Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY

Subject: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: NY Pinewoods
Date: 03 May 08 - 06:36 AM

Is there any interest in having a Mudcat Gathering at the 2008 Eisteddfod New York Festival of Traditional Music? The dates are November 14-16, and the venue is the Renaissance Charter School in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York City.

If so, arrangements can be made to set aside time and space on Saturday-Sunday, November 15-16. Please chime in!

In any case, 2008 Eisteddfod New York performers so far include:

Tony Barrand
Norris Bennett
Colleen Cleveland
Pat Conte
Discanto (traditional music from Italy)
Jerry Epstein
Len Graham
Jodee James
David Jones
Dan Milner
John Roberts
Dave Ruch
George Ward
Dave Webber & Anni Fentiman
Heather Wood
...plus many more

More information is available from the festival website.

So please let us know how you feel. The Gathering will happen if enough people say yes! You have our word.

The Eisteddfod New York is sponsored by the New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club (Folk Music Society of New York, Inc.).

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: Barry Finn
Date: 03 May 08 - 11:49 AM

I'm interested if I can make it. I keep trying to make this festival & something keeps getting in the way around that time of the year, usually money, music kitty is mostly gone by then, hopefull that won't be as much of a problem this yr.

Barry

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 03 May 08 - 01:31 PM

sure.Susan and I will be there anyway.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: SINSULL
Date: 03 May 08 - 04:50 PM

LOL
I lived two blocks from there before moving to Maine. Not likely I can make it down for this.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: GUEST,Jerry Epstein
Date: 04 May 08 - 09:16 PM

Just a personal comment that it would be quite cool to see Barry Finn there. . . so if the MUdcat Gathering enables it, then I am for it.

Some other folks, well known to Barry from Mystic and other places, are very likely to be there, but I can't put names up quite yet. . . Watch this space. . . or the festival website. . . .

The group coming from Italy are truly a knockout, with a great bagpipe player (I think it is called something like the zamponi). They are coming to do an event at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and emailed us. . . what a great break. .
JE

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: Barry Finn
Date: 05 May 08 - 01:00 AM

I will thank you for your kind words Jerry, this coming weekend, Thanks Kindly
Barry

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: Booklynrose
Date: 07 May 08 - 11:22 PM

Regarding the cost of the festival, Eisteddfod-NY is offering free admission to any responsible person who can volunteer for 6 hours, free admission for one day for volunteering for 3 hours. We will be putting up the performers in people's homes, and will seek places for volunteers to stay too.
I would love to see a Mudcat gathering and meet some of you face to face. If Mudcatters in the city can put up Mudcatters from out of town, it would make life a lot easier for the Eisteddfod committee, the volunteers who put on the festival.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: Dave Ruch
Date: 08 May 08 - 09:19 AM

I too would love to meet some of the names I have been seeing and interacting with for the past several years. Looking forward to this great weekend.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: Jassplayer
Date: 08 May 08 - 09:23 AM

Our festival (Oct. 10-13) is another offshnoot of Howard Glasser's original Eisteddfod that was held on the campus of UMass Dartmouth -- known to many of you as "Buck Rogers University" because of its forcefully futuristic architecture. Many of us recall fondly the great gatherings in the early 70s -- and it's nice to see John and Tony representing that earliest contingent.
Other notables at early Eisteddfods were Utah Phillips, Michael Cooney, Paul Geremia and Andy Cohen -- to mention a few who are still among us -- and the late Margaret MacArthur, Helen Schneyer and Barbara Carns.
It was definitely a "festival" then, with more emphasis on song-swapping and socializing than on performing -- which made the performances all the more memorable and connected.
We will post the info for the festival on our links page, and hope to join Mudcat group for a short stint in Queens. I believe NERFA is same weekend in Monticello, so it sort of works out.
[e-mail]

www.tauntonfest.org

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 08 May 08 - 09:43 AM

NERFA is not in Monticello this year, it has been moved to Kerhonkson, NY.   A busy weekend!

Jack, your link to the fest does not seem to be working.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: Barry Finn
Date: 08 May 08 - 10:36 AM

Howard Glasser's original Eisteddfods at UMass Dartmouth was a hell of a festival, a standard that should still stand today.

Barry

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: Booklynrose
Date: 08 May 08 - 12:26 PM

For better or worse, times have changed since Howard's amazing Eisteddfods in Massachusetts.   However he is director emeritus of Eisteddfod-NY and has expressed pleasure at the present incarnation.   
   A Mudcat gathering would add to the informal music sharing aspect of Eisteddfod-NY, a chance for jamming, songswaps, chatting face to face.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: GUEST,Pamela from Ithaca
Date: 08 May 08 - 03:15 PM

I just signed myself up to volunteer at Eisteddfod this year.
I've been wanting to go for ages, and have decided to just make
it happen this year. Especially since so many friends are on the program.

Maybe they'll let me sing, too.

In any case, it would be great to have a Mudcat gathering.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: Jassplayer
Date: 10 May 08 - 08:47 AM

Fixing the link to Taunton River Folk festival. Thanks, Ron, for pointing it out. First I'd heard of FA Northeast moving, btw. I'd gotten to like some of the mold at Kutsher's.
The Taunton River Folk Festival, Oct. 10-13, 2008

Jack Radcliffe

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: Bill Hahn//\\
Date: 10 May 08 - 07:45 PM

Well, Jack, looks like you will have to miss the mold since the Kutsher family picked up a 2.5 million dollar non-refundable deposit on the place. A developer is planning to incorporate it--Grossingers and the former Concord into a destination area without gambling (aside from slots at the raceway) in the area---along the lines of the Berkshires. If it works out they get a lot more---if not they suffer through getting the 2.5 million and keeping their mold and leaky hotel.

You may have to pay extra if you want a room with mold. Part of the charm---that and the waves on the mighty Lake Kutsher in a storm. Never forget the ski-slope---where are the Olympians that wanted to ski there now?

On a serious note. There was a time when great athletes appeared there--tennis, basketball, etc; Time takes its toll and while I never cared for the ambience it was a mecca in its prime. Having built all those passages so you never had to go outdoors (on your way to more food) prompted me to coin the slogan (when I MCd a NERFA show there)---"...Kutshers---be in the country and never be in it."

The new venue for NERFA is a truly beautiful place which I had seen a few years back and recommended to them. Sort of like going from your basement entertainment room (Kutshers) to The Palace Theater. Unfortunately--no mold, dead bugs, broken a/c or heaters, broken windows, and the other Kutsher ammenities.

Bill Hahn

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: GUEST
Date: 12 May 08 - 04:59 PM

Does Eisteddfod-NY have any mold? dead bugs? natural outdoor areas? or just music?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 12 May 08 - 05:07 PM

Eisteddfod-NY has plenty of natural city outdoor areas outside of the building, and they have just great music!

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: irishenglish
Date: 12 May 08 - 05:14 PM

I can definitely recommend Discanto. When I was an employee at Tower Records here in NYC, I got into all sorts of regional Italian traditional music, which I can heartily recommend. Some of it has obvious Celtic undertones, but it is a very lively and dramatic music. I would only know closer to the date if I could make it, but as my wife is part Welsh, I might be able to convince her!

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: Suffet
Date: 12 May 08 - 05:34 PM

Greetings:

The Eisteddfod takes place in Jackson Heights, Queens, one of the most richly diverse communities in New York City, New York State, and the United States of America. The immediate area around the Renaissance Charter School tends to be Latino (mostly Cuban, Colombian, and Argentinian), but walk seven short blocks to the west and you are in the very heart of New York City's most vibrant Indian, Pakistani, and Bengladeshi community. But Jackson Heights is in no way a segregated neighborhood. In it you will find native born Americans living side by side with immigrants, old and new, from Ireland, the UK, the Philippines, China, Korea, Thailand, West Africa, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, etc., as well as from the Carribbean, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Indian subcontinent.

I suggest that anyone visiting the festival spends some time exploring Jackson Heights, and the surrounding communities of Corona (where Louis Armstrong lived), East Elmhurst (where Malcolm X lived), Elmhurst, and Woodside. You will have a wonderful experience.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: Heather Wood
Date: 27 May 08 - 05:48 PM

One of the truly great things about Jackson Heights is the amazing assortment of restaurants. Carnivores, if you haven't tried the various South American cuisines, you haven't lived. They have MEAT in vast quantities.

Oh, and the festival ... among other delights, we have a FREE family concert on Saturday 16 November, 12:30-1:30 pm. Bring the Mudkittens!

This year, we've lowered the all-festival early-bird rate to a mere $60 for non-members (members $50 - check with your organization to see if they're a supporting org). See Eisteddfod-NY
for ongoing details.

Hope to see y'all there.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: Suffet
Date: 28 May 08 - 12:14 AM

Greetings:

The place for New York carnivores is a Brazilian barbecue restaurant just a little over a mile from the site of the Eisteddfod. It's called Greenfield, and it's located on Northern Boulevard at 108th Street in Corona -- as in Rosie, the Queen of Corona, made famous in Paul Simon's Me and Julio. Greenfield is a pay-one-price all-you-can-eat establishment. Once you are seated, the waiter gives you a small wooden block, painted green on one side and red on the other. As long as you leave the block on your table with the green side facing up, waiters bring you skewer after skewer of various meats, including beef steak, chunks of pork, sausage, chicken, turkey wrapped in bacon, and so forth. When you have had enough for a while, you turn the block over so the red side faces up. That signals the waiters to bypass your table.

I would say this is not the place for vegetarians, but that's not necessarily true, because Greenfield has the most enormous and varied salad bar I have ever seen.

So if you're going to the Eisteddfod, make a short detour to Greenfield. And if that isn't enough, go the other way instead, and a little less than half a mile from the festival site you will find the Jackson Diner, New York's premier Indian restaurant. It's on 74th Street in Jackson Heights, just about 50 feet north of the subway and elevated railway station at Roosevelt Avenue. Their all-you-can eat buffet is generally only at lunchtime, and it is always both vegetarian and carnivore friendly.

Bottom line: the Jackson Heights - Corona area is no place for dieters.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: Barry Finn
Date: 28 May 08 - 02:11 AM

We have one of these types of Brazilian resturants near us in Manchester NH. Same exact set up. For meat eaters it has no close seconds. There are 24 or 5 types of meats served aside from the sides. The cost where we are is $25 per person, you need to go hunrgy just to sample all the servings & you need to stay all night.
I'd like to save a seat please.

Barry

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: GUEST,Alyssa
Date: 28 May 08 - 12:05 PM

The only problem with Jackson Heights is that parking is horrendous. There are plenty of on-street parking spots, but they are always taken. That's because it's a neighborhood of old high density apartment house built before World War II when no one thought of including parking lots or garages. There is a public parking garage about a block from the festival school, but it's expensive, something like $18 a day. If possible, take public transportation.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: NY Pinewoods
Date: 29 May 08 - 08:28 AM

The Eisteddfod New York will set aside a room Saturday-Sunday for Mudcatters to gather. The only time it will be closed is when the main Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon concerts take place. All Mudcatters, even lurkers, are welcome, as are their families, friends, fans, groupies, lovers, hangers-on, wannabees, don't wannabees, critics, and mere curiosity seekers.

So step right up, ladies and gents, and take charge. The ball is now in your proverbial court.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: glen197
Date: 31 May 08 - 01:35 AM

I am looking forward to attending the festival. This will be the third time as a volunteer. It is a wonderful feeling to not ony enjoy the terrific music but also to know you helped make it happen.

Glen

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: GUEST
Date: 31 May 08 - 09:53 AM

This is shaping up as a very good festival. Look forward to seeing some M'catters there.
All the best,
Dan Milner

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: JJ
Date: 31 May 08 - 11:25 AM

Wow, I might even lurk my way over from Morningside Heights!

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: NY Pinewoods
Date: 02 Jun 08 - 11:12 PM

JJ: We hope to see you ath the Eisteddfod, since it's a very easy trip from Morningside Heights. Tahe the #1 train at West 116th Street and Broadway south to Times Square. Walk downstairs and take the #7 Flushing Line Local to 82nd Street in Jackson Heights. Get off and go downstairs to the street. Walk one long block north to 37th Avenue, cross the street, turn left, and walk one short block to 81st Street. Turn right and the entrance to the Renaissance Charter School will be a few feet from the corner.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: JJ
Date: 03 Jun 08 - 08:47 AM

I figured it was something like that, but thanks for the lovely, clear directions! (These, as you know, can be rare in this town...)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: glen197
Date: 08 Jun 08 - 03:59 AM

Eistedfodd is easy to reach via public transportation from all directions Come, listen, sing and enjoy.

Glen

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Jul 08 - 09:51 PM

HereWhat a fabulous festival Eisteddfod-NY is going to be. Here's an updated list of performers:
•        Atl-Tlachinolli
Tony Barrand
•        Basket Landing
•        Norris Bennett
•        Colleen Cleveland
•        Pat Conte
•        DisCanto
•        Jerry Epstein
•        Howard Glasser
•        Len Graham
•        Jodee James
•        David Jones
•        Dan Milner
•        Barry O'Neill
•        John Roberts
•        Dave Ruch
•        George Ward
•        Dave Webber & Anni Fentiman
•        Toby Weinberg
•        Heather Wood

•        Ken Sweeney (tentative)
•        Bill & Livia Vanaver (tentative)



•        Ken Sweeney (tentative)
•        Bill & Livia Vanaver (tentative)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Jul 08 - 10:03 PM

Info on Eisteddfod performers at http://www.eisteddfod-ny.org
There are still places for responsible volunteers (free festival admission for 6 hours help) and vendors. See web site above for details.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: SINSULL
Date: 05 Jul 08 - 10:49 PM

Do not miss a meal at the Jackson Diner - a very strange name for the best Indian food in the USA. Wish I could be there.
SINS

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: NY Pinewoods
Date: 06 Jul 08 - 07:39 AM

While we cannot officially recommend any particular commercial establishment, we can point out that many of our club members agree with Sinsull. The Jackson Diner was originally a North American style diner. After changing over to an Indian menu two decades ago, it became such a hit that it had to move to new and more spacious quarters down the block. It's located on 74th Street in Jackson Heights, Queens, just north of the 74th Street elevated train station on the No. 7 Flushing Line local. At lunchtime the diner serves an all-you-can-eat buffet.

If you are attending the Eisteddfod, the Jackson Diner, situated in the heart of New York's biggest Indian community, is about a 10 minute walk. It's also about a 3 or 4 minute ride on the Q32 bus, once the bus arrives.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: glen197
Date: 06 Jul 08 - 11:03 PM

All are recommende dto attend. it is a terrfiic efent

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: GUEST,Jerry Epstein
Date: 07 Jul 08 - 11:21 AM

Since the discussion has hit on INdian restaurants, I would add that there at least two others of top quality. The Delhi Palace is a couple of doors down from the Jackson Diner, and the only one with a dinner buffet is the Indian Taj. . . both are excellent quality, and the buffet is astonishingly cheap for all you can eat. Both are on 74th St. a few steps from the Jackson Diner.
In the neighborhood there is also first class Italian, Argentinian, Peruvian, Korean, Thai, and more. Jackson Heights is one of the world's
truly spectacular neighborhoods to eat.

On two other fronts: The performing staff is almost complete, check in at the website for the latest developments: www.eisteddfod-ny.org
And we are looking into making an arrangement with a local motel for discounted rooms if we get enough interest to allow group booking of 10 or 20 rooms. IF THIS IS OF INTEREST TO YOU, PLEASE LET US KNOW. No commitment is required at this point, but knowing of your interest will be a big plus.
Some of the performers will not be so familiar. At a later date, I will post some more detailed info on the names who are not known around the US. Or anyone can email me off list if you wish:
[e-mail]

Jerry Epstein (festival director, bottle washer, etc. . . )

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: GUEST,Rosalie Friend
Date: 07 Jul 08 - 09:05 PM

Jerry is right about the food in Jackson Heights, but his message has given the wrong e-mail address to contact about motel arrangements. E-mail should be sent to [e-mail].
I'll do what I can to help you enjoy this fabulous festival if you send e-mail to [e-mail].
Rosalie

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: Peg
Date: 07 Jul 08 - 10:21 PM

I have a pal in north Manhattan I could stay with, might be fun to come to this...

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: GUEST,Jerry Epstein
Date: 08 Jul 08 - 12:07 AM

Rosalie Friend (posting above) is correct that I gave the wrong email address for those who want to inquire about discount on motel rooms in the area of the Eisteddfod festival. Anyone interested can use the [e-mail] address given by Rosalie, or you can email me at [e-mail]. (Please don't copy and paste the address given above, it is missing one letter).

My apologies for the error.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: Booklynrose
Date: 08 Jul 08 - 10:23 PM

Sure the restaurants in Jackson Heights are outstanding, but the Eisteddfod performers are the reason to come. When I look at the list above, I don't know who to rave about first. I guess Dave Webber & Anni Fentiman: They were at Pinewoods Camp in 2006, and they were terrific. They are good singers and have good stage presence, but they are also very very knowledgable, and they are friendly. They don't get to the U.S. too often, so the Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY is a good chance to hear them.
    Who would you pick to rave about?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: glen197
Date: 11 Jul 08 - 05:42 AM

I have an unusual opportunity to add to Eistedfodd. How do i reach the progrsm chair?

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: NY Pinewoods
Date: 11 Jul 08 - 09:43 AM

Jerry Epstein is the festival director. All suggestions concerning program should be sent to him at [e-mail] with Eisteddfod in the subject line.

Please be aware that the program for 2008 is nearly complete. There will, however, be an area set aside for Mudcatters to gather and do their own thing, so to speak.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: glen197
Date: 12 Jul 08 - 10:07 AM

How can i reach the program chair for Mudcat. I have an opportunity for performers that might be of interest.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: Booklynrose
Date: 06 Oct 08 - 11:59 PM

Have you seen the new festival performers listed at http://www.eisteddfod-ny.org ? The Wreck Room String Band consists of Jerry Devokaitis, Dave Howard, Dave Kiphuth, Neil Rossi, & Phil Zimmerman, very good musicians. Should be fun at the Mudcat Gathering.

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: GUEST,Deborah Rubin
Date: 07 Oct 08 - 11:16 AM

Re: Eisteddfod in New York November 14-16:
In addition to the Wreck Room String Band, who are terrific, John Roberts and Tony Barrand will be there to received the Eisteddfod lifetime award for their contribution to traditional music.   It will be a great chance to see them in an intimate setting.   Other great musicians, too! AND IT IS POSSIBLE TO PARK near the concert--so don't stay away because it's in the city.   (It's in Queens.)

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: Barry Finn
Date: 07 Oct 08 - 12:46 PM

Anyone for company to share driving & travel expenses. I'm in the Southern NH area. My timing is flexible.
PM or e-mail me at finfam41(at)verizon.net

Thanks
Barry

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Oct 08 - 10:06 PM

Glad to hear you're thinking of coming.   I'm in NYC, but I'm looking forward to meeting some Mudcatters in person.   
Deborah

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: GUEST,Deborah Rubin
Date: 09 Oct 08 - 09:47 AM

Check our other thread, "Eisteddfod 2008," for more comments and information.   It seems likely there will be a "Mudcatters Hello" session on Saturday (early afternoon).   Who's thinking of coming to that? How are you doing, Barry, at finding people to share the drive from New Hampshire?   You might contact some of the performers, who will be coming from Vermont or New Hampshire.   
Deborah

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: Suffet
Date: 09 Oct 08 - 11:28 AM

A "Mudcatters Hello" session is a great idea. I'll try my best to be there, so please put my name down.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Mudcat Gathering at Eisteddfod-NY
From: Barry Finn
Date: 09 Oct 08 - 08:56 PM

Hi Deborah
I didn't know there was anyone performing that's near to the southern NH area. Hopefully some one that's going will spot this thread.
Thanks for bringing attention to my looking for a ride.

Barry