House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME

Subject: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: jacqui.c
Date: 10 Jun 08 - 10:48 AM

Right now this is what we have booked into next year.

HOUSE CONCERTS

2008 - 2009

John Roberts                13 September

Cindy Kallett                25 October

Gordon Bok                15 November

Joe Stead                14 March

Brian Peters                27 March

Judy Cook                25 April


We really do want to keep these concerts going but are having some problems with numbers to justify a performer coming to Maine particularly with rising gas prices.

We had a great guy called Matt Brown a few weeks back who gave a very good concert to a small group. Those who weren't there missed a real treat. It was such a shame that such a talented performer ended up with a small audience because he wasn't a known name.

We do have other performers who would like to come here but, right now, it seems that the work involved and the distance traveled can't be justified for an audience of six to eight people. Whether we can carry on with these concerts really does depend on the number of people that we can attract for ALL the concerts, not just those with a favoured artiste on the bill.

If you're interested in any of the concerts on offer you can PM me for further details and I'll be updating this thread as and when there is more to add.

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: SINSULL
Date: 10 Jun 08 - 11:08 AM

Note to all: Gordon Bok is by invitation ONLY. Once our regular House Concert supporters have reserved their spots (and of course, Gordon's guests) we will open it to a general audience. Limit is 35 on this one and I expect it will sell out quickly.
Mary

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: Charley Noble
Date: 10 Jun 08 - 12:14 PM

Mary-

It's a great list of performers, all of them! Judy and I do need to figure out where we'll be in November.

Charlie

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: GUEST,Nancy King in Maine
Date: 10 Jun 08 - 09:53 PM

What a terrific lineup! Wish I could make them all, but the only one I think I might be around for is John Roberts in September. Won't he be surprised?! Just saw him at a house concert in the DC area last month!

Nancy

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: ranger1
Date: 10 Jun 08 - 10:13 PM

Yippee! My new schedule should now allow for attendance at all evening performances.

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: GUEST,KT
Date: 11 Jun 08 - 12:23 AM

for once, I'm not jealous looking at this house concert thread-Gordon Bok is coming to Alaska!!

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Jun 08 - 10:16 AM

While Micca is there?

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 11 Jun 08 - 07:20 PM

Jacqui & Mary,

             We have Brian Peters at The Borderline one week before you have him up in Maine. We had to book him a whole year in advance so that he could get his visa.

                                                SOL

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: Leadfingers
Date: 11 Jun 08 - 07:33 PM

We had Brian Peters at Maidenhead only a few weeks back - Say Hi to him from all at The Seven Stars !

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: maeve
Date: 11 Jun 08 - 08:26 PM

Well, you know what I'm going to say, you two brilliant coffeehouse organizers:

I want to hear them all!
I hope to hear them all!
I have to sell a whole wicked lot of plants to hear them all!

What an amazing list of musicians-who-must-be-heard!

I think I've even heard tell of that Gordon Bok fellow a time or two.

maeve who has an extra supply of exclamation points for this thread.

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: KT
Date: 12 Jun 08 - 12:04 AM

No, Sins, Gordon isn't coming 'til September.

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: Barry Finn
Date: 12 Jun 08 - 12:45 AM

Jesus Mary, I'm gonna be spenping alot of money on gas. I recognized everybody but Joe, so I goggled him & found him at Joe Stead's bio. Wow, I'll be sure not to miss him,,& Brian,,,,,,& Cindy,,,,,,& John,,,,,,,,,& Gordon,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,& Judy. Real nice line up. I'm sure as long as you do your homework & get the PR out there you'll get a good showing on everyone. I'll try & chat them up where ever I can.

Barry

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 12 Jun 08 - 01:47 AM

just found this thread -- you know tom and I will be there -- avec food and vin.........sounds great -- I'll mark them all in my schedule.....

It is tough that people as good as Matt Brown were so poorly attended -- I do worry that gas prices will impact attendance even further.....

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: jacqui.c
Date: 12 Jun 08 - 01:41 PM

What we need is for all our regulars to spread the word about the great performers and the good times that we have at these concerts.

Believe me, Mary and I take a lot of care to get people who will be right for our crowd when we book them and we haven't had a dud so far!

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 12 Jun 08 - 01:50 PM

What about putting them on the MPBN website for local activities ..... my only fear would be that it might bring too many people.....

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Jun 08 - 02:17 PM

My fear is that we need to keep some control over who comes into our homes.
M

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: maeve
Date: 12 Jun 08 - 03:44 PM

I'm with Mary on this. If the house concerts were instead public performances held in public places, we'd want massive publicity efforts. As it is, they are held in homes, and the small audience gets a close look and listen, as well as meeting the performer, which is part of the allure of this kind of venue.

If however, those of us who know the hostess or host entice friends to attend, there is a measure of security.

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: Saro
Date: 12 Jun 08 - 03:59 PM

Well, I do hope you are able to keep going! CMR had such a great time and there was a wonderful atmosphere. Isn't this just what folk music is about, getting a group together to share songs and music, with no barriers? Good luck, good wishes and "keep you in peace till we meet again"!
Saro

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: maeve
Date: 13 Jun 08 - 10:25 AM

And how we loved your visit at Mary's, Saro! You were all a delight. That was one fine concert, and a fine breakfast the next day as well.

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: GUEST,Pamela from Ithaca
Date: 13 Jun 08 - 11:48 AM

I hope to be asked back sometime... but very much understand
the concern about travel costs vs. pay at the end.
Do what you can to keep the series going (this line-up should
be a boost. It's really good). House concert series are
a boon to folk musicians who may never fill a big concert hall.
And other venues seem to be all about singer songwriters.

Maybe I can figure out a New England tour to make the travel worthwhile.
And I do have family in New Hampshire I'd like to visit....

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: SINSULL
Date: 17 Jul 08 - 12:32 PM

Pamela,
I would love to have you for a House Concert. Jacqui and I are working on building a regular crowd. Maybe...
Mary

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: maeve
Date: 07 Oct 08 - 11:16 PM

Refresh, so we can be planning to attend......

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: ranger1
Date: 08 Oct 08 - 09:41 AM

Hmm, yes, there is one coming up soon, isn't there?

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: jacqui.c
Date: 08 Oct 08 - 10:24 AM

Yep -

Cindy Kallett and Gray Larson - 25 October.

Pot luck supper from 6.00pm, concert to start around 7.30.

This should be a really good one!

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: billybob
Date: 08 Oct 08 - 11:37 AM

Enjoy Joe Stead, he is really good, do not sit too close though as he tends to pick on the front row, very funny , but quite scarey!!

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: maeve
Date: 08 Oct 08 - 01:31 PM

Cindy Kallet and Grey Larson thread is
Here

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: maeve
Date: 01 Nov 08 - 10:26 AM

Gordon Bok coming up- November 15, 2008.

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: jacqui.c
Date: 01 Nov 08 - 07:36 PM

The Gordon Bok concert is now over subscribed so if you haven't let me know that you want to come you'll go on the waiting list in case anyone drops out, although, since most people have already paid their money over, that's probably unlikely.

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: GUEST,Judy Cook
Date: 02 Nov 08 - 03:56 PM

A gentle thought or two about reluctance to do more "public" publicity.

Mudcat is a forum that ANYONE can log into.

What I've seen done for house concerts is go ahead & publicize, but don't give out an address. Just give out a phone # or email. That way you have a way of screening folks who want to come and will not get casual drop-ins.

We actually give out the address and directions (though we do ask folks to reserve a seat) and haven't had a problem yet over the twenty or so years we've been hosting house concerts (*knock wood* for protection).

Whether there's only 6 carefully chosen guests or a room full, I'm really looking forward to my spot in April.

Many thanks to all of you who are making it happen.

--Judy

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: SINSULL
Date: 03 Nov 08 - 09:01 AM

Thanks, Judy. That's exactly what we have started doing and it is working - posters with an email and phone number to contact us. I think Jacqui would agree that the day and time have more to do with attendance than anything else. Week nights make it impossible for the Portsmouth crowd to attend. Plus I have to work the day of and day after.
Saturdays attract the largest crowds.
For you I expect to have a carefully chosen guest list of 20 - 30. LOL

Reminder: Jacqui is coordinating the reservations for November 15. If you have not contacted her, do so immediately. Anyone who has not pre-paid can not be guaranteed a seat. We have over 50 "definites" and a waiting list. My poor bathroom...

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 16 Nov 08 - 01:22 AM

Just in from the Gordon Bok house concert -wonderful............!

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: jacqui.c
Date: 16 Nov 08 - 01:44 PM

The Gordon Bok concert was wonderful, with a capacity crowd who sat entranced throughout the performance. Mary's house was full to the rafters, but, at times, you could hear a pin drop.

We had quite a few new people in who may have enjoyed themselves enough to come back again. We also had to relatively local people who may be able to offer venues to host future concerts, which could mean that we could offer more without overstraining the resources of either Mary or Deborah.

This was a lovely, very friendly crowd, definitely very generous with the pot luck, which ended up being mostly Italian and VERY good.

With a magical performer like Gordon and such a crowd, how could it go wrong?

Lisa Null in two weeks time!

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: maeve
Date: 17 Nov 08 - 07:39 AM

Thank you, Mary and Jacqui, for a sublime evening. This was a special opportunity to hear Gordon Bok in Mary's friendly home setting, and the singing that followed the potluck and concert continued the magic. I'm wearing a seagreen shawl-hug as I type, with gratitude to Jacqui. Songs are bubbling away in my head.

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: SINSULL
Date: 17 Nov 08 - 08:03 AM

I am still floating around a bit euphoric (or hung over?). After the concert while Midchuck was singing, Gordon came up behind me and gently put his hand on my shoulder - the best thank you I have ever had.

It was one of those evenings when everything came together perfectly -thank you all but especially thank you Jacqui. You worked hard on this one and made it happen.
Mary

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: Midchuck
Date: 17 Nov 08 - 10:31 AM

Gordon Bok shook my hand and told me he enjoyed my singing.

Now I can die.

But maybe I'll hang around, slip slowly into senile decay, and make a damned nuisance of myself, instead. Sounds like more fun.

Kendall, Jacqui, Sinsull, Truebrit & husband - thank you all.

Peter (also Kris).

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 17 Nov 08 - 05:54 PM

Anything happening in January? Frank and I were thinking about a weekend in Portland, which I hear is a wonderful city. Would love to find a house concert or song circle like I've been reading about...

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: jacqui.c
Date: 17 Nov 08 - 07:22 PM

We will probably have at least a song circle going, usually the fourth weekend of the month. House concerts tend to be dicey in January/February, due to the preponderance of white stuff that can make travelling difficult.

There's also the Friday night session at the Press Room in Portsmouth NH and the monthly shanty, forebitter and ballad sing on the third Saturday of the month.

Watch the threads closer to the date!

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 17 Nov 08 - 08:34 PM

Midchuck - you are Kris were welcome guests..............thanks for bringing in the paper!

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: kendall
Date: 17 Nov 08 - 10:21 PM

Frank and Barbara, check your PMs

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: CamiSu
Date: 17 Nov 08 - 10:34 PM

Thank you so much, Mary, Jacqui, & Trubrit. It was wonderful and I left feeling loved.

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Nov 08 - 08:07 AM

This time a hat was left behind. According to the rules established in 2006 it now belongs to me. But I may be convinced to return it. I haven't been upstairs yet so I don't know what was lweft behind there.

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Nov 08 - 08:17 AM

It's a good vintage hat, too. Somebody will be missing it!

May I also say here that these concerts and song circles are some of the few gatherings of friends that entice me to sing songs old and new that I've been working on. There's a high level of musicianship within the group along with a generous supply of warm encouragement. I'm grateful.

maeve

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: maeve
Date: 18 Nov 08 - 08:30 AM

Yes; someone ate my cookie. Good thing I signed that last post.

Subject: RE: House Concert Schedule - So. Portland ME
From: Becca72
Date: 18 Nov 08 - 12:29 PM

It was a wonderful evening. Brought back fond childhood memories of Gordon at our house. The song dedicated to Dad, my sister and me (affectionately called "the billy goat song" at my house) had us all laughing and my sister and I were amused to see it had Gordon laughing, too.
The smile he gave us and the "goodnight, girls" as we left will stay with us for a very long time.

I commented to my sister back at her house that there is something about Gordon's being that is just very calming. A truly great presence to be near.