NEFFA April 25-27, 2008 - who's going?

Subject: RE: NEFFA--Who's going?
From: Midchuck
Date: 25 Jan 08 - 10:54 AM

Should we refresh this or start a new thread?

Us Woodchucks have a set Saturday night, near closing time. I hope some people will stay awake to see us.

Peter.

---

The first several messages in this thread were moved here from the 2007 thread.


NEFFA Link (click)


-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: NEFFA--Who's going?
From: Susan of DT
Date: 25 Jan 08 - 11:52 AM

Let's start another thread, Peter. These get so long.

CAMSCO will have a booth - our own booth for a change, rather than a subset of Folk Legacy. Come by and see us.

Subject: RE: NEFFA--Who's going?
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 25 Jan 08 - 11:52 AM

For 2008 Frank and I and Paul (3/5 of the band ShoreGrass) will be doing a program on Saturday at 3:00. Our good friend and fine musician David (from Mansfield!) will also join us on bass, so it should be a lot of fun and something new. We'll be using the pseudonym "The Shaws."

I tried to get them to change our name on the program from "The Shaws" to "SHORTGrass" to indicate our belatedly expanded (but not full) line-up, but it was too late for all the paperwork, apparently. Hopefully a few people will be curious enough to give us a listen.

We'll be in the Middle School room 105/106, a double room, so some of the occupancy problems mentioned above should not be a problem in this space.

Subject: RE: NEFFA--Who's going?
From: Charley Noble
Date: 25 Jan 08 - 10:10 PM

Probably better to start a new thread. This one is bound to confuse folks such as me.

Charley Noble

Subject: NEFFA 2008 - who's going?
From: jacqui.c
Date: 26 Jan 08 - 08:55 AM

New thread, as suggested.

I'm probably going to get a weekend pass for this one.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2008 - who's going?
From: Midchuck
Date: 26 Jan 08 - 09:09 AM

You mean a weekend pass to go, or a weekend pass to get out of going?

Get old geezerface to come. Get a room at the Red Roof Inn for the weekend. We can throw a toot.

Peter.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2008 - who's going?
From: maeve
Date: 26 Jan 08 - 09:29 AM

NEFFA 2008 link

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2008 - who's going?
From: jacqui.c
Date: 26 Jan 08 - 09:32 AM

I meant a weekend pass for going. Even if my beloved decides not to go we can still have fun!

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2008 - who's going?
From: Susan of DT
Date: 26 Jan 08 - 10:08 AM

Dick and I will be at the CAMSCO booth, so come on by and visit. It will be separate from the Folk Legacy booth this year. We have been assured that the vendors booths will be easier to find than we were last year. We have been told that the people running it have been working hard to clear up the problems encountered last year, the first year in the new location.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2008 - who's going?
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 26 Jan 08 - 05:14 PM

I'll be there on Saturday, leading a singing workshop, dancing with my morris team, and showing (off) my true love the joys of NEFFA!

Subject: RE: NEFFA--Who's going?
From: MaineDog
Date: 28 Jan 08 - 07:57 PM

I am already confused.
MD

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2008 - who's going?
From: jacqui.c
Date: 28 Jan 08 - 10:25 PM

refresh for all those who may be confused by the other thread.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2008 - who's going?
From: MaineDog
Date: 04 Feb 08 - 10:49 AM

Thank you, Joe.
I am not committed yet, but it seems like a good Idea, especially if we could get some kind of MudWallow going.
MD

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2008 - who's going?
From: GUEST,Songster Bob
Date: 04 Feb 08 - 12:08 PM

I am scheduled to do a set with my Sidekick, Pete Kraemer, on Sunday, and will be helping him with his "Leadbelly Songs You Already Know" on Saturday. My wife, Jennifer Woods, has a broken-token song workshop on Sunday, following the Sidekicks set.

However, we have asked to move our Sunday sets to Saturday, if possible, because staying the extra day is too expensive (an extra night in the motel, and a day of non-existent annual leave to drive back south on Monday). So, if they can't move us, we may have to cancel Sunday and just do the Leadbelly songs workshop on Saturday. The only other option would be moving our sets to first two things Sunday, and then driving home. That we could do.

In other words, we're probably going to be there, but how long is questionable.

Bob Clayton

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2008 - who's going?
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 04 Apr 08 - 11:46 AM

Hey folks, this is coming up in 3 weeks! Not sure which is "the other thread" anymore, but we're still planning to be at NEFFA 2008 and looking forward to it.

In fact, we had a rehearsal with David, the friend from Mansfield who will be sitting in on bass with us. The purpose was to introduce him to the standup bass (ours), which he's NEVER PLAYED! He has decades of experience on guitar and electric bass, but this is a brand new dancing partner for him, and he seems to have taken to it like the proverbial bass to the river (sorry...) We think his 50+ years of playing rock, country, jazz and weddings has prepared him well for the rigors of bluegrass.

So he took our bass home and we hope to be reunited at NEFFA.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2008 - who's going?
From: Suffet
Date: 04 Apr 08 - 03:25 PM

Greetings!

Someone from NEFFA e-mailed me to say they had a cancellation and ask if my band, MacDougal Street Rent Party, could fill in. We're only at half strength, but I said OK. Now I see were scheduled opposite the 'Chucks on Saturday from 10 to 11 PM. Sheee-it! Well, that's the rough and tumble world of folk music for you.

Midchuck, I'll still make sure to say "hello" to you, the Mrs., and Sandy.

Songster Bob, I'm pretty sure Joel Landy will sing your song Turn the Boat Around at his Humor Song Swap on Sunday at 1 PM. That is unless you show up and do it first. Maybe he's already asked you?

--- Steve

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2008 - who's going?
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 05 Apr 08 - 08:51 AM

I'm really looking forward to seeing you all!

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2008 - who's going?
From: Charley Noble
Date: 05 Apr 08 - 10:18 AM

There is a link above to the NEFFA website but here are the bare details of when and where:

April 25-27 2008 at Mansfield (Mass.)

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2008 - who's going?
From: Dave Ruch
Date: 07 Apr 08 - 03:02 PM

I'll be there all weekend, and will be doing three sessions on Saturday:

4pm Traditional Songs and Tunes of New York State
6pm Folk Roots of the Grateful Dead(!)
10pm Concert with Pamela Goddard

I will be joined by the great Jeff Davis on at least one of my sets, assuming he hasn't changed his mind....

Looking forward to it.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2008 - who's going?
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 07 Apr 08 - 03:53 PM

Link to photos I took at NEFFA 2005, which was still in Natick:

NEFFA 2005

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2008 - who's going?
From: GUEST,Pamela from Ithaca
Date: 07 Apr 08 - 09:54 PM

Hi all - As Dave said, we're doing a set together Saturday at 10pm.
I'm also doing a set Saturday morning at 10am with Colleen Cleveland...
and I believe that she's doing one on her own as well.
So if it's 10:00 on NEFFA you'll find me some place singing with a friend.
If it's any other time... I may be singing, but I won't be on stage.

I may do some dancing as well. For the first ten years (at least) that
I went to NEFFA, dancing was all I did. Animaterra, when's your Morris set?

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2008 - who's going?
From: Barry Finn
Date: 08 Apr 08 - 02:25 AM

Thanks for the pictures Barbara. The jam in the hall clip, I recognize the bodhran as a "Grady" drum & the Boston Banjo's, I recognize the woman as my first true sweetheart from High School.

Barry

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2008 - who's going?
From: Vixen
Date: 08 Apr 08 - 09:02 AM

The Foxners will miss it *AGAIN*! Tim's got a gig with Les Joies De Quebec on the Friday night, and we've got a gig doing Ren music on the Saturday night.

I'm beginning to suspect that the only way we'll get to NEFFA is if I get us booked there...at least we'll be playing lotsa music. (though probably not as much as we could be playing at NEFFA!)

We'll be thinking of you all!

V

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2008 - who's going?
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 08 Apr 08 - 09:40 AM

Get yourselves booked next year so we can see you on one more occasion during the year!

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2008 - who's going?
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 08 Apr 08 - 10:00 AM

Pamela, the Harrisville Morris Women dance at high noon!

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2008 - who's going?
From: Dave Ruch
Date: 08 Apr 08 - 04:05 PM

Where is everybody staying? Does anyone have a favorite hotel/motel near the Mansfield MA location?

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2008 - who's going?
From: GUEST,Pete Peterson
Date: 08 Apr 08 - 11:27 PM

We're doing a Carter Family workshop at, I believe, 4 PM Saturday. First NEFFA in a couple years; looking forwrd to seeing people I don't see often enough. (Hi, Woodchucks!)

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2008 - who's going?
From: bbc
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 07:06 AM

I will be attending workshops, as usual. Drop by to visit Duane D. at the Folk Legacy booth. We'll be staying at the EconoLodge in Sharon, MA. It will be great to see you all; it's been quite a year!

best,

bbc

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2008 - who's going?
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 06:55 PM

I'll be there for the whole weekend. hooray! I'm looking forward to the singing and dancing. Shape note and West Gallery music are back-to-back in the same room - no need to move!

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2008 - who's going?
From: GUEST,melinda
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 07:59 PM

I'm sorry - the last post was me. Did it wrong. darn.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2008 - who's going?
From: MaineDog
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 08:07 PM

Well, I have got my act together, and I will do it at 10 AM Saturday with the Strathspey and Reel Society. I also hope to do lots of English Country Dancing, except not the very late ones, and if my feet hold up, maybe some Scottish Country Dancing as well. Contras in between of course. Given recent events, I have not been dancing as much as I should, and so I expect to spend lots of time off my feet. Hope to see many of you, and meet some new Catters!

MD aka Jim

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2008 - who's going?
From: bbc
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 08:27 PM

melinda, I'll be in the alto section at shape note, w/ my "bbc" mudcat button on. The schedule looks good!

Barbara

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2008 - who's going?
From: Jeri
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 08:43 PM

I'll be there during the day on Saturday.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2008 - who's going?
From: pitheris
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 10:36 PM

Now I am confused without a new thread.. . . . . :?

Family & I have been going for 25+ yrs.
I am volunteering for Sunday afternoon & Fri night.


What could be better?

Meet old & new friends
Dancing
Singing
Jamming
Playing
Learning
Teaching
Buying cool stuff

Almost everyone of thousands of people there are in a good mood!

The atmosphere is your preference.
Just choose what you want.

For me, there are moments when I am as close to heaven on earth as I will ever get. Especially when playing tunes, and I have those moments when everything seems to mesh together.

CU L8TR

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2008 - who's going?
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 24 Apr 08 - 03:49 PM

What fun! Shall we use the Folk Legacy booth as a meeting space, as per usual?

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2008 - who's going?
From: bbc
Date: 24 Apr 08 - 05:15 PM

Definitely!

love,

bbc

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2008 - who's going?
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 24 Apr 08 - 06:26 PM

Or the CAMSCO booth--it's right next to F-L

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2008 - who's going?
From: bbc
Date: 24 Apr 08 - 07:41 PM

We'll see you soon, Dick!

Barbara

Subject: RE: NEFFA April 25-27, 2008 - who's going?
From: jacqui.c
Date: 25 Apr 08 - 07:32 AM

I'll be hanging around the CAMSCO stall as well. Looking forward to seeing old friends.

Subject: RE: NEFFA April 25-27, 2008 - who's going?
From: bbc
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 08:22 AM

Gee, it's nice, travelling w/ a laptop! Things went well last night. Duane & I set up the Folk Legacy stand, although we could never do it as well as Sandy & Caroline. Thanks to Dick, Susan, & Jacqui (our neighbors) for holding the fort till we were able to arrive! Already saw several friends & many future friends. What a nice atmosphere these weekends always have! Getting ready to head out for a full day. I'm looking forward to hearing the following today:

Animaterra, Evy Mayer, Pamela Goddard & Dave Ruch, John Roberts, Robbie Wedeen, & the Short Sisters.

More later!

Barbara

Subject: RE: NEFFA April 25-27, 2008 - who's going?
From: Jeri
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 08:34 PM

I'm back. This was my last NEFFA. Two hours of driving each way, half a tank of gas, $25 for a day ticket, but I actually made it to one event this year - Ken Sweeney's Southern Mountain Music. I would have liked to stay and hear the Shaws, but I was running an errand for someone. It was good to see the folks I saw, though. If I hadn't been looking for someone, I should have done what the Woodchucks did and hang out & jam on the lawn.

Subject: RE: NEFFA April 25-27, 2008 - who's going?
From: bbc
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 08:40 AM

Duane & I had a great day--I heard some lovely music from good friends & he took greetings for the Patons at the Folk Legacy stand (also some money for cd sales, which is appreciated! Don't forget--you can always order from Folk Legacy online, too--www.Folk-Legacy.com, email Sandy at [e-mail], or have a chat with Caroline at 1-800-836-0901)! It didn't surprise us at all to see how loved & appreciated the Patons are by so many folks!

My day--I sang with Animaterra's chorus (As usual, there was no time to talk, just a brief hug. Guess it's back to email, Allison!). Enjoyed hearing Robbie Wedeen w/ Drew Smith & a lovely mandolin player whose name I can't remember. Wonderful set w/ Pamela (Goddard)from Ithica & Dave Ruch & also heard Dave do a set on songs of New York, joined by Jeff Davis & Jerry Epstein. Wonderful concert by John Roberts that filled the auditorium! The festival staff did a better job, this year, w/ scheduling. Only 2/3 of the Short Sisters were, bodily, present, but they did an amusing & entertaining concert, nonetheless!

Today, I plan to do Sacred Harp singing in the am & hear Jeff Davis. Other than that, I think I'll keep Duane company at the stand. It's been great to see Jacqui, the 'Chucks, Jeri, Animaterra, Dick & Susan at CAMSCO, the Shaws, Suffet & his wife, & probably others to whom I owe an apology for forgetting!

best to all,

bbc

Subject: RE: NEFFA April 25-27, 2008 - who's going?
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 09:28 AM

I had a wonderful day but didn't get to a single workshop except for my own! Jeri, I never saw you at all! Unlike you, next year I plan to stay the night so I can do more than run around, change in and out of kit, wait in line for food, and perform.
Barbara, I did look for you, had a nice chat with Duane, a too-short chat with Dick and Susan on my way out the door, but we'll meet again at Old Songs!
Also saw the Chucks, briefly, Pamela Goddard, Anglo, but no other Catters I can think of.

It was also fun to see Lorraine and Rick Hammond, Bob Franke and Joan Sherman, Ken Sweeney from a distance, and many CDSS friends and contacts.

But the crowds, the distance to walk from place to place, with no place to crash and be quiet for awhile- that's why I love Old Songs!

Subject: RE: NEFFA April 25-27, 2008 - who's going?
From: Jeri
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 09:46 AM

Bennett Hammond. Yeah, I said 'hi' but he had about half a hot dog in his mouth at the time... OK maybe more like 3/4. Missed Lorraine, missed Bob Franke and Pamela and Dave and John Roberts and loads of others. I DID find Ken, because he was my mission: transport someone else's concertina... and buy one for myself.

Allison, the problem is that by the time I've run out of friends to greet and talk with, there's no time for music. The solution probably IS to stay for the whole weekend, but I couldn't afford it and after about 10 minutes in a crowd, I'm looking for an escape route. I have my tickets for Old Songs though.

Subject: RE: NEFFA April 25-27, 2008 - who's going?
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 02:46 PM

We had a great time, but like Animaterra didn't get to a single workshop except our own! We ended up jamming on the front lawn quite a bit before our 3:00 set, and a great fiddler named Aldo joined us there along with some other fine pickers. I invited Aldo to join us during our workshop, which he did, and it was a really fun time. We had a very receptive, enthusiastic audience and absolutely wonderful sound - never got his name, but whoever he was really did a great job using our own single mic, which others have managed to ruin in the past...

Managed to walk myself lame between the two buildings, back and forth at least 200 times (seemed like), ate some good food (those potato pancakes were excellent), saw many people I knew and met a few new ones. Missed the Patons and Karen K.

Never saw Bob Franke, although I'm not sure I would recognize him in a crowd, having seen him only once at the Old Songs songwriting workshop of his I attended a few years ago. Too bad, because we did the song I wrote at his workshop during our workshop at NEFFA!

Subject: RE: NEFFA April 25-27, 2008 - who's going?
From: Jeri
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 07:12 PM

Barbara, I'm really sorry I took off and didn't get to hear you. I finally got into a room and heard Ken and I had a chair and everything, then whoops, gotta go. One of these years I'm gonna get to hear you musicians that Rick raved about.

Subject: RE: NEFFA April 25-27, 2008 - who's going?
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 07:49 PM

Oh Jeri, no problem. And how nice to be reminded of Rick again...

Subject: RE: NEFFA April 25-27, 2008 - who's going?
From: Suffet
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 10:33 PM

Greetings:

Got home a few hours ago. It seems to me that Folk Legacy was holding bbc prisoner at their table. At least she got to meet everyone who passed by, which was indeed everyone.

Highlights for me, in no particular order, included:

• A couple of hours jamming with all the Chucks on the lawn while the sun shone bright on Saturday afternoon, and then an additional hour with just Big Chuck, plus David Jones who came by to sing a couple of cowboy songs.

• Getting an invite from Joel Landy to join him in a humorous songs workshop this afternoon along with Paul Kaplan and Mike Agranoff.

• Getting to hear David Ruch and Jeff Davis present a workhsop on the trad folk roots of the Grateful Dead.

• Working with guests Joanne Hammil and Nancy Silver at my Kids Sing Freedom participatory family event at noon today.

• Having a packed room for my Greenwich Village 1960s workshop on Saturday evening.

• Hearing Dan and Molly Lynn Watt, Tony Saletan, and Sylvia Miskoe do their Songs and Letters of the Spanish Civil War presentation once again. I have heard it four times already, and I have the CD, but I still never grow tired of it.

• Getting the chance to have lunch with Tony Saletan this afternoon.

• Other stuff too numerous to mention.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: NEFFA April 25-27, 2008 - who's going?
From: bbc
Date: 28 Apr 08 - 07:03 AM

Not a captive, Steve, but thanks for your concern. ;) It was a privilege to see life from that side of the table. I knew that the Patons & Folk Legacy are loved & appreciated, but we (Duane D. & I) heard it time & again this weekend. We will be passing on those good wishes this evening, when we see Sandy & Caroline. Here's a big "thank you" to Duane D. for stepping into the gap, to keep the booth open this weekend! It was his first time doing so & I think he did a fine job!

As for me, I enjoyed an hour of sacred harp singing in the morning & went to Jeff Davis' session at noon. He started his set by sending his best to Sandy & Caroline. Dave Ruch joined him for a couple of songs. At the end of the hour, they invited a sweet young man from Maine (about 16) to join them with his mandolin. They'd met, the night before, jamming. This is the best of folk. I saw Jeff & the young man later, strolling the halls. Great!

It was a great weekend. My impression is that the attendance may have been down, but I'm only basing that on my own observations; the halls weren't very crowded. Some of the sessions I attended had good turnouts; some, not so good. The organizers did a much better job on scheduling than last year & I didn't see the kind of bad feeling we experienced last year. Good on! Now, we are looking ahead to Old Songs--June 27-29! Hope to see you there!

best,

bbc

Subject: RE: NEFFA April 25-27, 2008 - who's going?
From: GUEST,Pamela from Ithaca
Date: 28 Apr 08 - 09:08 PM

Hi all - I'm writing at my new desk, sitting on the wondrously comfy
stool I bought at the Crafts area. I think I was possibly his first sale
of the weekend... and then my chair was graced by lots and lots of musicians
relaxing there (next to Ann's pottery) all weekend.

Highlights for me - long chats with bbc, visiting and singing with Colleen Cleveland,
hearing Jeff Davis, John Robert's concert, and much good dancing.
Oh, and did I say I got a great new seat? ;-)

I heard from a friend (who's the go between NEFFA and the local fire marshal)
that the room occupancy numbers were doubled from last year, so that
went a long way to easing the "maxed out" session problem.
Thankfully, the weather held off so that it wasn't raining while we were
shuttling between buildings. I had a great time, with lots of good visiting.

Spring has arrived. Summer, and Old Songs won't be far away.
I'm looking forward to more visiting and singing then.

cheers, Pamela

Subject: RE: NEFFA April 25-27, 2008 - who's going?
From: bbc
Date: 28 Apr 08 - 09:39 PM

Pamela--I really enjoyed chatting w/ you, too! Nice to hear about the numbers being doubled. I noticed that things went much better than last year; that was a welcome change. Yup, it was a good weekend. Time to make plans for Old Songs!

love,

Barbara

Subject: RE: NEFFA April 25-27, 2008 - who's going?
From: pitheris
Date: 29 Apr 08 - 12:34 AM

Just got home.
Done some volunteering for NEFFA (I & family worked on take down--not what many want to do--but my kids are grown up, & we have the time);
left a nice donation in the fishbowl;
spent ~200$ on books & CDs;
jammed with my whistle and guitar in the hallways,lawn and parking lot;
danced 8 or more contras & squares with my wife & 4 or 5 with other ladies;
learned and shared tunes;
Met new people; Lots of stuff I almost bought;
So much talent!;
It dosen't much matter where we were. Every corner was a treasure.
I like the new location better, but we miss the food selection, the overnight camping in the vehicles, etc.
Lots of young folks!
Lots of very talented young folks.
This is something that I don't want have to tell my grandchildren about. I want them to experience it!!



-BoB
and family

Subject: RE: NEFFA April 25-27, 2008 - who's going?
From: GUEST,melinda
Date: 29 Apr 08 - 03:47 PM

Those wooden stools were SO comfortable!

I had a great time there. I think it was maybe the best one ever for me. I got to do several group singing things - rounds, shape-notes, west gallery (I think I like west gallery music best). I got to dance a little, and heard some good concerts. I was glad to see lots of young people doing things.

I like how everything was spread out, not jammed together like the old place, although it meant more walking. I think the changes from last year were improvements - the merchants weren't as crowded, and things seemed to move smoothly. I'm glad the fire dept. was able to let them increase the room capacitys. A couple of things were still full.

Supposedly the school staff really loves having this there! I know the custodians were friendly and helpful. This makes a big difference!

Subject: RE: NEFFA April 25-27, 2008 - who's going?
From: MaineDog
Date: 29 Apr 08 - 06:19 PM

I was there! I saw Dick and Susan and Animaterra and ?? The SRSNH concert was at the same time as A's presentation, so of course, no one saw me. I missed NEFFA last year, and, having gotten used to Maine ("the way life should be..") I much prefer our "DECDF" festival (in March) and I invite all who find NEFFA to be ttooo mmuucchh, to come to DECDF instead (or also) next year. Even so, I'm glad I went.
MD