 sj |
||
|
||
What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill?
|
|
|
Subject: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: Franz S. Date: 03 Jan 05 - 07:49 PM So I'm in Chapel Hill NC for an extended stay (at least through Jan. 31) and in need of some uplifting diversion. I know that this area teems with wonderful musicians and singers, but I seem to be having some trouble making contact. A fellow mudcatter suggested that I use the resource, so here I am. I do have a banjo, and I do play it every day (perhaps that's a disqualification). How should I spend whatever free time I have? Thanking you in advance, I remain, Yr. obdt. servant. |
|
Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: GUEST,.gargoyle Date: 03 Jan 05 - 07:53 PM Hop the metro north and visit WOLFTRAP.
|
|
Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: artimus Date: 03 Jan 05 - 08:52 PM I believe that there is a Folk Club in Chapel Hill that sponsors house concerts. I may have a contact there. I'll look. I did meet someone on the road once who mentioned this to me. You might look on the web and if there is a concert you could go and hear some music and meet the organizers. You might even play a tune. Make an investment OK. Here's a little info I found. .http://www.caverntavern.com/index.html There is a songwriters open mic tomarrow. Have fun. |
|
Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: Charley Noble Date: 03 Jan 05 - 09:25 PM Franz is one of my oldest long-time folk music friends. He is responsible for introducing me personally to Obray Ramsey, the beverage white lightning, and what were called radical politics in the early 1960's. If you invite him to a music party, you will profit as I did. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
|
Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: Dani Date: 03 Jan 05 - 11:16 PM Franz, I'm in Hillsborough, just north of there. I'll get you to some music! Janie lives nearby, too, and it's about time for us to do some singing. What do you especially like/don't like? Oldtime is what's mostly in the water, here, but there's lots else around. Dani |
|
Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: open mike Date: 04 Jan 05 - 04:06 AM IF YOU HAVE TIMW TO DO A RESEQRCH PROJECT FOR ME.. SEE IF THERE IS STILL A MUSIC BOX MUSEUM IN HILLSBORO IT WAS SO COOL...PROBABLY 20 YEARS AGO...MAYBE NO LONGER.. BUT IF YOU DO FIND IT YOU W2ILL ENJOY...PLAYER PIANOS, MUSIC CONTRAPTIONS OF ALL SORTS...WAY COOL... YOUJUST MISSED BEING ABLE TO PLAY AT DANI'S RESTARUANT/CAFE.. THE PHARMACY PLACE...NO LONGER THERE..WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THAT SPACE? SORRY IT DIDN'T WORK OUT FOR YOU DANI...WE DID ENJOY BEING INVOLVED IN TEH NAMEING CONTEST! |
|
Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: breezy Date: 04 Jan 05 - 05:13 AM do the Michael Jordan tour?! You mean they aint got one? |
|
Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: Franz S. Date: 04 Jan 05 - 08:08 AM Thanks for the advice and guidance. I've checked the web and local newspapers, but I guess I don't understand the local dialect too well. Wolf Trap is a great place but way too far north. We may get to the Cavern Tavern tonight for the early show; we are of that generation that tends to consider 8 pm as a normal bedtime, but we can stay up late for good reason. (Though not when one of us is catching a plane in the morning.) Dani, I look forward to hearing from you. And Charlie, thank you for the introduction; it was mostly just a matter of being in the right place at the right time. The last time I had any white lightning was at the bus terminal in Windsor Ontario; I poured it down a urinal just before we went through customs. Didn't even process it first. |
|
Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: Charley Noble Date: 04 Jan 05 - 08:53 AM Hmmm. Isn't Durham close to Chaple Hill? I believe the Triangle Folk Music Society does concerts there. Hard to tell for sure from this far North but one of Roll & Go's members has a brother there who coordinates booking. I still have flashes of the white lightning Franz and I consumed the night before we departed North Carolina. It was so good mixed with cider and so bad as I sat with a bucket between my legs for the rest of the evening...I even let Franz drive the next morning! Cheerily, Charley Noble |
|
Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: GUEST,Arkie Date: 04 Jan 05 - 11:47 AM If the Rathskeller, Rat Cellar, as we used to call it, is still in business that would a good place to enjoy pizzia. When I was in school some 40 years ago, the Rathskeller, was down steps in an alley and resembled an underground cavern and well worth the short hop from Durham. Mike Casey, an excellent mountain dulcimer player used to live in that area. I think there are some excellent folklore collections at the Univ. of North Carolina and at Duke. |
|
Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: Franz S. Date: 04 Jan 05 - 07:34 PM Yeah, actually, I've spent some time at the Southern Folklife Collection at UNC and at NC Folklore Society meetings over the years. That's why I'm here at all; my mother was a folklore scholar who brought some archives here and endowed a fellowship in ballad scholarship. So it happens that I know the academic folklorists around here better than the musicians, though I have attended some nice sessions among the former. Charley, were you with me the night we went to the party at Bascom Lamar Lunsford's house? Tommy Hunter and Obray were 2/3 of the stringband that night; I don't know who played the guitar. Course I didn't even know whose party it was until 35 years later. |
|
Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: Charley Noble Date: 04 Jan 05 - 07:42 PM Franz- No, but I was with you when we trucked over half of Madison County on a load of locus logs, and came back with 3 gallons of white lightning. Then there was the night we integrated a Black camping park in Prince Edward County, VA. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
|
Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: GUEST,.gargoyle Date: 04 Jan 05 - 10:58 PM Charley PLEASE tell the story...of how charcole was introduced to white-lightening.
Given your "teaser" this should make a good "read" and a grand-contribution to the MC....Don't be shy....spill the story,.
Sincerely, |
|
Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: Charley Noble Date: 05 Jan 05 - 08:26 AM Gargoyle- My lips are sealed and I doubt if Franz can remember! Now I do mind the time I went groundhog hunting with Obray Ramsey, winding around the hills in his intrepid blue Falcon... Cheerily, Charley Noble |
|
Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: Franz S. Date: 05 Jan 05 - 10:21 AM Yeah, Obray shot a groundhog at what, 150 yards through the wood, hit it in the shoulder instead of the head, and said, " Iguess my rifle sight needs adjusting." And it did. And the groundhog stew Sophie cooked was good and greasy. |
|
Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: Charley Noble Date: 05 Jan 05 - 01:49 PM Actually, Franz, the groundhog was way up the hill, sunning itself before its burrow. Not an easy angle from the road below for a headshot but Obray was still embarrassed. Obray is best known, perhaps, in the folk song community for his singing of "Rain and Snow"; the Grateful Dead credit him as the source of their adaptation. After a week of beans, groundhog stew tasted mighty fine! Cheerily, Charley Noble |
|
Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: Franz S. Date: 05 Jan 05 - 05:45 PM Since forty-some years have passed (I know this is thread creep, but it's a good story)so maybe it's okay to name names. Otto R. was in his 50's, and I'm quite sure he's not still around. (Gargoyle, this is not exactly the story you wanted.) So one early morning in Madison County NC in 1962, Charley and I were picked up by Otto with his flatbed truck. This all had to do with getting some quality white lightning for the two college boys from Maine. We went to a farm, where we and a farmer and his several children, all of whom (even the six-year-old) had brown rings around their mouths, loaded the flatbed with locust poles (fence posts). Otto thought he knew where he could sell or trade them, so off we went, up one county road and down another. We stopped at a farm where Otto knew the man needed the poles. Otto got out and chatted with the man for 15-20 minutes, then climbed back in the cab. Turns out his friend hadn't lived there for years and the new guy didn't need poles. "Mighty nice folks, though." We drove on. Every so often we'd stop alongside the road, usually in a heavily wooded area, and Otto would disappear into the bushes. He'd return in a few minutes with a pint or half-pint bottle of clear liquid, which he would chug. Then he'd say, "Nope, not good enough for you boys." We unloaded the poles for some timothy hay. We unloaded the hay for something else, I forget what. I think we loaded and unloaded the truck 4 or 5 time that day, always on barter; no money ever changed hands. We got almost as far as Johnson City, Tennessee before heading back, and Otto finally founded some white lightning good enough for college boys. We got a half gallon apiece for 4 dollars each. Otto owned one of two Cadillacs in the county, I was told. It wasn't new, but it was pink. Charley proof-tested the stuff in the chem lab back at school. What did it test at, Charley? Qite an education for a couple of wet-behind-the ears Yankees. |
|
Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: Charley Noble Date: 06 Jan 05 - 04:00 PM Excellent reporting on Otto and the trek, Franz. I might add that once on the way back while we hit a bump in a small southern town somewhere in coastal Virginia, and didn't notice that it had jarred the trunk open, exposing a case of mason jars filled with white lightning! Fortunately, when we pulled into a gas station to fuel up we noticed what had happened, before anyone else noticed it. I think the white lightning tested well above 100 proof. Tasted vile straight up, but was really nice with cider going down, and bloody awful coming back up! Cheerily, Charley Noble |
|
Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: Franz S. Date: 06 Jan 05 - 08:05 PM To get back to the original purpose of this thread, I met Dani today, swapped stories, and got info about music, hiking, and estate sales. First time I ever had a date with a woman I met on the Internet. I'm looking forward to good music. I had been told of a music jam at High Strung music shop in Durham every 1st and 3rd Thursday, but when I got there there was no there there. I guess the jam was cancelled and they had no way to let me know. Big disappointment. The concert on the 22nd looks interesting; I will try to attend. Charley, my recollection is that the stuff in the Mason jars tested out at over 150 proof. It was not charcoal-filtered or much aged. I recall a time when we were cutting firewood (Charley, this was on my earlier trip to Madison County) when a friend managed to drop a 100lb walnut knee on his already ugly nose. (We were pushing it up out of a creek bed.) He staggered to the house, downed two aspirin, and washed them down with a clear liquid in a handy water glass. It was not water. He said, "Damn that was good!" and had another glass. Then he slept for 16 hours. On MY couch. The one I was supposed to sleep on, at least. I slept on the floor, and had to start the fire in the (cold) morning. The moonshine phase lasted only a few months, but the musical inspiration I collected on those trips sustained me for years of lonely closet banjo playing. I worked out my own version of "Rain and Snow" based on my memory of Obray's playing, but mine is nothing like his. Anyhow, I feel proud just to be in a town that has been home to Elizabeth Cotten, Tommy Thompson, and Dave Lippman. |
|
Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: GUEST,.gargoyle Date: 06 Jan 05 - 10:17 PM WONDERFUL - stories - thank you!!!!
Id' tel a fue ba de statues an't run out of holdin de arms of justice up.
Sincerely, |
|
Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: GUEST,.gargoyle Date: 06 Jan 05 - 10:21 PM BTW - probably mentioned in another MC thread .... then again maybe not.
If you want to learn the finer points of distilling (way beyond FoxFire folkways) then seek out the Ex-Pat threads in the Middle-East/Saudi.
Sincerely,
|
|
Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: Charley Noble Date: 07 Jan 05 - 06:28 PM In later years, Gargoyle, one of my housemates in East Lansing who was a biomedical major turned me on to lab alcohol, 200 proof! It would completely paralyze the tongue, the mouth, anything it came in contact with. We used to offer it to musicians who stayed at our house while performing at the Ten Pound Fiddle. Those with any brain cells left probably remember our hospitality. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
|
Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: Abby Sale Date: 08 Jan 05 - 03:49 PM Dani is correct that there is a great deal of jam & old-time music in the area. Good stuff at her own place. I've been checking for several years and there is only one real song circle, however. Especially if you have any interest in ballad. Considering the historical resources in the Triangle as well the wonderful resources in the two universities, it is stunning how little interest there is in song (as opposed to tune.) And, for the home of the Piedmont - no blues at all. The song circle meets weekly on Tuesdays and are working into a regular weekly coffee house circle as well. My experiences with them were excellent - both high quality of actual folk (trad) material, easy atmosphere & ready tolerance for those starting out or just listening. Contact Reagan Cole Durham, NC., 680-0425. The list is Folk Jam List folk-jam@rtpnet.org. I think Reagan is out of town for a bit but the jam is just breaking into his house and going on anyway. Its web page is at http://www.rtpnet.org/folk/Pickin.html. THere is a link there to subscribe to the List. I suggest you subscribe (it's a low traffic List - basically just announcements) then send it a note asking for the specific sort of venues in which you are interested. Then on that same first page, click Home to go to the TFMS other stuff. They do good stuff but basically passive - ie, concerts. There are also a number of structured house concerts. None, at this time, followed by jams. Have fun. |
|
Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: Dani Date: 08 Jan 05 - 04:02 PM Here: http://www.bluebayouclub.com/events_music.htm you can find out about blues jams on Monday nights in Hillsborough. Great stuff and high quality bands at the Blue Bayou. We're often treated to great musicians here. Tonight is Big Bill Morganfield, son of Muddy Waters. Come back soon, Abby! I'm out of the restaurant business, which means that the jams and concerts we hosted will have to find other homes, but it means *I* get to make music for a change! Dani |
|
Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: Abby Sale Date: 08 Jan 05 - 04:19 PM Oh, sorry about that, Dani. It were a fine restaurant & we did enjoy both the food & the music. Still, making music yourself is FAR better than merely earning a living. Bit of follow-up for the Tuesday Jam. This week contact Chuck, the chief house-breaker-inner, (csnider AT charter.net), or ideally call him at 336-322-0970 before 5:30 pm - or 919-810-7684 after 5:30 pm. |
|
Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: Franz S. Date: 08 Jan 05 - 04:44 PM My cup runneth over. So far I have three jams to attend this week. Maybe four! My attendance may not be entirely up to me, but this is one vice that my mother always wanted to encourage. After al, she moved to Chapel Hill in the first place because of ballad scholarship. Thank you all very much. |
|
Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: artimus Date: 08 Jan 05 - 07:47 PM What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? Go ask your mom. Here's a song This Land |
|
Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: Franz S. Date: 08 Jan 05 - 08:15 PM Gooberoo, Thank you for the song. My computer speakers don't do it justice, but I enjoy a new take on an old friend. I'd ask my mother, but she's always been more interested in the academics than in the jams. And besides, she couldn't tell me now. |
|
Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: GUEST,Arkie Date: 08 Jan 05 - 08:41 PM Its nice to know where Regan Cole is these days. He spent some time in Little Rock, Arkansas and visited Mountain View on occasion. |
|
Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: Charley Noble Date: 12 Jan 05 - 08:05 PM Well, with all those leads, did you make any music? Cheerily, Charley Noble |
|
Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: Franz S. Date: 13 Jan 05 - 08:50 PM Yes, I did , Charley. last Sunday I went to a jam at the home of Ron Van Veld in Hillsborough. I could only stay an hour, but I probably played better than I ever did before. Luckily everyone else was playing ever better and couldn't hear me. Today my mother entered a nursing home. Maybe this will allow me to to more music. There are several possibilities lined up. I've heard from Nor's brother Barney and if the car gets back from the shop in time I'll see him at a jam next Tuesday. In the meantime I must get back to playing. Haven't touched the beast in three days. Thank you again to those who have given me so many opportunities. |
|
Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: GUEST,.gargoyle Date: 13 Jan 05 - 09:57 PM Sorry about yur mum.
|
|
Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: Charley Noble Date: 12 Jan 08 - 12:57 PM refresh for the adventure stories Charley Noble |
|
Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: Banjiman Date: 12 Jan 08 - 01:09 PM Charley, Thanks for the refresh, I haven't seen these stories before being a relative newcomer to this forum. They are great and put THE most positive images of the USA in my mind....thanks for sharing. Paul (in the UK) |
|
Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: GUEST,pattyClink Date: 12 Jan 08 - 02:53 PM Franz, since you'll be visiting Mom anyway, you might take your banjo to the gathering room at the nursing home and do a little playing for the people there. You may stumble upon some old-timers and/or staff who can join you in some songs or even teach you some new old ones, and get an informal song circle going. At the very least you break up the monotony a little. |
|
Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: GUEST,Dani Date: 13 Jan 08 - 08:52 AM Thanks, Charlie, for the refresh. This is a funny old world... It just happens that just the other day I was at a wonderful place in Carrboro called Charles House where many folks with Alzeimer's, etc, spend the daytime while spouses or families work. By probably no coincidence at all, it is where Tommy Thompson spent many of his last months, and they seem to have a very fine music program. Franz, if you're still in town, drop a line! Dani |
|
Subject: RE: What does a mudcatter do in Chapel Hill? From: Charley Noble Date: 13 Jan 08 - 01:18 PM Another memory I have from our ride on Otto's locus truck was his story of "Tintop," which I believe was a corrugated steel shed that was built near the top of a hill in the 1940's and was a major moonshine manufacturing and entertainment facility for several years. No doubt its charred ruins have long ago eroded down the stream velleys, to be deposited on some distant river sandbar. Maybe it's time to compose a song about its glory days. Franz is still around here at Mudcat. I don't think his mother is still living but I don't know for sure. This thread was initiated back in 2005. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
| Share Thread: |