Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2004

Subject: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: GUEST,ChanteyCraig
Date: 17 May 04 - 04:56 PM

Hi Everyone,

The 25th Annual Sea Music Fest is right around the corner! Flyers are a little later than usual coming out, but our website is now up to date, so if you want info go to the following link. There's performer lists, schedules, ticket info, and all sorts of stuff there. Hope to see you!

http://www.mysticseaport.org/source/show_course.cfm?mcourse=13&mkind=visit

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 17 May 04 - 05:15 PM

I will be there on Sunday Craig just like every year. I have only missed one since the festival began. That was the year my father passed away. SOL ZELLER

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: Anglo
Date: 17 May 04 - 06:45 PM

Here's the blue clicky for the copy-and-paste impaired:

Sea Music Festival

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: Charley Noble
Date: 17 May 04 - 08:59 PM

Nor, I, JudyB and Alison are planning to roll down from Maine on Thursday, and maybe get back Monday or Tuesday.

We hear that some Festival survivors continue singing at the Griswall Inn on Monday evening. Anyone know how to find the Griswall Inn?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 18 May 04 - 12:04 AM

It is the GRISWOLD Inn and is right in the heart of Essex, Ct. Go south on I-95 to Exit 69. Take Route 9 north to Exit 3. Make a right off the ramp and follow the main drag into Essex. The Griswold Inn is one block before you hit the waterfront on your right. There is parking behind the Inn for patrons only. SOL ZELLER

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: Charley Noble
Date: 18 May 04 - 10:52 AM

Sol-

Thanks for the driving instructions to the Griswold Inn. We may even have a chance of finding it now. Wonder what time things get started there?

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: Naemanson
Date: 23 May 04 - 11:05 PM

Hey Craig,

Who do I talk to if I want to propose a special guest for a future festival. I have become good friends with a traditional Carolinian navigator. He sings and dances and talk at length about traditional navigation techniques for getting around in the south Pacific. He is a 7th generation Navigator of the elite class of navigators who are well known around the islands.

Brett

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 26 May 04 - 10:55 AM

One of the James Craig Shanty Crew is heading for Mystic & I eagerly await her return with pictures.

Charley, you met Sally when you were here in November. She used to work at Mystic & is visiting her family, & will be looking for you, too.

sandra

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: Charley Noble
Date: 26 May 04 - 11:10 AM

Sandra-

Certainly I remember Sally, and we'll be happy to welcome her back at this wonderful sea music festival. She can probably find me and other volunteers and staff at breakfast time at the Youth Training Building (YTB); this is generally off-limits to regular guests but I'm sure Sally knows the secret pass word. Or we could meet at Shinbone Al!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: GUEST,Chanteyranger
Date: 26 May 04 - 02:01 PM

I'll be there, too. Unfortunately I'll have to miss the post-fest bash at the Griswold Inn. Boss wants me back at work on Tuesday, so I'll be flying back to SF on that Monday. Charley, you'll love the Gris night!

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 26 May 04 - 02:32 PM

some tough choices to make as to which workshops to attend.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: Charley Noble
Date: 27 May 04 - 10:06 AM

MMario-

It's really no problem. You start with whatever's at Village Green and after a few minutes run up to the North End Stage and after a few minutes back to Lighthouse Point, stopping off at a pub or a church where something else fascinating is happening, and talking to several friends while watching one of the shanty demonstrations aboard the Conrad or the Morgan...And then you sing all night at the after concert gatherings...Piece of hardtack!

Oh, and don't forget to purchase a few CD's that you'll never find anywhere else.

And stop a moment some late evening and enjoy the silhouettes of the ships in the harbor.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 27 May 04 - 10:09 AM

*grin* yup - that about sums it up!

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 27 May 04 - 10:50 AM

sounds good.

I await the pictures - last year's pics were wonderful.

sandra

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 27 May 04 - 12:55 PM

Susan and I will both be there--with some Mudcat T-shirts in the car, if anyone wishes to show his/her true colors (red or navy.)

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 27 May 04 - 01:00 PM

dick - i'll want another red - xl or larger

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: Bill D
Date: 27 May 04 - 02:34 PM

*sigh*...can't make it this year. *grumble*...

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 27 May 04 - 09:28 PM

For those who could make it but aren't going to--Even if you're not an avid fan of shantey singing, this is a prime example of what a folk festival should be. Lovely grounds, lots of both concerts and informal, sit-on-the-grass workshops, talent that you won't hear elsewhere, tall ships, friendly, helpful staff---it's one US festival I won't miss.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: Bill D
Date: 27 May 04 - 09:39 PM

It is indeed a wonderful place....even when there is no festival happening. It's only drawback is that 2 of the major venues are pretty exposed..(as in out in the weather!)...but we deal with that, hmmm? I've been 2 years in a row, and wish I lived closer....(gas at $2+ will affect where I go!)

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: JWB
Date: 27 May 04 - 10:42 PM

I've heard from a reliable source that during the Festival the Seaport store will be selling a hot-off-the-press CD of uncensored sailor songs, some collected directly from Stan Hugill. Sounds like one of those CDs you can't find anywhere else.

See you all there!

Jerry

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: Naemanson
Date: 28 May 04 - 08:24 AM

Ooh-Ooh, please get me one somebody! Please? Pretty please with sugar on it? Charley? Anyone? I'll trade a genuine carved ifit latte stone from Guam, or maybe a nice Marshall Islands basket, or, if you are really kinky (or just need the ultimate conversation piece), a penis gourd from New Guinea.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 28 May 04 - 08:32 AM

Charley, this CD could be of interest to Robin of the Roaring 40's. I've sent the thread to him.

sandra

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: Charley Noble
Date: 28 May 04 - 09:02 AM

We're planning to get to the Fetival early on Thursday. So we'll stock up on the requisite CD's, for all our real friends.

And maybe we can convince the store manager to stock a few Roll & Go CD's.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: JennyO
Date: 28 May 04 - 09:41 AM

Sounds like the James Craig Shanty Crew should have one, but if Robin gets one, I guess we can share it.

Jenny

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 28 May 04 - 10:35 AM

Jenny - don't put words in Robin's mouth! I sent him the thread for his info, he might not even want a CD of bawdy sea songs!!

see ya Sunday??

sandra

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: JennyO
Date: 28 May 04 - 10:55 AM

Don't see how I was doing that - I said "..if Robin gets one.."

I was simply thinking that it sounds like a CD that at least one of us should have.

I think I'll be having a quiet weekend actually. They are pretty rare, and next one looks like being extremely busy, starting Thursday (North By Northwest).

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: GUEST,Chanteyranger
Date: 28 May 04 - 11:14 AM

JWB, would this be a recording of the legendary uncensored chanteys session w/ Stan from years ago that I keep hearing about?

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: Bill D
Date: 28 May 04 - 11:39 AM

"The store manager" at Mystic has, I am reliably told, VERY strong opinions about what CDs to carry and how many....extremely bureaucratic and tedious rules about inventory.

No telling how this will play out for the Hugill CD (if one appears). As I posted at another thread, I know the tape with 'some' bawdy chanties by Stan exists, because I know the guy who recorded it at Mystic, and he explained that the master is owned by Mystic (wouldn't copy it for me...*grin*)....so perhaps an arrangement has been made.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: GUEST,Chanteyranger
Date: 28 May 04 - 12:27 PM

Bill D -

I have a good photo of you from last year's fest. If you want to PM me your snail mail address, I'll send it. If your situation changes so you can make it to the fest, I'll bring it (film photo).

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: JWB
Date: 29 May 04 - 06:09 PM

Chanteyranger,

I do not believe they are releasing the recording of that session. What I hear is that this is an independent effort that includes some songs learned at that session (from Stan and others) as well as many others (some never before recorded). The name I was given for the artist is Richard Docker -- ever heard of him?

Jerry

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: GUEST,Chanteyranger
Date: 29 May 04 - 07:32 PM

Thanks, JWB. No, haven't heard of him. I wonder if he'll be around the fest.

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: JudyB
Date: 03 Jun 04 - 02:25 PM

Just wanted to remind people to use the links above if you want to look at the schedule or whatever - if you do a search for Mystic Seaport, you're more likely to find the schedule from last year (which is at visitmysticseaport.com) than the new one Craig and friends have posted - an unfortunate side effect of how long it takes new sites to make their way to the top of search engine lists. If you can't get to Mudcat to check for the link, try typing mysticseaport.org in your browser window - just make sure mysticseaport is all one word - and then poke around until you find the schedules and list of performers. I was trying to check something while the 'Cat was down, and it took a Google search before I could find the new site - which is definitely worth finding and exploring!

    JudyB

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: Naemanson
Date: 03 Jun 04 - 08:19 PM

Sigh, it's at times like this when I wish I lived closer. I hope everyone has a very good time and ends the weekend with a ton of great memories. And for those working as volunteers don't forget the old adage, don't waste any of the weekend by sleeping!

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: KathWestra
Date: 04 Jun 04 - 04:41 PM

Waaaaaahhhh. This looks like an especially good year. Hope someone posts good reports (and pix) so we can have a little vicarious enjoyment, at least. Kathy

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: Celtaddict
Date: 07 Jun 04 - 08:06 AM

I hate to miss even part (and have been to every Festival since 1982) but daughter is graduating in Philadelphia Saturday night. I will make Thursday night and Sunday, and plan to post pics again too. The Gris on Monday is invariably packed to standing room only so if you do not have a reservation, cozy up to someone who does.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: Charley Noble
Date: 07 Jun 04 - 09:16 AM

Celtaddict-

We could use more planning info for our foray to the Griswold Inn on Monday evening for the follow-up shanty sing. How early should people plan to get there? If one comes earlier, is there food available? Is this gathering a "coordinated" shanty sing or a free-for-all? Should we be expecting tobacco smoke, active dart boards, or other competing activities in the same space? We're reasonably flexible but would prefer to know more about what to expect.

The weather looks promising for the Festival itself.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 07 Jun 04 - 01:44 PM

I will be going up for the day on Sunday only. I can not go Saturday because I am Orthodox and can not travel on the Sabbath. If anyone needs a ride from Rockland County, N.Y., send me a private message off the board (lavatory equipped van with professional CDL driver). SOL ZELLER

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: Celtaddict
Date: 07 Jun 04 - 11:06 PM

The Gris has outstanding food, and is a favorite place to dine or lunch even without Survivor's Night (the Monday after the Fest). It is also an interesting place, with a wide variety of old pictures and artifacts, mostly maritime. You will definitely need a reservation for dinner. There is generally live music several nights a week; on Monday it is the Jovial Crew. This used to include Cliff Haslam though he is not there often any more. Later on (nineish?) the Crew sings, then typically calls up any SMF performers who are there, and there are always a number, of those who have come so far they have not left, and those who are regional or local. Connecticut has no smoking in restaurants, and the Gris does not have things like darts, but there are multiple rooms and the noise level is always high.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: Charley Noble
Date: 08 Jun 04 - 09:02 AM

Sounds like we should be making dinner reservations for around 6 pm, and then playing it by ear. Thanks!

Here's a suggestion for first timers who are attending the late night shanty shouts at the Festival. If you plan to lead a song, get there early with a group of friends and find yourself a corner or at least a wall to bounce off. Do not bother to bring an instrument, other than something to help you deliver the song in a key you can sing it in. There is a tendency under stress to pitch a song in too high a key and then self-destruct. Not a pretty sight! If your friends can support you in the chorus that will be a big help. If you know no one, use whatever social skills you have to attach yourself to a group.

I'm easy to identify. I'm about 60, bearded, usually wear a stripped shirt and a denim Greek sailor's hat. Of course there are several hundred other shantymen wantabees who fit that description...

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: MMario
Date: 08 Jun 04 - 10:43 AM

Of course you can do as I do - just wallow in the music - sing on the choruses and responses and forget about leading anything.

Given the caliber of people who are leading songs - it's no loss! (speaking strictly for myself of course)

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: JWB
Date: 08 Jun 04 - 01:31 PM

Good advice, Charlie. I'll add this: lead a song that has a chorus. These afterhours sing-songs are not concerts, and they're not the place for a 12-stanza ballad which offers no chance for joining in.   The wonderful part of the singing sessions is the power of all those voices pushing the choruses through your very pores.

Jerry

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: Charley Noble
Date: 08 Jun 04 - 05:27 PM

Jerry-

Certainly with a chorus, a refrain, or both!

And probably it is better to choose a shanty/chanty/chantey which you expect most people to be familar with, unless you're particularly good at commanding attention make some effort to teach a novel chorus.

There will be opportunities throughout the weekend to sing the quiet or longer ballads to smaller groups of people but the large late night events are shanty shouts. And seldom is anyone "invited" or "encouraged" to lead a song. You have to sieze your moment and then nail your song.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: Jen M
Date: 08 Jun 04 - 05:46 PM

Question from a first timer, I ordered tickets but have not recieved them. Should I be concerned?

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: Just another Dave
Date: 08 Jun 04 - 06:23 PM

I understand that pre-ordered tickets will be available for you to pick up at the main entrance when you arrive. I had the same concern and received a phone message from the Seaport ticket office today. The past practice was to mail them -- so I was somewhat surprised.
Looking forward to seeing you all!

Dave

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: Jen M
Date: 08 Jun 04 - 07:00 PM

Thanks Dave!

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: Charley Noble
Date: 09 Jun 04 - 09:02 AM

Looks like great weather for the entire week-end, although I probably shouln't mention that...

I wonder where I put my volunteer confirmation form!

Here's the phone number for the Griswold Inn in Essex if anyone else is interested in making dinner reservations for Monday's Survivor's Shanty Sing: 860-767-1776

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: Charley Noble
Date: 10 Jun 04 - 10:40 AM

Does anyone know if folks from New Hampshire are planning to come?

Last year, Barry Finn, Bruce and some of their family members came. Be nice to see some of the folks at the Festival who regularly attend the 3rd Saturday shanty sings in Portsmouth. If you can only come one day, Saturday is probably the best day.

I found my volunteer confirmation letter. Now if I can only find the keys to the van...

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: GUEST,Barry Finn, forgot to restore my cookie
Date: 10 Jun 04 - 11:59 PM

Hi Charley

Sadly I won't be making Mystic this year, 1st time since the 80's when I stopped going for a number of yrs. I also won't be making Old Songs this year either. At this rate the getaway looks to be fadiing from my sights too.

Downhearted Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: Charley Noble
Date: 11 Jun 04 - 08:48 AM

Barry-

Sorry to hear that. We,ll all miss you this round but please come to the next shanty swap at the Press Room.

I did arrive yesterday with my crew in Mystic, with my wife Judy and our former Roll & Go member Alison. We had time for a nice dinner downtown at the Schooner Walk, formerly Trader Jack's. They advertize "Real Food for Real People" and it was quite good.

The evening concert down at the Spring Point shed was a little loosely organized but always fun. The were the usual Mystic shanty singers, Pint & Dale, Georgia Sea Island Singers, Bob Walser, and Jerry Bryant. Jerry had a newly composed Sailortown song that I lust after.

The shanty shout was in the Galley and I broke my advice for leading "Fire Maringo" by pitching it too high. No damage but embarrassing. I did better later with C. Fox Smith's "So Long (All Coil Down)." We had a nice table shared with our group, Celticaddic, her partner, Dave,and another woman. Everyone seemed in good spirits.

Today we are free to wander around the Museum groups until our 6 PM volunteer meeting. We plan to have great fun!

Off to Breakfast!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 11 Jun 04 - 10:13 AM

Charley, I hope you or someone else will be taking photos to share with those of us who can't make it!

sandrs