Feb. Shanty Session at Press Room

Subject: RE: Feb. Shanty Session at Press Room
From: Charley Noble
Date: 25 Feb 04 - 11:23 PM

Uncle Jacque-

Roll & Go will be leading all the songs but we'd appreciate help on the chorus and refrains.

And, alas, we'll only be offering cider and bottled spring water for slacking your thirst. Some day we need to find a pub in Portland that we can sing songs in.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Feb.
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 25 Feb 04 - 01:31 PM

Animaterra:

Now as to your suggestion for soaking up a pint or two (etc..-) @ BB's in support of continuing Sessions; There's a bully good one, IMHO!

I'll drink to that! I'll even bring my own tin "Mucket"!

Now...; who's gonna be the Designated Driver? 0**..{B^{P~

*********************

Should we bail on this thread and start another on this topic, BTW?

UJ

Subject: RE: Clarification Sought -
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 25 Feb 04 - 01:20 PM

Ahoy, Charlie!

I'm a little curious about your announcement of an upcoming session -

RE:

"...are you joining us this Satuday at the Allen Avenue UU Church in Portland for Roll & Go's Cabin Fever Reliever Concert of traditional drinking and warped love songs?"

Are you going to be singing songs about "Traditional Drinking", drinking traditionally, or both?

Sounds like fun to me, either way! {8^{D~

The UU Church isn't particularly "dry", is it?   
I don't think we'd get away with "drinking" of ardent spirits of any sort, traditional or not, in the Baptist Church where I used to hang out!

And as to the "Warped Love Songs"; Will you be singing love songs that are a little warped, or celebrating "warped love" in song?

Considering who's running this gig, I would not rule out "Both" as an option on that one, either!

Would "Cruisin' 'Round Yarmouth" fit in here?

Is this session (or is it more of a formal "Concert") open to backslidden and reprobate Baptists?

If so; what time do we start?

Subject: RE: Feb. Shanty Session at Press Room
From: Brían
Date: 25 Feb 04 - 08:08 AM

I think I was a little overjoyed to be in a session after a long absence and may have dominated a bit. Fágamid siúd mar atá sé(Let's leave it at that) the folks in the session are friends and musicians I have admired befor I knew which end of a whistle to hold. They have helped me in ways I can't even count along the way with their time and patience. I think the lack of visible etiquette(spellcheck?) that is apparent at Ború's can sometimes allow things to get out of control a bit. See you guys soon.

Brían

Subject: RE: Feb. Shanty Session at Press Room
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 24 Feb 04 - 12:20 PM

Gee, Brien -- you're one of the most courteous session attenders I know of (not to mention possessing a great voice and wonderful repertoire). I'm really curious about what you (unwittingly, I'm sure) did to offend.

By the way, Brian from Baltimore's last name is Shuckschneider, or something like that.

And . . . Jeri and Barbara . . . your harmony on "Bay of Biscay" was AWESOME!!!

I'm also glad I trotted out "Farewell to Nova Scotia" for the first time in public in about 15 years. Gotta start doing it more often.

Linn

Subject: RE: Feb. Shanty Session at Press Room
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 24 Feb 04 - 06:52 AM

I agree with Jeri- send the email if you wish, but better yet, show up and spend some $$- even if it's just a burger and a pint (or 2 or 3...)

Allison

Subject: RE: Sessions
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 23 Feb 04 - 09:11 PM

Ahhh, Jeri; Now there's a Lady who knows her Alpha from her proximal Ulnar Condyle!

Golly; but I'm long overdue for a JeriHug!

   Close, Brian; about any of us who have served some time in Uncle Sam's Military have had our Alphas (referring to a certain anotomical feature) Charlied (alluding to the act of verbal mastication by a superior Officer) at one time or another.

   I'm getting the impression that whatever protocol or "Ettiquite" that is in play at BB's might make the Queen's High Tea look a picnic in the park by comparison.

I may go, but think I'll stick to soaking my moustache in Guinness Stout and listening in if I do.

Subject: RE: Feb. Shanty Session at Press Room
From: Jeri
Date: 23 Feb 04 - 08:35 PM

And I don't think an e-mail campaign will do them Juliet Sierra if the bucks don't roll in.

Subject: RE: Feb. Shanty Session at Press Room
From: Brían
Date: 23 Feb 04 - 07:45 PM

What's the ediquette at Brian Boru's?

I dunno, but if you break it you sure find out in a hurry:-)

Uncle Jaque, would that be Alpa Kiloed following the Military alphabet? The session is mostly fun and very supportive but as in any situation, can be tense if common courtesey is not observed.

Charlie, as I could probably walk to the UUC on Allen Ave if I had to, I am looking forward to being there.

Subject: RE: Other Goings On in the Area...
From: GUEST,Uncle Jaque
Date: 23 Feb 04 - 02:29 PM

This just in via E-Mail;

I hope that they don't mind if I copy this advisory here, and really don't think they shall - otherwise I wouldn't be sharing it here.

So, FYI:

Dear Friends of Ceilidh House,

Please read the text below and take action accordingly (accordianly?) to support Celtic music in Maine. If you're in the Portland area on a Sunday afternoon, consider a stop at Brian Boru's for a fine Irish session, good victuals & liquid refreshment.
Tell them the music brought you in!

Forwarded text follows:

Dear Friends and Fellow Musicians,

I am writing to you in an attempt to gather support for the Sunday afternoon Traditional Irish Music Session at Brian Boru's in Portland. I have been participating in this session for over 5 years and I feel it is a rich musical tradition worth preserving.
Every Sunday, from 3 to 6pm, we come together to play the music we love, to share tunes and have some fun.

Everyone is welcome to join or just listen and there is never a charge to enter. We try to present this event as close to an authentic Irish session as possible with fiery tunes, the occasional song and a good-natured sense of humor. Over the years, the session has attracted visitors from all over the country and, in fact, the world. We have consistently provided Portland with a high level dose of quality Irish music and it has been our pleasure to do so.

Unfortunately, times are rough right now in the tavern and restaurant
business. Many of these establishments in Maine, and elsewhere, are reporting low earnings in recent months. In this business climate, entertainment tends to be one of the first places they look at cutting back. Currently, the management of Boru's is considering closing down the Sunday session due to these concerns.
While we completely understand the issue at hand, we also believe the session is worth saving. We are hoping to accomplish this by a show of support through an e-mail campaign and, for this, we are asking for your assistance.
Please take a few minutes to send a quick e-mail to Brian Boru's simply stating that you are a fan of the session and would love to see it continue. Feel free to be more elaborate but our case will be better stated with quantity rather than quality.

To this end, please forward this e-mail to any and all on your list you feel would support the Sunday session at Boru' s.

Send e-mails to: [e-mail]
Please cc: to [e-mail]
Write "Sunday Session " in the subject line.

We thank you in advance for your support. As always, we would love to see you down at Boru's any Sunday from 3 -6pm. Come for the tunes AND the $2 drink specials, be sure to say HI to the band.

Slainte,
Tom Rota & Tom Wilsbach from the Sunday Session band

********************************************************

Are any of you familiar with these folks?

I went to one of these Sessions a couple of years ago, despite my general aversion for settled parts, and the talent was so phenominal that I mostly just sat there with my jaw hanging open in awe.

For the most part, I was courteously ignored.

Probably just as well I kept my hairy old gob shut and my whistle in my haversack, quietly sipping on my tin dipper of Guinness, then slipping away when that was done - as if Brian got his Alpha Charlied (it's a military term) with all of his Session savvy, I would likely have been dragged outside and summarily executed had I so much as attempted to get involved.

Of course, I have no way of knowing if it's still that way there - but if it is, I would consider myself to be exclusively audience and leave my whistle home.

   Well enough, then; They were really good!

Subject: RE: Feb. Shanty Session at Press Room
From: Charley Noble
Date: 23 Feb 04 - 01:00 PM

Brían -

What's the ediquette at Brian Boru's?

Oh, are you joining us this Satuday at the Allen Avenue UU Church in Portland for Roll & Go's Cabin Fever Reliever Concert of traditional drinking and warped love songs?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Feb. Shanty Session at Press Room
From: Brían
Date: 23 Feb 04 - 12:06 PM

Sorry I couldn't make it again. I kept an eye on the weather through the National Weather Service in Gray ME but the temperatures and conditions looked too potentially treacherous for me to brave it. I went to me irregular session in Brian Boru's Public House where I was soundly chastised for not adhering to proper Session Etiquite(My ear are still burning). I know this is a big issue in the Press Room as well and one of the reasons for the Sturday Shanty Sing. I hope to make it down to the Press Room soon.

Brían

Subject: RE: Feb. Shanty Session at Press Room
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 05:26 PM

No, not Roger from Baltimore, alas -- but Brian.

Briand whose last name is German and starts with an "S" and is right on the end of the tapes, so I'll get to it yet.

He's actually from New Orleans originally, but has been in Baltimore since 1981.

He planned his tour of New Hampshire hospitals (for the Center for Disease Control) so that he would end in Portsmouth on a Friday, figuring that being a port city, there might be some sea music or other folk music around. He called the Oar House (because of its name and location) and they suggested he try The Press Room. So he showed up for the Friday night session and found out we were doing a sea music singaround on Saturday. He lucked out!

Yeah the snow was melted off the cars by the time we left for a rehearsal this afternoon and my car is sitting in a fairly deep puddle. Hope it doesn't freeze!

Linn

Subject: RE: Feb. Shanty Session at Press Room
From: Charley Noble
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 04:34 PM

Linn-

Thanks for describing some of what went on at the session for those of us in parallel worlds. Sorry to miss an evening with Barry. Did you find out what kind of job Barry is interviewing for in Baltimore? I was wondering if it had anything to do with the U.S. Constellation? I'm looking forward to paying a visit to Baltimore in September.

Any clue what the fella's name was from Baltimore, probably not Roger from Baltimore?

The only good thing I can say about this crop of snow is that it's relatively light to shovel.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Feb. Shanty Session at Press Room
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 12:35 PM

The drive home was fine until Rte. 125 which is a weather line -- it was misty rain on Rte 4 on the eastern side of 125, but switched to snow as soon as we crossed the line. Could have been nasty, but we were behind a plow AND asand/salt truck.

Lovely session! Nice opportunities to discuss song origins, etc. in between songs. Fellow from Baltimore added considerably to the comment, at least, though he didn't sing. Knows Captain Bunker, it seems, and said Bunker's former location in Baltimore is now houses a French restaurant and a sushi bar. Sounds to me like a good reason to move to Maine!

Under-populated, perhaps, but a good blending of voices -- Curmudgeon, Jeri, Kevin Scanlon and I were the first there, then Barry Finn showed up. Dave Hallowell drifted in after awhile and about midway through, Barbara Benn and Jeff Warner arrived, saying the weather had gotten colder.

The listeners were very attentive and encouraging and even after the pub filled up later in the afternoon, the peripheral din wasn't bad at all (except for the occasional clatter of plates around supper time).

The real problem with the weather was the whole iffy-ness of it all -- a couple degrees of temperature could make a major difference.

Linn

Subject: RE: Feb. Shanty Session at Press Room
From: Jeri
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 10:02 AM

It was a very good session, despite the no-shows. Somewhat under-populated of course (by both musicians and listeners), but there was a chorus quorum ('chorum'?) and a chance to try out some different stuff. (And make a huge musical gaffe.) There was a fellow from the CDC visiting (out of Baltimore) who seemed to enjoy himself.

There was no snow here until the session was over and I went home, and not too much then. (But I wouldn't have wanted to drive a longish way in it.)

Subject: RE: Feb. Shanty Session at Press Room
From: Charley Noble
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 09:25 AM

Well, we enjoyed a great 90th birthday party for Judy's Uncle Will over in Canterberry, NH, and, yes, it didn't wind up until after 7 pm. One of his grandsons is a good banjo player so we had fun exchanging tunes and tunings. There was lots of good food and things to drink. And there were great grandchildren running around and assorted relatives that Judy's Maine family hadn't seen in years. We drove down with Judy's brother and his wife.

Weather wasn't bad coming down and we had a nice lunch break at Warrens in Kittery. And heading back north it wasn't really bad until we were north of Portland where the interstate had 2 to 3 inches of snow and we couldn't do more than 35 mph. It was a relief to pull in the driveway about 11 pm.

Sorry to miss the shanty sing but fortunately there are two sessions to attend in March.

Now to shovel out the cars!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Feb. Shanty Session at Press Room
From: GUEST,Uncle Jaque
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 08:58 AM

Having moved up to a slightly less antiquated 'puter than our old Gateway 166 (which we had souped up to a whole 64 MB of RAM) which finally went belly-up, I guess I have to take another reach into the mudcat cookie-jar.

Indeed, that was a hoot moving the China Seas, as it usually is.

I don't think I've worked harder since we moved them out of Dana St. about a year prior.

Our toils were occasionally lightened with a snatch of Chanty, and while warping the 8-pounder (so called because of the weight of a solid iron ball it could shoot) "Gunnade" from the truck to the door of the new (but considerably more compact) China Seas, Nor struck up a rousing round of "General Taylor" (to which of course CN and I pitched right in), which rather amused - if not bewildered - passers-by on Fore Street.

A couple of gents pitched in to help us while their kids watched on from the sidewalk in bemused wonder while we crammed a "Real Pirate Cannon" into the circa 1800 brick storefront.
I wish somebody had taken pictures to share.

The barrel alone on that sucker has gotta go at least 650 pounds!
But I wanna tell ya; Yow!; that Guinness over at Rosie's sure hit the spot afterwards!

Ye know, I about had Management talked into coming down to the Press Room Yesterday, but we were treated to alternating snow, freezing rain, and spattering slush pretty much all day well into the night - so much for that!

As to places to hold a Chanty-hoot; Charlie N. made some overtures to our Waitress at Rosies about holding one in a side room there. She advised that it would be a decision to be made by the Owner, so we hope to hear more about that possibility later.

Another suggestion; I was having breakfast at the modern and capacious cafeteria at the beatifully renovated Pineland Center (Thanks to the LIBRA Foundation) where I used to work for about 12 1/2 years the other Morning.

Pineland is the former State Institution for Mentally Retarded (later re-defined as "Developmentally Disabled") Citizens that sits on an elevated tract of rolling land on the Pownal/ New Glochester border, among tall, stately pine trees. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Washington to the NorthWest.

It seems that over half of the Campus is still vacant, and they have plenty of space available for various functions.
I got the name and number of the Facilities Use Manager there and could invesigate what might be available for non-profit, charitable, educational or "artistic" groups... like US!

Even if we could get clearance to meet in that Cafeteria, there is plenty of room and both the view and accoustics are grand.

Should there be a usage fee assessed (despite my best efforts to wangle a 'freebie') we could pass the hat to recoup expenses if need be, if it were not too much, I suppose.

Let me know if this needs to be looked into furthur, Mates, as it's not far from our Quarters.

Aaaarrggh! - }B^{!~ UJ };^{)~

Subject: RE: Feb. Shanty Session at Press Room
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 07:52 AM

The weather improved, but I was still on the fence about the 2-hour drive, then I ran into a dear friend whilst running errans- we spent the next two hours over coffee so I just went home. Sorry, friends- maybe next time!

Allison

Subject: RE: Feb. Shanty Session at Press Room
From: curmudgeon
Date: 21 Feb 04 - 11:15 AM

Need more time to arrange te pre-session concertina thing. Weather is supposed to be rainy and above freezing; details here.
Look forward to seeing you in four hours or so -- Tom

Subject: RE: Feb. Shanty Session at Press Room
From: Jeri
Date: 21 Feb 04 - 11:11 AM

It looks wet out, and not all that wet.
Nice grey day for some harmonious company and warm music.
Kendall, we (speaking on behalf of everybody, whether they like it or not) understand. Get back up to a comfortable cruising speed first.

I don't know what happened to the 'meet early and mess with concertinas upstairs' thing, and Charley's going to be late, but there will surely be anglos and 'tina chorders with pickable brains. (yicky-poo!)

Subject: RE: Feb. Shanty Session at Press Room
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 20 Feb 04 - 04:58 PM

Now it's saying the bad stuff might stop by midday. If it does, I'll try to be there- I don't drink, but I sure love to sing!

Tom, I need some tips on accompanying singing with the 'tina- I can manage morris tunes and slow airs ok but am unsure about chording. So that's another reason to come!

Kendall, if the weather clears...??

Allison

Subject: RE: Feb. Shanty Session at Press Room
From: kendall
Date: 20 Feb 04 - 02:55 PM

I do appreciate being appreciated, but I think I'd better stay in port this time around. Have a ball folks.

Subject: RE: Feb. Shanty Session at Press Room
From: curmudgeon
Date: 20 Feb 04 - 11:34 AM

Glad to hear Kendall. Theres nothing wrong with coming for the drink though. The forecast for here calls for rain with temp in mid 30s. But be careful above all else -- Tom

Subject: RE: Feb. Shanty Session at Press Room
From: Jeri
Date: 20 Feb 04 - 11:31 AM

Kendall, could Nor or Brian or someone give you a ride? You could get plotzed (is that allowed?), not sing and not drive.

Yes, they're predicting a 'wintry mix', but they're also predicting a daytime high of 37F. It's so gorgeous out today that I'm having trouble imagining the weather getting very crappy so quickly.

Subject: RE: Feb. Shanty Session at Press Room
From: kendall
Date: 20 Feb 04 - 11:17 AM

I'm coming along quite well, Tom, but the weather looks pretty savagrus for tomorrow. My main concern is getting hit with an air bag. Still can't sing, so, 'bout all I could do is drink...hhmmm.

Subject: RE: Feb. Shanty Session at Press Room
From: Charley Noble
Date: 19 Feb 04 - 09:17 PM

Yes, we moved a shit load of nautical antiqueties from the storage unit in Gray to the China Sea Marine Trading Company's new shop in the Old Port, including the #*!!# cannon. We had to break the gun carriage out of the ice in Bunker's back yard, which split the wooden wheels on one side which made it even more difficult to move the sucker but move it we did, and tankfully the rental truck did have a lift. When it came to warping the cannon out down in the Old Port, it wouldn't budge out of the truck until we wrapped a chain around the front end of Uncle Jacque's van and he put the peddle to the floor. Then it shot out nicely! We thoughtfully had removed the door to the new shop so we had a spare mm or two to warp 'er inside. By this time a small crowd had gathered and several people proved to be useful grunts. No one got injured in the process so I guess our luck continues. We all adjourned to Rosie's next door for brew and grub. What joy!

Does look like lousy weather but we'll probably be over in Canterbury in the midafternoon anyway and we'll probably stop in for a song or two.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Feb. Shanty Session at Press Room
From: Naemanson
Date: 19 Feb 04 - 08:25 PM

Wow! The Captain and Sharon are reopening in Portland? This calls for a drink! Good for them!

And to all my friends, raise a glass for me. While you are enjoying yourself I will be traveling to San Diego, or maybe I'll already be there. Traveling across the Pacific is so confusing. You leave one place and arrive at another before you left the first.

Subject: RE: Feb. Shanty Session at Press Room
From: SINSULL
Date: 19 Feb 04 - 07:45 PM

The weather report is not good - snow, sleet, rain. We'll see.
SINS

Subject: RE: Feb. Shanty Session at Press Room
From: Charley Noble
Date: 17 Feb 04 - 08:34 AM

Sigh. Judy and I will be very late. We're attending the 90th birthday of a favorite uncle over in Concord in the late afternoon.

Nor is planning to come down with another singing friend.

I'm sure it will be the best gathering of the year. Well, it will have to be good to surpass last month's.

Oh, Nor and I are helping China Sea Marine Trading Co. shift back into Portland this Wednesday. It's a smaller store front but right between Rosie's Tavern in the Old Port and the U.S. Customs House on Fore Street. Maybe we can plan another special event shanty session.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Feb. Shanty Session at Press Room
From: Brían
Date: 16 Feb 04 - 09:43 PM

I have to check my schedule but I hope to be there!

Brían

Subject: RE: Feb. Shanty Session at Press Room
From: curmudgeon
Date: 16 Feb 04 - 05:52 PM

It would certainy be nice to see you again, Allison, and perhaps even hear some concertina if you're up to it -- Tom

Subject: RE: Feb. Shanty Session at Press Room
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 16 Feb 04 - 05:27 PM

Well, golly, maybe I can do it this time!

Allison

Subject: Feb. Shanty Session at Press Room
From: curmudgeon
Date: 16 Feb 04 - 03:39 PM

Next Saturday, 21 February, is the date for the monthly shanty/forebitter session at the Press Room, 77 Daniel Street, Portsmouth NH fro 3:30 to 7:30 PM.. We're expecting most of the NH crew (Barry?) and hoping for lots of our Maine contingent. How's the recovery coming, Kendall?

In addition, we hope to see you -- Tom