Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: gnu
Date: 05 Mar 14 - 02:14 PM

I am away to look at the pics! Thanks Charlie!

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: Charley Noble
Date: 05 Mar 14 - 09:16 AM

I t was an amazing tribute to an amazing person, friend and mentor.

There are photos posted on my Facebook page and also on Pressroom Gang and Clan.

Charlie Ipcar

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 04 Mar 14 - 10:36 AM

Tom Hall changed and influenced so many people's lives...including mine. He wasn't an ambitious man, but he accomplished so much...more, even, than I think he realized.

I can't begin to thank -- and I'm not sure I even have the words -- everybody (including those who couldn't be there in person) who contributed to making his memorial gathering at The Press Room such an amazing event.

I tried to see and talk to as many friends as I could. I elbowed my way (sorry for any bruises I'm responsible for) towards the bar/buffet area as often as I could, stopping for a few words where I could, waving when I couldn't get close enough...

I am still quite overwhelmed.

And while such an outpouring of memories, images, Tom's voice (and David Behm's and many others) was immensely comforting and consoling (for want of better words), it was a very emotionally wrought day for me.

Linn

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 02 Mar 14 - 07:20 PM

Both videos were wonderful. I am glad that the Press Room upstairs was crowded. Rightfully so.

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: Micca
Date: 02 Mar 14 - 07:13 PM

Loved The video and Slide show, in all the years (nearly 14) that I have been going to the Press Room I have always felt Welcome and part to the "Family"!! and Tom Hall was my friend from the start! Back in 2001 a Month after 9/11 a friend( Chance, I owe you) talked me into coming to The US for The Folk Society of Greater Washington Getaway in Maryland, and since I had a weeks leave and it seemed a shame not to have a look around.... Another friend (from New York)asked me if there was anything I particularly wanted to do, I said , "Sing at The Press Room" I had heard about it and wanted to see it, anyway, after much travelling (Mary driving)and many adventures, visiting Friends I had only met online, on the last Friday we turned up at the Press Room I was "expected" as much correspondence had gone on in the time leading up to the trip!, It was a Magical experience, and Tom, Linn and I became Fast friends, so much that almost every subsequent year (and some times more than once a year) when I have visited the US The Press Room has been a "Must" and will continue to be as long as I can make it, Thank you , Tom and Everyone, I feel a sense of very personal loss at your passing, but also a sense of the esteem in which you are held by both your friends and peers, and there are few better epitaphs than that!

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: Jeri
Date: 02 Mar 14 - 03:04 PM

Linn, now that I've listened to that, it IS the one I got off the board on a mini-disc. Have to go watch it again. A great video.

Only in this crowd (or maybe not), but in both presentations, many people sang along with the choruses.

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: gnu
Date: 02 Mar 14 - 01:28 PM

Said my piece on FB.

Re "W.B. said (at Facebook) -- "Likely the largest crowd ever upstairs at the press room for the memorial. Tom Hall, more friends than Elvis."" above. Like.

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 02 Mar 14 - 11:01 AM

Stephan Smith's wonderful slideshow of photographs with audio from Tom's performance at the concert for the 2002 Songs of Sail festival in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, Maine is here -- Tom Hall Slideshow

Linn

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: Jeri
Date: 02 Mar 14 - 09:12 AM

I didn't know there was a card there, Linn. I would have signed it.

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 02 Mar 14 - 08:40 AM

W.B. said (at Facebook) -- "Likely the largest crowd ever upstairs at the press room for the memorial. Tom Hall, more friends than Elvis."

Linn

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: GUEST,Guest-Dianne
Date: 02 Mar 14 - 08:39 AM

Great Video Dave. Thanks.

I am so sorry I was unable to attend, it looks like it was a great tribute and a fitting send off.

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 02 Mar 14 - 07:51 AM

This morning's Portsmouth (NH) Herald --

A Press Room Salute to the Memorable Tom Hall

Only one factual error -- Tom and Bob Frost met at The Stone Church in Newmarket, NH in 1970 -- the second or third weekend the Stone Church was open.

Linn

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 02 Mar 14 - 07:23 AM

Here's the link to Dave Hallowell's beautiful tribute to Tom and the folk community he engendered with the Press Room sessions --

Tom Hall, A Musical Life

Linn

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 01 Mar 14 - 11:20 PM

What an amazing afternoon!

Dave Hallowell's video is brilliant! I'll post a link tomorrow (unless someone does it first).

Linn

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Mar 14 - 09:07 PM

Just watched the YT vid. Smiled, sang along and.... cried. RIP. And, thanks.

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 01 Mar 14 - 02:46 PM

I'm listening to some nautical songs and thinking of both Linn and Tom.

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: Leadfingers
Date: 01 Mar 14 - 12:56 PM

Apart from the reason for the session , wish I could particiate

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: DebC
Date: 01 Mar 14 - 11:44 AM

Waiting for Anglo to arrive and we'll be driving up together.

Deb

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: jacqui.c
Date: 01 Mar 14 - 10:46 AM

I'll be there with TRUBRIT in tow. May not stay for the whole event as I still have the effects of the bug, but we'll see.

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: SINSULL
Date: 01 Mar 14 - 10:06 AM

I am sorting out a family crisis and house bound for the weekend. I will sing my song here.
But I will be with you in spirit.
Mary

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: maeve
Date: 01 Mar 14 - 09:05 AM

Linn and all- You won't miss me half as much as I'll miss being with you today. I'm glad of so many family and friends who will join you in this celebration of Tom and of your shining lives together.

Love,

Maeve

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 01 Mar 14 - 08:45 AM

Got it, Carole. Thank you.

I have a feeling the gathering will be highly populated...

At least the spirit of those unable to be there in person won't complicate the legal capacity of the room...

To complicate it a bit further, though, there is a Smuttynose Brewery Portsmouth Beer Week event going on downstairs from 3-5... It's also a fundraiser for Jesse, a young, currently uninsured, bartender with cancer.

Linn

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: SussexCarole
Date: 01 Mar 14 - 07:41 AM

So sorry that we can't be with you today to remember Tom and celebrate his life . No doubt the rafters will be raised at The Press Room this afternoon. We'll be with you in spirit.   Carole & Andrew

Linn - We've sent you an e mail

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 28 Feb 14 - 10:38 PM

Another nice article about Tom.

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: GUEST,brian dunn
Date: 28 Feb 14 - 05:38 PM

I'll be driving down from waldoboro maine tomorrow, could provide a lift for anyone up this way=832-0572

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: GUEST,Carl Ellis
Date: 28 Feb 14 - 05:35 PM

BTW - SINSULL - I haven't forgotten IOU a Dick McCormack CD, but first he hadn't the one I was after, then he had tech. difficulties, now he's busy legislating in Montpelier, ... But it will happen, probably when you'll have forgotten about it, & then it'll be a surprise.

Sing for me too, tomorrow - I'll give you an extra CD.

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: GUEST,Carl Ellis - GUEST
Date: 28 Feb 14 - 05:28 PM

Can't make it either. But I can dedicate him a Holy Ground tonight at the South Royalton jam.

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 28 Feb 14 - 02:25 PM

I knew Ralph Morang was covering the memorial gathering tomorrow for the Portsmouth Herald, but I wasn't really expecting this in this morning's paper. (Well, I hadn't expected to see Tom's death reported on the front page back on Nov. 16th, either...)

Celebrating Tom Hall

Linn

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: GUEST,Peadar (formerly) of Portsmouth
Date: 28 Feb 14 - 01:25 PM

I'll be there, and my folks are driving up as well.

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 28 Feb 14 - 12:20 PM

At YouTube -- I'll keep you posted.

Linn

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 28 Feb 14 - 07:16 AM

There will be video available probably a day or two after the memorial. Several friends are recording it from several angles.

Linn

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 27 Feb 14 - 09:42 PM

I'm listening to the tribute now on WICN. It was already about 9:15 when I remembered to stream it.

A few nights ago I thought I'd just chuck everything and go to the memorial on Saturday, but then reality set in again. There's no way I can make it work. Linn, you will be in my thoughts and in my heart.

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: maeve
Date: 27 Feb 14 - 10:55 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: Bill D
Date: 26 Feb 14 - 11:54 AM

If you have Rarma Radio installed, you can listen to the program in that, and if desired, also record it. (You might want to test it briefly first)

WICN is listed in their database, so you just enter that in their search box and click on it to play... then click the 'record' button when ready. I have used it to record Dennis & Judy Cook's program in Ohio, and it was easy.

I'm setting a reminder for myself in a couple of places to be sure I don't miss it.

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: jacqui.c
Date: 26 Feb 14 - 07:47 AM

Hoping to be there - just recovering from a nasty bug that left me prone for the last few days.

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: DebC
Date: 24 Feb 14 - 09:01 PM

I will be there.

Deb

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Feb 14 - 11:18 AM

I plan to attend weather permitting.
Mary

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: Charley Noble
Date: 22 Feb 14 - 10:12 PM

Judy and I, along with Nor and Eli, are planning to be there.

Charlie Ipcar

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 22 Feb 14 - 05:10 PM

There will be a tribute to Tom (Curmudgeon) on Nick Noble's WICN (Worcester, Massachusetts) folk show on Thursday, February 27, 2014 from 8-10 PM EST.

It may be listened to online at wicn.org by clicking the button on top that says, "Listen Live Online". Listen Live Online

Nick's entire show runs from 7PM to 11 PM.

And, of course, the memorial gathering for Tom is next Saturday, March 1, from 2-5-ish UPSTAIRS at The Press Room.

Linn

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: gnu
Date: 18 Feb 14 - 09:07 PM

Snow, snow, go away.............

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Feb 14 - 04:17 PM

I didn't stop in to see you Saturday when I was in Portland, Sinsull, because I was trying to get back to Portsmouth for the shanty session before it started snowing. I didn't succeed... (It started spitting snow as I was leaving Portland at 12:30.) Tedious and slow drive home from the session.

And today it's, of course, snowing again...so I had to reschedule a meeting with the function manager at The Press Room.

I am so sick of snow ... At least I didn't have to pay for plowing on Saturday -- just last Wednesday and probably tomorrow.

Linn

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Feb 14 - 12:16 PM

thanks for that Linn.
Hope the weather cooperates. We are looking at another 8" followed by rain and a freeze.
SINS

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Feb 14 - 11:55 AM

Nick Noble, who has a folk show on WICN in Worcester, Massachusetts, is going to be unable to come to the memorial gathering on March 1st... So he is devoting the middle two hours (8-10 PM EST) of his show on Thursday, February 27, 2014 to a tribute to Tom.

And, yes, it may be listened to online at wicn.org by clicking the button on top that says, "Listen Live Online".
Listen Live Online

Thursday, February 27, 8:00-10:00PM EST. Nick's entire show runs from 7PM to 11 PM.

Linn

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 08 Feb 14 - 07:11 PM

I know, Roy, that you'll be with us in spirit. I hope I get a chance to meet you in person one of these days.

Anybody know how to get in touch with Danny Gravas these days? I never met him, but Tom knew him from Charles Street days in Boston in the late '60s.

Linn

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 08 Feb 14 - 12:09 PM

I'm sad that I live too far away to join in this.

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 07 Feb 14 - 08:44 PM

Refresh!

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: JudyB
Date: 06 Feb 14 - 10:30 PM

The website was a bit funky, but I think we have our reservation for the night of March 1st. We took a vote, and the fuzzy gang vetoed Friday night - but we're hoping to hear all about it during the breaks on Saturday!

~JudyB

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 06 Feb 14 - 05:31 PM

♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: Charley Noble
Date: 04 Feb 14 - 07:43 AM

Sounds like an excellent plan.

Charlie and Judy

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 03 Feb 14 - 10:20 AM

I've got Tom's black and dark green ones for you as well, Kendall. Tom didn't wear them as often as he wore the red ones, but he wore them.

It pleases me very much that you wear them.

Linn

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: GUEST,Kendall
Date: 03 Feb 14 - 08:20 AM

Whether or not I make it, I will be wearing his red suspenders.

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 02 Feb 14 - 08:37 PM

Don't forget that the evening before will be our weekly trad session at the Press Room that Tom founded 30+ years ago. If you're in town early. I've inherited the reins (and the gavel which David Behm made and Tom never used...no I don't bring it...)

Linn

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 02 Feb 14 - 05:38 PM

Just heard from Nick Noble. He can't make it on March 1st but he's planning to do an hour or more of Tom on his Thursday, Feb. 27 folk show on WICN in Worcester, MA. I'm getting Tom's demo CD to him (thanks, Steve!) that has a couple cuts from the 2002 Songs of Sail including Tom's famous history teacher intros...

Emery Hutchins will be emceeing the gathering, so people who want to speak or sing or whatever will sign up with him on the day of the memorial. It will probably end in sort of a session...

Linn

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: GUEST,Charmion's brother Andrew
Date: 02 Feb 14 - 05:24 PM

Shanties galore, I hope. ;)

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: Charmion
Date: 02 Feb 14 - 03:40 PM

Edmund (CET) is taking leave for this event, allowing time to get over the inevitable after-effects before we hit the road for home. We are booked into the Hilton on High Street for the weekend.

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 01 Feb 14 - 06:05 PM

I just put the memorial information on the Tom Hall Tribute Site but right now they won't seem to let me add photos to the "Family" album -- it keeps kicking me over to the "Community" photos section despite being signed in as administrator. Sigh. I'll try again tomorrow but I can't call for assistance until Monday. I've got a bunch more photos I'd like to put up.

Linn

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: gnu
Date: 01 Feb 14 - 04:57 PM

Ditto John.

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: GUEST,John Mackenzie
Date: 01 Feb 14 - 04:01 PM

I will be there in spirit. Sing him home folks.

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: SINSULL
Date: 01 Feb 14 - 01:19 PM

I will be there.

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Feb 14 - 12:57 AM

It should be a splendid send-off!

Maggie

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: wysiwyg
Date: 31 Jan 14 - 11:50 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 31 Jan 14 - 10:29 AM

Yes, upstairs. Stage and sound system.

Linn

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 30 Jan 14 - 11:14 PM

As much as I would like to be there, it is unlikely that I will be able to make it.

Subject: RE: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: Charley Noble
Date: 30 Jan 14 - 08:21 PM

Judy and I certainly plan to be there.

So it will be upstairs in the special events/concert hall?

Charlie Ipcar and Judy Barrows

Subject: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Memorial Gathering
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 30 Jan 14 - 12:54 PM

I know originally I had said we would have a memorial gathering for Tom shortly after the midwinter holidays, but it's taken a bit longer to find the time to start organizing it. I also didn't want to conflict with the Mystic fundraiser, and I think January's quixotic weather was also a good reason to have it a bit closer to whatever is going to pass for Spring in New Hampshire...

Tom wasn't a conventionally religious man and The Press Room pub in Portsmouth, NH was where he held court (or class -- he was a teacher both off stage and on) at his Friday trad sessions for the past 30+ years and the monthly sea music singarounds for the past twelve, so it seems appropriate to hold his memorial gathering upstairs at The Press Room.

In the article about the weekly trad session (and Tom's role in founding it) by Chris Hislop in the Portsmouth Herald just before the Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival last September, most of the people interviewed described the session as being like church ("The religion? Folk music.") -- our way of communing with the Infinite. (There's a link to the article on the MultiMedia page of Tom's Tributes.com memorial -- Tom Hall Tribute Site)

So here's the information about the memorial gathering:
Date:        March 1, 2014
Time:        2:00 PM-5-ish
Where:        The Press Room
                77 Daniel Street
                Portsmouth, NH

At the monthly sea music session two days after Tom died, our server Jaki said, "You folkies do it right -- instead of mourning, you celebrate."

What a singing there will be...

Linn