Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: Charley Noble
Date: 14 Sep 09 - 03:18 PM

Sounds like a wonderful evening!

Wish we could have been there as well.

Cheerily,
Charley and Judy, back from the Cape Cod foray

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: maeve
Date: 14 Sep 09 - 07:16 AM

That's typical of Gordon, isn't it? He sees the treasure that can be found by combining the best of a piece like McCutcheon's The Old Brown's Head Light with the gifts of a good friend such as yourself.

I'll look forward to hearing you recite it, Kendall.

maeve

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: kendall
Date: 14 Sep 09 - 04:42 AM

I didn't know Gordon was going to be in the area until he called, so I was as pleasantly surprised as the rest of you. He has talked me into reciting as a poem a song that I used to sing. It's titled OLD BROWN'S HEAD LIGHT by John McCutcheon. It's not easy to recite a poem that you learned as a song, the meter is so different, but he says it is a stronger piece without the music.
I believe it's in the collection at Mudcat.

That lighthouse is one that I sailed by countless times when I was Captain of the Explorer back in the early 60's.
Nostalgia on steroids.

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: SINSULL
Date: 13 Sep 09 - 10:22 AM

That was fun. Kendall and Gordon shared some poetry with us. The ladies were well into silly mode by the time Nancy walked in. As she rattled the front door I said "Oh I think Nancy will be here." and there she was. Jacqui's chicken is almost gone. As is the cheddar. We did a fair job on the salad and sausages.
It was nice to have a small group and a lot of laughs after such a stressful morning. Highpoint - Gordon demonstrating the sounds of lighthouse foghorns before and after Lyndon Johnson. You had to be there.

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 13 Sep 09 - 01:32 AM

As I was showing homes in the pouring rain, I thought of you all........; sorry it was rained out.

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 12 Sep 09 - 07:32 PM

Missed the congenial company, but I think I really needed to not do a heck of a lot today besides defrosting the upstairs freezer (Rufus LOVES the water siphoning through the airline tubing and the chunks of ice in the pan) and going through 30-year-old copies of Archaeology magazine so I can de-accession them to Chris Vaughn. (Cubic footage!!!) Got rid of some other paper pollution, too.

Feeling on the edge of being totally stressed out. Don't know why that surprises me. It's been a pretty intense week.

Nancy, sorry we missed you. Kendall and Jacqui, we'll talk soon.

Linn

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: jacqui.c
Date: 12 Sep 09 - 07:02 PM

Good company indeed . Nancy King joined the three of us, Mary Jeri and myself, and we proceeded to make short work of a couple of bottles of white wine.

We were then joined by Kendall and Gordon Bok, who was in the vicinity, and we spent a couple more hours chewing the fat and enjoying a cloudy afternoon.

The rain really tipped down at about 12.00, which would have made any sort of performance very difficult, so we were in the best place, as it happened.

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: maeve
Date: 12 Sep 09 - 01:10 PM

Thanks for the update, Mary. I'm glad you're all under cover. I already knew you were in good company. Please say hello for me.

maeve

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Sep 09 - 01:04 PM

Rain here. We bailed. Home with cheddar, burgers, and good friends.

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: maeve
Date: 12 Sep 09 - 01:02 PM

Yes, Linn. Mary told me and it's understandable that you both need some rest today. I applaud your wise decision.

maeve

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 12 Sep 09 - 12:50 PM

Just to make it "official" (talked to Mary earlier), Tom and I can't make it. Tom's sleep last night was very much disturbed by continued leg pain probably caused by the after effects of last Friday's anesthesia.

Hope that disappears soon.

Hope, too, that the weather holds for you today.

I think, too, that I need some rest today (I work retail, so don't get a "weekend"; I would have gone right from Mary's to work on Sunday) as it's been a rather exhausting week.

Linn

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: maeve
Date: 12 Sep 09 - 12:12 PM

You and a lot of other folks, Cris- including me. It's down to Sinsull, Kendall, Jacqui, and maybe Jeri.

I hope they have some fun and soon return to Chez Sinsull for good food and good company. It's just too far for me to drive with rain on the way and chores needing doing.

maeve

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: crism
Date: 12 Sep 09 - 11:57 AM

Between being stuck in Worcester last night and an ominous forecast, I am bailing (figuratively, not literally—yet). Sorry.

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: maeve
Date: 12 Sep 09 - 10:35 AM

The sky is threatening to pour- How are things there- still on?

maeve

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: maeve
Date: 12 Sep 09 - 08:26 AM

I'm cleaning and freezing beans like crazy in hopes that I may be able to join you shanty singers today.

maeve

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Sep 09 - 08:06 AM

DOH!
Birthday

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Sep 09 - 08:06 AM

We will miss you Marty. But Happy irthday and enjoy!
Mary

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: Bupkes
Date: 11 Sep 09 - 12:17 AM

Hello all, I need to beg off from this Lighthouse outing.

(It's on my birthday, so I hope you'll forgive me for being fickle this time.)

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: GUEST,winterbright
Date: 10 Sep 09 - 10:15 PM

If it was going to be in Portland at the Observatoy I could come and do a couple of Ruth Moore pieces. -sigh- Maybe next time!

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 10 Sep 09 - 08:55 PM

Mary - just strangle Alice and you have no more trouble with capslock!!!! I have to bow out on Saturday -- sadly I have two opportunities to make money and I just need to take them up....

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: SINSULL
Date: 10 Sep 09 - 08:11 AM

Don't bury my bones
Put me instead
In a can in the cannery shed.


Rain? Then we all go back to my house to eat, drink and be merry. Probably best to meet at my house about 11-11;30 AND WE WILL DECIDE. i TOLD THE lIGHTHOUSE LADY THAT IF IT RAINED WE WOULD BOW OUT. iN FACT, IF IT RAINS i THINK FOR SAFETY REASONS THEY WILL CLOSE THE LIGHTHOUSE. tHOSE ROCKS ARE SLIPPERY. dAMN cAPSLOCK!

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: Charley Noble
Date: 09 Sep 09 - 10:38 PM

mg-

Linn does an excellent rendition of your Cannery song.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: mg
Date: 09 Sep 09 - 09:48 PM

I should say I would be honored with only one. mg

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: mg
Date: 09 Sep 09 - 09:47 PM

I vote for the MG songs. I would be honored. mg

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 09 Sep 09 - 08:24 PM

Sins -- is there a rain date/place? Work is looming its ugly heard -- I so want to be there.

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Sep 09 - 08:04 PM

No chariot rolling????
Tell Jeri to bring her fiddle.

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 09 Sep 09 - 07:44 PM

Uh, let's see -- your choice of:

"Sailor's Prayer" (Tom Lewis)
"Cannery Shed" (Mary Garvey)
"Astoria's Bar" (MG)
"Home, Dearie, Home"
"Race of Long Ago"
"Madame Gashay's"
"Only a Shanty From Old Shanty Town" (Jerry Bryant)
"Harbors of Home" (Joan Sprung)
"Sandgate Girl's Lament"
"Bay of Biscay" (if Jeri will join in harmony)

There are some better not sung because I presume this is a "family" event...("Nine Times a Night", etc.)

I'm sure I know a coupla more but my mind is one big brain cramp right now.

Linn

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Sep 09 - 01:37 PM

Actually, I figured that if we were short staffed we could drag out Rolling Down To Old Maui for at least an hour with double choruses done double slow.

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: Jeri
Date: 09 Sep 09 - 12:04 PM

Make sure somebody brings a hand gun to shoot me if that happens. Thanks. (Not for the gun but for the answer--good idea.)

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Sep 09 - 11:57 AM

I also didn't want four people to show up and each do Roll the Old Chariot while I borrowed Kendall's gun. LOL

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Sep 09 - 11:57 AM

I don't. When it looked as if we were going to be a very small group I hoped to get everyone to contribute four songs with choruses so we could be prepared to support your efforts. Even provide cheat sheets as needed. Now I don't give a damn.

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: Jeri
Date: 09 Sep 09 - 11:40 AM

I'll do 'Mollymauk'. 'Fire Down Below' requires a critical mass.

Out of curiosity, how come you need to know what songs we're doing?

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: crism
Date: 09 Sep 09 - 11:29 AM

Thanks, Mary. Sorry I wasn't logged in for that last post; info in Mudcat profile.

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Sep 09 - 11:29 AM

Hi Cris - Tom told me that you and Marty were coming. My email is msullivan3at maine dot rr dot com. I will get you info.
Thanks for checking in.
Mary

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: GUEST,crism
Date: 09 Sep 09 - 11:26 AM

I'm in. I don't check these fora regularly; please e-mail me if we're doing anything other than meeting at the lighthouse shortly before noon.

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Sep 09 - 07:52 AM

You, Tom and Asha are welcome anywhere anytime.

Good news, Guardi is joining us. Maybe he can recruit a few from further south.

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 08 Sep 09 - 10:25 PM

So - Sins - lighthouse - where we were last year - at 11? Yes? I'll be the audiance and if
tom and Asha come too, we'll be three.........

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: SINSULL
Date: 08 Sep 09 - 02:53 PM

Tami,
Can you come over to my house later?
Mary

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: SINSULL
Date: 08 Sep 09 - 02:53 PM

Might be easier to meet at mu house and share cars over to the lighthouse.
Fire Down Below?
MollyMauk?
Jeri

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: ranger1
Date: 08 Sep 09 - 02:34 PM

Have fun, everyone. Wish I could be in two places at once.

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: Jeri
Date: 08 Sep 09 - 02:24 PM

I'm guessing that 'Brucing' a song or two might be allowed? I can do 'Bright Water' and 'Ten Stone' (maybe with Linn) and I'll think of a couple more.

Is this the same lighthouse as last year? Meet at chez Mary first or at the lighthouse?

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: jacqui.c
Date: 08 Sep 09 - 02:05 PM

I've got in mind to do Don't Take the Heroes. I'll think on what else.

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: SINSULL
Date: 08 Sep 09 - 10:20 AM

Beds for Linn and Tom, Jeri, anyone else?

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: GUEST,SINSULL
Date: 08 Sep 09 - 08:34 AM

If each of the singers plans four songs with choruses, we can make this work.
If no one else wants these I will have:
Rolling Down To Old Maui (hell, we cand rag this one out for four hours!)
Row On
Time Ashore Is Over
Sweet Roseanne

I will have a few others at the ready. And will print lyric sheets to share.

Kendall says he has a story or two. Maybe he, Tom, Jeri and do we have a banjo (PLEASE????) can play some tunes together.
Who has what and do you want me to print lyrics?

The museum is offering cold water, hot dogs and pop corn. Once the sun comes over the yardarm, I will break out something stronger for those who choose to imbibe.

Then back to my house for sausage and peppers, burgers, salads and whatever else comes in the door.

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: maeve
Date: 07 Sep 09 - 10:40 PM

Thanks, Mary.

maeve

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: SINSULL
Date: 07 Sep 09 - 06:32 PM

The weather is looking iffy. SIGH. Stay tuned.
M

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: SINSULL
Date: 03 Sep 09 - 10:12 AM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: SINSULL
Date: 01 Sep 09 - 11:40 AM

The "festival" is 11 - 3. I told them we would be there 12 noon to 2 or 3 depending on how many performers we get. I am waiting on replies from a number of people who attended the Museum festival last year.

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: maeve
Date: 01 Sep 09 - 10:52 AM

Have you been told what span of time is involved yet, Mary?

maeve

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 01 Sep 09 - 10:15 AM

It'll be an early night for me, too -- I have to work on Sunday.

Linn

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 31 Aug 09 - 10:35 PM

It is sounding like a wonderful evening -- I'll be there - possibly avec Tom for the early part of the night.......(he needs his sleep!).

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: maeve
Date: 31 Aug 09 - 02:20 PM

Hehehe.

Just for that I may sing instead. Enjoy the cellar, Mary dear.

maeve

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: SINSULL
Date: 31 Aug 09 - 11:47 AM

If I think you'll be useful?????? LOL I know I can count on you to do the dishes.

Mary! CELLAR!

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: maeve
Date: 31 Aug 09 - 11:39 AM

I may join in, Sinsull, if you think I'd be useful. I just got home or I'd have replied sooner.

maeve

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: SINSULL
Date: 30 Aug 09 - 02:41 PM

Two from the Press Room are in - Chris and Marty. I will contact Bob Webb and see if he can join us. So it is coming together.
Any other takers?
M

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: kendall
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 04:24 PM

Somehow I missed that part of your song. Blame it on age. That is a very interesting story, one of my favorites from the War of Northern Aggression.

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: Charley Noble
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 01:33 PM

Kendall-

With regard to the Cushing incident during the Civil War in the 2nd verse:

In the Civil War, in '63,
The Rebels made a play,
From the tower we tracked the Cushing,
As she fled through Casco Bay.

Of course there is much more intriguing history that I was unable to cram into this song.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: SINSULL
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 10:00 AM

I'm not sure, TB. We have a small group of singers - Linn, Jeri, Jacqui and me. We have a guitar (Kendall) and a concertina (Tom). We have a storteller - Kendall.
If Linn can recruit a few strong voices from the Press Room, I think it's a go. If not, I think we may bow out and retreat to my place for an evening song circle.
Or we can offer our services for an hour or two.
I don't know.
Any comments. COnstructive comments, I mean.
M

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 27 Aug 09 - 09:14 PM

I'm there -- how can I help??????

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: GUEST,Kendall
Date: 27 Aug 09 - 09:34 AM

Charlie, I'm surprised you didn't mention the incident involving the Revenue Cutter CALEB CUSHING during the Civil War. If it hadn't been for the watchman in the tower the rebels would have gotten away with stealing the CUSHING.

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: SINSULL
Date: 27 Aug 09 - 07:56 AM

No - they asked for music, stories, entertainment similar to the festival last year. The lighthouse will be open to the public. They are serving hot dogs and drinks, popcorn, etc.
We may need a sound system - I have to see.

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: kendall
Date: 27 Aug 09 - 06:59 AM

Just shanties?

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: SINSULL
Date: 26 Aug 09 - 08:20 AM

We have been invited to the Spring Point Lighthouse, Charlie. I didn't choose a site. Thanks, Tom. I am sending some emails and PMs.

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: Charley Noble
Date: 26 Aug 09 - 08:12 AM

refresh!

An alternative site would be the Portland Observatory, run by Greater Portland Landmarks. It's not a lighthouse but one of the last remaining wooden signal towers, a ninety-foot high octagon which is a delight to sing in. It located on Munjoy Hill in Portland.

Here's a song I composed which commemorates its renovation a few years ago (copy and paste into WORD/TIMES/12 to line up chords):

Words by Charlie Ipcar © 2000/2007
Inspired by traditional tune: "Bonny Ship the Diamond"


The Portland Observat'ry


Chorus:

Dm----C-F----C-Dm
Here's to Capt'n Moody,
-------------G-C
Heave with a will!
-----Dm---------------G---C---G----Am
Who raised the Port-land Ob-servat'ry,
Dm--G-F----C---Dm
High on Mun-joy Hill.


'Twas in the year eighteen-o-seven
Ol' Moody had a plan,
To build a signal tower
On Portland's highest land.
With his telescope in the lantern room,
He'd scan the Bay around,
Then hoist a signal up the mast
When a vessel there he found. (CHO)

'Twas in the War of 1812,
Moody watched a thrilling sight,
As the Enterprise beat the Boxer;
It was one brutal fight.
In the Civil War, in '63,
The Rebels made a play,
From the tower we tracked the Cushing,
As she fled through Casco Bay. (CHO)

In nineteen hundred and twenty-three,
The tower's work was through,
But hordes of tourists climbed the stairs,
To enjoy the view.
In nineteen hundred and ninety-five,
The tower was condemned,
But plans were made and money raised,
From hundreds of her friends. (CHO)

Now the tower stands again,
Stronger than before,
And she's sure to raise our spirits high –
For a century or more. (CHO)2X

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: Charley Noble
Date: 25 Aug 09 - 08:07 PM

Sinsull-

Judy and I will be with Roll & Go performing in Provincetown that weekend. Otherwise we'd be delighted to help.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: curmudgeon
Date: 25 Aug 09 - 05:16 PM

You're probably going to need to PM folks since there was no sense of urgency noted earlier - Tom

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: SINSULL
Date: 25 Aug 09 - 04:56 PM

I have to email this lady tonight. Any takers?

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: SINSULL
Date: 25 Aug 09 - 01:26 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: jacqui.c
Date: 25 Aug 09 - 11:16 AM

Count me in.

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: SINSULL
Date: 25 Aug 09 - 10:32 AM

I'll see if someone is willing to tuck you and your banjo in the luggage hold, Terry.

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: Leadfingers
Date: 25 Aug 09 - 10:12 AM

SINS - I'll come purely for Expenses AND bring the banjo ! LOL ! Hope it all goes well

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: SINSULL
Date: 25 Aug 09 - 10:11 AM

How about Tom comes and plays his concertina? Biopsy Sept.4? Positive energy coming your way.
Mary

Subject: RE: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 25 Aug 09 - 10:09 AM

How about a tentative from us? Sort of depends on Tom's voice. He saw the nose & throat guy yesterday and has a biopsy scheduled Sept. 4th. Doc didn't seem too concerned about it.

If so, we'll need a bed. I have to work on Sunday, of course.

Linn

Subject: Lighthouse Shanty Sing Maine Sept 12
From: SINSULL
Date: 25 Aug 09 - 09:02 AM

The governor of Maine has declared September 12 "Lighthouse Day". All of the lighthouses in Maine will be open to the public for free. The Spring Point Lighthouse Preservation Group has asked me to gather some shanty singers for a few hours of music just for the hell of it -yeah, it means no cash.
BUT we can retire to my house later for a meal and a song circle. And we can also sell CDs at the event.

Is anyone free, interested, in need of a bed????
Mary