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FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD

07 Jan 00 - 01:05 PM (#159600)
Subject: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: Wincing Devil

Folklore Society of Greater Washington

Mini Fest at Eastern Middle School, Silver Spring, MD

Any DC area Mudcatters interested in getting together at the FSGW Minifest on 1/29?
(Saturday, 29 January 2000, 12 noon to 6 pm and 7:30 to 10:30 pm)
We could gang up and rumble the Pyrates Royale!
Afterwards we could get together at The Royal Mile Pub (site of the monthly Sea Chanty sing)


07 Jan 00 - 01:44 PM (#159610)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: jeffp

Sounds like fun! I think I can talk the wife into it, especially if the Pyrates are going to be there. Haven't been to the Royal Mile in ages.


07 Jan 00 - 01:51 PM (#159613)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: MMario

hey! no rumbling of the Pyrates! Applauding, whistling, cheering, buying of drinks for, but no rumbling......

MMario/pyrate fan


07 Jan 00 - 02:04 PM (#159616)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: Wincing Devil

Please don't get me wrong!

I am a Pyrates Fan as well. Skivee was my karate instructor lo those MANY years ago... (from Hi Ya! to Arrgghh!)

I found the Pyrates by calling HMT and asking about Ironweed.


07 Jan 00 - 02:11 PM (#159620)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: MMario

I found IronWeed by sitting on my bum for hours waiting for the Pyrates.....(wallbutt hurts!)


07 Jan 00 - 02:19 PM (#159622)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: jeffp

I discovered the Pyrates at the Maryland RenFest and their web site led me to the Mudcat. Obviously, I have a lot to thank them for!


08 Jan 00 - 12:48 PM (#159956)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: GutBucketeer

Hey Everyone:

I will definitely be at the Mini-fest. Has the schedule been released? They usually have a workshops during the day and then a concert and dance at night.

JAB


08 Jan 00 - 06:41 PM (#160113)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: Wincing Devil

The shedule is at http://www.fsgw.org/minifest.htm Keep an eye on it, and I'll post any updates here.

Mayhaps we should all where something MudCattish?


08 Jan 00 - 10:11 PM (#160185)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: GutBucketeer

I'd like to volunteer. Is there an e-mail contact, or do we just call the number on the page.

Thanks.

JAB


08 Jan 00 - 10:21 PM (#160188)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: Bill D

yep..just call the # listed...went to sing last night and the chairwoman, Gail, was still asking for help...


08 Jan 00 - 10:43 PM (#160195)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: JedMarum

I will be performing on Saturday, haven't seen a schedule yet. Where should I stay? Are there good modest priced hotels in the area?


09 Jan 00 - 12:56 AM (#160236)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: Bruce O.

There's little that's modest priced near Washington, D.C. and no motels within about 2 miles of where the festival will be. Maybe someone will suggest better, but if you're coming from the north come south on U.S. 29 (Colesville Road) and look for something 4-2 miles before University Boulevard (which is the street where the festival site will be, about 3 blocks east of US 29).


09 Jan 00 - 01:58 AM (#160249)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: Charlie Baum

Liam--The nearest motel/hotel accommodations to the Eastern Middle School (FSGW minifest) are those in downtown Silver Spring, about 1-1/2 to 2 miles from the festival: there's a Holiday Inn on Georgia Avenue, a Day's Inn (on 13th Street), the Town Center Hotel (formerly a Quality Inn, on Colesville Road), and the Ramada Inn (on Georgia Avenue, which was an EconoLodge until a few weeks ago). Or you might wangle an invitation to come stay with someone in the Folk Shtetl of Silver Spring, between downtown and the site of the MiniFest. There are more than a half-dozen Mudcatters in that immediate neighborhood.

The schedule was being worked on this past week, but I'm leading a workshop entitled "The Soul of Song," looking at how one chooses and performs songs that are ment to move people rather than merely amuse them. Lisa Null, Joe Hickerson, Ed Trickett and myself, scheduled (tentatively) for Saturday afternoon from 4 to 5 p.m. [Ed Trickett is also one of the evening performers.]

--Charlie Baum


09 Jan 00 - 10:20 AM (#160302)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: JedMarum

Thanks for the tips. I'll look into accommodations.


09 Jan 00 - 09:57 PM (#160565)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: Roger in Baltimore

I just got the word. I will be performing from 1:30 - 2:00.

Roger in Baltimore


10 Jan 00 - 12:43 AM (#160637)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: Ferrara

I'll be leading a ballads song swap from noon to 1 o'clock. Also, last time I heard, the Pyrates Royale were scheduled for a half-hour concert at 12:30. There will also be a sea shanty song swap sometime during the day.

The format of the MiniFest is singing, workshops, dance, crafts and food from noon to 5 or 6, then a dinner break (they try to have meals available but they sell out fast, however there are plenty of places to eat in the general neighborhood). Then both a dance and a concert in the evening, (at opposite ends of the building....) starting around 7:30. (Don't take that time as gospel, though.)

You can come for the afternoon, the evening or both. There will be lots of mudcatters on the program, including many of the same cast of characters who were at the FSGW Getaway. There's plenty of participatory stuff, not just at the song swaps, other sessions have lots of chorus songs etc and of course there's the dance workshops. House of Musical Traditions always has a booth which gets lots of business: sheet music, tapes, cassettes, instruments and accessories etc.

jeffp, I also have a lot to thank the Pyrates for: my 17 year old son and his friends love their music, heard them at the RenFest, and now go to the Royal Mile Pub and love it. It's a nice change from Smashing Pumpkins, Metallica and Limp Bizkit!!!


10 Jan 00 - 02:40 PM (#160777)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: Wincing Devil

I'm deathly afraid to ask, but I will...
What the jegoskas is a Limp Bizkit?


10 Jan 00 - 07:24 PM (#160913)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: Roger in Baltimore

Wincing,

Limp Biskit is a popular (with some) American punk-rock type of band.

Roger in Baltimore


13 Jan 00 - 09:58 AM (#162149)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: Wincing Devil

The 's Minifest page has been updated. Click on over to http://www.fsgw.org/minifest.htm for more details.

Wincing Devil
There is no such thing as an ugly cat ( http://www.ILoveMySphynx.com)


21 Jan 00 - 03:50 PM (#166312)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: Wincing Devil

AARRGGHH!!!

After pushing the MiniFest for so long, it turns out I may not be able to go!

We're packing up for a move (we'll still be in the area) but I'll be out of town 1/24-28th and the weekend of the 29th will be CRUNCH time.

Anyone who goes, please fill me in. If you see the Pyrates Royale, Tell Mr Skivee I said hi!

Wincing_Devil
There is no such thing as an ugly cat (a href=a href=http://www.ILoveMySphynx.com>http://www.ILoveMySphynx.com)


25 Jan 00 - 02:57 PM (#168200)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: JedMarum

Please stop by an say a Mudcat Hello

I will be playing from 3:30 to 4:15 PM at the Eastern Middle School (300 Universtity Blvd East). I have been asked to do a entitled Voices from History: Songs and Stories. I will be performing a series of traditional and original songs regarding immigrant experiences of my Celtic ancestors.

I'd love to meet a few DC area Mudcatters, and would love to have a chance to play a few of my favorites songs for you.

By the way, I'll be singing under my non-Mudcat name; Jed Marum.


25 Jan 00 - 03:04 PM (#168202)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: MMario

Thought I recognized the name on the schedule....well, it's a bit fer for me to stop in, but if you see Peg, Skivvy or Kat from the Pyrates, tell 'em MMario says "hi!" - not that they will remember me, but hey,


25 Jan 00 - 03:47 PM (#168223)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: Lesley N.

This is a really stupid question - but not being a musican could I go to a "swap" and just lurk?


25 Jan 00 - 03:51 PM (#168227)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: MMario

Lesley - someone involved or who has been can correct me if I'm wrong, but I've been told that if you don't play or sing you can "request" at a swap....


25 Jan 00 - 04:37 PM (#168241)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: Charlie Baum

Non-musicians, listeners, and consumers of good music are most welcome at swaps at the mini-Fest! Come and enjoy. Besides "swaps," there are lots of concerts and panel-workshops (including mine, 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.).

--Charlie Baum


25 Jan 00 - 06:08 PM (#168290)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: Lesley N.

I am reassured. I'm trying to work up the nerve to go. Of course at this point I don't know if I'll be able to get out of my driveway by then - the drifts here are now chest high (I'm only 5'2"). The weather guys really got this storm right - last night they said 2 - 4 inches!!!


26 Jan 00 - 09:20 AM (#168549)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: JedMarum

A "swap"? What's a swap? Think I better leave my wife at home ... ;-)

And snow? Well, y'all have a few more days to get it cleared up, eh?


26 Jan 00 - 09:21 AM (#168550)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: JedMarum

A "swap"? What's a swap? Think I better leave my wife at home ... ;-)

And snow? Well, y'all have a few more days to get it cleared up, eh?


26 Jan 00 - 09:29 AM (#168559)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: jeffp

My wife and I are planning to go for the afternoon activities if it's humanly possible to get there. I'm looking forward to meeting some other Mudcatters. I don't have a Mudcat T-shirt yet, but I'll try to come up and introduce myself if I see anyone else with one on.

jeffp


26 Jan 00 - 04:11 PM (#168754)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: JedMarum

jeffp - please do come by and say hello. As I said above, I will be playing from 3:30 to 4:15 PM at the Eastern Middle School (300 Universtity Blvd East) my presentation is entitled Voices from History: Songs and Stories. I will be wandering around the festival myself throughout the weekend ... if ya see a tall guy who looks like this ... please stop him and say hello. It'll be me!

And please don't be shy. I went to Phoenix and ran into a few Mudcatters who never spoke up! {maybe it's my breath} ;-)

I look forward to meeting you and all the DC area Mudcatters!


26 Jan 00 - 05:45 PM (#168796)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: Bill D

snow? We don't let SNOW stop us...one year it snowed 12-14 inches the day before...we arrived early, dug out the school where the festival was to be held, had a FINE festival, and that evening, when the roof began to leak from melting snow on the roof, we rescued the books from a very fancy library before water running down the walls could ruin them...and then had an evening concert...I can think of only one event in 22 years that was cancelled due to bad weather


26 Jan 00 - 09:02 PM (#168914)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: lamarca

My husband and I ("Stephens and LaMarca")will be doing a miniconcert from 1-1:30PM (right after Pyrates Royale, in the same room). This year we're going to do an all Kipling/Bellamy program. We'll be followed by Roger Himler ("Roger in Baltimore").

Song swap topics include Sea Songs (led by Ships' Company, who lead the local shanty sings around here), Ballads (led by Ferrara, as mentioned above), a Pub Sing (very loosely organized by the Foggy Bottom Morris Men, who know their pubs - my friend in the side says they want it to be as spontaneous as possible, rather than a strict "round the circle"), Archie Edwards' Barbershop Blues Jam (a rowdy all-day re-creation of Archie's blues sessions), Sacred Harp Sing, Bruce Hutton's Jugband Workshop for Young and Old (BYOJ or other appropriate instrument), Trains, Planes, Travel & Things (from road songs to train wrecks, led by Paul van Akkerin); "I'll Never Forget That Song" (unfrogettable songs led by David Diamond)and a two hour Country Jam (Nan Goland).

A rough schedule (subject to change) is posted on the FSGW site Here.

Since the Minifest is held in a Montgomery County Public School, we have to go by their snow policy - if the school buildings are closed, the Mini is off. Listen to WTOP, 1500AM, or call the Montgomery County Public School offices if you have doubts about the weather! We just spent the day removing the ice dam from our roof, wishing Barry Finn was here to give us advice...


26 Jan 00 - 10:13 PM (#168942)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: Barry Finn

Hi lamarca, just like the in song, clear 3 feet up from the edge of your roof. You can use an axe, hammer or a small sledge (a wee peltie). Don't get on the ice dam itself & be VERY CAREFULL, it's VERY DANGEROUS.

Have a great time, sounds wonderfull, Barry


26 Jan 00 - 10:22 PM (#168947)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: Barry Finn

Sorry, the Minifest sounds wonderfull, not the ice dam.

Hi to you too Bill D, your leak sounds too close to an ice dam too. I didn't think that far south you'd get them, the conditions usually have to be perfect & didn't think you'd get a long enough cold snap.
Barry


26 Jan 00 - 11:10 PM (#168976)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: lamarca

Barry, our roof is only one story up (it's a small Cape Cod-style house), so we were able to clear the snow by leaning out the dormer windows, then ran a hose from the basement to the 2nd floor so we could melt the ice in the gutter with hot water. That stopped the water from seeping up under the gutter around the door frame, where it was leaking into the living room. Ah, the joys of home ownership! Luckily, we don't get 14" of snow here very often...


27 Jan 00 - 03:14 PM (#169248)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: JedMarum

Is there any real danger of this being called off for bad weather?


27 Jan 00 - 04:33 PM (#169287)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: KathWestra

There's always a possibility. You need to understand that the schools sometimes close in D.C. when there's under 2" of snow, and we're at the mercy of the school authorities who have total control over whether their facilities are open. This part of the world does not deal well with winter. Right now, they're predicting the infamous "mixed precipitation" (ice, sleet, snow) for Sunday, but so far the forecast for Saturday is for fair skies, temps in the low 30s.


27 Jan 00 - 05:08 PM (#169301)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: JedMarum

I understand KathWestra, Dallas is nearly paralyzed at the moment with a dusting of snow mixed with a bit of rain ... I'll hop for the best. See y'all there, I hope!


27 Jan 00 - 05:09 PM (#169302)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: JedMarum

I'll hope for the best!


27 Jan 00 - 07:54 PM (#169405)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: Bill D

awww...go on and hop, we'll make it into a workshop on local dance customs... ;>)


28 Jan 00 - 05:19 PM (#169912)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: JedMarum

OK - hop it is then! I'm here. I made it no probs (Dallas was struggling with weather). I am looking forward!


29 Jan 00 - 11:42 PM (#170278)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: JedMarum

Great Show, yall!

Momnopp, Bill D, Ferara, Lamarca, and Judy - and all the others - nice to meet y'all. I hope to make it back this way again. It was a real enjoyable day .... and I hope y'all get some pics to bbc for the Mudcat event photos. I am sure this qualifies! 'course we prob'ly want to leave out the nude pics of Bill.


30 Jan 00 - 12:07 AM (#170289)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: catspaw49

Nude Pic??..........OK...

BILL D. Sans Clothes

Spaw


30 Jan 00 - 12:48 AM (#170305)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: GutBucketeer

Wow Liam and Bill D. That was fast posting!!! I get home, logon, and you guys have beat me to it.

Liam: what I heard of your concert was wonderful, and of course it was great meeting you. Good luck on your trip back home.

For those that couldn't make it the mini-fest was very nice. Imagine a bunch of folkies wandering around a Junior High school for a day with continuous workshops and mini-concerts. The workshops varied from Jug Band Music to Shanty Sings to Gospel. It was fun.

JAB


30 Jan 00 - 12:53 AM (#170307)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: GUEST,The Thread Puritan

That was not funny "Catspaw"


30 Jan 00 - 01:13 AM (#170312)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: momnopp

Just FYI, Jed, "momnopp" and Judy are one person (me!). But I'm glad I registered as two in your memory! LOL!

I had so much fun, my head is still buzzing.

I always come home from the minifest with such a high - it's my idea of heaven (see JAB's description above).

Can't wait to see you all again, and more in the future.

JudyO


30 Jan 00 - 10:32 AM (#170427)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: Judy Cook

Shucks, I thought *I* was the Judy that Jed was glad to meet.


30 Jan 00 - 12:18 PM (#170476)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: jeffp

Great festival! It was great getting to hear and meet Jed, Judy, lamarca, KathWestra, Roger_in_Baltimore, and probably others I've forgotten. Like Charlie Baum, for example (sorry, Charlie!) I'm sure I'll be seeing you again! Thanks for a wonderful time!

jeffp


30 Jan 00 - 01:10 PM (#170499)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: Bill D

well, I WAS gonna post some pics of the festival and some mudcatters...but lord knows, a baboon will have to fumble around a bit to get it all to work...(not sure how anyone got nudies of me, since I was the one with the camera, and I didn't disrobe for just workshop...just when I got special requests)

well, maybe pics later today...I may put up a bunch at my web site, and let bbc take her choice...

and BTW..liam does a FINE version of "Peter Emberly", among other things....he also got a good reception to "Me & Bobby McGee" at the C&W jam)


30 Jan 00 - 01:25 PM (#170504)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: Lotusland

Hi, I was in charge of the PR for the Mini-Fest and would be very interested in your comments on any aspect of the Mini-Fest: PR, food, grody bathrooms, parking, selection of workshops and leaders, etc., you name it.

Also, I'd like to take the opportunity let you know that Gail Snyder and Judy and Dennis Cook worked their tails off to make the whole thing happen and deserve a huge cyber pat on the back.

I'd like feedback on the name Mini-Fest, I noticed most newspapers called it "a folk festival," a "little folk festival," a "folk get-together" --- everything but "mini-fest." perhaps we should come up with a name that's easier for people to understand.

Many Thanks,

Liz Milner


30 Jan 00 - 02:09 PM (#170513)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: Wincing Devil

Dag Nab it! Sounds like y'all had a great time!

A pyramiding combinations of unfortunate circumstances precluded me from attending, but wild(ing) horses won't keep me away from the maxi-fest, which usually happens sometime end of May-ish, beginning of June-ish. (Any word yet? Need Volunteers? (hah!!))

Wincing Devil
There is no such thing as an ugly cat (http://www.ILoveMySphynx.com


30 Jan 00 - 02:42 PM (#170536)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: Bill D

well, it's been the 'mini-fest' for umpty-eight years. One day of intense music & dance in the middle of winter, so *shrug*...I doubt that the name keeps anyone away.Weather does, to some extent...but no real solution to that, it IS winter. It is not easy finding the perfect venue for a BIG indoor festival, and we have moved at least 6 times in 20 years...always some school...but The real problem with it is how to get volunteers to run it and MORE to miss a couple hours in order to keep it running. My biggest complaint?..I guess that the evening concert was not really 'comfortable' in terms of seating and acoustics, but in a middle-school, all you GET is gyms and cafeterias, so I put up with it. I do doubt that the crafts venue is worth the trouble, but some seem to like it, so.....


30 Jan 00 - 05:51 PM (#170639)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: JedMarum

momnopp AND Judy (Cook) is what I meant!


30 Jan 00 - 06:38 PM (#170662)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: KathWestra

As Bill D. said, it's been the Mini-Festival for its entire life -- a term that distinguishes it from the HUGE festival FSGW runs on the first weekend of June at Glen Echo Park, MD. That one's the Washington Folk Festival, and y'all should put it on your calendars. It features all Washington-area performers -- including representatives of about 20-30 different countries doing their various ethnic musics. It's all free. Lots of crafts. Loads of dancing. A storytelling stage. And at least five major stages full of music from noon to 11:00 p.m. on two days. You can see how a single afternoon and evening became "Mini..."

I'll second all the kudos so far, especially those to the volunteer organizers and staff. FSGW runs on volunteer power, and putting together one of these things is a MASSIVE commitment.

I had to leave before Jed/Liam's set, but got a chance to hear Roger in Baltimore, who did a terrific showcase. If you haven't heard RiB, you need to! LaMarca (and husband George Stephens) did a nifty showcase of Kipling songs that was also a highlight.

Until June....


30 Jan 00 - 08:36 PM (#170704)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: Charlie Baum

The "Mini-Fest" is a strange in-group kind of name, understandable only compared to the "MaxiFest" the first weekend in June (June 3-4, 2000, for those of you with calendars to write dates in). Perhaps we ought to call it the "WinterFest".

Whatever you call it, it was a wonderful day of much great music. I tried to hear a little of everything (except, of course, the hour I was performing), and I'm always in awe of how much talent there is in the area. (Jed/liam_devlin was the ONLY performer not from the immediate region, as far as I can figure out.--Glad you could make it and join in the musci-making, Jed). And given the horrible weather of today [Sunday], I am amazed that the MiniFest found a day of good weather in a very narrow window between winter storms.

It was wonderful finally getting to meet JeffP and liam_devlin. (The rest of you Mudcatters who were there I already know--there were at least a dozen of us locals!)

See y'all in June at the Washington Folk Festival, and then again in October at the Getaway. (Details of each are posted at www.fsgw.org as they develop.)

--Charlie Baum


30 Jan 00 - 08:58 PM (#170712)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: Bill D

and here are a few images of the day..I am trying one of those "free online photo albums" and this is the first time I have used it, so I was not sure how it would work. Turns out they automatically make thumbnails, without labels, then you click on a pic and see any labels..I did NOT label every pic, but relevant names and such are on enough of them to figure it all out..I'll get it arrainged better next time I do one of these. (and there were Mudcatters there that I simply didn't catch..it was BUSY)

go to FSGW Mini-Festival Pics


30 Jan 00 - 09:22 PM (#170719)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: catspaw49

Nice pix Bill....I think I might try that service myself. Everybody looked to be having a fine time.

Spaw


30 Jan 00 - 10:56 PM (#170770)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: Ferrara

Charlie B and Liz, I think "WinterFest" is a very good alternative to "MiniFest." Image is all.

It was lovely. RiB is getting to be a regular around here. Hope by this time next year we'll be able to say that about a lot more 'Catters! -- I heard an awful lot of complimentary comments about both RiB's and Liam Devlin's music during the day.

By the way -- Mudcatter Karen K, who is a good friend of the Patons as well as Kath Westra, was unable to come because she's been really ill for months. Kathy dedicated her last song of her set, "Total Strangers," to Karen. That felt really good.

- Rita F


31 Jan 00 - 12:16 AM (#170826)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: momnopp

Well, to Judy Cook and Jed, I told you my head was buzzing. . .sorry to have made assumptions and forgotten to remember that of COURSE there was another Judy. . .(I have a step mother AND a sister-out-law named Judy, too so I guess I should be used to it by now).

Silly me! ~turns red~

JudyO


31 Jan 00 - 12:45 AM (#170852)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: GUEST,Skivee

Thanks for all those kind words of support for the Pyrates Royale, as well as for the wonderful folks that we are pleased to play with at the Mini (Hi, George and Mary, etal) . The Mini is a great experience for us,due to the work of Judy and Dennis Cook and an army of volunteers. Bravo for another smooth and fun fest. To MMario and wincing devil: Yup, it would have been keen to see the both of you again. Maybe next time. Skivee PS please check my post about Renn Music, Thanks


31 Jan 00 - 10:48 AM (#171013)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: MMario

Skivee! What thread? can't find it! Help!


31 Jan 00 - 11:31 AM (#171035)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: Fortunato

The All Day Blues Jam made it possible for me to do country for almost two hours and blues for 3 more. Usually I have to choose. It was a great opportunity to take my blues stuff out for a walk with the Archie Edwards Barbershop crew, and I made some new friends there.

Now if we could have cajun danced, etc. at the same time, regards, Fortunato


31 Jan 00 - 12:02 PM (#171059)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: JedMarum

Bill D -

Great PICS, young man! What a great looking group of Mudcatters you captured! Too bad we couldn;t have captired some of the sound, also - maybe next year we can put out some MP3s or Real Audio files.


31 Jan 00 - 12:09 PM (#171066)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: JedMarum

Lotusland -

You were looking for feedback, and I have a few comments.

The name mini-fest? It's fine with me. Someone made the comment that it makes more sense to insiders; that mey be, but I think it works fine.

The organization was not just good; it was excellent. I knew where everything was, and when. There was always plenty to do, and I knew where and when everything happened. It went very smoothly. The events were well thought out and well placed. The presenters were all excellent.

The venue was OK, but a bit uncomfortable for the a 12 hour day (as some of us had) - no wonder so many school kids have ADD - it's hard to stay focused when yer butt's asleep! I am not sure what choice you'd have about these things though.

I think all in all it was a great show, well organized, and with great performers. GOOD JOB!


31 Jan 00 - 12:14 PM (#171071)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: JedMarum

... and Momnopp, no need to be turnin' red ... I left out a few names of folks I met, and wasn';t particularly clear in my message.

I must say I enjoyed meeting you, and enjoyed your sense of humor. Thanks for saying hello ... I went to Phoenix and had two Mudcatters show up and not identify themselves (though one turned out to be a brand new Mudcatter - the other was the nefarious Gargoyle). I look forward to more Mudcat gatherings.


31 Jan 00 - 02:14 PM (#171153)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: Bill D

ummm.., gg showed up and did not identify himself?? How did you know it was him?...by the stone head and toothy smile?


31 Jan 00 - 03:18 PM (#171196)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: JedMarum

hmm, he posted to the discussion several days later with comments that showed he was there ...


03 Feb 00 - 06:19 PM (#173110)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: Roger in Baltimore

I'm just geting back. Actually, I have been with Marge all week and therefore separated from my computer. This will happen very frequently now, so I will only log in once or twice a week (sob!).

I had a wonderful time at the minifest. I have lots of thank yous, and I will probably miss some. First, thanks to Charlie for letting the Mudcatters know about the Minifest. I want to thank Gail (I hope I've got the name right) who was the chair for the event. There were too many volunteers to thank. I want to thank Judy Cook for her support throughout.

As a performer, I felt it went smoothly for me. As a festival goer, there was more than I could take in. I enjoyed everything that I attended. Some was more interesting than others, but everything had real value.

Thanks to Bill D. for the pics. And Bill if you could run mine through Photoshop and slim me down a bit that would be great!

I think I met all of the Mudcatters mentioned except Fortunato. I'm sorry we didn't get introduced.

Roger in Baltimore


04 Feb 00 - 12:09 AM (#173312)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: Charlie Baum

Thanks to everyone all around--but, Roger in Baltimore, it was Wincing Devil, not me, to thank for this thread; and Lotusland started the other MiniFest thread. I'm just the one who keeps you informed about the FSGW Getaway (Camp Ramblewood, Darlington, Maryland, October 20-22, 2000) and the Washington Folk Festival (Glen Echo N.P., Glen Echo, Maryland, June 3-4, 2000). Y'all come to those, too.

--Charlie Baum


04 Feb 00 - 04:54 PM (#173666)
Subject: RE: FSGW Minifest, Silver Spring MD
From: JedMarum

Roger - I think we all wish Bill D's camera could work a little magic on our figures! But alas, we appear in JPG much as we do in real life.

I second your comments about the organization. Gail and Judy, and the others had things running very smoothly, and as you say; there's was plenty of good stuff to see/hear/taste!

And now I personally know at least a hand full of Mudcatters! That was treat enough to make it all worthwhile.