can send you a listing and info. on how to order his stuff.

Subject: RE: Important Message from Roy Harris
From: Jeri
Date: 04 Feb 03 - 01:40 PM

New Hampshire is a mere 9.5 hour drive from DC. Any chance?
Curmudgeon Knows People...

Subject: RE: Important Message from Roy Harris
From: KathWestra
Date: 04 Feb 03 - 06:55 PM

Hey Jeri,
I'm sure that the folks in Boston will be interested. That would make N.H. easy.

And I'll bet the Pinewoods folks in NYC will be interested, as well. With this much notice, we might be able to put together a nice tour path up the East Coast with no 9.5 hour drives at all. DC - Delaware - Philly - NYC - Hartford - Boston - N.H. - Maine. Kath

Subject: RE: Important Message from Roy Harris
From: curmudgeon
Date: 04 Feb 03 - 07:44 PM

Given some advance notice, I can arrange a Sunday afternoon concert at the Press Room. We've had Joe Burke, Martin Hugill, and others. These aren't money makers, but they're fun.

Kath, you might want to contact Sue and Charlie about a house concert in Maine.

Looking forward to the visitation -- Tom

Subject: RE: Important Message from Roy Harris
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 05 Feb 03 - 04:38 AM

It would be great to see and hear you again Roy. When new singers used to ask my advice on which unacc singer to listen and learn from my advice was always "Listen to Roy Harris".

I can remember one memorable evening (I think it was Capital Folk) when you were the guest and other singers there included (I think) Johnny Collins, Jim Magean, Charley Yarwood, Tom & Barbara Brown and many others. The singing was magic - perhaps we ought to try and repeat it somewhere.

BTW June 15th is my birthday too - but I'll still have another year to go until I reach my 60th.

Subject: RE: Important Message from Roy Harris
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 05 Feb 03 - 10:02 AM

GUEST,Roberto:
Rambling Soldier is on CD at Amazon and Live at the Lion and Bold Sportsman All are available as CDs from Musikfolk.co.uk
If Roy didn't share his name with an American classical composer (recent centenary) searching would be easier!

RtS

Subject: RE: Important Message from Roy Harris
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 05 Feb 03 - 10:51 AM

Sounds great Roy, but I have a suspicion you may have to make it a 'five year' plan.

All the best.

Rick

Subject: RE: Important Message from Roy Harris
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Feb 03 - 04:45 PM

Boy! I don't 'spose you'd want to take in the Rocky Mountains, Roy?!

Happy Birthday, early, and I look forward to following your itinerary here at the Mudcat.

RtS, too right! My brother studied with him. When I first came to Mudcat, I didn't know about UKRoy and wondered if the American had been ressurrected!**bg**

All the best,

kat

Subject: RE: Important Message from Roy Harris
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 06 Feb 03 - 04:57 PM

Roberto, if you would email me I can give you info on my recordings [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Important Message from Roy Harris
From: bill\sables
Date: 06 Feb 03 - 07:14 PM

Roy it was the early sixties when you first turned up at the Kings Head in Shotley Bridge to sing. Lorna remembers trying to charge you to get in as you didn't have a guitar or a beard. She thought you were just a member of the audience. I hope you have a great year and hope to catch up with you on your tour. Give my regards to Elaine and Neil
Cheers Bill

Subject: RE: Important Message from Roy Harris
From: Art Thieme
Date: 06 Feb 03 - 08:28 PM

Roy, Today I just mailed you the Febr. 2003 Aural Tradition newsletter with some of the venues around Chicago and Northern Illinois. Hope it helps.

Art

Subject: RE: Important Message from Roy Harris
From: Joe Offer
Date: 06 Feb 03 - 08:42 PM

The U.S. has a West Coast, too. I think we could find you at least two venues in Northern California, Burl, and there are Mudcatters in Portland (Oregon) and in Seattle. Maybe even the Southern Californians could come up with something.

-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Important Message from Roy Harris
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 07 Feb 03 - 09:49 AM

Bill, Dave, Joe, Art, thank you my friends for the kind offers, compliments and memories, I appreciate them all. I remember that night at the much-missed Capital folk club, a singer's dream night. And I remember Lorna trying to charge me entry. That happened in several places where I wasn't known or there was a new door person. Thanks Breezy too,I'll reply directly. It's great to have the chance to go around the scene at least once more. Just a reminder that this applies to UK as well as USA...or OZ or NZ. Or anywhere for that matter. The folk family is widespread, warm and welcoming. I'm proud to be part of it. Burl

Subject: RE: Important Message from Roy Harris
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 07 Feb 03 - 04:44 PM

Roy, I belong to a society for the verification, or otherwise of tall tales, and I remember a story from the 70s [I think] It said that you had bought a farm in Wales, and were keeping sheep, and when one keeled over, so this story goes, you tried to give it the kiss of life. Please tell me it wasn't so.
Giok *BG*

Subject: RE: Important Message from Roy Harris
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 08 Feb 03 - 05:42 AM

A figment of the imagination.

Subject: RE: Important Message from Roy Harris
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 08 Feb 03 - 06:06 AM

Thank God. Funny how these urban myths arise.
Giok

Subject: RE: Important Message from Roy Harris
From: BlueJay
Date: 10 Feb 03 - 04:16 AM

Roy, if you are anywhere near Colorado on your trip, Please consider a side trip to La Veta. We will accomodate you well, and you can be assured of the best audience you will find anywhere. It would be a small venue, but enthusiastic. Stephen Bennett was just here, and he said La Veta was the best small concert he'd played in years. You'll probably get a superior pick-up system as well. Thanks, BlueJay

Subject: RE: Important Message from Roy Harris
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 10 Feb 03 - 08:15 AM

That sounds great Bluejay. 'Small concert' is fine by me. House concerts too - I love 'em. Please pass any details to Kathy Westra. Thanks, Hope to see you. Burl.

Subject: RE: Important Message from Roy Harris
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 11:43 AM

'Reggie from Hants'.please send me a contact address. Thanks, Burl.

Subject: RE: Important Message from Roy Harris
From: Ron Olesko
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 11:54 AM

Roy, if you can get to the NYC area I would LOVE to have you visit our studio for an interview and visit. There is a strong potential that I can make arrangements for a local performance space to host a performance as well.   

I also want to treat you to that hamburger and apple pie! The diner is waiting!!!

Ron Olesko

Subject: RE: Important Message from Roy Harris
From: KathWestra
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 01:47 PM

Yes, Ron, perhaps we can combine Roy's US tour with the USA American Diner Blue-Plate Special Extravaganza Tour. I've hosted Roy in visits to MANY American diners (a favorite destination of his) -- on one visit to DC, we hit five different diners in one day for various meals and snacks (an excursion financed by Tums..... ;^) Any suggestions for "must eat" diners guys? Let's start a new thread for that one, though. Kathy

Subject: RE: Important Message from Roy Harris
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 12 Feb 03 - 03:05 PM

Traditional Diner at Quechee Gorge is worth a visit, just to see one of the original units.
Giok

Subject: RE: Important Message from Roy Harris
From: KathWestra
Date: 13 Feb 03 - 11:05 AM

Just heard from Roy that April of 2004 might be a good time for him to make the U.S. Diner/Music Tour. Get in touch with me by PM if you're seriously interested in setting something up. I'll try to coordinate with Roy. Thanks. Kathy

Subject: RE: Important Message from Roy Harris
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 14 Feb 03 - 06:23 AM

This is a public 'Thank You' to Kathy for all her efforts on my behalf. All USA/Canada contacts go directly to her please. For the UK or elsewhere, contact me via pm or my home addresses as in the first post in this thread. I'm very flattered by the amount of goodwill being shown to me. 70 is going to be a good year. Burl

Subject: RE: Important Message from Roy Harris
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 15 Feb 03 - 05:14 AM

Reggie from Hants- Are you still there? Burl