Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005

Subject: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 20 Apr 05 - 10:59 AM

Does anyone have any information on who is performing this year?

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: Charley Noble
Date: 20 Apr 05 - 01:41 PM

It's true that the official website is seldom up to date. According to the volunteer mailing I received featured performers this year include:

Martin Hugill
Finest Kind (US)
Bob Webb
Jeff Davis
Jerry Epstein
Serre Le Coute (Quebec)
Ianucci Family (Italy)
Bruce Molsky
Songhai People (Niger)
Celeste Bernardo
Peter Kasin and Richard Adrianowicz
And others

The dates are June 10 to 12

For more information try the website at www.mysticseaport.org or call 888-973-2767

I'm sure someone else can provide more detail

I certainly plan to be there early and late.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: GUEST,DHL
Date: 20 Apr 05 - 01:50 PM

Danny Spooner, John Roberts, Mick Moloney and Robbie O'Connell will also be at the Mystic Sea Music Festival.

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 20 Apr 05 - 01:51 PM

wheare-as I will be there (sadly) late and early - Won't get there until the evening of the 10th and have to leave asap sunday pm.

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: GUEST,Bob
Date: 20 Apr 05 - 01:53 PM

Margaret MacArthur will also be performing at the Mystic Sea Music Festival.

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: GUEST,Charley Noble
Date: 21 Apr 05 - 09:09 AM

DHL-

Thanks for the update. John Roberts is always welcome and it will be nice to hear what Danny Sponner brings in from Australia.

I've also been enjoying your latest CD!

Norris Dale from Roll & Go will also be attending as a sound volunteer and late night singer.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: Susan of DT
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 09:15 AM

It is always a wonderful festival. I urge anyone with an interest in sea music to try to get to the festival at some time.

Dick and I will be there. It is one of our favorite festivals.

Book a motel early and think about Groton/New London rather than Mystic for a more affordable motel.

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: GUEST,Charley Noble
Date: 24 Apr 05 - 10:20 AM

Groton and New London motels may be less expensive but it's also nice to be within stumbling distance of the festival IF you take time to sleep after the official singing festivities. Of course, we volunteers get to sleep aboard the Conrad, a mere biscuit toss away from where some of the singing is centered.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From:
Date: 16 May 05 - 11:24 AM

Haven't been able to locate any concrete info about 2005 lineup or events, I am Curious

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: GUEST,Marc Bernier
Date: 16 May 05 - 05:40 PM

Hi Jon, I can never seem to figure out hoiw to make a blue clicky thing , but try this, http://www.mysticseaport.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewpage&page_id=C9BE0FCF-D86E-382C-FA65352B6393646D .

Hope to see you there.
Hope to see you all there.

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: GUEST,JudyB
Date: 16 May 05 - 08:13 PM

Thanks, Marc! Here's an official blue clicky link for the Mystic Sea Music Festival!

I'd love to go, but it's not looking too promising this year - here's hoping....

JudyB

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: GUEST,Charley Noble
Date: 16 May 05 - 08:59 PM

Would the guest "Jon Campbell" be the famous nautical songwriter "Jon Campbell"?

Sure be nice to see you again at Mystic.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 20 May 05 - 11:28 PM

It's getting nearer! Who else is going?

Radriano, I, and Celeste Bernardo will be perfoming together in the Friday night concert, again on Saturday afternoon at the lighthouse point stage, and also separately and in two's in various workshops.

Don't miss Bruce Molsky! For those unfamiliar with him, he's a great, great fiddler, banjo player, and singer of old-timey music. Absolutely a fantastic musician not to be missed. Thank you Craig and David for booking him.

Altogether a great lineup. I'm very flattered and grateful to be be a part of this event! Looking forward to meeting any mudcatters I haven't met yet, and to renewing old friendships.

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: JudyB
Date: 26 May 05 - 03:52 PM

RATS! Just got the schedule for work for next month, and I'm working that Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday, probably until at least 10 pm most days. I'd guess I'm probably not going to make it to Mystic this year....

I do hope to hear all about it - after the June frenzy at work is over and I'm not putting in 12-16 hour days!

Have a great time, everyone!

JudyB

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 26 May 05 - 04:14 PM

I'm planning on being there - but rumour has it I may not get the vacation day that was approved six weeks ago. They had better not do that to me! They will not believe the *cranky* person they will have on hand if that happens.

And *cranky* is not good when you do helpdesk phone support.

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: SINSULL
Date: 26 May 05 - 07:44 PM

I will try. Depends on so many things.
M.

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: Barry Finn
Date: 27 May 05 - 08:03 PM

Hi Chanteyranger
It'll be good to see you & Radriano again & alot of other people I don't get to see to often. It's been awhile. I was to head down there with Celeste & you & Radriano but I won't be able to arrive until some time around 11:00pm(train time?)Fri night. Bummer, I'll be missing the 3 of you perform at the Fri pm Concert, maybe I'll still have time to catch you at the Pub Sing. My daughter's doing something early that day that I can't miss, so missing the ride aown with the 3 of you that's gonna be bummer too but there 'll be the rest of the weekend.

While I'm in this thread I figured I'd ask if there are any Main-e-acks or NH people headed back that could take an extra passenger (me) & make a swing by Derry? Sunday or Monday, doesn't matter. See you all pretty soon.

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 27 May 05 - 08:43 PM

Not likely, but are there any motor home parks in the vicinity - or do they allow motor homes in the parking lot?
We've got a 27 footer, and can be "self contained" for 3 days or so.

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 27 May 05 - 10:04 PM

Damn, Barry, we'll miss you Friday. We'll be on the lighthouse point stage again Saturday, the final act on that stage for the day. While I'm at at, thank you for all that you said on the CD thread. It means alot to me. I was offline for awhile, but Radriano alerted me to it.

MMario, don't make the Mystic Sailor's Boarding House Masters Association come over there, tie up your boss, and drag you out of the office.

JudyB -
Rats is right. Work is the opiate of the folk music masses.

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: Charley Noble
Date: 28 May 05 - 11:24 AM

Barry-

I should be able to run you back home Monday. I'm planning on hanging around for an extra day. Any my car knows the way. Derry up or Derry down, makes no difference to me!

Any chance that your singing partner will be coming down with you as well?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: Charley Noble
Date: 06 Jun 05 - 08:35 AM

Refresh!

Any more folks planning to roll down to Mystic THIS WEEK, beginning Thursday Evening, winding up late Sunday afternoon?

Be nice to see more of the Press Room gang there on Saturday. Come along, gang, and stir your stumps!

You can mow your lawns in the fall.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 06 Jun 05 - 09:00 AM

things looking good - should be there late friday afternoon or early evening.

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: GUEST,celtaddict at work
Date: 15 Jun 05 - 01:02 PM

Overload for sure. (And good to see you there, MMario, even if only briefly.) But I do have pictures which will be trickling out in the next week or so.
Danny Spooner and Serre L'Ecoute could be an entire festival of only two acts. Wow.

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: JudyB
Date: 15 Jun 05 - 01:23 PM

MMario -

I don't suppose you have a copy of the great description of the festival you posted just before the crash? Made it seem almost as if I was there for a minute or two!

JudyB

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 15 Jun 05 - 01:47 PM

checking cache to see if it is there - otherwise I don't - and it was "stream of semi-consciousness" stuff - so I don't think I can recreate it.

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Jun 05 - 02:03 PM

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 13 Jun 05 - 11:12 AM

a quickie set of observations.

#1 - a minor gripe. Why close the ticket booth from 5 pm to 6pm? there were staff present in the room the entire time but I saw a number of people being turned away as well as having to cool my heels myself for an hour. (5:01 when I walked in)

Friday's concert -
The highlight for me I think was Margaret MacArthur; it is rare for me to recognize "big name" people - but Margaret's contribution I know even though I had never met her or even *seen* her to my knowledge before - okay - small stuff but thrilling nonetheless. [hey- I still get a big kick out of the fact John Roberts says "Hi!" to me by name as well.]

Radriano and Chanteyranger and Celeste were fantastic (and I expected nothing less *grin*) Celeste DOES need to get a CD out. Really.

I need to/should go to the car and retrieve the program - I am so lousy with names...and as I mentioned above - this festival runs you into musical overload very very quickly. And so many familiar faces! Pub Sing across the street after the concert - I only stayed until midnight - then drove back to campsite.

Saturday I hid out at the north end of the waterfront until workshops started - learned the correct height for speakers at that stage is "1 dale" as measured by dropping the speakers (gently) to the top of his head. a couple hours a great music and then I went off and listened to music of the Niger river.   Another blur of great music then Mick Moloney and Robbie O'Connell at the village green , don Sinetti singing "Old Maui" to open the whaleboat demo - ChanteyRanger/Celeste/Radriano at Lighthouse point winding up the "daytime: activities for me; dinner at the Seamen's Inn w/ dickG and SusanDT- concert again - including the "chanteens" whom I heard at the open mike LAST year...more John roberts, more Mick Moloney and Robbie O'Connell, more music , more music!

Off to another pub sing - again , left at midnight - I can't do "stay up all night" thing as well anymore - especaially when camping - cause when camping I rarely sleep past first light

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: JudyB
Date: 15 Jun 05 - 05:04 PM

That's it! Thanks!!

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: GUEST,Guest; Dick Shay
Date: 15 Jun 05 - 11:04 PM

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: Charley Noble
Date: 16 Jun 05 - 12:18 PM

Here's another brief post by a survivor!

We really lucked out in terms of weather the entire weekend. It was hot and moggy but it never rained, and the heat was usually moderated by a sea breeze. Those of us who were volunteer sound crew were prepared with our contractor trash bags to cover everything up while the performers hustles the audience into adjacent inside space but we never needed to do more than worry.

Volunteers only put in about 8 hours so there was plenty of time to enjoy scheduled workshops and concerts at other venues. I especially enjoyed Richard, Peter and Celeste. The musician from Niger, Abloulaye Alhassane, was interesting, and the two supporting white guys with banjo and guitar proved to be perfect compliments. The Quebec tri, Serre l'Ecoute, was excellent. Martin Hugill is getting better and better; he's a fine musician and is showing signs of becoming a strong performer but he still doesn't appear comfortable interacting with the audience. John Roberts, Geoff Kauffman, David Littlefield are always reliable. I was quite impressed with a concert set by Jeff David and Jerry Epstein; Jeff lead a wonderful Ozark's version of "Lovely Nancy." Jeff also explained later that his Appalachian songs were appropriate for this festival because the mountains had been uplifted from the sea years before traditional sea music was established! Australian singer Danny Spooner did well, both in terms of leading traditional sea shanties and ballads and reaching the audience; his CD's disappeared from the music table like roo burgers at a backyard Sydney BBQ.

The big after concert shanty shouts were their usual challenge. Lots of noise, competition, and very scary for newcomers. But when it works it's great! You just have to pick the right time to jump in, the right note to start on, the right spot to sing from, and a song that has either a familar chorus or one that can be picked up readily. I did "Fire Marengo" on Friday and "West Indies Blues" (which I pitched a little high)on Saturday.

My disappointment this year is there was very little late night singing at the Youth Training Building (YTB). Maybe people were gathering somewhere else but Friday was pretty thin and Saturday/Sunday morning was almost a complete no show.

Barry Finn and I hung around for another day and got some good singing in at a follow-up party in New London, and some much needed sleep. We returned north Monday morning.

Anyone attend the Griswald Inn in Essex for the survivors' gathering Monday evening?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: JennyO
Date: 16 Jun 05 - 02:03 PM

like roo burgers at a backyard Sydney BBQ.

Any PARTICULAR Sydney BBQ you have in mind Charlie? ;-)

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: GUEST,celtaddict at work
Date: 16 Jun 05 - 02:29 PM

Yes, the Gris was the usual Gris. Crowded, noisy, fun.
(Personally I have never understood folks who say they come to hear a particular person, in this case Cliff Haslam, but because they are "regulars" getting together proceed to talk all through the performance, and we were unlucky to have such a table right behind me, though lucky enough to be at the edge of the stage, and I did overhear one of the chatters comment, "Oh, listen, that next table [us] sounds like a backup group on all the choruses.")
The YTB is still a good place to be at the right times, but it had gotten so big, and more and more people were coming there, and while it was once "performers only" swapping songs, it became quite full of volunteers and other folks, so folks now do seem to cluster into small sessions here and there, rather than massive announced ones, so what happens after the pub sings end is largely a matter of who you are hanging with. (That is, of course, the way it was before Pub Sings became "official", though I do like the idea of them being right there; going to a pub in town never seemed to me to work as well.) I was with a small group of two dozen or so, lots of good bluesy stuff, but that was great fun until four or after; the birds were singing by the time I got home.
I always love to see the musicians who come even when they are not on the schedule, and of course one could have put on a festival with only those. This year John Roberts, Jerry Bryant and Robbie O'Connell were official though they generally are there anyway; Jon Campbell, the Johnson Girls, NexTradition, Stefan of Liereliet, Windlasses, and a number of others added their voices, instruments, and energy as well.
The youngster who belted them out at last year's sings was not there (his mom tells me he grew six inches and does only rap now; what a shame) but another youngster is being well broken in.
There were as always plenty of great moments.
Carl Thornton's utilikilt (khaki kilt with attached pockets and hammer loop), and a flock of men who, for no obvious reason, turned up in sarongs. Every one of them looked GOOD, too.
Jerry Bryant answering April's rendition of "The Fox" with, to the same tune, the song about the stone trolls (Weathertop?) from J.R.R. Tolkien.
The S.S. Shanteens standing in a circle under a tree on the grounds, in their matching t-shirts and their blue hair, piercings, chains and whatnot, and through a gap in the circle Martin Hugill talking earnestly with them.
Celeste doing a ballad out on the grounds, described to me (missed it, drat) as "awful pretty," enough so that she evidently drew a crowd of folks who were headed elsewhere and never made it.
People gathered around the diminutive Fishtown Chapel, leaning their ears up to the open windows to listen to Geoff Kaufman's ever sweet voice.
The row of young musicians perched on the edge of the staff building deck, after Saturday night's concert, singing with Gabrielle of Serre l'Ecoute and swinging their legs up-down-up.
Stefan's rendition of "Hant ofer Hant" which makes us all forget we don't even speak Dutch.
Danny Spooner "lecturing" in the Greenmanville Church, starting his brief history of Australian music with Gondwanaland, leaning up against the side of a too-tall podium. Barefoot.
The human free-reed Gabrielle of Serre l'Ecoute presenting the French naval victory song (who knew?) with vivid acting. I can't have been the only one who had a Monty Python moment when John Roberts sang a version of "The Weeping Willow Tree" (aka Golden Vanity et al) in which the enemy "jeered at the crew" of the Willow Tree, occasioning the planned attack, followed immediately by what could clearly be described as French taunts.
Margaret MacArthur's sweet smile, and her tendency, despite being one of the foremost ballad singers in contemporary America, to give the impression of being someone's happy mamma glad to get to come see all the singin' folks.
Plenty more, no doubt, and I will think of them as I go through pictures to post.

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: Charley Noble
Date: 16 Jun 05 - 02:40 PM

Celtaddict-

That's more like it! Excellent running notes.

I also met the mythic Jon Campbell, but missed his new song. I understand he has a new CD in the works or perhaps even available.

Stefan's rendition of "Hant ofer Hant" in the German Hall shanty shout brought me back in time to 2000 when he and his group first led it. I still treasure their CD.

Of course, it's also just nice walking the waterfront late at night listening to the ships swapping yarns.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: GUEST,celtaddict at work
Date: 16 Jun 05 - 02:55 PM

Yes, Charley, Jon's CD is out. He could not sell it through the Seaport as he was not billed, but it is fun and does include the new song, his suggestion for rejuvenating the now defunct whaling industry: "Catch and Release." Marc Bernier is singing it too. I will be talking with Jon in the near future and would be glad to get you one. His work is usually only available when you run into him.

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 16 Jun 05 - 02:55 PM

I hope someone will post some pictures. I have been ill the past two weeks and couldn't make it. It sounds like another great time!

I hope to see some of you at Old Songs next weekend!

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: GUEST,celtaddict at work
Date: 16 Jun 05 - 03:02 PM

Drifting....
Jon's new album also has the finest description ever of Newport, being full of "Hard Looking Women and Soft Lookiing Men."
Photos probably Sunday afternoon....

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: Charley Noble
Date: 16 Jun 05 - 03:16 PM

Celtaddict-

Look forward to your pictures.

Jon Campbell's "Catch and Release" whaling song would probably fit in well with "Fresh Water Whaling (Superior Sperm)." I have Jon's address and will plead with him to exchange his CD for currency.

Jenny-O

Of course I was thinking of your backyard BBQ! I still have fond memories of hauling on the braces with John Warner leading a shanty as the wind began lifting the tarp.

Some of the wind gusts that blew through Mystic Seaport last weekend worried us as we watched the speaker stands sway.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: radriano
Date: 16 Jun 05 - 07:39 PM

This was my first time going to Mystic Seaport and I must say that it lived up to its reputation. As a performer myself, however, I did not get to see all the acts. I missed Finest Kind entirely and I would have liked to see Danny Spooner's workshop on Australia.

It was really great to see my old friend Bob Webb who I had not seen since we both lived in southern California in the late 1970s. Serre l'Ecoute was quite excellent. Their driving a cappella vocals made me miss my former bandmates in Out of the Rain. I finally met Martin Hugill and was very impressed with his mandolin playing on Irish tunes. And I was pleased to see John Roberts again - he's one of my favorite English singers. Jerry Bryant was as charming as ever.

I was so pleased to sing with Celeste Bernardo who I love dearly. I only wish we had more time to rehearse with her. Thanks for your hospitality, Celeste, and for working so hard to learn the songs that Peter and I do.

There's more I want to say about the festival but my brain is still numb from standing next to Don Sineti in the final shanty sing with all the performers onstage.

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Jun 05 - 10:18 PM

I also loved seeing the gentle ladylike Margaret MacArthur standing singing with the irrepressible Marc Bernier.

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 17 Jun 05 - 12:47 AM

Many thanks to Craig Edwards, the festival director, for putting together another great festival, and for having Celeste, Radriano (Richard) and myself on the program. David littlefield put together an excellent scholarly symposium, with presenters who are not only scholars in the field of maritime history and music, but are interesting speakers who hold your attention. Peter Sorensen, Doug Allen, and Ted Rupar saw that the performers were housed and fed. Mystic knows how to take care of their performers.
A special personal thanks goes to Bonnie Milner of The Johnson Girls, and the wife of the Mudcat's own Liam's Brother. I was in New York before the fest, and found that Amtrak has new restrictions on luggage. I had too much luggage, and Bonnie graciously took some off my hands and brought them on her drive to Mystic, as I left by train the next day to meet Richard in Boston. Thanks to Donna and Bob Glover, who put us up post-fest.
Too many musical highlights to list here. the fest was one big highlight. Each concert set and workshop I was able to get to offered something unique. Don Sineti provded some great spontaneous one-liners in addition to his singing. Eating a chicken sandwich, he say's "Hey, it tastes just like rattlesnake!"
At the "Instruments that went to sea" workshop, just as mandolin player Bill Walach finishes a tune (picture Bill, with a beard down to his chest and hair tied in a ponytail), Don say's Bill, why do you always end a tune with "shave and a haircut?"
   The YTB doesn't seem to be late night session central as it used to be, but on saturday night, a post-Galley session went underway in one of the smaller buildings on site (can't think of the building's name). Lit by candlelight, the a cappella session went from sea songs and laments to spirituals, and had an intensity and focus to it that was magical. It also had its hilarious moments, too; A warm, intimate session.
Daphne Glover and Daniel Hornstein hosted a Sunday night party at their place in New London. After gorging ourselves on the endless stream of food, the party morphed into three simultaneous sessions inside and outside the house. It was great to spend some time with Barry Finn, swapping songs with him, Bonnie Milner, Maggie Bye, and Charley Noble.
   Monday night at he Gris was its usual post-fest celebration self. Expensive food, but worth being there to celebrate the weekend and ease the letdown of the festival's end.
   I'm still jetlagged after hitting the ground running after 3 hours sleep. "Sleep" is a four-letter word at festivals.

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: GUEST,celtaddict at work
Date: 17 Jun 05 - 08:18 AM

Radriano, you don't have to be a performer to feel you are missing music. My only "gripe" (ha!) with Mystic is there is so much going on, in so many places, that every single time slot has an assortment of things one simply must catch. It is of course a no-lose situation, since no matter where you are you will hear something wonderful and learn something interesting. It doesn't work to try to catch part of one and part of another, because the stages are separated enough the sounds do not overlap (unless Don Sineti is singing), so you miss a song relocating, and no matter how carefully I review and highlight where I want to be when, I invariably change it because I just run across someone or something irresistible anyway. All festivals should have such "problems." But sometimes it is hard to find a time to go check the plumbing, much less eat.

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 17 Jun 05 - 08:31 AM

yup - just like the Getaway and Old Songs - a cloning workshop is really needed at Mystic.

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: GUEST,Charley Noble
Date: 17 Jun 05 - 08:56 AM

One of those 'festival moments" has to be when I called my wife on the cellphone (standing carefully outside the Lighthouse Point tent) and she could clearly hear Don Sineti leading the traditional closing song "Maui." Actually, she claims she could hear him up there in Maine without the cellphone!

Happy to hear that you Westcoasters landed safely.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 17 Jun 05 - 09:46 AM

hurry up pictures!! (please)

I would love to attend a purely sea music festival - we have the beginning of one with the James Craig Shanty Festival, but that's only 1 venue & 1 day. Not that the James Craig can be beaten as a place to sing, but ...

sandra

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: JWB
Date: 17 Jun 05 - 04:44 PM

I've still got music oozing out of my pores. A really fine Sea Music Festival this year. My list of highlights:

* Standing in the German Hall pub session with Bonnie Milner, and looking across the room at Marin Hugill, who was, at that moment, the spitting image of his dad (he even smokes one of Stan's pipes)

* The symposium paper on sea songs of the Arabian Gulf, during which we got to see a recreation of Kuwaitii pearl divers singing what we'd call a walk-away chantey as they hauled in the anchor line

* Ken Sweeney's fantastic 3-harmonica medley. That guy knows how to entertain!

* The session Chanteyranger refers to, which was in the Schaeffer Tavern -- one of the best I can recall

* Everything Serre L'Ecoute did

* Standing on stage for the final chanteys and feeling the incredible power of 30 strong voices shaking every cell in my body, encompassing the audience and redounding with doubled force -- no better massage to be had

So many more, too...

Jerry

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: David Coffin
Date: 17 Jun 05 - 10:30 PM

Well I have to add my two bits. I had great fun being back at the festival this year as a performer. I haven't been in 10 years having gone every year before that for about 7. I got a nice "welcome back" from many performers and audience members and it was really heart-warming to recieve such a reception. Saw lots of old friends, made new ones and sang many chestnuts, both in workshops and in pub sings. Most humorous moment was "stealing" Bonny Ship the Diamond out from under Don Sineti's nose. We were doing a Whaling Songs workshop and Don, Ken Sweeney, and Margeret Macarther all went before me singing Arctic Whaling songs. I had several songs I wanted to do and the Diamond was one I had a new arrangement to try out. (no pun) So I announced that I was going to do the Diamond but since we just had all these Arctic Whaling songs I'll sing something else and do the Diamond next time 'round. On Don's next turn he looked me in the eye and said..."Well, I was going to sing the Diamond but since you reserved it..." He doesn't miss a beat.
Had a fabulous squeezebox workshop with one button accordian and Jerry Epstein, Ken Sweeney, Bob Webb, John Roberts, and me all playing concertinas. We all played Leaving of Liverpool together and none of us could hear ourselves play but we think it sounded pretty cool.
Highlight for me was hearing Serre L'Ecoute in the final concert. I've listened to that song so many times even my 8 year old daughter is singing it in the shower, the car, the swing, school...
Next year I hope to get back with my keyboard/guitarist partner, Kent Allyn, and do some fuller arrangements.
Ciao for now,
David

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: seagoddess
Date: 18 Jun 05 - 11:50 PM

Hard to believe, but this year, for only the second time since 1980, I missed the Sea Music Festival. Like many other sea music singers, I mark the year by this festival...events are recalled as having occurred either 'before the festival' or 'after the festival,' or by 'before or after Stan' (Hugill).

Sandra in Sydney - you'd like to experience an all-sea-music festival, yes! That is how Mystic started out more than 25 years ago. Like a good number of other traditional singers, I think it made the festival unique and historically important. I wish Sydney were only a few hours away; I'd load up a boatload of folks and sail to your James Craig Festival.

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 19 Jun 05 - 12:15 AM

John Roberts had a memorable line, offstage during the finale. After Serre L'Ecoute finished their number, an old French naval song, John say's to Gabrielle; "You lost the war, but you had the best song!"

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 19 Jun 05 - 08:32 AM

Seagoddess - The James Craig Shanty Festival is held in March. Maybe we'll see you one year - there's no reason a Seagoddess can't get on a plane & fly across the ocean one day

sandra

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: Celtaddict
Date: 19 Jun 05 - 09:35 AM

Note went off yesterday to Pene Azul to ask his preference for photos since I have a new format from this end. Ready to post when I hear! Will send anyway maybe tonight if I do not hear from him.

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 19 Jun 05 - 09:46 AM

yah, maybe when I return in 24 hours I'll be able to attend Mystic photographically

sandra

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 19 Jun 05 - 02:22 PM

Celtaddict - we're waiting with baited breath!

O.k., to preempt the comments -- what kind of bait, I'm not sure. No worms, though. :-D

~ Becky in Tucson
4 hours from the Gulf of California, but longer from any reasonable population of sea song singers

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: Bill D
Date: 19 Jun 05 - 03:22 PM

I suppose this should be a separate thread ...and maybe it will be soon!...but...baited/bated breath

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 19 Jun 05 - 05:43 PM

Thanks, Bill D!!! I knew something was peculiar about that spelling, given the meaning I intended.

~ B in T

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: Charley Noble
Date: 20 Jun 05 - 08:36 AM

"Baited/bated breath"

Well, you learn something old every day it seems.

Now how about them pictures?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: Celtaddict
Date: 20 Jun 05 - 10:35 AM

A bit more detail for the folks who were not there, from an account I wrote to a friend. (While waiting on the pictures, which are going off s-l-o-w-l-y in the absence of word back from Pene Azul).
The Fest was great fun, as always, and though I am always completely sleep-deprived, it really does recharge my batteries wonderfully. It comprises concert series, reunion, music classes, and party, and many of the folks are regulars, both performers and audience. Fashions there seem to go beyond usual t-shirt and shorts festival wear. Carl wore a utilikilt, khaki with pouches and tool loops, which looked good but was quite practical; Dan wore a sarong and was comfortable and also looked good but lacked pockets; Saturday for no obvious reason a dozen men showed up in sarongs. Music was similarly varied. This year we had back many favorites, including John Roberts, Robbie O'Connell and Mick Moloney, Margaret MacArthur (Vermont ballad singer who did the songwriting workshop with Gordon Bok), Martin (son of Stan) Hugill, David Coffin (of the Revels), Jeff Davis, Jerry Epstein, and a lot known primarily in sea music circles (traditional music, Rick Fielding used to say, is a highly incestuous field). Bob Webb, Jerry Bryant, Don Sineti, Finest Kind (US), Ken Sweeney, Bruce Molsky/Paula Bradley, the whole Mystic shanty crew, and a group of teenagers, the S.S.Shanteens. Quite a few musicians come every year whether they are on the program or not, including the Johnson Girls, Windlasses, NexTradition, Stefan from Liereliet, and of course Jon Campbell who despite what he says is always there and jokes how they can't keep him out, and he did wind up onstage again, singing his new song, his proposal for rejuvenating the defunct whaling industry: Catch and Release. Danny Spooner was back, from Australia; I really enjoyed him greatly at his first US trip in 2003. There was a gentleman from Africa who, with two English speaking scholar/musicians, performed traditional music of the Niger River regions. A French Canadian group included a human free-reed of incredible energy; one did not have to speak French to enjoy them. The symposium (scholarly portion, unique to this Festival) included a presentation on the "oyster wars" of Virginia and an unwittingly but insanely funny account, culminating in a musical farce based on the events; a presentation on the musical traditions of Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island, off the coast of Australia, which interestingly enough have closer ties to the US than to Australia (and a reverence for Jimmy Buffett who has some strong links there; who knew?), and one on the pearl diving trade in Kuwait and Bahrain, a cruelly hard life but one with its own worksong traditions not unlike those of 18th century whaling, and a population in which 20% are professional musicians (which sounds like heaven to me). The workshops were varied as always, and as always too many good things going on. At any given time, there are likely to be (1) a big concert, group or "big name" at the Point, (2) a small intimate solo concert in the Chapel which has very good acoustics and probably seats 40 or so, (3) live sail-handling and similar tasks being performed shipboard, to the music used for such tasks; shanties in their natural habitat, (4) demonstrations of maritime activities such as a dead horse ceremony, a breeches buoy rescue, or a whaleboat launch, (5) a musical event on the roomy and beautiful town green, which might be a workshop or a concert or a fife and drum corps or practically anything, (5) a workshop in song in the church which has magnificent acoustics, and (6) at least one other workshop on the north green, on the river. Plus, of course, the children's stage and random outbreaks of spontaneous music anywhere. MMario is right, they need a cloning workshop. (That is not a typo; that is how he spells it.) The workshops can be on a variety of topics, by song type (ballads, contemporary music), water type (river songs, canal songs), type of use (forebitters vs shanty), composer (Rogers, Tawney), collector (Warner, Doerflinger), musical instrument (bones, squeezebox), or anything else that strikes the fancy of the organizer or participants (Civil War fife tunes; Appalachian ballads with sea themes; cross-dressing songs; seafaring imagery in hymns, Napoleonic war marches, menhaden fishery songs). There is a concert Thursday night, involving several groups or performers doing sets of varying lengths, with a "pub sing" after (big mixer, with pints, with performers, wannabes, fans all together, with one song at a time led by whoever launches a song, until one or so), then a similar concert and sing Friday. Saturday morning is the symposium, then "workshops" all afternoon. What a mundane word for the kaleidoscope of activities! These end about five, and the evening concert starts at seven. Officially everyone leaves. I always skip supper and spend the time roaming the nearly empty grounds in the most beautiful time of the day. Pub sing after Saturday's concert tends to be followed by small individual sessions, totally unofficial, and depending entirely on who one happens to be hanging with. I wound up with two dozen musicians in the historic tavern (long closed but a friend who works there let us in and filled pitchers to boot) where we went from shanties to laments to blues to spirituals, seasoned with hysterical laughter at times as well, a wonderful time; got home about five, getting light and birds singing). A couple of years ago we had clog dancing in the gazebo at three a.m. Sunday things get underway a little later, thank Heaven, with workshops until three then the final concert in which everyone there does one song each. The last few years some folks in New London have had a party after, which has included practically all the musicians plus a few of us really hard-core fans; this year we wound up with three separate sessions going, sea music and blues in the living room, instrumental on the back porch, and a little of everything on the side porch, plus random songs in the kitchen. Monday is the aptly-named Survivor's Night at the Gris (the beloved Griswold Inn of course), where we pack it full for supper, then Cliff sings then cuts his usual gig short and calls up all the musicians there to do a number apiece before he finishes it up. This year as I went out to my car around midnight I found a friend from California was parked nose to nose with me in the now nearly empty lot, and we wound up standing (that's right, never even sat down; he is a highly entertaining conversationalist) talking in the lot, leaning on my car, until four. So, for rest I might as well have been on the redeye, but for sheer joy of living it can hardly be beat.

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: Charley Noble
Date: 20 Jun 05 - 05:09 PM

Celtaddict-

Best running description yet. I would only add our two wayward friends from 'Frisco Bay, Peter Kasin and Richard Adrianowicz who were also frequently accompanied by Celeste Bernardo.

Looking forward to the pics.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: SaltyWalt
Date: 20 Jun 05 - 07:18 PM

Speaking of our friends from SF:
Mudcatters out there with a taste for sea music really should pick up their album "Boldly From the Westward". It's very rare to find an album of traditional music that has 15 tracks that I don't have on other albums. Those other tracks aren't really "Blow the Man Down" common either. It sounds good too.

I had a great time personally, with some unique experiences. As the "Lead Singer" of my group, I never really get to sing Harmony- at the festival I get to play with whatever harmonies I feel like, switch 'em from verse to verse and play off of incredible voices. For me one of the best moments was at the Sat night pub sing standing between Geoff K. and David Coffin and being able to build off of what they were doing. How often does that opportunity present itself?

I took it lightly this year; I didn't sing as much, let the late night blues chapel continue with it's own momentum instead of feeling that I "had to" pitch a song in, and I don't think I ever flubbed as many songs in front of people- but I felt like I was treated even more like long lost family than usual.
And people wonder why I keep coming back.

P.S.
"I found a friend from California was parked nose to nose with me in the now nearly empty lot, and we wound up standing (that's right, never even sat down; he is a highly entertaining conversationalist) talking in the lot, leaning on my car, until four. "

Thank you, but I had to pay in Sleep dep, and I'm still not sure how I got home.

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 21 Jun 05 - 08:38 AM

Celtaddict - your description was great

sandra

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: GUEST,celtaddict at work
Date: 21 Jun 05 - 08:46 AM

Walt -- being an obstetrician is good training for Sea Music Festival.
Make memories now. Sleep on the plane. --D. Grivens

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: GUEST,celtaddict at work
Date: 21 Jun 05 - 08:49 AM

I have sent a couple of lots of photos to Pene Azul, so they should be appearing when he has a chance. More to come. Last lot bounced back access refused; that set had pub sing shots!
Ditto Radriano & ChanteyRanger; listened to them all the way to work this morning. Unusual songs, presented very well in a simple unadorned fashion, my favorites.

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: GUEST,celtaddict at work
Date: 21 Jun 05 - 01:21 PM

Just heard from Pene Azul, Mudcat photoposting guru, that there will be a delay in photos going on, and Max is still working on cleanup. But they will be on eventually.

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: GUEST,celtaddict still at work
Date: 21 Jun 05 - 06:21 PM

Both of Adrianowicz and Kasin (Radriano & ChanteyRanger) CDs I brought back are very well done, simple arrangements starring the song and the voice, with light accompaniments (if any) that enhance, not overpower. The second is called (I think; it is in my car) Our Time Ashore Is Over, and it contains some traditional but little-heard material, and also some contemporary pieces including the title track that may be of recent composition but fit their other material admirably.
JoeClone, might this (from SaltyWalt's comments below) warrant a separate thread?
I like to stand at the galley pub sing and move about, as the site of the action shifts. For some reason it seems easier to move about there than in the German hall. Walt thought it was good to stand between Geoff Kaufman and David Coffin; I would not dispute that, but I had the thoroughly enviable position of being in front of the three of them. (If only my ears could bend backwards...)

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: radriano
Date: 21 Jun 05 - 07:10 PM

Glad to hear you are enjoying our CDs, Celtaddict. "Time Ashore is Over" is the earlier album, recorded in 1992. The title track was written by Englishman Bill Meek. I don't recall offhand when it was composed but I do know that he wrote the song for the Fishing Heritage Centre production "Here's to the Grimsby Lads."

Although it doesn't say so on the album, you can access lyrics and detailed liner notes for "Time Ashore is Over" on our website:

Handspikes.com

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 03:15 AM

Thank you, Celtaddict. Glad you're enjoying them! Nice meeting you at the fest.

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 30 Jun 05 - 08:27 AM

Where are the Photos? They're my favorite part of the after festival posts.

Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Music Festival 2005
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 03:58 PM

Refresh