NW Folklife 2009

Subject: NW Folklife
From: astro
Date: 06 May 09 - 01:07 AM

Who out there might be going to Seattle for Memorial weekend for NW Folklife? Hope to see you there.

Astro in LA and Desert Dancer in Tucson, but will soon be here in LA!

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 06 May 09 - 01:43 AM

Northwest Folklife Festival site
Last year
more from last year, particularly on the topics of security issues

~ Becky in Tucson
links—it's what I do...

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 06 May 09 - 01:49 AM

Here's a question: what does one do with one's instruments while you're dancing? NEFFA has an instrument check service; anything like that at Folklife?

~ B in T

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: Deckman
Date: 06 May 09 - 07:13 AM

YES, they have instrument checking service, well protected.

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: GUEST
Date: 06 May 09 - 07:22 AM

Following the flyer links to try and figure out lodging and location. First thing that pops up.        

H1N1 (swine flu) is an illness caused by a type of influenza A virus. Confirmed cases have been identified in Seattle.

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: GUEST
Date: 06 May 09 - 09:53 AM

I'm pretty sure the instrument check is only for registered performers. If you are one, you're good. It is usually in the hospitality area.

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 06 May 09 - 01:50 PM

I'm pretty sure the instrument check is only for registered performers.

Hmm. :-( That's going to lead to a fair amount of shuttling back and forth to the hotel...

~ B in T

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: Don Firth
Date: 06 May 09 - 02:14 PM

It's a bummer, but in addition to the registered performers, there are usually about eleventeen brontozillion buskers and such inhabition the Center grounds, so you can see why they have to limit the instrument check.

I'm not going to perform this year, but I may come and lurk a bit.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: ClaireBear
Date: 06 May 09 - 02:40 PM

There's a belongings check for the dancing public right in the dance hall, I think. I seem to recall leaving an instrument there once or twice.

C

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: GUEST,astro at work
Date: 06 May 09 - 02:45 PM

I saw online a checkin costing $2 used once and unlimited use for $5...I wonder if that is for instruments...

Too bad you aren't performing Don...it would be nice to see you...

astro at work but hardly working...

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 06 May 09 - 04:22 PM

Ah, ClaireBear, a service specifically for dancers makes sense.

~ Becky in Tucson

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 06 May 09 - 04:23 PM

Here's a question for you locals -- who's playing/calling/etc. that we shouldn't miss?

~ B in T

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: John P
Date: 06 May 09 - 04:46 PM

I'll be there a lot this year -- I'm playing with three bands.

Saturday it's Mad Fiddlu at the Nordic Showcase in the Charlotte Martin Theater. The showcase starts at 3:00, but we're on toward the end.

Sunday I'm with Bandage a Trois on the Acoustic Stage (no amplification!) in the Shaw Room at 2:20.

Monday it's Crookshank on the Fiddler's Green Stage at 11:50 am.

Anyone else playing this year?

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 06 May 09 - 04:54 PM

I would double check on that instrument check...there might be one specifically for performers but I have used the check in room frequently as a non-performer...it usually has been in the center house upstairs and was by donation to a high school group usually. Very convenient even for backpacks etc. mg

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: John P
Date: 06 May 09 - 05:00 PM

So much to see and hear . . . From a quick scan of the schedule:

Stanley Greenthal at the Cafe Impromptu, Monday at 3:00

The Raging Grannies in the Center House Theater, Monday at 1:20

Laura Love and Orville Johnson, Monday 3:45 on the Fisher Green Stage

Rebel Voices, Saturday 9:30, Charlotte Martin Theater

Morris Dance Showcase, Saturday 4:20, Mural Amphitheatre

Reggie Garret and the Snake Oil Peddlers, Sunday 11:00, Fountain Lawn Stage

Inochi Taiko, Saturday 11:00, Fountain Lawn Stage

Maritime Show, Saturday 3:00, Northwest Court Stage

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: astro
Date: 06 May 09 - 05:09 PM

Desert Dancer and I are beginning to plan our program for the fest...so much to do and so little time to do it in!!

Astro

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: artbrooks
Date: 06 May 09 - 05:25 PM

Not this year, Becky...sorry. Unless it changed since last year, there is a general public belonging check in the dance building - the one where the go-all-day-and-wear-the soles-off-your-feet-to-live-music contra dance is held. I think, but I'm not sure, that the one upstairs in Center House is for performers and volunteers, but you can sign up for a shift as a greeter or something and get access to that AND get a free t-shirt.

Art Brooks

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: MAG
Date: 06 May 09 - 08:34 PM

I arranged the weekend off so I can come but do not have a room booked yet.

Usually I just drive up 99 until I find a cheapo, but that's a hassle.

If anybody has a bed or couch or floor handy I could use, I'd be happy to chip in for cost.

PM me if you got it.

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: astro
Date: 07 May 09 - 06:38 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: Stewart
Date: 07 May 09 - 10:02 PM

I'll be leading a musical Tribute to Stan James on Sunday

Sunday, May 24, 2009, 1:00-2:30 pm
Northwest Folklife Festival
STAN JAMES TRIBUTE CONCERT
Stewart Hendrickson & Friends
A tribute concert for Stan James (1935-2008).
MC: Paul Dorpat. Performers: Stewart Hendrickson,
Nancy Quense, Al Hirsch, Chris Roe, Mariide,
Percy Hilo, Alice Stuart, Paul Gullingham, and Steve Lalor.
In the Cafe Impromptu from 1-2:30 pm.

Then from 3-7pm I'll be at the Victory Music booth
just outside of the Rainier Room
So stop by and say hello.

Cheers, S. in Seattle

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 May 09 - 11:32 PM

Stewart, I'm glad to see you're doing that. I am never in the NW for this event, but I always like to read about it. It's in the genes, I guess. :-) Anyway, enjoy the Stan James event. Is anyone going to try to tackle his mermaid song?

SRS

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: Deckman
Date: 07 May 09 - 11:35 PM

Hi Maggie ... not likely that anyone would EVER attempt that song. The Mermaid song was truly Stan's "signature" song. He is missed. Bob

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: astro
Date: 08 May 09 - 02:09 AM

Stewart,

Sounds great...we'll get you on our list of things to do and it would be nice to meet you!

Astro - just got home from a star party...first light on a new telescope- Saturn looked great!

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: Genie
Date: 08 May 09 - 02:45 AM

Re: Instrument check

To be admitted to the Hospitality Suite for performers and volunteers, all you need to do is sign up for volunteer service, usually 4 hours. That can be helping with any of the many stages/venues, selling buttons, staffing the information booths, etc.
It's a great way to meet people and often hear some great music, and in the hospitality suite you have access to a free check room for instruments and whatever (donations requested but no set fee demanded), free coffee and soft drinks, beer and wine at a big discount, and lots of spontaneous music in the suite. I really recommend volunteering.

I've missed only about 5 Folklifes since 1977, and I look forward to this year's too.

Genie

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: astro
Date: 08 May 09 - 11:56 AM

Genie,

Where you generally go to volunteer? Sounds like what we will do (astro and Desert Dancer). Thanks for the advice!

Astro...

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 08 May 09 - 12:03 PM

Bob, I agree.

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: Genie
Date: 08 May 09 - 09:34 PM

Just go to the 3rd floor of the Center House, to the Registration area. You can sign up there.
You'll be able to look over the program and see what hours would work best for you.

You can also sign up ahead of time online. The address is www.nwfolklife.org.

Genie

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: astro
Date: 09 May 09 - 01:32 AM

Thanks Genie...we'll do that...hope to see you there...Desert Dancer and I will work!

Astro in Los Angeles and Desert Dancer in Tucson...

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: astro
Date: 10 May 09 - 12:50 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 12 May 09 - 11:15 PM

On the "Saturday - Workshops" pdf of the schedule (having finally printed it out):

"Public Checkrooms"
"A public checkroom is available for your convenience in the Fisher Pavilion Roadhouse. Hours are Friday through Sunday, 11am-10pm and Monday, 11am-9pm. The cost is $2 for once-time check and $5 for unlimited access."

So, that's the dance hall zone, and presumably instruments are checkable.

~ Becky in Tucson

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 12 May 09 - 11:15 PM

Artbrooks - sorry to miss you there, we'll just have to get to Albuquerque sometime!

~ B in T

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: open mike
Date: 13 May 09 - 01:38 AM

reggie...will reggie be there...calling reggie miles...

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: ClaireBear
Date: 13 May 09 - 01:49 AM

ClaireBear's mister, Dan the dancing frog, will be alternating between the contra floor and whatever vegan food booths are present this year.

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 13 May 09 - 02:14 AM

By what name shall we know him, ClaireBear?

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: mg
Date: 13 May 09 - 02:17 AM

Would anyone like a stay at the beach after Folklife..female or couple...I do not have a good way of getting back..it is about 3.5 horus from Seattle and 2.5 from Portland...very pretty and historical place...I mean I could use a ride..of course if you can figure out how to get here by public transportation you are more than welcome...but it is difficult on a holiday...and always...mg

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: Genie
Date: 13 May 09 - 05:12 AM

Hope you can find a taker, Mary. I have to get back to Portland by Tues. AM or Mon night, or I'd take you up on it.

As for the check rooms, if you're going to hang out at or near the roadhouse most of the weekend, the $5 deal seems good. But if you're a performer or volunteer, you can have unlimited access to the hospitality suite for whatever tips you want to offer the kids (usually Boy Scouts, I think) who staff that checking area.

Art, I'm really sorry you and Jen won't be there. Maybe the Getaway?

Genie

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: Dorothy Parshall
Date: 13 May 09 - 10:26 AM

My third year on Whidbey, I would love to get to the international folk dancing a Folklife but could not find it on the folklife site schedules. I know it is happening but???? I would be most grateful for some direction - your chance to tell me where to go! And when!

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 13 May 09 - 10:57 AM

Sunday, Center House Court for international folk dancing...

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: reggie miles
Date: 13 May 09 - 12:02 PM

Open Mic, apparently, my talents weren't considered valuable enough to be included in the lineup for a performance slot to play at Folklife this year. Oddly, neither was my workshop, teaching folks how to play music with an actual folk instrument, the hand saw, considered valuable enough to be added again this year in the "folk" festival lineup, even though my workshop drew 100+ attendees last year.

How folky does one have to be to get some respect around these parts? Do I have to bleed folk blood? I play a guitar that I made myself from junk that I found at garage sales. I doubt that there are many others at this event that can make that claim. I was nominated as one of the best solo blues artists of 2009 by the Washignton Blues Society. In the last year my songwriting efforts and recordings have won awards and have been featured worldwide in the press. I play melodies with a hand tool! Work with me people!!!

Yep, they decided my original folk/blues efforts weren't good enough but fortunately, the festival has mentioned that they will include those who play Huddie Ledbetter songs. They also mentioned that they will feature those who spin blues records as part of their act. Isn't that special! Why include those from your community that actually learn to play original folk/blues with actual instruments when you can include those who know how to turn on a record player.

I give up! Don't expect to see my smiling face gracing any stages there in the future.

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: Don Firth
Date: 13 May 09 - 01:05 PM

Incredible! Bloody incredible!!

Don Firth

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: Deckman
Date: 13 May 09 - 01:16 PM

Reg ... for many years now, a lot of us "out here" have been wondering just how the festival selection process works, or doesn't work. It appears that, yet again, the "locals" have been passed over. Consider yerself to be in very good company. CHEERS, Bob(deckman)Nelson

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: Don Firth
Date: 13 May 09 - 04:50 PM

I dunno, gang. It begins to look as if there are folk festivals and then there are folk festivals.

I guess one could say that plugging in a turntable, putting a record on it, and flipping a switch is "playing folk music," but somehow. . . .

I can't really see all that many people rushing in to see someone do that.

Hey! Brilliant idea! Why doesn't Gerard Schwarz do that with the Seattle Symphony? He could rehearse the orchestra well, then make one really good recording of a piece of music. And then, charge people to come to Benaroya Hall and listen to him play the record!??

And for the visual appeal, Schwarz could stand there in his tux and wave his baton at the phonograph.

Think of all the rehearsal time they'd save! And they wouldn't have to pay all those musician every time they played the piece. . . .

Gawd!! I'm a flippin' genius!!!

Don Firth

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: reggie miles
Date: 13 May 09 - 05:03 PM

LOL!

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 13 May 09 - 05:04 PM

Maybe it is time for a NW songs, songwriters, more singing-oriented NW things with people from Alaska to California...and including BC and Alberta etc. if they wanted...

Local and historical themes, multi-ethnic, no payment, perhaps sponsored by a university or maritime museum or something.

Don't I have great ideas? Now someone please execute this. mg

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: ClaireBear
Date: 13 May 09 - 05:25 PM

Sorry, I've been away. My hugsbandly unit is named Dan. He always wears blue -- usually jeans and a blue polo -- and sometimes sports a red hat. White hair, 75ish. Spry, though, for an old guy!

C

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: astro
Date: 13 May 09 - 06:46 PM

Don,

My students would like some sort of idea like that for their exams and homework, projects...just find one really good result and copy it for the rest...we paid for that education, why don't I get that grade I paid for....?!

astro, maybe just tired after grading and grading and grading and....

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: astro
Date: 13 May 09 - 06:48 PM

Clairbear,

Did you say you are going to be there...if so hopefully DD and I will cross you paths...

This will be Desert Dancer's and my first big Festival since we hitched up for the long ride together...should be fun! Though next summer we hope to back out east for some of the nice times there...

astro

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: Don Firth
Date: 13 May 09 - 07:47 PM

astro, "homework projects. . . ."

I always thought that was what cut-and-paste from the internet is for. . . .

Don Firth

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: ClaireBear
Date: 14 May 09 - 12:51 AM

Astro, no, sorry. We divide up the vacations because someone has to stay home and entertain our 9-year-old. Dan gets Folklife; I get the Getaway. He loves to dance, I live to sing -- so it works out for everyone.

Have fun!

C

Subject: RE: NW Folklife
From: astro
Date: 14 May 09 - 01:23 AM

Don,

I have come to believe that "homework" projects is to test their ability to copy accurately....

ClaireBear,sounds like a nice arrangement...I have a schedule now with taking most summer offs that Becky and I can go pretty much together...this is a bit of a new world of folk for me, so I am having a great time...

Astro...