Shanty Sessions at the Press Room

Subject: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: curmudgeon
Date: 18 Dec 02 - 05:25 PM

Beginning on 11 January, 2003, the Press Room, 77 Daniel St., Portsmouth NH, will be the venue for a monthly shanty and forebitter session. Singing will start at 3:30 (after the piano player is through) and continue till 7:30 or thereabouts. This will happen on the Second Saturday of each month.

Singers of such music are highly sought after as well as those who prefer to sing along or just sit and listen. Instruments are also welcome as long as they are not so big as to take up a seat space.

The Press Room, est. 1976, has a goodly selection of beers, wine and spirits as well as coffee, tea and soft potables. The kitchen will be open to accommodate the hungry with a modestly priced pub menu including vegetarian fare.

While smoking is allowed, there are two very large smoke eaters that suck up much of the fumage. Also, by consensus, no one smokes in the singers circle.

Reservations are not necessary, but it would be swell to know who's coming.
Post here, or if shy, PM me -- Tom

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: Charley Noble
Date: 18 Dec 02 - 06:03 PM

Sure, Tom, I plan to be there with a new song or two.

Who's going to van pool with me?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Dec 02 - 06:24 PM

I'm gonna be there with my whips!

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: Barry Finn
Date: 18 Dec 02 - 10:23 PM

I'll be seeing ya there too, great job Tom. Barry

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: Naemanson
Date: 18 Dec 02 - 10:26 PM

Count me in!

Sins, whips? What have you got in mind?

By the by, Charley, count me in on the van pool also.

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: curmudgeon
Date: 19 Dec 02 - 08:31 AM

Good to hear from you folks. Even if things start off small, the potential is great. This could also be a good place to sell tapes and CDs.

Spread the word -- tom

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: MMario
Date: 19 Dec 02 - 08:36 AM

Second SATURDAY? yee-haw - this might be a possibility for me some month!

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: curmudgeon
Date: 19 Dec 02 - 09:06 AM

A most promising prospect, MMario. It would be grand if you could make it some Saturday.

Any others willing to travel?

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: Brían
Date: 19 Dec 02 - 10:10 AM

I am a good possibility.

Brían

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: curmudgeon
Date: 19 Dec 02 - 01:32 PM

Brian, you live in Maine; that's not really travelling. But I certainly hope you can make it -- Tom

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 19 Dec 02 - 01:38 PM

Ahoy, Sins;
Are ye gonna wear that snazzy black leather outfit what goes wit' the whips? Yawzaaah!

I try to avoid driving a lot at night these days, although I can if need be; a large-capacity van load of "Catters heading South from Maine might have potential for a jolly good start to the evening's festivities.

This seems to be a pretty much concertina and tin whistle affair, although if there were one utilitarian guitar to pass around it might come in handy. Of course I would never want Charlie's banjo to ever feel excluded! That washtub bass of Nor's has sort of become a fixture as well, hasn't it? Anyone bringing a ship's bell, or do they have one there?

I'd like to get to one of these - please do keep this thread up near the surface and we'll keep in touch.

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: curmudgeon
Date: 19 Dec 02 - 05:40 PM

Avast! There are some very inportant names still absent from this thread -- Tom

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 19 Dec 02 - 08:18 PM

Aw, Sins . . . you should see the cute little whip I'VE got (goes with my tailcoat , tights and unicorn mask . . .).

Linn

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: Naemanson
Date: 19 Dec 02 - 11:15 PM

Uh, guys, these women are talking WHIPS here. Should we be worried? Or excited?

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: Dahlin
Date: 20 Dec 02 - 09:26 AM

Naemanson

DEPENDS!   Think about it.

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: curmudgeon
Date: 27 Dec 02 - 08:53 AM

Two weeks from tomorrow! Let us try to keep this thread alive with re-committtments and comments.

Normally, the bartender is also the waiter on Sat. afternoons. If there will be enough people to justify another waitperson, it can be arranged. Please let me know who's coming.

In the event of inclement weather, watch this thread for announcements and cautions -- Tom

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: Charley Noble
Date: 27 Dec 02 - 09:14 AM

Whoops, I refreshed the wrong thread:

This drinking song is based on a fragment, the first verse, recollected from a song party in the 1960's off Stonington, Maine.


MERCHANT'S ISLAND

(New words by Charlie Ipcar © 1999
Tune: "She's but a Lassie yet")

G--C-G--------D-------G
Oh, the wind blew up 'bout nor'nor'east,
---------C-G--D7
Blew right up on Monty's beach;
---G------D7---------G-------D7
The men got drunk and the women too –
--------------------------G
'Round the pub the rum jug flew!


Chorus:

G
We'll shove around the grog, me boys,
------------------------------D7
Raise our mugs and make some noise;
------G------------------------C
We'll shove around the grog, me boys –
D7-----------------G
Down on Merchant's Island!


One thing that we know is true,
There's nothing like ol' Stan's home brew,
For on our toots we're pissed as newts –
Down on Merchant's Island...

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: curmudgeon
Date: 27 Dec 02 - 09:55 AM

If anyone will be coming from Boston, please let me know. There is a carless "Guest" who has expressed a desire to attend. Thanks-- Tom

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: Naemanson
Date: 27 Dec 02 - 11:22 AM

As near as I can tell you can expect me, Charley, Uncle Jaque, and at least one other from north of Portland, Maine.

Brian, do you want to join the van pool?

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: GUEST,Uncle Jaque (Did I lose Cookie?)
Date: 27 Dec 02 - 02:35 PM

This is sounding better all the time!

There may not be enough elbow room in that van to play my new concertina on the way down... but that may be a good thing!

As an aside; How many & which Mudcatters are planning to help Cpt. Bunker & Sharon move the China Seas tomorrow (Sat. the 28th)?
I hope to be able to pitch in for a while anyway.

The back is a little sore from shovelling snow, but "Ol' Red" the Plymouth Carivan / portable dumpster has all of it's back seats out and we might be able to help in the trucking to Gray.

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: curmudgeon
Date: 29 Dec 02 - 07:31 AM

Long range weather forecast calls for snow, but can't count on it that far away. Will keep you posted -- Tom

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: curmudgeon
Date: 04 Jan 03 - 11:13 AM

One week from today. New long range forecast calls for cold, but no snow. We've certainly had enough already.
Mark your calendars, organise your carpools and tell all your friends.
See you next Saturday -- Tom

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 04 Jan 03 - 09:45 PM

OK - Portland North Catters; I get the impression that Charlie N. is taking a load of rascals down from Portland Town; anyone coming down from the Northern Quarters besides moi? If not I guess I will rendevous with the Roll-&-Go bus in town.

Where & what time?

If the van is already full-up and no room remains for a chubby Uncle & his concertina (perhaps a tinwhistle as well), that's OK as there are a couple of stores in Kittery & NH I've been wanting to patronize while down that way and could just drive down earlier in the day & try to find the Press Room after shopping.

Keep us posted! Hope the weather / driving conditions hold for us!

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: Jeri
Date: 04 Jan 03 - 11:19 PM

Maybe those who want to come early can meet and feed our faces beforehand?

Tom, perhaps the Guest from Boston could take a train and someone could meet him/her in Dover or Durham or somewhere. Finding a car ride is better because I believe the train costs a pile, but it's an option.

(Tom - pssst:
It was a fine and a pleasant night
Lots of songs and stories we were sharing
We thought about the years gone by
And we lusted after bowls of herring

Oh the cream was sour, but it was s'posed to be
And it dripped, so we soon were wearing
Gobs of it all down our shirts
As we feasted from the bowls of herring

       ...sorry.)

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: curmudgeon
Date: 05 Jan 03 - 10:22 AM

Since the part of the pub where we'll be singing is the piano player's domain 'till 3:00, it might be better to eat later to save shifting of dishes and glasses.

Boston "Guest" has not made contact since that first post. We've sent notice to singers from that vicinity, but no response yet. The shuttle to Pease would also work.

Now the time grew late, and the skies were dark,
And by ten to home we soon were bearing,
And fell fast asleep ere the midnight hour,
Just to dream about the bowls of herring.

See you Saturday -- Tom

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: Charley Noble
Date: 05 Jan 03 - 10:45 AM

Now I stepped boldly into the darkling Pub,
My new Roll & Go sweatshirt proudly wearing,
My feet slipped, and my arms shoot out,
And I landed in a bowl of herring.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 05 Jan 03 - 04:29 PM

I've still got about one bite of herring left from New Year's Eve -- I got interrupted before the last bite the other day, but it's soon to be gone.

Charley -- I'll try to find the exact reference to the elephant ship story.

Linn

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 08:00 AM

Re: Cpt. Charlie's admission:

"..My feet slipped, and my arms shoot out,
And I landed in a bowl of herring."

Ahah!

So that explains that certain eau de' Nautica olfactory presence we've been noticing of late!

And here we thought that it was a new brand of cologne you'd picked up at the bait shop!

Somehow I sensed that something fishy was going on here!

};^{D~

AArrgh!

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: Charley Noble
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 08:30 AM

What do you do with a herring's head?

Curiously,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: MMario
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 08:40 AM

Herring's Head?

Why would anyone want to do anything with THAT

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 10:16 AM

Herring's gone (except for a puddle of sour creams and an errant onion scrap or two). Should probably whip up a new batch.

Should I come to the session dressed in squid? Thanks to Sinsull, I've got the materials for the perfect squiddy flapper dress. (Or else I'll dress more conservatively to show off the squid netsuke I got for Christmas.)

Linn

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: Charley Noble
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 11:34 AM

Either way should be a treat, Linn.

Judy might be convinced to demonstrate her new fishnet tights from San Francisco, echoes of Jon Campbell's "Frederick's of Galilee" (nautical and knotty attire).;~)

We will bring some tasteful Roll & Go "squiggly" T-shirts for show and sell.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: SINSULL
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 05:28 PM

Oh great! Charlie stinks of herring and Linn will be featuring eau d' plastic squid. They made my eyes water.
I will need the whips to keep them both at bay.

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 05:39 PM

Keep those sessions going. I hope to be there one day. Burl

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: curmudgeon
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 10:12 AM

Looking forward to meeting you Burl -- Tom

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 10:22 PM

}B^{6~ AArrrgh!;

Which one o' ye nubile Wenches is goin' tae coom dressed oop like the Mermaid?

Ye know, like all them ones flirtin' aboot th' auld China Seas Shop? (Most o' which is now coolin' their wooden lovliness in a storage locker in Gray, Maine). Some of us is gwine tae miss them Lassies!

Hmmmm... nows I's a-wonderin' jest who we gots whats built fer th' job, eh?

Carefull there, Judy; ye might dribble yer sour cream on onnea them...

Ach!; Never mind.

AAArrrrgh!

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: Naemanson
Date: 08 Jan 03 - 11:53 AM

Has anyone invited Bunker and Sharon?

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: curmudgeon
Date: 08 Jan 03 - 03:45 PM

Great idea Brett. I don't have the email address immediately handy. Would you do the honours on behalf of all? Thanks -- Tom

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 08 Jan 03 - 10:23 PM

I'm not sure if they are back on line yet, but you could give it a try. They switched ISPs back about September, as I recall so if your E-dress for them is older than that it may not work.

If that fails, I think i have their home phone no. around somewhere - which might be unlisted(?).

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: Susan A-R
Date: 08 Jan 03 - 10:37 PM

I'm going to put it in the calendar for March the 8th, figuring that if I get to Manchester on the bus, probably someone could give me a lift to Portsmouth. Particularly planning ahead as I am. Work screws up this weekend and the February one.

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: curmudgeon
Date: 09 Jan 03 - 09:09 AM

Glad to hear your'e planning thee trek Susan. With two months to plan, I'm sure we can get you from Manchester to Portsmouth -- Tom

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: Charley Noble
Date: 09 Jan 03 - 09:18 AM

Well, so far our van pool includes myself and Norris Dale. I've also invited Brien Hoye, Kendall Morse, and Uncle Jaque to join our intrepid expedition into Portsmouth's sailor town.

We should be there at 3:30 pm sharp, on Saturday.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: Naemanson
Date: 09 Jan 03 - 12:13 PM

I don't have any contact info for Bunker and Sharon. Uncle Jaque, will you do the honors, please?

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 09 Jan 03 - 07:10 PM

Gad, if I dressed up as a friggin' mermaid I'd fall flat on me face!

Don't worry, Sins. I strung the squiddy things outside til recently and they lost all their gasoline smell (thank gawd!). Let's see, if I had a fishnet body suit and wrapped them around my bod . . .

Well, I guess that would be enough to keep people from showing up on Saturday. I think I'll wear a tasteful sweater due to the cold and the tasteful (and exotic) squid netsuke dangling from my neck.

Linn

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 09 Jan 03 - 08:14 PM

I'll see what I can do about contacting Cpt. Bunker & Sharon.

Charlie; My attendance is a little tenuous; Family gathering on Sunday and the Matriarch of the Manor is suggesting that Sat. would be much better spent housecleaning. We'll see how it goes Sat. morning.

In the event I can shake loose, what time and where should the "crew" assemble to get on board and cast off?

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: kendall
Date: 09 Jan 03 - 09:18 PM

I am not able to make it. Committed to the new coffee house in Harpswell.

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: curmudgeon
Date: 10 Jan 03 - 11:02 AM

Sorry about that, Kendall, but there will be more opportunities.

Weather forecast call for partial sun and cold. By now , the city should have cleared the snow away from the parking places. If not, I'll post a warning.

See you in 28.5 hours -- Tom

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 10 Jan 03 - 12:08 PM

Not satisfied with just calling Cpt. "Bunk", another old pal and I stopped by their place in Gray after breakfast this morning and rousted the good Cpt. out of bed around 10AM; Sharon was up and feeding the birds.

They convey their appologies, but will be in Lewiston tomorrow for the festivities surrounding the various "rallies" scheduled involving the "diversity" issues in that community of late.

Sharon and Steve are not planning to attend the "Diversity" rally; instead they want to go to the Neo-Nazi function in order to get right up in their faces and confront / irritate / annoy them as much as possible. Ya gotta love 'em!

Kendall; Coffee House in Harpswell, eh? Is that a regular thing there, or a one-time gig? If it is regular and open to rif-raf like us I hope you can provide times & directions so we might be able to show up and heckle the performers.

I'll check back in later tonight & check for developments, directions & such; if I'm real good and get the decks swabbed & the bright work polished, Cpt. Martha might let me go ashore tomorrow.

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: kendall
Date: 10 Jan 03 - 12:55 PM

Rough directions, follow route 123, I think, from Cooks Corner until you see the recycling plant on the right. The comm. ctr. is behind it.
I don't know if it will be a regular venue on the second Saturday, but, I'll find out. It is being run by Beth Revels.

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: Charley Noble
Date: 10 Jan 03 - 05:23 PM

Uncle Jaque-

I don't have your e-mail address but I did PM you via Mudcat; the pick-up details are be at 40 Salem St. (Nor & Eli's house) at 2 pm sharp wearing a large squid suit.

Looks like great weather.

We now have Brien, Nor, my wife Judy, and myself in the van.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: Brían
Date: 10 Jan 03 - 05:27 PM

Well, I'm looking forward to this! I'll lash on the ol' snowshoes and trudge the happy road to Salem Street! I'll aim to be a little early.

Brían

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 11 Jan 03 - 01:25 AM

I can't find any PM for me here, Charlie (?)

What's the best way to get to Salem St. coming from Yarmouth?

I think I have been to your digs, but it was years ago & I don't remember all that well. Is there sufficient parking to leave "Ol' Red" the Voyager minivan without blocking anyone in, getting towed away etc.? If there is a nearby parking facility I can anchor there and hike in, if need be.

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: curmudgeon
Date: 11 Jan 03 - 08:56 AM

Full sun, frigid temperatures, should moderate to mid 20s. Parking places tolerably cleared out. Be aware, however, that there is a two hour limit up until 6:00. I don't know how rigidly this will be enforced today. If in doubt, there is a parking garage within three blocks of the Press Room.
Drive carefully -- Tom

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: Charley Noble
Date: 11 Jan 03 - 09:09 AM

Uncle Jaque-

Maybe the PM got mislaid when you lost your cookie.

Directions to 40 Salem St.:

Milky Way Galaxy, the Solar System, 3rd planet from Old Sol, exit I-295 at Forest Ave. South, then exit right to State St. south through Deering Oaks Park, turn right on Danforth St. and go 2 or 3 blocks to Clark St. (Ruskie's Tavern), turn left (if you're able to do that;~)) and then turn right onto Salem St. Nor and Eli's house is on the left about 3 houses in. See you there at 2 pm sharp!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Jan 03 - 11:46 AM

Today is the day. See you all later.

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 11 Jan 03 - 12:57 PM

It's route 24, not123.

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 11 Jan 03 - 01:52 PM

OY!

I anint gonna mke it by 2 -
2:30 wouldda been tight, but if i left rite now in my t-shirt wouldnt make portland in time.

Shucks!

(dusting turned into major de-mucking)

I'd be tempted to go solo but from the last directions i saw 2 rthe PR may never b seen or heard from again if i try.

Have fun - maybe next time!

UJ

Subject: RE: Shanty Sessions at the Press Room
From: Naemanson
Date: 12 Jan 03 - 04:16 PM

Click Here To see the thread that discusses the resounding success of the first shanty session at the Press Room.