Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07

Subject: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: Suffet
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 11:26 AM

Greetings:

The Folk Music Society of New York (New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club) invites you to join us in our annual picnic on the lawn of the Ritchie-Pickow house on the afternoon of Sunday, August 26, 2007. That's in Port Washington, New York, on the North Shore of Long Island. Please arrive any time after 12 noon and bring a dish of food to share. The FMSNY will provide soft drinks. Once again, Barbara Mehlman is coordinating the food and beverages. You should bring your own chair if you don't want to sit on the grass. There will be plenty of singing, so musical instruments are certainly welcome.

The address is 7A Locust Avenue. You have to follow a small driveway which starts on Locust Avenue opposite the north end of Library Drive and which runs between two other houses. You can pinpoint the location on Google, Map Quest, Map Blaster, etc., but if you would rather get directions the old-fashioned way, here they are:

Take the Long Island Expressway (I-495) to Exit 36, Searingtown Road, and go north. Stay on Searingtown Road northbound past Route 25A. The name will change to Port Washington Boulevard. Continue north approximately two miles into the village of Port Washington. Make a left turn onto Main Street and go approximately one mile to Library Drive. Make a right and go one short block to where Library Drive ends in a T with Locust Avenue. Find parking along Locust Avenue.

If you prefer to use public transportation, take the Long Island Railroad from Penn Station or Woodside to Port Washington. Library Drive is about one mile west of the station on Main Street. You can walk or take a taxicab.

If hopelessly lost, please call 516-767-0757.

We hope to see lots of Mudcat folks again this year. Just remember not to arrive before 12 noon. The picnic continues until we get tired of singing, or until Jean and George kick us out. You don't have to be a member to participate, but we sure would welcome you into the FMSNY if you decide to join.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: bigchuck
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 12:15 PM

Jeeze would I ever love to do this. It might just be possible with lots of work and little sleep. I'll see.

Sandy

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: Big Mick
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 12:21 PM

You won't regret it, Sandy. I have attended for a couple of years now, and it is a wonderful experience. These New York folkies are extremely talented and very giving.

Unfortunately, I think I have to miss it this year as I will be in South Dakota. Damn.

Mick

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 03:16 PM

We sure did have a good time last year. As for whether we can make it this year, much will depend on whether we think the baby is up to a day outdoors. It would certainly be a shorter day for us this time....

Dan Schatz

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: karen k
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 03:46 PM

I had a wonderful time last year and have it on my calendar for this year. If you can make it you won't be disappointed. I'm looking forwrd to it very much. Jean and George are wonderful hosts.

karen

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: GUEST,Squeezeboxman
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 08:42 PM

An informal gathering of players and singers like this, in such a lovely setting is a rare treat. The Pinewoods Club has been doing this gathering at Jean and George's house for most of its 40 years (though not continuously). I met Jean and George at Pinewoods Camp in 1965 and have enjoyed sharing songs, and the sense of connecting to a much older tradition, so many times. It is something very special that these old songs have and that bring together this kind of community.
Jerry Epstein

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 09 Jun 07 - 11:31 PM

Fay and I will definitely (God willing) be there again this year together with our usual contingent from the Borderline Folk Music Club. I will again be making my Kosher tuna salad for all to enjoy. Thanks to Steve Suffet and the good folks at Pinewoods for scheduling it on a date that was convenient for us.

                                           SOL ZELLER

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: Heather Wood
Date: 10 Jun 07 - 05:37 AM

This really is a fun gathering whether you like to sing, play, or just listen. And of course everyone likes to eat ...

So bring instruments and voices. And if there's a song you'd like to hear sung, but don't feel up to leading it yourself, you can request it and chances are someone (or someseveral) will know it.

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: Suffet
Date: 12 Jun 07 - 06:41 PM

Greetings:

Just a reminder that the phone number in the first message is just in case you get hopelessly lost and need help. Please do not call it expecting that someone will pick you up from the train station. You should walk or else take a cab.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: GUEST,bflat
Date: 14 Jun 07 - 11:34 PM

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: GUEST,bflat
Date: 14 Jun 07 - 11:36 PM

Ooops! I grew up in Port Washington. It is a beautiful town on long Island Sound. I hope I can make it.

Ellen

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: Susan of DT
Date: 15 Jun 07 - 06:43 AM

Dick and I will try to get there.

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: Suffet
Date: 16 Jun 07 - 01:11 AM

Remember...

Bring a dish to share. Barbara Mehlman is organizing the food and drink. Please contact her if you want advice on what is needed. It's also a good idea to let her know what you are bringing.

Bring a folding lawn chair or something else to sit on, unless you want to sit on the ground. In that case, bring a blanket.

If you arrive by train, take a taxicab from the station or walk. Do not expect us to pick you up. The phone number is only in case you get completely lost, and even then all we will do is give you directions. No one is coming to fetch you.

This party is sponsored by the Folk Music Society of New York, Inc., also known as the New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club. Nonmembers are welcome. However, if you enjoy events like this one and you live in the New York metro area, you really should consider joining. FMSNY/Pinewoods members get to go free to five major high quality concerts each year. They also get substantial discounts on admission to other concerts, educational workshops, weekend retreats, and the annual Eisteddfod New York traditional music festival. If that is not enough, the informative FMSNY newsletter, published ten times a year, is almost worth the price of membership by itself.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: GUEST,Bob Koenig
Date: 14 Jul 07 - 09:17 PM

anyone have photos from last years party? I'm looking forward to going again

www.bobkoenigmusic.com

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: Suffet
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 06:28 PM

Time to refresh this thread again. See first message for details.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 06:44 PM

I will be bringing 4 people, the kosher tuna salad, and the songbooks.

                                                SOL

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: Big Mick
Date: 02 Aug 07 - 07:09 PM

It breaks my heart to miss this one this year. I am stuck out in the Badlands and just can't make it. Please sing a rousing labor song for me.

And all the best to Jean, George, and Jon for hosting this wonderful event. I will do my best to be there next year.

Mick

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: Suffet
Date: 07 Aug 07 - 01:38 PM

It's time to refresh this thread one more time.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: GUEST,Big Mick in the Badlands
Date: 07 Aug 07 - 02:05 PM

Folks, I just want to strongly encourage you on two things.

First, if you live anywhere near the NYC metro area, you need to belong to The Folk Music Society of New York (New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club). They put on these marvelous events. There is a rate for folks that don't live in the area. Supporting these organizations is supporting the perpetuation of the art form we love so much. My thanks to them for all they do.

Second, do not miss the chance to sit in the yard of Jean and George and make music with sterling singers. Steve Suffet is an example. What a voice!! Joy Bennett is one of the Johnson Girls and such a talent that I have to pinch meself sometimes at the thought of being able to sing around her. And then there is Jean Ritchie. This gentle soul is, arguably, our greatest living folk artist, certainly in the top 5. The chance to sit in her yard, with George and son Jon is something not to be missed. And what you will find is a gracious, giving family that you will long enjoy the memory of singing with. The opportunities in life to sing with and for folks like this are few and far between. And this one is simply a matter of showing up with a dish to pass. Which reminds me ...... someone be sure and bring cheesecake .... I won't be able to this year.

I am sad that I cannot enjoy this wonderful gathering this year.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: GUEST,Anne Price
Date: 07 Aug 07 - 07:30 PM

This annual event is always wonderful. The Ritchie-Pickow's yard is set in the woods, and you wouldn't know it was so close to NYC. The music and the company are always special.

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: Folkie101
Date: 07 Aug 07 - 10:04 PM

This event sounds wonderful. I plan to come and sing/play with everyone one year. Have fun and good cheer to you all.

Folkie

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: GUEST,Rosalie
Date: 08 Aug 07 - 11:46 AM

Do join us. Jean and George always establish a welcoming atmosphere and encourage us all to sing our best. Of course the Folk Music Society of New York has some very good singers and some very good cooks. What could be better than a picnic and sing in a lovely setting that you can reach by public transportation. I'm a bit older than I was in 1971 when I first met Jean and George at CDSS's Pinewoods Camp, but it is still an easy walk from the Long Island Railroad.
    If you can't make it on 8/26, come to Eisteddfod-NY, our Festival of Traditional Music on November 16-18. Jean will be one of the excellent performers; there will be an open mic; and we are encouraging our members to provide housing for guests from out of town who can't afford NYC hotels. Info at www.eisteddfod-ny.org.
    If you want/need more good music, join us October 19-21 at the Fallsview Best 5 Resort & Spa for a folk music weekend with Roustabout, Erica Weiss, and Lisa Null. Info at www.folkmusicny.org.
    Do come make music with us.
Rosalie

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: GUEST,Martha
Date: 10 Aug 07 - 04:44 PM

Any special kind of music?
What kind of dish to bring?

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: Suffet
Date: 10 Aug 07 - 06:43 PM

Martha,

Regarding what food to bring, look at the initial message and click on the e-mail link to Barbara Mehlman. You can ask her for advice.

While there are no restrictions on the music, expect it to be mostly traditional and tradition-inspired Anglo-American folk music.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: GUEST,Sheila
Date: 13 Aug 07 - 10:19 PM

I am certainly looking forward. My fingers are crossed for good weather. Thank you for the refresh.

Sheila

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: GUEST,Ayla
Date: 14 Aug 07 - 12:03 PM

I saw Anne Price's name above. Someone told me she sings as well as Joan Baez. I never listened to Joan Baez much, but I guess this is a chance to hear another really good singer at the picnic.

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 14 Aug 07 - 07:51 PM

Ayla- All are welcome- and one doesn't have to be a "good singer" to sing at our picnic. We sing for the joy of it, and are polite and encouraging for those who get nervous or have a bit of trouble- and no performer minds if all others join in on choruses, or add harmonies when it pleases us. No grades are given, no ribbons pinned on. Just lots of folks singing, eating, gossiping, relaxing. There may be some mosquitos, a few hungry yellowjackets- a bit of repellant might be a good idea. Our house is well lived-in, a bit chaotic, but a good shelter in the time of storm- if no storm, we would request that folks stay outside and enjoy the summer air. Looking forward...Jean and George

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 21 Aug 07 - 11:04 PM

Is anyone coming from Brooklyn by car that can give 2 of my friends a ride? They are from the Midwood section (18th Ave. & Ocean Parkway).
They attended last year but their son might not be available to drive them this year. One of them walks with a cane and can not take public transportation.
                                                    SOL

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: GUEST,Bob Koenig
Date: 22 Aug 07 - 11:13 AM

I hope to attend, as I was there last year. I have a new CD with Levittown folk songs for the 60th anniversary of our town. I'll bring some along if someone is interested in it.

Should I bring the cheesecake?


www.bobkoenigmusic.com

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: Suffet
Date: 22 Aug 07 - 06:40 PM

Q: Should I bring the cheesecake?

A: The answer is probably yes, but please ask Barbara Mehlman. She is coordinating the food, not I.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Aug 07 - 11:48 AM

I feel badly about the people who need a ride because they can't use public transportation. I wish I could help, but I don't have a car and can't drive. I love being able to take the train to KYTRAD's picnic. I guess I'd better take care of my health.
Rosalie

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: EBarnacle
Date: 24 Aug 07 - 01:24 PM

Lady Hillary and I had hoped to attend but the bug we are carrying may still be infections. As much as we would like to attend, we really do not want to decimate the New York folk world.

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 25 Aug 07 - 10:40 AM

Whether I'm able to make it pretty much depends on whether the baby lets us get much sleep tomorrow. I'm working in the morning, so it'd be mid-afternoon before I could make it from Pennsylvania anyway. If I'm too tired for the drive, I'll have to miss it. Geeta and Kiran won't be able to come.

But if you can make it, do - it's a wonderful day.

Dan Schatz

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: GUEST,Bob Koenig
Date: 26 Aug 07 - 11:34 AM

Sadly, my wife has come down with a cold, so I'm watching my son and doing stuff she was going to do with him and she'll stay home.

So, now I have to miss this event.

if you are doing events on Long Island more often, I would be happy to try to join.

I am doing my own folk music (New CD available) www.bobkoenigmusic.com
and playing at the Island Trees Library October 28m at 1:00PM

Keep in touch

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: Suffet
Date: 26 Aug 07 - 11:04 PM

Greetings again:

I just got home from the FMSNY/NY Pinewoods picnic at Kytrad's house, and it was a glorious event indeed! The music was exquisite, the food was scrumptious, the company was grand, and even the weather was pleasant. The rain stayed away, and somewhere around 75 or 80 people showed up. (I counted 69 at one point, but I know there are a few people who had left by then and others who had not yet arrived.) As expected, most of the picnickers came from New York City and Long Island, but Rabbi Sol and the Mrs. led a contingent down from Rockland County, New York, while other folks came from New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Charlie Baum and Lisa Null even made their way up from Silver Spring, Maryland, a good five hour drive each way.

We owe kudos all around, as well as a big THANK YOU! to our gracious hosts, Jean, George, and their son Jon. Hip, hip, hooray!

Oh, I found out today that Dan Schatz is a U.-U. minister. I learn something new every day. Wow!

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 26 Aug 07 - 11:37 PM

I would like to echo Steve's sentiments. It was really great to spend a day among friends sharing the music that we all hold so dear.
The warmth and camraderie among the participants was really something to behold. The 8 people that I brought thanked me profusely for informing them of such a wonderful event. I would like to thank Jean, George, & Jon for opening up their home to us as well as all the participants such as Oscar Brand, Lori Holland, Steve Suffet, Heather Wood, Etc. for the wonderful entertainment. My Kosher tuna salad was a huge success. It disappeared very fast. Let us hope that we can do the same thing again next year.

                                                      SOL

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: GUEST,johnziv
Date: 27 Aug 07 - 08:07 AM

This was the first time that I went to one of these lawn parties at Jean Ritchie's house. We came from more than 100 miles away, so it took several hours to get there, but it was well worth it. There was a great spirit of camaraderie and the singing and playing were exceptional. Despite the forecast for rain, the attendance was exceptional and in the end, the sky was clear making for a perfect day.

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: Folkie101
Date: 27 Aug 07 - 10:08 AM

Sounds like so much fun. So happy it was uplifting for those who attended. I will try to make it next year.

Cheers,
Folkie

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 27 Aug 07 - 08:15 PM

Thanks to all of you who give such moving reviews- we ourselves were actually the guests- as all the food was "fixed" by you-all, and set out and clean-up done afterwards. Lucky for us- we were almost worn out by a 10-day succession of family events (George's family) in the Catskills, had got home just the evening before the picnic. You can imagine... we flew around as fast as 80+ folks CAN, but the house was a mess (some kind fellow described is as feeling "very lived-in,"), especially the front hall where the most available bathroom is located- with tools and ladder, and big hole in the ceiling where we have been fighting with a seige of resident raccoons! All had to be left that way for the insurance co's inspection, coming up.

But-as so many of you said- the friendship, the singing, the happy spirit that surrounded us all, made the day so very special- a peaceful, delightful reprieve from this world's troubles. And everyone enjoyed our jungle of a yard- sometimes frowned upon by one or two more pruned-back neighbors- in yesterday's heat it made a lovely cool bower. Heather did a fine job of gently directing the singing so no one got left out, and my one disappointment is that with such a large crowd there weren't enough "rounds-" but a few went around the corner of the house and jammed a bit, and some audience went and listened, and learned.

Someone mentioned the distances some folks had come- let me add on Philipa Robinson who lives in Ireland. Of course she's visiting her Dad in NY so had other reasons for coming; both of them came however and enjoyed the day. Several wrote to us and explained why they couldn't come (Karen Kobela for one, and we all missed Big Mick and other absentees. Forgive, Karen, if I haven't spelt your surname correctly).

Love and blessings to all of you. Y'all come back!   Jean & George

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 27 Aug 07 - 10:33 PM

There may be more gracious hostesses thsn Jean, but I don't think I've encountered any of them. Many thanx!

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: GUEST,Squeezeboxman
Date: 27 Aug 07 - 10:59 PM

It is becoming a very special annual stop on the "family gathering" circuit of people with a real kinship connected to traditional music and song. So what better place could it exist but at the home of Jean and George?

I am kind of hoping that you all who really enjoy this music, and the community that supports it, will take a look at the website for our annual festival of traditional music, Eisteddfod-NY.
URL is
www.eisteddfod-ny.org

Jean is hoping to be there this year, God willing and the creeks don't rise. I note for some of you who came a long distance that it is NOT necessary to drive at all in central NYC to come to the festival. When you get off the interstate (from any direction) you are 5 minutes from the school where it is held.

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: Joy Bennett
Date: 28 Aug 07 - 07:43 AM

Chris and I hated to miss this year's picnic. We were driving back in two cars from South Carolina where Chris has spent most of the summer, and I part of it, packing up his parent's house - it is all arriving in Binghamton today! We were hoping to make it for at least the last couple of hours, but general weekend traffic, construction, and multiple accidents (not ours) along the way made it impossible- we arrived home after 7.

We are happy that it was a wonderful time as usual and look forward to being there next year. (Chris grew up in Port Washington and I spent a few summers there, so it is very much like coming home again.)

Many thanks to all who helped to set up and clean up, brought food, and who shared the day - guess that means all of you.

And Mick - many thanks for your comments - my head does not fit through the door anymore. -- and you ain't so bad yourself!

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: GUEST,Rosalie
Date: 28 Aug 07 - 11:16 PM

Jean,
    Your warmth and hospitality are as beautiful as your singing. We all thank you for giving us the opportunity to share some music, visiting, and food with you and George and John and one another.
Rosalie

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: Suffet
Date: 30 Aug 07 - 12:42 AM

Greetings once again:

I would also like to acknowledge and thank all the folks who contributed a song or two, but who haven't yet been recognized. These include, among many others, Isabel Goldstein, Louise Luger, Sheila Ewall, Ken Schatz, Norris Bennett, Jerry Epstein, Takako Nagumo, Joel Landy, Howie Leifer, Jen Larson, John Ziv (who recited some fine lyrics that I have since attempted to set to music), Ben and Laura Shechter Bernice Silver, and Lori Holand's husband David Holland. Please forgive me for not mentioning everyone.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 30 Aug 07 - 06:12 PM

Dee Harris-another fine musician who enlivened our day. Thanks, Dee. I really would like to have a list of every one who was there. This may be our last Pinewoods Picnic- depending upon our age and health, so I want to include it in our 'history' at our long-time home in Port Washington.

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: Celtaddict
Date: 30 Aug 07 - 09:16 PM

While I do understand why sometimes these events, no matter how wonderful, must stop for the sorts of reasons you mention, still I am sad because I was unable to come this year and promised myself that I WOULD make the next one. If there is one, I will be there. If there is not, we will have to start up another similar event.

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: Big Mick
Date: 31 Aug 07 - 12:36 AM

I will be hoping fervently for one more, so I can be there once more. But if it isn't to be, then I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to have been to several. Thanks Jean, and George, and Jon, for everything. The gift of your friendship and hospitality is a precious gem in my personal treasure.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: Joy Bennett
Date: 31 Aug 07 - 12:40 PM

I couldn't agree more with Mick.

Many thanks to Jean, George, and Jon, for sharing their home, hearts, and music to us for so many years.

I too, selfishly, hope this can continue for at least another year.

All the best,

joy

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 06 Sep 07 - 11:30 PM

I will have pictures of this event up soon. Unbeknown to me, my driver, Mike Collins, had a digital camera with him that day and snapped some pictures of the gathering. He e-mailed them to me today and will get them posted as soon as I can edit them.

                                                 SOL

Subject: RE: Picnic at KYTRAD's 8/26/07
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 07 Sep 07 - 06:54 PM

Sol- George had 'posted' a nostalgic group shot from an earlier picnic (last year?) on our refrigerator. Did you see it? Do send me another of this year, and who knows- it may make the fridge- and there may be another picnic!    Jean PS: I had hoped for some rounds,- I was amazed that the day passed so quickly. We should have started earlier!    Best, Jean