Alaska Mike in UK - August

Subject: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 08 Jan 05 - 02:05 PM

My wife and I arrive in Gatwick Airport on August 4, 2005. We plan to take the train down to Broadstairs where I will be performing at Broadstairs Folk Festival on August 5-7. My tentative schedule there is as follows:

5th         1930 - 2300 Guest at Tom & Barbara Brown's Singaround

6th         1000 - 1100 Breakfast with Mike Campbell @ Harbor Cafe

       1300 - 1400 Gig at Harpers wine bar

       2330 - 0100 leader of Humorous Singaround Session at campsite

7th         1230 - 1400 Guest at Singalong

       1630 - 1800 Guest at Folk Club

       1930 - 2100 Gig at open air Bandstand show         

I am looking forward to meeting many UK Mudcatters at the festival. If any of you plan to be at Broadstairs during this time, please let me know so we can get together for a beer and a song or two.

My wife and I will be in the London area from August 8-13 taking silly photographs of castles, churches, Beefeaters, bridges, etc. I am still looking for a folk club or two interested in hosting this Alaskan balladeer for an evening of song. We don't plan on renting a car until the 13th, so we will be enjoying your "tube" and walking our legs off throughout the week.

We plan to drive up to the northwest on the 14th and spend several days in the Manchester/Liverpool area. I am still looking for a gig or two in these areas as well. We hope to spend some time with old friends and get acquainted with some new ones. There is nothing like song, beer and stories for creating lasting memories to carry us through the next cold winter.

Around the 18th or 19th we expect to drive to southern Wales and again visit with old friends as we enjoy the beautiful landscapes and attractions of the area. Following this we hope to swing through southern England soaking our bodies in Bath and walking around Stonehenge.

Then around the 23rd or 24th we will make a mad dash up to Yorkshire to visit with area Mudcatters and play a gig on the 25th at the Black Swan Folk Club in York. Then back down to Seaford on the south coast for our last night before leaving from Gatwick on the 27th. Distances mean nothing to Alaskans.

So there you have our "rough" schedule for our first visit to Great Britain. I can't wait to see our old friends again and I hope to meet many UK 'catters along the way. If anyone has any suggestions of where to go and what to see, we would be most grateful. Planning this trip from 8,000 miles away means I've probably screwed up somewhere.

See you there in August.

Mike

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 08 Jan 05 - 02:17 PM

Mike, Micca and I are in East London and have a spare room for you and your wife...you are welcome anytime......we could organise a session at the Black Lion Pub too!!...

We hope to meet you while you are over in the UK!

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: Zany Mouse
Date: 08 Jan 05 - 02:18 PM

Yorkshire! Let me have the details - I'll try to be there.

Rhiannon

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 08 Jan 05 - 02:22 PM

Nobody comes up to the north of Scotland!
Giok

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: Zany Mouse
Date: 08 Jan 05 - 02:25 PM

I might, John. I want to tour quite a bit in 2005. Thinking of going up to Orkney Festival.

Rhiannon

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: Maryrrf
Date: 08 Jan 05 - 04:17 PM

Well, that's not quite true, Giok - I came through in November of 2003! Didn't get any farther north than Pitlochry, though.

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: Col K
Date: 08 Jan 05 - 05:31 PM

I'll see you somewhere

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 08 Jan 05 - 05:41 PM

Will try to do the Black Swan in York Mike

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 08 Jan 05 - 06:21 PM

We too, have a room to spare, just around the corner from Khatt and Micca, to which you are welcome, as we said before.

I shall be at a loose end for three days a week then, so if you want a semi native guide and small annoying child to join you on your castle hunts, we'd be only too happy to help! I still have the 'Discovering Castles' book on hand and we may even be able to drive you down to Hastings and Rochester for day trips (if you don't mind Limpit asking 'are we there yet?' before we've even got in the car....)

LTS

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: jacqui.c
Date: 08 Jan 05 - 06:24 PM

Mike - as Kendall found out distances in the UK take longer to cover than in the USA. Makw sure that you are leaving yourself enough travelling time on all journeys. Not sure when we'll be over next but if we get any chance at all we'll get together with you.

To any UK mudcatters reading this thread - if you get a chance to meet Mike, take it. He is one nice guy AND he's a good performer as well.

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 09 Jan 05 - 03:12 AM

Absolutely right there Jacqui - a 120 mile car journey can take anything from 2.5 to 5 hours depending on the road, the direction, the time of day travelling or the person driving (and the amount of Tee & Pea breaks)!


LTS

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 09 Jan 05 - 06:04 AM

Liz - Oz songwriter Bruce Watson has a CD of kids songs called "Are we there yet?"
The chorus of the title song is sung by his 4 sons & himself & his wife (guess who sing which bit)

Are we there yet? No!
Are we there yet? No!
Are we there yet? No!
Are we there yet? No!
Are we there yet? No!
Are we there yet? No!
Are we there yet? No, not yet!

He also tells the story of the parent who found the perfect answer to the question. Buy a big bag of sweets (candy to some readers) & throw one out the window each time the question is asked!!

sandra

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: My guru always said
Date: 09 Jan 05 - 08:01 AM

So glad to hear that you'll be performing at Broadstairs Mike, it's a lovely festival. Although I'll probably be at Sidmouth that week I may be able to get along to Broadstairs for a day trip, would be great to meet you & your good Lady!

Do you have a web-site or a demo CD? (My spies tell me that you're something special!!!) There are a couple of clubs I could try for you locally (maybe only extended floorspots at this stage though), they are Wednesday / Thursday nights & we'd be delighted to shelter / ferry!! Cosy shelter available in Leatherhead (20 mins drive from Gatwick) unless away at festivals :-)

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 09 Jan 05 - 11:57 AM

Well if the photos are anything to go by, Mrs Alaska may have a fight on her hands!

LTS

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 09 Jan 05 - 12:32 PM

Thanks to all for your offers and advice. MGAS, I do indeed have a website and several CD's available. Web address is here: ALASKA MIKE's WEBSITE   If any mudcatters need a demo CD for promotional purposes, I have some available, just let me know.

Liz, watch out for my wife, Tawmmie. She has trimmed down to fighting weight and is quite formidable. We celebrate our 32nd wedding anniversary this coming June.

Best wishes,
Mike

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: Megan L
Date: 09 Jan 05 - 12:47 PM

aye giok nane oh them are brave eneugh fur the true north :). Zany if you mak it up gie me a shout.

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Jan 05 - 12:47 PM

Liz,
I wouldn't mess with Tawmmie's man. She can be downright scary. Look at the size of him and you can guess where she learned her skills.

You are all in for a treat. Mike is the perfect houseguest, a wonderful performer, and he can reach the batteries in the smoke detectors.

Enjoy!
Mary

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: Amos
Date: 09 Jan 05 - 01:09 PM

When my daughter pestered me with "Are we there yet" I always said yes. Where else?

My standard answer for ":"When will we be there?" was "Soon". For "Hom much loooonger??", "Not much".

It seemed to keep the peace.


A

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 09 Jan 05 - 03:00 PM

what do you call the North of Scotland Giok?

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: BB
Date: 09 Jan 05 - 04:54 PM

Mike, we look forward to welcoming you to the Singaround at Broadstairs - just remember, the crowd who get in there love good choruses! Oh, and what's wrong with the South West?

Giok - oh yes they do! We're booked at the Pentland Hotel in Thurso on April 16th, and you can't get much further north than that!

Barbara Brown

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: Big Mick
Date: 09 Jan 05 - 05:19 PM

I can't believe you would take a UK ramble and not invite me along (on your dime, of course!) to make the time go by. Boy ..... some friend you are!!!

:^)

Folks, you will enjoy our Mr. Campbell a great deal. He is a talent, and loads of fun to be around. And what a songwriter.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: treaties1
Date: 09 Jan 05 - 06:31 PM

Brilliant Mike and Tawmmie, Will do my best to catch up with you in August. Still enjoying singing "Johnny come and do"
Love Theresa

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Jan 05 - 09:13 PM

Well said Barbara, F.

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: Naemanson
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 08:49 PM

Mike! I plan to be in the UK in August 2005 also! I will keep tabs on this thread. It would be great to meet at one of these events. My daughter is getting married in Lancaster on August 13 but other than that my visit is still open ended.

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: cool hand Tom
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 10:22 PM

As you know Mike.Allways room at my inn.

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 12:02 AM

Looks like another session in the Black Lion is called for then!

Personally, I'd go for Wednesday 10th as it's the only night I know I'd be free, I don't have work the next day and you aren't here at the weekend.

Naemeson, do you think you could work East London on the 10th into your schedule?

Of course, things can always change.....

LTS

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 03:18 AM

I have spoken to the Black Lion and if there is no football a week night is OK but they are used to us all being there on a Sunday evening!

If people give me a definate date then I will confirm with Tom.

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 11:15 AM

Sorry for not jumping in earlier, Mike, just back from Oz (literally, 1 hour ago). I will try to get something for you at Herga on the 8th Aug, and perhaps a one-off at St Albans for the 12th. Meanwhile, mi casa su casa for that week. We're just outside London, with an Underground station 5min drive from us.

George

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: Naemanson
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 05:52 PM

I have no schedule yet, Liz, so at this time East London is a definite maybe. -Grin-

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 12 Jan 05 - 03:43 PM

Bed ready and waiting for you if you need it Naemeson!

LTS

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: Megan L
Date: 13 Jan 05 - 01:40 PM

Heaven guest we jist call it heaven :)

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: breezy
Date: 13 Jan 05 - 02:06 PM

Hi Mike , El Grek played you to me yesterday, your cds talk like your style and voice ,and I'm sorry to be away and closed down for the summer, but maybe El G will set something up, I'ld certainly have you if you were in season ,so to speak!

Well worth 'catching in the act'

Look out for Mike Deavin, he's been known to do Broadstairs. He may even pay council tax there.

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 12:50 AM

Well, the Black Swan Folk Club in York decided today NOT to hire me for a gig on August 25th. They listened to my CD and didn't think I would fit their venue. So maybe we will spend some time down in Devon instead of zooming back up to the northeast. I will try and find another time to get up to that area. It seems there are quite a few clubs that aren't interested in us singer/songwriter types. Still a few clubs considering .

We plan to have a great time even if I don't find any folk club gigs. Having the chance to meet UK catters and seeing the beautiful sights will make our vacation fabulous. We will keep you all posted as our schedule firms up. thanks so much to all of you who have offered lodging and assistance. This trip would not be near as much fun without your help.

See you in less than 8 months.

Mike

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: Naemanson
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 06:50 AM

Well, this promises to be a year of traveling. I am in Japan for the next month and a half if not longer (my wife is undergoing medical care) and then in July I'll be back here, then on to England, New England, West Coast, Hawaii, and home to Guam. Who knows where else I might go. If the dream job materializes then I'll be helping to run a boat carrying supplies and mail around the Pacific Islands. Man, life has gotten interesting since I retired!

Liz, I may take you up on that bed in East London. Keep the sheets turned back. Will two fit in that bed?

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: Dead Horse
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 09:48 AM

I should check on the Two-In-A-Bed Clause and how it relates to PELs, Liz. You wouldnt want to become a house of ill repute............

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 15 Aug 05 - 05:57 AM

Boo Hoo... I didn't get to see him... or Mrs Alaska!

But the bed is still here whenever you want it, and it sleeps two.... more if Manitas is away...

LTS

Subject: RE: Alaska Mike in UK - August
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 15 Aug 05 - 06:06 AM

Unless you come to Herga Monday 22nd August... He'll be there.