2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: Snuffy
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 08:02 PM

A good song is a good song whatever its age, and I don't include or exclude songs on the basis of date.

I just find that much modern stuff doesn't "say" anything to me. But then I'm probably a wierdo anyway - I buy albums of field recordings rather than current artists. Latest purchases include 1928 recordings of shanties on dictaphone cylinders. Hard work!

BTW - many of the old singers had a very wide mix, from traditional ballads to music hall stuff, but the collectors didn't want to know about the "trash" so they never noted them.

Wild Rover or Spiral Staircase? For some of us the choice is easy.

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: kendall
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 07:35 PM

I have always loved the old tried and true folk songs, but, there is also a lot of very good recently written songs to be sung too. Songs by Utah Phillips, Tom Paxton, Dave Mallett and Gordon Bok, to name a few. If it is a good song, I don't care how old it is, I'll do it. If it is a bad song, I just don't bother with it, because someone else might like it. It takes more than dust and mold to make a song good.

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: Janie
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 07:19 PM

Morty--you will be missed!

Jim--what a great idea!

Janie

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 05:08 PM

I have been collecting information on how to build home-made instruments for some time (kid oriented). This was mostly for the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts and they have made some pretty creative projects as a result.

So, what about this for both kids and adults:

Saturday Morning: A session on how to build an instrument, with several examples. I would bring some of the raw materials but would need others to contribute. Posibilities include stick dulcimers, cookie tin banjos, milk jug ukuleles, kazoos, kalimbas, shakers and percussion, panpipes, etc. And of course gutbuckets!

Saturday during the day: The participants would build their instruments and practice. Volunteers can help

Saturday evening or Sunday morning. Gather to select a song (or songs) to play at the Sunday Evening Concert. Practice it/them a couple of times.

Sunday during the day: Become brilliant on our instruments (practice)

Sunday evening: The Debut performance of the Get A Way Now Orchestra!!!!

I can bring plans and instructions, fishing line of various diameters, plastic containers and coffee cans, 1x2's, bamboo, kazoo diaphram material (wax paper), tooth picks for frets, etc.

We would need others to help contribute more supplies such as the veneer from old doors (makes great sound boards), buckets, corks, broken rakes (for kalimbas), cigar boxes, carpet tubes, etc. etc.

We would also need some hand tools that are relatively safe to use. Mostly hand saws, coping saws, files, and hand drills.

Last, and most important is having several volunteers to help monitor the kids for safe use of tools and to make and play their own instruments.

Tinker, didn't you get your cubs to build stick dulcimers once?

Do you think the kids (of all ages) would sign up to do something like this? It may interfere with their running around and Majic Card trading/playing. I think it would be worth it if we knew we had about 6 to 10 participants before hand.

JAB
Gutbucketeer

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 01:48 PM

or at least learn how to 'fake' older songs

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: Bert
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 01:44 PM

...just can't get interested in much singer/songwriter stuff... Yer right Snuffy, they turn out an awful lot of crap at times. But that's why we need workshops, to polish our skills.

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: Dani
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 01:12 PM

Spirits DEFINITELY!!

Dani

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: Morticia
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 11:50 AM

Goodness.....I really don't know what to say.Thanks for the brilliant poem Janie.

I couldn't be more flattered and delighted you'd want me back at all, never mind help out with the fares and yes, of course, I would LOVE to be there...and give you guys a chance to celebrate with us and us with you ( and get to see my intended)...but I honestly don't see how it can be done. I have no holiday left and unpaid leave is out of the question I'm afraid...mortgages to pay and kids and cats to feed.

Thank you all though, you have made me feel very special. You can bet I will be there with you in spirit..or spirits possibly.

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: Bill D
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 10:45 AM

*I can hear her thinking it over*

so...Jed...any chance you might make it again?

Snuffy..."Oh, and Snuffy knows every song ever written...
"But very little later than 1960 "
....now, that's my kind of man! *grin* I was once working at a place where they played an "oldies" radio station..(as in LAST decade)..I informed them that, in the circles I hang out in, the 'oldies' meant before 1700!

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 10:07 AM

yup - fact it could be a workshop....Love songs for a TransAtlantic Couple...

heck - split the plane fair and Getaway fee fifteen or twenty ways and should be simple!

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: Dani
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 10:05 AM

I knew she was cute, but who knew she was so talented!?

She's right, you know. I'd help, too. Consider it a scholarship of LOVE.

Plan ahead, and we can make this work!!

Dani

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: JedMarum
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 10:00 AM

songs sung to alternate melodies?

Try Brennan on the Moor to the melody of Ghost Riders in the Sky - it brings a surprising humor to the songs!

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: Janie
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 09:57 AM

Yo Morticia!!!!

A year from now
You'll take from us
Our good friend Allan C.
To dwell in jolly England
Across the wide blue sea.
Not only that!
We 'catter's here will be too broke to go
To Yorkshire where there will occur
The splendid Nuptials show

But we have earned the right to have
A celebration day
To toast the starry lovers here in the USA.
It is plain truth that you first met
In Maryland on the Bay
On a clear October morning
At a folksong Getaway

For ten or twelve or twenty folk
To fly to London town
And take a train to Yorkshire
Will cost too many pounds.
But some of us on Mudcat
Have said we'll pass a virtual Hat
To buy a ticket for a plane
(won't cost each more than a bottle of champagne)
And bring one favorite British lass
Back to that hallowed place.

So get your visa and your passport stamped
And pack your bags for Ramblewood Camp
We'd love to see Micca and Pixie there
Alas they'll need to find their own fare
We'll have a party
We'll celebrate
Allan C.'s and Morticia's fate
To join their lives together.

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: Snuffy
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 08:51 AM

Oh, and Snuffy knows every song ever written...

But very little later than 1960 (apart from Les Barker and the Kipper Family!) - just can't get interested in much singer/songwriter stuff. Maybe it's the guitars that put me off.

I like Theresa's "follow my leader" idea (with a prize for the most outrageous, groan inducing link!), and I'm sure we could muster a Shellback Gospel Choir.

WassaiL! v

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: karen k
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 12:08 AM

I'll absolutely be there. Rita, don't forget gospel. I'd love to do a half hour mini-concert if it's not too presumtuous to ask. Ballads are good and I'd love the jugband workshop to happen again as I missed the last one. Well, that's my two cents for now.

Rita, see you at Augusta! Also, where are you going in Mass.? That's my neck of the woods.

I know you'll do an awesome job as usual.

k

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: Ferrara
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 11:17 PM

Folks, this is an absolutely wonderful response! I am so pleased to see so much interest and so many excellent ideas. And so many folks who are already planning to be here! Good stuff.

We're having a house concert here (Danny Spooner) next Thursday and then I'm off to Augusta Vocal Week, then four days at home, and a trip to Massachusetts for a friend's 50th birthday (a mere baby!) so I may or may not be able to respond to each individual idea right away.

But I have to write up a notice next week for the FSGW newsletter asking for input. I plan to list all of your suggestions as of the time I submit it, and ask for ideas from the newsletter readers as well.

I'll see if I can get my write-up posted on the FSGW web site, too.

Keep those cards and letters coming! (uhhh... e-cards and e-letters, I guess....)

As to the ideas suggested above, I like 'em all. Really I do. There is an excellent balance of different styles and themes suggested so far, all of it interesting.

We'll see how many of them I can fit into the program. With luck, we may be able to use all of them. They are really good ideas.

Part of the challenge is to find a knowledgeable leader for each workshop. Another challenge is to have a fair selection of people involved as leaders, and to have some variety from year to year, and not to play favorites, and not to set up workshops that nobody wants to go to, and not to create too many conflicts in each hour's schedule, and not to make too many workshop leaders miserable by scheduling them against their second favorite event of the weekend, and to make allowances for people who will only be there for one day or the other, and... you get the picture.

Wow. Maybe you folks will do so much of the work for me that I won't even be an exhausted nervous wreck this year by the time Getaway weekend rolls around. Wouldn't that be nice. :-)

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 10:49 PM

Rita-
I'll be there (on time, this year) with Susan. Do with me what you will.

(but I may be late this time - Susan)

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: Tinker
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 10:36 PM

Morti... If you haven't come up with a better excuse than airfare and Getaway fees... you better start making plans girl... PLEASE

I'd love to be part of a Music Hall Session

ANd I add seconds and thirds to tearjerk songs and ballads.

Women work and wisdom had a good crowd last year... and I've got a new round of Street Walkin' Blues (but those may be best left to late at night...BG)

Tinker

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: Dani
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 09:47 PM

How about (what's the word for it?) a workshop on songs that can be sung to other tunes, tunes used in many songs, etc? Some of you know HUNDREDS of these. Ever since I heard "O, Little Town of Bethlehem" sung to the tune of "House of the Rising Sun" I've been fascinated by this. Also, there've been songs I've learned the lyrics to on Mudcat that I didn't know the tune for, and slipped it into something else.

Dani

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: Gorgeous Gary
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 09:41 PM

Borrowing a page from Kendall, I'll be there as long as the US lets me come back **home** after my vacation in Toronto this August! 8-)

I wouldn't mind a reprise of the Kipling, I could certainly do Jewish songs again, or maybe songs from literary sources (which I once did a successful Open Sing on).

And y'all know how dangerous I am with funny songs and parodies...

-- Gary

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: CET
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 09:09 PM

Charmion and I are planning to be there.

Crime and punishment are always good subjects for singing.

Would there be enough interest in a session of songs in languages other than English?

I like Big Mick's idea of a session on the immigrant experience in war too.

Edmund

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: Janie
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 08:11 PM

Rita--I believe Kendall has just volunteered!

Come on over Morti--I'll chip in too!

Janie

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: kendall
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 07:59 PM

I know some tear jerkers that would bring a tear to a glass eye.

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: Noreen
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 07:55 PM

Oh, and Snuffy knows every song ever written...
:0)

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: treaties1
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 07:25 PM

I'm another Shellback member and happy to volunteer to lead a sing-a-round or similar such as

"The Song Game" An opening first song has to be followed by someone else's, but the next singer must provide some sort of link, how-ever tenuous, between the songs; and then et al. Can be free-for- all or sing-a-round format. Can be great fun.

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: MMario
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 07:18 PM

I'd chip in for airfare as well Morti!

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: Janie
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 07:13 PM

How about a session on political protest/peace songs, etc? Many of us find ourselves having to dust off some of the old ones, and would love to here some new ones.

Janie

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: SINSULL
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 06:52 PM

Morty - I can guarantee airfare if you guarantee to appear. "There's a $5 fine for whining" so knock it off and get your passport in order.
Come on, Morty. Pleeeease... Allan may be there.

I will be there. I loved the Tear Jerker Workshop and would be pleased to assist in another or any sort of "Over The Top" tearing at the heart strings or demanding OUTRAGE type tunes.

The Old Time (pre 1945)Country session was fun and I raved about enough to recruit a few more attendees.

I just can't wait.

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: kendall
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 06:51 PM

Now Morty, you had a chance to come! sigh!

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: Snuffy
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 06:50 PM

New passport arrived today, and I've already got my plane ticket.

Ballads is good. And parodies and comic songs. And music hall.
And anything else.

But late night singing, Noreen? What's wrong with 24/7?

WassaiL! V

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: Morticia
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 06:38 PM

{{{{sob}}}}

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: Noreen
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 06:34 PM

Barb, 'twas you I had in mind... now isn't that strange?!
Bill, we do late-night singing!

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: Dani
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 05:48 PM

Coming!!

Second the jugband workshop.

Loved the Kipling. And anything Lisa Null does. Also Charlie Baum. And Kendall. And Mick. And Dick. And...... parodies or just comic songs in general....

Now that you've planted the bug, I'll pull out my old papers and remember what was *most* wonderful. As if anything was less than wonderful.

Thanks, Rita!

Dani

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: Barb'ry
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 04:46 PM

Hi Rita
You have some great ideas going! Like Noreen, I am part of the Shellback Chorus and love the maritime songs etc, but again, my real love is for traditional ballads, particularly English and Scottish and would be happy to help out if you did want to do a 'both sides of the Atlantic' workshop.
Good luck
Barbara

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: Bill D
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 04:45 PM

" Anywhere a few Shellbacks gather is a focus for rousing chorus/harmony singing- so be warned!"

..sounds like some good late-night singing to be had! We will have to choose someplace other than that tiny room in one cabin... :>) (lots of places to sing at this camp...will probably be several groups going at once)

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: Mantid
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 08:51 AM

Hi Rita,
We really enjoyed the contra and waltz dancing workshops last year. Would love to see them repeated this time also.

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: Noreen
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 07:16 AM

Hi, Rita.
Although I will be at the Getaway (hurrah!) with the Shellback Chorus and have a wonderful time singing shanties and sea songs with them, my first and abiding love is for Irish traditional (unaccompanied) songs, and associated songs from the English and Scottish traditions.

I would be very happy to take part in or lead a workshop-type-singaround along these lines, perhaps with the help of a couple of other Shellbacks, providing of course that these didn't interfere with Shellback commitments. Perhaps a ballad workshop, with input of ballads from the different traditions from both sides of the Atlantic?

As you suspect, Shellbacks are a talented bunch in a number of fields, including (off the top of my head) English music-hall songs and humorous songs as well as non-maritime chorus songs. Anywhere a few Shellbacks gather is a focus for rousing chorus/harmony singing- so be warned!

While I wouldn't presume to volunteer anybody else, I will mention that you're looking for volunteers :0)

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: Big Mick
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 12:04 AM

I will be there, Rita, with bells on.

How about songs about the immigrant experience in the military. I am thinking San Patricio's, Civil War, in fact any war.

Great Lakes maritime songs? Might be a nice twist with the Shellback Chorus.

I love the jug band idea.

I thought the scary songs thing two years ago was great.

Songs that stand a chance of becoming folk songs? Stuff from the last 40 years that tell a great yarn and might be interpreted and modified by the folk process.

Let me know if I can do anything to help you.

Mick

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 22 Jul 03 - 11:25 PM

Janie:

I second the Jug band/Novelty Music Workshop! I'll be glad to help with it too. I've come to realize that I'm a real stumblebum when I have to lead anything, so I'm not so keen at leading it.

JAB
Gutbucketeer

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: Janie
Date: 22 Jul 03 - 10:26 PM

WooHoo!!! I've been thinking it is just about time for something to appear. I'll be there even I have to miss my own funeral.

I am assuming (hoping, praying) that Lisa will do a vocal clinic?

Would love to see the contra dance happen again. (cuz I missed it last year.)

Two years ago there was a workshop on jugband/novelty music. A repeat, or something close would be nice. Or just Appalachian stringband music?

A workshop on anything Kendall wants to do it on!!!

What about a Carter family workshop?

Hey, if its about music, I'll be happy with anything.

And in advance, thanks so much for all the work you and the other FSGW folks do so we can just show up and have a wonderful, musical weekend.

Janie

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: Bert
Date: 22 Jul 03 - 10:24 PM

Craig,

I did a workshop on songwriting techniques a couple of years ago. Only five people showed up (mind you we were in the same time slot as Sandy and Caroline, so I'm surprised we even got that many against those two). I'd be willing to run one again this year if there is enough interest.

But there might be more interest in an ongoing songwriter's showcase.
I'd be willing to lead that too, again if there is enough interest. I would envisage a room where people could come and sing their own songs and tell us about them. I don't have any idea at the moment of how long it would take but I could envisage several hours being needed for all the songwriting talent at Mudcat. We could even finish with a concert of songs which have wn Mudcat awards.

Anyway it's all fun; what does everyone else think?

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: MMario
Date: 22 Jul 03 - 09:30 PM

I will be there - If I have to bloody WALK this year...

And I'm agreeable - if we can figure out what you'd like me to do. *grin*

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: kendall
Date: 22 Jul 03 - 07:13 PM

Unless Asscroft bans all travel, I'll be there.

Subject: RE: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: CraigS
Date: 22 Jul 03 - 04:36 PM

How about a workshop on songwriting techniques, or a demonstration workshop to explain the differences between the free reed instruments ( anglo & english concertinas, melodeons, accordeons, harmonicas), or a demonstration workshop to explain why any rational being would take up playing a banjo instead of putting it in a dumpster? People don't always know why they like to listen to things, and they do like to be able to appreciate the finer points of what they hear - demonstrations of the fancier stuff help this, but do not demand that they participate.

Subject: 2003 FSGW Getaway - ideas for program
From: Ferrara
Date: 22 Jul 03 - 04:15 PM

Hi, everyone,

I'm program chair again this year for the FSGW Getaway. The Catch-22 about the Getaway is that I can't design the program until I know who's coming, but the registration forms aren't even out yet much less being sent to us!

So, I'd like some input from you folks in Mudcat land. (Will also put a version of this message in the September FSGW newsletter).

First of all, who's planning or hoping to come?

Second, if you've been here before, what workshops/concerts etc would you like to see repeated?

Third, do you have suggestions for workshops?

Fourth, do you know someone who has a special interest, is hoping to come, and might lead a workshop or do a half hour mini concert? Or would you like to do so?

You can PM me about your suggestions or post them here.

I know the Shellback Chorus are planning to come. Would especially like to know more about the members of that group. I know you all do shanties and maritime music, but I'm sure there are lots of other interests too.

Workshops take two forms. First is the sing-around on a specific topic, such as "Love songs." Second is the concert/workshop, where the leaders are very knowledgeable about a certain type of music. I may ask them to do about 15 minutes of music, then ask for songs from the attendees, then do a few more songs to close the session.

Last year we had a called contra dance and also a waltz session with a pickup band. Any other suggestions for dance sessions?

Mini-concerts are half an hour. Sometimes they are people who perform regularly; sometimes they are talented folks who have something to offer even though they aren't technically performers.

Rita Ferrara