Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK

Subject: Eisteddfod
From: Karl Eklund
Date: 30 Jul 98 - 07:50 PM

I'm creating a site for the Eisteddfod with some texts from the Ceilidh Columns. I'd welcome any nostalgic comments from performers or visitors during its heyday. www.come.to/karlek.ehome
or e-mail to: [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod
From: Barry Finn
Date: 30 Jul 98 - 08:14 PM

Are you refering to the Eisteddfod Festival in Dartmouth, Mass? Barry

Subject: Eisteddfod resurrected!
From: Suffet
Date: 31 Dec 02 - 01:00 AM

Great news!

The legendary Eisteddfod, the annual festival of traditional music last held in Massachusetts is being resurrected in Brooklyn, New York. The dates are August 8 through 10, 2003. That's all anyone can say at this time, other than it will be sponsored by the New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club, possibly with one or more co-sponsors.

Happy New Year!

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Dec 02 - 05:06 AM

Or visit Wales! the national one seems to be close to Bron/Llanfair this year.

And don't forget Llangollen

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod
From: kendall
Date: 31 Dec 02 - 06:47 AM

New York? Hell, Dartmouth Ma. was far enough away.
Reminds me of the two old geezers on the waterfront in Camden Maine talking about the worlds fair:
Cap'n Barter, "I hear they are gonna have that world fair down in Tenneessee this year."
Cap'n Ames, "Ayuh, I dont know why they couldn't have it in Bangor so everyone could go to it." *

* Bangor Maine

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod
From: kendall
Date: 31 Dec 02 - 06:51 AM

Oh, a true story from the old festival;

I was tired, my mind was wandering, and I told the story of the two old maids and the cat. Problem was, instead of just saying it was a female cat, I said it was a female tomcat.Didn't even realize what I had said until someone later asked, "An hermaphrodite cat? never heard of such a thing."

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod
From: kendall
Date: 31 Dec 02 - 07:18 AM

btw Kark, neither your link nor you e mail address works.

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 31 Dec 02 - 08:11 AM

If you can recapture the spirit of the N. Dartmouth Eisteddfod in the days of Howard Glasser, you will have accomplished a near miracle. The Eisteddfod was always my favorite festival, and when I ran the High Ridge Folk Festival in Stamford, Connecticut, I tried my best to
duplicate the feeling of the Eisteddfod. It wasn't the performers that I booked, or even the kind of music, as I worked at a Museum with a statement of purpose that focused exclusively on American history. What I tried to take from the Eisteddfod was to make sure that the performers were pampered with good food and a place to stay, a performer's lounge where they could sit and socialize and have something to eat between meals, that the performers and audience had plenty of opportunities to socialize together and get to know each other and that there was plenty of time for performers to enjoy workshops and performaces of each other. I think that I did all of that. At least I sure tried.

Eisteddfod is a word and a concept. I wish all of you well in creating the concept.

Jerry

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod
From: Suffet
Date: 31 Dec 02 - 09:20 AM

Jerry,

We are taking your comments to heart. Howard Glasser is our key advisor. It is too early to put out any additional information, but please be assured that the venue we have booked has the appropriate facilities for the kind of festival the Eisteddfod was and which we hope it will be again.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod
From: Llanfair
Date: 31 Dec 02 - 09:31 AM

Yes, the welsh one is just up the road!! Accommodation is at a premium already!!!
The first ceremony was held in Welshpool earlier this year, by the stone circle. These circles are erected on Eisteddfod sites, usually using slate. There's one in the Deri woods by here.

Cheers, Bron.

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod
From: Peg
Date: 31 Dec 02 - 09:49 AM

sounds great! I would love to attend one in Wales, too. OBOD (international group of druids etc. who perform songs and poetry) have one in Glastonbury each year..I went last year and it was amazing.
peg

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 31 Dec 02 - 10:55 AM

The first two postings in this thread are dated 1998. No wonder it seems to lack continuity. How do things like this happen?

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Dec 02 - 11:18 AM

How? Seems Steven Suffet quite reasonably decided to resurrect the old thread for the ressurection of the old festival. Then I, seeing the word "Eisteddfod" could not resist giving Wales, where the Eisteddfod is a very old tradition, a mention. And so it contines...

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod
From: Suffet
Date: 31 Dec 02 - 01:19 PM

Guest is correct. Rather than starting a new thread I simply brought the old one back.

Maybe we should adopt the name Eisteddfod USA so people do not confuse us with the festival in Wales. I will suggest it at our next committee meeting.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Dec 02 - 02:01 PM

Good luck whatever Steve.

I don't know how important that issue is but at least to those of us who have lived in Wales, "Eisteddfod" will mean (a type of) festival - I gave links to the National and International. There is also the "Urdd" (youth).

I've never been much of a follower of that scene but have happy childhood memories of a school trip from Glanwydden (Near Llandudno, N Wales) to the International at Llangollen and collecting autographs from people from all over the world, some of which were not in our alphabet... Lovely sunny day too.

Jon

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 31 Dec 02 - 07:47 PM

I have happy memories of being on two Eisteddfods. They were a performers dream, wonderful to be part of, and largely due to the efforts of Howard Glasser, Sally Jones, ans company. Recapture the spirit of those festivals and everyone will benefit. Much Success to you. Burl.

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 31 Dec 02 - 09:15 PM

I performed at the last Eisteddfod Festival and it was a wonderful opportunity to see and hear many old friends. The love of the music is very much still alive in us old-timers. I just wish there was a way to get more people to come who are underfifty. Maybe book the Dixie Chicks for $500?

Jerry

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod
From: Suffet
Date: 12 Jan 03 - 09:29 PM

A few more details...

The official name is now Eisteddfod New York.

The venue will be Polytechnic University in downtown Brooklyn, New York. It's easily accessible by public transportation, and there are public parking garages very close. The Marriott Hotel is directly across the street which borders one side of the campus, and the world famous Gage and Tollner sea food restaurant is just a 5-minute walk away. Stroll another 5 minutes and you are on Atlantic Avenue, the heart of New York's fabulous Middle Eastern restaurant row.

The dates, as stated above, are Friday to Sunday, August 8 to 10, 2003. There will likely be main concerts on Friday night and Sunday afternoon. Otherwise there will be workshops, mini-concerts, classes, panel discussion, presentations, facilitated jam sessions, and spontaneous (leaderless) jams. We might even throw in a dance or two. We are in the process of inviting staff at the present time, and Howard Glasser has been more than generous is advising us. It is too early to mention any names, but let me assure everyone that we will strike a balance between Eisteddfod veterans and newcomers.

This promises to be a grand old time, a grand new time, in fact just a grand time all together. So mark it down on you calendars now.

Oh, yes. We have a website, of course. The address is www.eisteddfod-ny.org or just click here! It's still under construction, so check it out every now and then to see what new information we have added.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: Bert
Date: 13 Jan 03 - 12:33 AM

...don't forget Llangollen...   I won't, it was the WORST folk event that I've ever attended.

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: Suffet
Date: 13 Jan 03 - 06:43 AM

We cannot make any promises, but we will do our darn'dest to make the Eisteddfod New York one of the best festivals you've ever attended.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: sian, west wales
Date: 13 Jan 03 - 09:14 AM

I think it's worth noting that you should never attend a Welsh Eisteddfod (in Wales) thinking that it's a Folk Festival. It isn't - except that it is a multi-faceted festival, competitive for the most part, attended by the 'folk' of Wales and including some 'Folk' categories. There is also a huge amount of 'Folk' activity, but it's generally generated informally in the evening and is rarely publicized. Oh - and it's also in Welsh. Which doesn't mean that non-Welsh speakers are excluded but things can seem rather ... surrealistic? ... if you don't have the language.

(I've sat on both sides of that fence. Took me ages to work out why the skiffle group drove 3 sheep around the auditorium. Didn't keep me from laughing myself silly, though.)

Sounds like the US one is my kind of festival. Break a leg!

siân, west wales

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 14 Jan 03 - 05:39 AM

Just as a point of accuracy (from a pedant), when a word is adopted into another language, its forms are usually adopted too. The plural of Eistddfod is Eisteddfodau

Nigel

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 14 Jan 03 - 11:53 AM

I've never been to any Eisteddfod other than the one in Massachusetts.
It might have been very different than the ones in Wales, Sian. But, if the Brooklyn Eisteddfod is anything like the one that Howard Glasser ran for so many years, you would love it, Sian!

Everyone knows the great things that come out of Brooklyn. My wife, Ruth, for one... she's a Brooklyn girl, and we still have family members living there... She had her wedding gown made within walking distance of where the festival is going to be, so we know the area well..

Good luck with it, Suffet... If I can offer any help, let me know..

Jerry

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: breezy
Date: 14 Jan 03 - 01:01 PM

Its where us welsh cut our competitive performing edge.
The thought of sitting through 20 individuals, duos or groups, singing,reciting and then listening to the following adjudication and placing of the best three in order of merit may be how the current'Pop-Stars'based its format.
Certainly not a 'Festival' just cut-thraot competition, and all it entails!
We started as young under 5s, I well remember when I was that age one little girl, while waitng her turn wetting herself while standing on stage!
Its part of the Welsh heritage, and I am thankful.
The English have nothing to compare it with, hence the lack of taste amoung its youth and adult population and why so many are pathetic as performers.
I think the name is being usurped.
Is there competition in different classes? If not its not an Eisteddfod.
5 of us in 1975 ish drove down from London to Cardiff late at night as part of the London Welsh folk group, to play on a big stage in a cinema at 2.00.pm, sang four songs in welsh to a full house then drove home. Was it worth it? YES. This was 'party-time'. Is this what your after?
Do these Eisteddfodau still take place in the Principality?
It was a highlight of our year and bought the exiled Welsh communty together in London after the war years

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: GUEST,Frank Hamilton
Date: 14 Jan 03 - 01:55 PM

Attended the Dartmouth a couple of times. It was fine. Oddly enough, for me, the highlight of the festival was the dirty song workshop with David Jones, Chris Haslam, Peter Marston and others. It was a classic! There were more red-faced folks than I've ever seen in my life and everyone present was convulsed with laughter. It's a worthy tradition and I hope you keep it going. How does folk music survive....one way, through the dirty song.

It's a tradition that goes beyond merely being pruient. It's kind of an art form. Check out my friend Ed Cray's book...The Erotic Muse.

Frank

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: Suffet
Date: 15 Jan 03 - 06:06 AM

Frank and everyone else, you will be pleased to know that David Jones is on the organizing committee. I passed your fond memories along to him, so maybe when we get around to scheduling workshops this one will make our list. On the other hand, we are setting aside adequate time and space for people to create their own informal workshops, jam sessions, and sing arounds. With very little prodding we can surely make "Bawdy Ballads" or "The Erotic Muse" happen.

By the way, search the Digital Tradition for The Folksingers' Ball. If you haven't already heard it, you will be pleasantly surprised.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: winterchild
Date: 15 Jan 03 - 06:40 AM

What is the general opinion of so-called "filk" music? Would it be pariah at this festival?

WinterC
a confessed punner

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: Noreen
Date: 15 Jan 03 - 08:28 AM

...don't forget Llangollen...    no, I won't- had a wonderful evening there, many years ago, meeting up again with members of the Gothenburg ceili band who we'd first met when playing in Ireland.
I remember being fascinated by a Basque group who erected two sets of trestles on the stage, which were then used to support two great planks of wood. Two people then proceeded to hit seven bells out of the planks, with great hammers- apparently the equivalent of the Alpenhorn for communicating across the valleys...

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: Bert
Date: 15 Jan 03 - 06:38 PM

OK Steve, I'll try to make it.

That must have been a different year Noreen. I remember hundreds (well it seemed like hundreds) of choirs singing very over produced versions of corny shoolkid songs. They went on and on, one after the other, all identical. And then the panel of judges picked the best ones.

One of the feew really good performances was a couple of guys playing the Northumbrian pipes. But they didn't win "Because they didn't sound like Scottish pipes"

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: Suffet
Date: 28 Jan 03 - 11:35 PM

Just confirmed! The Copper Family (four of them at least) will appear at the Eisteddfod New York this coming summer. Other confirmed performers include Jon Roberts & Tony Barrand.

The Eisteddfod New York will take place August 8 through 10, 2003, at Polytechnic University in downtown Brooklyn, NY. For more information, as it become available, PLEASE CLICK HERE!


--- Steve

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: CET
Date: 28 Jan 03 - 11:45 PM

The U.S. Eisteddfod sounds like fun, but this thread doesn't make it sound anything like an Eisteddfod. How did the name get attached in the first place. Is there any Welsh connection at all?

CET

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: C-flat
Date: 29 Jan 03 - 08:09 AM

I seem to remember the Billingham festival used to be called The Billingham Eisteddfod.
I wonder when or why it changed it's name.

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 29 Jan 03 - 01:08 PM

There's not only no Welsh connection, the one in Mass., to my knowledge, never had a Welsh performer or group. Wonderful festival, though. Hope the new one can maintain the standards.

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 30 Jan 03 - 08:14 AM

Dick:
Don't know about a Welsh performer or group, but the web page Dartmouth Eisteddfod leads off with the comment:

"Hear the music of Portugal, the Azores, Ireland, England, Cape Verde, Scotland, Brazil, the United States, Wales and Canada.

Come and enjoy sean nos - lullabies - vocal harmony - gospel - bluegrass and old-time music - solos and ballads

Listen to the magical sounds of bagpipes, hammered dulcimer, bodhran, fiddle, flute, banjo , mandolin, appalachian dulcimer and bouzouki"


Nigel

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 30 Jan 03 - 01:28 PM

There was always a strong American congtingent to the Eisteddfod in North Dartmouth, Mass. It was really more of an international folk festival, with emphasis on music of the British Isles. Everything from the Copper Family to the Carter Family.

Jerry

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 30 Jan 03 - 02:34 PM

Nigel-
The only Welshman that I ever encountered performing there was John Roberts, and I don't believe he counts. As a Welsh performer, that is.

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: Suffet
Date: 30 Jan 03 - 06:38 PM

John Roberts will be at the Eisteddfod New York, and we're counting him! Tony Barrand will be there, too, of course. As will the Copper Family -- four of them this time.

Click for Eisteddfod New York website.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: Suffet
Date: 07 Feb 03 - 05:51 PM

Confirmed performers for the very first Eisteddfod New York now include the Copper Family, John Roberts & Tony Barrand, Dwayne Thorpe, and Margaret Bennett.

Remember to hold these dates: August 8 through 10, 2003. The venue will be Polytechnic University in Brooklyn, NY.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: Mockingbird MacGillickutty
Date: 08 Feb 03 - 01:16 AM

I deperately need to know of fest. venues wherein NO electronic gizmos are tolerated. No bloody microphones! No bloody noise! A wind, a drum, perhaps, an harp, a nurse or shepherd (off duty) singing. No bloody electric guitars or keyboards. Please let the old luddite have his "know" of a festival setting he and his sheep won't regret attending.: [e-mail]. I'll be there if the microphones will not! Yours in song, Mockingbird

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: Suffet
Date: 15 Feb 03 - 04:29 PM

Eisteddfod New York update!

Just added to the list of performers:

Jean Ritchie

Oscar Brand


Eisteddfod ates: August 8 to 10, 2003

Venue: Polytechnic University, Brooklyn, NY

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US
From: GUEST,Aesop
Date: 09 Mar 03 - 11:26 PM

Just looked at the website, and it looks like a fabulous list of performers, with more to come. I never attended the festival in Darmouth, but with people like these it should be marvelous.

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US
From: fsharpdim7
Date: 10 Mar 03 - 12:36 PM

If you are going to use the Welsh metaphor for the fest name, are you looking for any other Welsh references? I am sure that others could suggest them. Certainly, the W.C.'s should be referred to as the Ty Bach's.
How about including a workshop on Welsh rugby songs with John Roberts - that would be a real experience!
Chris

Subject: Eisteddfod-NY
From: Suffet
Date: 11 Mar 03 - 06:52 AM

John Roberts is one of the featured performers at the Eisteddfod-NY, so we can suggest it to him. It is something he can certainly do during the after-hours singinging and jamming.

We were considering having a Gorsedd ceremony, but we would do it the Brooklyn way. Instead of white robes and Welsh poetry, we would wear FUBU gear and try to out-rhyme each other hip-hop style. Fortunately, we scrapped that idea!

By the way, among the performers we have recently confirmed are Tom Gibney, David Jones, and Heather Wood, which means we have resurrected Poor Old Horse.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: GUEST,Gloria W.
Date: 11 Mar 03 - 11:52 AM

If you go to the Eisteddfod website you will see that one of the groups they are having is the Eletfa Hungarian Folk Ensemble, eight people from the NY-NJ area who perform the music and dance of rural Hungary, as well as of the Magyar speaking communities in Transylvania, Romania, and Slovakia. These are high energy performers of the highest caliber, and they are not to be missed. I know that I will try to be there with my whole family.

Subject: Eisteddfod-NY
From: Suffet
Date: 26 Mar 03 - 06:55 AM

Greetings:

Here are some updates regarding the Eisteddfod New York, to be held August 8-10, 2003, in Brooklyn:

1. The $10 all-festival discount for members of the New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club has now been extended to members of the Folklore Society of Greater Washington (DC) to members of the Folk Song Society of Greater Boston. Members of any of those groups will now pay only $60 each instead of $70.

2. Subject to final confirmation, it now looks like rooms will be available in the Polytechnic University dormitory for less than $70 a night. That's the per room rate, not the per person rate. Each room sleeps two people, so if you share a room, it will cost you less than $35 per person. Details should be available soon.

3. We have added several new performers, including Andy Wallace, Heather Wood, Tom Gibney, Ralph Bodington, and the Voices of Shalom, the last been a locally based vocal ensemble which performs music on Hebrew themes in an African-American tradition. For a complete listing, please visit our Eisteddfod-NY website.

4. If we get enough people interested, we will organize trip to Ellis Island, probably on Friday, August 8, before the festival begins.

5. In addition to our featured performing staff, we have lined up some very talented local (and a few non-local) folks to serve as workshop leaders. For example, we expect to have a woman who works for the UN lead a workshop on traditional Japanese folk songs and children's songs.

6. Plenty of time will be set aside for informal singing and jamming, and for visiting New York City. We are intentionally leaving Saturday evening open for those purposes.

See you in August!

--- Steve

Subject: Eisteddfod-NY
From: Suffet
Date: 31 Mar 03 - 06:27 AM

A summary to date...

Eisteddfod New York
a festival of traditional music
Friday to Sunday, August 8 to 10, 2003
Polytechnic University • Metrotech Center
Brooklyn, New York, USA

Sponsored by...
New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club
(Folk Music Society of New York, Inc.)
450 7th Avenue #972 • New York, NY 10123
1-212-563-4099

Featuring...
Howard Glasser, Director Emeritus
Mike Agranoff
Margaret Bennett
Ralph Bodington
Oscar Brand
The Copper Family
Eletfa Hungarian Folk Ensemble
Jerry Epstein
Tom Gibney
Joe Hickerson
David Jones
The Kossoy Sisters
Margaret MacArthur
Maggi Peirce
Jean Ritchie
John Roberts & Tony Barrand
Dwayne Thorpe
Voices of Shalom
Andy Wallace
Heather Wood
+ others to be announced

All-festival admission: $70.
Member of sponsoring organization: $60.
Moderately priced dormitory housing will be available.
Time and space will be set aside for informal singing and jamming.

Website: CLICK!
E-mail: CLICK!
Phone information: 1-718-426-8555

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: GUEST,John Hernandez
Date: 03 Apr 03 - 04:12 PM

What exactly is moderately priced? Even the budget chain hotels near the airports in New York City charge $100+ per night.

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US
From: Anglo
Date: 03 Apr 03 - 08:26 PM

Read the posting two up from yours, John.

Subject: Eisteddfod-NY registration
From: Suffet
Date: 08 Apr 03 - 07:04 AM

Eisteddfod New York
August 8 to 10, 2003
Polytechnic University
Brooklyn, New York

Sponsored by New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club
(Folk Music Society of New York, Inc.)

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

All-festival admission: $70.
Member of New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club, Folk Song Society of Greater Boston, or Folklore Society of Greater Washington: $60.

Payment in full required. All but $5 is refundable if canceled by August 1, 2003.

Copy and print this form and send it with a stamped self-addressed envelope to:

Joy Bennett
111-39 76th Road
Forest Hills, NY 11375 [USA]

Please enclose check for full amount payable to FMSNY, Inc.

Persons outside the United States should enclose a money order payable in US dollars, and should send a self-addressed envelope along with two international reply coupons.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is my/our payment in full for the 2003 Eisteddfod New York.

______ @ $70 all-festival general admission.

______ @ $60 member(s) of NYPFMC, FSSGB, or FSGW. Specify which: ___________


Total enclosed: $____________ (Check payable to FMSNY, Inc.)


Name__________________________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

City ____________________________________ State/Prov.________ ZIP/Postal Code__________

Day phone __________________ Evening phone __________________

E-mail ___________________

Names of others in party: _____________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: Ron Olesko
Date: 08 Apr 03 - 10:00 AM

Will this festival be indoors in the auditorium? Will there be workshops or outdoor stages?

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: Suffet
Date: 08 Apr 03 - 10:10 PM

All indooors, all air conditioned. The concerts and larger workshops will take place in Dibner Auditorium. The other workshops will take place in lounges or classrooms.

The dormotory housing is also air conditioned and is in the new Othmer Residence Hall at a special rate of $68 per night per room for up to two persons. This rate includes linens.

Please book reservations directly with Polytechnic University, Office of Residential Life.

Phone:: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

Website: http://www.poly.edu/reslife/housing/summer.cfm

Postal address:
Office of Residential Life
6 Metrotech Center
Brooklyn, New York 11201

Please specify that you are attending the Eisteddfod New York. A deposit will be required, refundable upon cancellation, subject to university policy.

--- Steve

Subject: Eistedfodd New York
From: Suffet
Date: 10 Apr 03 - 06:40 AM

2003 Eistedfodd New York update:

Regarding the dormitory housing at Polytechnic, I have received two PMs questioning the rates quoted above. It seems that the rate posted on the Polytechnic University website is only $60 per night. My response is: yes, that's true, but it doesn't include linen service. The $68 rate does. Either way, it's a good deal.

We are starting to get some early registrations already, so I should add that our main concert auditorium can accommodate only 350, so we are limiting all-festival registrations to that number. Once we have sold out, we may be able to offer workshops-only admission in person on the specific day.

I should also add that admission to the Eisteddfod-NY is free for Polytechnic faculty, staff, and students, but they most also register.

Finally, New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club will likely be organizing a trip to Ellis Island during the day on Friday, August 8, 2003, for those who plan to arrive early. Check the Eisteddfod-NY website for details as they become available:

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: Suffet
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 07:03 AM

Refresh.

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 16 Apr 03 - 03:07 PM

Breezy- and CET, Information question: did the Eisteddfod in Wales have a poetry competion, judged by Druids? I have a memory about that, which is pretty humorous- but can't remember whether it took place at the annual Eisteddfod in Wales, or at some other event.

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: karen k
Date: 17 Apr 03 - 01:44 AM

I think that I have looked carefully throughout this thread and the website and I don't seem to see any mention of accommodations for parking and housing for handicapped individuals. Has this been considered? Thanks

Subject: Additional Eisteddfod-NY information
From: Suffet
Date: 17 Apr 03 - 12:08 PM

The Othmer Residence Hall, the Dibner Auditorium, and the lounges where the workshops will be held, are accessible. There is no parking lot on campus, but there is an underground parking garage in Metrotech Center and an above ground municipal parking garage a block away from Mettroctech Center, both of which have spaces reserved for the disabled. There are also commercial parking lots in the area, each of which have attendants who park the cars.

The Marriott Hotel, just across Jay Street to west of the campus, is fully accessible.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: Suffet
Date: 21 Apr 03 - 12:57 AM

Dennis Cook just informed us that the Folklore Society of Greater Washington has officially signed on as a cosponsor of the 2003 Eisteddfod New York. As things now stand, the New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club is the primary sponsor, while the Folk Song Society of Greater Boston and the Folklore Society of Greater Washington are both cosponsors. Members of any of those three groups get a $10 discount from the all-festival general admission of $70.

Polytechnic University is also a cosponsor, and it has an even better deal. Polytechnic students, staff, and faculty can attend the Eisteddfod New York free of charge. They must, however, register.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: GUEST
Date: 29 May 03 - 07:42 AM

Great program -- great performers -- be there!

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: Suffet
Date: 30 May 03 - 06:28 AM

Eisteddfod New York updated preliminary schedule

Friday, August 8, 2003:
Mid-morning trip to Ellis Island (extra)
7:30 to 10:30 PM: Evening concert of featured performers (Oscar Brand, MC)
Informal singing/jamming afterwards

Saturday, August 9, 2003:
10:00 AM to 7:30 PM: Workshops, including...
2:45 to 4:00 PM : Tanchaz Hungarian folk dance instruction to live music
6:00-7:30 PM: Meet the Copper Family
Unstructured singing/jamming afterwards

Sunday, August 10, 2003:
10:30 AM to 1:30 PM: Workshops
2:00 to 5:00 PM: Afternoon concert of featured performers (Ron Olesko, MC)

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: GUEST,Gloria W.
Date: 30 May 03 - 10:27 AM

We assume the Eletfa folk ensemble will be leading the tanchaz. Is that so?

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: Suffet
Date: 05 Jun 03 - 07:23 AM

Updated information (as of June 5, 2003):

New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club (Folk Music Society of New York, Inc.) with the cosponsorship of Polytechnic University, the Folk Song Society of Greater Boston, and the Folklore Society of Greater Washington, presents...

EISTEDDFOD NEW YORK
a festival of traditional music

August 8 to 10, 2003
Polytechnic University
Metrotech Center
Brooklyn, NY

Featuring
Howard Glasser, Director Emeritus
Mike Agranoff
Margaret Bennett
Ralph Bodington
Oscar Brand
The Copper Family
Eletfa Hungarian Folk Ensemble with balladeer Kata Harsaczki
Joe Elias
Jerry Epstein
Tom Gibney
Joe Hickerson
David Jones
The Kossoy Sisters
Margaret MacArthur
Maggi Peirce
Jean Ritchie
John Roberts & Tony Barrand
Orrin Star & the Sultans of String
Dwayne Thorpe
Voices of Shalom
Andy Wallace
Hedy West (tentative)
Heather Wood
plus others to be announced

Preliminary Schedule
Friday, August 8, 2003:
Mid-morning extra trip to Ellis Island
7:30 PM - 11:00 PM Evening Concert (Oscar Brand, MC)

Saturday, August 9, 2003:
10:00 AM - 7:30 PM Workshops, including
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Tanchaz (Hungarian Folk Dance)
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Meet the Copper Family
Followed by informal singing and jamming for all.

Sunday, August 10, 2003:
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM Workshops
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Afternoon Concert (Ron Olesko, MC)

All-festival admission: $70.
Members of NY Pinewoods Folk Music Club, FSSGB, or FSGW: $60.
Polytechnic students, faculty, staff admitted free.

Day rates (not available in adavance}:
Friday: $25. Members: $20.
Saturday: $40. Members: $35.
Sunday all events: $35. Members: $30.
Sunday concert only: $25. Members: $20.

Dormitory housing available @ $68 per room per night for up to 2 people. Please book reservations as soon as possible. Polytechnic is holding these rooms only until July 15.

For more information:

Website: http://www.eisteddfod-ny.org
E-mail: [e-mail]
Phone: [phone]

Subject: Press release
From: Suffet
Date: 11 Jun 03 - 07:09 AM

New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club
(Folk Music Society of New York, Inc.)
450 7th Avenue #972
New York, NY 10123
Phone: [phone]
Website: http://www.folkmusicny.org

From: Stephen L. Suffet, Publicity Chairperson
Contact for this event: Don Wade, 1-718-426-8555.

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ON OR AFTER JUNE 11, 2003:

EISTEDDFOD NEW YORK TO DEBUT IN BROOKLYN, AUGUST 8 TO 10, 2003

NEW YORK PINEWOODS FOLK MUSIC CLUB SPONSORS FESTIVAL OF TRADITIONAL MUSIC TO BE HELD AT POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY

The New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club is proud to announce the debut of the Eisteddfod New York, three day festival of traditional music. The Eisteddfod New York will take place at Polytechnic University in Brooklyn, the most populous of New York City's five boroughs, from Friday through Sunday, August 8 through 10, 2003.

We are joined in sponsoring this event by three cosponsors: Polytechnic University itself, the Folk Song Society of Greater Boston, and the Folklore Society of Greater Washington.

The word Eisteddfod (pronounced ay-STED-fuhd) is Welsh, and it means "Gathering of Bards." An international Eisteddfod is held in Wales each year, and it features the traditional music, dance, and folklore of many countries. The direct inspiration for the Eisteddfod New York, however, is an international Eisteddfod which took place first in Pennsylvania and then in Massachusetts, and which was last held in 1996. Many performers who appeared at the Massachusetts Eisteddfod are scheduled to appear at the Eisteddfod New York. Among them is Howard Glasser, one of the the guiding spirits of the old Eisteddfod, whom we are honoring as our first Director Emeritus.

Other people who will appear at the Eisteddfod New York include:

Mike Agranoff
Margaret Bennett
Ralph Bodington
Oscar Brand
The Copper Family
The Eletfa Hungarian Folk Ensemble
Joe Elias
Jerry Epstein
Tom Gibney
Kata Harsaczki
Joe Hickerson
David Jones
The Kossoy Sisters
Margaret MacArthur
Ron Olesko
Maggi Peirce
Jean Ritchie
John Roberts & Tony Barrand
Dwayne Thorpe
Voices of Shalom
Andy Wallace
Heather Wood

So many are among the top traditional musicians performing today that it is impossible to even start listing their credits, honors, and accomplishments. Let us just say that the Eisteddfod New York is coming out of the proverbial starting gate with a line up that would easily take the Triple Crown of Traditional Music, if such a prize existed!

Specific information about all of the performers can be found at the Eisteddfod New York website: www.eisteddfod-ny.org

The Eisteddfod New York will begin at 7:30 PM on Friday, August 8, with a 3-hour opening concert. There will be numerous workshops from 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM on Saturday, August 9, including a Hungarian Folk Dance workshop and a Meet the Copper Family workshop. Saturday night will be left open for informal singing and jamming until the wee hours of the morning. The workshops will resume at 10:30 AM on Sunday, August 10, and run until 1:30 PM. A 3-hour closing concert will begin at 2:00 PM sharp. The masters of ceremony for the opening and closing concerts will be Oscar Brand and Ron Olesko, respectively. All performances will take place in air conditioned locations.

Early arrivals on Friday, August 8, are welcome to join New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club members on a trip to Ellis Island, the historic gateway to America for millions of immigrants.

All festival general admission to the Eisteddfod New York is $70 per person by advance registration. Members of the New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club, the Folk Song Society of Greater Boston, and the Folklore Society of Greater Washington need only pay $60 per person. Polytechnic University students, staff, and faculty will be admitted free, but are required to register. Single day admission will only be available on that day, space permitting.

Polytechnic University is located in Metrotech Center in downtown Brooklyn, easily accessible by public transportation and close to the Marriott Hotel. The nearest subway stops are Lawrence Street on the M, N, and R lines, and Jay Street - Borough Hall on the A, C, and F lines. Air conditioned dormitory housing is available on campus in the new Othmer Residence Hall at $68 per night per room, linens included, for up to two persons in a room. Guests should book their rooms directly with the Office of Residential Life by calling 1-718-260-3729. Please call before July 15, as availability cannot be assured after that date.

For information about the Eisteddfod New York, the public can visit our website:

http://www.eisteddfod-ny.org

Or it can call Don Wade at 1-718-426-8555.

Or it can e-mail us at: [e-mail]

Or it can write to us at:

New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club
(Folk Music Society of New York, Inc.)
450 7th Avenue #972
New York, NY 10123

We are looking forward to the Eisteddfod New York becoming an annual traditional music event known throughout North America and across the
Atlantic as well. Please come and help make that vision a reality.

The Folk Music Society of New York, Inc., a not-for-profit membership organization commonly known as the New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club, sponsors many folk music events throughout the New York metropolitan area and beyond. These include concerts, workshops, weekend retreats, and informal gatherings. For further information, please call 1-212-563-4099.

[end]

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Jun 03 - 08:14 PM

If you can have an English Ceilidh why not an American Eisteddfod. Can the Yanks pronounce it or do they say eistedffod?

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: GUEST,John Hernandez
Date: 13 Jun 03 - 11:26 AM

I called Polytechnic to book my room yesterday and found that they are only holding 50 rooms for the festival. If you want one, you better get it quickly, as some of the 50 have already been taken by the out of town performers. The place requires a $50 deposit, but they'll refund it if you cancel 2 days in advance.

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: Suffet
Date: 13 Jun 03 - 11:28 PM

Just added to the list of Eisteddfod-NY performers: Orrin Star and the Sultans of String.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US
From: GUEST,Jerry
Date: 14 Jun 03 - 01:50 AM

Answering a question a few posts up:
Yes the Tanchaz will be hosted by the Eletfa Ensemble, and will in fact be 2:00 - 4:00, not the 2:45 - 4:00 stated earlier.

I will be negotiating with the dorm administration next week to see if we cannot get more than the 50 rooms allotted. By I DO URGE that if anyone reading this is planning to come and intending to stay in the dorm (very reasonably priced and comfortable and air conditioned), register right away. There is no guarantee at the moment that they will hold ANY rooms after July 15.

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: Suffet
Date: 22 Jun 03 - 10:50 PM

Eisteddfod New York
August 8 to 10, 2003

List of Performers
Updated June 22, 2003

Featuring...

Howard Glasser, Director Emeritus
Mike Agranoff
Margaret Bennett
Ralph Bodington
Oscar Brand
The Copper Family
Eletfa Hungarian Folk Ensemble (with balladeer Kata Harsaczki)
Joe Elias
Jerry Epstein
Tom Gibney
Joe Hickerson
Allen Hopkins
David Jones
The Kossoy Sisters
Margaret MacArthur
Bob Malenky
Takako Nagumo
Ron Olesko
Maggi Peirce
Anne Price
Jean Ritchie
John Roberts & Tony Barrand
Chris Seymour
Orrin Star & the Sultans of String
Steve Suffet
Dwayne Thorpe
Voices of Shalom
Andy Wallace
George Ward
Hedy West (tentative)
Heather Wood
+ others to be announced

Be there!

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US
From: Janice in NJ
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 06:03 PM

Steve, is this all just your weird way of getting a gig for yourself? Clever boy! You have really outdone yourself this time. (I'm only kidding.)

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US
From: GUEST,Don
Date: 26 Jun 03 - 02:06 AM

More detailed parking information (including estimated costs) is now posted on the web site: http://www.eisteddfod-ny.org

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: Suffet
Date: 29 Jun 03 - 11:05 PM

Greetings:

The following message was recently e-mailed to New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club members, but it is relevant to anyone who plans on attending the Eisteddfod New York this coming August 2003. I have thus copied it in whole.

---- Steve


Greetings fellow NY Pinewoodsians!

As you know by now, the New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club is producing to be presenting the Eisteddfod-NY, a festival of traditional music that will take place this coming August 8 through 10 at Polytechnic University in downtown Brooklyn. What you may not know is that SPACE IS
STRICTLY LIMITED. Dibner Auditorium, where we will hold the Friday night and Sunday afternoon concerts, as well as the "Meet the Copper Family" workshop on Saturday, has a seating capacity of only 350. We must therefore limit all-festival admissions to that number.

People will be coming to the Eisteddfod-NY from all over North America and from across the Atlantic. We do not want our own local members to be shut out, so please book your reservation as soon as possible. A flyer with a return coupon will be enclosed with the July/August issue of the club newsletter, but you do not have to wait that long. Just go to the Eisteddfod-NY website and print out your own registration form:

http://www.eisteddfod-ny.org

Also note: If you intend to stay in the Polytechnic University dormitory, you need to act on the double. The residence office is holding only 100 beds for us -- that's just 50 dorm rooms -- and they cannot assure dorm space at all for reservation requests received after July 15. You can print out a dormitory housing registration form at the same website.

Remember that all-festival admission for NY Pinewoods members is just $60. The general admission price is $70. But either of those rates is by advance registration only. Admission purchased at the door, IF STILL AVAILABLE, will be $65 for members and $75 for non-members, so it pays doubly to register in advance: guaranteed admission and a $5 savings.

If you need any additional information about the Eisteddfod-NY, please feel free to call Don Wade at 1-718-426-8555.

One last thing: We can still use a few more festival volunteers. Put in at least 6 hours of work over the course of the festival, and your admission is free. If you are interested, please contact our volunteer coordinator, Mark Maniak. Call him at 1-718-630-1421, or e-mail him at:

[e-mail]

The Eisteddfod-NY promises to be a wonderful festival. Please make sure you are a part of it!

Your Eisteddfod-NY Organizing Committee,
Jerry Epstein, Festival Director
David Jones
Steve Suffet
Don Wade
Heather Wood

Subject: Eisteddfod-NY 2003 day rates
From: Suffet
Date: 03 Jul 03 - 04:39 PM

Greetings:

Unless the 2003 Eisteddfod-NY is a sell-out in advance, which is still possible but somewhat unlikely, day rates are available at the door. You can call the NY Pinewoods Folk-Fone at 1-212-563-4099 on day of concert for up-to-date information. But here's a better idea. E-mail Joy Bennett, the festival registrar, and ask her to set aside day rate tickets for you. Of couese if the festival becomes sold out, they will not be available, but otherwise the tickets are yours.

The Eisteddfod-NY day rates are as follows:

Friday evening concert
General admission: $20. Members: $15.

Saturday all day
General admission: $40. Members: $35.

Sunday all day
General amission: $35. Members: $30.

Sunday afternoon concert only:
General admission: $20. Members: $15.

The members' rates are for members of New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club, the Folk Song Society of Greater Boston, or the Folklore Society of Greater Washington.

Joy Bennett's e-mail address is: [e-mail]

Do it!

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: Suffet
Date: 06 Jul 03 - 06:27 PM

Greetings again!

From the rate at which all-festival registrations are coming in, it looks very likely that the 2003 Eisteddfod-NY will not be sold out in advance. We cannot make an guarantees, of course, but it is highly probable that day rate admission will be available. Look at the previous message to see what those rates are.

We still recommend that you register in advance. In that case, the all-festival general admission is $70. The all-festival member's rate is $60 in advance. At the door, the all-festival general admission will be $75, and the all-festival member's rate is $65.

On-campus dormitory housing is another matter. If you intend to stay in the Polytechnic University dormitory, you must book your reservation with the Office of Residential life no later than July 15. Their telephone number is 1-718-260-3729. The rate is $68 per night per room, linens included, whether there is one or two persons in the room.

So, if you are planning to come to the Eisteddfod-NY, but you would rather not register in advance, we would like to hear from you just so we can get an idea of how many people to expect. Just e-mail our registrar, Joy Bennett, and let her know how many of you are coming and for what days. She might even be able to set aside some tickets, provided they are not needed for people who preregister.

Joy's e-mail address is: [e-mail]

And, for the most up-to-date information, the Eisteddfod-NY website is:

http://www.eisteddfod-ny.org

The dates are Friday to Sunday, August 8 to 10, 2003. Then venue is Polytechnic University at Metrotech Center, Brooklyn, New York.

Be there!


--- Steve

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: GUEST,Rosalie
Date: 07 Jul 03 - 12:00 PM

If anyone is wondering whether this part of Brooklyn is safe - YES it is. I live a 40 minute walk from Polytechnic University. The University campus is right in downtown Brooklyn in an area of office buildings and colleges. Beyond the central business district are two ritzy residential neighborhoods with good restaurants, and one gentrifying/rundown neighborhood with good restaurants.
A couple of blocks away is a shopping street with a big Macy's.
If you have an extra day or two, don't miss The Brooklyn Art Museum with an awesome collection of Egyptian art, an exhibit of Amarican art which is very interesting, European art, third world art, and local art.

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: Suffet
Date: 07 Jul 03 - 09:59 PM

Rosalie is right, but I should add that New York City in general is one of the safest big cities in the USA. That doesn't mean you should foolishly flash a big wad of bills or walk into a bar and declare "I can lick any man in the joint," but it does mean that your odds of winding up a crime victim are a lot less than if you were visiting Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, Miami, Washington, Philadelphia, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, New Orleans, or a host of other American cities.

Furthermore, there are steps you can take to make your trip even safer. First and foremost, is don't do anything illegal. Coming here to buy drugs, even a five dollar bag of weed, is definitely a stupid thing to do. The same goes for patronizing prostitutes. Even carrying an open container of an alcoholic beverage on the street is asking for trouble. But the stupidest thing you can do, without doubt, is bringing an unlicensed gun into New York. If you're caught then you will get a well deserved one-year all expenses paid vacation to one of our islands -- Riker's Island, that is!

OK, on to more pleasant things. Within a short walking distance from Metrotech Center are two landmark restaurants. One is Gage and Tollner, an upscale seafood house that has been around since the 1870s. The other is Juniors, essentially a diner which makes some of the best home baked goods to be found anywhere. Try their world famous cheese cake. You might also like to try Archives, the restaurant in the Brooklyn Marriott Hotel, just across Jay Street from Metrotech Center.

The two glitzy neighborhoods that Rosalie mentions are Brooklyn Heights and Cobble Hill. They are separated from one another by Atlantic Avenue, which is the center of Brooklyn's Arab-American community. People come from all over the metropolitan area to patronize its many restaurants, bakeries, and sweet shops.

The gentrifying-but-still-rundown neighborhoopd is Fort Greene, just across Flatbush Avenue Extension from Metrotech Center. Take some time to explore its beautiful 19th century architecture.

Of course, there is much more to Brooklyn than those three neighborhoods. If you have the time, take a trip down to Sheepshead Bay and Brighton Beach at the southern end of the borough. Or walk through Williamsburgh, and see its Polish, Latino, and Hassidic sections.

And the there are the other four boroughs of New York City. Certainly you will spend some time in Manhattan, but please don't overlook the beautiful delights that Staten Island, Queens, and the Bronx hold in store. Then, if you have the time and inclination, make some excursions to the surrounding suburbs.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US
From: georgeward
Date: 10 Jul 03 - 02:00 AM

Refresh. Yeah, I know it is Brooklyn in August, but this is going to be a romp. Just about every concern is addressed above (and there is functional public transportation, which is more than we can offer at Old Songs). - G

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: Suffet
Date: 10 Jul 03 - 08:14 AM

Greetings again,

The 2003 Eisteddfod New York Organizing Committee intentionally left Saturday night free. After the special "Meet the Copper Family" workshop ends at 7:45 PM, festival attendees are welcome to stay around until the wee hours of the morning for informal singing and jamming. We will keep at least two room open for that purpose.

Alternatively, people are free to explore the delights of New York City on a Saturday night in the summer. It's just a short subway or cab ride from Metrotech to lower Manhattan, where you will find Tribecca, Chinatown, Little Italy, SOHO, NOHO, Greenwich Village, and a host of other neighborhoods where people flock from all over the world. Hang around the "anti-folk" scene of the East Village, if you will, or take in some jazz, or or reggae, or Latin dance music, or many of the other musical genres you may not find at the Eisteddfod-NY this year. Or just hang out at the South Street Seaport and enjoy whatever is happening.

If you are really adventurous, take the #7 Flushing Line train from Times Square or Grand Central and get off at the 74th Street elevated station in Jackson Heights, Queens. Or take the E or F train from West 4th Street in Greenwich Village, and get off at the Roosevelt Avenue - Jackson Heights subway station. The two stations are connected, and either way you will emerge in the heart of New York's Indian-Pakistani-Bengali community. Wander along 74th Street north from Roosevelt Avenue to 37th Avenue, and then turn either left or right and walk a block or two. The sight, the sounds, and the smells will carry you away to somewhere in South Asia.

And then, if you are looking for a place to eat, just pick any of the many all-you-can eat buffet restaurants. Or favorite is the Jackson Diner, now greatly enlarged from when it had been an old-fashioned diner. It is currently located on the east side of 74th Street just a little north of the elevated station. The cross streets are 37th Road just to the south, and 37th Avenue to the north. (For purposes of orientation: 74th Street in Jackson Heights in a northbound one-way street.)

There are many other adventures possible. Along with the usually crowded New York City tourist attractions, there are many less frequented places to visit. Among these are the Cloisters in upper Manhattan, Garibaldi's house on Staten Island, Edgar Allen Poe's cottage in the Bronx, and the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge and Bird Sanctuary in Queens. OK, they are all usually closed at night, but why not come to New York a few days early and/or stay a day or two late. Then you can really start becoming an urban explorer.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: Suffet
Date: 11 Jul 03 - 08:34 AM

Registrations for the 2003 Eisteddfod-NY are starting to trickle in. My guess is that the festival will likely not be sold out, so you will probably be able to purchase either single-day or all-festival tickets at the door. The on-campus dormitory housing is another matter. If you intent to avail yourself of it, you must make your room reservation no later than July 15. Please do so by calling the Polytechnic University Office of Residential Life at [phone]. You can also e-mail them at [e-mail] but I believe at this late date it is better to call them on the phone.

The rate is $68 per room per night, with linens included. Please note that the rate is per room rather than per person. A room can accommodate two people, so if you have a friend, acquaintance, neighbor, spouse, paramour, total stranger, etc. who is willing to go halfsies, the effective rate is only $34 per night.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: Suffet
Date: 15 Jul 03 - 08:10 AM

Greetngs:

Here are a few updates on the Eisteddfod New York, being held at Polytechnic University in Brooklyn, NY, from August 8 to 10, 2003.

• First of all, we are sorry to report that Ladino musician Joe Elias will likely not be appearing, and that Appalachian singer and banjoist Hedy West's participation is still tentative. In any large festival, a few personnel changes are bound to happen. And while we regret disappointing people, will try to keep the public informed as soon as we can, rather than making last-minute announcements at the Eisteddfod-NY itself.

• It is nearly certain that the festival will not be sold-out. All-festival, single-day (Saturday or Sunday), and concert-only (Friday night or Sunday afternoon) tickets will most likely be available at the door. However, we still strongly encourage preregistration as only way you can be assured of getting in.

• Today, July 15, is the deadline for making reservations to stay in on-campus dormitory housing. Tomorrow is too late. To book your room, call the Polytechnic University Office of Residential today at [phone].

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Eisteddfod (festival of traditional music) US & UK
From: GUEST,Mike Miller
Date: 26 Aug 03 - 10:09 PM

Eisteddfod – the cup runneth over

The 2003 Eisteddfod Festival of Traditional Music was an awesome, inspiring event with just one problem: there were so many terrific things going on at once that you had to make no end of painful choices. What to do: hear Oscar Brand hold forth on "Woody, Leadbelly, Dylan, & Me" or listen to John Roberts and Tony Barrand in a harmony workshop with the Kossoy Sisters and Orrin Star's Sultans of String? Of course, if you did either one of these, you'd miss some amazing Hungarian music (trumpet fiddle, anyone?) from the Eletfa Ensemble.

It was like that for the whole Aug. 8-10 weekend at Metrotech Center's Polytechnic University in Brooklyn. One person was heard to remark, "When are we supposed to go eat? There's no time for lunch – I'll miss something good."

You really had to hone your multitasking skills. I skipped out in the middle of a fine workshop on song parodies by Mike Agranoff and Joe Hickerson because I didn't want to miss the English Music Hall featuring Roberts and Barrand, David Jones, Maggi Peirce and Heather Wood, deftly accompanied by Jerry Epstein on piano.

Thankfully, the concerts provided some relief from the usual dilemma. How nice to enjoy the pure voice of Jean Ritchie without that nagging feeling that you might be missing Margaret Bennett's ballads from her native Hebrides, or Margaret MacArthur's songs of Vermont, or Jeff Warner's memorable ditties that he's picked up all over the place in a lifetime of song collecting.

Unfortunately, the Copper Family were unable to appear as scheduled, owing to patriarch Bob Copper's ill health. The time scheduled for their workshop on Saturday was given over to all and sundry singing the songs of this remarkable family from the English village of Rottingdean, in Sussex, many of which have become indelible parts of the traditional British canon.

Hats off to all those involved in producing this amazing weekend of traditional music, and let's hope it happens again next year, with a fully recovered 88-year-old Bob Copper.

--Mike Miller