Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06

Subject: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Suffet
Date: 08 Aug 06 - 11:54 AM

Greetings:

The New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club invites you to join us in a picnic on the lawn of the Ritchie-Pickow house on the afternoon of Sunday, August 20th. That's in Port Washington, New York, on the North Shore of Long Island. Please arrive any time after 12 noon and bring a dish of food to share. You can also bring your own chair if you don't want to sit on the grass. There will, of course, be plenty of singing, and musical instruments are certainly welcome.

The address is 7A Locust Avenue. You have to follow a small driveway which starts on Locust Avenue opposite the northern end of Library Drive and goes between two other houses. You can pinpoint the location on Google, Map Quest, Map Blaster, etc., but if you would rather get directions the old-fashioned way, here they are:

Take the Long Island Expressway (I-495) to Exit 36, Searingtown Road. Stay on Searingtown Road north past Route 25A. The name will change to Port Washington Boulevard. Continue north approximately two miles into the village of Port Washington. Make a left turn onto Main Street and go approximately one mile to Library Drive. Make a right and go one short block to where Library Drive ends in a T with Locust Avenue. Find parking along Locust Avenue.

If you prefer to use public transportation, take the Long Island Railroad from Penn Station or Woodside to Port Washington. Library Drive is about one mile west of the station on Main Street. You can walk or take a cab. Or you can call 516-767-0757 and we will try to pick you up. That's also the number to call if you get lost driving.

Just remember not to arrive before 12 noon. The picnic continues until we get tired or singing -- fat chance! -- or until Jean and George kick us out.

You don't have to be a NY Pinewoods member to participate, but we sure would welcome you into the club if you decide to join.

We hope to see lots of Mudcat folks on the 20th. Big Mick came last year for the first time, and he had lots of fun.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Felipa
Date: 08 Aug 06 - 11:58 AM

Are you sure she wants her home address posted on the website?

I'm sure the picnic will be as great as it was last year. Unfortunately, although I will be in the US at the time I am to attend a wedding that weekend.

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Big Mick
Date: 08 Aug 06 - 12:31 PM

It is already posted on a website, I assume with her assent. I will be there again, Steve, and look forward to seeing you. As I have a family membership, I will be bringing my wife and daughter to meet the great lady and all of you.

Looking forward to this with great anticipation,

Mick

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 08 Aug 06 - 12:38 PM

Hey, I wish I was coming (peers into piggy bank and thinks not). Long Island is one of my favourite places in the world and to meet Kytrad is one of my dreams. Sometime . . .

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 08 Aug 06 - 12:56 PM

Fay & I will be there again this year and as always I will be making my popular "kosher tuna salad" for the ocassion.

                                                   SOL ZELLER

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: GUEST,Jerry
Date: 08 Aug 06 - 01:42 PM

It is always a laid back, relaxed, and wonderful musical gathering.
JE

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Sorcha
Date: 08 Aug 06 - 02:23 PM

Dagnabbit!!!

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Suffet
Date: 08 Aug 06 - 03:12 PM

KYTRAD asked me to post the information. Anyway, as Mick pointed out, it has already been published.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 08 Aug 06 - 06:33 PM

Shucks! Everybody knows where I live anyway, and now they REALLY know it, since Suffet has given away the last detail- the long driveway. If he hadn't told that, most folks still wouldn't find it- we're always having frantic telephone calls from someone who's lost, and is usually only two or three houses away... Mick, Sol, Jerry, so glad you're all coming back. All the hard spring rains have almost ruint our front hall, but folks can still get to the loo so that's OK.
Shelter from rain is available but hiding out in the house is frowned upon for any other reason... and there's AC in the offered shelter if desperately needed for health reasons! Now, I don't mean to be laying down rules, it's just that it'll be more fun in the midst of the outdoor crowd, food and music. All welcome!    Jean and George

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Suffet
Date: 08 Aug 06 - 06:51 PM

Greetings:

The New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club (a/k/a the Folk Music Society of New York, Inc.) will have cold soft drinks available. If you would like to bring beverages, or if you need any information about what to bring, please e-mail Barbara Mehlman.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 08 Aug 06 - 07:45 PM

Sounds like a great day! We're hoping to be there, instruments in tow.

Dan and Geeta

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 08 Aug 06 - 08:03 PM

Jean & George,

             If you need any help with the bathroom facilities, my van is lavatory equipped. If the line gets too long I can handle your overload. I will try to get my usual parking spot near the entrance to the driveway.
                                                SOL ZELLER

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 08 Aug 06 - 08:31 PM

Wish I could be there. The New York Pinewoods Folk folks are some grand people. Regards to all -- and Barbara Mehlman. She was one of my first contacts with your organization--back in the '70s. There's even a shot of my concert for you one night at the South Street Seaport -- at my photo site http://rudegnu.com/art_thieme.html
Jerry Epstien, and Ben Mandel, and Sonja Savig and others are there too.

Love to Jean & George,

Art

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: GUEST,Rosalie
Date: 08 Aug 06 - 11:08 PM

Jean and George set such a warm welcoming atmosphere, that a picnic at their house is always a major treat. Most events of the New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club attract good singers/musicians and pleasant people, but Jean & George seem to bring out the best in everyone.
It is easy to get there by train. I hope to see you there.
Rosalie

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 Aug 06 - 11:15 PM

Sounds like a good reason to grab one of those cheap over the weekend flights, but my daughter moves into her freshman dorm that weekend, so I shouldn't. But I'm tempted! Long Island is such a marvelous place. I used to escape from the city when I could and drive out and look around little towns and visit the beaches. Wonderful memories! (Also, a favorite book, Travels With Charley, starts out there.)

SRS

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Celtaddict
Date: 09 Aug 06 - 09:20 AM

Jean and George, thank you so much for doing this! I really wish I could come, and am strongly hoping for next year!

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Aug 06 - 09:39 AM

Egad! It almost makes me want to return to NY. I'd love to be there.

Have a WONderful party, All. And especially Kytrad.

With yiz in spirit, anyway.

Abby
(Now in Raleigh)

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 09 Aug 06 - 04:23 PM

See, Suffet- I THOUGHT this was a good idea- it's great that, in addition to inviting new folks, it brings news of old friends who cannot come but send greetings. We wish you could all be here!
Love to all,   Jean & George

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Suffet
Date: 09 Aug 06 - 04:58 PM

Jean, have you ever been wrong when it comes to matters concerning music? I doubt it!

Everyone else, here's a true KYTRAD story. It was a hot Sunday morning at the 2003 Eisteddfod in Brooklyn, New York, and Jean was among the performers in the sacred song round robin mini-concert. Jean did one song, but the when her turn came again she said that her voice wasn't up to it. So she asked if anyone in the audience would like to come up to the stage and do a song in her place.

The response was total silence. I saw quite a few talented folks in that audience, and I cannot honestly say that even one of them was shy. Had this been anyone else offering up his or her turn, you couldn't keep the swarm of would-be singers down with a high pressure fire hose. But this wasn't just anyone else. This was Jean, and stepping up to sing a song in her place would be like stepping up to pinch hit for Babe Ruth. Even if the Bambino were in the midst of an oh for twenty slump, you just didn't do it.

The comparison is a good one. If the Babe was the Sultan of Swat, then Jean is the Sultana of Song. Just picture her mountain dulcimer in place of a Louisville Slugger.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 09 Aug 06 - 08:45 PM

So what happened? Did I sing? 2003 was so long ago.....

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Suffet
Date: 09 Aug 06 - 10:06 PM

Jean, I don't recall for sure, but I think you gave up your turn. That was the Sunday morning concert at which Voices of Shalom, the vocal ensemble of black Orthodox Jewish women, were totally enthralled by your singing Cool of the Day. I believe they wanted to put it on their next CD, but I don't know if they ever did.

The lead singer of Voices of Shalom was and still is Alfa Anderson. In the 1970s she was the lead singer for a disco group called Chic which had a number one hit song, Le Freak. At the height of her career, Alfa walked away from the fame and fortune to take a job as a New York City school teacher. She eventually became a high school principal, and she now works as a school administrator at the NYC Department of Education headquarters.

You meet such interesting people in this folkie world!

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: karen k
Date: 09 Aug 06 - 10:34 PM

I hope to come. I've heard of this picnic in the past but didn't really know it was open to anyone. Jean you are my all time favorite singer and to visit you at your home and sing with good people will be a real treat.

Is there a nearby motel?

I'm looking forward to this so much.

Thank you for opening your home.

karen kobela

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 09 Aug 06 - 11:04 PM

Sultana? Say what??

The Sultana, grievously overloaded with Union troops just released from the notorious Andersonville Prison, exploded and sank on the Mississippi River. A worse loss of life than the Titanic.---I ain't catchin' the analogy.
Art

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Suffet
Date: 09 Aug 06 - 11:19 PM

This is probably the closest motel:

Royal Inn
1177 Northern Boulevard (Route 25A)
Manhasset, NY 11030

Phones:
516-627-5300 local
800-832-5600 NY State
800-428-0005 elsewhere

I don't know anything about it. There is also a cluster of hotels by LaGuardia Airport in Queens, perhaps a 30 or 40 minute drive from Port Washington if there are no traffic delays.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Suffet
Date: 09 Aug 06 - 11:21 PM

Sultana = feminine of Sultan

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Bert
Date: 10 Aug 06 - 12:58 AM

...she asked if anyone in the audience would like to come up to the stage and do a song in her place...

What a lovely story.

I've always found that the BEST musicians are the ones who are most supportive of us lesser ones.

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 10 Aug 06 - 06:19 PM

Karen dear- Motels are scarce round here, but we have a sofa (with a Sealy mattress) in our living room if you don't mind being in such a fishbowl. Actually, when the party's over, it should be quite private. Love to have you!    Jean

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: SharonA
Date: 10 Aug 06 - 06:40 PM

Well, now, lately I've been thinking that it's 'way past time I met some Mudcatters besides the ones in my immediate vicinity (Philadelphia PA suburbs).

I'm supposed to go to Sullivan County PA on the 19th for a gig and stay overnight there (though it's tentative & may not happen). Is there an easy way to get from northeastern Pennsylvania to Long Island?

If my gig does get cancelled, is there anyone willing to meet me and carpool up from the "greater Philadelphia" area to Kytrad's?

Sharon

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 10 Aug 06 - 07:37 PM

Sharon,
            Take I-80 across the George Washington Bridge. Once across the Bridge take the Cross Bronx Expressway to the Throggs Neck Bridge. Cross the bridge into Queens and take the Cross Island Parkway to the Long Island Expressway eastbound to Exit 36. From there, follow Steve's directions in the first post on this thread.

                                                   SOL ZELLER

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: karen k
Date: 10 Aug 06 - 09:34 PM

Jean,
What an incredibly kind offer. I would be honored to accept. Thank you so much. See you the 20th.

love,
karen

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Suffet
Date: 11 Aug 06 - 12:15 AM

Greetings:

Sol Zeller's directions are excellent if you are coming from northern or central Pennsylvania. However, if you are coming from the Philadelphia area, you will be much farther south, so try this way instead.

Take the PA Turnpike east to the NJ Turnpike north to Exit 10. Follow Route 440 east across Outerbridge Crossing into Staten Island. Route 440 then becomes the West Shore Expressway. Take it north to I-278, which is also called the Staten Island Expressway. Take the Staten Island Expressway east across the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge into Brooklyn. Stay on I-278, which will now be called the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, and keep going east (sometimes called north at this point) across the Kosciuszko Bridge into Queens. Keep to the right as you come off the bridge. The very first exit in Queens will be the Long Island Expressway, or I-495. Take it east to Exit 36, Searingtown Road, and follow the directions I gave earlier.

It sounds complicated, but it's not. Here are te directions simplified.

• PA Turnpike east to NJ Turnpike.

• NJ Turnpike north to Exit 10, Route 440.

• Route 440 east across Outerbridge Crossing, then north to I-278.

• I-278 east to I-495.

• I-495 east to Exit 36.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: kendall
Date: 11 Aug 06 - 06:49 AM

In the UK a sultana is what we call a raisin.

I do wish we could be there, Jean, but alas, tis not to be.
Can we talk you into coming to one of the house concerts or lobster boils at Sinsull's place?

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 11 Aug 06 - 02:28 PM

Would love to come to Sinsull's, but haven't been free so far. Maybe someday...

I'm amazed- Debra Cowan has just sent a pm saying she may come,-from Massachusetts! And now Pennsylvania too- golly! Will our yard be large enough? Well, we are promised by the weatherman a glorious weekend, THIS week- hope August 20th qualifies for the same treatment
(we haven't always been so lucky; remember having to rush into the house with all the food, when one of our sudden squalls blasted in across the bay?)...nevertheless, rain or shine, we're here!    Jean

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: SharonA
Date: 11 Aug 06 - 03:37 PM

Thanks very much, Sol Zeller and also Suffet (Steve)! The "directions simplified" are especially appreciated!!!

What will the music-jam include? Traditional folk music only? or is newer folk music welcome? How broad is the club's definition of "folk music"? Would it be OK to sing original songs? (Thought I'd better ask before I go making some musical faux-pas! Around this immediate area, there are 3 folk song societies, each with a different idea of what folk songs are. Songs that would be enjoyed by one group are frowned on by another!)

Thanks,
Sharon

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: GUEST,Jerry
Date: 11 Aug 06 - 04:01 PM

We do not attempt to dictate what people sing. . . Go with the flow, and all should let all others get a song in as well. . .
JE

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Suffet
Date: 11 Aug 06 - 04:02 PM

Sharon,

In past experience is any guide, please feel free to sing whatever you want. If you ask three members of NY Pinewoods for their definition of folk music, you will likely get seven different answers. Nevertheless, songs with singable choruses or refrains are always particularly welcome, whether traditional or contemporary.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Tannywheeler
Date: 11 Aug 06 - 04:06 PM

Jeez--Louise!!!! All you lucky people. I would go if I could. Maybe I'll send some chow-chow???. I send hugs & kisses to Jeannie & George anyway, if someone would pass it on. Thank God for some loveliness still being in this world. Appreciate it lots every chance you get. Travel safely, 'Catters.             Tw

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 11 Aug 06 - 04:08 PM

Is Oscar Brand going to be there again this year ? He has been there all the previous times that I have attended ?
            
                                              SOL ZELLER

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 12 Aug 06 - 07:50 PM

I told Oscar and Karen about it, last week at dinner. Oscar made a note in his famous 'black book,' but we'll have to wait and see!

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Suffet
Date: 14 Aug 06 - 08:14 AM

Reminder!

The August 20th picnic at Chez Ritchie-Pickow is potluck. Please bring a dish to share. The Folk Music Society of New York (a/k/a New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club) will provide soft drinks. If you want to bring beverages, or if you need advice about what to bring, please e-mail Barbara Mehlman.

Also, please bring folding chairs. Our hosts Jean and George have plenty of lawn space, but not enough benches and chairs to accommodate the multitudes.

See you all at the picnic.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 16 Aug 06 - 08:31 PM

Weather forecast for Sunday is "Scattered thundershowers," so bring a hat and brolly I guess. And practice up on, "How Can I Keep From Singing?"

What though the thunder around me rolls,
I hear the life it giveth...
What though the storm around me roars-
Songs in the night it giveth.

I've always loved that verse- didn't remember the words exactly, but that's the meaning- and it's only half a verse. One of my very favorite songs. Someone be sure to have all the words handy!   Jean

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: GUEST,Big Mick on a library computer
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 07:32 PM

Last year I sang what our Jean called "new music". It was received warmly. You should not be afraid to do what you do, this is a very welcoming bunch of folk. I am not sure what songs I will bring this year, trad, labor, Irish, "new", but the folks here will support you.

I am anxious to see these friends again. And, Miss Jean, I am bringing my wife, Mary Lou, and my 14 year old daughter, Ciara (pronounced Keera). She insisted that she wanted to meet you. She is an Irish stepdancer. Maybe if someone does a reel, we can get her to do a few steps.

I am so very excited to see you all again.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: karen k
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 09:10 PM

Mick,
Can't wait to see you and meet Mary Lou and Ciara. Hope I don't get lost!

love,
k

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: GUEST,Rosalie
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 11:00 PM

Hmmm ... potluck??? I guess the rule of thumb is to each bring a dish with enough for six people?

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Suffet
Date: 18 Aug 06 - 07:26 AM

Greetings:

For those folks taking the Long Island Railroad, please note that on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays trains for Port Washington leave Penn Station in Manhattan at :14 and :44 pas the hour. The distance is just under 20 miles and the trip takes 46 minutes, so trains arrive in Port Washington on the hour and half hour.

For example, the train leaving Penn Station at 11:14 AM arrives in Port Washington at 12:00 noon. The train leaving at 11:44 AM arrives at 12:30 PM, snd so forth.

Also note that the same trains leave the Woodside Station at :25 and :55 after the hour, or 11 minutes after leaving Penn Station. Unlike almost all other LIRR trains, those on the Port Washington branch do not stop at Jamaica Station, so Woodside is the only transfer point.

Trains returning to Woodside and Penn Station leave Port Washington at :05 and :35 after the hour.

Please remember to bring food or beverages to share, folding chairs, and rain gear. Scattered showers have been predicted, but not continuous rainfall. Musical instruments are certainly welcome, as are songs, particularly songs with choruses or refrains for group singing.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 18 Aug 06 - 02:21 PM

Steve, Reading your LIRR info, I had a picture of folks arriving at the station with covered dish, rain gear and a chair, and thought that the club should maybe volunteer to meet trains? Should we give someone's cell phone number for arrivees? Barbara, you're overseeing- what do you think?

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Suffet
Date: 18 Aug 06 - 07:09 PM

Greetings:

When you ge to the LIRR station in Port Washington you can call 917-923-5270 or 917-836-9849 to see if we can find a volunteer to pick you up. No promises, but we will try. Otherwise, there should be taxicabs waiting at the station. If not, the local number for taxicabs is 516-883-1900.

You can still call the phone number given in the first message if you are hopelessly lost and need directions, but please don't call it for pick ups.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: Joe Offer
Date: 19 Aug 06 - 02:26 PM

Darn. Wish I could be there.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: GUEST,Nancy King at work
Date: 19 Aug 06 - 03:30 PM

Me too, Joe.

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/20/06
From: SharonA
Date: 19 Aug 06 - 04:50 PM

Me too, Joe!!! Turns out I can't make it. The folk trio I'm in is signed up for four fests in September and October, and we've just signed on a new member and become a quartet. The only day all four of us can get together for our first rehearsal is... yep, you guessed it, 8/20/06. Wahhhhh!

Sure wish I could be with you guys in NY instead -- sounds like a very welcoming atmosphere that I would enjoy very much! But I'll have to settle for hoping that I can make it and meet you all next time, and for wishing you all the best of good weather, good food and good times. Have fun!

Sharon