'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14 Nov 2011

Subject: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 04:55 AM

Not that you're likely to have missed the event being mentioned in other threads, but just for good order and to make sure the logistics are all in one place:

The UK launch of the 5-CD "This Is Us" set (plus the seasonal album "Until The Dark Time Ends"), commemorating 15 years of Mudcatting, is taking place at Herga Folk Club this Monday.

Venue:    Pinner Green Social Club (Function Hall), Rickmansworth Road, Pinner, Middlesex HA5 3TJ.
Date/Time: Monday 14th November, 8:00pm start (finish by 10:30pm)

Entrance fee will be as for a normal club open evening, i.e. £2.50p (£2 for club members). The proceeds (after paying £20 for the hall hire) will be split 50/50 between the club and Mudcat.

There is some onsite parking (about 12 cars), and plenty more parking available on the street (note - if you park on the street make sure that you don't "ride" the pavement, as the local jobsworths don't like that).

In order to plan the evening a little and to be in a position to warn the bar regarding numbers, I would be grateful if people intending to come could let me know by responding to this thread, or by PM.

Also, as I am landed with the job of MC-ing the evening and to minimise the need to test my Greek planning abilities, I would be grateful if you could let me know (also by responding to this thread or PM) if you are planning to sing on the night, so that I can include you in the setlists.

The rough timetable should be

8:00 - 8:15 club performer floorspots
8:15 - 9:10 "This Is Us" songs - first set
9:10 - 9:20 break
9:20 - 9:35 club performer floorspots
9:35 - 10:30 "This Is US" songs - second set

or something vaguely similar to the above. Or not, depending on availability of people and if I had a good day at work....

See you there?

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: Crane Driver
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 05:15 AM

Yes, we're planning to be there, and would like the chance to sing. See you all there.

Andrew & Carole

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 05:25 AM

Have PM'd also, but to confirm, Emma & I will be there; perhaps one song could be accommodated..

~Michael~

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 05:36 AM

Well, on a first come first served basis, clearly you're in anyway! Looking forward to it.

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: My guru always said
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 07:51 AM

Richard and I will be coming along, with Barrie and hopefully the lovely Noreen & Stewart also.

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 08:07 AM

Hello George,

I shall be there too!

Best wishes,

Peter

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: GUEST,Noreen at work
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 08:11 AM

Yes, Stewart and I will be there, with Hils and Richard.

I'm happy to sing if there's space.

Looking forward to seeing you all :)

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: Micca
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 08:55 AM

George, It is in my intention to be there (barring the unforseen), I will not be singing.

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: stallion
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 09:20 AM

Ok, the two sheep are otherwise busy but Jo and I will be there stopping off on the way after visiting daughters in Surrey and Sussex.

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: stallion
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 09:22 AM

Oh in the abscence of the little flockers need a hearty chorus for "On Ratcliffe Highway" Homework Barrie - learn it!

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: Mysha
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 10:48 AM

Hi,

Well, I was told this summer I was going to sing Cataluna Spirit at Herga, so I guess I'm there as well.

1 Should there be room in the schedule for something more official? Like presenting a couple of CDs?

2 How many of us? Are we going to get to sing more than just our own song? As I mentioned in a different conversation: The Dutch Top 2000 has this format where the artists play their own song, and one other song from the list. Would be nice, but does require a bit of MC-ing in advance to not all have us prepare the same song.

3 My bus is scheduled to arrive in London in the morning. Are there people in the area early, if only to have someone to talk to over diner some place?

Bye,
                                                               Mysha

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: bradfordian
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 10:57 AM

From the UK side, All the available CD sets have now been allocated.

bradfordian

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: Singing Referee
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 11:37 AM

Christine and I will be there, but I guess you realized that!

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 11:44 AM

I do not propose to sing one my 'own' songs ~ i.e. either of the ones on the CDs, which everyone can hear on there; or even any of those on my Youtube channel, which ditto: but something else ~ I do know a few more songs, you know. I trust this will be acceptable.

~Michael~

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 11:45 AM

Mysha,
to answer your questions:

1. What do you mean by "presenting a couple of CDs" - do you mean from the Mudcat set? Or other, personal ones? If you meant "Mudcat", then presenting a full CD would take about 75 to 90 minutes, so realistically - no chance. But I am still confused about wanting something "formal" - can you explain?

2. How many - good question! I don't know, which is why I asked that question at the start of the thread. Hopefully the responses here will give me a reasonable idea by the end of the week, and then I can plan something for the sets. It would be nice, for example to group the performances by CD. As for asking people to sing other songs than their own (in the CDs context), that is fraught with risk - which version? is the original performer happy to be substituted, who can tell me who is prepared to sing which song in advance etc etc.

3. London is big. You'll have a better chance of meeting up with Londoner Mudcatters (there are several) if you can give an indication of where you will be based.

regards

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: henryclem
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 12:18 PM

Hi George

I'll be there and would like to sing one of my (mercifully short)
songs. Be good to meet up with some old Mudcat acquaintances and get to know some new ones.

See you next week!
Henry

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 12:19 PM

People should feel free to sing what they like. However, this being billed as a "launch of the CD set", punters coming for it may well have the reasonable expectation that they will hear at least some of the songs presented. That is the point of a launch after all - we cannot say to the audience "buy the CDs then you'll know", or "watch YouTube to find out". Still, if anyone would rather sing other songs than those that they sing on the CDs, nobody will make a fuss about it, I am sure.

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 12:23 PM

Henry, I would not give you any hassle or needle you to sing a particular song, though if you follow my thread you'll know what I mean. But you can always say "I'm all right, Jack..." :-)

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: Mysha
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 12:58 PM

Hi,

[presenting a couple of CDs]
I see the verb used here is "Launch" instead: If this is the East of the Ocean launch of This is Us, shouldn't there be a point where they are actually launched? That is after all what the event is about. People come to see and hear the CDs. "Hearing the CDs" is why we sing songs from the CDs, ""Seeing them", well: The MC stands in front of the audience, and starts telling "Long ago the people of Mudcat created the Blue Plate Specials ..."; or: At the start/end of the performance, the artists show the CDs and tell the audience "This is us"; or "Can I take a minunte of your time? We at Mudcat take a lot of Max's time, and we wanted to do something in return ..."; or ... .
In whatever format, actually formally launch the CDs.

[Singing other people's songs]
Indeed, a matter of some preparation, which is why I asked beforehand. Following the format of the Top 2000, which I like, the other performance is the interpretation of the artist performing it live. Eg. I'm adding The Minstrel to my repertoire, but if I were to sing it, it would be slightly different from Tam's version. If she's there, it'll be her singing it, of course, not me.

[Where in London]
Oh, I have all day, so I can meet up wherever there are more Mudcatters present in London. But my hotel is somewhere near Paddington. Anyone know a place to meet a few Mudcatters, and find some simple food, around there?

Bye
                                                                                                                               Mysha

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: treewind
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 01:30 PM

We are intending to perform as many or few of the tracks we contributed to the CD as we are asked to do.

It never occurred to us that we should do anything else.

Anahata (and Mary)

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 02:19 PM

I can see your point now, Mysha. To be honest, I have been to several album launches, and held 6 of them myself, without a formal "launch moment", other than at the interval, when the MC says "now you can go at last to the CD table and buy the CD for yourselves" - but that has been always in cases where the CDs were not avaibale prior to the "launch". This is not the case here, indeed I understand from Dick's statement in another thread that all UK CD sets have now been allocated. Some will be picking them up on the night, but others have them already. And (if I understand right) nobody will be able to buy a set on the night, who has not ordered one before. So thet meaning of the "launch" would be lost. But that is no reason not to do something to mark the occasion. I am open to ideas and will have a head-scratch myself.

Regarding singing other people's songs - I am easy on that, as I said. I think it is a bit late in the day to make it a formal "sing one of yours and then one of someone else's" rule, even if everyone agreed to do it. I certainly would not impose such a rule on anyone without their agreement. But happy if some want to do this. In the end I suspect we will be limited by the number of participants. I expect some 16+ singers already, and no doubt more will become apparent before the night. That means 16 x 5 = 80 minutes straightaway (5 minutes per song is pretty much the minimum with a bit of patter and people coming on and off, in fact for my sets I allocate 6 minutes to be safe, and I am rarely out by much in my estimate - OK, you could argue that I talk a lot!). So I'll wait to see how many we actually have there on the night, and we'll take it from there, with a little bit of schedule-setting in advance (some people requested that they come on early etc etc).

Regarding London contacts: You can PM Micca, Moses, LTS (Liz the Squeak) and Leadfingers for a start...

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 02:21 PM

"avaibale"? can someone please translate me to myself?!!

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: stallion
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 02:48 PM

As I see it the ones of ours that made it were the ones that wouldn't have any copywrite issues and not neccessarily what I consider our best tracks. Having said that i am quite happy with the selection and as a cd launch songs from the CD ought to be offered even if one doesn't feel they are your best. If invited to sing I will sing "On Ratcliffe Highway" even though I am shorn of two voices. The chorus is easy enough no excuses!

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: The Sandman
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 02:50 PM

I am sorry I cannot be there, hope it goes well.

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 03:18 PM

We can be sheepish, Stallion - I'll practice the chorus of RH!

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 03:18 PM

Thanks Dick - we'll miss you

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: Leadfingers
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 05:20 PM

I will be trundling up from darkest Hayes - Looks like I will have an empty car as it clashes with the Maidenhead Tunes evening !

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: stallion
Date: 08 Nov 11 - 07:37 PM

oops George, it might not be the one you are expecting search for it here!
Peter

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 09 Nov 11 - 02:14 AM

You,re right, it wasn't. Send the words and I'll busk it!

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: My guru always said
Date: 09 Nov 11 - 01:17 PM

Better'n than, pop the words here & we'll ALL busk it....

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: stallion
Date: 09 Nov 11 - 07:20 PM

Come all you jolly sailors
and listen unto me
Avast a while , I'll make you smile
and tell you of a spree
There's many a craft in Wapping
In flying colours gay
Pirate ships, and fireships,
Along Ratcliff highway

Cho
So its mind them fine flash frigates
In their flying colours gay
Or soon they'll clear your lockers out
Along Ratcliff Highway


To the old Three Crowns I first put in
A frigate took me in tow
I was tempest toss'd, me cargo lost
I made full sail to go
Then I cruised the Mahogany bar
And so by the next day
I lay so high and – oh so dry
Along Ratcliff Highway

Cho

In the Old Rose and Britannia
Such frigates there at hand
There's crooked Loo and squinty Sue
And bandy Mary Anne
There's skinny Sal the china gal
And flash maria neat
There's bouncing Nell and brazen Belle
Who's bin through 'arf the fleet


And in the famed King Billy
Down on new gravel lane
There's Jenny Jones, all skin and bones
And ugly Molly Payne
There's lusty Bet as black as Jet
With a bustle such a size
And sniffing Annie with her wet – nose
And Sukey gravy eyes

Cho


In the parlour of the Barley Mow
I hailed a frigate tight
Towed her away without delay
And boarded her that night
She took me watch me money too
Me clothes to my dismay
Two bullies stout they turned me out
Upon Ratcliff highway

Cho


So all you Jolly sailors
I'd have you bear in mind
There's pirate sort in every port
And Fireships you'll find
But if your going on the spree
When you're out on the loose
Get moored all right, so snug and tight
In the Port of Paddy's goose

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: My guru always said
Date: 10 Nov 11 - 03:32 AM

Thanks for that Peter, found it & listened, looking forward to hearing you on Monday!

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: Noreen
Date: 11 Nov 11 - 02:29 AM

Refresh :)

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: Noreen
Date: 12 Nov 11 - 03:07 AM

Anyone else coming?

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 13 Nov 11 - 12:35 PM

refresh - just to have directions readily accessible!

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 13 Nov 11 - 01:26 PM

Not long now!

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 13 Nov 11 - 01:57 PM

At the latest count we will have a minimum of 17 Blue Plate "acts" on the night, with 32 songs in the CDs between them. No chance of doing them all, then (we have two 50-minute sets, roughly). I will exercise my prerogative as Master of Catastrophies therefore, and ask some to do 1 song and some to do 2. But looking at the list, it will certainly be a cracking evening, looking forward to it!

And remember, we start at 8 o' clock sharp. I'll be there at least an hour before, accepting bribes and illicit favours. Licit ones as well, if there are any.

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: My guru always said
Date: 13 Nov 11 - 04:01 PM

All is well, Bradfordian has landed at Old Keepers safely. It's all points north tomorrow, we will attempt to get to Herga in good time tomorrow!

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: GUEST,bradfordian at Old Keepers
Date: 14 Nov 11 - 04:09 AM

It's looking good at Oldkeepers, bacon baps coming up in a couple of minutes.
All ready for tonight. I will do some video recording AND do the USTREAM thing too (www.ustream.com ---- Mudcat Cafe Folk and Blues channel from 20:00 GMT)

bradfordian at Old Keepers

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: SussexCarole
Date: 14 Nov 11 - 04:20 AM

We're staying in Sussex so not too far to travel today. See you all there later.

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 14 Nov 11 - 05:03 AM

Bacon baps! Beats a banana and an apple at 6:30...

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: Leadfingers
Date: 14 Nov 11 - 05:15 AM

Just finished a nice bowl of muesli - I'll be there betime , traffic permitting

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: Will Fly
Date: 14 Nov 11 - 05:24 AM

Well,I have to be in Charlwood in Surrey this evening to do something similar to the event at Herga - launching and selling a DVD for a local village show which I filmed and put together - so I have, very reluctantly, to miss tonight's event in Pinner.

I hope you all have a great evening - break legs individually and collectively (!) and have a wonderful time.

Bradfordian - money for my set will be on its way to you tomorrow.

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 14 Nov 11 - 06:34 AM

I think I might be there horribly early! (To beat the traffic). Is there anywhere near by to have a cuppa?

Best wishes,

Peter

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 14 Nov 11 - 06:56 AM

How early Pete? I think the club opens at 6pm and I plan to be there 6:30 or so. About 500-600 yds either side of the club on the main road there are F&S takeaways, Greasy Spoons etc.

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 14 Nov 11 - 07:25 AM

Thanks George,

Sounds just the thing!

I've PM-ed you.

Best wishes,

Peter

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: breezy
Date: 14 Nov 11 - 07:38 AM

This is going to be good

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Nov 11 - 08:34 AM

We aim to be there as early as possible, bearing in mind we hope to be be leaving Southwark before 6:30, and searching for parking when we get there.
Pavane & Mrs Pavane

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 14 Nov 11 - 12:02 PM

Hope all goes well tonight. I wish I could join y'all.

Subject: RE: 'This Is Us' UK Launch @ Herga 14/11/11
From: The Sandman
Date: 14 Nov 11 - 02:24 PM

leadfingers eating muesli, better sing down wind, hope it goes well ,would like to be there.