Old Songs Festival 2009 (June 26-28)

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: Dave Ruch
Date: 02 Jul 09 - 12:08 PM

Pamela, I was there and did see you at one point as you passed in front of me at the Sea Shanties session on Sunday at the Dutch Barn. It was just too crowded in there to reach out and say anything, not to mention that Messers Roberts, Barrand and Killen and the Frieslanders were just far too captivating. John Roberts' singing (Strike The Bell, for one) is just sublime - - I don't know how else to say it - - and somehow keeps getting better!

Not surprising that I didn't see you elsewhere though, as I was more on the Roger The Jester/Bill Harley track with my two boys. I did manage to occasionally sneak off to see a few other things but didn't cover nearly the ground I would have on my own. We all had a great time though. Roger is another genius as far as I'm concerned.

George, I enjoyed your emceeing and songs on Friday night as well.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: Beer
Date: 01 Jul 09 - 11:02 PM

Good for you all. Maybe next year I will be able to attend.
Beer (adrien)

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: Leadfingers
Date: 01 Jul 09 - 09:23 PM

100 ! And I agree with EVERYONE re Elizabeth LaPrelle !

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: Leadfingers
Date: 01 Jul 09 - 09:22 PM

That sounds like a good weekend ! Shame its 3000 miles away !

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: Ref
Date: 01 Jul 09 - 06:54 PM

Good idea on the "honor" donations, Paul!

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: Paul_Schurr_PSG_NY
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 11:58 PM

George, thanks for clarifying the need at Old Songs. As a marketing guy, I always get provoked when the message is unclear to me. I'm hearing that this is fund raising to keep the festival as affordable as possible to all; however, those who can pay a little more (or a lot more) are encouraged to do so.

I like this approach. The money is not so much for saving necks as it is for keeping the wonderful old songs magic alive.

Have you considered donations in "honor" of particular types of music or themes or music tracks or something along those lines? Not as votes but as a way of connecting the donor with their passion? For example, I'm ready to dig deep (oh lord) to celebrate the contribution of the shanty sessions at old songs. Hurray for Louis! Just a thought. Giving money is about emotional attachment and commitment. Saving Necks, well, what's the emotion there? Desperation? Sympathy? Pity? Helping? I'm just thinking out loud. There is nothing meant to be serious here. I admire and respect the great job that organizers and volunteers accomplish with Old Songs. It is amazing. I am in awe of this contribution to our music world. George, you've got me on board with Save Our Necks.

Paul

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: bbc
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 12:47 PM

Hi, folks,

We are back from the weekend & have taken the festival "stuff" back to Sandy & Caroline, after Duane D. manned the Folk Legacy booth & I assisted. Many thanks to all who stopped by the booth to chat, to buy, & to send messages of love & support to the Patons. I was so happy to reconnect with friends & to bask in the music after a hard year at school! I only took part in a few sessions, but they were great--2 Sacred Harp sings, Gospel & Hymn Sing, Crazy Love, & How's the Weather. It was great to see Christine Lavin, after following her early career; she's still very funny! Cindy Mangsen & Steve Gillette obviously enjoyed sharing the stage with Lou & Peter Berryman--honoring them twice by singing their songs--"Double Yodel" & "Odd Man Out." Lou & Peter make no bones about using lyrics when they perform & they were quite impressed to see that Cindy & Peter had memorized the lyrics. When they asked them how they had accomplished that feat, Cindy replied that they sing the songs, again & again, while driving through Kansas (I think, or was it Iowa?). It was great to see Tony Barrand performing with John Roberts again, although I love to see John on his own, too. In the Gospel & Hymn Sing, Lea Gilmore was amazing & Josh White, Jr. was wonderful! Although I love Matt Wojcik, it was great to have Peter Amidon back, leading the shape note singing. Galitcha was a different expression in the Gospel & Hymn Sing session, but their music was great & their lead singer has a wonderful voice. They, also, made a point of doing a song on which the audience could sing along. There is nothing like the sound of Old Songs spontaneous harmony singing; it does my soul good every time! Duane & I are headed off, in a couple of days, to a new experience--the Swannanoa Gathering's Traditional Songs Week in North Carolina. I'll be sitting at the feet of Sheila Kay Adams for traditional ballad singing & storytelling. Can't wait!

love,

Barbara

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: Barry Finn
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 11:35 PM

So glad to hear the good reports on Elizabeth LaPrelle. I was hoping to go & espically hear her perform at Old Songs in a Northerly setting knowing full well that she'd be a steam roller, congrats Elizabeth & family.

Barry

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 10:40 PM

Home and still not caught up on sleep, even if I did take Monday off and only drove halfway home to DC on Sunday night.

Festival highlights for me--it began on Friday night, I discovered Toby Walker, as well as Asterisk, a group of contemporary classical musicians which grew out of Tales and Scales, and which created what I can only describe as "a kids program for adults," featuring classical works by John Corigliano and Ernst Toch (and Elliott Carter on Saturday), made accessible with choreography and humor, like a good children's fool. Lots of opportunities to meet friends (many of whom are Mudcatters) and sing. And Sunday, when the power failure began, I was listening to Elizabeth LaPrelle, who had considered doing her set unplugged and unamplified (as Nanne & Ankie had just done in the workshop preceding) even before the power failure made the decision for her. At the end of Elizabeth's set, Allison Kelley and Peggy Seeger were wondering how this young woman can produce so much sound in so high a register. I suggested that they think of it as "speaking on pitch" rather than singing, which I learned from voice lessons with Ethel Raim at Augusta back in 1984. And then Ethel Raim herself stepped out from behind Peggy Seeger, and I pointed to her and said "I learned that from this woman!" Then Ethel Raim went to meet Elizabeth, by whom she was duly impressed. Then I went off to hear an hour of Christine Lavin, also unamplified. New songs keep running through my head: by the Berrymans ("Dem Dere Deer"), or Christine Lavin (H.L. Mencken). The only gripe I have is that I still didn't win an instrument at the raffle, even though I bought twice as many tickets as usual and got them on Sunday instead of Friday like i usually do. But, heck, the raffle money is for a VERY good cause--the continuance of Old Songs. I hope to be there next year.

--Charlie Baum

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 05:54 PM

George, many of the mosquitoes pay the ultimate price. Hopefully, we can keep it so the festival doesn't have to do the same.

Dan

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 05:40 PM

Thanks George!   

And I would like to add that I thoroughly enjoy your emcee work!! You keep the evening flowing and always come up with great songs and stories to share.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: georgeward
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 05:26 PM

Paul.

Save Our Necks is all about keeping the Festival alive. Sorry (nay, embarassed) if we didn't make that clear.

Costs - all of them, not just rental - do keep climbing. Some folks will remember that we used to routinely have cajun bands that we no longer have. It's all about the cost of flying a band from Louisiana. If we can't get some special underwriting (as occasionally we have), we just can't swing it.

We want to keep the festival as affordable as we can, and know full well it's a stretch for many already. But we also know that some of us can help a bit more. That's how we came up with SON.

We DO NOT want to guilt trip people who can't afford it into digging deeper than they should. Anyone who has ever fundraised for an event like this knows that it's really easy for someone to get so emotionally involved that he/she overcommits. I've certainly done it. I've seen people really hurt themselves doing it.

At the same time, yes, we need all the help we can get, and we can't afford to be shy about asking for it.

So we raffle, we have sponsors, we apply for grants, we ask member items from legislators. When I MC Friday and say "Please support or advertisers," I am bloody well not babbling boilerplate. Support 'em, and tell 'em where you heard about 'em. Please! It helps.

And we ask ourselves, and others who can, to donate over and above the ticket price...way over, if you've got it.

That's what Save Our Necks is.

Sorry if I ran on. We do get passionate about this thing we love.

And the mosquitos are still free!!

Not our fault. We do try to get 'em to pay.

- George

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 05:06 PM

Last fall I spoke to some of the folks involved in Old Songs, and I was told that the agreement to utilize Altamont is good for several years - but obviously things might have changed since I had that conversation.

My impression of the "Save Our Necks" campaign was that someone came up with a very clever slogan - and a great way to grab attention. From what I've been told, Old Songs has never been awash in money and the costs of producing such events rise every year. Old Songs is a very active organization that does much more than the festival, and in these tough economic times they are feeling the pinch.

Personally, I did not get the impression that this festival is in any danger.   Of course that is only my impression, and if there is substantial evidence from an official source, I would hope that it is made public so that everyone can help

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: Paul_Schurr_PSG_NY
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 04:54 PM

I think these reports shine a bright light on Old Songs. We each find something different that by itself makes the admission price worth while. I especially like all the kids and young people all over the place. The Mystic Shanty Festival could learn from this. The little ones learn to love the music and come back to the festival as young adults. I'd say a third to maybe half of the all night crowd at Creature Comforts on Saturday was under 35. On Friday night at Chez Jake's tent the youngsters outnumbered the oldsters part of the time. Of course, it was the oldsters behaving badly.

Also, I worry about losing the Altamont Fairground venue. Irish 2000 has moved up to the Saratoga Fairgrounds in Ballston Spa, but they don't have overnight campers. In fact, they will have to bus people in from remote parking. The magic at Old Songs comes from all the campers who make their own music when they are not listening to the performers.

Old Songs has launched a "Save Our Necks" fund-raising campaign. They haven't communicated very well what they need the money for. Maybe it is a Keep the Festival Alive campaign, which would certainly draw my money. Irish 2000 is overrun with heavy drinkers as the night wears on, so it's not much of a family event. Old Songs is not like that, so I can't imagine how a sane community would want to lose the Old Songs Festival.



Paul

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 03:58 PM

I had a great time. I loved Elizabeth LaPrelle, this was the first time I saw her perform and I was very impressed.   It was great to see Josh White Jr. I loved the workshop he did with Toby Walker.   It was fantastic to see Toby so warmly received at Old Songs. He is a treasure!

My favorite workshop was probably "Crazy Love".   Getting Lou & Peter Berryman, Cindy Mangsen & Steve Gillete, AND Christine Lavin in the same room is surefire bet for a good time!!   Christine's new verse to "What Was I Thinking" was brilliant - it was a verse about Mark Sanford and apprently it pissed off one woman who accused Chris of descriminating against Republicans!!!

I picked up some DVD's of earlier Old Songs fests - compilations from 1981 & 1983, 1984 & 1985, and 1986 & 1987.   As I was watching, it struck me as to how Old Songs has kept true to their "vision" over the years. Watching a group learn Burundi dance moves in 1984 was not much different from watching a group learn Indian dance moves from Galitcha in 2007!

It was wonderful to see some of the same faces in the audience and behind the scenes and realize that while Old Songs has a strong core audience, it continues to evolve and stay fresh - while maintaining the standards they developed many years ago.   Watching the "kids" dance after the concerts on Friday and Saturday was an example of what Old Songs does "right".

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: Ref
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 03:51 PM

Dan, I second Barry's observation about the kid-friendliness of the festival. My two were always comfortable there, and we never felt a need to worry about them. It seems like most of the crowd is made up of teachers and related professions, which may be part of it. I also agree that there was a great variety among the vendors, though I wish the felafel gang would figure out a way to speed up their ordering process.

A benefit to coming to Old Songs, Dan, instead of GA, is that you DON'T have to listen to "Spirit of Life."

I also suffered from early morning noise in the "Quiet" area. Perhaps we should petition Andy for a "No, Seriously, SHUT UP Between Eleven PM and Seven AM" area.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 01:08 PM

Growing up on the Washington Folk Festival and the Getaway, I was spoiled. At a very young age I could run off anywhere and there were enough adults around who knew me and could watch over that I could be a "child of the mob" and be fine. One nice thing about (Old Songs is that there are still a lot of kids. For some reason, that's not the case at the Getaway anymore; it just hasn't been drawing the younger families. Maybe it's the times.

I'd love to make Old Songs an annual event if only it weren't at the same time as the Unitarian Universalist General Assembly. I didn't go this year because of a tight church budget, but normally I'm off to some city or other the last week of June. It was unexpected that I'd be free, and until Nick mentioned it to me, it hadn't crossed my mind to come. Still wouldn't have, if the weather forecast had been accurate, but we're glad we did.

By the way - did anyone mention that the food vendors are unusually good? The Thai chicken and the falafels were my favorites. Kiran ate pizza and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches all weekend, and thus was happy as a jaybird.

Dan

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: EBarnacle
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 01:00 PM

Lady Hillary and I had our usual great time this year.

Hillary got to meet Nick A. Later on we went over to the instrument exchange and tried several of the instruments there. After trying several, she picked up the Apollonion 12 [imagine only 800 buks!] and, even as she picked it up, it was clear she felt something different. Hillary is still a basic novice on guitar but this one just lifted her at least 2 levels in skill. Last time she got to practice, she worked on tuning and scales until she got sore fingers. As soon as the 12 got into her hands, they were talking and singing to each other. She began playing chords and simple melody lines and the action was very gentle on her fingers.

We called Nick this AM and asked him to record the dimensions on the instrument so that, when we get a few bucks together, we can get one similar to that but with a few minor adjustments. Imagine a custom 12 for only $1200 from a wizard grade luthier!

As always, the ballad workshop was great and we enjoyed a lot of music, often without even leaving the CAMSCO booth. A lot of friends, old and new, came by [nice to meet you and your beloved, Animaterra and Don] including a pretty good collection of Catters.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: Barry Finn
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 12:39 PM

Thanks for all the reports, I'm wishing I could've been there, it all is sounding so great. Next yr.
Dan, Old Songs was the favorite with my 2 kids when they were very young up until they didn't want to be anywhere near where their parents would be. They loved the camping & the other kids, the music they could past on though that's where my daughter first fell for Jez Lowe & his music. They grow so fast, you'll soon find that festival in perticular so much more "accessibale" as Kiran ages. Glad you guys got to take in even some of it.


Barry

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 12:02 PM

I'm so glad we got to go, even though we left early Sunday. Seeing so many Mudcatters and other "only at Old Songs" friends was so warming. Don Meixner and Jeri were the first we laid eyes on. bbc and Duane, Dick and Susan, Charlie Baum, Susan A-R, Anglo, Ref, and many others! (Pamela, that was me who waved to you as we were leaving!)
Thanks, bbc and Duane for the blank books where we could write our sympathies to the Patons.

My highlight was Reveillons, the Quebecois group- Hunt and I are getting into French Canadian music, and they were so friendly and helpful. Christine Lavin was also a high, and I'm sorry I missed the Killen/Barrand/Roberts etc. opportunities. This was probably the least singing-est Old Songs for me- I followed the instruments around, mostly. And socialized, as usual!

The only downer was that our nearest neighbors in the Quiet at Night camp ground had their own, very loose interpretation of "Quiet". They talked loudly and sang awful 70s songs until 2 am both nights- despite repeated requests for silence. What is the "official" policy, if there is one?

And please, those of you close to the organization, let us know what we can do to help Old Songs celebrate its 30th!

Allison

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: GUEST,DonMeixner
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 11:32 AM

I saw quite a few Catters who stopped by my booth in the craft area.
Animaterra and Hunt, Jeri, BBC, Dan Schatz and family, Charlie Baum, George Ward, John Roberts, Dave Ruch, Maine Dog, Big Chuck and his Chuckstress. Peggy Seeger stopped by and looked through the earrings. Anne Hills did the same as did the Vannavers.

Stopping by and talking however briefly with Dick and Susan and EBarnacle at Camsco is always fun. And missing Sandy and Caroline was evident to all I spoke with.

The bad part of Old Songs for me is I have to work and I don't get to catch many workshops or performances. But sitting through The Radio Ballads was a treat.

Swapping gin and Tonics with Jeri and few others is always a high light of our week end.

Don

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 11:32 AM

We had a great time. I normally don't even think about Old Songs, since it normally happens at the same time as a conference I go to for my work, but it was truly enjoyable. We didn't get much sleep, and for the wrong reasons (try sharing a hotel room with a two year old and you'll understand), but it was wonderful seeing everyone. I even ran into an old college friend.

Going to festivals with very young children is a challenging experience - you don't actually get to stay and enjoy much of the music, except when they're napping. We did love the "Crazy Love" workshop, and the Gospel and even saw a bit of Jez Lowe and Kate Bramley (and I agree about "The Bergen"). We also loved Bruce Hutton's "For Kids and Kin" workshop, although it took awhile for the kids to come over - the performance space was weirdly removed from the craft space. And we caught about half of each night's concert before needing to take Kiran back to the hotel.

The nice thing about Old Songs is that there's music everywhere, so you can just be there and soak in the folkie dust. And when the power went off (on the sunny day, oddly), one voice could still be heard, from halfway across the grounds (seriously) - Elizabeth LaPrelle.

What I enjoyed most was seeing and talking with folks - Jeri, Colleen Cleveland, the Meixners, the LaPrelles, Steve Gillette and Cindy Mangeson, Barbara and Duane, Dick and Susan, and of course, Nick Apollonio and Kristin Tescher, among many others. (The new 6 Nick built for me is unparalleled in tone and balance - truly a major achievement, even for him - he likes it so much he's making a bunch, and at ridiculously affordable prices. I played one song on it in front of anybody and got a request for the luthier's name and phone.)

So it was a great festival - now we're back to work and in need of serious coffee to get through the day.

Dan

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: Susan A-R
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 10:55 AM

Another fine one!! Playing Quebecois fiddle across from Richard Forrest, learning about the Radio Ballads with Peggy Seeger, Louis Killian and Jez, hearing Cindy and Steve, John and Tony, Bill Harley, Michaeal Cooney, jamming at odd moments, all good. I did do an amazing mud splat which seriously cut into my minimal wardrobe, but the plastic garbage bags under the tent kept the bedding mostly dry, and the bugs seemed to have all drowned or something. I'm not sure where my capacity to stay up late went, but next year I plan to come with more of a back log of sleep so that I can do such a thing. Midnight was pumpkin time for me this year.   I fervrently hope there is a next year.

Susan

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: GUEST,Pamela from Ithaca
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 10:31 AM

Hi All - some of you I saw, some not. (Dave Ruch, were you there? I looked for you but didn't see you.) There were many highlights for me... many of the same mentioned by Paul and John R. Nanne and Ankie (the Friesian folks) are wonderful performers and some of the sweetest people you'd like to meet. I'm looking forward to them singing on Ithaca's Bound for Glory radio show this coming Sunday night. (For those who are not in the Finger Lakes, the show is live streamed on wvbr.com)
The late night singing in the Creature Comforts area Saturday night was just what I needed... even though I stayed up later than I intended. There was also a great French Canadian fiddle jam in the Sheep Barn (area 6) at the same time.
I sincerely hope that there's a 30th Anniversary Old Songs Festival next year. I understand that things are "iffy" with the site (rent has been going way up the past few years). John and Paul, let us know if there's anything we can do to help.

Pamela

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: maeve
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 08:02 AM

Dan, I hope you are enjoying your Apollonio guitar. I love mine.

maeve

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 07:46 AM

Thanks for the reports.

I certainly would have loved to hear Jez Lowe and Kate Bramley making music together again.

Happy to hear that the weather was at least reasonably good. It's so depressing when everything is well planned and then the weekend's a washout. A few showers and mud can be dealt with but not the deluge.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: Anglo
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 12:21 AM

Well, it was indeed a fine festival. Even the weather cooperated. A few showers (briefly heavy and threatening on Friday night, but brief), but a gorgeous day on Sunday after a less than stellar forecast.

Highlights were many. For me, I really enjoyed Jez Lowe, and though he got great support from fiddler/vocalist Kate Bramley. I was moved enough to buy her solo CD. The workshop with them, Peggy Seeger, and Louis Killen on the BBC Radio Ballads was terrific.

The music was eclectic as usual, not all to my taste of course; but I would hardly expect it to be. If it were, there would be a very small audience I'm sure. Good weather Sunday seemed to bring people out; the showers earlier in the weekend might have kept a few away, though it is their loss.

Paul, the "Danish" group id Dutch, more properly Friesian, from Friesland, a province of the Netherlands. Their 90-minute semi-staged performance of Henry Hudson and the Half Moon was great, entertaining as well as informative. These folks had done their homework.

Another highlight - Christine Lavin was on top form, extremely funny.

If you did have to miss it, we hope there'll be another one next year.

JR

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: Ref
Date: 28 Jun 09 - 11:12 PM

Having criticized the festival last year, let me second Paul's compliments. It was a wonderful weekend, from Lisa Schneckenburger Friday night to Jimmy and Ada McCown on Sunday afternoon. It was full of wonderful little moments, discovering new performers (Bill Smith and Don Woodcock), rediscovering old favorites (Mangson/Gillette and Jez Lowe), and walking by Animaterra's site and hearing the harmonies emanating from within (that's about the fiddle/accordion music, oh ye of filthy minds!). Great weekend, despite the occasional boob who couldn't get his/her mind around the difference between low and high seating. Fine job by John and the other talent wranglers.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: Paul_Schurr_PSG_NY
Date: 28 Jun 09 - 07:50 PM

Old Songs:

Yup, tears in my eyes as Jez Lowe sang The Bergen unplugged (we lost power). The shanty session with Louis Killen, John and Tony, and the Danish group (that performed at Mystic), was a pleasure.

Informal, unofficial, and delightful a cappella sings at Chez Jake's (soggy tent) on Friday and Creature Comforts on Saturday were worth the admission price. The sunrise on Sunday morning came too soon. In numbers and energy the Saturday all night sing matched the Mystic after after sing from 130 to 4 am.   John Roberts backed by Peter Souza's Fivebitter gave a rich rendition of "Row On" and filled the late night crowd a great joy. On request John also sang Chicken on a Raft. Well you know how good that is I hope. Alison's Sinner Man was memorable. The rest of us never lost energy, and some chorus harmonies hit a level that may not be seen for a long while. Drinking songs seemed quite popular...

If you missed Old Songs, there's always next year. Me, I hope to join the Portsmouth group at the Press Room in July.

Paul

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 27 Jun 09 - 01:00 PM

Have a whole lot of fun!

We expect a full report.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble, grumble, grumble

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: Barry Finn
Date: 27 Jun 09 - 01:56 AM

Ya Peg, I wish I were there too & able to also take you up on your kind offer, thanks. We were trying to see if it would work, waiting up until the last minute, alas. I'd love to hear any reports, espically about the "mountain girl", Elizabeth LaPerelle & family. Wanted to hear her as much as Peggy Seeger. What a missed opportunity. I hope next years line up is a great as this years.

BArry

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: Peg
Date: 26 Jun 09 - 10:46 PM

I'm missing it again this year, despite the fact that I now live up the road in Albany; I thought about going for the day tomorrow, but my husband is working a 24 hour shift so I really should stay here and take care of the dog, etc. The rain is coming down hard out there as I type, so I hope everyone is staying dry or at least comfortable...

The offer to people to come here and get real showers still stands! I really hope to make it next year. I agree, not camping would feel weird. Damn, I'll miss seeing and hearing) that mountain gal Barry was waxing rhapsodic about here and in Boston...

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: Burke
Date: 26 Jun 09 - 12:35 PM

Got my backpack, got my chair, got my camera bag, got my rain poncho, got my instruments (what else do I need to lug around?) and BUG SPRAY!

Also hat, sunscreen, water bottle, dancing shoes, snacks, cash.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: Midchuck
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 09:00 PM

What Dan says about Mr. Nick Apollonio's 12-strings is just about right.

I got to play Kendall's the last time I was up that way, and it made the hair stand on my end, as my father used to say.

Peter

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 06:40 PM

Looks like there'll be a very cute person to take pictures of. Also, my son will be there. I'm going to be booking our hotel shortly - any recommendations? I gather the ones in Western Albany are probably the best bets if you want something sanitary, where you'd take a child.

I'm not sure how much of the festival we'll make it to - at least Saturday during the day, and possibly bits of Friday and Sunday as well. Sadly, life with a 2 year old means that we won't be staying fro any of the late night singing.

Folks, while you're there, make sure to see the instruments Nick Apollonio is selling. Nick is one of the finest luthiers in the country, and doesn't get nearly enough credit for making top quality guitars, 12 strings, and citterns. I'll be picking up a new 6 string he's built for me, and I'm pleased to say he's decided to make it the prototype for a whole new line. His prices are deceptively affordable for the high end instruments he's making, but don't let it fool you - he's one of the best there is. If you don't believe me, think about how good Gordon Bok's 12 strings sound. Wouldn't you like to play one of those? (Actually, picking up the new 6 is half the reason we're going.)

End of commercial. I'm looking forward to seeing folks there!

Dan

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: Paul_Schurr_PSG_NY
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 05:44 PM

Susan of DT:

Ah good, glad to hear the Dutch Barn event is not so regimented. The years pass and things change... for the better! I've heard it is well attended. In addition, the acoustics are amazing.

Paul

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: Jeri
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 05:41 PM

Should I bring a lime or anything?

Looking forward to gin & silver, not to mention the music and seeing all my old friends and meeting new ones.

Before I knew I wasn't going to be working at all the rest of the summer, I blew a bunch on a camera, so I expect I'll be taking some photos. I'm also planning on bringing the concertina since it's smaller than my other instruments. Now I just have to remember a chair.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: GUEST,DonMeixner
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 05:30 PM

Hi All.

Stop by my booth and say "Hello." I like putting faces to names.

Don

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: Susan of DT
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 05:14 PM

Stop by the official after concert sing in the Dutch barn Friday nite. Dick and I lead it. We don't usually get many mudcatters. It is not particularly regimented - we just make sure everyone who wants a turn gets one before people take second turns.

Also stop by the CAMSCO booth to say hello.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: Paul_Schurr_PSG_NY
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 04:46 PM

Now about the a cappella singing! In case you don't know, there is an unofficial, off the program a cappella sing in the Sheep Barn on Saturday night. Andie Spence encourages us to hold it, although it was originally created for volunteers, not the public. It will begin after the Main Stage performance ends and it will continue until the birds sing or Alison gives up. Or I give up. Or Jack Killrain gives up, etc. The Sheep Barn is where the volunteers eat. (Put money in the jar if you take advantage of the snacks. BYOB; don't drink the volunteers' keg.)

We will sing all night Friday at Chez Jakes' down in the swamp at site #217. Last year is was a great "show," with the younger crowd helping us keep going. Then Alison, Peter & Joanne Souza, and other folks dropped by, and we had a shanty blast until the birds joined us. One poor newbie "noise" section camper roared out of Old Songs at 3 AM muttering something like "I'd rather be in hell!" She was a staff worker at a booth and they were short-handed the next day. I didn't think we sounded all that bad, but I had my beer-muffs on.

Pickin' Singin' Gatherin' (our folk club) will host a Street Corner sing at 4:15 on Saturday. Help us raise a chorus.

Andie schedules Dutch Barn sings each night. I am told they are a little regimented, but you might like that as well. I like chaos and surprises.

Don't miss Jez Lowe. Like Louis Killen, he is a legend.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 25 Jun 09 - 12:00 PM

Well, today a big crew of volunteers showed up to the building site. My husband looked at me and said- "We'll get good work done today. I'll stay here, you go get us packed for Old Songs!"

Yeeeee hawwwwww! See y'all soon!

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: GUEST,Pamela from Ithaca
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 11:04 PM

I've been away from Mudcat for a while... but I'm looking forward to seeing lots of friends at Old Songs this weekend. We're packing now and leaving tomorrow for an extra day of relaxation. Camping in our usual place on the infield.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: MaineDog
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 07:21 PM

Don't know how I missed this thread before, but, anyway, I'm on my way, headed for the pre-entry jam and libation event at the entrance line tomorrow.
Jim

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: Anne Lister
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 06:26 PM

Hope you all have a fantastic time - I'd love to come back again some time!

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: Jeri
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 02:36 PM

I'm sorry you won't be there, but I understand.

Dan, I don't believe there has ever been an instrument lock-up, but if the weather sucks you probably won't want to carry it around anyway and can leave it in the car. I've left mine in one of the bigger buildings from time to time. Or somebody's booth if they have the room. As far as I know, nobody's ever had an instrument stolen.

I'm glad this is the year I picked to stay in a hotel. I'm guessing there's been a little bit of rain, and you can't spray for mosquitoes when it's raining, so there may be thundering herds. Don't know. Got my backpack, got my chair, got my camera bag, got my rain poncho, got my instruments (what else do I need to lug around?) and BUG SPRAY!

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: Ref
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 02:12 PM

Gotta get your house built. See you next year!

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: Dave Ruch
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 11:57 AM

Dan, the evening concerts are outdoors, weather permitting. Not sure about an instrument storage/lockup area.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 11:30 AM

Well, I'm crushed- it looks as though Hunt and I will have to miss the highlight of our year. We are attempting to build our house (ourselves) and this past month has been so rainy we've had 5 good building days out of the past 25. We live in a climate where winter comes early. We're living in an un-insulated shed and need to be indoors by late Sept. Every clear day is precious at this point. And it looks to be a sunny weekend. *sigh* I am SO disappointed!!!

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 24 Jun 09 - 10:58 AM

We're considering going after all, for Saturday at least. Looks like it will be nice weather, and I have the weekend off. I've never been - can anyone tell me whether the evening concerts are in an indoor or outdoor space. If it's indoor, we probably shouldn't bother paying for a concert ticket - it would be too much for a two year old. If it's outdoor, we can probably make it work.

Also, is there a space where folks who aren't featured performers can safely leave instruments?

Dan

Subject: RE: Old Songs 2009 (June 26-28)
From: Burke
Date: 23 Jun 09 - 06:20 PM

I'll be there as well. I have a camping ticket, but will probably stay in a motel.