Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2

Subject: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Barry Finn
Date: 29 Mar 07 - 01:38 AM

Hi folks
My (wife's) baby nephew's getting married somewhere in or around the San Francisco area (could be Oakland or Berkley) on this June 2. So our family (wife & 2 kids) is getting ready to go out there for at least a week. We're not sure about weither it'll be the week before or the week following the wedding. So if any of you out that way know of any folk music seesions or sings or music parties or folk music festivals (concerts probably won't influence us) happening the week/end before June 2 or the week/end after, it would greatly help in our discussions about which week would be our best choice.
I do know about some of the sessions like the Starry Plough & the Plough (not sure about their times & days though) but don't know about others & my ex-brother-in-law Bob (the groom's dad, who'll be there too) moved so he's hasn't been playing the sessions as of late(though I'm sure he's more updated & informed than I, he's also not much into sing/song) either. The date of the Hyde St Shanty Sing, if there'll be one around that time would be good to know, that would carry alot of influence in when we'd go.

I'd also love to see & meet any mudcatters while I'm there too, espically old friends, in some cases way to many years. I hope to hear from & see all of you.

Well I'm very excited about my nephew Eoin's wedding & getting to meet his bride to be & in seeing old friends. I always loved the area too, it could almost be home if it weren't for my wife's fear of losing me to the ocean, I drown easily, fall down & off boats often & without problems too.

Thanks in advance, see ya all soon
Barry

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: GUEST,Jim
Date: 29 Mar 07 - 02:31 AM

Well, the Hyde St. Pier shanty sing will be on the first Saturday, so that will be on Sat., June 7. There's also the monthly Harmony sing in Berkeley, which is on the first Wednesday of the month, so that would be on June 4. The Starry Plough (Berkeley again) Irish session is every Sunday night, but it really runs more toward instrumentals than a sing-around (although if you let Shay or Peter know you want to sing, you'll usually get at least one chance to share a song). Its been too long since I've been to the Plough and Stars (SF), so I wouldn't want to steer you wrong on that one.

Other than that, I don't know; anybody else got any?

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Barry Finn
Date: 29 Mar 07 - 03:49 AM

Jim, thanks for that quick info, that's a great help. The last time Shay (4or 5 yrs ago) didn't mind asking me for a couple (I hope, I didn't twist any arms, not that I could've anyway) & I enjoy playing there too (bodhran), real nice crowd & a few old friends to boot. I don't know about the harmony sing in Berkeley, though wouldn't mind hearing more about it.

Thanks
Barry

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Splott Man
Date: 29 Mar 07 - 04:07 AM

This might be useful...


sffmc


best regards

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Barry Finn
Date: 29 Mar 07 - 04:38 AM

WOW, thanks for that link Spott Man, more going on out there than I can possibly get around to. Maybe I should go out for the month? I saw the San Francisco Free Folk Festival (neat picture Pam, you go girl!) linked to that. Does any one have any dates or info on that, the link I had was last year's? If it's only means a stay of a week longer that's a great possibility, or dream.

Again Thanks
Barry

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: GUEST,Jim
Date: 29 Mar 07 - 07:22 AM

Wow; Splott's link was much more complete than anything I could hope for. So why NOT come for a month? We'd love to have you.

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Splott Man
Date: 29 Mar 07 - 07:41 AM

Glad to be of service.

I visited the Bay area in the early 80s and had a great time. I went to a folk camp among the redwoods organised by the SFFMC, and then went back and stayed in Faith Petric's extended household.
There was a small maritime festival on one of the piers, where I met Louis Killen, and Stan Hugill, what a character! That ended with an inforgettable firework display in the fog. We watched the fog change colour for ages!
I also got to see the great Clifton Chenier and his band play a local dance in Richmond. I recall that they played for 3 hours!

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: ClaireBear
Date: 29 Mar 07 - 11:42 AM

The SF Free Folk Festival is June 16-17, 2007. The link goes to this year's for me, but it's early so there's not much information available. The FFF is a showcase for local unpaid artists, but it can be loads of fun.

Claire

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: GUEST,Chanteyranger
Date: 29 Mar 07 - 11:56 AM

Barry, the Hyde St. Pier chantey sing is on Saturday, June 2, not the 7th. hope to see you there. if not, let's meet up at another time. I can also host a get-together at my place with friends/singers.

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Barry Finn
Date: 29 Mar 07 - 01:36 PM

Shit Peter, the 2nd is the wedding, how late do you go? The whole fam damily may get to drunk to notice I've gone missing in the wee hours & I can get back before they wake. The FFF is out, my son graudates on the 15th & I'm gonna be ther to collect MY diploma, it took me to many years to get him that far. It's a shame too, I'll be missing some of my favorite people. I saw that Richard & Peter, Riggy & Pam Swan are gonna be there doing it, sniffle! I still got plenty of time, maybe I can do 2 weeks the week (including weekends) before & the week after the wedding, depending on what might be going on. It seems like there are plenty of sessions, at least one every night. Aside from the Starry Plough, do folks sing at sessions out there? There are only a couple in Boston that do & even then they're not all that keen about having singers taking up to much room. Anyway thanks for the leads so far, please keep them coming in.

Barry

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: GUEST,Jim
Date: 29 Mar 07 - 08:15 PM

Peter is, of course, correct; I was looking at the wrong month. Mea culpa. The chanty sing goes up to midnight, so depending on when the wedding festivities terminate, you may or may not be able to make some of it.

And the SF FFF is great. Dancing at one end, and wall-to-wall folk in the rest of the venue (a three-story junior high school).

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Barry Finn
Date: 28 Apr 07 - 02:10 AM

So far it looks like I'll be staying in Oakland for about 2 weeks, arriving around Thrusday the 31st of May till around Thrusday the 14 of June. The dates aren't fixed yet but they should be fairly close. There's no chance of staying out there long enough the catch the Free SF festival (sigh). Chanteyranger I believe I'll make the Shanty sing but may end up being late, would you put me on the list to get in?. I see that there's a singer's session in Berkely on the 1st Wednesday of the month, any info on that? There's also a gathering on the 1st Friday at Clayton St, I've been there a number of times but that was back about 25 yrs ago, any info on that? Please feel free to PM me if there's any info that one would not like to have publicly veiwed.

Hi Joe, is there a singer's thing up your way? I'm not sure how far Sacramento is from Oakland but depending on that there might be a chance. Thanks for you kind offer of a hike but I was never partical to hiking (having to work climbing roofs all my life) and since 97' I've got steel, nuts & bolts in both feet, so now I avoid hikes altogether.

Anyway, if anyone could add to my folk musical quest I'd love it.

My wife & son will be with me briefly but my daughter will be with me as long as I'm there so if there are any sights that a 19 yr old girl would like please toss those in too.

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: GUEST,Riggy
Date: 28 Apr 07 - 07:12 PM

Yo, Bar-ee !

I'll come to see you wherever you are.

The 1st Weds thing is an effort of the big deal group:
In Harmony's Way
held at the Epic Arts Center, across the street from Ashby BART station, on Ashby.

You should come see & hear what we got in Sonoma County, too !

Riggy

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Barry Finn
Date: 28 Apr 07 - 07:46 PM

Yo, yourself, Homes, how you doing? (I'm regressing but into my old me)
That 1st Wed thing looks great, is that the open sing thing. Knowing most of them it's quite impressive. I'm there if it's open. Tell me about Sonoma County, if it's got your approval, I'm there too. Oh! Where's Sonoma County?

Thanks Riggy
Your Buddy Barry

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 29 Apr 07 - 01:36 AM

Barry, I'll be in New Orleans May 30-June 7, with a volunteer group doing Katrina reconstruction, so another ranger will host the chantey sing. When I'm back, i'd be glad ro organoze a sinaround at my place. Interested? Send me a PM, let me know if an evening or Sunday afternoon works for you, and we'll take it from there.

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Barry Finn
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 12:11 AM

Thanks for the offer Peter, sorry that I'll be missing so much of you. Thanks for the offer of a singaround, I don't want to be much of a bother so don't trouble yourself but if you're looking for an excuse for one I'd be happy to supply you with any excuse you'd need or want. I think I'll run into most of the folks I know by hitting as many sessions as I can but it's not like a singing party.

See you soon

Barry

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 03:26 AM

y, Barry, I can't believe that came out "sinaround.' That might be more fun than a singaround, depending on who I invite :-). No problem at all. it would be my pleasure to organize one at my place. Let's be in touch, and figure out a good day for it.

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 03:27 AM

Barry, could you PM me your phone number? Thanks.

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Barry Finn
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 01:09 PM

Thanks Peter I will as soon as I have firm dates, which I'll be working on today now that my son's school vacation is over & I can talk to someone about when he'lll take his finials.

Thanks
Barry

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: GUEST,JimP
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 02:37 PM

Barry:

Just to answer the question about the Harmony sing, its open, so please come. (I get there every so often and always have fun.)

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: open mike
Date: 30 Apr 07 - 03:09 PM

beware-there has been a fire which destroyed a major highway interchange in the Oakland area. The MacArthur Maze is a main route between the bay and the east bay. Interstate 80 and I-580 are closed and will be for
months, perhaps. Some public transport is being offered for free to help reduce traffic jams. Other routes might involve much more time and gas to get where yo need to go.
www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18380884/
www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,269118,00.html
www.thestar.com/News/article/208606
miraculously no one died in the blaze, and the driver was able to walk
away and take a taxi to the hospital. Some attribute the good fortune of no loss of life to the fact theat the Dalai Lama is in the area.

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Barry Finn
Date: 01 May 07 - 12:06 AM

They have had the highway burn on the news here on the east coast but living near Bostons "Big Dig" re-navagation has become a usefull skill & my in-laws should be used to the detours by the time I get there, I hope.

Thanks JimP for clearing that Wed question up & I hope to meet you there or elsewhere, I fully intend to be there, a lot of those people are old friends and not just great singers. I'd be tickled to death to be able to hear these folks in group settings all the time. It was that type of singing scene that first had me falling in love with San Francisco. I came very close to never leaving.

Thanks again
Barry

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 01 May 07 - 10:04 PM

Well Barry - we on the East coast are glad you did leave........; their loss is our gain as they say (who says? -- they say).

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Barry Finn
Date: 02 May 07 - 02:35 AM

I says thanks for all the nice words posted.

Well the flights are just now all booked along with a rental car. We'll be based out of my sisters-in-laws in Oakland (that's right 2 of them, the 3rd's (Mother of the Groom) in the Mission district. So far I'm heading to the shantey sing at Hyde Street on Saturday eve but I don't know what time I can make my way there & I'm in for the Wed Harmony sing in Berkeley (JimP, you gonna be there?) & the Sun & Mon sessions at the Plough & Stars & Starry Plough if I don't confuse the 2. Riggy, tell me about Sonoma County.
I haven't heard anything of the Friday eve sing in the Haight at Faith's. I've heard that it's changed since I was last there back in 1980 or so, maybe it's not there anymore?

Well I'm pretty excited that I'll be hooking up & seeing & singing with old friends again & hopefully some new ones too.

Any more music ideas please keep the coming.
I'll PM you Peter.

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Barry Finn
Date: 02 May 07 - 02:45 AM

Oh, I should've put my dates in there somewhere now that I'm confirmed. I arrive Wednesday May 30th & leave Tuesday June 12th.

Thanks to everyone
Barry

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: open mike
Date: 02 May 07 - 03:30 AM

this may not work for you
but i am about to refresh the announcement
and invitation for the june 2nd and 3rd
7th annual folk music camp out in Butte
County, about 3-4 hours from the bay area.
a couple of hours north of Sacramento
or Sacra-tomato as we sometimes call it.
...so, watch for the thread...

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Barry Finn
Date: 02 May 07 - 03:33 AM

THanks open Mike for the invite, I'll be watching.

Barry

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: GUEST,JimP
Date: 02 May 07 - 08:33 AM

Barry:

Its really too early to tell if I'll be there or not, but I will try. (Best I can do -- grin.)

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Melani
Date: 05 May 07 - 03:25 AM

Re: collapsed freeway--the last couple of days have been the easiest commutes I've ever had, probably because everybody is on BART. The way from the East Bay to San Francisco is the same, and only small detours are needed on the way back if you are headed toward Oakland. The route to Berkeley is unaffected.

I will be out of town for the first bit of June, but may be back before you leave, Barry. I would love to hear you sing again!

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Barry Finn
Date: 25 May 07 - 10:17 AM

Does anyone know about any surfing in the Bay Area? My daughter wants to give it a try while we're out there if there's a place we can rent boards & suits & if there's some good surf spots. I'll have a rental car so driving a distance won't be a problem (going to southern Cal is out though).
We'll be arriving in Oakland this Wednesday evening. The wedding's in a park (Rod & Gun Clud, maybe) somewhere in Oakland at 5:00 on Saturday so I'm hoping that that'll give me plenty of time with the family to make the shanty session at Hyde St. later in the evening.

How the roadwork going with the freeway, is it passable yet?

Any more folk music happenings? I'll be heading for the 1st Wednesday of the month harmony sing in Berkely, I guess I'll find out details when I get out there.

Barry

Barry

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Greg B
Date: 25 May 07 - 11:34 AM

Barry, for surfing you're probably going to want to head on down
to Santa Cruz. There's also a 'beach boardwalk' there with
associated amusement park. Keep an eye upon your daughter :-)

There are some other places to surf in between, but in Santa
Cruz you'll be able to rent gear, and it's a real 'center'
anyway. In between surfing you can really enjoy the place.
Well worth renting a room and staying the night.

Did I say 'keep an eye upon your daughter?'

If you've some time, and you're going to Santa Cruz,
you'd probably enjoy heading down to Monterey to inspect
the waterfront there, and the aquarium, which is one of the
best in the world. It's located on Cannery Row, made famous
by the Steinbeck novels.

It makes a nice loop, actually. Go across the San Mateo
bridge, then straight over to the coast, down to Santa Cruz.
Stop, surf, eat,stay. Then down the coast to Monterey, to the
aquarium and 17-mile drive, look in on Carmel (tell Eastwood
hello). Then back over to 101 via Watsonville and Salinas
(taking in the northern part of the Salinas valley en route)
up the 101, through San Jose, and back onto 880 up the
East Bay to get you back to Oakland.

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Charley Noble
Date: 25 May 07 - 11:47 AM

Barry-

Don't forget to stop by Spec's Tavern and Museum of Nautical Curiosities, assuming it's still open. It's located at 12 Saroyan (really an alley up from the Tosca Cafe at 242 Columbus Ave.). I've never found it open but you may be able to mutter the correct password to open its portals. I want a full report!

And be on the lookout for Shanghai Brown!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Barry Finn
Date: 25 May 07 - 12:42 PM

Thanks Greg, I'm gonna do that & as far as keeping an eye on my daughter, she's a tough cookie, she can have who ever she wants, God pity them!

Hi Charlie when I 1st got to San Francisco (1980?) with Riggy, he wanted to see CityLights bookstore then we had a drink next door & chatted up the waitress who took us across the street to the Alder Museum better know as Spec's. We ended up playing & singing there for free cheese & wine. I heard a session eventually started up there but never heard much about it afterwards. I always drop in there, even though I don't drinbk, it's a classic place.

Barry

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: radriano
Date: 25 May 07 - 06:24 PM

Hey, Barry! I don't get to spend much time at Mudcat these days so I didn't see your thread until now (May 25th).

I sure that between everyone who posted to this thread we can set up a session for you. Would love to get a chance to spend some time with you while you're out here. When you get into town give me a buzz at 415-664-2858.

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Barry Finn
Date: 26 May 07 - 03:35 PM

Thanks Richard, see you in a week or so.

Barry

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Greg B
Date: 27 May 07 - 02:31 PM

I'm an idiot for not mentioning this before:

You're going to be in Oakland. Go meet up
with Skip Henderson and crew of mixed nuts at Quinn's
Lighthouse right there in Oakland. Thursdays at 8PM...
first guy I ever heard play a button box.

Here's the link

Tell Skip I sent you and give him my best. We played a
lot of good music together.

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Charley Noble
Date: 28 May 07 - 12:13 PM

Greg and Barry-

I seem to remember meeting Skip Henderson lurking in the back at McMahon's Irish Pub at their Tuesday sea music session in Alameda, back at my last visit to the Bay area in 2003. He led some interesting original songs, when appropriately encouraged. I wonder if this session is still going? Richard was kind enough to chauffer me over or I'd never have been able to find the place.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Greg B
Date: 28 May 07 - 04:33 PM

Go to the Quinn's gig. It's a blast. Take your daughter.
She'd love it, it's so damned goofy, but quality as well.

Skip's material ranges from the classic (e.g. "Believe If
All Those Endearing Young Charms") to the original (Billy
Bones). He really is one of the best. He and former
band-mate Bruce Sherman were my inspiration for learning
button box.

I see he's bought another boat. His 'Tai Kuri' (to which I
introduced him) was wrecked on an uncharted reef off Mexico
more than a decade ago. He just recently acquired a 52' LOA
classic schooner.

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Dave Swan
Date: 29 May 07 - 10:43 AM

Hey Barry,

I'll meet you at Quinn's if you like. We can have a bite there or elsewhere before Skip cranks up.

Dave

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Barry Finn
Date: 29 May 07 - 02:32 PM

Dave it's a date Dave, thanks for the offer, it'll be great to see you again. Any chance of picking us up in a FBI helo? My daughter would think it real cool if you could manage that. My daughter will be dying to come along so she can tell her friends that she's met Skip, the guy that's in the Pirate's credits. Greg, I'll pass on your hello's to Skip, thanks.

Barry

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Barry Finn
Date: 30 May 07 - 10:58 AM

WE are out the door & on our way, see you in San Francisco.

Barry

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Barry Finn
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 10:21 AM

Made it to Quinn's Lighthouse with the In-Laws & family in tow. Had a great dinner & got to meet up & chat with Dave Swan, who I should be again running into at the Berekly session on Sunday, thanks for coming ove Dave, it was great to meet with you again. Also got to hear & sing with Skip Henderson & his crew the Starboard Watch who puts on a great roudy sea music performance that the crowd just loved, I think it (the crowd) was made up of mostly drunken sailors. Justine did the tour of on the cable cars & Fisherman's Pier, the best part of that was the Lark In The Morning music store, vast arry of instruments. Then off to see the rest of the family for our wedding rehersal, practice drinking, as if anyone needed instructions.

Barry

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Charley Noble
Date: 02 Jun 07 - 11:53 AM

Barry-

Thanks for the update, enjoy the wedding, and happy singing this evening if you make it to the shanty swap.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Barry Finn
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 04:21 AM

Didn't get to the shanty sing until it was well over with. If I hadn't of left Oakland & gone by way of San Jose I probably would've made it to San Francisco in time for a few songs, oh well, the wedding was good.

Barry

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Barry Finn
Date: 03 Jun 07 - 10:36 PM

Off to the Starry Plough in Berkley, this time with directions.

Barry

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Barry Finn
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 04:57 AM

No trouble finding the Starry Plough. Had a wonderful time there, Shay Black runs a real nice session there & had a great time running into mudcatter Pam Swan & catching up with her, she's off soon to Cuba to study with & research Cuban mouth music & singers down there which was what her last CD was based on, incase anyone's interestted, it's a must for anyone into the type of music.
Now to find my way to the Plough & Stars for tomorrow nite's session & then Wednesday for the Harmony sing back in Berkley.

Barry

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Charley Noble
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 09:58 AM

"Shanghai Brown, Shanghai Brown!"
The Skipper o' the Harvest Moon is rampin' round the town
Looking for some sailormen to beg or steal or borrow —
Can't get a crew an' he wants to sail tomorrow!
"Prime seamen's very scarce just now — but where's his money down,
An' I'll see what I can do for him," says Shanghai Brown.

Be careful, Barry! Before you know it you could wake up with a big fat aching head miles out at sea on a big three skys'l yarder, at the tender mercy of some bucko mate and his greaser and striker.

Beware the Old Ship Saloon!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Greg B
Date: 04 Jun 07 - 11:46 AM

If you should run into a fellow named Larry Marr, don't
accept a drink on the house, lest you lose your airline
ticket home and wake up next morning in the Virginia
lowlands (low).

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Barry Finn
Date: 05 Jun 07 - 04:45 AM

Just got in from another nice session. It doesn't seem that there's much happening on tuesday nites so I'll catch up on some rest & get ready for the Harmony sing on Wednesday which looks to be quite an interesting & enjoyable group gathering. One of my In-laws talked my daughter out of surfing with words like undertows & rip tides so we're gonna go for ocean kyacking (sp?) instead, I'm probably better off, now my daughter the lifeguard won't have to save Daddy. Well there's still plenty to do & more music, still here for another week.

Barry

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Charley Noble
Date: 05 Jun 07 - 08:00 AM

Barry-

Is "kyacking" similar to "carjacking"?

This might be a good evening to check and see if Spec's is still open. Who knows, by now the place is probably carpeted and you'll need a tie to get in the front door.

Packing for Mystic and the weather looks great!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Barry Finn
Date: 06 Jun 07 - 05:26 PM

I'll be off to the "In Harmony's Way" sing tonight in Berkley. Takled to Riggy alitle while ago & I'll be meeting him there, it's been a long time since we've gotten together. My daughter & I went on a ride up RT1 yesterday as far as Point Reyes, going past Muir Woods, Mt Tam & STinson Beach, I forgot how beatuiful the this country is, what sights.

Barry

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Barry Finn
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 06:49 PM

Well I did make it to the Sing in Berkley & it was a nice get singing get together, it was nice to meet up with mudcatter yrlancslad, Jim I guess was there too but we didn't get to meet. I did plan on meeting Riggy there & did get to go pay him a visit on Saturday with my daughter up in Sebastopol, very beatuiful country, redwoods, wine vineyards & apple ranches, got the nickel tour of the area too. Thanks Riggy. Friday eve I headed over to the San Francisco Folk Music Society sing in the Haight area. Sad to say it was very disappointing. Many people singing from books & lists, songs that they hadn't prepared & didn't know & couldn't finish without others jumping in to finish for them. This was where 25 yrs ago I met & became friends with a host of great singers who had the place jammed all night with the singers lifting the roof off the place. Sadly those days were only remember likea distant era be those now attending. What happened?
I'm shorthy on the way to meet chanteyranger & have a bite to eat at his place before we head over to the Starry Plough for their Monday nite session.

Barry

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Barry Finn
Date: 11 Jun 07 - 05:16 AM

I just got back from my 2nd Starry Plough session in Berkley & it was a wonderful time. Again I ran into mudcatter Pam (PJ) Swan & got to meet up again with Lonie who says she maybe attending the Getaway this yr (Hopefully) & had a wonderful pre session dinner with Chanteyranger & his sister. Yes, all's well with the world tonight.

Barry

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Jun 07 - 11:34 AM

The sing at Chez Petric in the Haight has been uneven for a very long
time--- it was that way when I lived there over a dozen years ago.
I believe it's got a reputation of being an 'entry level' event
with not much in the way of expectations. Just kind of a 'come
as you are' thing. Perhaps there's just not much coaching. I also
kind of felt like folks were there to do their thing, not listen
to others' thing.

Do they still have the glasses made out of the bottoms of
old Michalob bottles?

Honestly, the SFFMC seems an entity unto itself; it's certainly
not the 'hub' of the Bay Area folk scene, as it perhaps ought to
be. At least not of the scene of which I was a part.

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 11 Jun 07 - 11:16 PM

Barry, my sister, and I had the pre-session dinner right next door to the Starry Plough, at the Valparaiso restaurant. How fitting was that for chantey singers?

Great seeing you again, Barry, and hearing you sing in fine form. By the way, did you ever hear the one about the two muffins in the oven?

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Barry Finn
Date: 12 Jun 07 - 06:49 AM

Ha Ha Ha, If you weren't so old I'd fix you up with my daughter, no one else has the same sense of humor as her, except you.

Yes, one muffin said to the other muffin "it's getting hot in here" & the other muffin screamed "WHOA, A TALKING MUFFIN!"

Well guest that explains it, it being an "entry event". Shame though, it was a great event back in the late 70's & early 80's & was far from an "entry event". There were some of the best singing sessions that I've ever attended & by some of the singers that I still most admire. I believe that all the non challenged singers of long ago have long been scared away & made to feel unwelcomed. When newbies rule the rost the old birds fly away & leave them to themselves. Such a loss.

Barry

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Greg B
Date: 12 Jun 07 - 11:30 AM

Peter, your sister's name is Barry? That's an amazing
coincidence, since the principal of this thread is named
Barry as well.

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 12 Jun 07 - 11:49 AM

Barry funny, Greg, Barry funny :-).

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Charley Noble
Date: 12 Jun 07 - 01:20 PM

And so they go on and on as the sun sinks with a sizzle into the Great China Sea!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Greg B
Date: 12 Jun 07 - 01:33 PM

The Great China Sea is good, but in San Francisco my favorite
restaurant is still Brandy Ho's.

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: RiGGy
Date: 12 Jun 07 - 04:49 PM

Bye bye Barry, off into the sunrise [ heading EAST, right ? ] !
We'll all miss you until you return.

Riggy

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Charley Noble
Date: 13 Jun 07 - 09:36 AM

Barry-

Will you be at the shanty sing at the Press Room this Saturday? I have a CD for you from the Northern Neck Chantysingers. If you're not there, I just might give it to someone else!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Charley Noble
Date: 14 Jun 07 - 08:06 AM

refresh!

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Barry Finn
Date: 14 Jun 07 - 03:11 PM

I hope to be there Charlie.n Thanks for grabbing their CD for me, you'll have to tell me more about them, not much was mentioned in the mystic thread.

I'd like to thank all the San Francisco people that gave me a warm welcome & an harty invite & show while I was "way out west". I wish I could've stayed longer or brought you home with me, I had a great time. My niece is planning a wedding in maybe Sept of 2008 so hopefully "I will return".

Barry

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: Greg B
Date: 14 Jun 07 - 03:13 PM

Barry, September sometimes coincides with the San Francisco Maritime
National Hysterical Park's 'Festival of the Sea.'

Subject: RE: Music in San Francisco before/aft June 2
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 14 Jun 07 - 11:52 PM

Hey Barry - welcome back-- the East Coast is your coast, you know......