Mystic June 11-14 2009

Subject: Mystic 2009
From: Barry Finn
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 08:38 AM

I was just crusing Dirty Linen's events & festival site & saw that Mystic is list with a line up. I don't know if it's partical or full, there's still no listing of performers updated at their site
Here's what they've got so far:

June 11 - 14

Danny Spooner
Nanne Kalma & the Hudson Crew (Nanne & Ankie + 4)
Louis Killen
Talitha MacKenzie with Serre L'Ecoute
The Clancy Legacy (Aoife Clancy, Donal Clancy, Robbie O'Connell) Dick Holdstock & Allan MacLeod
Bob Walser
Stuart Frank & Mary Malloy
Cliff Haslam

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic 2009
From: JWB
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 02:51 PM

Barry,

Nice detective work. I've heard rumors, mostly, about Walter Askew, Bob Webb and John Roberts being on the list. I am under consideration, apparently, and waiting for word.

There are some saying this could be the last festival at the Seaport, due to budgets and changing priorities. Lasting for 30 years is no mean feat for a "mostly but not exclusively" traditional music festival. I hope it makes it to 50, though: in another 20 years I should sound very much like Stan Hugill.

Jerry

Subject: RE: Mystic 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 09 Feb 09 - 10:10 PM

Barry-

I suspect the list is a work in progress.

Now if we all haul together!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic 2009
From: Barry Finn
Date: 10 Feb 09 - 06:39 PM

Hopefully just rumors Jerry. I amazed that I've been going nearly 30 yrs. I can never remember if I was first at the 1st one or started going since the 2nd one. I know I was in Maui & sailed back in 79', so I must've missed the 1st, I think. Will you remember that for me? Will you remember to tell me where you saw the log of the Industry too, the one you got the song Schooner Industry from? I'm gonna make you my banker, my memory banker.
I lasted more than 50 yrs, it shouldn't be that hard for a museum, unless they ran out of replacement parts.
Careful, in another 20 yrs you may look like Stan too, except he was never so innocent looking.
Good luck waiting for a word, if it's a last one you should be there, as well as John and/or Bob.

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic 2009
From: sciencegeek
Date: 16 Feb 09 - 04:41 PM

oh,wow! I haven't seen Talitha since she went by Claypoole Nelson ... and had hoped she'd come back to the states. Another of the pioneering Mystic shanty"men" and quite the collector of wauking songs.
And if I'm not mistaken, one of the co-conspirators behind "Up & chuck your Roast Beef Sandwich".

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Geoff Kaufman
Date: 22 Feb 09 - 10:16 AM

I just thought, as the one who stepped back in to be the Artistic Director of SMF '09 (and the only person I know who has in fact been at every one), that I'd report on my sense of where the festival stands. Two months ago, when I was confronted by a budget that was cut by $10,000, I wasn't sure what we'd be able to do. However, a very successful Chantey Blast fundraiser on January 3, with huge thanks to Bonnie Milner for proposing the idea and working very hard to help coordinate the event, along with other generous donations from Annapolis (thank you, Janie Meneely!) and New York (the New York Packet!) raised nearly $4,000. Other fundraising efforts on my part have allowed me to reinstate the Thursday night concert as a gathering of former and present Seaport chantey staff and a few long time favorites like Tom Goux, who'll be bringing his New Bedford Chantey Chorus that night. Bob Webb, who has to get home on Saturday for Margaret's High School graduation, will be with us on Thursday and Friday nights.

After I've checked back with Megan Weaver and our publicity folks about posting a full list on the web page, I'll see about posting the same here. I've tried to bring back some long time favorites, and I have to say that I've asked a lot of people to come for much less than they deserve just to make this a proper celebration. For instance, Jeff Warner is going to join us, and Jerry, you are on the roster. And I'm bring STOUT with whom I was hired for the first festival in 1980.

I will add here that Megan Weaver as our Interpretation Supervisor is very committed to SMF, and is talking about plans for next year, so for now I'd like to quell rumors of this being the last one. The Seaport is facing serious financial difficulties given the economy, but there seems to be a recognition at this point of the importance of this event.

Meanwhile, our fundraising efforts are not finished. We'll be getting out a Friends of the Festival appeal in about a week, so if any of you reading this are on that list, my apologies that it hasn't gotten out sooner. The Seaport Advancement office has been preoccupied with other major fundraising efforts.

But we have another event in the offing, Sol Zeller's Borderline Coffeehouse event Sunday afternoon, April 19th at 12 - 5 PM in the New City Volunteer Ambulance Corps building located at 200 - Congers Road (across the street from Clarkstown North High School), in New City, NY. Contact Sol Zeller ([e-mail]) for reservations. I'll be there to perform and MC, and so far we have STOUT, Rick Nestler, Finn & Haddie and Charlie Ipcar joining us. We're still working on some other acts which I'll post when we confirm them.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 22 Feb 09 - 09:41 PM

Geoff,
       Don't forget Barnacle. The entire band will be at The Borderline on April 19th.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,John from Elsie`s Band
Date: 23 Feb 09 - 11:26 AM

Dear Geoff Kaufmann,
                   As a first time visitor from England to Mystic this year I would be interested to know if there are any pamphlets or info. sheets that will be available giving the low down on the weekend`s events. E.G., will we be able to gain paid entrance to events at the door, on the day or will pre-booking be necessary. Any information for the visitor would be greatly appreciated.
                                                 Yours,
                                                 John.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Barry Finn
Date: 23 Feb 09 - 11:51 AM

You can always buy your entrance tickets at the door
here is a link to the Seaports site:
Mystic Seaport Museum
and here is a link to their festival page, though they haven't updated yet:
Sea Music Festival


any other questions John , ask away some one here will be able to sort you out.

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Heather Wood
Date: 15 Mar 09 - 08:55 PM

I'll be there with David Kleiman, who was partially responsible for starting Mystic (son of South Street Seaport).

And don't miss the fund-raising 5-hour marathon at the Borderline Coffeehouse, Sun 19 April, 12-5 pm, at the New City Ambulance COrps Building, 200 COngers Road, New City, NY/ COntact Sol Zeller [phone] for details.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: stallion
Date: 16 Mar 09 - 08:43 PM

Yes Charlie, all haul together!

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Guest Tony
Date: 17 Mar 09 - 04:57 PM

Can,t believe it,s 10 years since myself and Mike were there, best wishes to you all, love to Meg. Tony( Mainbrace).

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Barry Finn
Date: 17 Mar 09 - 07:11 PM

It was a nice late evening singing with you onboard those 10 yrs ago too Tony, fond memories. I hope you're well. Hopefully I'll get to see you & Mike this July

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Tony
Date: 18 Mar 09 - 05:00 PM

Remember it well Barry. Look forward to seeing you. Tony.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Guest, Twin #1
Date: 20 Mar 09 - 06:55 PM

We saw the list for the first time today. Wow! It's just what we hoped it would be...old friends and performers that are a cross section of all of the festivals over all of the years. It is the very best of the best. I'm sure we will see many more friends from the past. It is good to see the Ancient Mariners, the Rum Soaked Crooks, the new Clancy group, Jerry Bryant,David Peloquin,Cliff Haslam, and others we haven't seen in a while. I'm hoping Rick Spencer will be there after his recent challenging events. Friends of the Festival contibutions are on the way from both twins, Geoff. Can't wait to see everyone.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Joe Offer
Date: 20 Mar 09 - 07:19 PM

Hmmm. I think I'll have to harass Dick Holdstock & Allan MacLeod about performing with the "young folks." Wish I could be there. I hope you people enjoy singing with Dick and Allan as much as we do here in California.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Anglo
Date: 21 Mar 09 - 12:40 AM

Rick Spencer, challenging events?

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,PJF Heavenly Twin
Date: 22 Mar 09 - 10:56 AM

This past week I was on the seaport website and there was the line up of performers for June. It is like a wonderful gift for having survived this long cold New England winter to be the first day of spring with the evidence of a wonderful festival ahead. I was very encouraged to read of the fundraising success from many sources. It is proof that this event is too important to let die. Too important to those who love it but also too important to history. This music must endure as a tribute to hard working men and women who have harvested the sea since the beginning of time until today. I want to believe that our children and grandchildren can experience places like Mystic Seaport and its heritage of music. thats enough serious stuff I am looking forward to the party just as much!! Heavenly twin #2.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 22 Mar 09 - 07:02 PM

Keeping this music alive. That is what it is all about. And in a place like Mystic you can actually turn back the clock and experience it the way it really was. That is why I consider this the most Traditional of all festivals and by far my favorite.

SOL

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Guest -- Barnacle Babe
Date: 25 Mar 09 - 09:46 AM

We're excited about the lineup and about being involved in both Mystic and the Borderline Fundraiser. We're all looking forward to the festival.

Mary and Barnacle

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 25 Mar 09 - 12:27 PM

Great Mary. We are looking forward to having you and the entire band down here at the Borderline on April 19th ad hopefully we can raise some much needed $$$ to help support the Festival in June and to keep it going for many years to come.

SOL

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Greg B
Date: 26 Mar 09 - 12:12 AM

Here's hoping that the grass-roots enthusiasm will remind the
powers-that-be at Mystic Seaport Museum that the artifacts to
be preserved aren't just made of wood or ivory, but also of
memory.

And that, unlike wood or ivory, memory can't skip a quarter
of a century and survive... if the cultural artifacts aren't
passed down by the hearing (not the writing on musical staves)
then they don't survive. You can't stick 'em in a brick building
across the street and climate-control them into survival!

When the last of us who learned from Stan are gone, we're gone.

Now that the tenure of Adm. Fund-Raiser is behind us, perhaps
MSM will look to a future which values cultural artifacts, even
if they aren't as flashy as beluga whales and dolphins. Even if
they aren't amplified, intensified, and processed.

Yeah, it's a good party and a world-class piss-up. But it is more,
and it is directly an out-growth of a program which ONCE employed
four full-time chanteymen and parts of a few more.

The message must be clear--- it is in the music that the story
of 'America and the Sea' is as well-preserved as anywhere else.
If it's important to replace the timbers of the C.W. Morgan, it
is JUST as important to replace the aging and passing chanteyman.

MSM once hoisted "blue peter" for all of us.

Here's hoping that it does again.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,jon campbell
Date: 30 Mar 09 - 02:51 PM

In addition to the sea music fest in June, the Seaport will be doing a first time event which will be spoken word primarily. This will take place the weekend of July 31---- and will be of a more contemporary nature, as proposed by Dano Quinn of Seattle and myself. Although this may have aspects of the Fisher Poetry event from Oregon, we will keep the focus wider than that event (not just fisheries).
If you are interested, or can refer someone who might be an addition to the event, have them contact Megan at the seaport.
On a curious note, I have been invited to set up and be a vendor at the Sea Music event, but if I want to sell CDs I've been told they will have to be in the store, not at my table?????

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST, Jon Campbell
Date: 30 Mar 09 - 03:08 PM

Before the questions start, I don't believe the spoken word event will siphon off any of the funding that might have gone to the June event. As the seaport includes more contemporary vessels in their collection, it's good to see that there is recognition for the ways in which writers and songmakers have continued their efforts beyond the age of whaling and merchantmen under sail. Although that may pick up again, remember whale oil is bio-diesel.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Barry Finn
Date: 30 Mar 09 - 05:53 PM

Hi Greg, nice to see you on this thread & hopefully you'll be at this yrs fest.

Jon, what are you setting up & what are vendoring(?), the Catch Of the Day (COD-cash on delivery?)?
You might want to write up an explanation for the Seaport to link to. They have your dates listed but nothing as of yet for a link to say what it's about.

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Mar 09 - 10:10 AM

The thought, and a good one, was to set up with my nautically flavored jewelry, maybe a bouzouki or 2, the illustrated "Frederick's of Galilee" catalog etc. The Seaport is looking for ways to improve their revenue stream during the festival, but for me to pay an entry fee to participate in the show as a vendor, in addition to handing over 30% of CD sales, and not even be able to have the CDS on my table, but be required to have them in the store doesn't seem workable.
When I was booked as a performer this was a routine arrangement, and an arrangement not without it's problems, but as an exhibitor and non-performer, it seems a little chancy to not be able to reap the benefits of handling my own sales.
When the operation of the Store was taken over out of San Diego, changes in the policy were made. As most any performer will tell you, we frequently take the sting out of relatively low paying gigs by being able to retail our recorded product at the event. For the performers at MSMF the store is able to move a volume of CDs for the performers while they are occupied during the event, and sales are generally good, but for me to sit at a table while my product is being sold elsewhere seems silly.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Celtaddict
Date: 19 Apr 09 - 10:05 PM

Greg, very well said; I know you speak your mind very well, but did a letter stating just what you said here go to the powers that be at the Seaport?

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Greg B
Date: 22 Apr 09 - 04:53 PM

I'll reply to Celtaddict's remark in private.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Salsa
Date: 03 May 09 - 06:02 PM

So with the Chantey Blast in January at Mystic, the one in Maryland, and the most recent one in New York, how much money was raised in total for the Festival?

Salsa

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 03 May 09 - 06:24 PM

Our affair in New York raised $1,347.

I don't know how much the others raised but I believe it was more than we did.

SOL

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Guest, Greg B
Date: 13 May 09 - 06:49 PM

You had an "affair?"

For money?

Goodness, not only have you established what you are, but
you've also established the price.

We'd have done much better had it been the Governor of
New York, though...

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 13 May 09 - 09:57 PM

The difference being that Elliot Spitzer's money did not go to support folk music. We raised the money while he raised something else.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: sciencegeek
Date: 14 May 09 - 09:43 AM

I saw that there will be a symposium session Friday at the Coast Guard Academy... but no details on exactly where and when.

Can anyone provide that info?

We finally were contacted about volunteering, but again, details are scant.   Good thing we've been doing this for a couple of decades... :D

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 15 May 09 - 07:57 AM

Email Dave Littlefield at the Seaport for more info on the symposium. What kind of info were you looking for though? If you get to the Coast Guard Academy on Friday, I'm sure the guard at the gate will know where to send you.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 15 May 09 - 02:10 PM

As coincidence would have it, I received an email this afternoon asking if I could post this information on Mudcat. I hope this answers some of your questions sciencegeek. I'm still willing to bet if you just showed up you'd find it, and the presentation's I'm told are always interesting, so you can't lose.

Symposium on Music of the Sea
30th Annual Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
12-13 June 2009

Presented by Mystic Seaport, the United States Coast Guard Academy, and the University of Connecticut at Avery Point.

You are invited to the 30th Annual Sea Music Festival Symposium on Music of the Sea.

Come hear wonderful speakers on such topics as the impact of whalers and traders on the music of the Beaufort Sea, the Barrouallie whalemen, the Sabine Baring-Gould collection, Gaelic walking songs, Robin Hood at sea, the sea music of Rudyard Kipling and Herman Melville's Moby-Dick, dancing for eels, and defining masculinity in the Royal Navy through song. Four central scholars of sea music-Stuart Frank, Bob Walser, Dick Swain, and Craig Edwards-will also present a panel discussion on the history of sea music and the sea music revival.

The first day of the symposium will be held at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. It is FREE and open to the public. The sessions will take place on Friday, June 12, 9:30 am-4:30 pm, in Dimick Auditorium, located in Smith Hall, at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, 27 Mohegan Ave., New London, CT 06320. For directions: http://www.uscga.edu/display.aspx?id=342

The second day of the symposium will be held at Mystic Seaport. They will take place on Saturday, June 13, 9-12 am, in Greenmanville Church, Mystic Seaport Museum, 75 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic, CT 06355. For directions, click on "Plan Your Visit" at http://www.mysticseaport.org. The cost of the symposium at Mystic Seaport is included in the cost of admission to the 30th Annual Sea Music Festival. Under http://www.mysticseaport.org, click on "Calendar of Events" OR "Buy Tickets Online" (for a variety of ticket options). Tickets can also be purchased at the door.

We hope to see you at this wonderful symposium!!!
*****

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Barry Finn
Date: 15 May 09 - 03:25 PM

Thanks Marc, that's a very interesting aggenda & line up, great, this year it seems that the Symposium will stay directly on topic & not wander off on tangents to composers that named their barely related sympathies (yes, a pun) after something somewhat of a fishy nature.

Any idea whose's presenting what on Friday at the Coast Guard Academy & whose presenting what at the Seaport on Saturday?

The topics that you mentioned are so far "to die for", another very good reason to attend Thrusday, so traveling for a Friday morning start to the Symposium is local.

Would that be Martin Graebe presenting on the Sabine Baring-Gould collection, hopefully? Wouldn't that be something?

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 15 May 09 - 11:06 PM

Unfortunatly I know nothing Barry. Up until a few weeks ago I didn't have much to do with this years festival. That appears to be changing at the moment, and to be honest I'm pretty psyched. I look forward to seeing you all.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 15 May 09 - 11:28 PM

Marc-

Networking with the U.S. Coast Guard Academy is an advance. It would be nice if in a few years a singing group from the Academy became proficient in leading traditional style sea songs and were invited to present them at Mystic.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Barry Finn
Date: 16 May 09 - 12:48 AM

Charley, My Uncle, Commadore Joe C Barry died last yr at 93 he served in WWII. He met regularly with other Navy Officers for their regular shanty sing, how often & where I never got the chance to find out. He was not up to Mystic by the time I passed a word about it to him but I'm sure he would've loved the chance to listen & sing there.

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: sciencegeek
Date: 17 May 09 - 07:38 AM

Barry! My mom has always said that she was distantly related to the "original" Commadore Barry.... might you be a very distant relative as well? LOL Would explain alot.   :D

And Marc, thanks for the info... there wasn't even a time listed, which was the most critical piece of the puzzle...

Planning on getting there Thursday... but need a place to crash - no, not the I95 - just something softer than the back of the vehicle.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Barry Finn
Date: 18 May 09 - 12:43 AM

Sciencegeek, we could be. My Grandfather always claimed Commadore John Barry as an ancestor too but he also claimed the actor Lionel Barrymore as a relation.
My family name is Barry
Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 18 May 09 - 07:55 AM

So, maybe we should call you Barry Barry?

How was the graduation?

Cheerily,
Charley Ignoble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Susan of DT
Date: 19 May 09 - 07:37 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,The Heavenly Twins
Date: 20 May 09 - 07:01 AM

This past weekend my sister and I had a chance to spend some time with Don Sineti and he was telling us about the concerts for the festival . He said we would be delighted with the performers and be amazed at how many of them wanted to be at this special festival. Then on Monday the concert line up was published on the Mystic website. Wow was he right! Its like an all-star line up with so many friends from the past festivals. What a weekend! Now with some good weather, we have something great to look forward to. See you all in about 3 weeks. The Twins

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: KathyW
Date: 25 May 09 - 05:15 PM

I was looking at the ticket options online and noticed that one, the "all-inclusive" ticket, includes a sea music CD. Could this be a sign that they are going to do the festival CD again this year?

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 25 May 09 - 05:38 PM

Here's a fresh link to the performer list: click here for a good time!

Looks good.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 31 May 09 - 08:45 AM

Here is some more symposium info. I find it very curious that with less than 2 weeks to go till the festival, there is not more discussion. Isn't there usually more chatter going on at this point?

*****
"MUSIC of the SEA"
Mystic Seaport's 30th Annual Symposium
Co-Sponsored by Mystic Seaport, the United States Coast Guard Academy, and the University of Connecticut at Avery Point
Schedule

Friday, June 12, Dimick Auditorium, Coast Guard Academy

10:00 - 11:30 Sea Music and Distant Peoples
Dan Lanier and Vincent Reid - Serendipitous Visitors: An Appreciation of Barrouallie Whalers and Shanties
Talitha MacKenzie - Hero Sailors and Fantastical Boats: Nautical References in the Scottish Gaelic Waulking Song
Martin and Shan Graebe - Sabine Baring-Gould - Songs and Stories from the Sea
Glenn S. Gordinier - Moderator

11:30 - 1:00 Lunch Break

1:00 - 2:30 19th-Century Seafaring Culture
Christopher Smith - "Dancing for Eels on the Catherine Wharf": Afro- and Irish-American Musical Interactions in the Age of Sail
Elizabeth Spoden - "Come all ye bold seamen ": Defining Sailor Masculinity Through Song
Stephen Sanfilippo - "Her Bright Eyes Still Haunt Me": Hard Work and Romantic Reality: The Songs of Melvin P. Halsey, Long Island Whaleman
Glenn S. Gordinier - Moderator

2:30 - 3:00 Break

3:00 - 4:30 The Sea and Music
Edward Green - The Music of Obsession; or Moby Dick: a Study of
Bernard Herrmann's 1938 Cantata
Karen and Robert Madison - Simon over the Lee: Robin Hood at Sea:
Joseph Ritson's "The Noble Fisher-Man; or, Robin Hood's Preferment"
Heather Wood - Rudyard Kipling: Chronicler of the Sea, Ships, and Sailors
Faye Ringel - Moderator

Saturday, June 13, Greenmanville Church, Mystic Seaport Museum

9:30 - 10:15
Paul Krejci - FROM SKIN DRUMS TO SQUEEZE BOXES AND BEYOND
Musical Impact of the Commercial Whalers and Traders in the Beaufort Sea from the Nineteenth Century to the Present Day
Glenn S. Gordinier - Moderator

10:30 - 12:00
Panel - MUSIC of the SEA: Thirty Years of Study and Conversation
Stuart Frank
Craig Edwards
Dick Swain
Robert Walser


Presenters:

Craig Edwards took his degree in ethnomusicology at Wesleyan University and has been a long-time performer and recording artist of traditional music and song. A founding member of Forebitter, Edwards has also served as director of past Sea Music Festivals.

Stuart M. Frank created the Sea Music Festival and Music of the Sea Symposium while on the staff at Mystic Seaport. A respected scholar, recording and performing artist, Dr. Frank has long been considered a leading authority in the field of sea music and seafaring culture.

Glenn S. Gordinier teaches for the University of Connecticut and is the Robert G. Albion Historian at Mystic Seaport where he teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses. A one-time Mystic Seaport chanteyman, he has served as moderator for this symposium since 1981.

Dr. Edward Green is an award-winning composer who teaches at Manhattan School of Music and at the Aesthetic Realism Foundation in New York City. He is also the editor of the forthcoming Cambridge Companion to Duke Ellington.

Shan Graebe's involvement in traditional music began in her grandfather's pub in South London. She has performed in various concerts and on the BBC and has recorded two separate albums, largely based on the Baring-Gould collection, with her husband Martin.

Martin Graebe came to the English folk revival while at University. Leaders in that movement have recorded a number of his original songs. Since 1992, he has researched, published, performed, and recorded music of the Sabine Baring-Gould collection.

Paul R. Krejci is working on his dissertation at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. With advanced degrees in music and in philosophy, he has also performed in a variety of musical genres. His research involves musicultural change and globalization among indigenous peoples.

Dan Lanier is an environmental professional with training in chemistry and geology. He is a Mystic Seaport chantey veteran and has worked closely with indigenous groups and their maritime heritage including Eskimo from Alaska. Dan founded the non-profit Barrouallie Whaler's Project, Inc.

Karen Lentz Madison taught at Maryland's Loyola College after receiving her Ph.D. from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Having published on a variety of subjects, her current work, along with her husband, is on James Fenimore Cooper.

Robert Madison, was a chanteyman at Mystic Seaport during the age of sail . . . almost. Having served on the faculty at the U.S. Naval Academy for many years, he now teaches at the University of Arkansas.   His presentation is in conjunction with Karen Lentz Madison.

Talitha MacKenzie currently teaches at Edinburgh Napier University and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music. A long-time performer and teacher of music and dance, she was on the chantey staff at Mystic Seaport before the first Sea Music Festival.

Dr. Faye Ringel has recently retired from the faculty at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy where she taught English and Humanities courses. Having performed and recorded, she is particularly drawn to traditional tunes, bawdy ballads, and ragtime piano.

Stephen Sanfilippo of Long Island and the coast of Maine is a long-time performer and interpreter of sea music. He is currently working on his dissertation for SUNY Stony Brook which focuses on religion as expressed in the journals and songs of Yankee whale men.

Professor Christopher J. Smith teaches musicology and ethnomusicology at the Texas Tech University School of Music. With a wide-ranging interest in traditional music and cultures, his current book project deals with artist and musician, William Sydney Mount.

Elizabeth Spoden has just completed her Master's Degree at Indiana University-Purdue University. She has worked at a variety of museums including those in Newport, Salem, Indianapolis, Chicago and London.

Dick Swain is the Director of Library Services at West Chester University's Francis Harvey Green Library. With many years as a scholar of traditional music to his credit, he is also an accomplished musician who has performed in a variety of traditional styles

Robert J. Walser, ex Mystic Seaport chanteyman, took his Ph.D. at the University of London. He has recorded and performed widely and has carried out original work in archival organization and sea music scholarship for the Library of Congress and the University of Aberdeen.

Heather Wood was a founding member of the U.K.'s "Young Tradition" and as such was at the center of the Folk Revival. Her distinguished career as a performer relates closely to her long affiliation with the works of Rudyard Kipling.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 31 May 09 - 11:59 AM

Marc-

Who is managing sound for the main stage this year?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: CET
Date: 31 May 09 - 12:52 PM

Charmion and I will be there. Who can we look forward to seeing?

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Gibb Sahib
Date: 31 May 09 - 01:03 PM

Can those in-the-know please tell me:
Do Thursday's events just start in the evening (7pm concert), or is there stuff during that day,too? I am gearing up to ask for that Friday off from work, and I'd like to know if I need to ask for Thur, too. I do NOT want to miss anything this year!

thanks

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: KathyW
Date: 31 May 09 - 01:57 PM

Gibb, perhaps someone more knowledgeable will answer, but when I asked that same question of friends who have gone before I was told it starts with the Thursday night concert.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 31 May 09 - 01:59 PM

Charley; Not Me!

Gibb; the festival officially starts w/the Thursday Evening concert. However, as there are a few people on the Thursday lineup that are traveling to get there, we will most likely be seeing people arriving in Mystic all afternoon on Thursday. There is music presented by a real person at Mystic 364 Days a year, and as performers start arriving in town, they usually hangs w/the Chantyman of the day. You get there on Thursday, and you stand that much better a chance of being in the center of things as they start to pick up. It's all up to you, but anyday in Mystic is Better than a day at Work. Unless of coarse you work in Mystic.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: KathyW
Date: 31 May 09 - 02:01 PM

Question about the symposium presentations: am I correct in assuming these are panel discussions? And are there usually written papers accompanying them?

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 31 May 09 - 02:27 PM

Most of the Symposium consists of Individual persons presenting Papers. W/This year's expanded format, the Symposium will also include at least one panel discussion I'm aware of.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 31 May 09 - 02:36 PM

Gibb-

Barry Finn and I plan to be there late Thursday afternoon. We'd be happy to shepherd you to any late evening singing. Here's a link to my website to help identify me: click here for website!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: mg
Date: 31 May 09 - 03:12 PM

Everyone from west coast of USA please to take notes. We are talking (well, I am mostly talking to myself in my head) about something similar in NW, probably Seattle, next year...main reason is to re-assemble and record the amazing group of maritime singers and fisher poets etc. all up and down the Pacific coast who have sung togehter for 30+ years, and now are frankly starting to die.... mg

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Gibb Sahib
Date: 31 May 09 - 04:28 PM

Thanks for the all info, guys.

Charley, I'm sure to spot you right off. Sounds like a plan.

The only bummer will be that I'm commuting (from 1 1/2 hour away), meaning early nights, less Appleton's...and possibly missing the really unguarded witching-hour no-holds-barred exclusive shenanigans...that is, if such things are wont to occur ;)

Gibb

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 31 May 09 - 05:05 PM

Sleep down Here somewhere. I mean it. You Do Not want to leave over the weekend. I slept in my car in the Seaport parking lot for the 1st 5 or 6 years I attended the festival.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 31 May 09 - 05:11 PM

Marc, is there any more information on the final grid of workshops? I did receive some info on workshops we'll be in but didn't know when the official one would be out.

Just curious.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Barry Finn
Date: 31 May 09 - 05:29 PM

There's been many times I've slept in the car too. There's just no sense in leaving once you get there,,,at least not until it's over.
I use the car as my base, for my med's, my cooler for food & drink, for things to heavy to lug back & forth, shorts & rain gear.

Speaking of leaving. The Coast Guard base where the Symposium is at
(taken from Marc's post above)

Dimick Auditorium, located in Smith Hall, at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, 27 Mohegan Ave., New London, CT 06320.
For directions: Try Here
& try here for a Campus Map

I don't suppose the Coast Guard or the Government will suppy shuttle service back & forth to Mystic?
Is this a college campus or a base? I'm usually allowed into places of academie (heh, heh, see, no threat here), but high securiety installations, they may require of me an alien ID or some sort of armed escort.

The Saturday Symposium will be easy, on site & everyone knows enough to stay clear of me after a late night.

See you on Thrusday

Love the extra symposium & the extra day's head start.

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Salsa
Date: 01 Jun 09 - 09:51 AM

There is a camp-ground near by. It is about 5 miles or so from the Seaport. It's called the Mystic Seaport Camp Grounds. You can check them out and stay there.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 01 Jun 09 - 11:30 AM

Guest guest; I have almost no information on workshops. I recieved a phone call about a week ago asking me if I would do a few. But that's all I know. Geoff says he should have that finished and posted soon.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: sciencegeek
Date: 03 Jun 09 - 01:55 PM

Ah yes, good old Mystic Seaport Camp Grounds. We stayed there back in '85 & '86, before we became volunteers.

The sites they gave us were so water logged, we still had to use the vehicle. Fortunately, it was a pickup with a camper top that didn't leak.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: JWB
Date: 03 Jun 09 - 04:35 PM

Well, sciencegeek, your problem is that you come to every festival, instead of just those when the weather is good :0) We've actually had pretty good luck over the years with weather, don't you think? Thinking back I can recall wearing 5 layers just to stay warm; wearing one layer and having that be too much; wading through puddles and coming home with rusty catches on the guitar case; and trying to find some string to tie my hat on with, it was so breezy. We've had a little bit of everything, just about.

Jerry

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Salsa
Date: 03 Jun 09 - 06:16 PM

We have had heat, rain, thunder and lightening, wind, sun, but we never had S*N*O*W.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Barry Finn
Date: 03 Jun 09 - 06:31 PM

Hush, don't tempt fate

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Heavenly Twins
Date: 04 Jun 09 - 09:18 AM

and dont forget surviving the rain festival probabaly about 5 years back. I remember Geoff and the guy in the Souwesters. but nothing has ever dampened the spirit. Cant wait see you very soon Twins

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 04 Jun 09 - 09:56 AM

I heard Geoff on WRIU radio last night say that he had the workshop grid finished. Now we just wait and see ifnwhen it gets posted. At this point I could just as easily look at it when I arrive at the festival.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: RTim
Date: 04 Jun 09 - 10:43 AM

I have actually been persuaded to drive over the Bourne Bridge and venture to the main land for this years Festival. So please say hello to me if we have not face to face before - or I may NEVER do it again!
Tim Radford

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Guest: Barnacle Babe
Date: 04 Jun 09 - 11:09 AM

Thanks, Mark. It doesn't really matter... but it's nice to know--the grids. See everyone a WEEK FROM TONIGHT!!!!!! :)

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 04 Jun 09 - 03:54 PM

Mary,
      Will I see you there on Sunday or are you leaving early to perform on Block Island?

SOL

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: stallion
Date: 04 Jun 09 - 06:44 PM

be good to see you Tim

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Barnacle Babe
Date: 04 Jun 09 - 07:43 PM

We'll be at the Festival from Thursday, June 11 to Saturday June 13. Thursday night we'll be in the evening opening concert. Saturday night We're be in the foc'sle workshop, a 3 p.m. concert in the boat shed, and a 4 p.m. dance workshop. Then on Sunday we're taking the BI ferry and performing 8 p.m. Sunday night at the BI Music Festival. Whirlwind weekend.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 05 Jun 09 - 02:57 AM

I'll be there with my girlfriend Thursday through Sunday, in NYC Monday June 8-11, then going to CT on Friday. Any Mudcat group photo interest here? Maybe meet in front of the lighthouse Saturday at 5:00? Looking forward to seeing Barry and everyone.

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 05 Jun 09 - 08:06 AM

Chantyranger-

It will be great to see you again, and you can bring us all up to date on what has been happening in San Francisco. I understand that the C. F. Thayer is back in residence.

Lighthouse Point, in the vicinity of the main stage shed, would be a great place to meet.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: sciencegeek
Date: 05 Jun 09 - 11:10 AM

Ah yes... the weather... we alway bring 3 sets of duds... hot-cold-foul weather....   and have somethimes needed stuff from all three in one weekend. :P

I like the idea of a mudcat snapshot.... can someone photoshop my hair back to its original color? lol

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 05 Jun 09 - 01:28 PM

How about waiting until Sunday for the Mudcat snapshot so I can be in it as well?

SOL

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 05 Jun 09 - 02:45 PM

The performers recieved their workshop grids today. I wouldn't begin to know how to post that here. But the information is out there for those of you who really need to plan your enjoyment.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 05 Jun 09 - 03:52 PM

The matrix is not yet posted on the Mystic Seaport website but here's a fresh link to nibble on: Click here for website

Less than a week to go!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: KathyW
Date: 05 Jun 09 - 11:21 PM

I'm excited to read what everyone is posting here. My husband and I have been trying to find a way to go to the festival for several years now, but something always seems to happen that makes us abandon our plans. But this time we have resolved to go. We have plane tickets and everything!

I can tell already that Monday through Wednesday is going to go very slowly at work.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Jun 09 - 01:08 PM

The grid is on the Mystic website today! It can be downloaded. Now the hard part is making the choices.Three more days me Johnnies three more days. The twins

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Barry Finn
Date: 08 Jun 09 - 11:35 PM

Good weather coming too. Thrusday will be wet but Fri-Sun sunny in the low 70's

Kathy W, where are you flying in from?

A 'mudcat gather' that someone mentioned above would still be nice, any suggestions after reading the schedule?

Barry, who on another computer & is off to read the schedule

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Barry Finn
Date: 09 Jun 09 - 01:07 AM

I should like to recommed on Sunday moring the "Sailor's Bethal". Should be some very nice sailor's hymns being sung & that comes from one who doesn't not like suckula singing

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Heavenly Twin PJF
Date: 09 Jun 09 - 07:06 AM

Yes the Sailors Bethel is well worth it. Even in our informal ones the past few years, the music has been wonderful. Two years ago Barbara helped my sister and I with one, but I can just imagine what a planned one would be like / I know it is tough at 10:00 AM on Sunday morning after Saturdays festivities but it is a good thing. Twin #2

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Susan of DT
Date: 09 Jun 09 - 11:03 AM

If you are taking pictures at the Sailor's Bethel, how about at the end, rather than the beginning. Not everyone loves hymns. I'll be headed for the church at 11 for the ballads.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 09 Jun 09 - 12:20 PM

A gathering with some songs sounds good to me, Sunday at 10 am, Sailors Bethel.

Of course, the building may not be unlocked that early in the morning.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Twin #2
Date: 09 Jun 09 - 12:42 PM

The Bethel has been announced on the grid for the weekend. Jeff Warner and Barbara Ben are running it so I am thinking greenman church will be unlocked/.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 09 Jun 09 - 04:06 PM

Ah, I see from the grid that our Yorkshire friends, Two Black Sheep & a Stallion, are officially doing a mini-concert on Saturday, 1:30 pm, at the Lighthouse Point Stage. They are best known for their robust drinking songs, rich with harmonies.

I was able to print most of the grid by setting the page set-up at 75%.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Wotcha
Date: 09 Jun 09 - 05:36 PM

See you lot there. Can't believe it's been 6 years ...

Cheers,

Wotcha
Back in the US

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Barry Finn
Date: 09 Jun 09 - 08:22 PM

From some where out of the Blue?
It'll be great to see you again Wotcha, where you been?
Glad you'll be making it

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 10 Jun 09 - 08:01 AM

Never mind the weather,
As long as we're together,
We're off to see the Wild West Show!

If you're attending Thursday evening be sure to bring your foul-weather gear.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: RTim
Date: 10 Jun 09 - 10:02 AM

As a first-timer at the festival - Is the concert that night the 1st real event? Or where and when does it kick-off on Thursday, ie. are there other events earlier in the day?

Tim Radford

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Barnacle Babe
Date: 10 Jun 09 - 11:23 AM

I THINK the concert is the official kick off of the festival and usually there is a chantey sing later on that night. Someone else may know better.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Jun 09 - 12:11 PM

Am I reading something wrong, or is there no listing of who is playing the Lighthouse Point concerts on Friday and Saturday evenings?

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: JWB
Date: 10 Jun 09 - 01:27 PM

The concert line-ups are not given on the Festival Brochure that is linked to from the Mystic home page. Go into the calendar of events and use that link to get to the Festival page. At the bottom is a link to a PDF of the concert line-up schedule.

Sort of like navigating your way into harbor on foggy night during a power outage...

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 10 Jun 09 - 04:24 PM

All will be revealed!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble, packing up

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Gibb Sahib
Date: 10 Jun 09 - 05:36 PM

Hey, what's this "Blood Red Flag" thing I see on the schedule? I don't suspect it's bawdy ballads in the Greenmanville Church. ;)

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: JWB
Date: 10 Jun 09 - 06:10 PM

Although there is a bawdy sailor song called The Red Flag, this workshop focuses on the other meaning: war at sea.

By the way, Gibb, the famous bawdy songs workshop that Stan and I were part of in 1989 or so was held in the church -- it's the only venue with doors, which were firmly closed to prevent the unaware passerby from having her ears burned.

Jerry

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Gibb Sahib
Date: 10 Jun 09 - 07:18 PM

Yes, that's as I suspected. Interesting trivia about the church though.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 10 Jun 09 - 08:50 PM

Gibb-

Where will you be staying while you're in Mystic?

I'll be aboard the Conrad for the 4 or so hours each night that I sleep but most of the time I'll be at the main stage at Lighthouse Point shifting microphones so Dennis Cook can do his usual superb job of managing sound.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Here We Go
Date: 11 Jun 09 - 07:21 AM

Well, today's the day! It's finally here. See everyone tonight.

Mary

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Barry Finn
Date: 11 Jun 09 - 01:25 PM

I'm off too. See you there

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 11 Jun 09 - 06:11 PM

I can't make it this year. I hope everyone has a great time and enjoy some wonderful music.   I'll sit in my den and hoist a few rounds on Friday and Saturday night while singing a chantey or two to myself.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Heavenly twin #2
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 09:18 AM

well here I am back at work on Monday morning with chanteys and memories running through my head. Amazing festival thats all I can say . Two things stood out the most for us. At the Saturday night concert we have never heard such singing from the performers but especially the crowd. It was unbelievable! The other was the Bethel service in the church on Sunday morning Barbara Benn and Jeff Warner put together a presentation that was educational, inspiring and down right fun. Yes, fun in church. they must take their show on the road.It was wonderful and so was seeing people we have not seen in many years. Thanks to all who put the festival together. These memories will take us through another year. Lets hope they do some fundraisers during the year. We"ll be there . Love from the Heavenly Twins or as Dick Holdstock,called us, the Angel sisters( a variation on a theme!)

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 12:30 PM

I'm also resident at home in Maine, after a truly wonderful entertaining weekend and workout at the Festival. After helping pack up the sound gear at the main stage I elected to shoot for home rather than the sunday evening follow-up party in New London or hang on for the survivors gathering at the Griswold Inn in Essex Monday evening.

I have lots of memories from the Festival (and some excellent photos from the Friday night after concert session at the German Club) but I'm having some problems this morning accessing them! It's a good thing that I have the printed program at hand. Let's see, in no particular order:

The symposium experience at the Coast Guard Academy in New London was good, an entire day devoted to presentations about sea music, in addition to the traditional Saturday morning session at the Museum. My favorite presenters demonstrated their research skills as well as their storytelling and singing skills, and their mastery of Power Point. I Particularly liked the presentations by Christopher Smith, Stephen Sanflippo, Talitha MacKenzie, and Karen and Robert Madison. But they were all interesting.

I agree with the Heavenly Twin that Barbara Benn and Jeff Warner did a great job at the Sunday morning Seamen's Bethel Revival, an excellent combination of Barbara's lecture, the skill which she and Jeff demonstrate in leading songs, and a great response from the audience.

The Friday session at the German Club had the Dutch group Nanne and Ankie with the Hudson Crew leading "Hand Over Hand" which seamlessly morphed into "Chicken on a Raft." I love it when things like that happen!

The Saturday session at the German Club also had a similar moment when Bob Walser was leading the "The Soldier and the Matelot" and added a verse about world peace, where everyone responded by rising up and raising their glasses, bottles, and whatever else was handy, in a grand toast.

There was the late-late session at the YTB (Youth Training Building) where there was a nice run from a version of the "Titantic" followed by my leading "Cowardly Act" (the cow that falls from the sky and sinks the Japanese fishing trawler), followed by another cow song laced with even more atrocious puns led by young Colin from Gloucester, followed by an admiring silence!

Two Black Sheep and a Stallion certainly earned themselves a warm welcome. And they did lead "The Crawl", one of my favorite drinking songs. At one point early Sunday morning at the YTB session Peter was looking as if he may have "crawled" a bit too far. But he was game enough Sunday afternoon to lead more songs, and to solicit autographs for the T-shirt he was wearing; there wasn't much room left when he offered me the laundry pen and there were several very interesting ad libs already penned which distracted me for more than a moment!

The crowd at the Main Stage was well behaved; Bill and I did not need to make use of the crowbars I had brought for crowd control. Nor did anyone fling underwear at the performers! There really were some amazing waves of harmony from the crowd. What a joy for performers who generally do not have an audience anywhere that attentive and responsive.

Dennis Cook did a fine job of setting up and managing the sound for the main stage, and he is a joy to work with!

And the early Sunday morning cloud burst disappeared entirely (swept in through my open porthole aboard the Conrad providing me an impromptu shower), replaced with a new brighter day! In fact the weather was excellent all weekend, perhaps just a little chilling in the evening for those who did not bring the required layers. Oh and special thanks to the woman who offered Aoife Clancy (one third of the Clancy Legacy) a blanket when she was shivering on the stage.

And I really enjoyed the collaborations between Talitha MacKenzie and the Quebec singers Robert and Gabrielle Boutthilliers which ranged from sea shanties, Scottish worksongs, French Canadian ballads, to Balkin songs.

I only wish I could have cloned myself to be able to be in more places simultaneously during this incredible weekend. As it is, I'm not exactly all together this morning!

Oh, and there was the Charles W. Morgan, all braced up out of the water in the shipyard undergoing initial stabilization prior to a complete rebuild of what lies below the waterline. And what lies below the waterline is quite massive, and reminds me of the profile of a much older 18th century ship. And there are even hopeful plans to sail her when the work's complete.

Now to begin editing some pictures, not to mention the sound clips of Mike Kennedy's singing renditions of C. Fox Smith poems. What fun!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble, with calico cooncat in lap

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Wotcha
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 12:32 PM

Had a great and rare time at the festival. Exercised the vocal chords quite a bit and got access to a fine single malt whiskey ... and got to hear high energy songs in French, Dutch, Polish and Russian which for me was one of the festival's highlights.

I also learned that during movement to an "alternate" song site much later one night that despite some instruction to be stealthy, this is an alien concept -- we need some night ops training for next year!

Can it be that "The Old Red Duster" is unknown in the Yankee Provinces? Got a lot of quizzical looks, not to mention silence, during its rendition during an informal sing...

Again, a great festival.

Cheers,

Brian

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 02:01 PM

Can't let Twin #2 respond without me. I call today "Monday morning coming down". Waking up this morning I felt sad that it was all over but thrilled about the past three day. Our festival family is the best! What very special and unique people we are who sing about mermaids, shipwrecks, women's underwear in Rhode Island, and no more war. Thank you to the amazing people who make this happen every year. Thank you to the Friends of the Festival who send their hard earned money to finance this special weekend and thanks to you who like me love to sing about mermaids, shipwrecks, women's underwear, and no more wars. I speak for us both when I say we love you all. #1

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 02:10 PM

The reference to "women's underwear" is no doubt focused on Jon Campbell's song "Frederick's of Galilee" which was presented at the Humor at Sea concert.

I agree that the "Old Red Duster" should be a familiar artifact to the nautical crowd., along with the "Charley Noble."

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: JWB
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 02:57 PM

Charley,

Who presented "Frederick's Of Galilee" at the humor workshop? I couldn't make it to that one, but I sang it in the Contemporary workshop on Sunday. I'd love to know who else is doing the song -- it's a great one.

Thanks,

Jerry

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: curmudgeon
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 03:01 PM

Happy to hear that a great tine was had by all. Looking forward to Charley's pics and others.

For those in the area, and those travellers who will be around for a while, there's a musical "hair if the dog" to be had next Saturday at the monthly shanty/forebitter/ballad session at the Press Room in Portsmouth NH from 3:30 to 7:30 PM. It would be swell to see some of you who are rare attendees, and some new faces as well.

Also   the Tenth Annual Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival will be happening at the end of September. As we still are awaiting final confirmation from more performers, keep checking back to the website.

Hope to see lots of you at both events - Tom hall

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 04:55 PM

Robbie O'Connell does it Jerry.

Great Time Everyone! I just got home from putting away sound systems. I'm going to have a beer, take a nap, then go to the Gris.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 05:27 PM

And at the Humor at Sea stage it was Rick Nestler who covered another of Jon Campbell's songs "Keep on Fishin'" and promised Jon who was observing from the Gazebo that he'd pay him his 8¢ in royalties immediately.

Marc-

Glad to hear you made it home safely.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Guest, Mark
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 07:21 PM

Jerry
   On Jon's "Frederick's Of Galilee" - We heard Geoff Kaufman sing it at a house concert in Annapolis, also last year at Mystic I think it was Bob Zentz.

Brian, glad to see you got home safe and sound!

Mark

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Mark
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 07:24 PM

p.s.
Sorry, it was not Bob Zentz, it was Robbie O'Connell.
Mark

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,guest - stallion on Joys toy ('puter!)
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 08:48 PM

well now wasn't that just wonderful! Martin said on Sunday "This is as close to paradise I'm going to get" Such wonderful people. I apolgise for getting "blowdart" drunk on Saturday night i was ok then I wasn't! If anyone has never been it's something you have to do before you die. Thanks to all the beautiful people we met and made our trip so brilliant.
Pete

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 09:13 PM

Pete-

"it's something you have to do before you die."

"Blowdart drunk" or "Mystic"?

Whatever. You lads did yourselves proud, even if you don't quite finish the "Mystic crawl."

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Barry Finn
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 09:20 PM

Hi Pete, it was great seeing & hearing you, Ron & Martin ("2 Black Sheep & A Stallion" for those of you who don't know them) again, you guys well always be a welcome treat here.
I was great to meet up & hear new & old friends. Gibb you did some wonderfull add-libbing with your renditions from your Hugil shanty repitoire.
Tim Radford, it was a pleasure finally meeting up with you & getting to hear you sing so womderfully, even far beyond what I had been told
Met up with new Mudcatter Kathy W & her Jim who came from Chicago & were very pleased that they did, hope to see you again next year.
The 2 day symposiums were the highlights for me, well as well as all the singing. Even if I disagree with some presenters views, the educational value & information taken from those I treasure. The only elephant in the room, IMHO was that the songs are never more important than those that love to hear them sung even if they don't give 2 shits about the histories, origins, lineages, backgrounds, for without the listeners we'd have no more reason to sing than to ourselves (I'll leave this for a thread).
After 4 days of the festival you'd think that I'd be full but it always seems as if it should be at least a week long, there just isn't enough time to spend with everyone, there's only so many places you can be at one time & I can't get to hear & see enough. For me it goes be far to fast. I missed an early-late night sing so I could wallow in the wonders of staying at the shanty blast only to miss some folks that I probably won't get to hear again only to end up staying up till 5 in the morning listening to another large group of wonderfull singers & going onboard the Conrad to sleep as it was dawning. Maybe if there were 48 hrs to a day a 4 day festival like this would be enough, but I don't think so. Maybe 2 of these festivals a year would do it?

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Gibb Sahib
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 10:11 PM

It was great to meet and hear so many 'in the flesh.' I took French leave as is my usual style. So here's thanks for the warm welcomes by everyone (especially anchors Barry and Charlie). yeah, somehow there wasnt really enough time, oddly. It might be missing some sort of context, though I really can't think what?? Something maybe without singing (GASP!), just some sitting around at a bar or coffeeshop...some official dinner...I dunno. I'm a misanthrope in the world at large and in large groups, but sit me down with a nice cozy crew with nothing but rum and time and I'm a nice enough person with plenty of stories to tell.

Anyway, lots of food for thought after those symposia and seeing the interaction of so many types of audiences. Barry, start a thread and I'll hash it out...!

Overall, the organization was very well done. I guess to be honest, the one thing I could take or leave is the evening concerts. Blasphemy, I know, but strictly personal taste -- i'm not big on sitting in chairs and watching people on stage. I could go for something half-way between the concerts and the pub sing.

Another 'complaint', though not wholly a legitimate one, is just the sheer amount of repetition of songs. At one point where I was walking I could hear "Chicken on a Raft" being done on both sides of me, and at another the same happened with "roll the woodpile down" (replete with the album-style way of singing it).

My favorite part was working the pump-style windlass (3 times), as that's one thing i'd never done before.

Gibb

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: KathyW
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 10:15 PM

I had a great time; it was all I'd hoped and more. The concerts were wonderful, the people were friendly (particularly you mudcatters that I met), and the sings at the German Club after the concerts were the best fun I've had in a while.

Nice surprises:

When faced with the news that the Thursday night concert was violating the Mystic noise ordinance against amplified music after 10 pm, Don Sineti (I'm pretty sure it was him) said "we're chantymen, we don't need amplification" and the concert went on with the loudspeakers disconnected.

Singing "Sailor's Prayer" in a circle at the end of the Friday night sing.

Running into an old friend I'd lost track of and hadn't seen in over ten years.

The nice ladies who made room for us so we didn't have to sit in the rain Saturday night.

The bones-playing battle between Tim Reilly and one of the Ancient Mariners--sorry, I'm not sure of his name--Saturday night. Brilliant.

And later that night Gibb here improvised an insane number of verses to the shanty he was leading. Gibb, you have what it takes!

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 15 Jun 09 - 10:23 PM

Gibb-

It is damn nice to work with the pumps and the windlass on the old ships, with the help of a traditional shanty sung at a traditional pace. It's not so nice at concert pace!

I do wish we had found some more time to talk. But I tied myself up in knots by volunteering to help with sound at the main stage. Next time you should figure out how to get to the YTB for the smaller late night sessions, and plan to stay over rather than commuting back to Hartford.

You know, it's just nice wandering about the grounds late at night talking to the ships!

C. Fox Smith composed a poem about that!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Barry Finn
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 02:30 AM

You're welcome Gibb, it was my pleasure to meet & hear you

Hi Kathy, glad it was all that & more. The bones player with Tim Riley wasn't part of the Ancient Mariners, he's far to young & handsome for those guys. It was Ken Wolin, who was during the Bush administration with the President's own Band (hopefully he's still employed there, not with Bush, won't wish that on anybody but with Obama, where he should be-part of the future) & aside from being a pretty good concertina is a percussion extraordinaire

Another highlight was at the Saturday evening after concert blast. A young kid maybe 12 or 13 yrs old singing with one leg propped up on a window sill at least 6' above floor level doing a perfect rendition of "Why Paddy's Not At Work Today", he was great. Who says that this isn't music for the young. And that's another subject, there was a good represention from the youth. From Paula Daddio's SS Chanteens who as usual were a good part of what this festival's about to the many up & coming singers that voiced their backing of this music. \


Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Twin#2
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 07:09 AM

Carl Thornton did " Keep on Fishin" " at the humor sing and Robbie did Fredricks! I have a mind for small details. Twin "2( typical teacher)

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 09:18 AM

Ken is a drummer with The Marine Corps Band, The Presidents Own. He'd be perfectly welcome in The Mariners though, if he had a mind to.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 09:42 AM

Kenny was in the inauguration for Obama but wasn't playing percussion... he was playing SAX. I hear Ken and Tim played an amazing set at the Grislast night. Wish I'd seen it.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Thanks
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 09:47 AM

Thank you, Charley and Barry, for working sound for us. I'm mentioning you because seeing you all helped calm me down. :)

Thanks to everyone for a wonderful festival. I'm still vibrating from this entire weekend. Wow.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: JWB
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 11:17 AM

I talked to Kenny Wolin, and he said the President's Own Band is made up of about 200 Marines, and they provide all the music for White House functions. They can field a brass band, chamber orchestra, jazz combo and even an Irish group (in which Kenny plays concertina, bones and bodhran -- there have been squeezeboxes in the White House!). Kenny's main instrument, he said, is mallet percussion, like marimba and xylophone. He could probably make music with a wet paper towel and a drinking straw.

I'd like to get your opinions on a thought: what if the final concert on Sunday was just chanteys? One from each performer, but a requirement that they present a chantey in some form or other. I would love to see the Festival end with 3.5 hours of participatory, energetic songs. Sort of what Gibb mentioned: a combo of concert and pub sing. What do all y'all think?

Jerry

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 11:57 AM

JWB...I definitely agree...rousing chanteys, not mournful ballads to end Twin #1

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 12:05 PM

Not everyone invited to the festival has chanteys or even high energy songs in their repertoire Jerry.

And Kenny might have said that, but the US Army 3rd Infantry, The Old Guard, has a Fife and Drum Corps stationed in DC. Part of MDW, they also perform at White house functions quite a bit.

Our good friend Don Sineti was a member of The Old Guard, although he was not part of a ceremonial unit.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: JWB
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 01:44 PM

Marc, you're right: there are performers at SMF who are not chantey singers. What I'm thinking of isn't all over-the-top renditions of Fire Marengo, but rather each performer's take on a sailor work song. There would be no requirement other than presenting a chantey – accompany yourself on electric guitar, sing in Farsi, do it as a round – anything goes as long as it's something everyone can join in on. Even if I did not have one chantey in my repertoire, I could learn one for a gig like this (could you imagine performing at an Irish music festival without presenting a single Irish song or tune?). With email and such it would even be possible to coordinate in advance: have each performer post their choice, so as to avoid duplication.

The goal would be to make the final concert totally participatory, so the audience is engaged throughout and leaves feeling even more amazed than they do now. IMHO, the focus of the Festival is the *audience*, as Barry stated above. I think a chanteys-only concert to end it all could be a peak experience for those who buy the tickets/CDs/programs/T-shirts/refreshments, not to mention those generous and important Clipper, Packet, Schooner, and Dory Friends of the Festival.

Jerry

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 01:53 PM

Ok. I'm not going to say that's a bad idea. Actually I think it sounds interesting. Hmmmm.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Paula Daddio
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 03:20 PM

Thanks for the kind words Mr. Finn. I certainly did not get enough of a chance to hang with you this year.
Thanks for a great festival everyone. The Chanteens had an incredible experience this year. There was a lot of emotion for the seniors on the van ride home. They truly love the sea music communty.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 03:33 PM

As a member of the main stage sound crew, "our" only wish on the final Sunday afternoon fling is that we had a clue who would be coming up next, with what instruments, and with what "new friends." Our highest priority is that the musicians be heard. Last minute scrambles to reposition mic stands may look amusing but it's also stressful, and sometimes despite our best efforts the musicians end up being poorly served.

And at the end of the long day, as we're packing up all the loose cables of the sound system, we really should be singing:

All coil down and it's time for us to go,
Every sailed furled in a neat harbour stow,
Another ship for us and for her another crew,
So long, sailor-man, here's good luck to you!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: JWB
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 04:52 PM

Paula,

You've done a great job with the youngsters -- keep it up! Fran and I are convinced Eric could go far (and break some hearts) with the music, uke and all.

Please PM me for a question I have for you appropos to Eric.

Jerry

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Pelrad
Date: 16 Jun 09 - 11:27 PM

What a wonderful, wonderful festival! It was gratifying to know one can still "come home" to Mystic.

Charley, you guys do an awesome job on the sound. Maybe you can send someone over to Laura Travis periodically to see who's on her clipboard, so you can have more prep time for the final concert - I can just imagine the stress of having a different setup every five minutes for nearly three hours, without the added bonus of them being surprise setups!

The Chanteens were marvelous, as usual. I loved seeing how close they all were this year, even more so than previous years perhaps.

Thank you to everyone who made the festival happen this year. It was delightful!

- Kim

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 10:34 AM

Kim-

Laura Travis does a great job as MC and coordinator of the final concert; it was she who had to track down potential performers (milling about here and there) and decide when they would perform. And, yes, we did periodically send a "runner' (well, either Bill or myself because an inexperienced runner is less than helpful) over to Laura to assess what was happening. But there were still "surprises" when the performers appeared. It would also be helpful if the "on-deck" performers would actually be there at the edge of the stage so we could also visually assess who they were and how they were armed. That all too rarely occurred. Maybe next year we will make sure we have a reliable runner as part of the sound crew. Anyone want to volunteer?

I'm really not complaining so much as making suggestions that might make everything work more smoothly, at least in my dreams!

For Friday and Saturday evening concerts we did have a printed sheet to work from, and even some set-up recommendations. Thursday evening was another catch as catch can.

I still had a whole lot of fun singing here and there, and listening to everyone else when I had a chance.

Oh, I've finished editing the Friday late night session at the German Club; so we should have some pixs up and linked by the end of the day.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,stallion on Joys PC
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 11:03 AM

Yes on Sunday we had to prise John's ass of the deck of Bill and Suzy's boat, "Snow Goose" ,like a limpet off a rock when it was his turn to perform! Such was the fun he was having listening and , er, erm, drinking! Again, like Barry has already said, it could do with being a week long, and also, a special mention to the sound crew, from a performers point of view, their skill and what they achieved was what made the whole event for the audience and performers alike, they were really superb, really well done guys.
Pete

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 01:47 PM

Here's a hot link to some fresh pixs from this year's Mystic Sea Music Festival, featuring the late Friday evening shanty session at the German Club: Click here for photos!

There are only about 30 photos so not everyone is represented. Some photos I took were too out of focus and others were just too weird to post even on Mudcat. If you click on the small photos, you should see a larger image.

There are also photos from previous Mystic Sea Music Festivals on the same website.

I do have high resolution images of these photos if anyone is interested in a personal copy; PM me with your e-mail address, identify the image, and I will send you a JPG.

Oddly enough I don't have any photos of myself from this year!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Stal, about to go home
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 02:59 PM

Martin has at least two of you charley, sort it out when we are home

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Gibb Sahib
Date: 17 Jun 09 - 05:43 PM

Lack of sleep had finally caught up with me, now I'm reading this.

KathyW, arrgh! see, you're someone I'd like to have talked to more (never did get the whole low-down on the Chicago scene)...if there'd been the right sort of framing context...but I make too many excuses... My main umbrella excuse is that there was so much going on by way of a scheduled program that I was focused on not missing it -- not necessarily a bad thing.

More highlights:

-Marching around the capstan to Marc Bernier's (and Dillan's?) fife.

-Doing the same to Salty Walt's "Old Moke," with Carl Thornton helping to set the pace. I remarked that it's nice to have at least one other strong singer involved, since usually in those demos you get "stuck" with some "tourists" who don't sing much or keep a beat :)

-Halyards haul with the Hudson Crew doing Dutch version of "Reuben Ranzo"

-Meeting the young members of the demo squad, other budding chantey singers that are not as "entrenched" (the flip side of "experienced"!!) in their ways yet! ;-o

--Christopher Smith's paper about Afro- and Irish American musical interactions in early 19th century. The crucial part of his thesis was, for me, the idea that minstrel music, rather than being seen as a rough imitation of Black music (by largely Irish performers), instead represented an already creolized art form. It was also good to meet him as, being from outside the sea music "scene," his outside view of the proceedings was refreshing

--Stuart Frank panning Huntington's "Songs the Whalemen Sang"

--Don Sineti and crew (sorry didn't catch the name) accidently actually dropping the "dead horse" in the water (not sure if they recovered it!)

--Realizing that maritime music singers apparently "mess up" in at least 2 out of 3 of their songs in performance (after which they make a funny face or laugh, thereby drawing more attention to it), ha ha

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Twin#2
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 06:41 AM

great pic Charlie. I would love to have a copy of the Heavenly Twins photo. email address [e-mail] Thanks! Twin #2

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 10:05 AM

Twin#2-

Pix is on its way! It's slightly out of focus but you both look as if you're having a great time singing.

Gibb-

Poor ol' horse!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 12:31 PM

About the pics:
Wow - the Charles W. Morgan mastless and on dry land. I have an etching of her from before there was a museum, by a well-known maritime artist (who's name I can't recall at the moment -- I haven't had the print framed yet so I can't check quickly) that my grandfather did the printing for in NYC in the '20s or '30s.

~ Becky in Tucson

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 02:02 PM

Becky-

The Morgan's hull is truly impressive, certainly a more ancient design than the clipper ships of the day (1840's).

And there is hope of sailing her when the job is done.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: CET
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 09:50 PM

Excellent pics, Charlie. I'll send you a PM.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Gibb Sahib
Date: 18 Jun 09 - 11:10 PM

Note that --according to an employee at the Seaport-- the Morgan's hull looked nothing like that originally. She was relatively "flat" bottomed. Supposedly, after so many years, the bottom sagged down and stretched, which is why it seems there is so much mass below the waterline when you see her now.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 19 Jun 09 - 10:42 AM

So thinking about the suggestion put forward a few days back. Re. audience participation being a requirement

Not every performer invited to the festival has that ability. We've had performers that don't speak English. We've had performers that play tunes, they don't sing in any language.

I would suggest however that that should be preferred behavior for the pub sings. It appears to have become quite fashionable to sing, long, slow, beautiful, boring, ballads at the pub sing. Although a few of us can in fact do that with taste. There are more and more inexperienced singers taking that route because they don't have the chops to carry off something with more energy. Unfortunately the choice of material prevents support from we who do have the experience and skill to help keep the energy up. And it is during these songs when folks can't sing along that the idle chatter starts, making it that much harder to grab your piece when the dirge is done. Many of these upcoming singers are learning from example. If those of us experienced singers kept the energy of the pub sing up, a solo ballad by a professional vocalist during the concert might be that much more enjoyable.

I have on more than one occasion in the last few years left the German club early because I actually grew tired trying to kick the energy back up. And I don't tire easily.

Just my own opinionated opinion.
Marc Bernier

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 19 Jun 09 - 03:02 PM

At least the ballads should have a chorus or refrain (which will make them even longer!). I do agree that a long ballad without a chorus or refrain is inappropriate for the German Club shanty sessions.

Those of us who gather at the YTB (usually after midnight) do indulge in singing some of the quieter sea songs. There was quite a turnout at the YTB this year, with the sessions continuing to 4 in the morning.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 19 Jun 09 - 03:13 PM

The YTB is different.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Jun 09 - 03:58 PM

just to let you all know that the tee shirt came through the wash in a reasonable state!

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,jcampbellwampum
Date: 19 Jun 09 - 05:06 PM

It was great fun to hear the various renditions of my songs throughout the festival, thanks to all who have gone to the trouble to learn them, and perform them. I'll have to come up with something fresh to stay ahead of the pack. Am in the final stages of the illustrated "Frederick's" catalog, in which the fashions are portrayed in the anime style, and am looking forward to the Sea Story Festival, which we hope will have a strong participatory component.
We usually hold up the phone for Geno Leech, so he can hear Sinetti sing "Maui", this year Geno says he sounds like a lumber truck on the rumble strip.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: stallion
Date: 19 Jun 09 - 05:58 PM

ooops guest was me

so what was your most memorable moment
for me there were a few contenders
Singing on the main stage
The pub sings in the evening
The YTB session (fuzzy as it was!)

But the best was joining in a chorus in the boat shed with Ali Kelly to my right and Bonnie to my left, the chimes were wonderful. thanks guys

Pete

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: adventure
Date: 19 Jun 09 - 06:12 PM

hmmm....audience participation. In some venues just fine....in others like the final concert it could entice some to change seats, others to leave and foreign language singers to cringe. The pub sing at the hall covers the venue for people who want to sing and be heard. Different folks doing different things makes the festival what it is and I hope will continue to be. People pay a handsome fee to see the performers on stage and enjoy the presenters as well as their musical trends. Some sing ballads, play instruments, single, group and story tellers. Several do it all. Personally I like the venue as it stands. Learning songs and listening to new singers is always great in the hall when it gets rolling. I like the split for stage and hall with whatever follows at the YTB at late evening....this year until 4 to 4:30 with a lot of good song and cheer. The blocks were fully busted this year. Ken, Mark, Jerry, Barry, Charlie, John, many others, our crew from Gloucester were sure up for singing this year. Goeff and crew who organized this 30th year even should be extremely proud of what went on in all venues. Nice to see the Thursday evening concert back, too. I am still amazed that we could not pick out Mars at 5 a.m as the sun was rising!!!! Great job by all who assisted, managed, performed, attended and donated to the 30th Mystic Sea Music Festival. The Museum should and I'm sure after this event hold the festival in high esteem. Can't get much better than this. Nice to see some friends from afar and catch up on old and new news. Mark, nice job on Maui!!!
Thanks to all.....too many to thank for so much!!!!
Doryman and his mate(Peter and Joanne)

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: CET
Date: 19 Jun 09 - 07:59 PM

Marc:

I have to say that I find a little odd what you seem to be suggesting in your post, i.e. that it takes more "chops" to sing a high energy shanty than a slow song. In fact, the opposite is true. A quieter, more reflective type of song is harder to bring off. You still have to cut the room, but you have to do it at something less than full volume. Tonal quality is more important and phrasing is trickier.

I would also respectfully suggest that a quiet song doesn't have to be lacking in energy, and can get the whole room involved, as long as it's well sung, e.g. Time Ashore, which somebody did on Saturday night.

In any case, although the energy might have been lacking in some of the sessions in previous years, I don't think it was this year. The German Club sessions had the best singing I've ever heard at a festival. I doubt there was more than 30 seconds delay between songs from the time people started piling in to the hall until they kicked us out at 1.30 in the morning.

The YTB was great too.

Edmund

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: adventure
Date: 20 Jun 09 - 07:37 AM

Apologies to Marc......habit of "k" spelling in name.
No matter....you're one of the best!
Keep up the good work....we all appreciate your efforts along with the rest of the Mystic folks and crew.
Doryman..heading off to the International Dory Races.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 20 Jun 09 - 08:40 AM

Edmund: I'm very much aware of that fact. But that knowledge comes with a bit of experience.

I'v no desire to ban slow songs, just advocate singalongs.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 20 Jun 09 - 11:07 AM

What impressed me at the late evening shanty sessions was that many of us more experienced singers restricted ourselves to leading just one song. In these sessions there is always a temptation to respond immediately to what someone else has led, and experienced singers have the advantage in pulling that off. It's a high stress situation to lead a shanty in the German Hall period but I thought that most everyone was being very supportive to the singers (well, sometimes the conversations in the bar entrance area got a little too loud), and especially so to newcomers.

I did find it irritating that a few people choose to lead songs that were totally unrelated to the sea, or to drinking.

I don't think a single person was singing from the pages of Rise Up Singing, which I also consider a plus.

And no one brought in a boombox!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Barnacle Babe
Date: 20 Jun 09 - 11:38 AM

Though due to family responsibilities, I couldn't attend all of the festival, I thought it extremely well run and enjoyed seeing dear friends and meeting new folks and meeting the royalty of the festival. Kudos to all who ran the sound board and made the main stage sound so well and to everyone who made this such a success.

This year I didn't make it to the pub sings, though I have in the past...I have always been impressed by the singing (I never had the guts to try to leap into to the fray though I'd join in on choruses), and I've been amazed at the stamina of those up until the wee hours of the morning. (I can't quite do it anymore.)

Well done everyone.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Barnacle Babe
Date: 20 Jun 09 - 11:44 AM

If I somehow post this twice, please forgive me. I'm STILL trying to catch up on much needed sleep.

I thought the festival was extremely well run and thank all the sound people for making us sound amazing, for the volunteers who enabled us to safely and quickly lock away and relocate all those 21 instruments that we lugged and played on stage, for everything that made the weekend a success.

Due to dragging my 12 year old around with me, I wasn't able to go to the pub sings this year and the YTB, but always was amazed by the singing and harmonies. It is intimidating -- the very thought of trying to leap in and lead a chantey, but I hearily joined in the choruses.

Great job everyone

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Gibb Sahib
Date: 20 Jun 09 - 01:51 PM

I posted up a few clips of performances, if anyone is interested:

Louis Killen

Phil and Martin Hugill

Phil Hugill (Hopefully I've not mixed up his and Martin's names?)

Don Sineti

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 20 Jun 09 - 04:10 PM

Sorry Gibb. You got them Mixed. That's Martin singing Greenland Whale Fisheries. The good news is you'll probably never confuse them again.

Cool stuff though. I'v known Don for probably 30 years, and I don't think I'v ever heard him sing Swing Low Sweet Chariot.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Gibb Sahib
Date: 20 Jun 09 - 06:04 PM

Great thanks, Marc, I can change that.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: CET
Date: 20 Jun 09 - 09:32 PM

I'm with you about the sing alongs, Marc. There's a time and a place for songs that don't lend themselves to joining in, but not at the German Club session(at least not for most singers).

At any rate, I had a great time and I would recommend Mystic to anyone who really likes to sing.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,John from Elsie`s Band
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 06:52 AM

May I propose a vote of thanks to all involved in this year`s 30th anniversary Mystic, the tremendous pool of stunning performers, the admins. and volunteers for their faultless organising of the event and those enthusiastic audiences. The German Club must also be mentioned for allowing the "afters" to go ahead. I will certainly do all I can to go again. Oh yes, and what a bonus, - the Griswald night!

Our Very Best Wishes to all concerned.

John

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 10:34 AM

Would someone describe the survivors' gathering at the Griswald Inn in Essex?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,John from Elsie`s Band
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 12:17 PM

Glad to do so , Charley, from where we sat.
The Inn was very well attended and the restaurant was doing a roaring trade with a fine selsction of New England dishes. There is also a decent ale to be had, the one with the kilted Scotsman on the beer engine handle, Ten Pence Ale or something like it. The crack in the bars, prior to the opening session of Irish songs in the front bar, was great with a number of us exchanging our tales and histories and then the music was enjoyed by an appreciable crowd. While dining on a delicious prawn dish in the back bar the stage was set for the survivors to sing and play. We also had the pleasure of re-acquaintance there with Gina and Bill Dunlap. Each of the survivors who had requested a spot, in turn, singularly or paired, did their bit and all were to be congratulated. As an Englishman I was astonished at the amount of songs sung that evening that emanated from over here, especially some contemporary ones. Please forgive me for not being able to name the artists but special mention must be made for the following, taking nothing away from all who participated. The gentleman who sang, "I`m `enery the Eighth I Am". You can imagine it tickled us pink. Then the two fellows who sang and accompanied themselves with the most deft display of bones - breathtaking. Then a pair of the Johnson Girls with a strong shanty. One of the girls then sung a perfect "Cornish Men are Fishermen". I spoke to her afterwards and told her it is one of the songs in our repertoire and I was transported to Padstow presently. There was also a song about the MOOSE - but I shall not dwell on that for fear of distressing those of tender disposition. Eleven o`clock came all too quickly and it was time to drive back to Mystic. I hope this compressed report gives you an idea of the evening.
Youts,
John

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 12:23 PM

As a point of note; my soarce for The Moose Song was a book called Songs the Redcoats Sang. So even that came from over there, sort of.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,John from Elsie`s Band
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 12:32 PM

Well done, Marc. Having seen a tv documentary from the US about people extolling the virtues of affairs with animals my wife was gobsmacked. I`ve always had my suspicions about those soldiers. The only thing they could get over here were moody cows or sheep and they are always complaining.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 01:07 PM

John-

Thanks so much for your excellent description of the Griswald gathering. I've attended these sessions in the past and just did not have the reserves left this year to hang in for another day. But then again I didn't travel all the way over the Great Pond to attend the Festival.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Barry Finn
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 05:00 PM

John, I wish you had made yourself known or let us know you were gonna attend so we could keep an eye out for yp. Sorry to have missed you

How long are you here for & where?

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Paul_Schurr_PSG_NY
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 05:08 PM

What a joy and a privilege to sing with the Mystic 2009 performers, newbie's, and regulars all over the Mystic shipyard and at the German hall. We are lucky people to have this wonderful experience every year.

Wasn't the open-sing at the German hall spectacular? I enjoyed so many different voices and so many good songs. I think the extra seats in the hall helped create more of a community feel and encouraged more folks to step up and lead a song. It was less hectic than other years. In addition, the hall sings were less dominated by performers (as much as we love to hear them).

On my first visit to the festival a few years ago, Marc Bernier was the performer who made this newbie feel welcomed to Mystic's long-time shanty family. Now it feels like home to me in the hall thanks to the friends I've made at Mystic. I know a lot of people contribute to Mystic's friendly atmosphere—and I thank you all. It takes the good spirits of people like Bonnie, John, Barry, Charlie, Marc, Don, the unscheduled performers who just show up (our other John), and more folks than I could possibly list to create what we have at this festival. Yes, we have a treasure.

There have been a few comments referring to an after-after sing, and I can say that it is also a joy to have the rising sun and singing birds announce your bedtime. A little secret hasn't been mentioned, however. A certain highly regarded folk artist and sometime MC, who might be more known for his rousing Chicken on a Raft or his melancholy Best Cure, led the Friday after-afters singers in a rousing night-ending medley of Doo-op music. We killed off teenagers (tell Laura for me) and woke up little Susie and who knows what else damage we caused with this final song blast. I confess that even Weird Al made an appearance, but that's my fault. (Thanks to Jim, the Rum Soaked Crook who sang back-up rhythm. I'm still laughing.)   I'm sure these ditties qualify as foc'sle songs on some cargo ship. Another night a very large guy with a pierced earring and rakish look in his eye led a version of Rolling Down to Old Maui that, though jumbled in oddly disturbing and interesting ways, shook the rafters, raised the dead, and cleared the air of all serious intent. Now I'm sure these after-afters were occurring all over the town in motel rooms, private homes, and camp sites. Bless you if you slept instead so that you could rest your voice, get ready for the next day's performance, or maybe please your wife.

One last chapter in this book—Performer CDs. I have CDs by many of the folks, so I'll only mention the best of the new ones I picked up. My biggest surprise was Holdstock and MacLeod's "Deepwater Return." I've already memorized "My Pittenweem Jo" and given 4 iTune stars to many of the songs.   Danny Spooner's "We'll Either Bend or Break 'er" is a fine collection of traditional shanties. I love Louis Killen's version of these songs too (they're deeply grooved in my hard drive after two years…yes, I'm a newbie), but I never expected to 4 star so many of Danny's versions of the songs. He makes a song like "Liverpool Judies" sound fresh. Bob Web has a number of maritime tunes and fewer shanties on "From Salthouse Dock." For me, songs like Bob's "The Gals o'Chile" got 4 iTune stars and earned a place on my learn list. Well done, Bob.

My favorite CD overall is John Robert's "Sea Fever." By god, get a copy. Songs like "The Black Cook" and "Sir Patrick Spens" – just to name two – have the deep smoky flavor and complexity of a fine, well-aged single malt. They will be classics. I noticed that Peter and Joanne Souza are acknowledged for their support on the CD. Well if you two give John his get up and go for making CDs, please keep priming the pump. Well done. I bought other CDs, but they became $15 donations to various folk traditions. Another recent purchase was Finn & Haddie's "Fathom This." Barry Finn was a volunteer this year at Mystic and kept too busy (thanks Barry). But I must say that 4 cuts on this CD get 5 iTune stars. A few others were 4 stars. Neal Haddie actually writes or arranges some of these songs. I almost led his original song "Heavy Cruiser" at the Friday sing, but the chorus would have been new to everyone. Marc would like the rousing nature of the song. You can get this CD at the Portsmouth Maritime Festival on the last weekend in September. Then you can hear Neal lead the song, not me. Save a seat in the Press Room pub if you get there on Friday before me.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Barry Finn
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 05:17 PM

Gee, thanks Paul for that primer, the checks in the mail.
With reference to "Finn & Haddie" at the Portsmouth Maritime Fest, Ken Schatz will be rounding us out as a trio

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,John from Elsie`s Band
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 07:27 PM

Barry,
      We were in NY for 3 days from June 1st, 1 day in Guildford, 5 days in Hyannis and the last 6 days in Mystic. We met our good friend Alice Marsh and had a whale of a time. I would have loved to met and sung for you but it is your festival and I was content to be one of your chorus. Definitely next time.
Yours,
John

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Barry Finn
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 10:11 PM

John, if you were the couple that was with Alice during most of the festival, I did meet you. I was hanging with Alice off & on for a fair bit of the festival. I believe we were introduced under the tent during an evening concert, if you are the same couple.

The festival belongs to all who come & it doesn't matter fro, how far or from where. Glad you came to be part of it.

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Vicki K.
Date: 21 Jun 09 - 11:02 PM

Charlie,
    The fellow in photo # 9 (between April and Karen and Robert) is Bill Bracken, with Jake Bryan to his right. They were part of a group of four members of the Pick'n' and Sing'n' Gather'n' who came down together, at the urging of Paul Schurr and me. Three of them, including Bill, were at the Sea Music Festival for the first time.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 22 Jun 09 - 07:07 AM

Vicki-

Thanks!

We'll do an update soon.

It certainly seems as if you all had a great time!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 22 Jun 09 - 09:05 AM

Thank You Paul.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,John from Elsie`s Band
Date: 22 Jun 09 - 04:08 PM

Barry,
       Yes, that certainly was us under the tent with you and a pleasure it was to make your acquaintance. Perhaps next time we will get time to chat about things.
All the best,
    John

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 22 Jun 09 - 07:53 PM

And, John, I wish you'd introduced yourself to me as well. I believe your band did a musical arrangement for one of C. Fox Smith's poems, "Gerrans Churchtown," in 2007, and I'd be interested if you've done any more work with her poems.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,John from Elsie`s Band
Date: 23 Jun 09 - 03:09 PM

Charley,
       I must apologise to to you for not seeking you out. I`m sure Alice would have brought me straight there had I had the good sense to ask her but, being a stranger, there was so much to do, see and hear and so many folks that I did not know if I was on my backside or elbow. I`m sure the opportunity will arise again. Tanner to a knicker we brushed shoulders and were unaware.
       Concerning C.Fox-Smith I certainly did forward an mp3 file of us doing " Gerrans Churchtown". If you would e-mail me again on [e-mail] I will send you a copy of our version of "Limehouse Reach". Dave Watts has arranged a suitable tune for it and it is a regular in our repertoire now.

All the Very Best,
John

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: SaltyWalt
Date: 23 Jun 09 - 04:44 PM

Well.
What a surprise!
Last week my search for a Mystic thread was fruitless, and this week, it appears tardy!

Now that I've spent well over an hour reading, I've got a buncha things I'd like to comment on.

Thanks for the Kudos Gibb. I felt like I was often performing opposite the workshops I wanted to see, so I figured myself relatively unheard. I'm very glad you appreciated the pacing. I pride myself on knowing the difference between "work speed" and "pub speed."

I think one of my best memories of the festival had to be the SRO audience for Lou Killen. It seemed like honoring Lou and honoring the Tradition were the same thing. I saw all sorts of people crowding around to get a listen - I myself snuck around to an open window on the side. What touched me most about this was that mixed in with the "fans" and the "crowd followers" were some of the most respected/experienced scholars and performers who have heard everything Louis was going to do in that workshop for years. There they were eager to hear him again. It was a strange moment of "Everything is alright in the world".

I'd really like to chime in on what JWB and Mark were saying.
I think the two topics are related.
I've been to a number of festivals where the rule is "Chanteys only" in the final round robin, and sure enough someone pulls out "Mary Ellen Carter" or some such. I see that an AWEFUL lot at Chantey sings as well.

I think what's been happening here is a tradition of its own and the question is one of letting it grow organically, or steering it while there are still people conscious of objectives.

First of all, I really don't think it's too much to ask someone hired and paid for a maritime event be asked to do one song from the tradition. I think the situation of having people from exclusive ethnic traditions who don't know where their music overlaps with the sea is rare (and an obvious exception). Frankly, this is becoming more rare all the time as more "ethnic traditions" get bulldozed everyday.

The question is : Are venues like Mystic providing a themed entertainment, or shepherding a resource? Are the "fans" audience or participants? The line is soft and frequently blurred.

In the case of "open sings" at the German club, are we expecting inexperienced performers to understand the subtleties of flow that come with years of reading a crowd? Sometimes they have spent a lot of time working themselves up to said performance, and as aficionados felt the need to research something unusual. They have seen seasoned performers put a hush on the room with a slow mournful song, well done, and wanted to do that themselves.
What I have also noticed is that some folks lack the prescience to notice when someone has just done that to the room, charging into "Haul Away Joe" two beats too soon after someone has almost made me cry.

I think it's a good question that bears more discussion, and folks need to accept that whether or not someone is steering, the boat is still moving down the river.
Perhaps guidelines need to be printed somewhere, or perhaps new folks need some shepherding or perhaps trying to control the energy of growth stunts it instead.
I do know that this question is related to the "how do we get younger folks interested and keep them?" question too.

Well that's enough for three threads.

I think singalongs should have places for people to sing along.
I think cool cats like those two who started me on this dissertation should consider an opening announcement (as de-facto leaders in this community) instead of pointing out that some folks at Chantey sings may lack the ability to pick up on social cues. ;)

All that being said, I noticed a shortage of "American" sounding songs at the sings. A notable exception being the "Johnny Come Down to Hilo" that Craig and Mark kicked all kinds of ass with (and brought up the energy level--Just so you know that I noticed).

I think a little shepherding that way wouldn't hurt either.

OK I've used the same word 3 times. It's time to go.

I had a great time and was honored to be there.
-W

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 23 Jun 09 - 05:46 PM

It was nice to see you as a performer Walt. Good JoB! and Good Answer!

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Salsa
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 12:07 PM

Any news on whether the seaport will continue the festival for next year??

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 03:44 PM

The word from the Seaport is that is their intent.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 04:28 PM

Walter; I'v read your post a couple of times now and I like it. I'm impressed with your insightful and thoughtful response. However, I'd once more like to comment on a couple points.

First it was a true pleasure seeing you as a performer this year. I still remember clearly the first time you approached me on board the Dunton with questions about what sources I used. You commented, "I felt like I was often performing opposite the workshops I wanted to see, so I figured myself relatively unheard." I felt the same way for a very long time. This past festival was my 21st, and it was only a few years ago that I realized some of you folks have been listening to me most of that time.

As for the Chantys only or sing along only suggestion that has been discussed for the final concert. I think it is safe to say, that the organizers of the festival have never invited anyone that they in their minds didn't think had a connection with the sea. A few examples would be…

The Lining Bar Gang; Although not retired Mariners, this was a group of men who had actually worked at physical labor using work songs, many of them closely related in form and subject as many of the chanties we sing.

Darren Wallace; A builder of musical instruments and boats from Lafayette, La. He spent 25 years working in a shrimp boat in the Gulf of Mexico. Many of our guests asked why we had a Cajun band at the festival. This is the music that is heard in the Fisherman's bars in that part of the country, Craig and I thought that this was a perfectly legitimate connection.

We've also had Inuit fishing peoples, and Fisherman from Africa, Portugal, and France. Who would have been incapable of doing a sing along with an English speaking audience.

Geno Leach and Moe Bowstern; Fisher Poets from the American North West Coast. Neither one sings songs at all.

None of these people do English language "Sea Songs" as part of their regular performance. This does not mean they didn't bring something very exciting to the festival.

"How do we get younger folks interested and keep them?" By making them feel welcome and appreciated.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Greg B
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 08:56 PM

Walt and Marc, you've said it all. As a former key supporter of the event who's been "in exile" for past a couple and now into "several" years, you've hit at the heart of my own concern.

Which is "how does this event 'develop'?"

MSM has a "Development Office" which seems to measure its success by dollars raised divided by least amount of effort on its part.

That, to me, is not "development." To me, "development" is moving key cultural preservation events like the SMF to the next level.

Someone (Barry?) earllier on this thread said that he wished it were a while week. Well, why, then shouldn't it be? Why shouldn't the "Festival" as we know it now not be a culmination of a "Sea Music Week" under auspices of, say, the academic arm of the Museum (who by the way are the landlords of record of all those bedrooms scattered about the premises)?

If there was enough of symposia to run as a continuous event off-site this year, then why weren't those running through a week ON site?

And why isn't Louie Killen an "artist in residence" for a week at MSM prior to the Festival? We never had that opportunity with Stan Hugill, so what are we waiting for?

A couple of other notes--- Marc, you are right on when you draw some lines regarding choice of material, particularly by the experienced. As Jon Bernier once pointed out, the guy who knows (and does) all 153 verses of "The Flying Cloud" in the midst of a pub-sing is nothing but a self-indulgent ass. And what's worse, is he convinces a talented, but unpolished, young singer that it's a good idea to do something like "The Jeannie C" in the same setting. When he probably has "Hanging Johnny" or "Reuben Ranzo" down cold, instead.

Marc, you're one who can carry off anything, but will put the crowd before your ego. That's a chanteyman. A chanteyman doesn't launch off into "Haul Away Joe" when the job of work involves the capstan. Nor does he try to perform an a cappella "Mary Ellen Carter" in the midst of a pub sing. Neither works.

Walt, also spot-on. Bringing young people along involves helping them to understand the dynamic of a crowd of 50 or 100 or 200. Even if you have to take them aside and explain it. There are folks who, year after year, don't "get" that, largely because they haven't absorbed it on their own and because nobody whom they like and admire as taken them aside and said "Hey, mate, you've got a nice voice and all and probably could enjoy it a lot more if you'd just take into consideration that if you want people to sing with you, you've got to give them something to work with."

And again, that's being a chanteyman.

In an atmosphere where if you "get up and give a verse of Reuben Ranzo (Ranzo)" the "answer that you get" is guaranteed not to make you sick, well stick with Ranzo and leave "The Field Behind the Plow" to the YTB after hours, or the car on the way home. So give that verse of Reuben Ranzo.

For younger singers, something to note is just how MODEST the efforts of some of the great singers are. You don't see Don Sineti, Cliff Haslam, Marc Bernier, Frank Woerner et. al., launching off into self-indulgent ballads and such in a big group-sing. Their focus is on the group. And even when it doesn't seem to be, it is. Such as when Geoff will take off into "Grey Funnel Line." He knows damned good and well what will happen. Or when the singer whose name I don't recall from four years ago took the calculated risk of "Down to the Water to Pray." Wow.

The trick is that all these folks give the room (populated with some really great singers) something to glom onto. The result is magic.

Here's to keeping the lights burning brightly.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 10:18 PM

Greg-

Thanks for stopping by, and adding your comments to the brew.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Barry Finn
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 11:40 PM

The best way to lead is be example

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Barry Finn
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 11:42 PM

Sorry "bye"

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Paul_Schurr_PSG_NY
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 04:26 PM

I absolutely love the German Hall a cappella singing. However, perhaps the MSF organizers are missing an important opportunity to develop the a cappella pub-sing (fo'c'sle sing) tradition. They scheduled the on-board open sing led by the Ancient Mariners. Although it was a little too regimented, it was a good way to involve more singers leading songs. Suppose the on-board sing (called a "round robin" in the program) was expanded? Hmmm… have it guided by volunteers imbued with the tradition? There could be themes outside the maritime tradition or at least outside the German Hall tradition: funny songs, parodies, ballads, drinking songs, gospel (can't believe I said that), recitations, river songs, logging songs, John Campbell songs, and well you get the idea. Small crowds (8-15) would be ideal. Offering this for maybe 2 sessions on Friday and Saturday late in the afternoon might be just the way to encourage newbies and old hands with soft voices to get involved.

The Pickin' Singin' Gatherin' (Capital Region folk club) leads a small session like this at Old Songs this Saturday at 4:15 at the Street Corner. Drop by.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: SaltyWalt
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 06:16 PM

Wow,
Great points.

1) Paul, nice idea to make the singing (round robin) workshop a workshop! To that end actually sceduling folks who run sessions or sings so that they can steer the course of the gathering more than sing. Perhaps offer commentary. Feedback and leadership---Too much to ask of MSM?

2) Marc - Just wanted to make sure I was clear. I LOVED those groups that you mentioned by name. One of my strongest festival memories is of that inuit group. I was saying that they were exceptions as stated : " I think the situation of having people from exclusive ethnic traditions who don't know where their music overlaps with the sea is rare (and an obvious exception). " I wasn't sure if you were supporting me or pointing out a lapse on my part. I'm sure we're "on the same side" on this one.

3) Leading by example is important, but I've learned the hard way that the example of the one or two "good ones" is usually outweighed by the noise of a group of the "bad ones". Entropy is the only LAW. If you don't stand against it, then you're not actively building anything, perhaps not even holding ground.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Barry Finn
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 06:51 PM

"Can it be that "The Old Red Duster" is unknown in the Yankee Provinces? Got a lot of quizzical looks, not to mention silence, during its rendition during an informal sing"

Wotcha, I've hardly ever heard it sung in these parts much less other songs representing the "Tin Can" fleet, we could use more exposure. As a former Navy Corpsman, during the Viet Nam conflict Neil, my singing partner has an obsession for Navy & Merchant songs.


John from Elsie's, the Johnson Girl that leads "Cornish Men are Fishermen" is Bonnie, she does a great job on it, eh!


Walt's question; "The question is : Are venues like Mystic providing a themed entertainment, or shepherding a resource? Are the "fans" audience or participants? The line is soft and frequently blurred"

The festival "in general" should cover all bases, the fans are your participating audiences,as well as fringe performers, staff & volenteers & the performers & others are also your shepherds. Leave the "Themed" stuff to the pirates, though having Johnny Depth there deep sixed along with a dead horse as a kids event might be appropriate


As to the 'shanty only' final concert as a send off. To my mind in theory Jerry it sounds well enough but not so much in in practice. As Marc points out some don't do shanties at all (Why not, it's a maritime festival who'd be at an Irish fest when they can't put forth an Irish tune or song?? Ya, I know?). There are some gray ares & exceptions, an above example was the Buckingham Lining Bar & Track Gang of railroad workers, there should be more exceptions of that ilk & less exceptions of others. A fasinating exception. They did sing work songs that had choruses that even a babe could join along with. True, there should be more than just random connection though, I don't think a shantey man belongs at an Irish fest just because he sings a couple of sea songs that may have some Irish origins, BUT! That's up to the festival event planners & in the reading of how attendence is by the voting of full or empty seats. But you are right in the steering of sing alongs for an ending, still s alippery slope. Lead by example, encourage that (shanties only) but don't demand it of those that can't handle it, let them lead with what they are strong in & with what they were hired to do. Remember performers get paid to perform for those that pay to hear them.

As for the after concert sing in the German Club. For those of you who complain about slow songs or ballads being sung, it's your sing, don't quack when it happens, again lead by example, give possitive feedback where it's deserved & figure it out when it's not, how to be supportive. My take on performers at that sing is that it's they all should be taking part if they were paid & took a part in the fest earlier in the day. It is as much a part of the festival as the concerts & workshops & as a paid performer they should be using their talent, judgment, support & mostly their voices (at least for one song) or bones. Last yr there was a great session happening downstairs at the same time-to bad it was strictly all Celtic music??. Which brings me to performers leaving to huddle elsewhere long before the sing dies down.
I've always been pulled here. One night I missed what was a very lovely sing by some folks that I would've cherished hearing & probably won't hear again. I do believe that paid performers bare a responsibility to see the pub sing through, at least up until it starts to fade on it's own & not because a bunch of the strong singers "left the room", then go off & do what's to do. I don't usually leave the pub (& I'm not a paid performer) until it starts to die because I feel it's not fair to those that come to the pub all "juice up" from the concert. They won't stay up late (where's the harm), they want to sing along (why wouldn't they), some want to try out singing in that enviorment for the 1st time & want to see how the seasoned folks respond to them (where'd they go). If all the grand or strong singers leave the pub sing early, it will die & fade faster than a fart. You/they can't leave it in the hands of less seasoned & expect it to run on the weight of it's on momentum.
Ok, I'd better stop here, with that.

The fisher poets will be having their day & fest, all by themselves, what's up with that? Sorry Jon & the best of luck, I only can get to afford Mystic once a yr (Barely at that), I wish you guys were part of this festival, it's where you belong with your berthern, you're as much a part of the culture as the music is. In the past I've always made my thoughts known about the "Poets". I don't care that much for poetry even though as a much much younger man I had my poetry published by others. Still you have the poems of C. Fox Smith, Harry Kemp & Burt Franklin Jenness being put to music & heard during the fest. We even had a great rendering of the sea related work's of Kipling at the symposium by Heather Wood, excellent Heather. You guys were missed.

I'm not gonna turn this into a "what's wrong with the festival" because there's far to much that's right & mighty with the festival, it is a class act & it's a one of a kind, I'm just tryinbg to give a response.

I would love for the festival to run longer (am I alone amongst just a few?) & just the adding back to the schedule the Thrusday eveing & the addition of the Friday morning symposium was more than a delight & a treat (& very well attended I might add & note). The Friday symposium was very well attended & extremely well done, kado's to all. On track, on point, on topic & spot on. I would argue with those that think the history, origins, the folklore & etc of the songs & getting them right (if Huntinngton can't get it right "what chance for a broken down squatter like me") are more important than the songs being sung though that's for a different day & a differennt topic & debate.

Greg (I miss your presence & ditest your "exile"), your ideas (always worth at the very least a listen) leaning towards a week long are well worth a debate (but where??, we've been down that road before) as well as the "artist in residence" idea. There are 'shanty camps', there are many "folk weeks' that are well attended in the different fields of folk music & folklore, why not in 'sea music' &/or 'maritime folklore' &/or other maritime arts, cultures & crafts. Scrimshaw, knot making, blacksmithing, sail mending, coping, ships jointery, blah, blah, blah. The resources are already in place as well as the ability, means & methods to make it just another "One Of A Kind" program/fest. I'd love to see the festival do more than shanty demo's onboard, those just touch the surface or the how's, why's & when's but it would take so much more time to dive below to get to the meat of the motion but that would do well during a week long primer/premier. Then there would also be room for those that are well schooled & educated enough to teach & show the rest of us underlings just "how to do it & get it right" instead of complaint/compliants. And here again is a chance to appeal to "the youth" (I know, you already do that with the youth but not in an enviorment that would be blowing about here) & to bring them along. Sea music & poetry is an international language all onto it's own, there's enough there for a week long workshop.

Ok, I promise to behave now

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: stallion
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 07:26 PM

ok Barry, I hold my hand up to cutting out of the pub sing an hour early on saturday night but we were there til the death on Thursday and friday nights, as I read it, we were singing the choruses, I think Ron did lead one song over the the three evenings but it is the time for everyone to join in and lead if they want and, for my money, one of the highlights (but there were so many!)
It was my first Mystic and my lasting impression was it seemed like a big family gathering, warm, welcoming with the odd squable, handbags we call it!
It was a truly wonderful experience and if anyone reading this has never been I thoroughly recommend the experience, that is a credit to all who are involved in whatever capacity and I include the audience in that.
Pete

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Gibb Sahib
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 07:29 PM

Just a wet dream of mine, but I think it'd be fun if the German Hall sing along was a sort of "battle". The room would be broken into "teams," maybe just like "South side of the hall", "east side" etc. Then, turn by turn (round robin), each team would have a go, sending one of their members forward to present a song/chantey/whatever. The next team would try to respond, compliment, or "top" that with one of their own.

Let me be clear that in this particular bed-time fantasy there is no nastiness to the "competition," rather the competition-ish format is just a fun way to structure the event and spur on creativity and excellence.

So yeah...at the beginning of the battle -- or CHANTEY CLASH as I would call it -- it would be more of a warm-up, not real heavy competition. Wed hear some ballads and lower-energy songs from some of the small guns. Each team would naturally, however, hold some of their strong players till towards the end. They'd probably have some pre-planned "floppers" in their arsenal, to deal heavy blows to their opponents. But, lots of it would be just-now-remembered songs that seem like a good "response" to what was just heard.

A certain portion of the people in attendance would be supporters of respective teams, naturally singing along on the chorus, and cheering them on. However, they would respond appreciatively to all of it. In all, the audience would be on the edge of their seats waiting to hear what the next response would be. Audience response and rough consensus would determine the "winners," but again that detail would not be important.

Can you imagine all the people coming to the festival, weeks before hand, building up their private "arsenals"? Sizing up their competition and making up special "signature" verses to diss them? that would be HOTTTTTTTTTTT!!

(If this sounds at all like a Jamaican music "sound clash," then you've guessed one of the inspirations. :-0 )

Dim the lights a bit more and take away most of the chairs, and it could get even spicier

Gibb

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Gibb Sahib
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 07:36 PM

Oh yeah, and they need to stock some better rums like Appleton's and Myers's and Wray & Nephews if we really want to pull it off. BYOB is fine.

C H A N T E Y CLASH!!!!!!

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 09:43 PM

Barry, promise never to "behave" as it would be a loss.

As to "battles" in a way they are. But they're battle with both sides
fighting in the same direction--- to keep the thing going--- so that's
as me be and well at that.

As to leading by example, some folks are receptive to example and
others need a more direct approach. Such as when I persisted in
sitting outside Louie Killen's office at San Francisco Maritime
and playing "Morpeth Rant" on my English Concertina in a hornpipe
rhythm. At length, he came roaring out and tore the box from me
and played it in the proper (bloody) rant rhythm. Of course to
this day, I delight in "swinging" the tune, just to think I'm
getting Louie's goat from afar. I've even been known to honk it
out as a strathspey.

One of the challenges of past Festivals (dim and distant past) was
getting the "headliners" to show up for the after-events, rather than
gathering 'round the keg and auld friends in the YTB. I remember my
first Festival (the 11th) we had the pub sing in the upper room at the
Seaman's Inne (we all fit then). Everyone was there--- Sineti, Haslam, et. al. In latter years that didn't happen. In more recent years it has, more or less, at the German Klub.

But was that a good session at the 11th? Yes, I remember it as if
it was yesterday. Cliff's "Bide a While" and Don's "Maui" in
particular.

It was also at the 11th that I found myself at the fore tops'l
halyards of the Morgan with Stan Hugill himself at my shoulder
explaining how an old-time chanteyman would do his job there;
from starting and carrying the work to momentarily taking the
full strain of the yard while the line was made fast. Now, I'd
been chanteying for a time out on the Balclutha, but I'd never
learnt to do it "properly" until then.

It is *that* experience that I'd look for to happen at "Sea
Music Week." Along with the opportunity for performer/scholars
from 'round the world to just live, sing, and share together,
culminating in the weekend we now call "Sea Music Festival."

And oh, by the way, perhaps get the odd glance at the many
primary resources buried in Mystic's archives.

There were, in ensuing years, many special moments and hours
with Stan, and with Bill Doerflinger, and those others who've
gone before.

I was just around 30, then.

When I was 40, and some of the old fellows were gone, I started
to wonder who'd follow *us*, and how.

This week, I'm 50, and I wonder more urgently the same thing.

Stan's gone and Tommy's gone, now. Liam is ill. Louie's had a
rough time of it. As has Cliff, though he's resilient. Even the
four "lads" that were the soul of Mystic music two decades ago
don't spring to the rigging as they did then.

The next generation must be brought along, to remember this
heritage. The music doesn't leave much of a physical artifact.

Oh, it can be written out and written down, and even recorded,
but it is rare thing to hear it on the fall of a halyard or the
pawls of a windlass. Or, even, in the art of the pub or "public"
sing, where the ego is measured not in the beauty of the solo
but in the vigor of the chorus in response.

The preservation requires an inheritance, in time and place.

I truly believe this easily could have happened had MSM kept its
financial commitment constant (or found offsetting grants) while
adding our own to the mix.

That is what we need to continue to ask for. That our cultural
artifacts be as well-curated as our physical ones.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Greg B
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 09:59 PM

Above is mine... lost my "cookie."

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 10:00 PM

If one compares the posts between the 2008 Festival and this year's, I think that they would reflect an improved program and experience for all involved.

I don't hold punches when I see something I don't like, although it's seldom a killing punch. And I certainly don't feel an urge to do that this year.

I just think a better job was done by everyone, including the organizers, and we should take a moment to reflect on that.

And I'm certainly impressed with a lot of what has been posted here.

I do wish the Museum would disclose how well the Festival did financially, compared with other years. That's also important.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Salsa
Date: 26 Jun 09 - 07:51 AM

I would like to see the Friday night concert go back to a round robin like it was in the early years. It is a good way to hear performers you have never heard before and say to yourself, "I like them I think I will see where they will be playing." This way you get to hear everyone, see how they sound, see them on Saturday or Sunday, and buy some of their CDs instead of saying to yourself Oh I wish I had heard more of them during the week-end after you heard them at the final concert.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Barnacle Babe
Date: 26 Jun 09 - 08:20 AM

How did the roundrobin on Friays work?

I had been with Ev and Dave Peloquin for some Compass Rose songs in 2004 and think we did a Friday evening slot but can't remember.

I have to admit it was tough this year distilling everything on Thursday night to three songs that would represent our band and our sound and showcase us to those were unfamiliar with the band. On the whole, I was happier with our concert on Thursday night because we were forced to become tighter and more conscientious about that 12 minute set, and I think it was a better representation than our Saturday one.

Hm....

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: JWB
Date: 26 Jun 09 - 11:40 AM

Barnacle Babe,

I agree -- preparing for a 12-minute set sharpens one's attention wonderfully. I think it was Winston Churchill who said that if he was asked to present a 2-hour speech he'd need a half-hour to prepare, while if he was to deliver a half-hour speech he'd need two hours to put his remarks together. Most of the time less is more.

The round-robin version of the Friday night concert (in the days before there was a Thursday concert) was very much like the closing all-hands: everyone got to do one song. And it did give the audience a chance to hear all the performers, so they could mark their dance cards for the weekend. As the number of performers grew it became tougher to make the opening round-robin work (this year's final concert lasted 3.5 hours, with 35 artists on the bill). Also, the organizers decided to give more performance time to selected artists, and so made Friday evening's show one with more time for fewer acts.

As for the financial performance of this year's festival, I understand that with the combination of ticket sales, Friends of the Festival donations, corporate support and the fund raiser chantey sings the event made a profit (the first in a long time, I'm told). Which bodes well for the future of the Festival.

Jerry

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 26 Jun 09 - 03:36 PM

Jerry-

Thanks for the financial info.

Let's hear it for the profits!

Did you determine that information from reading your grog dregs or was it from a staff person?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 26 Jun 09 - 04:21 PM

The Festival Made Money this year.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 26 Jun 09 - 09:41 PM

Marc-

That's awfully good in a year where hardly anything makes money.

And none of it had to do with the stimulus package, well, other than my extra $250 on my social security but that had to go somewhere worthwhile!

Are you still working in the shipyard? At some point you might want to do a separate thread about the rebuilding of the Morgan. There's probably a song or two that has been composed about her as well, and a verse or two that might be added.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Gibb Sahib
Date: 28 Jun 09 - 04:25 PM

One more video from Mystic. Bravo for the Squad:
capstan - Donkey Riding

The various "Chanteys at work" programs were my favorite part of the festival. If I had my druthers, it would be an all day program of that. If need be, I'd bring a jug of water, a gym towel, and work for every demo, ha ha. They should institute a policy where every performer at the festival has to work while doing one song. See, that would solve the dilemma of some not singing in English. (just kidding)

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Jun 09 - 05:48 PM

ha Gibb you are not impressed with our hamster wheel shanties then? What next zimmer shanties!
Anyone got any photos, apart from Charley?
Pete

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: RTim
Date: 28 Jun 09 - 07:35 PM

I enjoyed this year so much - I may even go AGAIN next year........

Tim Radford

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 28 Jun 09 - 08:36 PM

Tim-

Is there really an alternative?

One just has to be there.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 08:45 AM

I echo Tim's thoughts, how can I swing another trip next year. It was my first so I would love to know, what made the difference? Did everyone make a big effort in case this was going to be the last? What was it?
Pete

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Paul_Schurr_PSG_NY
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 05:35 PM

re Barry's essay:

I am fascinated by your interpretation of what goes on at the German Hall sing. In particular, you've got me thinking about the role of the performers at the sing. My view has been that they should start the sing and tell us when to stop, but mostly give the non-performers a go at leading songs.

You suggest that they should feel responsible for keeping the spirit alive in the hall. I've always thought its fun when the spirit moves them to sing out despite the fact that they are expected to keep their voice healthy for tomorrow's performance. I think John Roberts and Jon Bartlet are good examples of this.

Yet the reality is that any sing needs critical mass for it to work. There absolutely has to be a core group of lead singers, and it would be foolish for the Mystic organizers to leave this to chance. So I agree that there should be a core group that agrees to be present for each scheduled sing right to the end.

I think this year more non-performers got to sing because the larger number of chairs in a giant circle restricted wandering and visiting and forced many more people than usual to choose a spot in the room and focus on the singing. This was a good thing and a brilliant move by some unknown organizer.

Good pub sings don't really happen by accident. Those of us who love the German Hall experience need to pay attention to the norms, the set-up, the traditions, and, in general, how to keep it a great experience for newbies as well as the ones who can't live without it.

Paul

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Barnacle Babe
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 08:09 PM

Hm...I always had the impression that the pub sing was just spontaneous--not formally structured. That performers kind of agreed at the last moment... well, what do you think? Are you going? (At least, that's how it was in the Barnacle camp)And, that things weren't planned as such but just sort of delightfully happened.

Kind of the way the round robins at some of the workshops where we have a repetoire of songs, we might chat with Dave P. or others 5 minutes before, but it is relaxed and what happens happens...Well, let's do Haul Boys Haul...unlike at the concerts where we have a strict set list and play accordingly.

Is there really organization and a protocol? I'm not the personality type to jump in there and belt out a chantey or ballad, though I love harmonizing on choruses.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 09:25 PM

Barnacle Babe et al-

For spontaneous things to happen there needs to be order!

Ponder that one.

There is a vast difference between showing up at the German Hall shanty session for the first time and being a participant for ten years or so. This year seems to have been a success for all, and I suspect it had more to do with how the more experienced participants were acting and reacting than the arrangement of the "deck chairs." But I could be wrong on that, I suppose.

It would be relatively easy for the more experienced singers to dominate the Hall, and some years they have. When that happens it's still an interesting event but frustrating to newcomers. It also would be frustrating to newcomers if no performers showed up but had their own private song parties or went to bed early to save their precious voices for what they were being paid to do. There appeared to me to be an excellent balance this year, and I'm not sure if that resulted from any organized effort or was simply the product of group learning in some less conscious process.

I don't think it was just the most assertive personality types that were leading songs this year. It's certainly an advantage to be assertive but I witnessed many assertive people who were keeping themselves to one song an evening. There were still a few people who would fire off several in a row, and that in my opinion is only fair if a song is very closely related to the previous one being led, an opportunity not to be missed. And there were a few people who seemed to function as "mentors" to bring things back to more traditional shanty fare.

I do agree with Paul that "Good pub sings don't really happen by accident."

But let's continue to discuss how it did happen. It just might be useful if we want next year's German Hall shanty sing to be as successful. Or not!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: JWB
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 10:59 PM

This year, as for many years in the past, performers were encouraged to attend the pub sing, but not required. I think the goal has always been to have the sing be completely open, with few rules. That said, organization is definitely required: chairs in place, bars stocked, someone to lead things off and shout "Belay" when the yard is mastheaded at the end of the night. I don't know who made that stuff happen, but they deserve thanks. The extra barman, at the East end of the hall on Saturday night, was a particularly customer-friendly touch.

Charley, that balance you mention is a key point. My own attitude toward the pub sing is that it's a chance to kick back and harmonize, without the pressure of performing. I'm not there to show off, but to revel in the awesome experience of so many voices making real music. That's what the pub sing is all about, and what traditional folk music is all about. Having 3 nights in a row when hundreds of people join in such music making is precious and rare. Long live the pub sing!

Jerry

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Barry Finn
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 11:29 PM

I'd have to agree with you both. Add into the mix comradarie & sensibility & you get what we got. A real fine mix that goes down extremely well & leaves an unforgettable sooting after taste.

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Jon Bartlett
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 02:20 AM

Long live the pub sing indeed! Why don't one of you scholastic types present a paper on it at the next Symposium? Barry, you started us off well, you're it!

I missed all you guys this year - though we'll see some I hope at Portsmouth in Sept.

Jon Bartlett

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 08:23 AM

I still remember my first time at the pub sing, being all too anxious to lead a song, but not knowing whether it was better to crash and burn early or try to wait things out till things got less intense. I also wasn't there with a group of friends who I knew would support me, something which is very important to think about before leading a song.

I generally try to lead a mix of traditional sea songs which most people would be familiar with and others can easily join in on, and other songs which have choruses but are less common fare.

Jon-

Be good to see and hear you again at the Portsmouth Maritime Festival (NH) in late September. We'll be in Steveston Village and Victoria, British Columbia, the week before; maybe we can exchange a few choruses in some air terminal when we're both flying east!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 02:06 PM

I'v been thinking about some comments made earlier, (what made the difference? Did everyone make a big effort in case this was going to be the last? I just think a better job was done by everyone, including the organizers…). I believe in someone's mind every year is the best festival ever. I'v been watching almost as long as anyone, and longer than most, I don't think anyone really tried harder this year than in the past, the exception being the fund raisers that were held up and down the east coast this winter. In the 20 plus years I'v been involved it's always been the last festival in some rumor circle somewhere. I really believe as long as people like you continue to support it, it will happen. It will continue to be a living breathing tradition though. Some thing's will change and some things will continue. Some of the change will offend some, and for some, changes won't come quick enough for their satisfaction. Another comment was made earlier to the effect that all of the "important" chanty singers have left the staff over the past decade. I'm sorry, I have to disagree. If this was your 1st festival and you enjoyed it, become more involved. If you've been around awhile, you know there's something for everyone every year.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,The twins
Date: 01 Jul 09 - 04:02 PM

You have a festival and we will come.there are many of us who feel that way. we will support whatever needs to be done. Love the twins

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Salsa
Date: 01 Jul 09 - 05:33 PM

I know June 2010 is far away but, Are there plans for fund-raising like the Chantey Blast you had in Jan in the works for next year's festival?

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 07 Jul 09 - 04:27 PM

Not to be negative, it is a skill of mine however. Has any one been payed for CD sales yet.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 08 Jul 09 - 03:57 PM

OK. I'll take a no response as an indicator that except for me everyone is paid and content.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Celtaddict
Date: 08 Jul 09 - 04:13 PM

No information about being paid. I have been at 28 of 30 festivals, some only for parts but many from start of opening concert to end of each after-hours sing. But, to hark to some somewhat earlier topics:

I would not wish to put restrictions on choice of music for the final concert. Much of it is a singalong and I know performers are not blind to the fact that people enjoy that aspect. But there have been far too many wonderful surprises at that concert to rule out something different; I have a good deal more faith in our performers than to think such restrictions are necessary!

I too loved having the first concert be a round-robin; I have had a number of performers over the years that I heard first at the final concert, with no chance to go back for more.

And, I wonder if it would make sense to have one area be singalong or round robin area, akin to what the Ancient Mariners sometimes do; maybe a workshop on conducting such a sing, and perhaps just having that be one place that was a singalong throughout the day, where those who desire could be heard by those in attendance even if they lacked the ability to drown out whoever else is at the late night shantyblast. This might also result in rather a filtering effect, in what songs are chosen for the pub sing times.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: stallion
Date: 08 Jul 09 - 07:00 PM

I think,for me anyway, was that there was enough time and space for sponteniety. We (2BS&S)joined up with "Barnacle" in the bandstand and had a "jam" which was great and also drew a crowd, we then moved onto the morgan for the dogwatch which is a "come all ye" if you could get around it was there, I am not sure that if one tried to organise it it would work quite as well

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Anglo
Date: 09 Jul 09 - 02:38 AM

No Marc, not paid yet. Just so's you know it's not only you.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Jul 09 - 08:09 PM

Hiya, Stallions!

I wasn't there in the bandstand but was jealous and heard about it from the Barnacle guys.

I guess that's my only concern with all the talk about organization--that some of the BEST moments at the festival are not planned as such but miraculously and beautifully happen... the bandstand jam on Friday (I was teaching still so didn't make it to Mystic during the day and was I ever sorry)... a chance meeting with Tom Lewis at Spouter's Tavern in 2007...a rendition of Ev's Prudence and Patience with Dave Peloquin, Cindy Peloquin, Tim Reilly, and Benoit Bourque playing bones in 2004 at the Green....

There are so many moments that just wonderfully happen and could never be replicated again...

Sorry I missed you Black Sheep and Stallion. I enjoyed hearing you all on stage, though.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Barnacle Babe
Date: 09 Jul 09 - 08:10 PM

Sorry. I wasn't trying to anonymous.... just forgot to post who I was.

Mar from Barnacle

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 10 Jul 09 - 07:12 AM

My check arrived in the mail yesterday. I am now paid and mostly content. Thank you for your responses.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 10 Jul 09 - 08:41 AM

Marc-

And many happy returns.

So they didn't roll down to Rio with the loot!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: stallion
Date: 10 Jul 09 - 03:24 PM

Well Mar the barnacle babe you missed a good one however you did have a good excuse, mutual back slapping here, really enjoyed your stuff everywhere we caught up with you, give our hearty regards to all and, by the way, none of you signed my tee shirt, a grovelling apology is required!
Pete

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Barnacle Babe
Date: 10 Jul 09 - 05:08 PM

Since we can't sign your tee - shirt, can we send something else to you all with our signatures???? (We don't have a Barnacle tee-shirt yet, but we can figure out something to sign and send to you.)

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Celtaddict
Date: 20 Jul 09 - 10:25 AM

I agree that many of the very best moments over the years have not been planned, have just happened. (I also have had the feeling that I have missed something really good, or that I have heard of things just too late.) In fact, when they first started organizing a pub sing after concerts, and when they decided for a time that access to YTB would be a benefit of being a Friend of the Festival, I was a bit concerned that it would kill some of that spontaneity. But I think having an area during the day that was an accepted spot where one goes to share songs might encourage the sharing rather than damp the spontaneity. Of course, there are already so many great places to be that it is impossible for me to be everywhere I want.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: stallion
Date: 21 Jul 09 - 03:33 AM

Barnacle babe we shall just have to meet up then!

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 21 Jul 09 - 08:00 AM

Does anyone else have any pixs to post?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: stallion
Date: 21 Jul 09 - 05:37 PM

yes I echo Charlet, anyone else got pictures?

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 21 Jul 09 - 07:57 PM

"Charlet"?

As in "Frankly, Charlet, I don't give a damn!" Or is this a typo of a traditional house in the Swiss Alps?

Many cameras were in evidence in and around Mystic. Please share the wealth!

Cheerily,
Mr. Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Gibb Sahib
Date: 21 Jul 09 - 08:18 PM

Alas, not the kind of photos you're probably looking for, but if you're really hungry for something (or if you've never been to Mystic!), there's some of my clips of the L.A. DUNTON in this video I made:

Banks o' Newf'n'land

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: stallion
Date: 22 Jul 09 - 02:41 AM

Charlet, our secret is out, Charlet is Charley's alter typo!

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Barnacle Babe
Date: 08 Aug 09 - 06:12 PM

Charlie, I'm trying to locate an original photo that you posted back in 2004. Do you have an e-mail address? Mine is on the Barnacle website.

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 08 Aug 09 - 10:43 PM

Barnacle Babe-

Why not become a member of Mudcat and I will gladly send you a PM.

I am reluctant to post my e-mail address on an open forum.

Alternatively, go to my website: click here for website

And could you be more specific of which photo you are interested in from 2004?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: stallion
Date: 09 Aug 09 - 04:06 AM

Charlet (;o)   apart are there any other photo's about? Is there an "official" photo library?

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 09 Aug 09 - 01:24 PM

Judy and I were able to identify the photo from 2004 that Barnacle Babe wanted and it's on it's way via e-mail.

Petrois-

There's nothing official that I'm aware of on-line, other than the Mystic website. Some of our photos from Mystic (2004, 2006, 2007, and 2008) are on line at my website: www.charlieipcar.com at low resolution; we are happy to send out higher resolution copies to people who are featured in each photo but we do have reservations about sending out photos to those who are not featured.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: GUEST,Barnacle Babe
Date: 05 Oct 09 - 08:03 AM

Anything in the pipeline yet about next year's festival?

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: stallion
Date: 05 Oct 09 - 02:28 PM

me banging on about photos again anyone else sharing? We didn;t have many

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: Charley Noble
Date: 06 Mar 10 - 01:35 PM

Peter-

There certainly were a lot of people taking photographs last year but I can't find any links to any but my own.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic June 11-14 2009
From: stallion
Date: 06 Mar 10 - 01:50 PM

OK, our new cd is going to be called "Crossing the Pond" and wew were hoping to use a photo taken at Mystic 2009 for the front cover, soooooo, anyone got one of us there?   Sampler on our myspace site

---

Thread closed because it's been a target for a heavy barrage of Spam. If you have something to add to the discussion, please post on one of the more recent threads on this topic.
-Joe Offer-