Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 30 Jan 07 - 08:34 PM

Oh, NOW I get it -- the dead date songs started after I left......that makes sense because I KNOW I didn't hear one -- I would have noticed, right, even at my advanced age? And I thought I stayed til the bitter end........where do you guys get your energy?

Mary - I am going to be out of town for a week in February (conference in Vegas, and no I don't gamble), so think I might prefer to host in March (24th right??)-- but LET ME KNOW so I can get myself organized either way.

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: Charley Noble
Date: 30 Jan 07 - 07:28 PM

And if anyone wants to know who the singers were, all they have to do is consult the inside wall of your closet!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: SINSULL
Date: 30 Jan 07 - 06:42 PM

The next scheduled concert is John Roberts in March. February will be a Song Circle. Deborah and I will duke it out over who does what.

I will say it again: when I am dead and gone, this house will ring with music and laughter and good friends. I envy anyone who lives in it. Thank you all.

Mary

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: DebC
Date: 30 Jan 07 - 09:18 AM

I had such a GREAT time on Saturday and I thank everyone for coming *and* singing. The food was amazing as well.

BTW, Charlie, "Young Charlotte" is on "Dad's Dinner Pail" :-)

Oh yes, and thanks to Murray MacLeod for ringing up all the way from Scotland. And yes, Murray, I did tell some stories on you.

But a huge thanks goes to Mary and her lovely assistant, Jacqui who made the evening possible.

Definitely one of the top nights I have had recently.

Deb

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: bfdk
Date: 30 Jan 07 - 08:33 AM

100... :-))

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: Charley Noble
Date: 30 Jan 07 - 08:28 AM

Not to mention YOUNG CHARLOTTE (FROZEN GIRL) "I'm getting warmer now..." How my parents loved to sing that one as we sped along the frozen town road in the horse drawn sleigh, all bundled up in furs and blankets, the wolves howling in perfect harmony in the woods!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 30 Jan 07 - 07:48 AM

Add to the list of "Dead Date" songs --

Ebony Eyes
Laura (ghost who left her sweater in the car)

Jeri, Carol Coronis and I spent part of a summer around Carol's pool singing dead date songs. Then one night at the weekly Press Room session I got up and went into a long jargon-laden spiel about how we'd recently unearthed a forgotten genre of American folk music that hadn't had any research and very little study done and nothing was published , etcet etcet ad nauseam (wish I could remember the whole schtick) and we broke into "Patches" -- later that evening even did "Long Black Veil" which is probably a subgenre.

Linn

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 29 Jan 07 - 10:31 PM

We may have a Brit/American cultural divide here -- I haven't heard of most of the dead date songs on Barry's list and I pride myself on my golden oldies knowledge in general...... .. so I blame it on all the good songs having been on our side of the Atlantic...!

The food was great but it always is.....; the music was scrumptious and the company was good.......a lovely evening. Here's to many more.......any time you need a break, Mary, we can have the evening chez nous......

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: Jeri
Date: 29 Jan 07 - 07:45 PM

I had a great time. Debra was great - even better than I expected, and I had high expectations. Don't miss a chance to hear her!

The food was delicious, but I don't have enough stomachs. I survived, although yesterday I wasn't sure if I had or not. I'll catch up on sleep sometime this week I hope.

Thanks you, Debra, and thank you Mary for doing all of this. I think you're insane for doing it, but I greatly appreciate your hospitality

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: kendall
Date: 29 Jan 07 - 07:19 PM

The food was top quality.

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: adventure
Date: 29 Jan 07 - 07:07 PM

Good evening....
Mary..your planning, food selections and hospitality should be recognized first off....nice work all around. Thank you so very much for making Debra Cowan's house concert a very nice event. Debra...you were outstanding...nice selection of diverse tunes, songs and ballards. Really enjoyed your music and spending a bit of time talking with you. Hope we can catch you again really soon. Good fun and great music...nice job!!! Keep up the good work.
....and yes the rest of the evening was a lot of fun, too....even the whacked out 50's and 60's songs at around 2 a.m.
I had in my mind this dark chantey cooking to Dead Man's Curve...it needs some work to get the effects up to snuff. Hope the pissy cat is doing OK....damn what a weird expression of kindness this animal shows. Well, I unpacked my filthy parrot, blonde wig and Kurdish hat...thought the wig was very formal first thing in the morning...opened a few eyes it did. Lots of fine music and good fun with a super crew of friends. Thanks. NEXT!!!!!
Doryman and his mate.

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: ranger1
Date: 29 Jan 07 - 10:39 AM

I enjoyed what I heard. Wish I hadn't had to leave early.

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: kendall
Date: 29 Jan 07 - 09:09 AM

I left when I did because I thought the concert was over. Deb, you outdid yourself! What a voice...such control. Beautiful job.

I left when I did because I thought the concert was over! Come to find out, it was just a break.

Anyway, I'm glad I wasn't there for the dead date songs, I can't hack that stuff.

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: Charley Noble
Date: 29 Jan 07 - 08:03 AM

Barry-

I added "Rain & Snow" to the mix but as you know it's an Appalachian domestic violence song and though it was covered by the Grateful Dead it just doesn't resonate with "Teen Angel."

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: Barry Finn
Date: 29 Jan 07 - 01:34 AM

Debra
Dead Date Songs:

Tell Laura I Love Her
Leader of the Pack
Teen Angel
Last Kiss
Patches
Running Bear
Deadman's Curve ??

In the song one of the teens in a couple always winds up dead.

Time for a refresher course on golden oldies.

Now I know that I mentioned "Tell Laura I Love Her" but I was just being funny/silly. I knew that that was no Laura there, at least I didn't think that Laura was there. Laura who, I don't even know a Laura except the one from the song. Lynn picked it up with saying she liked "dead date songs" which I do too but had no idea that they were being sung there. I would've suspected them being sung had John Roberts been in the crowd but he wasn't there was he.

Barry

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: SINSULL
Date: 28 Jan 07 - 11:01 PM

Tell Laura I Love Her? Where was I?

Pamela, Your day will come. Actually it is on the schedule.

M

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 28 Jan 07 - 08:02 PM

What are 'Dead Date Songs'? - - Ebony Eyes and their ilk? I was there and I didn't notice Dead Date songs -- BUT I was awfully tired..........; I don't think I had enough to drink to lose the dead date songs........but who knows?

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 28 Jan 07 - 07:36 PM

Speaking of "Tell Laura I Love Her" (which we didn't sing), we DID sing a few "Dead Date Songs" -- one of my favorite genres.

Linn

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: Charley Noble
Date: 28 Jan 07 - 05:19 PM

Pam-

Actually none of us were there. We just cook these things up here...

Nah, it was way better than that!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: GUEST,Pamela in Ithaca
Date: 28 Jan 07 - 02:41 PM

This is great! Like being a virtual guest to the event.
Thanks for all the details, sure sounds like it was fun.
Once again, I find myself wishing that the Finger Lakes weren't
so far from coastal New England. How do we make the Berkshires
and Albany go away? Hummm.... make Albany go away, that sure sounds good!

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: Charley Noble
Date: 28 Jan 07 - 11:27 AM

SINS-

And thanks for hosting another unforgettable evening!

Now if I could only remember what happened...

The food was superb. Debra was in great form. And the rest of us were us, with few exceptions!

Roll & Go will be doing a musical set on Wednesday, February 7, in the Old Port of Portland, for anyone in the local area. Here are the details from the organizer Lynne Cullen, Producer, Seanachie Nights:

After a January break SEANACHIE NIGHTS is back at Bull Feeney's (2nd floor) on Wednesday, February 7 at 7pm. Again, this is free, but a donation of $6 for the performers would be greatly appreciated. (Location is off the corner of Fore and Exchange streets)

The February feature is the marvellous sea shanty group, Roll & Go. Come along and have a 'shout with the boys (and girls sic)'! In addition, Lynne Cullen and Debb Freedman will tell some roistering tales of the sea!

Roll & Go is a Portland-based a capella singing group. Their focus is on shanties and other songs from the great days of sail. For more info: www.rollandgoseasongs.com

For info on Debb Freedman, visit [e-mail].
For info on Seanachie Nights or Lynne Cullen, visit lynnecullen.com.

Come aboard and join the fun!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: SINSULL
Date: 28 Jan 07 - 09:15 AM

I got cut off before I was finished!
Anyway, thank you all for making Deb welcome and sharing in the evening.
SINS

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: SINSULL
Date: 28 Jan 07 - 09:14 AM

Deb Cowan was great. She had the room joining in on every chorus and acting out a children's song about the sun and the moon and a skunk. We looked ridiculous but hd a lot of fun. She performed several selections from her new CD using her guitar to fill in for John Roberts harmony. If you have an opportunity to see Deb perform, grab it. She has a beautiful voice, performs beautiful material and is a genuinely beautiful lady.

CDs sales seemed good. At least no one went home with a cat.

The buffet was wonderful. Pulled Chicken, Shrimp Curry, Sausages and Pasta, all hot and good. The pastries disappeared very quickly.

The Song Circle got a bit rowdy. Sea Shanties at first then a free for all. At 2:30 we all crapped out. But not before we chased Tom out with an assortment of selections from Hair, the 60s, 50s, 70s and lord knows what else.

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 28 Jan 07 - 01:51 AM

Laura wasn't there!!!!

But Ginny come lately was - sung by Jacqui and moi and received in horror by the groupl.

Teenage kids are always a challenge -- ours was calling intermittantly during the evening which usually means -- I am sad and lonely and when are you guys coming home OR the party is in full swing and I can't control it -- please come home.

Great evening - enjoyed every minute of it even though an hour late due to selling houses.........

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: Barry Finn
Date: 28 Jan 07 - 12:18 AM

I couldn't make it got as far as Portsmouth stayed for a bit & went home to tend a sick family. Glad that you're all having a good time & "Tell Laura I Love Her"

Barry

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: SINSULL
Date: 27 Jan 07 - 11:11 PM

Jacqui here on SINSULL's computer

Debra's session was great but the whole thing has now descended into rowdiness and dead date songs.

I'm just about to inflict Spaw's version of Honey on the multitude.....

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: bfdk
Date: 27 Jan 07 - 06:49 PM

Hope you're having a good time.. :-)

Best wishes,

Bente

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: SINSULL
Date: 27 Jan 07 - 05:59 PM

The games have begun so I have retreated to the back room with a glass of wine to enjoy the calm before the storm.

WHEEEE!
SINS

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: SINSULL
Date: 27 Jan 07 - 04:14 PM

Aw Tink. If only you and Dani and Janie and Micca and...could be here. We will lift a glass to you all.
SINS

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: Tinker
Date: 27 Jan 07 - 03:55 PM

Or a classic moment at SINSULL's....

Miss you guys

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: kendall
Date: 27 Jan 07 - 03:50 PM

Sounds like a Monty Python skit to me!

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: SINSULL
Date: 27 Jan 07 - 03:32 PM

Can't you see her stacking them one on top of the other then carefully climbing to the top where she opens her parasol and bursts into song!

I need to get more sleep.
Sorry, Bobbi.

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: jacqui.c
Date: 27 Jan 07 - 03:29 PM

BobBi Keppel and her folding chairs sounds like a vaudeville act! :0)

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: SINSULL
Date: 27 Jan 07 - 12:50 PM

Thanks for the offer Charlie. I actually have a few people coming early so, no, or we will be falling all over each other.
Mary

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: Charley Noble
Date: 27 Jan 07 - 11:44 AM

Would it be useful to come a little early to help with set-up? We're bringing BobBi Keppel and her folding chairs. I'll also bring some homemade chutney if I can find a fresh jar; of course nothing can affect chutney!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: SINSULL
Date: 27 Jan 07 - 11:39 AM

22 Definites
7 Maybes
5 Need beds

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 27 Jan 07 - 05:47 AM

oops, looks like I got my dates mixed up !

thanks for PM, Sins, I will call just after 6.00pm.

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: SINSULL
Date: 26 Jan 07 - 09:35 PM

Irish Butter is available at the local market but costs twice as much as regular and three times as much as sale butter. I remember the conversation but no - I wasn't interested. Thank you. Saved me a trip to the eaves.
SINS

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: Jeri
Date: 26 Jan 07 - 09:33 PM

No, perishable stuff doesn't go in the eaves! It goes under the sofa in the sun room.

I thought you were lamenting not being able to buy Irish butter. I wondered if you found any. If you don't know what I'm talking about, forget it, because I'm just having a bad brain day.

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: SINSULL
Date: 26 Jan 07 - 09:25 PM

Oh CRAP! Did you hide something perishable in the eaves?????
What Irish Butter?

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: Jeri
Date: 26 Jan 07 - 08:28 PM

I can bring some picante sauce.

Mary, did you ever find your Irish butter?

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 26 Jan 07 - 07:25 PM

good luck again Deb (not that you'll need it).

it's about 7.30 , time you were getting started , isn't it ????

I'll send an email later this weekend.

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: SINSULL
Date: 26 Jan 07 - 07:09 PM

Change of mind - bring chairs! Deb just called and several people called the radio station asking about the house concert. Full House! WHoo Whoo

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: ranger1
Date: 26 Jan 07 - 05:07 PM

Nope, just me. He has to work until 9, and then he'll be dog sitting.

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: SINSULL
Date: 26 Jan 07 - 12:09 PM

I think we are set for chairs, Tami. Just bring yourself. Is Jason joining us?
M

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: ranger1
Date: 26 Jan 07 - 11:39 AM

Hi Mary, I can bring four folding metal chairs and one camping chair, if need be. Let me know.

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: SINSULL
Date: 26 Jan 07 - 09:14 AM

Charlie,
I do agonize over these Song Circles. Jacqui is the only one who hears about it which explains her reaction. And Kendall is forever lecturing me on my non-existent budget. You have hit a nerve.

Aside from the hairy salsa which you dredged from the back of the fridge, I don't serve leftovers. And I take no resposibilty for the condition of salsa which appears in legions at odd times. Although there is a piece of beef from New Year's reserved for Clancy in the the freezer (the beef, not Clancy), I hadn't planned on offering it this time.

So, for those who don't know, the buffet consists of hot and cold main courses. This time it will include curry from Tom and Deborah, Italian Chicken from Jacqui. Sausage and peppers with tortellini Alfredo from me. I will have rolls and a salad. There is always a cheese platter with some grapes or strawberries. Doritos were on sale so they will be out there. DO NOT BRING SALSA. I will institute a full body cavity search if anyone refuses to comply.

I haven't thought about dessert. Ususally there is ice cream or chocolates and Jacqui contributes baked apples, cheesecake, etc. There will be wine and beer as well as soft drinks.

No one is "expected" to contribute anything. This is about contributing music. If you would like to, a dessert or wine is always welcome. If you have something you would like as a main course, bring it.

Sunday breakfast will be the usual scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, juice, coffee (brutally strong) and desserts left over from Saturday.

This time, I will need chairs. I can seat about 15 comfortably and we have 21 definites with several maybes.

No apology necessary Charlie.I didn't even see this thread until now. Funny, but I was just looking through Bente's pictures of Seamus Kennedy's concert. There is one of Jacqui. Behind her is an arm and a clenched fist - me agonizing over my guests. Says it all.

SINS

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: jacqui.c
Date: 26 Jan 07 - 08:51 AM

Most of the previous song circle and house concert threads include discussions about the food. To my knowledge all those who have been attending over the past two years are aware of the 'rules'. Nothing has changed - the system works well so why should it?

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: Charley Noble
Date: 26 Jan 07 - 08:46 AM

Mary-

I'm sorry if I've offended you. It's easy to get carried away in these threads. However, it wouldn't hurt to lay out the ground rules again for what guests would be welcome to bring. I do not attend every one of your events and there may be others who are also wondering what is expected.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Debra Cowan House Concert Maine 1/27/07
From: jacqui.c
Date: 26 Jan 07 - 08:22 AM

Charlie - I hope that your post of 7.22pm was an attempt at a joke. If so it was in very poor taste and may give others the wrong impression about our very generous hostess.

These house concerts have been happening regularly for a year or so and, as you attend them, you will be aware that fresh food is provided at every one of them, and the song circles, mostly courtesy of Mary who puts a lot of time and expense into her hospitality. I also provide good home cooked food to a lesser degree as do others.