Old Songs Festival 2006

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 29 Jun 06 - 08:57 PM

If you wish to meet other Mudcatters, wear a Mudcat T-shirt (sales of which help pay the bills for this site), or buy a Mudcat Patch (also a source of income for Mudcat). If you don't, don't bother.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: Ref
Date: 28 Jun 06 - 10:19 PM

I have a hard time imagining a better site, at least realistically. I'd like to see more in the way of showers and bathrooms, so I was pleasantly surprised by the new facility over by the sheep and cow barns (or was that there last year?)   I'd also ask what happened to the traveling showers for three dollars. I used it twice two years ago. The ground there is hard to get a tent stake into (I use a framing hammer!) but it sure holds the stake securely! I consider it a bargain now, but I hope fixed and lower income people don't get driven out by price increases.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: Zhenya
Date: 28 Jun 06 - 10:02 PM

Thanks Pamela - you certainly got your information from a good source! That's the most detailed information I've heard about this so far. Zhenya

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: GUEST,Pamela from Ithaca
Date: 28 Jun 06 - 09:44 PM

Hello all,

It was good to see those of you I know by face.
I was only sorry that we couldn't stay to the bitter end,
so I missed my buddy Dave Ruch playing with Jay M.

About the festival moving.... it might just be a rumor.
I got into a conversation with Andy Spence Saturday night
where she *did* talk about difficulties with the fairgrounds folks,
and some pressure for increased rent following the building and
improvements they've been doing (some cow barn, eh?) - but she didn't
sound like she was planning on quitting by any means, and didn't sound
like she was expecting to move. In fact, they've got some sort of
long, long term lease on the Dutch Barn. So it's not that the fairgrounds management wants the festival to leave (according to a native, there aren't that many things going on there during the year),
but that they want a bunch more money. We may be seeing higher
ticket and camping prices.

All the rest is speculation, until we hear something official.

best, Pamela

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: Zhenya
Date: 28 Jun 06 - 09:14 PM

I'm curious if anyone has any more information about the festival losing its site at the Altamont Fairgrounds.

I remember hearing a rumor about this some years ago, but then nothing came of it, and I forgot about it.

This year, I've heard just a bit, mostly from a few of the comments in this thread.

Does anyone know where the festival would take place if the Fairgrounds can't be used? And why does the Fairgrounds management want the festival to leave?

Thanks for any more info.
Zhenya

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: GUEST,DonMeixner
Date: 28 Jun 06 - 07:42 PM

Lets brain storm this a little bit.

   Perhaps a sign in board of one type or another might be a help. We would then know who is on the grounds at least. Minimal information would be needed.

Name, Camping yes or no, Attending the sings after the show. Stuff such as that.

   It is my intent to return to Old Songs as a crafter for sometime to come. And since I can't speak for Sandy at Folk-Legacy or Dick and Susan at CAMSCO I would be willing to post a sign in board at my booth subject to size contraints. It may be even as simple as a clip board hanging on a nail.

Don

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 28 Jun 06 - 11:33 AM

Actually, Frank and I stopped in to the sing on Friday night, and there were some wonderful songs going on. Didn't mean to take away from your event, Charlie. Since we travel with 2 banjos, guitar, mandolin, fiddle and bass, and this time concertina, we generally stay home to play music at our campsite. When we got bored with just each other (no one else showed up Friday night), we took a walk and discovered the sing at the Dutch Barn. Saturday we had a jam at our site which didn't end until 2:30.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 28 Jun 06 - 11:24 AM

I don't know if it should be considered a "complaint" about a dearth of Mudcatters. It was not a Mudcat convention, it was a festival! There were a couple thousand people to mingle with! I would have loved to run into Mudcatters, but unless we are wearing badges or t-shirts, it is hard to recognize people you only know by name!   I think we should stage some sort of get together, but I don't know if the sing is the proper time since you can't have a conversation while it is going on. Perhaps a get together during the dinner break on Friday or Saturday would be nice.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 28 Jun 06 - 11:15 AM

Barbara: I think an official mudcat reunion would be a good idea, maybe Friday night after the main stage concert (or is that too late for the "morning" people?).

Friday evening after the main stage concert, I led the singaround in the Dutch Barn. I have a similar complaint to Dick Greenhaus's about the relative dearth of Mudcatters.

--Charlie Baum

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: Midchuck
Date: 28 Jun 06 - 10:38 AM

The prospect of location change is troubling because that setup is really nice, but maybe the next place would be even better.

More shade in the camping areas....someplace to swim, or at least more showers (although there was some improvement this year)...ground that you can actually get a tent stake into...

Dream on.

Peter

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 28 Jun 06 - 10:00 AM

Well, thanks to the mudcat, we can all still keep in touch and set up something wherever it is.

The prospect of location change is troubling because that setup is really nice, but maybe the next place would be even better. Frank and I went to Merlefest this year for the first time, and I was AMAZED at how nice that Wilkes Community Campus (location of the festival) is! 13 stages, several of them actual concert halls in campus buildings, lovely walkways and gardens, main stage in the ballfield, workshop spaces indoors and outdoors, etc. Change can be good...

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: Midchuck
Date: 28 Jun 06 - 09:51 AM

Barbara: I think an official mudcat reunion would be a good idea, maybe Friday night after the main stage concert (or is that too late for the "morning" people?). Next year we should set up a time and a place, like perhaps the Morse camper in the music-at-night field, as Jacqui suggested.

Very good plan. If Old Songs continues at the present location. From what I've been hearing, it's touch and go. Sounds like the Fairgrounds Association is trying to cut the goose open to get all the golden eggs at once.

P.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 28 Jun 06 - 09:26 AM

I think an official mudcat reunion would be a good idea, maybe Friday night after the main stage concert (or is that too late for the "morning" people?). Next year we should set up a time and a place, like perhaps the Morse camper in the music-at-night field, as Jacqui suggested.

On another note, I'm delighted that Old Songs has, for two years in a row, inspired me to write new songs. I've been flapping my wings in other directions lately and haven't done much music, but this festival brought me back. Last year it was the Bob Franke songwriting workshop, and this year, Jody Stecher at the Traditional Ballads workshop woke up the muse for me. I (of all people) wrote a ballad!

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: Susan of DT
Date: 27 Jun 06 - 08:45 PM

I was telling people that I thought there were 40 mudcatters there, which I changed to 50 by Sunday. Maybe there were even more. We usually have mudcat tee shirts and patches for sale at the CAMSCO booth (not necessarily on display), so next year come on over and get a shirt so people can find you all. Tell us ahead of time and we will make sure there is one of the appropriate size. We are usually set up just behind the Folk Legacy booth, toward the stage.

Dick is usually in charge of the Saturday nite after the concert sing, which goes well, but does not always have a lot of 'catters there. Come on over next year.

Good seeing y'all.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 27 Jun 06 - 08:40 PM

For the past two years, I've been leading the Saturday night singarounds at the Dutch Barn. With a couple of exceptions--the Woodchucks were one such--there seemed to be a dearth of Mudcatters there. Let's shape up for next year!

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: Dave Ruch
Date: 27 Jun 06 - 03:20 PM

KT - you are in Buffalo NY? Me too! Send me a PM if you get a chance. I didn't know there was anyone else on here from our area.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: RB3
Date: 27 Jun 06 - 10:58 AM

Really great festival this year!
I've been to 23 of them so far, and I think this was my favorite.
I'm a bit sad that it won't be in Altamont any longer unless something drastic happens. The Altamont Fairgrounds Board (which changed management somewhere around six to eight years ago) has been getting more and more nasty, raising the price, making more restrictions (part of the reason the camping situation changed a few years ago), and making it nearly impossible for the festival to remain there.
On the plus side, if this was the last year in Altamont ('cause you never know), at least it was a really nice one. Nice weather, really fantastic musicians, good food, etc.
I do miss the old clown barn, but the replacement is admittedly easier to do contras in.
-RB3

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: Dave Ruch
Date: 27 Jun 06 - 10:39 AM

Well I had a dandy time at Old Songs this year. Bought a real nice lizard/salamander pin from Don Meixner for my wife (she loves it Don!), saw bbc all too briefly, caught up with friend Pamela from Ithaca, chatted with The Patons and georgeward and many others not on this list.

On the musical side, it was fantastic. I loved hearing Finest Kind for the first time (who doesn't?), enjoyed Jeff Warner, Joe Hickerson, George Ward, John Roberts, Brian Peters, Michael Cooney, Glenn Weiser and on and on. The "Folk & Country Blues of the Grateful Dead" session with Michael Cooney and Glenn W was great, as was Songs of NY State, Songs of the Sea, Songs of New England and Harmony Singing.

Also go to play a children's set with friend Jay Mankita, who seemed to make ALOT of new friends at the festival, and played mandolin on the last 3 songs with Jay on his main stage set to close the festival. We were both pleasantly surprised by how many people were still there at the end! To receive nice words from people like Michael Cooney and Jeff Davis after the set was the icing on the cake.

There's always more going on than I have time for. I'd love to have a clone to go around and jam and/or sing with people in the various informal situations that go on all throughout the day, but the workshops always seem to win my attention.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: GUEST,KT
Date: 27 Jun 06 - 10:34 AM

Well, we're back in western NY, Buffalo, after being rained out of our Adirondacks camping trip. It's okay, though. We're with great friends!

Had a GREAT time at the festival. Weather was wonderful, (even a nice breeze this year). We were SO impressed, as we were last year, with the talent EVERYWHERE we turned! It was wonderful to see so many terrific 'catters....Kendall and Jacqui, all of the Chucks (Sandy, Peter, Kris), Sandy Paton, Charlie Baum, Jeri, Cynthia, Don, Allan C and Carmen, Carly, Hollowfox, Susan A-R and Susan of DT and Dick Greenhaus, Animaterra.....Karen k. You are the first person I asked for and was disappointed to know you couldn't come. I hope you're healing well. Know that you're being thought of with love and good wishes.....

The only problem I have with gatherings like this is that there is not enough time to visit with friends. I would love to spend several hours just yakking with each of you and THEN get started on the music.

And Jeri, you sang two songs...one to me after the songwiter's circle, and a fine one it was!

Thanks to Peter and Kris for loaning your wonderful guitar! I REALLY like that guitar!

More later!

KT

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: Ref
Date: 27 Jun 06 - 06:42 AM

Thanks KathWestra.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: KathWestra
Date: 26 Jun 06 - 10:32 PM

Ref--the song John Roberts sang to the tune of Barrett's Privateers was written by Mary LaMarca of Silver Spring, MD. She has specifically requested that it NOT be posted on the internet. If you want to get it, you'll have to PM her (her Mudcat handle is--surprise--lamarca). John called me just before Old Songs to get Mary's phone number so he could get the words from her to sing it at the festival. Glad to hear he learned it in time, and that it was enjoyed. Kathy

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: SINSULL
Date: 26 Jun 06 - 10:26 PM

I believe it was written, for the most part, by Mary LaMarca. She got the metal bras from a friend.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: Ref
Date: 26 Jun 06 - 09:32 PM

Not insulting Lui. She's free to take it any way she wants, but she is just SOOOO talented, I'd love to see her on the Main Stage! She is certainly a troubador in the "Old" style. On another arrangement, does anyone have a reference to the lyrics for John Roberts' "Niebelungenlied" to the tune of Barrett's Privateers?

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: Susan A-R
Date: 26 Jun 06 - 09:15 PM

What a great weekend, Started out the listening experiences with Finest Kind and Knew it was going to be good. Loved Joe Hickerman, and developed a deeper appreciation for George Ward. Where do you come up with all of those amazing songs George? Got to check in with a few Mudcatters. Thanks to the folks who flagged me down. I'm beginning to get to the point where I know enough people that I need to give the "I won't recognize you because I can't tell people from post boxes at 20 paces, so please let me know who you are if I don't seem to be reacting properly." plug.

Did have nice chats with Hollowfox, Alison, Jeri, Alan and Carmen, Dick and Susan and a few brief encounters with some woodchucks, Sandy and Caroline, Dharmabum (you've got to get to the Northeast Heritage Music Camp next year and just absorb Ken Perlman for a week.)and a wave at KT.

Jams were lovely, and I danced my feet sore. What a great festival.

Oh, and Lui comes to work the festival because she loves it, like we do. I expect the other folks mentioned are the same, and many of them have been on the performer roster in the past. They love it as much as we do, I guess. means we have taste.

Sorry I missed so many folks. Will try to do better next year.

Susan

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: bbc
Date: 26 Jun 06 - 08:58 PM

Yes, I saw Lui there, as well as Priscilla Herdman, Cindy Mangsen & Steve Gillette. Maybe they don't do traditional enough music? All are certainly nice folks & good performers.

bbc

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: Ref
Date: 26 Jun 06 - 08:45 PM

A good time this year. We've made fourteen out of fifteen (missed last year traveling in New Zealand.) Finestkind are always worth a three hour drive, doing The Times, Bully in the Alley, and Mary Ellen Carter (there was a Canadian female rugger standing next to me and I thought she was going to cry. Heck, I nearly did!) Raisin Pickers were fun, Llan De Cubel ( a lower key version of Brenga Astur) were delightful. Peter Seigel and Jay Mankita were revelations (GREAT songwriting and delivery.) Beppe Gambetta doing Hard Travelin' with guitar percussion. There's nothing like blues with an Italian accent. Wondering why Lui Collins doesn't perform. Enjoying seeing faces familiar from stages just wandering around like the rest of us. Wondering WHAT the Wild Band Of Snee were smoking for every meal. Harboring vile thoughts about people who can't grasp the idea of QUIET AT NIGHT camping. A few nits to pick, but you've gotta love a festival where you know they actually read your feedback. Already marked on my calendar for next year, but will it start on June 22nd or June 29th? Always look forward.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 26 Jun 06 - 08:27 PM

PS
Some are pretty fuzzy because I was not using flash, per instructions in the program booklet.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 26 Jun 06 - 08:26 PM

Some photos of 2006 and 2005: Barbara's Old Songs Photos

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: Allan C.
Date: 26 Jun 06 - 08:23 PM

Frankly, Carmen and I forgot just about everything else that we saw and heard at O.S. when we witnessed the performance of Beppe Gambetta. The man must have at least a dozen extra fingers to play as many notes as he was able to cram into a single bar of music! We sat there drop-jawed as this incredible musician created magic with his guitar. Well, actually, Carmen did. Before he had finished his first number, I jumped up and practically ran to purchase one of his CD's. (We got another different one later.) To borrow an outdated expression from the days of vinyl recordings: we've been "playing the grooves off" both CD's.

I may write more after I've finished setting fire to my guitars!

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 26 Jun 06 - 08:12 PM

Glad it went well. Knew it would!

Art

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 26 Jun 06 - 08:05 PM

Nice reports! Any pictures?

Charley Noble, still editing Mystic Sea Music Festival pictures

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: Jeri
Date: 26 Jun 06 - 07:45 PM

Midchuck: " Interesting...so many Americans say I'm a nasty, sarcastic wiseass." Well, yeah. So? At least you aren't a mime.

DB, give yourself a hug for me. Everybody else I missed can do that too. Good to see KT, and meet her hubby in front of the Meixner's booth where he and Don were discussing saw injuries. How could I not mention Don & Cindy!? They gave me a G & T, but there was little time to hang out because of those pesky customers! I was also supposed to stop by with my fiddle and didn't. I didn't get an instrument out the whole festival and the only song I sang was on Thursday night!

Oh jeez - Hollowfox and her seriously cool daughter! On one side of my tent were Midchuck & MrsChuck, on another were the Hollowfoxes

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: Midchuck
Date: 26 Jun 06 - 07:20 PM

...both Peter and Kris have a wicked sense of humour.

Interesting...so many Americans say I'm a nasty, sarcastic wiseass. Perhaps I should emigrate to the UK.

P.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: jacqui.c
Date: 26 Jun 06 - 06:53 PM

Back home at last and listening to my new Finest Kind CD while writing this - they are wonderful and I HAVE to learn 'No More Fish No Fishermen'.

I had a great time - went to a session every hour throughout both days' schedules. Even then there were some hard choices to make. It was so good to get together with friends old and new, met around the site or who found the rig. We're going to ask for site 208 next time, next to the one the Barbara ended up on and just outside the main entrance. Maybe we can arrange a Mudgather - it would be a fairly easy place to find. So sorry I didn't get to catch up with Allan and Carmen. As far as the 'Chucks are concerned their compamny was more than adequate payment for the meals they shared - both Peter and Kris have a wicked sense of humour.

One very small fly in the ointment. Kendall introduced himself to Jody Stecher as a good friend of Utah's. Whilst Kate Brislin was charm itself Mr Stecher was not, giving the impression that he really did not have the inclination to even try to be pleasant. Having watched Kendall being graciousness itself to fans who approach him, even at inconvenient times, that pissed me off. All performers should remember that it is the people who buy their discs and concert tickets that give them a living. This pair was one that we were particularly interested in talking to due to the link with Utah's songs and his atitude rather spoiled the evening, particularly for Kendall. Needless to say our CD purchases did not include any of their discs, although I bought one,on recommendation, of Kate Brislin and Katy Moffat, called Sleepless Nights.

Rant over - Peggy Seeger was brilliant and if you get a chance to hear her 'It's a Free World'.... that was another CD I had to buy! I especially liked Enoch Kent, a Glaswegian with a great repertoire and Brian Peters, from Lancashire. Listening to Joe Hickerson talking about his life was a revelation - I can see why Kendall has so much respect for him.

I would add to Carly's thanks to the Festival organisers. Old songs in 2004 was my first introduction to the American folk scene and it has just got better and better since!

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: GUEST,DonMeixner
Date: 26 Jun 06 - 06:22 PM

Well the highlights for me were being able to talk to some friends and meet a few more. The workshops I planned to get to were so full I was unable to get in by the time I was able to leave the booth. Sea Songs and Melodic banjo being the prime interest.
   But having my back to the Museum made for some great concerts that I was able to hear quite clearly.
   Once again the gin and tonics were liberal in availability. I had enough for everyone who stopped by. Jeri only had one so that can't explain her continual befuddlement.
   It was great fun to play at the Shaws Land Yacht. (They travel with an upright bass!) I wish we had the time to sit about a play more. I might have learned how to play the banjo a little bit.
I have to agree the Rasin Pickers where a great show. Harmonies, Old Time style with new music, great stage presence. What could be better.
    I flat out missed Glenn Weiser. How was he?
    The Shetland Fiddle girls stopped by my booth and between three up them they changed the Shetlands to a silver standard. Basically they took home some major crafts from everyone in the craft area.
Kathy (KT)Fanning's husband and I swapped table saw injury stories.
His being recent and mine awhile ago.
    KT, Kendall and Jacqui, Jeri, Tim and Vickie, Susan DT, BBC, Maine Dog, Allan and Carmen, Dave Ruch, George Ward, John Roberts, Barb and frank Shaw, Animaterra(?), Kim Harris, Jeff Warner, and Anne Hills were among the notables who stopped by the both and said hello. I know I've missed mentioning more than several.

Looking for ward to next year already.

Don

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: Dharmabum
Date: 26 Jun 06 - 03:29 PM

Sorry I missed you Jeri. It sounds like we were at some of the same workshops. I was incognito,as I forgot to pack my Mudcat t-shirt.

I hadn't been to O.S. in a couple of years. It sure was great to be back.

Many great songs & musicians,but highlights for me were talking to & getting tips from Ken Perlman (Not that I'll ever be able to play like him), Jody Stecher,Kate Brislin,& The Raisin Pickers.

I hope to make it next year.

DB.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 26 Jun 06 - 03:28 PM

Hi Jeri, I understand! It is funny! Actually with a couple of thousand people there, I would find it amazing if we actually did bump into each other! I was chatting with Sandy a bit on Sunday, as well as Dick and Susan where I also saw Ebarnacle. I don't want anyone to think I am hermit! I did meet up with a lot of non-Mudcatters that I know.

Old Songs is such a unique festival because it brings together so many people from different parts of the Northeast. Many festivals seem to only attract their audience from the surrounding area, I would venture that 1/2 the Old Songs audience travels 50 miles or more!

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: Carly
Date: 26 Jun 06 - 03:25 PM

We could only stay for Saturday, but it was a wonderful day. I sympathize, Jeri; I must have said "oh, hi, talk to you later" to a hundred people I really wanted to chat with, and never did! My apologies to them.
I heard some folks I haven't seen for a while; Brian Peters, Ian Robb, Shelley Posen come immediately to mind. It is always a pleasure to see John Roberts, one of my favorite singers, and to hear Alan Jabbour and Ken Perlman play together as well. A highlight for me was seeing Debby McClatchy perform as Lotta Crabtree, which I had never experienced before - fascinating stuff! I also had the chance to say hello to one of my favorite potters, (and a fine muscian as well) Anne Schunior,(I am probably mangling the spelling of her name!) and to stop by at Folk Legacy and Camsco.And I got to spend a few minutes with K.T.! Yay!
I must mention, with my thanks and compliments, Andy Spence and her staff and volunteers; Old Songs is well organized, well-managed, and exceedingly well-programmed (that means there is always more that I want to hear than is humanly possible to attend!)
I was sorry to find that Karen K. could not come: I hope she is doing well, and look forward to seeing her, and many others, at the Getaway. I also must say that I missed, and will miss, Margaret MacArthur terribly; she was a dear friend and a musical mentor to me, and I had looked forward to seeing her at Old Songs.

Carly

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: Jeri
Date: 26 Jun 06 - 03:04 PM

Llan de Cubel sing, too. Ron, I hope you know I just think this years of going and never meeting thing is funny. It's not your fault and I'm not mad. Oh well, one quick lap of the Earth around the Sun and we'll have another chance.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: bbc
Date: 26 Jun 06 - 02:22 PM

Ron, lots of us just drop by the Folk Legacy booth fairly regularly to see who else is hanging around. A get-together would be fun, but usually we are going in too many directions to plan well.

Barry, I was in the Songs of the Sea session. It was in the Dutch Barn & featured Jeff Warner, Brian Peters, Finest Kind, & Llan de Cubel. If you're not familiar w/ Llan de Cubel, they are a very dynamic group of 6 Spanish musicians. playing bagpipes, fiddle, wooden flute, drums, guitar, & bouzouki. Really neat music there & quite a variety of styles! Wish you could have been there!

Karen K, I was so sorry to hear about your surgery. I hope you are recuperating well!

Barbara

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 26 Jun 06 - 01:06 PM

"Ron, you are one elusive, slippery, wraith-like SOB"

If you saw me, I don't think the word "wraith-like" would come to mind! :)

I don't know where to look for people! I don't camp so I'm not usually near the campsites. It is hard finding Mudcatters unless they are wearing shirts! Perhaps next year we can work out a time to have a real get together!

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: Barry Finn
Date: 26 Jun 06 - 12:57 PM

It sounds great, I'm glad you all had good weather & a great time but very sad I wasn't there. Maybe next year, I hope it'll be as good as I'm hearing this one is.

Tease me more. Can anyone tell more about the Sea Songs workshop. That's a first for Old Songs that I can remember.

Thanks for the posts
Barry

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 26 Jun 06 - 12:57 PM

About Karen K, she had some unexpected surgery and couldn't make it at the last minute. I hope she's recovering well and missed her friendly smile at the Folk Legacy booth, not to mention the songs I was planning to weasel out of her.

Jeri, that's right, I forgot I saw you for 3 seconds near our campsite. Also saw NOMADman briefly.

And hey, what about those potato pancakes!! The cook told me that she's a registered dietitian in her other life, and discussed the various benefits of safflower oil (which they use) versus other oils in chemical detail while she coddled those potatoes to a perfect crisp. And then there was the iced mocachino which Frank never got his fair half of. And the fresh limeade. The line at the Fallafel booth was always too long for me, so I assume that food was great. And I was planning to have a quesadilla eventually, but never could find the damned booth again after the first sighting! (How is that possible...)

There seemed to be fewer guys in skirts this year, although there were a couple of very cool canvas type kilts walking around on handsome young devils my son's age.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: Zhenya
Date: 26 Jun 06 - 12:31 PM

Definitely a memorable year - and I've loved every Old Songs Festival I've gone to (about 13 now?), but some years really do stand out even more than others.

It was a great combination of performers I had only heard (and loved) on recording but not seen yet (Alan Jabbour, Jody Stecher and Kate Brislin), performers I'd seen before and loved seeing again (Teada, Finest Kind) and new discoveries. (I loved Llan de Cubel, both the tunes, and when they did songs at the "Songs of the Sea" workshop on Saturday.) As a fiddle player, I only wish the "Fiddle Traditions" workshop was twice as long as it was (but then I'd have to give up even more of the other workshops...many conflicts as usual!

There were a few performers I never had a chance to catch at all, which I greatly regret, especially reading some of the comments here. Perhaps another year...

Zhenya

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: Jeri
Date: 26 Jun 06 - 12:27 PM

I didn't do ANY campsite picking, probably because actually attended the night-time concerts and some workshops. Everything I went to was marvelous. There were so many people there I wish I could have spent more time with, workshops I wish I could have attended. I missed what sounded like it was going to be a very nice campsite dinner I'd been invited to because I forgot when I was and ate festival food. There were the Shaws, to whom I said something like "Hi...gotta go." To them and anyone else who heard something like that from me, I apologize. Sounds typical.

I was trying to think of stand-outs, went to the Old Songs program to jog my memory and realized there were just too many, and I'm still fried. So here are some very brief high points. Llan de Cubel were amazing-- technical competence, exciting arrangements, and a type of Celtic music with which I was completely unfamiliar (and love). Chris Williamson and her songwriting workshop - inspirational, as Animaterra said. There were things she said that stuck. Some of these things were the exact opposite of what other songwriting workshop leaders have said. I didn't agree with them, I agree with her, and it's just nice to find someone so sage-like making me feel like I was right all along. Finest Kind, who... Well, I have the CD and I've played it many times, but when they were introduced and lifted off into Dylan's "The Times, They Are A-Changin'", I still got goose bumps. I can't say enough nice things about them, and they've all been said before anyway. I just love everything about their music. The Sea Music workshop was possibly the high point for me. The most bizarrely funny thing was perhaps when Ian Robb had to sing and removed what looked like a mostly-sucked Vocal Zone (black, semi-squishy throat lozenge) from his mouth and stuck it on the top of his calf, near the bend in his knee. Ann Downey pointed out, "They have ticks here, you know."

I missed Dharmabum, although he was there, and apparently I missed Allan C as well. Missed Maine Dog. Missed Ron Olesko again. Ron, you are one elusive, slippery, wraith-like SOB! One of these years... Karen K, I missed you too, but that's because you couldn't make it. Take care, friend, and I hope to see you later this year.

There's more, but I have to stop for at least a bit. One last image: before the concert on Saturday, I was alerted by a call and looked into the circle of blue sky framed by tall, tall treetops above the stage, and watched the little flash of orange. The Northern Oriole was perhaps a little irritated the squirrels were getting so close.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: bbc
Date: 26 Jun 06 - 11:45 AM

As usual, Old Songs was a wonderful way for me to end the school year & begin the summer. It doesn't get much better than reconnecting w/ friends & sharing a love of music. I had some conversations I really appreciated with folks I only see 1-3 times a year. You know who you are; I just don't feel like naming names right now. I've been involved w/ folk music far less time that many of you, but I feel the community.

Highlights for me were the 2 shape note sessions, & the gospel sing that included Amidons & Kim & Reggie Harris. The 4 of them stood up & did one song together that had me in tears, it was so beautiful. For me, it was prayer. Sessions where I could hear & join in making spontaneous harmony are just magic to me. In terms of groups, I had really wanted to hear Finest Kind in person & I had that opportunity a few times this weekend. I even had a chance to tell Shelley Posen how much I like his songs, Fa Sol La & The Old Songs Home--one recorded by Rick Fielding & the other so like him that I feel sure he would haver recorded it, given the time. Shelley confirmed that Rick had really liked the song.

This festival has a very good feel to it. The weather was variable. We got a little rain & some hot & humid, but nothing unbearable. Didn't even count against the good stuff! Yup, I'll be waitin' for next year.

love,

bbc

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 26 Jun 06 - 11:17 AM

It always amazes me how good the music is at this festival. Even things I didn't think I liked. I started out spending a few minutes at the clawhammer workshop with Frank (Ken Perlman, Jody Stecher, et al) and stayed for the whole thing. Found myself at the traditional ballads workshop (Stecher & Brislin & Brian Peters) by mistake, thinking it was Carter Family type ballads, and found myself loving those old songs from a couple hundred years further back. I even dragged out my fiddle and took part in a fiddle jam with Alan Jabbour, Ken Perlman, Debby McClatchy, while Frank played bass. (Managed to get about every third note on songs I've never heard before). Annie & the Hedonists, Beppe Gambetta, Raisin Pickers, Finest Kind, the gospel sing with Jeff Warner, Peter & MaryAlice Amidon, Kim & Reggie Harris, Sandy & Caroline in a Margaret MacArthur tribute, and on and on. Good stuff.

And then there was the off-campus activity.

Apart from the initial fiasco where Kendall stole my campsite, things got better and better all weekend until Frank dragged me home. Well, he didn't actualy steal it... his site conveniently located near the Dutch Barn gate, had no working electrical outlet, and so the volunteers moved him a few sites down to #211 (yup, MY site) because he looked like a hotty who needed air-conditioning, or something.

Then, when we showed up a couple of hours later, we also pulled into #211, thinking "Great, we're right next to Kendall & Jacqui!" Unfortunately, the state of NY has rules about 10' between awnings, 30' per RV or whatever, and we couldn't all stay on that site. So we moved down to Kendall's original site, borrowed his electrical extension so we could reach the next guy's spare electrical outlet, and were happily and conveniently installed right next to the gate!

A few hours later when I told Kendall how much I liked his (former) site, he said "So I don't need to feel bad anymore?"

I assured him he could feel bad as long as he wanted.

Had a nice jam Saturday night with Don Meixner, among other folks. Frank suddenly turned into a jewelry junkie and bought himself a (granted, beautiful) silver brooch for his banjo strap, hand-made by Don. And then Don and his wife (Cindy?) came down after they closed up the booth and rewarded us with a few songs.

Vixen & Reynaud sat with us at the fiddle jam. Tim got at least 2 out of 3 notes in every tune (to my one) and we sat around eating pie at our site later that day.

Saw BBC and Dharmabum, waved back at Animaterra (she was in the thick of a great accordion/concertina jam), chatted with Sandy & Caroline, Dick & Susan (who laughingly said "What are YOU doing here?" when Frank and I, the die-hard bluegrassers, showed up at the traditional ballads workshop mentioned above), met the Midchucks (he and Ms) several times during the weekend as people kept re-introducing us, and generally had a grand time.

Back to cleaning out the camper and doing laundry...

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 26 Jun 06 - 10:47 AM

I agree, it was one of the best that I have attended, and I'm a relative newcomer (8 years)!

Teada was spectacular. I really enjoyed the Phil Ochs songs workshop. It was nice to see William Jackson, who has a great stage presence along with his musical skills.

I thought John Roberts did a wonderful job as emcee. He picked the right songs and patter to keep the evening moving. I loved the song about the vicar and the frog - does anyone know of a recording of this song?   John is a treasure.

Andy Spence must have an "in" with the weather bureau. There was some awful weather within 100 miles all weekend, but somehow Altamont was spared.   Even the slight rainfall on Friday was minor - more like a comfortable mist!

I am counting the days until next year!!

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 26 Jun 06 - 08:57 AM

I have to say it was one of the best ever! It was fun to visit with Kendall and Jacqui (I felt as though I was follwing her around, we were at so many of the same workshops, knitting side by side...). I got to see more of KT than ever before. Just a glance or two of the 'Chucks and Allan C and Carmen. Nice visits with bbc, Susan A-R (thanks for the help with my friend's fiddle, Susan!), generous Jeri, Vixen and Tim, Don Meixner. Sandy and Caroline, long may they reign. Dick and Susan. Maine Dog! Dharmabum! Finally met Pamela in Ithaca Briefly saw Burke, who seldom visits the Mudcat anymore. Waved once at Barbara Shaw. I know there were more, I'm sorry if I leave anyone out.

Highlights- Brian Peters, Finest Kind, Peggy Seeger, Jeff Warner. Cris Williamson's inspirational song-writing workshop. The surprise for me was Karen Tweed- she plays accordion like no one I've seen- it sounds like a concertina half the time, but oh, the harmonies... I followed her around like a teeny-bopper.

There were, as usual, too many wonderful workshops conflicting at the same hour! So I didn't get to the amazing Spirit Songs workshop, because I wanted to hear Brian Peters, Graine Hambly and Karen Tweed squeeze away. And stuff like that.

And the weather was a miracle- forecast for wash-out conditions, it was dry all day Saturday and Sunday.
Only 362 days till next year!

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2006
From: Midchuck
Date: 26 Jun 06 - 08:24 AM

We had an incredible bit of luck Friday morning. We found a mechanic who would make a house call, and he turned out to own an RV identical to Kendall's. What's the odds of that?

It turns out where there is a hidden switch in that model that disconnects the battery from the system, that had somehow gotten thrown. The mechanic switched it back on, took his money and left. Then we left from here about noon Friday, arriving 3:00 or so.

We lucked out on festival weather this year. It was not raining during the day on Friday, but it rained gently in the night after we were all tucked in. Saturday dawned dark and cloudy, then cleared up fairly quickly. Then it was sunny, but not too hot, until about the time we left, 4:00 Sunday or so. And it rained lightly on the way home.

Kendall and Jacqui decided to stay over Sunday night, so I presume they'll be back home this evening sometime.

Very nice weekend. As usual, we spend more time hanging around telling lies or swapping songs than listening to the concerts. The Raisin Pickers are very much worth hearing if you get the chance. And there were some excellent workshops. I particularly enjoyed the flatpicking one with Stecher, Gambetta, the guy from the Raisin Pickers, and the two guys from Annie & the Hedonists.

We fed Jacqui and Kendall a dinner here, and a breakfast which Jacqui mostly cooked; and they insisted on having us for most of the meals we ate there. Heck of a good payback.

Peter.