Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: Charley Noble Date: 26 Jun 09 - 03:36 PM Jerry- Thanks for the financial info. Let's hear it for the profits! Did you determine that information from reading your grog dregs or was it from a staff person? Cheerily, Charley Noble |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: Marc Bernier Date: 26 Jun 09 - 04:21 PM The Festival Made Money this year. |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: Charley Noble Date: 26 Jun 09 - 09:41 PM Marc- That's awfully good in a year where hardly anything makes money. And none of it had to do with the stimulus package, well, other than my extra $250 on my social security but that had to go somewhere worthwhile! Are you still working in the shipyard? At some point you might want to do a separate thread about the rebuilding of the Morgan. There's probably a song or two that has been composed about her as well, and a verse or two that might be added. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: Gibb Sahib Date: 28 Jun 09 - 04:25 PM One more video from Mystic. Bravo for the Squad: capstan - Donkey Riding The various "Chanteys at work" programs were my favorite part of the festival. If I had my druthers, it would be an all day program of that. If need be, I'd bring a jug of water, a gym towel, and work for every demo, ha ha. They should institute a policy where every performer at the festival has to work while doing one song. See, that would solve the dilemma of some not singing in English. (just kidding) |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: GUEST Date: 28 Jun 09 - 05:48 PM ha Gibb you are not impressed with our hamster wheel shanties then? What next zimmer shanties! Anyone got any photos, apart from Charley? Pete |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: RTim Date: 28 Jun 09 - 07:35 PM I enjoyed this year so much - I may even go AGAIN next year........ Tim Radford |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: Charley Noble Date: 28 Jun 09 - 08:36 PM Tim- Is there really an alternative? One just has to be there. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: GUEST Date: 29 Jun 09 - 08:45 AM I echo Tim's thoughts, how can I swing another trip next year. It was my first so I would love to know, what made the difference? Did everyone make a big effort in case this was going to be the last? What was it? Pete |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: Paul_Schurr_PSG_NY Date: 29 Jun 09 - 05:35 PM re Barry's essay: I am fascinated by your interpretation of what goes on at the German Hall sing. In particular, you've got me thinking about the role of the performers at the sing. My view has been that they should start the sing and tell us when to stop, but mostly give the non-performers a go at leading songs. You suggest that they should feel responsible for keeping the spirit alive in the hall. I've always thought its fun when the spirit moves them to sing out despite the fact that they are expected to keep their voice healthy for tomorrow's performance. I think John Roberts and Jon Bartlet are good examples of this. Yet the reality is that any sing needs critical mass for it to work. There absolutely has to be a core group of lead singers, and it would be foolish for the Mystic organizers to leave this to chance. So I agree that there should be a core group that agrees to be present for each scheduled sing right to the end. I think this year more non-performers got to sing because the larger number of chairs in a giant circle restricted wandering and visiting and forced many more people than usual to choose a spot in the room and focus on the singing. This was a good thing and a brilliant move by some unknown organizer. Good pub sings don't really happen by accident. Those of us who love the German Hall experience need to pay attention to the norms, the set-up, the traditions, and, in general, how to keep it a great experience for newbies as well as the ones who can't live without it. Paul |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: GUEST,Barnacle Babe Date: 29 Jun 09 - 08:09 PM Hm...I always had the impression that the pub sing was just spontaneous--not formally structured. That performers kind of agreed at the last moment... well, what do you think? Are you going? (At least, that's how it was in the Barnacle camp)And, that things weren't planned as such but just sort of delightfully happened. Kind of the way the round robins at some of the workshops where we have a repetoire of songs, we might chat with Dave P. or others 5 minutes before, but it is relaxed and what happens happens...Well, let's do Haul Boys Haul...unlike at the concerts where we have a strict set list and play accordingly. Is there really organization and a protocol? I'm not the personality type to jump in there and belt out a chantey or ballad, though I love harmonizing on choruses. |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: Charley Noble Date: 29 Jun 09 - 09:25 PM Barnacle Babe et al- For spontaneous things to happen there needs to be order! Ponder that one. There is a vast difference between showing up at the German Hall shanty session for the first time and being a participant for ten years or so. This year seems to have been a success for all, and I suspect it had more to do with how the more experienced participants were acting and reacting than the arrangement of the "deck chairs." But I could be wrong on that, I suppose. It would be relatively easy for the more experienced singers to dominate the Hall, and some years they have. When that happens it's still an interesting event but frustrating to newcomers. It also would be frustrating to newcomers if no performers showed up but had their own private song parties or went to bed early to save their precious voices for what they were being paid to do. There appeared to me to be an excellent balance this year, and I'm not sure if that resulted from any organized effort or was simply the product of group learning in some less conscious process. I don't think it was just the most assertive personality types that were leading songs this year. It's certainly an advantage to be assertive but I witnessed many assertive people who were keeping themselves to one song an evening. There were still a few people who would fire off several in a row, and that in my opinion is only fair if a song is very closely related to the previous one being led, an opportunity not to be missed. And there were a few people who seemed to function as "mentors" to bring things back to more traditional shanty fare. I do agree with Paul that "Good pub sings don't really happen by accident." But let's continue to discuss how it did happen. It just might be useful if we want next year's German Hall shanty sing to be as successful. Or not! Cheerily, Charley Noble |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: JWB Date: 29 Jun 09 - 10:59 PM This year, as for many years in the past, performers were encouraged to attend the pub sing, but not required. I think the goal has always been to have the sing be completely open, with few rules. That said, organization is definitely required: chairs in place, bars stocked, someone to lead things off and shout "Belay" when the yard is mastheaded at the end of the night. I don't know who made that stuff happen, but they deserve thanks. The extra barman, at the East end of the hall on Saturday night, was a particularly customer-friendly touch. Charley, that balance you mention is a key point. My own attitude toward the pub sing is that it's a chance to kick back and harmonize, without the pressure of performing. I'm not there to show off, but to revel in the awesome experience of so many voices making real music. That's what the pub sing is all about, and what traditional folk music is all about. Having 3 nights in a row when hundreds of people join in such music making is precious and rare. Long live the pub sing! Jerry |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: Barry Finn Date: 29 Jun 09 - 11:29 PM I'd have to agree with you both. Add into the mix comradarie & sensibility & you get what we got. A real fine mix that goes down extremely well & leaves an unforgettable sooting after taste. Barry |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: Jon Bartlett Date: 30 Jun 09 - 02:20 AM Long live the pub sing indeed! Why don't one of you scholastic types present a paper on it at the next Symposium? Barry, you started us off well, you're it! I missed all you guys this year - though we'll see some I hope at Portsmouth in Sept. Jon Bartlett |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: Charley Noble Date: 30 Jun 09 - 08:23 AM I still remember my first time at the pub sing, being all too anxious to lead a song, but not knowing whether it was better to crash and burn early or try to wait things out till things got less intense. I also wasn't there with a group of friends who I knew would support me, something which is very important to think about before leading a song. I generally try to lead a mix of traditional sea songs which most people would be familiar with and others can easily join in on, and other songs which have choruses but are less common fare. Jon- Be good to see and hear you again at the Portsmouth Maritime Festival (NH) in late September. We'll be in Steveston Village and Victoria, British Columbia, the week before; maybe we can exchange a few choruses in some air terminal when we're both flying east! Cheerily, Charley Noble |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: Marc Bernier Date: 30 Jun 09 - 02:06 PM I'v been thinking about some comments made earlier, (what made the difference? Did everyone make a big effort in case this was going to be the last? I just think a better job was done by everyone, including the organizers…). I believe in someone's mind every year is the best festival ever. I'v been watching almost as long as anyone, and longer than most, I don't think anyone really tried harder this year than in the past, the exception being the fund raisers that were held up and down the east coast this winter. In the 20 plus years I'v been involved it's always been the last festival in some rumor circle somewhere. I really believe as long as people like you continue to support it, it will happen. It will continue to be a living breathing tradition though. Some thing's will change and some things will continue. Some of the change will offend some, and for some, changes won't come quick enough for their satisfaction. Another comment was made earlier to the effect that all of the "important" chanty singers have left the staff over the past decade. I'm sorry, I have to disagree. If this was your 1st festival and you enjoyed it, become more involved. If you've been around awhile, you know there's something for everyone every year. |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: GUEST,The twins Date: 01 Jul 09 - 04:02 PM You have a festival and we will come.there are many of us who feel that way. we will support whatever needs to be done. Love the twins |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: GUEST,Salsa Date: 01 Jul 09 - 05:33 PM I know June 2010 is far away but, Are there plans for fund-raising like the Chantey Blast you had in Jan in the works for next year's festival? |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: Marc Bernier Date: 07 Jul 09 - 04:27 PM Not to be negative, it is a skill of mine however. Has any one been payed for CD sales yet. |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: Marc Bernier Date: 08 Jul 09 - 03:57 PM OK. I'll take a no response as an indicator that except for me everyone is paid and content. |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: Celtaddict Date: 08 Jul 09 - 04:13 PM No information about being paid. I have been at 28 of 30 festivals, some only for parts but many from start of opening concert to end of each after-hours sing. But, to hark to some somewhat earlier topics: I would not wish to put restrictions on choice of music for the final concert. Much of it is a singalong and I know performers are not blind to the fact that people enjoy that aspect. But there have been far too many wonderful surprises at that concert to rule out something different; I have a good deal more faith in our performers than to think such restrictions are necessary! I too loved having the first concert be a round-robin; I have had a number of performers over the years that I heard first at the final concert, with no chance to go back for more. And, I wonder if it would make sense to have one area be singalong or round robin area, akin to what the Ancient Mariners sometimes do; maybe a workshop on conducting such a sing, and perhaps just having that be one place that was a singalong throughout the day, where those who desire could be heard by those in attendance even if they lacked the ability to drown out whoever else is at the late night shantyblast. This might also result in rather a filtering effect, in what songs are chosen for the pub sing times. |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: stallion Date: 08 Jul 09 - 07:00 PM I think,for me anyway, was that there was enough time and space for sponteniety. We (2BS&S)joined up with "Barnacle" in the bandstand and had a "jam" which was great and also drew a crowd, we then moved onto the morgan for the dogwatch which is a "come all ye" if you could get around it was there, I am not sure that if one tried to organise it it would work quite as well |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: Anglo Date: 09 Jul 09 - 02:38 AM No Marc, not paid yet. Just so's you know it's not only you. |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: GUEST Date: 09 Jul 09 - 08:09 PM Hiya, Stallions! I wasn't there in the bandstand but was jealous and heard about it from the Barnacle guys. I guess that's my only concern with all the talk about organization--that some of the BEST moments at the festival are not planned as such but miraculously and beautifully happen... the bandstand jam on Friday (I was teaching still so didn't make it to Mystic during the day and was I ever sorry)... a chance meeting with Tom Lewis at Spouter's Tavern in 2007...a rendition of Ev's Prudence and Patience with Dave Peloquin, Cindy Peloquin, Tim Reilly, and Benoit Bourque playing bones in 2004 at the Green.... There are so many moments that just wonderfully happen and could never be replicated again... Sorry I missed you Black Sheep and Stallion. I enjoyed hearing you all on stage, though. |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: GUEST,Barnacle Babe Date: 09 Jul 09 - 08:10 PM Sorry. I wasn't trying to anonymous.... just forgot to post who I was. Mar from Barnacle |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: Marc Bernier Date: 10 Jul 09 - 07:12 AM My check arrived in the mail yesterday. I am now paid and mostly content. Thank you for your responses. |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: Charley Noble Date: 10 Jul 09 - 08:41 AM Marc- And many happy returns. So they didn't roll down to Rio with the loot! Cheerily, Charley Noble |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: stallion Date: 10 Jul 09 - 03:24 PM Well Mar the barnacle babe you missed a good one however you did have a good excuse, mutual back slapping here, really enjoyed your stuff everywhere we caught up with you, give our hearty regards to all and, by the way, none of you signed my tee shirt, a grovelling apology is required! Pete |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: GUEST,Barnacle Babe Date: 10 Jul 09 - 05:08 PM Since we can't sign your tee - shirt, can we send something else to you all with our signatures???? (We don't have a Barnacle tee-shirt yet, but we can figure out something to sign and send to you.) |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: Celtaddict Date: 20 Jul 09 - 10:25 AM I agree that many of the very best moments over the years have not been planned, have just happened. (I also have had the feeling that I have missed something really good, or that I have heard of things just too late.) In fact, when they first started organizing a pub sing after concerts, and when they decided for a time that access to YTB would be a benefit of being a Friend of the Festival, I was a bit concerned that it would kill some of that spontaneity. But I think having an area during the day that was an accepted spot where one goes to share songs might encourage the sharing rather than damp the spontaneity. Of course, there are already so many great places to be that it is impossible for me to be everywhere I want. |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: stallion Date: 21 Jul 09 - 03:33 AM Barnacle babe we shall just have to meet up then! |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: Charley Noble Date: 21 Jul 09 - 08:00 AM Does anyone else have any pixs to post? Cheerily, Charley Noble |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: stallion Date: 21 Jul 09 - 05:37 PM yes I echo Charlet, anyone else got pictures? |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: Charley Noble Date: 21 Jul 09 - 07:57 PM "Charlet"? As in "Frankly, Charlet, I don't give a damn!" Or is this a typo of a traditional house in the Swiss Alps? Many cameras were in evidence in and around Mystic. Please share the wealth! Cheerily, Mr. Noble |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: Gibb Sahib Date: 21 Jul 09 - 08:18 PM Alas, not the kind of photos you're probably looking for, but if you're really hungry for something (or if you've never been to Mystic!), there's some of my clips of the L.A. DUNTON in this video I made: Banks o' Newf'n'land |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: stallion Date: 22 Jul 09 - 02:41 AM Charlet, our secret is out, Charlet is Charley's alter typo! |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: GUEST,Barnacle Babe Date: 08 Aug 09 - 06:12 PM Charlie, I'm trying to locate an original photo that you posted back in 2004. Do you have an e-mail address? Mine is on the Barnacle website. |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: Charley Noble Date: 08 Aug 09 - 10:43 PM Barnacle Babe- Why not become a member of Mudcat and I will gladly send you a PM. I am reluctant to post my e-mail address on an open forum. Alternatively, go to my website: click here for website And could you be more specific of which photo you are interested in from 2004? Cheerily, Charley Noble |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: stallion Date: 09 Aug 09 - 04:06 AM Charlet (;o) apart are there any other photo's about? Is there an "official" photo library? |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: Charley Noble Date: 09 Aug 09 - 01:24 PM Judy and I were able to identify the photo from 2004 that Barnacle Babe wanted and it's on it's way via e-mail. Petrois- There's nothing official that I'm aware of on-line, other than the Mystic website. Some of our photos from Mystic (2004, 2006, 2007, and 2008) are on line at my website: www.charlieipcar.com at low resolution; we are happy to send out higher resolution copies to people who are featured in each photo but we do have reservations about sending out photos to those who are not featured. Charley Noble |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: GUEST,Barnacle Babe Date: 05 Oct 09 - 08:03 AM Anything in the pipeline yet about next year's festival? |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: stallion Date: 05 Oct 09 - 02:28 PM me banging on about photos again anyone else sharing? We didn;t have many |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: Charley Noble Date: 06 Mar 10 - 01:35 PM Peter- There certainly were a lot of people taking photographs last year but I can't find any links to any but my own. Charley Noble |
Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009 From: stallion Date: 06 Mar 10 - 01:50 PM OK, our new cd is going to be called "Crossing the Pond" and wew were hoping to use a photo taken at Mystic 2009 for the front cover, soooooo, anyone got one of us there? Sampler on our myspace site
-Joe Offer- |
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