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St Albans - Aussie 'catters

30 Apr 00 - 02:10 AM (#220290)
Subject: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: alison

Hi,

Just putting this in in advance to see how many 'catters are likely to be at St Albans......

I'm doing two workshops in the gallery on Saturday, and might be backing Spidertom for a few of his songs....

then maybe we can arrange a place to meet.. so we can get some photos onto the resource page....

slainte

alison


30 Apr 00 - 05:45 AM (#220313)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Spider Tom

Calling all Mudcatters going to St Albans,Stand up and be counted,Thats two names onthe list, who's next?


30 Apr 00 - 06:13 AM (#220316)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: GUEST,Lollipop

why would anyone bother, it will be the same old lousy acts that cannot play or sing


30 Apr 00 - 06:29 AM (#220318)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Spider Tom

Could have been, but we'll be there.
So It will be all the better for it.
Shame to have a picknic without a lollypop for desert!


30 Apr 00 - 09:44 AM (#220344)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Billy the Bus

Ali & ST.

Thanks for yesterday, "Sam'n'Bill" will be with you! In "Heart & Spirit" not on the "Good Shit Lollypoop"

CYA Cobs - Sam


30 Apr 00 - 10:04 AM (#220351)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Callie

I'll be there. Unfortunately, I have to miss out on Saturday due to another commitment. My group Touchwood was scheduled to play on Saturday - we're trying to change to Sunday. In any case, I'll be there Saturday night (if the ferry is working in the evening) and Sunday. I'm looking forward to seeing you all!

Lollipop: get some manners or go away.

--Callie


30 Apr 00 - 10:44 PM (#220579)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Spider Tom

Callie I think the ferry goes all night See ya Tom


01 May 00 - 12:42 AM (#220619)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Bugsy

Sorry - too far to come from Perth.

Have a couple of Guinnesses (Guinnie?) on me.

CHeers

Bugsy


01 May 00 - 01:34 AM (#220638)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Callie

Happy to oblige, bugsy!


01 May 00 - 02:16 AM (#220665)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: harmoniclive

hey! i,ll come and play if someone wants to pay me.other than that,i think lollipop is right!


01 May 00 - 02:23 AM (#220670)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: alison

you don't need to go see the acts... start your own session........... it's nice just to get out of Sydney for the weekend.....

don't I know you Harmoniclive?

slainte

alison


01 May 00 - 02:44 AM (#220673)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Bob Bolton

G'day Alison et al,

The Snalbans flyer looks good - a great lineup of talent for a small festival. I should get there for at least a day - if not camping for the whole weekend (depending upon attitude of the good wife, who returns from Tasmania the Saturday before).

It will be nice to have a gathering of devoted 'catters and meet a few of those that have only been names - and we won't miss those who demand appearance money.

Regards,

Bob Bolton


01 May 00 - 08:44 AM (#220703)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Helen

Well, I can finally say (with some degree of certainty) that I will be there. Wouldn't miss it.

Last year it was a 'Catters convention of 3 (Alison, Alan & I) so let's see if we can do some geometric rather than arithmetic progression: double, triple, quadruple??

Helen


01 May 00 - 08:00 PM (#221109)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Callie

Just been advised that Touchwood has been scrapped from the program as we could only play on Sunday (cry!). But I'll be there on Saturday night. How do we find each other? Or, more accurately, how do I find all of YOU?


02 May 00 - 01:04 AM (#221283)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: alison

Damn that's a shame.... are you just there for Saturday night? or will you be there Sunday?

let us know what time you'll be around and we'll arrange a time to meet up, I know Helen, alan and I have mudcat T shirts.... but that won't help on Saturday night.. we'll be all rugged up against the cold....

slainte

alison


02 May 00 - 01:11 AM (#221292)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Callie

I'll arrive saturday night AND be there Sunday. Hopefully it will be sunny enough for you to have your t-shirts on Sunday!! I'll be wearing Don Meixer's bracelet (which I bidded for successfully in the Mudcat auction!) but that's NOT very visible at all. I'm in the Solidarity Choir, and we tend to group together a bit and are quite audible ... see you there!


02 May 00 - 01:59 AM (#221309)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: harmoniclive

well, its just as i thought,the bush music guru doesnt believe musicians should be payed. he comes from the same school of thought that believes anyone who doesnt play in a bush band, or play awful folk songs,doesnt belong at folk festivals.


02 May 00 - 02:42 AM (#221317)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Bob Bolton

G'day harmoniclive,

Working musicians should always be paid (even if that doesn't always happen!). The St Albans Festival has about 30 acts listed on the flyer and I'm sure they are getting paid. There will also hundreds of people who are paying to hear them ... that's that's the only way that the musicians are going to get paid.

A lot of those paying to attend the festival will be musicians who are well worth paying, when they perform. One of the hallmarks of good musicians is the way they learn and grow - including listening to their peers. There are also those who may have realised that having weekends to their own purposes can be more satisfying than chasing another gig - and never hearing anyone else.

Then there are those like the proverbial Irish* (* replace with any other appropriate subgroup) folkie ... who was only in for the money.

Regards,

Bob Bolton


02 May 00 - 03:16 AM (#221322)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Bruce from Bathurst

Once again I'm missing Snalbans and I'm not happy about it. The excuse this time is an oldie but a goodie - "family commitments". I can't expect to get a leave pass for every festival and I did come home from the National last week needing eleven hours sleep.

The St Albans Festival will be a fine weekend, I'm sure. Good people, a pretty part of the world and much sharing of music. Quite close to Sydney, too, for any 'catters jetting in from elsewhere.

Have a nice one, folks.

Bruce


02 May 00 - 05:12 AM (#221352)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Helen

I had a silly thought - pretty rare occurrence, silly thoughts, been much too serious over the last year. What about those dreadful headband things with 2 springs on either side of the head with a flower or something on the end. They stick up like rabbit ears.

No, the thought did strike that we could walk around wearing one of those, but it was replaced fairly quickly by the more practical thought of something stuck in the crown of your hat which stands up higher than the crowd, with Mudcat written on it or the Mudcat logo. It would work in daylight while we are still wearing a hat, but not so much at night, but maybe there is a nighttime alternative.

I also think that we should arrange to meet at a specific time, maybe around lunchtime, or 4 - 5pm on Saturday i.e. before the evening events and after the main daytime concerts etc, at a specific place. We could prearrange two times - one on Saturday and one on Sunday. We can organise for one of us to bring a big sign. We might even flush some other 'Catters out of the woodwork as well.

Helen


02 May 00 - 05:21 AM (#221359)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: alison

we'll have to make it after 5pm.. I'm doing a workshop just before then...... or lunchtime Sunday.....

you any good at making signs Helen???

slainte

alison


02 May 00 - 05:36 AM (#221363)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Helen

Yes, I'm great at making signs. As soon as I typed that I knew I'd be making up some sort of sign/banner/flag.

Regarding the Saturday option, I just think it would be good to identify everyone early on, rather than leaving it till Sunday, and then cater for the Sunday arrivals as well by having a second meeting. We can set a session up or something on Sunday, perhaps, or work out on Saturday which campfire sessions are happening and where. Whatever seems appropriate, but it would be sad, I think, to pass another 'Catter and not realise who they are.

Helen


02 May 00 - 07:28 AM (#221379)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: GUEST,Garry of Australia

It is good to see that some people are seeing the truth behind folk music, that there is not much value or talent there, good on you harmoniclive and lollipop, don't let the folk nazis get to you. I for one agree that decent and talented folkies should get paid considerably more for their services, unfortunately most organisers of festivals are not prepared to take a risk and finance the festivals, if they did we would have better acts and more variety, instead of the same boring old faces we get at all the festivals in NSW Australia.


02 May 00 - 07:36 AM (#221382)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Spider Tom

I will be wearing a black hat witha silver spider on the front I will also be wearing my spider belt buckle a big silver one I'll stick a black and white label on with Mudcat on it.
That will give you lot a chance to find/avoid me as you may wish ( Find would be good though)
Hope to see you all there
I'm lucky to be knowing a few Mudcatters already
Ken


02 May 00 - 07:49 AM (#221385)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: GUEST,Lollipop

what type of music do you play Spider Tom, both kinds I guess, I hope they have you behind chicken wire, to stop the bottles and tomatoes.

Unfortunately for you I will not be there, I have only been to 3 St Albans and this one looks the same as all the others.

Good to see others are speaking out against the tyranny of folk music, I like the term folk nazis good description.


02 May 00 - 07:56 AM (#221387)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: harmoniclive

i really dont need advice about what constitutes a good musician.the fact is i have played for money and i,ve played lots of times ,just for the the hell of it.i,ve played on street corners,in pubs,clubs,and yes,even folk clubs,where everyone that didnt know what i was playing decided decided they would "accompany" me.the only time i felt like got any respect for any dues i,ve paid is when i got paid too.


02 May 00 - 10:03 AM (#221431)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Callie

Seems odd to me that people who claim not to like folk music are reading Mudcat threads. And sad that they would hide behind the 'guest' mask. Still ... takes all types.

So I'll look out for silver spiders, Mudcat banners and bouncy headband thingoes. It will be a real pleasure to meet you all!


03 May 00 - 06:25 AM (#222088)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: harmoniclive

who,s hiding? tell me where you are and i,ll meet you at dawn with pistols at thirty paces! i find it odd that someone who claims to be interested in music cant understand , that you could be interested in all things relating to music whatever the genre.if you want to to make this forum exclusively yours, then i feel sorry for you.


03 May 00 - 07:43 AM (#222102)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Spider Tom

Oh how easy it could be to drown in such negitivity.
What has beset the pathetic Harmoniclive.
Quick someone put a poltice upon the poor mans ego.
Have you never watched a swallow fly for the sheer pleasure of flying?
Have you never seen a feather float upon the breese to let the wind take it where it will?
Oh how sad, how lonely you must be to find such pain in the presence of others whom YOU consider, unworthy of your company.
Don't worry we can cope without you, and when in time you have excluded all the unworthy ones from your list , you will once again just have to, GO AND PLAY WITH YOURSELF!
And Lollypop, it looks like, you have ears that don't hear, to be put out in such a way.
You must first check the package before rejecting the contents. It seems that somewhat like,harmonic-Cleaver above you will also have a sticky time on your own.
POOR LOLLYPOP!

But on the positive side I trust we all will meet and delve into the simple unselfish pleasures of music-making
And if Harmoniclive or Lollipop were there they could always toss us a penny or two for our troubles, so then they could look a little less hypocritical.
To Garry of Australia I will say that nothing is beyond criticism, and you could indeed be right in a point or two but surely if there is a problem within the folk scene in N.S.W. we could all work together to make it better, and meeting together to make music and talk is surely a step in the right direction.
We could do with your input, not your output.
Keep making music maybe it will help with the healing.


03 May 00 - 07:55 AM (#222106)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Callie

nicely put Spider - and from the heart.


03 May 00 - 08:03 AM (#222109)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Spider Tom

Thanks Callie, looking forwards!


03 May 00 - 09:09 AM (#222126)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: GUEST,Garry of Australia

Spider Tom, you have only been in the folk scene a short time, you are not aware of the politics that goes on, in NSW we have a clicky group of people, I prefer to call them folk nazis who will not allow folk music to progress and breathe, they want to protect their own patch and keep folk music in the past even to the last century. As a result folk music has not moved for years, we do not have any highly trained instrumentalists or singers (who can read music and playor sing in all keys), no one can possibly make a good living out of folk music and to top it all, a lot of folk musicians are luddites when it comes to amplification.

I do not play in the folk scene these days because there is very little money attached, Spider Tom and I have played together on a couple of occassions and you Spider Tom know how much work I get outside the folk scene, heaps, the average person loves what I do if I have a good night even if I think I had a bad night, but over the years I have heard all sorts of comments from the average person that folkies are weird, in other words they have bad PR. To give one example I was in a line to purchase food at the St Albans festival about 8 years ago and this woman turned to me in the line and asked why there was all these strange people around.

I agree with harmonclive, mudcat is not reserved for the folkies. This is a forum and as such is open to all forms of free speech, whether the folkies like it or not.

Folkies need to broaden the music and not be stuck in this never ending spiral of Irish tunes in G or D, try some scottish tunes in Eb, that test most folkies.

I play with classical musicians, in a bushband, play some jazz and blues occassionally and it is so good to work with musicians who can read music and improvise in any key and take a simple folk tune and push it in all directions.

I have to say that most of the classical musicians I know put folkies down, they rightfully argue that there is a lot more to music than folk music and folkies need to open their eyes and broaden and move the genre on.

As a result I agree with some of the others on this page that the festivals continually have the same tired old talentless acts


03 May 00 - 10:02 AM (#222165)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Spider Tom

Well blow me down, If it isnt yourself THE Garry of Australia.
I place you now It comes to me like a stampede of wild wilderbeasts it is yourself.
I am glad that I never said anything insultive or I could have diminished the mutual respect we hold for each other.
I do sympathise with your sentiments above.
I have in my dealings with both British and Americans been given far more encouragement than it seems possible to muster in this funny little folk fraternity onto which I cling.
But I am in rather than out because I believe in this way you can slowly influence change, maybe make some people realise that if something dosent grow it dies,
Maybe make people see that there is talent under their noses yet they choose to ignore it because of some misguided loyalty to the old school.
Maybe I could stand up and bang a drum and proclaim that
This is the modern time we live in and new songs have a place in the folk scene .
BUT no I have learned to accept the indifference of some because of the support and kinship of some very special people who, make it worthwhile despite the problems but though frustrated I don't give up neither should you


03 May 00 - 10:09 AM (#222169)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Callie

What a shame you've had a bad experience. The 'folk' musicians I play with have eclectic tastes - some are musically literate, some play by ear. I enjoy making all kinds of music and find the folk scene stimulating and rich. I've found the past few St Albans which I have attended to have a mixture of high standard and also allowing musicians of all standards to join in. I personally think it's important to aim for the highest standard of musicianship possible, but other people are in the scene because the opposite also applies: there are no restrictions on WHO can make music. Others, including myself, also find the folk scene stimulating on a social level - more likely to find people with whom I share common interests which include (but are not confined to) music.

I also play a lot of jazz and actually find musicians in that genre more closed minded and less willing to try anything. Doesn't it just depend on where you are and who you're with?

My dislike for playing classical music stems mainly from the lack of connection I feel with musicians of that genre - tend to be (in my experience) quite conservative in both musical taste AND world experience and attitudes. What's the good of being able to play in four flats if the music you're making is not part of a living culture? Why do so many clasically trained musicans refer to music being created now as "twentieth century music" - as though it fits in a neat little box in order to be dismissed on the basis that it is "weird and you can't whistle the tune". It's an attitude that seems to be instilled with the training that classically trained musicians receive, and also I think connected to being tied down to reading dots and not really listening to what's being played.

It's great that a variety of opinions find their way to Mudcat - but your distaste for folkies makes me wonder what keeps you sticking around. Why not find a site that caters (catters!) more to your interest?


04 May 00 - 07:06 AM (#222809)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: harmoniclive

i would rather drown in negativity, than drown in puerile bullshit! what kind of drugs are you on spider?prozac?.in case you hadn,t noticed its a sad lonesome cold world,and trying to insult someone from the anonimity of the net doesnt help one bit.i think you had better crawl back under your rock before you get crushed by a boot heel.


04 May 00 - 08:59 AM (#222831)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Spider Tom

Harmoniclive,
How sad that you would even think such a thought.
That I would be in the least bit insultive to your poor lonely sad tragic self.
I may have given you this impression as, looking through rose coloured glasses at the world as you obviously do, you may have thought the best of me.
No harmoniclive, I was not being insultive to your special self.
I was mearly being honest, as in a fashion I'm sure you thought you were.
I would suggest that you don't trouble yourself about the purile meanderings of one such as I.
Go out into the streets in search to the answer to a question I pose;
Why would a solo player have the word harmoni? as part of their tag, when it should be Monomoniclive?
I am crawling back under my rock now it's where I keep my sense of humour, makes life that little more bearable.
Would you like to try some, or don't you like the taste?
Maybe yours is stuck fast to your heel.


04 May 00 - 09:07 AM (#222834)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Roo

http://folk.mountaintracks.com.au/St.Albans/

Some different faces in the line-up this year. Should be good.... but I will miss it. Hello all you familiar faces.


04 May 00 - 08:31 PM (#223245)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Helen

Thanks, Roo,

I'm going to check that site out now.

I'm still hoping that someone will come in on the discussion on how the Mudcatters are going to meet: day, time, place, identification clues, etc. Any suggestions?

Helen


04 May 00 - 08:48 PM (#223256)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Helen

Okay,

How about 1-2pm under the front verandah of the Pub, or as near as you can get to it, on Saturday. I'll bring the poster, and I'll put it up somewhere obvious when I get there to alert everyone.

Helen


04 May 00 - 09:45 PM (#223276)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: alison

what about 1-2pm Sat outside the barn... then we get to hear some entertainment too.... or later 5.30pm outside the barn???

slainte

alison


04 May 00 - 09:45 PM (#223277)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Callie

sigh - I can't get there until Saturday night/Sunday. Can we also meet same time on Sunday? pretty please?!


04 May 00 - 10:34 PM (#223312)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Spider Tom

We could meet twice and it would be twice as nice.
Either time is good for me.
Good thinking fellow catters,
I look forward with excitement,
Spider Tom


04 May 00 - 10:38 PM (#223313)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: alison

same time sunday lunch would be good too..... 1pm outside the barn?

slainte

alison


04 May 00 - 11:15 PM (#223325)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: alison

Garry,

"we do not have any highly trained instrumentalists or singers (who can read music and play or sing in all keys),"

surely this should read "we do not have MANY........"

How much more training do you think I should have? doesn't grade 8 theory and practical on various instruments count? (I'm sure others have qualifications too, eg The Creel), admittedly I was trained in the classical style on a few instruments (but not all) but that doesn't mean I only play classical music .... and I do consider myself to be a folkie, amongst other things.....

no I don't play much in the folk scene (except for joining in, in the clubs), the majority of my work comes from outside.. but I'm still taking folk music to those people outside the folk scene when I do those other jobs..... maybe it'll bring them into the folk clubs, and get some new blood in so we can change the way things are going......

and yes I can play in any number of sharps or flats... but apart from being an nice ego trip, who really cares? Joe public thinks "that's a nice song / tune" not "wow, he/she can play in 5 flats"....... and let's face it you don't need to if you have a capo or a transpose button....

anyone can train to be technically competent but unless the passion and fire is there.. it means nothing

slainte

alison


05 May 00 - 02:41 AM (#223377)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Helen

Okay, outside the barn is a good idea, and I like the idea of meeting on Sunday, too - don't want to miss out on meeting you, Callie, and there may be others who can't be there Sunday.

I'm happy either lunchtime or 5.30pm on Saturday. I just picked 1-2pm because I checked the program and there is a bit of a lull in the proceedings then, so hopefully none of us would be occupied with workshops/entertainment/performing etc.

Also, I will probably make up a card of some sort to put in my hatband, and when I do I'll post a copy of the design on my webpage so you can copy it or use a similar idea. I'm not really planning to use the funny springy things, although I would if I knew where to find some.

Helen


05 May 00 - 02:52 AM (#223380)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: alison

Great Helen.. give us the URL for your webpage please..... I'll probably have my mudcat T shirt on.. under whatever amount of other layers I'll need to keep warm, and probably a rainbow coloured hat if its sunny....

deedley-boppers, (spring things) I last saw in Go-Lo, or Granny Mays.....

slainte

alison


05 May 00 - 03:51 AM (#223393)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Callie

Our local granny may just closed down.

i have long brown hair (ha! that's like saying "which man is it? oh - the one with the beard!" at a festival)and will wear my black hat on sat night and sunday - it's kinda spanish looking (the hat). I'll be on the lookout!


05 May 00 - 08:24 AM (#223438)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Spider Tom

I will follow alison I know what her hat looks like see you all sat. and sun.
Spider Tom AKA ken


05 May 00 - 11:49 PM (#223886)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Helen

Great. I haven't made up the card yet, but I'll do it in the next hour or so and post it at: http://www.geocities.com/Wellesley/Gazebo/8475/mudcat.htm

- I haven't made that page up yet either, so don't jump the gun and try and find it yet. If you do arrive early and there is nothing at that address you can look at my wedding photos (2 pages) on http://www.geocities.com/Wellesley/Gazebo/8475/wedding.htm while you are in the neighbourhood. Actually it might be .html if it doesn't work with just .htm

Helen


06 May 00 - 12:42 AM (#223903)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Helen

Okay,

The Mudcat hatband card is up on my website now, i.e the 'Cat card for 'Cat hats worn by 'Cats in the Hats. href=http://www.geocities.com/Wellesley/Gazebo/8475/mudcat.htm>http://www.geocities.com/Wellesley/Gazebo/8475/mudcat.htm

I need to tidy up the Mudcat Cafe font a bit but I'll probably do that later today and post the revised version. It's usable in the current form but it could be a bit clearer.

Just to make the arrangements clear - we really hadn't picked either lunchtime or evening yet: let's make it 5.30pm Saturday, outside the barn, and 1pm Sunday, same place. How about that, 'Cats in the Hats? Will the 'Cats come back the very next day?

Helen

I'll make the sign


06 May 00 - 12:51 AM (#223908)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Helen

Sorry, blue clicky thingy gone ga-ga.


Click here


06 May 00 - 02:48 AM (#223938)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Callie

Thanks Helen

your blue clicky thing wasn't right - either that or my machine didn't recognise the link. But the links you provided in the previous thread are spot on!! there'll be a cat on MY hat!

Callie


06 May 00 - 07:52 AM (#223975)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Helen

Thanks Callie. It's all to do with the "\" (back-slash) at the very end of the address. I tried the blue clicky thing the first time without the slash and didn't work so I put it in the second time so now the clicky thing works but it's the wrong address. Should I try again? Ah, why not??

clickythingy#3

If it doesn't work you'll know why.

For the 'Cat-hat-card: either print it off from the webpage or right mouse click on it if you are using a PC which allows this, save the image, then insert it into MsWord. Then you can double click on the picture, use the "handles" and make it whatever size you want, within reason (for the sake of clarity of image) and then print it out. I made it about as high as the short side of an A4 page and about 3"(8cm) wide. It's a GIF image, but if anyone wants a BMP image you can send me a personal message with your e-mail address and I'll e-mail it to you - if you trust me enough to send a file attachment (that's a JOKE: I LOVE YOU all, especially on MOTHER'S DAY, even if you are VERY FUNNY or live in LITHUANIA - (if I read this thread in a year or so I'll wonder what the hell I am talking about so I'd better remind myself: The Love Bug e-mail worm/virus)

Let me know if it doesn't work out. Helen


06 May 00 - 07:56 AM (#223976)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Helen

Sorry - I made the clicky thingy work this time but to the wedding page and not the Mudcat page. Just replace the word "wedding" with the word "mudcat" - I'm not going to do it again.

Helen


06 May 00 - 10:21 PM (#224195)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: alison

Thanks Helen.. got mine now.....

so it's outside the barn
5.30 Sat
1pm Sun

slainte

alison


07 May 00 - 03:43 AM (#224256)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Spider Tom

To Mudcatters; Alison, Callie and Helen,and Bob. B.
I will be there.
Wild heels(or wild eals) will not keep me away,I think I have it clear thats 5.30p.m.Sat. and 1.00p.m.Sun, outside the Barn.
Lucky Me!

See you all, Spider Tom.


07 May 00 - 05:42 AM (#224265)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Billy the Bus

G'day OzCobs,

Trust Snalbans went well.

Missed a KiwiCob by minutes on HearMe, today.

PS - ain't seen nun'a'ya at Mudcat Tavern. Packa whimps? Can't handle ya booze?

Shit'n'can - Sam


07 May 00 - 05:56 AM (#224267)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Callie

It's not the booze that worries me - it's the smoke. I'm asthmatic.


08 May 00 - 01:43 AM (#224533)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: alison

Me too Callie.. the barn is great for that... hay dust everywhere!!!

slainte

alison


08 May 00 - 07:49 AM (#224584)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Helen

Billy the Bus/Sam,

It ain't over yet - it hasn't even begun. I wouldn't want to risk your wrath by telling you your own time zone (Big Grin) but we're not *that* much different from EnZed. It starts on Friday evening so you have plenty of time to jump on a plane, or sail your sailboat over here and meet us at the Barn.

Helen


08 May 00 - 08:21 AM (#224589)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Billy the Bus

Gawd,

Am I a week in advance? Better reset my watch, thort daylight saving was over

Shucks, I'm ahead of mesself...

Promise not to come though - could be a real Barney

LOL - Sam


09 May 00 - 05:49 AM (#225100)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Helen

It's all right - we'll form a bodyguard and protect you from the other Aussies - at least *we* know when you are joking and when you are serious.

Helen


09 May 00 - 07:34 AM (#225111)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Spider Tom

Yes billy please do come and if you are in any way threatened, you can hide under my rock .
T'wood be good to see ya',
Looks like I'll be safe with all the strong women around though>
Spider Tom


10 May 00 - 06:39 AM (#225704)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Billy the Bus

G'day OzCobs,

Hey, what a lot of softsoap! Protection - indeed? When did a Kiwi ever need mumble.. mumble.. didn't we give you Joe Bjorke P..? I'd take up the challenge if it wasn't for a severe case of abject poverty (terminal, I fear). Anyway, I wouldn't survive the 3-hr air-trip. Take me back to the good old days of TEAL and the flying boats, when a guy could sit back with a comfortable pipe - AND our rotten Govt just added another 10% to the tax on me baccy.... Snivel, winge, moan..

Seriously (Wat?) - if you run across any (aged) ex-pat Kiwis, who remember "Sam", from the Auck/Wgtn/Chch folkscene of the 60s & 70s, say G'day, and have a spot with 'em for me please.

BTW - if you don't get any cheek for a while, don't relax, thinking I've done a runner. "Percy 'Puter's" up for major surgery in the next couple or three days. We'll try doing the op' here, but may have to call in the "Flyin' Doc" and send him to the mainland - could be a couple of weeks. Incidentally, one of your 1st Flying Dr's nurses was a lass Lillian(?) Smith - a mate's aunt, from here on Stewart Island... So there ya' go

Have a bonzer bush-bash buddies - Sam


10 May 00 - 06:53 AM (#225711)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Spider Tom

Hello all St Albans Mudcatters, I hope to see you all at the meeting place BUT on Sunday I am doing a cpncert at the Fickle Wombat and don't know exactly what time I will be on.
The concert is meant to finish at @pm so I hope to catch you all somehow.
Spider Tom (Ken Robertson In case your looking for me.)


10 May 00 - 07:53 AM (#225722)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Spider Tom

ATTENTION!,
Now of course anyone reading my sentence above would not realy know what time I finish at the Wombat that was meant to read 2pm,
I know you lot are clever enough to work it out, BUT there is one other problem IF Alison and Ken are both not there at meeting time it will be because I am still singing and Alison is consented to be my accomplice in executing this task (That means Flute, tin whistle Accordian and Voice)
SHE HAS NO FEAR!
So if we aren't there we will be the singing playing pair at the wombat wearing Mudcat cards upon our persons.
See you there
S.T.


10 May 00 - 08:28 AM (#225733)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: GUEST

So, it seems to me that we should just change the location of the Sunday meeting to the Wombat. What do you all reckon?

Sure, Billy, if we catch any Kiwi's we'll put them on the spot and ask them if they know you. Then we'll get 'em sloshed and find out all the good goss on you and you'll never hear the end of it.

Hope your 'pewter survives the surgery.

Helen


10 May 00 - 08:34 AM (#225734)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Spider Tom

Helen you are SO CLEVER, what a perfect solution see you then.


10 May 00 - 10:53 AM (#225808)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: alison

Problem.. It is Mother's Day and they are suggesting you book tables... meet you outside when we're finished if you can't squeeze in....

slainte

alison


10 May 00 - 08:03 PM (#226125)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Helen

OK, Alison, Plan A or Plan B. Like good *Person* Scouts, "Be prepared"!

Helen


10 May 00 - 10:13 PM (#226175)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Callie

ok - if I can't get IN, I'll be outside UNLESS Solidarity Choir is performing in the final concert at that time. (wow - ifs, buts and maybes!).

But if everyone is weraing their hatbands, maybe I'll be able to find people before then ...

soooon!


14 May 00 - 03:11 AM (#227797)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Chicky

So S'nalbans folk, how'd it go? Any surprises when you met eachother face2face?

Wish I coulda been there Chicky


14 May 00 - 03:32 AM (#227799)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Helen

Well, I met Alison again - I first met her 2 years ago at St Albans so this was our second meeting. And I met Bob Bolton who was a familiar face from about 15-20 years ago from the Newcastle Folk Festivals, which are now defunct, unfortunately, and reincarnated as Wollombi Folk Festival. The three of us had a mini session at lunchtime today. I also met Spider Tom for the first time, a lovely bloke.

Spider Tom and Alison performed at the Mother's Day concert today and they sounded wonderful, and then we had another chat and then I came home. Alison met Callie but I didn't get to meet her - maybe next time, I hope, or at another folk event maybe.

Alison has taken some digital photos so they should be up on bbc's site soon, I hope.

I had a great time and it was nice adding to my list of Mudcat friends in the real world. Meet you all again, soon, I hope.

Helen


14 May 00 - 03:57 AM (#227803)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Helen

I forgot to say I also met Alison's children and her partner Mark who has started the Craigilee thread so he qualifies as a Mudcatter, and Terry, an organiser of the St Albans festival who is a very-nearly-but-not-quite 'Catter because he said he was tempted to respond to some comments in the St Albans thread but stopped himelf just in time. Speaking about time, it is probably only a matter of time before he posts a reply or a new query and he'll be Mudcatted before he knows it - addicted like the rest of us.

Helen


14 May 00 - 04:06 AM (#227805)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Billy the Bus

Thanks for the news Helen, hope there's more to come from the others.

Cheers - Sam


14 May 00 - 06:21 AM (#227811)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Bob Bolton

G'day Helen,

Actually Mark is (musical) partner to a different Alison - Alison Cone of Tursacan a trio that performed at St Albans. Alison is also editor/designer of The Cornstalk Gazette the journal of the New South Wales Folk Federation and the frequent recipient of digital scans of some of my festival photography.

You probably didn't see Alison Cone if you weren't at either performance as she seems to have headed back south to Canberra fairly promptly. I will see if I have anything interesting ... when the photos as developed tomorrow.

Bob Bolton (Who left the digital camera behind and used real film and camera)


14 May 00 - 07:36 AM (#227816)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Chicky

Hi folks. I'm writing this from the house of Chicky. It was really good to meet Alison and Spider Tom briefly. i tried to get to the second meeting place for the Mothers' Day concert, but I missed Alison and Spider (Margaret bradford was on by that time). Sorry I didn't get to spend any time with anyone or meet the other Catters. Maybe next time! look forward to seeing the photos (digital et al). Cheers (in an exhausted fashion!) Callie


14 May 00 - 09:20 PM (#228015)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: alison

Yes Helen, it wasn't my Mark who started the thread, my hubby is also a Mark and you did meet him and my kids (their first festival and they loved it... although they loved playing in the river most of all.....)

It was lovely to meet up with Helen and Bruce, and Callie.... I even got to play Helen's baby. We sat outside on the Sunday morning.... me on flute, Helen on harp and Bob on button accordion... gathered a nice little crowd..... it was lovely.....

must do it again sometime, photos will appear as soon as I can figure out how to get them off the camera.... hahaha

slainte

alison


14 May 00 - 11:28 PM (#228052)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: GUEST,Mark (Tursacan).

Hi All,

I didnt get to do much but perform at St Albans. Great fun but very hectic (multiple percussion is labour intensive).

Thats percussion (which includes drums) - take note. And percussion does NOT mean LOUD!

I had to keep telling everyone that drums are not necessarily loud. They are dynamic (the most dynamic) instruments and that actually allows for a great range of expression. Drums can be very soft too.

Anyway. . .

I did run into Bob. Thanks muchly for the Craigielea info.

And I did run into Allison and Mark (the other Allison and Mark). Coincidences are intriguing things.

Anyway, I am off to play dynamic instruments with skins on them that are not necessarily loud and unmusical.


14 May 00 - 11:43 PM (#228056)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: alison

you forgot to tell them that while you are playing the "dynamic instruments with skins on them that are not necessarily loud and unmusical".. you are playing counter rhythms on a didgeridoo... very talented man.....

it was a bizarre situation.. there was a 5th person present and we introduced outrselves to her... "we're alison and Mark, and they're Alison and Mark."

slainte

alison


14 May 00 - 11:56 PM (#228062)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: GUEST,Mark

Sorry Alison I spelt you Allison. My Alison only has one "L" and, it appears, so do you.

As far as didge and percussion goes. . . I figured that I use all four limbs so I should use my lungs as well. And being a "real aussie bloke" singing is something I have not been courageous enough to do.

So I just breath into a hollow tree limb and blow rasberries in time (very toneful rasberriesof course - or so Mick from Didgeriblues says).

And, not satisfied with that I am designing a triple slide didge (trombone style)and a talking snare drum (pitch change by pushing knees together whilst seated).

So,,, thats both feet, knees, both arms, 10 fingers, lungs and lips (no wonder I pull such funny faces when I perform).

Seeyas ;-)


15 May 00 - 12:39 AM (#228076)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Callie

HI Turascan Mark

I heard your Sat night perfromance at the SOup Kitchen. Loved your material and your playing, and just want to let you know that the audience was with you all the way DESPITE the appalling sound set up. They really never got it right. We could tell how the music was 'meant' to sound, but the bad sound set up really did you guys a disservice.

Love the furry drum!

--Callie


15 May 00 - 01:07 AM (#228082)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Spider Tom

Hello Fellow Catters,
I was pleased to find the flesh, was at least as fullfilling as the,pictures I had hatched in the mind.
No axe whielding, piss-taking, hard sulking head shaking, wet blankets, but warm and fuzzy people-cats.
Several things transpired, we 3 of us share a similar name,3 of us were blessed with St. Albans dew waters flung by the breeze,2 of us plucked opon a harp, and I bet soon will both own harps, I know it will come.
Next time there WILL be a secret hand shake,
Helen, Callie, Bob and Alison and Spider Tom(ken)now share a common bond. (well, I was already common)
And to Guest Mark we have met, I thought I recognized my pet goat stretching himself accross one of your percussive tone emmitting devices(I realised he wasn't my goat, mine was never that flat) Also Mark I look forward to hearing "your snare drum that alters pitch when you close your legs", I have used a similare technique on my vocals and find it quite affective. I must warn you, that it does tend to hurt if done too rapidly, also a higher than required pitch is emmitted.
Good to hear/ see from you all,
Spider Tom (ken)


15 May 00 - 07:52 AM (#228142)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Helen

That's right, not only were there 2 Alison & Marks but there were 3 of us with the same surname. Beat that - in a dynamically musical fashion, of course.

I understand now why I was confused about which Mark. I did actually see the other Alison & Mark but didn't get a chance to introduce myself.

Helen


16 May 00 - 12:06 AM (#228561)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Bob Bolton

G'day Antipodean Catters who survived St Albans,

I have my films back, along with a CD of (web-sized) scans, so I will forward some to bbc and see if she has a place for a few of them. I shall forward a group shot of Helen (with her husband Bruce), Spider Tomm, Alison and myself and a few of Helen and Alison exploring the harp.

Regards,

Bob Bolton


16 May 00 - 12:55 AM (#228577)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: alison

Thanks Bob,

looking forward to seeing them on Bbc's site.

slainte

alison


15 Apr 01 - 10:04 PM (#441436)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Helen

I'm refreshing last year's thread, to repeat last year's question by Alison: how many 'Catters are going to St Alban's FF this year (NSW, OZ. O/s 'Catters welcome but you had better get your skates on and book your plane ticket now - *g*).

And secondly, and much more importantly: what date is it this year and where is the website now?

I think I saw that it is on the weekend of 11-14th May. My sister and I are booked to play for a wedding until 4.30pm on Sat 12th but I'm trying to organise it for my sister & her husband to go to St Albans as well after the wedding, so at least we would have Sat night and Sunday there.

Helen


15 Apr 01 - 10:16 PM (#441444)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Helen

Well, I just found the website here


St Albans http://web.one.net.au/~johnandbetty/

And it is on the 27th - 29th April. Yay! That means I can go earlier than Saturday afternoon.

Last time I searched for the website it wasn't updated for this year. Now it is, so check out the list of performers.

And the fair Alison is performing again I see. As well as me old mate Frank Povah, and Ulladulla (is Rick Wright really his name - never knew that!)


16 Apr 01 - 03:18 AM (#441532)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: alison

yep I'll be there Helen, doing whistle and bodhran workshops.... just got back from the national......

see you there........

slainte

alison


16 Apr 01 - 09:03 AM (#441587)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Callie

Oh no Alison - you were at the National? I missed you!! Also just back from the National - happy &/but exhausted!

See you all at Snalbans (I'm playing with Touchwood)

Callie


16 Apr 01 - 09:15 AM (#441592)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Roo

I'll be at St Albans on Saturday afternoon... sorry the site moved camp.. John is now housing it on his server. He was going to learn how to make the site too... but the year went by too quickly!


16 Apr 01 - 07:04 PM (#442054)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Helen

So are we having a 'Cat-together again? Maybe Saturday arvo and Sunday morning like last year? Other suggestions?

Helen


16 Apr 01 - 11:48 PM (#442235)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: alison

yep I'm game for that.... name your times.... I think my workshops are more or less first thing in the mornings.. so I'm free anytime after that......

Callie... I paraded around on Saturday in my Mudcat T-shirt..... unfortunately didn't bump into any 'catters.....

slainte

alison


18 Apr 01 - 07:22 AM (#443292)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Helen

Well how about 2pm Saturday - just picking a time out of nowhere, here, so open to negotiation - and I don't know what time Sunday. What time do you think you will be finished, Alison?

Helen


18 Apr 01 - 09:09 AM (#443348)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: alison

if I'm on first thing... I think its 9-10am or 9.30 - 10.30am......

I'll check and see if the program is up yet.. but 2pm Sat sounds good....

slainte

alison


18 Apr 01 - 08:37 PM (#443930)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Helen

Well, I was thinking maybe 11am Sunday, or noon.

Are you bringing your harp, Alison? Hope so - harp duets - Yes!!

Helen


18 Apr 01 - 08:53 PM (#443935)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: alison

sounds even better... yes I'll bring it....

outside the barn 11am sunday

slainte

alison


19 Apr 01 - 07:05 AM (#444213)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Helen

Ok, same as last year - mini session.

Great - looking forward to it.

Helen


25 Apr 01 - 07:41 PM (#449447)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Helen

So we've got Roo, Callie, Alison, me...anyone else?

Have you all got the Mudcat logo or a t-shirt to flash around so we'll recognise you?

The
logo is still here if you want to print it out. Bob Bolton kindly laminated some for us last year so we could pin them to our hats, etc.

http://www.geocities.com/Wellesley/Gazebo/8475/mudcat.htm

Isn't Bob coming this year?

And to synchronise our 'Cat-watches: We're meeting 2pm Saturday, and 11am Sunday, outside the barn.

Can't wait! See you there.

Helen


25 Apr 01 - 08:08 PM (#449463)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: alison

see you there Helen... you bringing a camera?... I ahven't got the digital this year

slainte

alison


26 Apr 01 - 06:52 AM (#449688)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: JennieG

I was hoping to go but won't be able to.....the dreaded lurgy seems to have me in its grip and won't let go! Bugger!! So don't worry about taking my kilt with you Alison as I won't be able to collect it. Have fun for me instead.
Cheers
JennieG


26 Apr 01 - 08:08 AM (#449710)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: alison

damn... and I had it all packed too.... I promise I WILL get it back to you before the winter....

hope you feel better soon Jenny....

slainte

alison


26 Apr 01 - 08:49 AM (#449735)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Bob Bolton

G'day Alison, Helen, JenniG &c,

I suspect I'm not going to make it either - my car is still at Mittagong, after losing water on the way to the National. I hope this mob of mechanics grind fine - they are certainly exceeding slow!

It will be a pity to miss it this year - Snalbans is a nice little festival ... and John & Betty reminded me that I was (partly) responsible for it starting, as I was Folk Fed Pres. at the time (1980). Of course, I just let the keen ones go and do it ... and they did well.

Regards,

Bob Bolton


26 Apr 01 - 10:31 AM (#449798)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Callie

Hi all. 2pm outside the barn it is!! I know we have a gig on Saturday and not sure when. That's the only thing that would keep me away!

see you soon

Callie


26 Apr 01 - 07:18 PM (#450237)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Helen

JennieG and Bob,

Sorry you won't be there. I missed out on meeting you, Callie, last year so I'll make sure I meet you this time.

Anyone know if Spider Tom is going to be there too?

Helen


26 Apr 01 - 09:43 PM (#450288)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: alison

unfortunately I doubt it very much........

slainte

alison


27 Apr 01 - 04:08 PM (#450655)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Charley Noble

Please start a new thread "St. Albans - Aussie 2001"; this one takes too long to load. I'd like to listen in as someone who might be visiting Sydney this October, and I'll be looking for pubs or other places where folks like you swap songs. I'm not even sure what Aussie Mudcatters look like.
Cheerily,
Charley Noble


27 Apr 01 - 07:11 PM (#450761)
Subject: RE: St Albans - Aussie 'catters
From: Helen

Hi Charley,

I've made a new thread called

Help: Sydney, October 2001 - pubs, clubs etc

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=33692&messages=1

St Alban's is this weekend so we'll start another thread about how much fun it was in a couple of days.

See you in the other thread.

Helen