Going to Avoca?

Subject: Going to Avoca?
From: Laura
Date: 22 Aug 99 - 10:12 AM

Anyone going to the Old Time Country Music Contest and Festival in Avoca, Iowa? I'm seriously considering going and am not sure what to expect. (I was supposed to go to New England next week on vacation, but Avoca sounds funner). Laura

Subject: RE: Going to Avoca?
From: Paddy(1)
Date: 22 Aug 99 - 02:24 PM

Laura ...

I thought you were referring to Avoca, Co Wicklow, Ireland, the home of "The Meeting of the Waters" as made famous by Tom Moore's melody of the same name.

There is not in this wide world a valley so sweet
As that vale in whose bosom the wide waters meet
etc

or more recently, the home of Ballykissangel, the UK television program.

If you are ever there, Laura, I'll meet you in the Vale View Hotel.

Paddy

Subject: RE: Going to Avoca?
From: j0_77
Date: 22 Aug 99 - 03:21 PM

It is too high priced and remote. $60=00

Good jamms and very nice people.

Next best thing is Winfield 'International' again overpriced and overcrowded. Ran by a bunch of corpo types - but about as good as Bluegrass Festivals get. There are excellent side shows - lots of Celtic jamms - a few old timey groups - great Singer Songwriter shows - Great Instrument stalls. If you are travelling far I would recommend you go to Winfield instead of Avoca. Cost is about the same but the comparitive size - no way. Avoca is a meet - Winfield is a stampede - like about 100 times as big. SAME PRICE.

Winfield is in September I think around the 16th or 20th you'd have to check that out.

Woody Guthrie fest July - 14-18 2000.

Try Woody Guthrie Fest next year - you'll be *A*M*A*Z*E*D* - Cost $5 yup five dollars - this is 1999 in case you are wondering. To get to Woody's fest you can drive or go by Train to Oklahoma City. The Festival is at Okemah on I 40 east of the city a hour's drive. Camping is good and like I said it IS a folk festival - all kinds of Music there. Two things - Singing and Guitar - not Bluegrass notice :) - predominate - nationaly know names YUP - Blues Players who can do it YUP - Celtic YUP - Oldtimey Yup - Harmonica Playing Yup -

This is the best festival I have been to since the '60s without any doubt! Next year I am hoping (along with Arlo Guthrie amoung others) the organisers will move the fest back to March or April when the weather is cool.

Subject: RE: Going to Avoca?
From: bill\sables
Date: 22 Aug 99 - 05:45 PM

Hi Paddy 1 Do you know Avoca Co Wicklow? I have heard through family history that my ancestors lived in Avoca and left around 1865 to come to the UK They were into mining. Do you know of any mining in that area? Cheers Bill

Subject: RE: Going to Avoca?
From: Paddy(1)
Date: 24 Aug 99 - 06:07 PM

Bill

Sorry for not getting back to you.

Avoca is (was) well known for its copper mines, the remains of which are still to be seen on the landscape around the area.

They closed about 1970 or so although sulphur was extracted from pyrites in an adjoining chemical factory for several more years.

It is a beautiful part of Ireland, situated in the heart of what is known as the Garden of Ireland (Wicklow).

I know everyone thats anyone around that area. I could tell many stories (but wouldn't!) of the goings on around Avoca and surrounding districts!!

But seriously, if I can do anything to help you trace your ancestors I would be delighted to help.

This could probably be done better using E-mail.

Paddy