Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival

Subject: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: curmudgeon
Date: 16 Sep 03 - 11:52 AM

Saturday, 27 September is the date for the Fourth Annual Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival.

I strongly urge all Mudcatters who live in the general area, as well as those who may be travelling near coastal New Hampshire to make a real effort to attend.

In addition to the great line-up of performers, a lot of the "usual suspects" from the monthly shanty/forebitter sessions are sure to be around. Even better, except for the Saturday night concert, its all FREE!

Hope to see lots of you there -- Tom

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Leadfingers
Date: 16 Sep 03 - 01:26 PM

What a shame its NOT the Portsmouth thats an hour and a half down the road from me here, but my Free travel card only works in the London Area. Have fun though.

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Charley Noble
Date: 16 Sep 03 - 04:47 PM

Tom-

Judy and I are looking forward to at least Saturday's activities. Maybe we'll stay over Saturday night.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Celtaddict
Date: 16 Sep 03 - 11:41 PM

Is there a site with information, particularly schedules? I was told it ran Sunday too, and would get up there Sunday afternoon if it does.
But if it is Saturday only, do go to hear Mainbrace, Mike O'Leary-Johns and Tony Fraser, over from Wales. (And tell them hi from me.)

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Naemanson
Date: 17 Sep 03 - 03:57 AM

Can I come too? Will you forward $1500 for the airfare?

Have a great time guys. Whenever you see one of our old friends please tell them where I am and give him or her my best wishes.

By the way, I just learned that record cold for Guam is 55 degrees F.

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: curmudgeon
Date: 17 Sep 03 - 06:32 AM

Celtaddict -- Go to the blue clickie in my first post above, from there scroll down to the section marked Schedule of Events. Its not overly detailed. However, I will try to post more information on Sunday's events later -- Tom

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Jeri
Date: 17 Sep 03 - 08:27 AM

Sunday's better> for music. The performers do mini-concerts at different places throughout the town. You can park your corpus in a place you like and not move.
Saturday usually is better for educational stuff. Last year, I went to an incredible presentation on African Americans in the Age of Sail.

It sure would be nice if the map showed all the festival locations - including the Press Room!

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: curmudgeon
Date: 17 Sep 03 - 09:32 AM

The map is a fairly standard commercial product; if you don't pay for a display ad on the map, you don't exist.

I've sent out a request for more details as to who will be where and at what time for the day programs and will post same upon reciept -- Tom

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Sep 03 - 06:57 AM

I have been promised a more detailed schedule for the daytime events, soon.
Please be patient, it will be worth the wait. On the other hand, just plan on coming and worry abot the schedule when you get there -- Tom

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: curmudgeon
Date: 21 Sep 03 - 10:36 AM

For Celtaddict and others, here's the Sunday schedule:

Sunday PERFORMERS' SCHEDULES

Jack Beard                   1:00-6:00  MC at Pleasant St. Stage

Celeste Bernardo          1-1:45  Bagel Works
ca. 2-3  Quigley?s
3:30-4  Pleasant St. Stage

Jerry Epstein                 1-1:30  Pleasant St. Stage
ca. 2-3  Quigley's
3:30-4  Athenaeum

Dave Hallowell 1-4:30  MC at Athenaeum
2:30-3:00  on stage at Athenaeum

Susan Hickey               2:30-3  Pleasant St. Stage
ca. 3:15-3:45  Quigley?s
4-4:30  Athenaeum

Mainbrace                    2-2:30   Pleasant St. Stage
3-3:30  Athenaeum
ca. 4-4:30  Quigley's

Mama Grass                 1:45-2:30  Bagel Works
ca. 3-4  Quigley's
4:30-5  Pleasant St. Stage

Schulz and Hall 1-1:30  Athenaeum
2-4:30 lead singing at Quigley?s

Chris Stevens               1:30-2  Pleasant St. Stage
3:15-4  Bagel Works

Ken Sweeney               1:30-2  Athenaeum
2:30-3:15  Bagel Works
4-4:30  Pleasant St. Stage

Bob Webb                   1-1:45  Bagel Works
2-2:30  Athenaeum
3-3:30  Pleasant St. Stage
ca. 4-4:30  Quigley's

All gather at Pleasant Street Stage at 5:00 PM for final sing.

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Charley Noble
Date: 21 Sep 03 - 11:19 AM

Looks like we have to stay over through Sunday! ;`)

Thanks for posting the update, Tom.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Jeri
Date: 21 Sep 03 - 11:42 AM

Tom, I notice that Mama Grass is playing a post-concert-concert on
Saturday night. [In best Jack Nicholson voice] That's just freakin' weeeeird, man!

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: curmudgeon
Date: 21 Sep 03 - 01:41 PM

While the lads in Mamma Gras do have some sea songs in their repertoire, I have no idea whether they'll be limiting themselves to that genre - Tom

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: GUEST,celtaddict at work
Date: 21 Sep 03 - 04:00 PM

Thank you so much, Tom! If you are involved in the site at all, a more detailed schedule and a map showing sites would be a big help, particularly one that could be printed itself. So would an e-mail address. The link is often convenient but I am probably not the only one who is unable to use it from a work computer. Even nights or weekends we are set up so we can go through our intranet to only one net place at a time, either checking mail or visiting site, but cannot mail to site. (And there are those poor folks who do not realize the wealth of information available at the 'Cat!) I would of course love to be there for everything but have an unbreakable commitment and need the details to see if it is worth the extra hours driving (six?) and to be able to go straight to the place where I want to be listening.
There is by the way a house concert by Mainbrace on Thursday, at the place listed for last September's house concert, in York, Maine.
Thanks again!

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Big Mick
Date: 21 Sep 03 - 04:15 PM

So......if a certain large Irishman from Michigan had to spend the weekend in Boston, he could probably arrange for a tour guide to this event?

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: curmudgeon
Date: 21 Sep 03 - 04:38 PM

Celtaddict -- The area involved in the festival is very small; nothing is more than a five minute walk from anything else. The parking garage is right on the edge of the doings and will allow you to move quickly and easily from place to place.

Mick -- Linn and I hve certain time commitments in this event, but can give you a little guidance if you need it. Then again, I con't think Jeri is locked into any specific event. Twill be grand to see you again -- Tom

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Jeri
Date: 21 Sep 03 - 04:58 PM

I'm not locked into anything. I'm probably going to be selling something somewhere. Jeff told me he'd let me know what he needed me to do - possibly sometime before I needed to do it.

Mick, let me know if you need bail money.

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Barry Finn
Date: 22 Sep 03 - 12:15 AM

Door's always open Mick. Stay here a bit & give the wife a kiss. I'll be going too. "I'll Will Guide Thee", where'd I hear that line before? Don't get one of them there fancy high end Hotels we're only 40 minutes north. Love ta have ya. Barry

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Big Mick
Date: 22 Sep 03 - 07:26 AM

Barry, you were my next email......till my hard drive went flaccid......hahahahaha. I hate loving computers!!!!!! I will likely be in sometime Friday and leave Monday. I will be staying in Boston, and the room is taken care of. I will give you a holler as soon as it firms up.

Tell Justine to get ready for a Big Mick hug of epic proportions.

All the best, dear friend.

Mick

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: curmudgeon
Date: 22 Sep 03 - 07:28 AM

So Mick, will you be coming to the Friday session?

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Big Mick
Date: 22 Sep 03 - 07:36 AM

Tom, I am going to try. It depends on my schedule when I get there. My intention is to head up as soon as I am done, but I don't know when that is yet. The Press Room is always on my agenda when possible.

Mick

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Barry Finn
Date: 22 Sep 03 - 03:22 PM

Hi Mick, let me know where you'll be Fri. & maybe together we can make sure that you get up there on time. It'll be good ta see ya again. Barry

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Charley Noble
Date: 22 Sep 03 - 07:29 PM

Look forward to meeting you, Mick. I can sing you some of my songs that are still banned in Michigan.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: curmudgeon
Date: 22 Sep 03 - 08:52 PM

This festival seems to be shaping up as a significant Mudcat gathering as well.

How about all the Catters who are coming post here as bait for the other shy members to also show up -- Tom

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: curmudgeon
Date: 23 Sep 03 - 02:04 PM

To those planning to attend the Friday trad session, be advised that it may get very full. In addition to the usual and unusual suspects, we'll be joined by Ken Sweeney, maybe Mainbrace, maybe Big Mick, and maybe Ken Coles from Concertina.net.

It may get a bit tight, but as long as the waitresses can get around with the beer and food, we will have a good session -- Tom

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: JWB
Date: 23 Sep 03 - 02:26 PM

It warmed me heart to see that, of the Festival performers pictured on the website, fully 60% are holding concertinas. It'll be breezing up in Portsmouth next weekend!

Comprimere in aeternum.

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: curmudgeon
Date: 23 Sep 03 - 05:51 PM

JWB -- the actual count is 70%; Jeff Warner was pictured with his banjo and not his Wheatstone -- Tom

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: JWB
Date: 23 Sep 03 - 08:52 PM

Tom,

You'll have a Piscatiquah (sp?) squeeze-in for certain. You should try for massed concertinas during the finale.

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: curmudgeon
Date: 23 Sep 03 - 09:12 PM

We talked about that last year when we had even more concertinas. I'll bring it up again. The main problem will be finding a tune everyone knows -- Tom

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: JWB
Date: 23 Sep 03 - 09:51 PM

Anytime I've been with a group of hexagon zombies everyone seems to know Jamie Allen. Early in my concertina career I thought that every squeezebox came with that tune included.

Jerry

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Barry Finn
Date: 23 Sep 03 - 09:56 PM

I was there then & I'll be there again. What's a concertina? See ya all soon. Barry

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Jeri
Date: 24 Sep 03 - 06:54 AM

Oh...JERRY!!! Mr. 'Shanty in Old Shanty Town' Jerry. I was wondering who that masked man was.

Oddly enough, when I was in the antique store looking at an accordion, I wanted to test the liklihood of me ever playing it, I whipped it out an played Jimmy/Jaime Allen. My first tune ever on a squeezy thing. (No, the wee hexagonal beasties are safe from my wheezing asthmatic monster.)

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: JWB
Date: 24 Sep 03 - 09:46 AM

Jeri,

See! I think that tune infects squeezers everywhere, sort of like chestnut blight or Dutch elm disease: you breathe, you squeeze, you play Jamie Allen.

Jerry

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: curmudgeon
Date: 24 Sep 03 - 09:50 AM

I have to agree, Jerry, that "Jimmy Allen" is probably known by all of the box squeezers, but its been nearly done to death at the Friday sessions. My personal preference would be for the "Sailor's Hornpipe" which is more theme appropriate.

Looking forward to seeing you again -- Tom

PS - Thanks for the "unmasking," Jeri.

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Sep 03 - 12:00 PM

I have friends visiting from NYC. If they are willing, we will be down. If they have other plans, ... I would love to hear Bob Webb perform in person.

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: curmudgeon
Date: 24 Sep 03 - 12:09 PM

Cast their plans into the sea and bring them along, kicking and screaming if necessary. Aside from seeing you, what better plans could they have?

And besides, some of us haven't seen you in months and you have been missed -- Tom

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 24 Sep 03 - 07:54 PM

Bob's great, Sins -- force the friends to come with you. They'll enjoy his singing, too. Last year when he sang at The Athenaeum, he decided against his regular set and just went from painting to painting and sang a song about each. Quite something. Bob plays a duet concertina, by the way.

Not only fine musicianship, but depth of knowlege is reflected in ALL the performers at the festival.

Oh, and speaking of neat concertina tricks, Ken Sweeney can play English concertina and harmonica (and sound great!) at the same time.

Hi, Jerry! I've stolen your song! I've trotted it out at a couple sea music singarounds as well as our weekly Press Room session -- but I've given you credit every time.

Linn

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Charley Noble
Date: 24 Sep 03 - 08:33 PM

Ken can also dance while he plays the concertina and harmonica!

I can do that too, but the result is awful...

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Sep 03 - 08:47 PM

I remember John Hartford dancing and playing the fiddle. I fell in love on the spot.

I mentioned the festival to my guests and got a luke warm reception BUT they may be leaving early Sundal which will leave me free to meet up with you in Portsmouth, I hope.

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Charley Noble
Date: 25 Sep 03 - 01:03 PM

Tom-

I don't suppose I could impose on you to accompany "Mariner's Compass" in the key of F? I'm not sure I'd dare to bring out my Bastari concertina in such select company.

Check my personal website for the tune:Ignoble Website

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: curmudgeon
Date: 25 Sep 03 - 01:52 PM

Charley -- I'll do my best. F is an easy key for me and I've some spare time between now and Saturday. My main fear is that my elderly brain might twist it up with Rosin the Beau.

Looking forward to a grand weekend -- Tom

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Charley Noble
Date: 25 Sep 03 - 08:15 PM

Tom-

Yes, this will be a fun weekend! Judy and I have found digs down by the river so we're definitely there for both days.

The rest of Roll & Go is preoccupied.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: curmudgeon
Date: 25 Sep 03 - 08:19 PM

Here's a local newspaper take on the events -- Tom

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Jeri
Date: 25 Sep 03 - 10:12 PM

I see they're closing off Pleasant St. this year. No big honkin' motorcycles without mufflers ripping mega-decibels while people are trying to sing unamplified. Oh darn.

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: curmudgeon
Date: 26 Sep 03 - 12:05 PM

Now all we have to contend with is the possibility of rain -- Tom

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Sep 03 - 12:37 PM

Shit!!! My itinerary has been changed. I won't even get into Boston until Sunday afternoon. Anything happening Sunday night? I am disappointed as hell. Have a pint for auld Mick, will ya folks? And sing a song too?

Mick

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 26 Sep 03 - 12:44 PM

Everyone have a good time...I wish I could get back!

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Big Mick
Date: 26 Sep 03 - 01:19 PM

Post of 12:37 PM is me.

Big Mick

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Jeri
Date: 26 Sep 03 - 01:34 PM

Post festival stuff usually doesn't last long. Folks wanna get on the road or home to crash.

Tom, do you know if the Sun Irish sesh at Quigley's will happen post-festival? Mick, dear, Quigleys is nearly in the exact spot where we wrestled during your last visit. (Wasn't much fun without the Jello.) If you get here early enough, we could do a tour of all the Shaw's supermarkets in the area. I'd take you to the Mallwarts, but I think you'd need to stay another week.

I'm available for dinner on Monday night and Wed. Also Tue, Thu, Fri and the week after.

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 26 Sep 03 - 01:38 PM

jeri - you really have to learn not to be so stand-offish.

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Jeri
Date: 26 Sep 03 - 01:46 PM

MMario, I'm working on it, but you know, I really can't stand Mick. All that friendship and hugging and stuff - EEEW!

(Mick, I wish you could sneak to the airport early and try to swap for an earlier flight!)

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Big Mick
Date: 26 Sep 03 - 01:49 PM

It's not the flight, it's the things I have to do pre-trial when I get there. Do you have a cell phone yet?   Email me if you do.

It looks like I will only have Sunday night or Monday night and Monday isn't certain.

Shit.....I was looking forward to the best two out of three falls.

Mick

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: JWB
Date: 26 Sep 03 - 08:49 PM

Linn,

You go, girl! Steal away -- that's what folk songs are for. BTW, which one are you referring to?

Jerry

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Jeri
Date: 26 Sep 03 - 09:55 PM

I just got home from the pre-festival Press Room session, and it was a doozie! We had regulars. We had performers, and we had folks who came in to attend the festival. One thing I love about folk music is that there are often non-performers who I enjoy hearing as much as the folks who do it professionally.

JWB was NOT here!

Celtaddict, I told Mike & Tony that somebody on Mudcat said 'hi' but I couldn't remember who. (Brain no work right. "Somebody said 'hi'. What? You wanna know WHO?!") Mike asked if it was Burl, because 'he keeps tabs on us.' I'll remember tomorrow, but hope you can make it on Sunday. In any case, they were in fine voice and seemed healthy and happy.

Mick, I ain't got no cell phone. I'll e-mail you anyway.

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: curmudgeon
Date: 26 Sep 03 - 10:40 PM

As jeri said, it was a great pre-fesstival session. If this was a sampler, then we'll surely have a wonderful bunch of singing.

Charley, it would be nice if you could bring your Bastari anyway; we have a visiting unarmed Anglo player whose box is in the shop.

See all you good people tomorrow, and tomorrow -- Tom

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: curmudgeon
Date: 27 Sep 03 - 08:36 AM

Jeri -- The Irish session at Quigley's will begin right after the festival sing-around ends at 5:00, hosted by Ramona in Rocky's absence.

Mick -- You said, "It's not the flight, it's the things I have to do pre-trial when I get there." I'm confused. How does this preclude your arriving before you have to do the "things?" Why not a leisurly Sunday morning flight followed by an afternoon of music to get you prepped for what you'll be doing -- Tom

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Jeri
Date: 27 Sep 03 - 09:29 AM

Tom, he DID say "...it's the things I have to do...when I get there" (my bold). So get to Boston earlier! They're closed on Sunday anyhow.

Tom, one wonders where the Pleasant St. stage will be since Pleasant St. will now NOT be closed to traffic.

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: curmudgeon
Date: 27 Sep 03 - 09:34 AM

The plan, thus far, is to convert the Pleasant St. stage to a busking venue outside Cafe Brioche. If, however, it becomes too rainy, that part of the festival will be called off.

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Jeri
Date: 27 Sep 03 - 09:39 AM

Bugger.

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Charley Noble in Limbo
Date: 27 Sep 03 - 09:45 AM

Not to worry!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Jeri
Date: 27 Sep 03 - 09:54 AM

Charley, I can't say for sure, but I suspect I just read your mind. If so, me too.

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 27 Sep 03 - 11:15 AM

JWB -- "It's Only a Shantey In Old Shanteytown". I'm likely to break into it at odd moments and frighten the horses, er, I mean people unfamiliar with the music.

Oh, Burl's keeping tabs! And I promised him a full report, pictures and all, so, everybody, behave yourself!

And come out to hear Mainbrace (Mike and Tony) who are a real treat. I'm really sorry we had to miss the house concert Thursday night, but Friday morning was scheduled to arrive way too early. Tonight's concert should be grand. Etcet etcet. An amazing amount of music from some really fine performers this weekend.

Charley, Jeri -- in which universe are your minds meeting?

Mick -- get your posterior (and the rest of you!) out here before everyone goes home!

Linn

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 27 Sep 03 - 11:26 AM

Yes folks, my old friends Mainbrace sing loud and lusty1 Get out there and join 'em and be prepared to sing your heart out. Burl

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 27 Sep 03 - 11:33 AM

Loud & Lusty & GOOD! ("Sing it right, sing it true," as Jeannie Robertson would say.) And they could be heard over the pub din -- some of the, uh, "listeners" in the front of the pub may even have shut up and listened!

Come hear them under better listening conditions, especially at tonight's concert!

Linn

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Jeri
Date: 27 Sep 03 - 12:00 PM

Linn, it's the universe where roving gangs of shanty singers once terrorized the streets of Kennebunk led by the pied pooper.

(well, he wasn't actually 'pied' but only he moved too quickly to make a good target.
"Pick it up and heave it at his face
Lemon meringue, fire away,
To miss would be a big disgrace
Lemon meringue, fire away
Imagine cross-hairs on his nose
Lemon meringue, fire away
Take good aim and there she goes"
and all that.)

In a universe where busking requires no permit and singing in public is actually encouraged, you never know what will happen UNofficially. (Am I close, Charles?) In any case, I hope the weather permits the official stuff to go as planned.

Our session regular whose instrument is the pen really captured Mike - don't know if he got Tony. Hopefully, Bob will give us a copy so we can send it off to the model. (What would really be cool is if we could get permission to send it and perhaps others to Pene Azul for the 'Events' page.)

Boy, am I ever ready to sing! My voice has recovered from last night when I had to do my best impression of (as a certain friend of mine once put it) Don Sinetti in a dress (although I had jeans on) because the background volume level was similar to what I remember being 20' away from a taxiing F-111 jet sounded like.

Burl, the only thing that would make the music better would be if YOU were here too!

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Charley Noble
Date: 27 Sep 03 - 01:20 PM

Nice to know you folks have all broken in your voices!

Tom- I'll bring the G/D Anglo along, maybe even the F/C. We can always use another bilge pump!

Jeri- It was midnight on the ocean, and we was three wheets to the sind!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Jeri
Date: 28 Sep 03 - 01:18 AM

Good day. Too many concertinas. Tom (Mudge), Bob Webb, Jeff Warner, Charley Noble, Ken Sweeney, Jerry Epstein. We had Anglos, English and Duet. Huge, wonderful song circle which couldn't have been better. Tom was great at finding people way in the back who wanted to sing or would if encouraged a bit. Great concert. Tired. Speaking in sentence fragments. Sang my brains out and I hope my throat will feel less scratchy tomorrow.

I went out at the break in the concert to get a sweater and saw some drunken dickhead pull into the spot next to my car, smooshing the side of the car on the other side and hitting the one in front. Now THAT was scary. Found some cops on my way out of town and reported it. I'd written the DH's license number on a program for tomorrow. Told the cops if they were gonna keep it, they should come hear the music.

Celtaddict, if you're around, I told Mike 'Celtaddict said hi'. He said 'Who?!' I hope you're coming tomorrow (er, make that later today) so you can clear up this identity issue.

I'm supposed to be selling performers' CDs tomorrow from 1 to about 3:30. Stop and say howdy.

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 28 Sep 03 - 09:42 AM

Yesterday's singaround was incredible -- not just the regular Portsmouth singaround attendees and the performers, but an enthusiastic crowd of listeners and SINGERS who came from distances to join in. Had a pair of really really good singers from Scotland who "just happened to be passing through." Really encouraging, too, to have younger singers who are discovering the roots of the "New Wave Celto-Whatever" that they've discovered.

Building on yesterday's singaround, today's at Jack Quigley's Pub ought to be truly awe-inspiring.

Linn

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: curmudgeon
Date: 28 Sep 03 - 07:52 PM

WOW !!!!! -- Too much fun, not enough sleep. It will take more than one post to express the essence of this festival.

Stellar performances by all aside, one of the high points was the number of newcomers, especially young newcomers, to the genre, and to the pure joy of singing.

To be continued ...

-- Tom

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Charley Noble
Date: 28 Sep 03 - 08:37 PM

What joy! Lots of good singers and songs, and different levels of involvement for whatever you wanted to do. Tom, you did a great job of inviting people to sing. And Jeff Warner deserves credit for making this sea music festival happen again.

I finally got to hear what the 2nd floor of the Press Room sounds like after 10 years. Boy, remind me to never sit under them air conditioners again. Fortunately. someone came by and shut them down for the second half.

I can't wait till Mainbrace's new CD gets printed. Robust voices! Nice folks too.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: GUEST,celtaddict (without my cookie)
Date: 28 Sep 03 - 09:01 PM

Gee, Mike and Tony, spend six nights in my bed and forget who I am to say "hi" back to...how quickly they forget. (Well, my guest beds are of course mine.)
Hope the rain did not put too much of a damper on things in general. The songwriting workshop was wonderful so I decided not to break my heart over missing Portsmouth, but the Thursday concert was fantastic.

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Jeri
Date: 28 Sep 03 - 09:29 PM

I think Jeff got the stupid air shut off. I was on the other side of the room and was freezing too.

One really great moment in the concert was Jeff and Ken Sweeney doing "Coast of Peru." I never knew Jeff was that good on guitar! It wasn't fancy in an obvious way, but I loved the arrangement, both guitar-wise and harmonica-wise.

Mainbrace... I KNEW they were powerful singers, but didn't realise just HOW powerful until I sat about 4' away from them at Quigley's today. Luckily, the eardrum on the starboard side still works, and I'm sure my hair will eventually grow back. Joking aside, they're loud, but the volume isn't nearly as impressive as how good they sound. Their voices are rich and blend magnificently. (Ha - and I'm listening to them live on NH Public Radio now!)

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Jeri
Date: 28 Sep 03 - 09:43 PM

Celtaddict, I think they had a problem associating the Mudcat handle with the real person. As to the rain, it didn't actually start until 5PM - finale time. The finale was moved into the Athenaeum, which was actually a great thing. The room is an acoustic dream!

Oh, and NO BIG MICK! He wasn't at the festival, and I had no phone messages. I guess he used his one call for a lawyer.

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: GUEST,celtaddict
Date: 28 Sep 03 - 10:05 PM

Figured as much. I am always mildly surprised when I can match up a 'Cat persona with flesh and blood. The personalities come through so vividly her that we think we know them, but I suspect we have mental images unrelated to reality, related no doubt to why it is so often unsatisfactory to see a movie based on a favorite book: that isn't what that character is really like!
But Mainbrace are a treasure to hear, aren't they? Glad the rain took its time moving east. It was lashing down in Rowe from 6 a.m. onward.

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Charley Noble
Date: 29 Sep 03 - 08:21 AM

Hated to "bail out" at 4:30 pm, but we were really glad when the skies opened up and we were only 15 minutes from our dinner date with my aged parents. We were imagining what things looked like back in Portsmouth with performers and admirers sloshing around Market Square for the big finale, perhaps chorusing the Noak's Ark shanty "A long Time Ago."

We're going to have to do more practice on the "Rise Again" break from "Dead Dog Cider." Much too raggedy.;~)

The Athenaeum space was really my favorite space for hearing people sing. Tom and Linn did a great job there. Linn, the key you picked for C. Fox Smith's "Race of Long Ago" was perfect.

I really wish I could have been every place at once...

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: SINSULL
Date: 29 Sep 03 - 10:08 AM

Sorry I missed it. We had a lobster fest in my yard with Kendall and his cousin on Saturday. Sunday was the lighthouse in the rain. No one was looking forward to driving down to Portsmouth. Maybe next year. Deatials, Tom?

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: curmudgeon
Date: 29 Sep 03 - 06:14 PM

The very light rain did not start in Portsmouth until 4:30. It would have been worth the drive. For an idea of what you missed, look here.

As far as I know, next years festival will be on the last weekend in September. But to atone for your sins of non-attendance, the next monthly shanty/forebitter session will be on 11 October. See you there -- Tom

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: curmudgeon
Date: 29 Sep 03 - 06:24 PM

And here's another look at the day's activities.

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Jeri
Date: 29 Sep 03 - 06:36 PM

From the first article: "You couldn't throw a rock in downtown Portsmouth on Sunday without hitting a concertina player."

HAHAHA! I wonder how many people tried!

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Charley Noble
Date: 29 Sep 03 - 07:01 PM

Nice that the Festival got some good press.

Jeri, you're cruel. I'm gonna file a protest on behalf of the poor maligned concertina players and concertina player wannabees of this so unfair world, if I had a clue where to file it...

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 29 Sep 03 - 07:33 PM

There was a wonderful photo of Tom with his concertina at The Press Room singaround in Foster's Daily Demagogue(on the jump page) -- unfortunately the cut line identified him as someody else "tuning up" at a different event at Prescott Park.

Sigh.

Chris Elliot's story in the Herald was really good, though.

Jeff Warner and Peter Contrastano deserve a lot of credit for the work involved in putting this thing together. Especially with all the scrambling for venues what with the weather and all. We've got to keep this festival going -- what a wonderful thing it is. I've got some more thoughts about what makes it wonderful that I'll put together into a thread as soon as I have a few minutes. Philosophical, it is. And I want some feed back.

Should I mention my personal crisis? I left my earrings at home before the gig on Sunday. Naked! In front of an audience! Ohmagawd!

Linn

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Naemanson
Date: 30 Sep 03 - 05:12 AM

Sounds like a great time was had by all... except me! My weekend was spent at work! I didn't even get out to enjoy the balmy weather and sunshine.

Good going gang. Maybe I can get home next year in time for the event. That would be truly fun!

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: curmudgeon
Date: 30 Sep 03 - 12:36 PM

Now that Mudcat's back up, and I'm almost caught up on sleep, it might be a good time to mention the Mudcat's presence at the festival.

It seems that Mike and Tony of Mainbrace are known here, but whether as guests or members, i don't know. Maybe they'll post when they get home. And performer Susan Hickey comes here as "singed_cat."

But most important were the contributions of song, spirit, and enthusiasm provided by Charley Noble and Jeri and Barry Finn. The Saturday and Sunday sing-arounds were made all the richer for their contributions. Thanks guys.

If there wre any other 'catters there, they must have been just lurking -- Tom

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: curmudgeon
Date: 01 Oct 03 - 10:29 AM

We still need to gather some pictures to post on Mudcat. Linn took a bunch, but the film still has to be processed. Did anyone else take any?

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Jeri
Date: 01 Oct 03 - 10:32 AM

I didn't, but Barbara was going nuts with her camera. Barbie, Babs, BB Queen, if you're lurking...

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: GUEST,guest tony
Date: 02 Oct 03 - 10:17 AM

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: GUEST,guest tony
Date: 02 Oct 03 - 11:05 AM

Arrived home yesterday after a wonderful 3 weeks.Our stay in Portsmouth was special and we [myself and Mike]thoroughly enjoyed the festival.Great meeting up with old friends and making new friends.We always have a lovely welcome when we come to the states. To have taken part in such a wonderful festival and making lots of new friends was a real treat. Many thanks to all who made us feel so welcome. Thanks to Jeff and Peter for giving us the opportunity to be a part of the festival and all the Mudcatters for their kind words. special thanks to celtaddict for being the perfect host and all that you did for us,we shall be in touch soon. Thanks also to Joy,Jerry,Sue and Charlie,Lorri and David,Judy and betsie for making our stay so special. Looking forward to seeing you all in the not too distant future. Fondest regards, Tony and Mike [Mainbrace].

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Brían
Date: 02 Oct 03 - 11:12 AM

I'm sorry I missed out on this one. See you next time around.

Brían

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Charley Noble
Date: 02 Oct 03 - 02:57 PM

Tony and Mike-

We'll be looking forward to ordering your new CD when it finally surfaces. Don't forget to post on Mudcat when that happens.

Great hearing you sing!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble
www.rollandgoseasongs.com

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: GUEST,Mike O'Leary -Johns
Date: 02 Oct 03 - 11:10 PM

AHOY PORTSMOUTH !
   Just a short note to endorse Tony's comments!
We had a Whale of a time.Many,Many thanks to all the usual Suspects.
Tom and Linn ;Jeri ;Charley et al.There are many others and I can not recall the names just at the moment.You made us feel welcome at all the sessions ; from the moment we entered the Press Room right through the weekend.Great Friendship and great singing throughout.
Our thanks to Jeff and Peter for making it possible for us to be there
and everyone we met for making it a great weekend.
It was great to meet Barry Finn again ; thanks Barry.
If any of you local Folks see Debbie Richards Please give her our Love She is an absolute GEM .
YOU ALL MADE IT A GREAT WEEKEND FOR US ....More Power to your Elbow!
I hope we will meet up with you again ,take care !
                FAIR WINDS ALWAYS MIKE.

   To all the friends we met and who helped us on our way from the start of our trip in Boston through Conecticut ; New York and York { Maine}THANKS and a special hello to Karen.{ Who took me paddling!}
Long life good health and keep singing!

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Big Mick
Date: 03 Oct 03 - 07:44 AM

mumble, sputter, grumble, piss and moan,........

I did, indeed, fly into Boston on Sunday. I even caught an early flight so I could get up there for a bit. Got to town, problems with my room! Got that settled, and the *&%^&***$#@HGT%$%^&**** cell phone goes off. I have to meet at the Regional Office. I finally get out of there, and it is too late to head north. So I figure I will call Jeri when I figure out the next days schedule and see if we can do dinner. Trial gets delayed, while Attorneys work out stips, but I can't leave. Then it starts, and the friggin' management attorney moves to have the witnesses sequestered......I end up sitting in a room, and by the time I get out, it is too late. My flight left the next day (Tuesday)and I never got so much as a chance to go see my friends in Portsmouth. Shit!!!!!! So, Jeri, Tom, Linn, et al, I will see you next time. Sometimes life sucks. I sure wanted to get up there and see you dear folks again. And finally meet Charley Noble. And, of course, see my buddy Barry and his lovely wife. Damn.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Jeri
Date: 03 Oct 03 - 08:09 AM

I was holed up in a hotel
And I couldn't see my friends
And my plans for Portsmouth partying
All met sorry ends
I couldn't leave or even phone
Oh lord, there were no joys
But I could play my bagpipes
Well, I could at least make noise
I went many a mile for this trial
A side trip was my plan, but I
Was sequestered then went westward
Back to Mich-i-gan.

CHORUS:
My butt was bored in Boston
Then I had to head back home
Mutter, sputter, grumble, piss and moan

Nice to see you're still breathing, Mick!

Mike & Tony, come back here right now! Seriously, I hope to hear when your CD comes out.

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Festival
From: Charley Noble
Date: 03 Oct 03 - 09:24 AM

Jeri-

Your poem works very well (with a little warping, hammering, and reconstruction) to the tune of "The Boston Burgler.";~)

It compares favorably to my Michigan song entitled "Shafted in Shaftsburg."

Mick-

Is there anything left of Greektown now that it's been redeveloped as a Casino block? I'd love to think that the Hellas Restaurant had survived.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble