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Portland ME ChantySing II
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Subject: Portland ME ChantySing II From: Uncle Jaque Date: 20 Mar 01 - 12:40 PM We recently heard from a fellow Chanteyman from Ohio, who is planning a family vacation up Searsport way, and may be passing through the Portland area some time in May. Colaborating with area Chantey Fans Naemanson, Cpt. Steve B. (of the China Seas Marine Trading Co. in Portland) and others, we seem to be in agreement that we are due for another hoot like unto the very successfull and delightfull one held last January at the Shop. I will paste a few experts of pertainant e-mailings here so as to bring fellow Mudcatters up to speed. The dates are pretty much between two in May, a Fri. or a Sat.. Haven't planned a date when I'll be back up in Maine. Boston in May is the closest I've planned, but my wife and I might head up to Camden on the 20th of May if other tentative plans don't gel. I'd love to get together and sing a couple songs together. I like to do the harmony. I'm probably a baritone, but like to think of myself as a 2nd Tenor. Let me know if any Maritime "sings" are in the offing in May. O.K. Your Mate, Tim Ahoy, Tim: I'm not aware of any scheduled Chantey-Sings up this way yet, but your visit might well occasion an excuse for one!... ... Let us know your plans as far in advance as u can and we'll see what we can pull together!
> Tim to UJ: > ...I like your chantey lyrics very much! I'd love to hear the tune by and by > too. Say, do ya know of any chantey lovers who get together in your area to > sing on a regular basis? I may be rolling by there on my way up to Camden from Cleveland sometime & I'd love to stop in 'n sing along! ;~} > Let me know. > Tim, Cleveland Ohio > > To which UJ replied: > > Ahoy, Matey! > > ... It's been so long now, I don't recall which chantey you are referring to; was it the "Morning Star" one? > That seems more like a "Foc'sle" song than a legitimate chantey, per se, although I had a more chantey-like song in the works. Unfortunately I neglected to write that one down and seem to have forgotten it. So it goes with inspiration! > > You missed our "big" Shantey hoot in Portland, ME in late January last at Cpt. Steve BUNKER's "China Seas" nautical antique and salvage shop. > >
> I must tell you all that I'm not much of an instrument player. Years ago,I fiddled around with fiddle, guitar, a hiker's accordion, and flute, but all I feel I'm really any good at is singin', percussion and piano . I'm yer man for pickin' out harmonies, though. > Til next time--- > Tim > > I'm a "pretty much Baritone" too, but would love to try some of the old 4-part harmony like they did "back then". Most of that sort of music seems to have been written for vocal harmony, but there's not that many folks doing that sort of thing around here any more, save the "Barbershoppers", and that's a whole 'nother genre! (They pull the Baritone up to lead, instead of the traditional Tenor, and that wasn't common practice, as I understand it, until around the 1880s. Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever heard them do a "Chanty" per se... and I don't really know if I'd want to, either!)...
Ahoy Uncle Jaque!
I'll be in yer area around May 24-25 before the Memorial Day w/e and of course, what goes up must come down, so I'll be comin' thru about a week later around the 31st of June. (?) ...let me know if I could just get together with ya for a wee bit, even if I can't experience a great event like singing Songs of the Sea in a group. To me, such a group would consist of between 3 & 6. I don't know what I'd do if I encountered a larger mass of ol' salts than that! (He may be goin' t' find out!);>{)...
>Subject: May Sing Date > >Date: Sun, 18 Mar 2001 23:00:32 -0800 From my end as far as weekends go, Sunday, May 20th or Saturday, the 26th would be good. I'll be between Boston and Camden, Maine on vacation, i.e. probation a.k.a. on leave of my senses during that time. :~} > >--Tim > > UJ to Brett et. al. 03/19/01 Mon.: > > So; since we must be about due for Chantey Sing II (seems like as good a way to celebrate Spring as any I can readily think of), may we have some input from potential participants as to:
> Which one of these dates Tim can join us on (May 20 or 26) would be most do-able for you... assuming that you want & will be able to attend? I'd like to have some sense of consencus within a week or so so that we can get back to Tim in order that he can plan ahead.
Since Cpt. Steve and Sharon B. have graciously offered their "China Seas Marine Trading Co." facilities as a location for the event and Brett opines that Portland would be the most conveniently accessable port for all hands, I gratefully concur. Be there any with an "issue" regarding that plan (for one thing, I don't know that the shop is all that handicapped-accessable; I don't get the impression that the basement "head" is particularly) sound off now or forever hold yer bilge!
The times for the Jan. sing seemed to work pretty well (4-ish to whenever-ish as I recall); if that is convenient with our Hosts, might we follow suit this time? Of course, being on a Weekend, some might want to get an earlier start on things. We can talk... > Here's a couple of potentially pregnant thoughts, Mates: "KEG of GUINESS"..... (Conjoined intimately, we hope, with it's companion thought; "Designated Driver"!)
"RUM BALLS" (Sinsull???)
And how about a "core Group"; Do we want to go with (providing that they are willing) Roll & Go again, or give somebody else a turn? Castlebay? Schooner Fare"? (They CAN do acoustic, can't they? I know at least one certainly can!) > I know it's a long shot, but might it be possible for someone to wrest Gordon BOK out of his lighthouse to drop in? I'll bet that i'd not be the only bloke to be tickled pink by that appearance! > > So what say ye, Mateys? I think hosting our travelling Mate from the big lakes to some spirited Old Time Down-East Chanty'in is a bully excuse for a Spring Chantey Sing... as if we really needed one! > > "Uncle Jaque", Yarmouth > So; Stay tuned and feel free to share your thoughts, suggestions, interest level etc..
We will be updating this thread as dates / times etc. come into focus.
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: SINSULL Date: 20 Mar 01 - 03:33 PM Maybe Barry Finn will be well enough to join in. That would be something to celebrate! |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: Bat Goddess Date: 20 Mar 01 - 05:18 PM Please make it NOT on a Friday so at least a couple of the Portsmouth session singers can make it! (And if God is merciful, it won't be Mother's Day Weekend, either!!!!) Bat Goddess |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: Mrrzy Date: 20 Mar 01 - 05:31 PM Well, I'll only be there in August, what's going to be happening then? Then go back to the thread - Not hijacking, honest! |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: Jeri Date: 20 Mar 01 - 05:38 PM What Bat Goddess said - Fridays are out and Mothers' Day weekend. Sat or Sun would be best, but would we interfere with store operation? Where the hell's Kendall, anyway??? |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: Uncle Jaque Date: 20 Mar 01 - 07:06 PM According t my calender, Mother's Day falls on the 13th, a week prior to the weekend we're sort of focusing on. I'm getting a preponderance of prefferance for a Saturday, so unless we hit a significant conflict, that's what it'll probably be. Re. Barry; Yes, I was thinking that myself! I certainly join you in fond hopes & prayers that our "vocal artillery" will be back on deck & in battery for this one; it sure wouldn't be the same without 'im! I've been bouncing the thought off of Naemanson and Cpt. Steve that we may have a larger crew than China Seas can accomidate, (he recently lost about half of his floor space to a pizza joint) and I've asked if the Cpt. can check amongst his legendary worldwide "connections" for more capacious digs should the need arise. He is known to have Shipmates who still sail around in those old windjammers, and who knows; one might owe him a favor and be sailing down Portland way in May.. long shot, but this Old Salt is truly amazing, so stay tuned! Appologies for my ragtag post... tried to clean & patch up text & format from e-mail, and obviously fell a little short. Hopefully ye can make fair sense of it. |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: Julia Date: 20 Mar 01 - 07:54 PM Hi Guys- sounds like a great doodah- might be able to get Nick Apollonio and his lady Kristen to come down from Rockport.. I'll ask them. Keep us posted re: date & time Cheers just now- Julia & Fred /Castlebay |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: SINSULL Date: 20 Mar 01 - 07:58 PM Jeri, Kendall's in sunny Florida avoiding tornadoes. I expect he'll be back before the shanty sing. |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: Jeri Date: 20 Mar 01 - 09:50 PM Thanks, SINS. He appeared to be unnaturally quiet of late. Uncle Jaque, a ship would be GREAT, but singing anywhere is fine with me. |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: CRANKY YANKEE Date: 20 Mar 01 - 10:54 PM First, I would like to define exactly what a chanteyman is. A chanteymen is a regular PAID member of a saioing ship's crew, rated at least AB. Be3tter if he or she is Boatswain or one of the mates. The chanteyman's job is to coordinate the work being done by more than one person. And HE OR SHE MUST HAVE THE ESXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE TO BE IN CHARGE OF WHATEVER OPERATION HE OR SHE IS ENGAGED IN. Singing chanteys while someone else gives the orders does not qualify you as a chanteyman. THE TOOLS THAT THE CHANTEYMAN USES TO EFFECT THE NEceSSARY COORDINATION ARE USUALLY VERBAL PIECES OF MUSIC. Each song (or chantey, if you will)is particularly tailored by meter and tempo for the job that it is being used on. The Chanteyman gets extra pay aside from his regular salary as member of the crew. This usually results in the chanteyman being the highest paid member of the crew. I have served as Boatswain and chanteyman on several square rigged ships, mopst notably, "Black Pearl", a hermaphrodite brig (erroneously referred to as a brigantine, which has square rigged sails on the mainmast as well) and the full rigged ship "HMS Rose" which is an accurate replica of an 18th centurey 20 gun warship. I not only served as Boatswain and chanteyman, but I trained her original crew, most of whom were landsmen and the rest were fore and aft sailors. I was the only one aboard with any extensive experience with sails "rigged square to the mast". I and my wife, Donna, also did the original rigging on the rose. We'd have never been able to make the trip from Lunenburg Nova Scotia to Newport, RI with 20 men and 5 women without the help of the precision afforded by sea chanteys. Now then, There are a lot of excellent folk singers who sing chanteys on stage or on ships where they are not professional crewmembers who refer to themselves as "Chanteymen". Well, if they are chanteymen then what am I? (first answer doesn't count) |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: SINSULL Date: 21 Mar 01 - 08:59 AM First Answer...expletive deleted Keep this up and we will have to add you to our list of resident curmudgeons. |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: GUEST,Roll&Go-C Date: 21 Mar 01 - 09:29 AM Crafty Yankee, I'll withhold judgment until we hear you sing, and I'd very much like to hear you sing. What Roll & Go as a sea songs groups strives to do is seldom close to true shanty singing; no one in his or her right mind would let us close to a working group of sailors unless the ship was firmly moored to the dock. We do sing well and pride ourselves on what we know about the traditional songs we sing, and we make no apologies for an occasional outrageous parody or contemporary sea song. The only time Roll & Go could not make on a week-end in May would be Sunday, May 20th, between 12-noon and 3 pm, when we're doing a couple of sets at the Portland Public Market in connection with their sea food festival; you've welcome to hear us sing "Dramamine" and join in the chorus at this tasteful venue. This summer from June through September, Roll & Go hopes to host a 4th Sunday Sea Shanty Sing at the Portland Observatory, a recently renovated watchtower originally built in 1807 on Munjoy Hill to keep track of USO's (Unidentified Sailing Objects). Should be fun if we can close the deal. Cheerily, Charlie Roll&Go-C
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: GUEST,Bedridden Bed Date: 21 Mar 01 - 10:18 PM Well Cranky Yankee, you certinly did define the roll of the Shantyman, & why was that again? We probably all could pull rank here in one way or another but most don't even if they were asked. If giving out one not need to give out their qualifications back handedly at the same time. There are many singers here & elsewhere that do just grand singing shanties that may never have seen blue water as well as many whom sing murder ballads that wouldn't harm a flea, do they need to commit murder to really get the feel for the song before they sing it. If so kiss most of those ballads & shanties goodbye. You sang under the square sail but others that I've sang with would call you a pup to be giving out the way you did above. This is a world wide musical community with as much experence in the music as well as what they're singing about. Years ago I met up with a bunch of tall ship sailors while helping to restore the Brig Carthaginian in Maui, among them was George Herbert Master Rigger from West Geelong who'd riggered the Hawaiian Chieftain, Alma Doepel, Eye Of The Wind, Golden Plover & more & after being to frail in his late 90's advised on the Endeavour. He started out at 13 as a cabin boy in the Baltic trades & ended his days of sailoring as a Cape Horner & seeing as how he died after Hugill he would probably be the last of the old time shantymen. He always sailed with a concertina & a uke & was a shantyman who was always ready to teach or share a song or explain or expand on it if asked & was just tickled pink that someone might keep these songs he sung & loved alive. Most here realize that it's easy on the internet to come across in a fashion or style that was far from what was intended & although some may have read page two want to teach the rest of us what was on page one there are others that have gone on & read page three. Now with all this said & done with you don't say if you're in near or could make the sing but it sure would be nice if you could. I will do my best to recover by then & give it a go if you thought there was a chance you'd make it too. Barry |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: GUEST, Uncle Jaque Date: 21 Mar 01 - 11:38 PM Picky..., err.. I mean "Cranky"; Why, thank you kindly, Sir, for your very illuminating contribution! I stand, no doubt with some others perusing this thread, humbly edified, awed, and suitably impressed! It also seems that you have discovered that you are not the only "Genuine Article" swaggering around the dock here who knows his "fore" from his "aft"! No bones (crossed or uncrossed, with or without skull)will I make about the fact that despite much wanting to go to sea as a youth, it never worked out, and a landlubber I have been ever since. Nonetheless, the sea, ships (particularly the classic sailing craft of yore) and the heritage, culture, traditions and music of the Maritime trade of the early American days of sail facinate me. Although I read a bit about it, I particularly enjoy going over the surviving ships, as my Wife & I did recently at the Mystic Seaport Museum, and talking with people like barry, Cpt. Steve BUNKER (who I'm told is one of the few deep water men still licenced to sail a full-rigged sailing ship) and perhaps yurself (you seem to know your subject pretty well) if ever we get the opportunity to meet. From what I have learned so far, it seems to me that these songs and history, and the memory of the "Iron men in wooden ships" is a treasure which richly deserves preservation. I know im just a wannabe and might seem pretentious to those of you who have been 'round the horn a few times, but with your indulgence and the sharing of your experience and skill, at least we can try our best to keep it alive and pass a bit of it - as credibly as we can - on to the next generation. Your sensitivity to the use of the term "Shantyman" I think I can understand; It's a title you seem to have earned, as did many before you beneath the mast, and as such I think you can be justifiably a little possessive of it. I generally try to use the term "Shanty Singer" to distinguish us "Folkies" who enjoy hearing and/or performing the occasional shanty, forebitter or fo'csle song amidst our repitoire, from the "real McCoys". I no doubt have slipped from this proper usage from time to time, and appologize for any unintentional offence this oversight might have caused; I'll try to be more sensitive in the future. That being said, I hope that you will put into Casco Bay some time and share a song & perhaps a brew or two with the common folk(ies) hereabouts, and hopefully discover that we're not all that bad a lot. So in closing, I'd just like to say: "AArrghh! Swab th' mains'l! Avast!; Reef the hatches! All hands overboard!!!" Amen!!! Uncle Jaque, Reenactor, Landlubber, and occasional ShantySinger; Yarmouth Maine. |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: Jeri Date: 22 Mar 01 - 08:13 AM Uncle Jaque's being sensitive - I want the ticket concession! Are you guys are done with the "mine's bigger than yours" thing? Maybe we can have a scar-comparing contest at the shanty sing like in Jaws? I'm pretty sure if Barry's able to be there, he'll win. Personally, I don't know jack shit - I wish I did. I sing shanties, but I've never heard them in action, and doubt I ever will. I enjoy listening to people talk about their experiences, though. Barry, if you feel up to going, but want a ride, let me know. (If it's not on a Fri night or Mom's Day weekend.) |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: SINSULL Date: 22 Mar 01 - 08:37 AM My Dad and brothers all have Captain's licenses and I got dragged out of bed many Saturday mornings at 2AM to join them on a trak 6 hours off shore. I provided entertainment. They were amused at my ability to vomit into the wind and catch myself and everybody foolish enough to stand downwind of me. Can I play too? |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: Jeri Date: 22 Mar 01 - 08:50 AM Hey Naemanson - "Dramamine, oh Dramamine..." SINS, if we wind up on a boat, stay downwind of me! Wonder why no one ever wrote a barfing shanty..."heave away, all the way"...whoops, maybe they did. |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: SINSULL Date: 22 Mar 01 - 09:31 AM I'm not sure why Jeri but I don't get sea sick any more. Thanks for the sympathy anyway (irony!). My brothers had some nasty song (not a shanty) they sang about calling O'Rourke. I have no interest in trying to recover the lyrics or the memories. |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: GUEST,Roll&Go-C Date: 22 Mar 01 - 09:31 AM Jeri, I still have a well-worn copy of HEAVE HO! My Little Green Book of Seasickness by Charles Mazel. The author provides the ultimate overview, er, discussion of this topic with appropriate citations, limericks, and occasional advice. And sure, Roll & Go would be delighted to deliver another rousing rendition of that fine old authentic heaving shanty "Dramamine" whenever you would like to hear it, and even when it is the last thing you want to hear! We aim to please, but only over the lee rail... |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: Dahlin Date: 22 Mar 01 - 12:56 PM Well said Barry. Fair winds and a quick recovery to you. |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: GUEST,Roll&Go-C Date: 22 Mar 01 - 01:12 PM Shanty Sings at the Portland Observatory. It's official. Roll & Go will be hosting a monthly shanty sing at this beautiful old wooden watch tower, high on Munjoy Hill, on 4th Sundays, 7 pm, beginning in June and ending in September. Designed and built by Captain Moody back in 1807, this signal tower was recently renovated a year ago and needs to be retuned with rousing choruses and refrains; the old Portland Folk Club used to hang out there years ago and, who knows, we might even roust out a ghost or two. For more information, visit our website and e-mail the member of your choice: rollandgoseasongs.com |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: GUEST,Capt. Moody Date: 24 Mar 01 - 10:41 AM Refresh! |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: Naemanson Date: 24 Mar 01 - 12:12 PM I wonder if we could hold the chantey party at the Observatory? Charlie, what would be the logistics for that? And in a late comment to Cranky Yankee: You appear to be concerned with authenticity. If you sang chanties on the Rose you missed the mark. As far as I know chanties were not used on His Majesty's Ships. Are we, who have not sung chanties while working before the mast, all fired? Who will preserve the songs and the history? People genuinely love this music and the opportunities to use them as they were intended are very limited in this day and age. However, we have been known to forgive such outbursts. Come to the sing and put your money where your mouth is. Brett |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: kendall Date: 24 Mar 01 - 12:59 PM If Brigantine is false, what about Barquantine? |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: GUEST,Roll&Go-C Date: 24 Mar 01 - 12:59 PM Brett, we probably don't want to rush the Greater Portland Landmarks people who manage the Portland Observatory by holding the Chanty Sing at the tower. We've got an open door for June and, of course, once we get out nose in there again I'm sure a lot more will follow. Yah, I'd kinda hate to give up singing songs of the sea. It's such a lucrative occupation. Sure would like to have Cranky Yankee lead us in a couple of chanties, chanteys, shanties or whatever they're supposed to be called. |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: GUEST,Great Lakes Tim Date: 25 Mar 01 - 06:22 PM Well, this is the first time I've been on Mudcats for a year, but with Uncle Jaque's prodding, here I am. The Cranky Yankee's got a point, but when a friend of mine joined the Navy some 40 years ago, he was laughed at and chided when he sang sea chanties. After all, who needs a work song to push a button or open a sub hatch? In the same vein, many Americans are keeping spirituals alive who weren't actual slaves (thank God!) Nevertheless, there is real beauty in singing them, just as there is in singing chanties and other songs of the sea. If the Cranky Yankee doesn't want to call us chantymen, then call us historians! If we're to sing together in May on a Saturday, please let it please be the 26th, please. Need I beg? I've a conference in Boston on the 20th. That's my excuse for comin' up to New England in the first place. Anytime after that is fine! Tim |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: Naemanson Date: 25 Mar 01 - 06:39 PM I'm up for the 26th. Anyone else want to jump into the pool with me and Tim? Tim, if the rest of these buggers back out you and I can meet for chanties somewhere in between Boston and Bath. I know some truly interested people in NH. |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: Naemanson Date: 25 Mar 01 - 06:41 PM For the rest of you, that last message is intended as a friendly challenge! Signed, Chantyman Brett (The signature is intended as a friendly challenge to Cranky Yankee. I dare you to question my credentials.) |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: GUEST,Kendall Date: 25 Mar 01 - 06:51 PM When it is finally settled, let me know and I will talk Gordon into coming. |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: GUEST,Roll&Go-C Date: 25 Mar 01 - 07:11 PM May 26th sounds good to me. Now we just need to confirm where, or roam around the streets of the old port until we assemble a large enough crowd to take over a tavern. Welcome back, Kendall! |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: Naemanson Date: 26 Mar 01 - 04:50 AM Why not take over a tavern? 20 or 30 lusty voices joined in chanties would be enough to dominate a place like Gritty's and as long as we are buying food and drink they wouldn't dare do anything about the music. If we get there early enough we should be able to fully take over an area without too much encroachment from the non musical patrons. Tom and his crew manage to do it every Friday at the Press Room. Tom gets there at 4:00 and occupies the central table and the others filter in through the next hour or so. Just a thought... |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: GUEST,kendall Date: 26 Mar 01 - 08:34 AM Better check it out with the management first. He may be a hard core rock fan with no tolerence for real music. |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: SINSULL Date: 26 Mar 01 - 08:49 AM Or a "real" chanteyman with no tolerance for those of us with less than three years before the mast. |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: GUEST,Roll&Go-C Date: 26 Mar 01 - 09:54 AM Sure, we knows how to sing them chanties (or shanties or shanteys or chanteys) and if they'd ever let us aboard a square-rigged ship we'd show 'em how to sail! We're read all about sailing in Patrick O'Brian's books and we've watched the new Hornblower movies over and over. We've got it down. Them grain ship junkies got nothin' on us. They bored a hole beneath her line To let the water out, But more and more with an awful roar, The water in did spout. Arghhh! |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: GUEST,Great Lakes Tim Date: 26 Mar 01 - 01:17 PM Aside from the tavern scene, do we not have access to The China Seas Marine Trading Co. after closin' on a Saturday? That, to my thinkin', would be a most delightful time! I've e-mailed Sharon to see what her final word is 'bout the subject. What say ye? Hadn't ye all a grand time thar in January? Do ye hold a tavern for being a fairer place to meet? |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: GUEST,Roll&Go-C Date: 26 Mar 01 - 01:26 PM I sure would love to sing at The China Seas Marine Trading Co. again with Sharon and Bunker but now that they've lost half their space to another Old Port restaurant I'm somewhat dubious. Your call, Sharon and Bunker. |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: Uncle Jaque Date: 09 Apr 01 - 09:47 PM Date: Friday, April 06, 2001 10:49 AM Subject: Re: Portland Chantey Sing? At 12:43 AM 4/5/01, Tim wrote: Ahoy Uncle Jaque! Any word on the proposed Portland Sing? It disappeared from the Mudcat thread a while back. UJ: It's there, just waaaaaay back in the Archives. I'm hoping somebody will go back and "refresh" it. Good to see you back in there, by the way! My appologies for delay; this PC blew a hard-drive a couple of weeks ago and we are still trying to get it re-set up and on line. T: Was it finalized to be Saturday, May 26th in the evening a some tavern? That's the last I heard about it. Are you still able to partake? UJ: Yes, the Memorial Day Weekend seems to be where it's headed. Some seem to want Sunday the 27th, though. Sat. would be much better for me, as my duties as Chaplain of the Sons of Union Veteran Camp involve leading a Memorial Service Sunday, and possibly a parade with the 3rd Maine Inf. Fife & Drum Corps as well. The Family usually has a traditional Memorial-Day BBQ gathering that weekend. It's shaping up to be a hectic one to be sure, but I will do my best to wangle being in on at least a part of whatever comes together! The location seems to be the most teniuous element before us, but we will be cultivating our options. China Seas will probably not be big enough to comfortably contain the hoards that may potentially decend. Our first one was such a hit, and word does get around, ye know! I'm contemplating calls to the Spring Point Museum near the Coast Guard Station in South Portland, the ME Historical Society (LONGFELLOW House) and USM. I believe that the Roll-&-Go Crew is working on local Pubs, taverns, and houses of ill repute, where they are known to have many fond aquintances and social contacts. };>{)- Tim: I have Sea Shanty Radio on the Internet playing as I work at the computer. It's 24 hours a day and it's rated "4 1/2 Stars" out of 5. It's a might hard to read at the same time, but I really enjoy it when I'm doing graphic design. I found it on www.woodenshipsmusic.org. Send me back a sign, be it Morse, semaphore, or sign. (I was unable to connect with that Chantey Radio site - JC) Y'r Mate, --Great Lakes Tim-- Thanks Tim; I'll CC this to Naemanson ..... as soon as I can find his E-dress (seem to have lost it in the crash)... and keep in touch. Uncle Jaque From Cpt. Steve BUNKER: Jack, How's the singalong coming? You know the whole scurvy crew is welcome at China Sea. If we're not big enough, I understand. Just let me know where you are and I'll bring some of my most ribald ditties. See you soon. Bunk 040901 Mon.: UPDATE: I was unable to contact the Spring Point Museum in South Portland; I'm not sure they are in business any more. Called the Univerity of So. ME and left a message for Prof. "Joe" CONFORTTI of the Ctr. for New England Studies. It just so happens that he is currently teaching a course on "New England and the Sea" into which Chanteys would be most illustrative and of interest to his Students. Trouble is they only have about 4 classes left and our hoot would miss them entirely. He left a return VM today (Iwas @ work) & sounds a little curious, interested, and bewildered all at the same time. I get the impression that this deal is not frequently put to them... Will try to contiact him tomorrow and delve furthur into the educational properties of Chantey-Singing as it relates to the Universites abundant and capacious sheltered spaces. By May we may be able to pull something off outdoors. I'm thinking Ft. Preble or Ft. WILLIAMS @ Cape Elizabeth. (Home of the Portland Head Light). I'm not sure but what there are some covered picnic areas out @ Ft. W. which might come in handy in the event of rain. There are a few other off-the-wall ideas I'm cultivating for a location; please feel free to suggest any options. If we end up getting an auditorium etc. @ USM, perhaps we can truck over some of Cpt. Steve's nautical impedimentia, like the old dory, some sea chests etc. to set some ambiance. Will post if we get any hot leads. |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: Naemanson Date: 09 Apr 01 - 09:59 PM Can we get a head count? That will help for planning purposes. If we gather in strength we can pretty much take over any tavern in the Old Port. Forty or fifty voices raised in chanties will overpower pretty much any muzak sound system. I'm not fond of the auditorium idea. Cahrlie, do you think we could get the Swedenborgian Church? Let's talk to Nor and Eli tomorrow. |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: kendall Date: 09 Apr 01 - 10:06 PM The South portland Marine museum is still in business, but, they dont open until May something. |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: CRANKY YANKEE Date: 10 Apr 01 - 07:53 AM Who the Hell ever said that "Rose" is a warship. or even a genuine H.M.S. It is a REPLICA of an 18th century 20 gun warship. It has never and never will do any real fighting. It sails with a minimum crew of professional seamen. (men meaning hands, no sex involved) There is a rig properly ca;l;ed "Brigantine" It is square rigged on the foremast, The mainsail is fore and aft rigged, usually gaffed and the main topsail is square rigged. A Hermaphrodite Brig is fore and aft rigged on the mainmast and square rigged on the foremast. Hermaphrodite meaning, half schooner, half brig. It is also properly describ3ed as a "Half Brig " A Barquentine is a vessel with three or more masts, the foremast being square rigged and the main and mizzen being fore and aft rigged. O.K.? To reiterate, Rose has a Commercial ticket and is manned (handled) by a civilian crew. |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: CRANKY YANKEE Date: 10 Apr 01 - 08:24 AM Did You Know that "WHOLE LOT OF SHAKIN' GOIN' ON" is a genuine capstan chantey, as is "We all live in a yellow submarine" as you might have guessed there's story connencted herewith. HMS Rose's first winter was spent in a couple of old ferry slips in Jamestown, Rhode Island. One day, John Millar woke me at 6:00am and told me that the Rose had to be moved from the ferry slip it was in to the one next to it, as a ferry boat was coming up from New York to be converted into a floating MOTEL. I was the only crewman left in this area. and I had to see that it was moved. Rose had nop engine in those days and it would have to be wharped from one slip to the other. This is easy to do, IF YOU HAVE A CREW, which we didn't. John had to pick his father up at TF Greene Airport, Black Pearls crew was going to help, but at the last minute, they had to pick up some engine parts in Providence. Along about 1500 The Ferryboat copuld be seen slowly chugging up the bay,so, I went over to the soda fountain in Jamestown just as the High School had let out and picked out the four biggest kids and brought them aboard. I explained that we were going to run a wharp line from the new ferry slip to the capstain, let go all the mooring lines and (The tide and wind were just right) let "Rosie" drift out into the bay and then pull her into the next slip with the capstan. Well, we let all the mooring lines go and started hauling on the wharp line. I started singing, "Heave away Johnny" they began jumping up into the air and yelling "Yahoo" so, of course, when all the sl;ack was taken in, the ship stopped. I hadn't considered the fact that these kids had never heard of a chanteyYou know? it's hard to think when you have your head up your ass. I gathered them around me in a column of bunches and explained why I was singing and that we had to be precisely in step because there weren't enough of us to do the job without the singing, and we'd starve to death in the middle of Naragansett Bay. They understood this, philosophically, but they still jumped up in the air and yelled ,"Yahoo" so i sang something they were more familliar with, COME ON OVER BABY, WHOLE LOT OF SHAKIN' GOIN' ON COME ON OVER BABY, BABY YOU CAN'T GO WRONG i AINT FAKIN' WHOLE LOT O' SHAKIN' GOIN ON. COME ON AN' (here they joined in) SHAKE BABY SHAKE, SHAKE BABY SHAKE, etc. when they got in step and felt the difference, you could just about see a lightbulb turn on over their heads. We finished "Whole lot of shakin goin on" and I went back to "Heave away Johnny. while we slowly pulled into the next ferry slip. |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: Joy Bennett Date: 10 Apr 01 - 08:35 AM congrats on the monthly chantey sings at the Portland Observatory -- and have a great time on the 26 May if that's your final date -- wish I could be there -- But alas, it is the NY Pinewoods folk music weekend in FAlls Village CT -- we have Wild Goose Nation for the weekend -- that's Craig Edwards'(from Forebitter) other group -- so we;ll have a great time too. Perhaps I could make it up to the next one!! And, if you find yourself in NYC June-September, head on down to South Street Seaport on a Tuesday evening from 6-8 and join the New York Packet for 2 hours of chantey/maritime singing aboard the Peking-- (sometimes it is moved indoors to one of the galleries on Water Street)- admission is just $3. There is also a guest artist each week. The New York Packet is about a dozen chantey singers (5 of us women - The Johnson Girls) - who get together to keep the music alive. Let us know if you are headed this way!! Hope to make it one up Maine way to one of your sings sometime. Joy |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: GUEST,Roll&Go-C Date: 10 Apr 01 - 09:54 AM Well, when I spoke to Bunker and Sharon a couple of weeks ago they were still planning on holding the shanty sing in a nook of their store; if we helped shift some of their inventory we should be able to clear a space for 20 or so of us. It's always (well, usually) better to have a crowded space than a larger half empty one. We might later adjourn to our new favorite Irish pub and restaurant, RIRA's, next to the Casco Bay Ferry Terminal, 72 Commercial St. We really need to confirm day, saturday or sunday, and how many folks are really expected. Cheerily. Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: Jeri Date: 10 Apr 01 - 10:09 AM If it's nice, there's always "outside" somewhere. CRANKY (if I may be so bold as to address you by your first name), I always wondered about "There she was, just walkin' down the street, singin' doo-wah-diddy-diddy-dum-diddy-doo." It certainly works as a marching song/cadence. |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: GUEST,Uncle Jaque Date: 11 Apr 01 - 12:07 AM Ok... everybody who is pretty sure they can make it on Saturday the 29th of May in the Portland ME area, please sound off and be counted! I'm gonna figure about 10% more than commit to show up, just to be on the safe side, and if there are more than 20 signing on board, we'll consider an alternate location to the China Seas. Heck, if it's decent out, we could always spill out onto the street or cross Commercial St. out onto the dock. Better bring wheels for the bull-fiddle. I wish we could get a sailing ship in so CrankyYankee could show us Wannabes the ropes. He'd probably bust all our landlubbin' arses on the windlass skeggin' out to Ft. Georges. As you register your intent, please suggest a time-frame (Am, PM, Evening etc.) most convenient, as we have yet to nail that down, too. Charlie; thanks for running down leads! Do you suppose that one of the pubs would arrange to accomidate us? I hate trying to shout down a rock band or muzak system, and at my age and state of general decrepidation would rather not get involved in a general donnybrook if one might be avoided. I would hope that any such facility considered will have Guinness on tap! I plan on bringing my old tin dipper! |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: Naemanson Date: 11 Apr 01 - 09:21 AM Count me in. I have just INKED the date on my calendar. I like the idea of evening best. |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: Dahlin Date: 11 Apr 01 - 09:43 AM Count me in. Evening would be best. But late afternoon would do. |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: GUEST,Roll&Go-C Date: 11 Apr 01 - 09:59 AM I spoke to Sharon yesterday at China Trading and she thought Saturday would be best, say starting about 4 PM as we did before. Some of us are planning to come in an hour early to help shift some of the inventory around. You know, the gunner's daughter, the bilge, not to mention the chock-a-blocks, stuff like that. I'll be there early. |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: kendall Date: 11 Apr 01 - 11:07 AM There must be something wrong with my calendar, the 29th falls on a a Tuesday |
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Subject: RE: Portland ME ChantySing II From: Naemanson Date: 11 Apr 01 - 11:14 AM Hey! You're right, Kendall. My calendar has the same problem. Maybe their calendar shows the 26th as being a Saturday. Maybe the "6" got printed upside down. I am planning to be there on the afternoon and evening of the 26th. That is the date I penned onto my calendar. |
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