Old Songs Festival 2001, How did it go

Subject: Old Songs, How did it go
From: bill\sables
Date: 24 Jun 01 - 07:44 PM

OK I've been waiting all day to hear how everyone enjoyed Old Songs, You must all be home by now so how was it?
Bill

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: Midchuck
Date: 24 Jun 01 - 08:36 PM

Great, as usual.

Except for the whole festival almost getting washed down the river during the rainstorm at about 6:00 last night.

While it was going on, they were having the open mike. They pick 9 people or groups out of the applicants - I don't know whether it's by random drawing or what - to get 10 minute sets over the 1 1/2 hour period. Numbers 3,4,5, and 6 turned out to be Peg, Woodchucks, Kendall, and Barry Finn. It was a bloomin' convention.

My God, but Peg can sing.

More later.

Peter.

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 24 Jun 01 - 09:26 PM

Hey, Peter, you beat me to it!
It was great, especially having so many Mudcatters! Yesterday afternoon Dick Greenhaus had the tally up to 28 of us there; by today there may have been more. Sandy and Caroline were their wonderful, gracious selves; I had a great time visiting with Karen K, Kendall, Hollowfox, Peg, Jeri, bbc, MMario, Barry Finn and family, Susan A-R, the 'chucks, and- oops, I'll stop now, because I know I'll leave someone out!
My head is still full of music- I was thrilled to see Norma Watterson and Martin Carthy, both individually and collectively. And the trio Artisan, who today mentioned singing with Cockersdale! and a cool French trio called Montcorbier. I actually participated with a measure of success in a fiddle workshop.
My tent fared better than some in the storm. It was hard to leave this afternoon just as the sun was coming out.
Only 363 days till the next Old Songs!

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 24 Jun 01 - 09:27 PM

Hey, and Sinsull, where were you??

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Jun 01 - 09:35 PM

So sorry. I woke up before dawn on Saturday to pouring rain and knew I could not make that drive alone. Next year. And even hurricanes won't keep me from the Getaway.

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: bigchuck
Date: 24 Jun 01 - 10:06 PM

Judst got, and really wishing I could have talked my family into staying another night just to hang out and play with Peg and Kendall. I can second all Midchuck said. I really, really, really don't want to face the "real world" yet.
Sandy

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: Barry Finn
Date: 24 Jun 01 - 10:14 PM

A bit windy & a bit wet but not bad enough that you wouldn't want to bite the bullet. I got a few pictures of a fare number of catters in the Dutch Barn at Sandy & Caroline Patton's singing session. There were some great acts to be had, among them that I caught were Norma Waterson & hubby Martin Carthy, Karen Casey, Joel Mabus & a great surprise for me was Steve Tilson, as a guitar player, as a singer & as a songwritter, just great. There were loads of catters' there doing quite a bit of good singing themselves. One of the surprising things I found was how early most catters & the rest of the festival goers) turned in, only Sandy & Jeri got tough. I caught Jeri trying to dig up some sounds Saturday night, it was just after 4 in the morning, you go girl. Kendall outlasted the sun by mere minutes (well maybe it was a bit longer). Hadn't seen some people in some time, it was espically nice to see Karen K again over at Sandy's & just as nice to see Sandy & Caroline (& to hear them singing). I caught Susan A-R, as I was sitting beside her, joining in with some lovely harmonies, got to meet up with Hollowfox, Deb C woke up the barn & put an end (Fri night) to the, how can I say it, "could I have some more syrup with these songs please" with a great rough & tumble rendition of "Mars Forever More". Got to sit & chat with bbc & Dwane and you can always count on Dick G & Susan of the DT to be gracefully about. That Kendall must have a corner on the funny songs market aside from his downeast humor when he's bringing his songs out, my hero. Got to meet up with MMario on several occasions & the Woodchucks were every where, you'd think that they covered the festival more the the staff, except when it gets late & the sun has just sunk. I think my daughter was seeing more of Alison & her daughter Maggie more than she saw me but I did get to meet up with Alison a good few times & chat. Also got to meet up with, can't spell it so forgive me, Dhrama & got to hear John B in the Dutch Barn singing (nice stuff John). Even though Jeri said she was getting raspy in the throat she sang right proper in the barn too & what a beaut of a song she did justice to. Even the river that my son told me about that ran right through our camp site wasn't enough to put even a slight damper on the weekend. I know I'm missing some but I just got in after 8 hrs (we took the long way) of driving. Well all in all it was a hell've time. Oh, I can't forget to add Judy & Dennis Cook to the list here, as always in great & gracious form & always such a pleasure to run into them & Peg who was as usual singing up a storm worthy of the show mother nature was putting on (thanks for the cookbook sweetie). Barry, whose finally trying to get some sleep.

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: Jeri
Date: 24 Jun 01 - 10:20 PM

I made it home alive. Saw the most beautiful rainbow in my life on the drive, and managed to avoid hitting the deer and skunk that were wandering on the road within the space of a mile.

I'll post more when I have a brain cell fully functioning, but had a great weekend. (My spot for the Sat night concert was right in front of the stage in nose hair city!)

I took tomorrow off from work. Nyah, nyah!

If anyone was wondering, Barry Finn was up later than just about everyone BOTH nights, and all Mudcatters with the possible exceptions of myself and Sandy. The 'Chuck compound was darkened and deserted and Kendall was nowhere in sight.

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: Barry Finn
Date: 24 Jun 01 - 10:26 PM

Whoops, I can't believe I missed Joy Bennett & I ran into her probaly more than most, though I didn't get to hear her singing this weekend it was just as pleasureable seeing her, as always & she introduced me to UkeleleLady, whom I've met with over the years & whose quite the singer herself. Goodnight & sweet dreams all. Barry

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: MMario
Date: 24 Jun 01 - 10:40 PM

I made it until 3 on saturday night...but I was up by 7 both saturday and sunday. so there! Just got home as I had to go get introduced to campers where I will be helping with campfires all week. oh gee, I had to sit through a couple hours of singing. (Almost made me feel like I was back at Old Songs)

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 24 Jun 01 - 10:51 PM

I had a wonderful time... sorry I didn't meet more of you! One of the highlights for me was the Saturday night sing. (I think I was sitting behind you for awhile Barry - you have a magnificent voice!!) Unfortunately I am a weakling- I had to sneak out at 1am and head back to the hotel.

I do want to thank you all for a wonderful evening. The Patons did a superb job of hosting the sing. As a folk-dj I sometimes feel that the entire world is turning into singer-songwriters. It was wonderful to see such a good turnout of people who have a love for folk music. I guess you could call me a "lurker" on these boards, but I really felt proud to be considered a Mudcatter!

Also, I'm one of the few people that enjoyed the rain - it really isn't a festival without a good downpour!

I look forward to seeing you again next year, if not sooner!

Ron

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: Jeri
Date: 24 Jun 01 - 11:14 PM

I didn't get a chance to talk to half the people I wanted to. Finally got to sit down today - RIGHT before I left. I had to go sometime, and I didn't want to do too much driving after dark because of the risk associated with 65MPH naps. Bbc, wish I'd had a chance to chat! I saw Joy, but didn't even have an opportunity to say hi.

Georgeward (who was the MC for Fri night's concert) and CET and Charmion were there as well. (And I know I'm also forgetting people.)

I'm going to bed now!!!

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: GUEST,Lorraine
Date: 25 Jun 01 - 07:06 AM

Oh I wish I'd been there., Maybe next year. Getaway here I come.

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: Susan of DT
Date: 25 Jun 01 - 08:06 AM

Also thre: Anglo, Burke, Mike Stroebel, Mark Kleiman, Judy G, Charlie Baum, Nancy Jean, and lots of people who visit, use the DT, but are not "members".

The highlights of the festival for me were Alison McMorland and Tom Spiers, both traditional Scots singers recorded by the Tradition Bearers (a new label any of you interested in traditonal Scots singing should become are of, available from CAMSCO, or course). I also very much enjoyed hearing Normal Waterson and Martin Carthy.

Rain is expected at festivals, especially in that part of the country (how many of us went to Fox Hollow?). So I was surprised when we returned from dinner Saturday nite, went to the Folk Legacy booth and asked what happened to the concert - it had been moved to an indoor location - that is probably a first.

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: Jeri
Date: 25 Jun 01 - 11:21 AM

It really surprised me that they moved it too. I don't know if they managed to get everyone inside. I'd had my chair stuck in back of some space hogs, and envisioned sitting their with my knees in their back while they stretched their legs out. When the concert moved, their vacant chairs and tarp were still holding down that large patch of mud.

I loved Normal Waterson too. :-)
I went up to Martin Carthy after the Sun workshop just to say thanks for the music, and Hollowfox said "stop drooling" WHILE I WAS TALKING TO HIM!!! OUT LOUD! (was funny - I wiped my mouth and kept talking.)

On the Sat night sing hosted by Sandy and Caroline - I used to never go to those 'official' sings because they were a bit boring. The Patons know how to make the whole barn feel like an intimate living room. I think everyone feels like a warmly welcomed friend at those sings.

And THANKS to the Woodchucks for the coffee on Sat morning, and the loan of a hat. You saved my life. I don't think I could have made it to the concession area! Maybe there should be something like a Brown Cross symbol...

Some memories:
The Arrogant Worms dividing the audience up to be rocks, trees and water. This involved gesticulation. The right side of audience were rocks, the left trees, and one guy in front of the stage was water.
George Ward also divided up the audience to do the Old Sow song. We got to make the funny noises. I should have been on the right - I snort much better than I whistle.
Artisan KICKED BUTT!
Harmonia (sp?) also KICKED BUTT! I'm not a huge fan of Eastern european music, but the skill and energy of these people will knock anyone's socks off.

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: MMario
Date: 25 Jun 01 - 11:31 AM

Still trying to recover from sensory/pleasure overload and way too much good stuff in one weekend.

Thanks to the 'chucks for letting me squeeze my tent in nearby - made me feel "at home".

Thanks to Barry for "turning around" the open mike - even if I was too stupid to come in out of the rain. - and to Peg for a new joke even *I* should be able to tell - and a chance to listen to her glorious voice - at open mike and again saturday evening.

BIG

thank you!

to jeri for singing Ickle Doritt's song Saturday night. and another to Ickle! wow!

To Sandy and Caroline - not only for their outstanding leadership at the late night gather - but for being "Mudcat Central"

and so much more.

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: Charley Noble
Date: 25 Jun 01 - 05:26 PM

Sounds like those who were intrepid had a great time. Maybe next year, with appropriate sacrifices before hand to Boza the Thunder God; he's fond of honey wine...

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: Burke
Date: 25 Jun 01 - 05:48 PM

Only met about 1/3 of the Mudcatters. I'm such a wimp I went to sleep about 11:00 on Sat. I didn't even catch the end of the concert, much less the Sat. night song circle.:-( Next year I can tank up on coffee and stay up; but then I probably won't get to the Sunday morning Gospel.

Has anyone mentioned Tom, Brad & Alice? I also wanted to hear lots more of Montcorbier. Artisan was great fun.

I think the festival should have been called the Trios! I just wish there was a way to be 2 or 3 places at once.

Does anyone know the story behind "Oh Good!" I don't remember hearing it at past festivals.

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: Peg
Date: 25 Jun 01 - 06:55 PM

Had lots of fun my first time there!

I really enjoyed meeting those Mudcatters I had not had the pleasure of meeting before and resuming my acqauntaince with others. Kendall and I camped next to Dharmbum and his terrific friends Liz and Mike (who joined me at an English country dancig workshop) in the "quiet" section and we had a lovely time with them and plan to camp near them next year perhaps.

Thanks, Peter for your kid words re: the open mike. Yes, we sure did have a Mudcat contingent there! It was by random drawing once they put aside a few applicanst to represnt a diversity of performers, I think. And I love that song about the girly show at the Tunbridge Fair; can't get enough of it. I wish you Chucks had stayed another night (enjoyed hanging at your compound and singing) but we did host a song circle at our "quiet" camp in honor of you. People went to bed early (good thing as we were up at 6 this morning!!!)

So nice to hear Barry Finn singing again!!! He wowed 'em, at the Dutch Barn more than once.

What else can I say? Took some dancing workshops and loved the Breton one with music by hot French ensemble Montcorbier.

Got to hear Karan Casey (one of my singig idols) sing loads and even took a singing workshop with her! (Yes, Allison, the second day she actually did a workshop!) She even said nice things about my voice and I was like "OH MY GOD PINCH ME, KARAN CASEY SAID I AM A GOOD SINGER!!!" wow-o-rama.

Heard a lot of artists I had not before that I liked a lot, especially Artisan! Hearing Niall Vallelly play concertina is always a pleasure. The Sevens were also great. Also enjoyed Alison McMorland and Martin Carthy and Norma Waterson and Joel Mabus.

well, I got a wee nap earlier but am still exhausted! Also must recover from eating bacon for breakfast three days in a row! My, but we had fun cooking and eating in the open air!

peg

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: Dharmabum
Date: 25 Jun 01 - 07:38 PM

Twas a pleasure having Peg ,Kendall,Duane & BBC as neighbors.
Bacon,eggs,pancakes ,& that great Canadian bacon that Hollowfox brought
There's nothing better than cooking home fries while being treated to a live concert by Kendall Morse!
I won't have to eat for a week!

And Peg, words truly cannot express what a beatiful voice you have!With campmates like you,there's hardly reason to leave for the concerts.(BTW.I'll try to learn some R.P. songs for next year**BG**).

It was great to finally meet so many catters in person.

This was my first O.S.fest. It is now on my must do list for every year.

DB.

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: Ferrara
Date: 25 Jun 01 - 09:07 PM

Owwoooo! (That's a howl of anguish at not being there.) Maybe next year, as Lorraine says.... Sounds beautiful, wonderful, great.

Hello to all anyway.

Rita

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: Art Thieme
Date: 25 Jun 01 - 09:10 PM

Alas, we went through the same storms that hit you folks but 2 days earlier. I'm just home and drying out now. Still, I'm envious of you good people who heard such wonderful music while being deluged upon. Truth be known, we needed all that water to wash away a bit of the "stuff" after daddy-in-law's trailer's holding tank split in half.

All in all, I'd've rather been in Gilderland.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: Burke
Date: 25 Jun 01 - 09:27 PM

All you people who stayed away because of rain made a big mistake. There was no rain on Friday. The rain started in ernest just before the dinner break on Sat., so while the concert had to be moved most of the day was fine. As someone mentioned on Sunday, it was a perfect Old Songs evening. My tent was almost completely dry by the time I took it down.

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: bbc
Date: 25 Jun 01 - 10:00 PM

We stayed through Monday am & took a leisurely drive home, stopping to pick strawberries, buy fresh rhubarb, & have a lobster lunch at a restaurant near Albany that Sandy Paton recommended (Thanks, Sandy--yum!!!). It was the perfect ending to a great weekend. We got back to real life at about 3 pm, exhausted but happy.

As Burke stated, we had some inconvenience on Sat. from rain (including many of us having flooded tents), but we set up & broke down camp w/ dry conditions. Friday night was fine, all of Sunday was acceptable, weather-wise, & Monday morning was just wonderful! SINSULL, wish you had risked it & come.

We arrived at about 6 pm Friday & camping spaces were pretty tight. By dumb luck, we ended up right next to kendall & Peg & Dharmabum & all of us stayed through Monday, as did some great folks from Ontario & others.

I didn't manage to see all the Mudcatters who were there, but I did meet some for the 1st time, got better acquainted w/ others, & had some chances to chat w/ those who are already near & dear. I still get such a kick out of the way we can continue thread discussions in person that we've started on the Internet, without dropping a beat! Felt just like home away from home! Susan A-R, I'm sorry I missed you!

I'm shy about singing, so I mainly sang along. Highlights for me were the chorus songs & gospel sessions on Sunday. Boy, did we get in a lot of spontaneous harmony-making in large groups! That has got to be good for the soul! Berryman & Berryman sang a new song that explained the ecological problems of the world have been caused by Noah leaving certain animals off the ark; it was really funny! Barry Finn sounded wonderful & it was truly a joy to see him & meet his wife! I had the chance to meet George Ward & to tell him how much I enjoy his song, "You Gotta Talk My Language" & how I've used it w/ my students. He seemed really pleased to have the feedback. We helped the Patons break down the Folk Legacy stand at the end of the weekend. If I had never met anyone through Mudcat except the Patons, it would have been enough.

I did sing a little bit at the song circle Sunday evening in the campground. And I gave a personal concert of a few songs that are special to me to one Mudcatter.

Bill Sables, you were missed; Old Songs is no longer complete for me w/out you! Catspaw was much on our minds & in our thoughts, as we were away from our computers & couldn't check his progress. As soon as a walked through my door at home, I checked the Mudcat threads for news!

As others have said, I was proud to be associated w/ Mudcat. Many talented folks who were active participants this weekend are Mudcatters & the site/community is becoming ever more widely known. Oops, Max, I see another upgrade coming soon!

We are gonna have to think seriously about trying to make it to the D.C. Get-Away in October. Times like these shouldn't be missed; they add flavor to life.

love,

bbc

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: Susan A-R
Date: 25 Jun 01 - 10:13 PM

What a weekend!!! Loved listening, singing, chatting with catters, spending time with my long-time singing buddy Pam (a lurker, I believe) and hearing lots of great new songs, tunes and singers. Surprisingly, after two pretty short nights, work wasn't even too bad. I guess I'd better put the Getaway in my calendar.

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 26 Jun 01 - 12:18 AM

I got home at about 3 p.m. Monday and have been napping a lot ever since. (Can you tell I'm tired from too many consecutive nights of too much singing. I only lasted until 2:00 a.m. on Friday (technically Sat.) and 3:15 a.m. on Saturday (technically Sunday). Drove from Albany to Binghamton last night (I-88 is one of America's most beautiful interstates, passing postcard villages off in the valley just to the North. When the train goes by, it looks like a model railroad set-up.) The rest of the distance today.

It's not the first time that the evening concert has been moved indoors--but the last time that happened was back in the 1980s. (I've been going to Old Songs for a very long time.)

The most memorable of the performers for me was Harmonia--their Romanian gypsy songs workshop showed an obscene amount of talent, and they made it look almost humanly possible to play that complicated that fast, while still retaining driving rhythms. And Shelly Posen's song about Pesach (Passover) at the Jewish songs workshop. And SAra Grey, who takes a banjo and a ballad and adds soul to them. And all the Mudcatters singing in the Dutch barn on Friday and Saturday nights. Thanks to Sandy and Caroline Paton and to Bob Zentz and Joel Mabus for knowing how to run a good song circle and coax a great song out of everybody, even the shy ones.

I'm off to sleep soon. (And the sleep deficit is worth it!) When I recover, I'll work on the Getaway some more. The Getaway is in October, and I expect even more Mudcatters there than at Old Songs.

--Charlie Baum

Burke--the "Oh, Good!" is a running joke with Artisan [they say, "Here's a song with a Chorus," and the audience responds "Oh, Good!"]. There is a story that a few weeks ago at the New Jersey Folk Festival, everyone started using the "Oh, Good!" refrain until the last concert of the festival, when everybody had gotten to word to surprise Artisan by changing the response of "Oh, Good!" to "Oh, Shit!"

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: Peg
Date: 26 Jun 01 - 12:19 AM

Dharmabum: you are no slouch yourself in the musical department! You sang some great songs, I especially loved "Fishing for Chickens"!!! We must work out some harmonies for "Urge for Going" too...

bbc, you also have a very nice voice and should sing more!

Forgot to mention that Sandy and Caroline led a wonderful open song circle after the Saturday concert! One man sang a song in honor of Caroline that was just lovely...

Peg

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 26 Jun 01 - 06:29 AM

Wish I'd known about the campground song circle. I'm suffering from mild Old-Songs-let-down right now, but fortunately (?) life is just as busy as ever at home so there's no time to mope. I miss you all!

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: Noreen
Date: 26 Jun 01 - 06:53 AM

I've enjoyed reading all your contributions, thanks! Sounds wonderful.

Noreen

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: kendall
Date: 26 Jun 01 - 09:01 AM

I hardly know where to start. It's been many years since I enjoyed a weekend that much. Started out with having a very nice travel companion, Peg, who is not only an outstanding singer, but, a great "serving wench" as well!She did a great job of cooking and keeping the coffee brewed. I didn't spend much time at the stage performances, too busy visiting with 'catters. It was nice to bump into John Roberts, Steve Gillette, my old buddy Bob Zentz (outstanding musician) and Andy Spence. Then, of course, being able to reconnect with the Patons, Sandy, Caroline, David and Robin. What the hell would we do without this dedicated family? I shudder to think. Karen Kobela asked me to sing her a song, Taylor Whitesides' MARTIN GREIGH, thanks Karen, dont get many requests for that one. Saw Bat Goddess from a distance, but, didn't get to chat, sorry deah!

Thanks also to the Chucks for your hospitality, (and the 12 year old poteen! The campfire sing around at Dharmabums site was so nice after an exhausting weekend, thanks folks, it was much appreciated. And to bbc, who wouldn't sing in front of others (at that time) I was pleased that you wanted to share what you had. As Peg said, you should sing more.

Had a lovely visit with Allison, M Mario Susan_AR, even though Mario embarassed me... Jeri, I was all braced for a broadside from you, and here you are being kind (for you) The thing is, it doesn't matter when one goes to bed, it's how long they are in it that counts!

I'm still not awake enough to be very coherrent, so, who is going to the Champlain Valley Fest?

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: MMario
Date: 26 Jun 01 - 09:56 AM

awwwh - Kendall - *I'm* not the one that was going ballistic with awe because he was in the same room with you; I just told you it happened.

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: kendall
Date: 26 Jun 01 - 11:08 AM

I know, but, it was still embarassing! (I loved it)

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: Tedham Porterhouse
Date: 26 Jun 01 - 11:18 AM

Kendall,

Having lived in northern Vermont for the past few years, Champlain Valley has become a big highlight of my summer. I'll be there.

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: GUEST,Naemanson
Date: 26 Jun 01 - 11:43 AM

Wow! And I spent the weekend traveling, at home and then traveling again. I really wish I could have been there.

But it's never too early to start planning for next year. I can't go to Mystic next year so I guess I will make a determined effort not to let anything else encroach on Old Songs Weekend.

I WILL NOT MISS IT NEXT YEAR!!!!

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: GUEST,JohnB
Date: 26 Jun 01 - 01:01 PM

Yeah, GREAT TIME, it is true some mudcatters are REAL people, not just virtual ones. To the one's which I met, it was great to meet you, to the others I did not meet, catch you next time. I am surprised not to hear more mention of Finest Kind above, trying to avoid any Canadian bias, I thought they really kicked BUTT on a couple of occasions. Artisan were great as usual, I particularly enjoyed their harmony workshop on Sunday, so much that I did not even leave to hear Martin Carthy. Arogant Worms were great, I was a Rock. Sorry I had to leave the Dutch Barn at 2.00ish on Sunday morning, my wife was tired, Sandy was dong a great job there, damned talented lot those mudcatters. Bought my MUDCAT Tee shirt from Dick. I was really glad on Saturday evening, that one of the last things I threw in the truck on Friday morning was my Wellies. All for now. JohnB

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: Jeri
Date: 26 Jun 01 - 05:52 PM

Kendall, I guess I just feel bad picking on an old fart, so I went easy on you. Bat Goddess wasn't physically at Old Songs, and she doesn't remember being there either.

I was a tree. A nice syrupy maple with a bird's nest in my left branch.

Naemanson - the Getaway.

Bbc - everybody's right. You should sing more!

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: Jeri
Date: 26 Jun 01 - 06:48 PM

I just thought of something.

George Ward, MC at the Fri night concert sang John Hartford's "Old Time Riverman" as a tribute to John. He told me he sang it as a direct result of Catspaw telling him about it on a thread here. He said somebody ought to let folks at Mudcat know he did it, and why he did it. On behalf of George, thanks for the song, Spaw.

(Will be cross-posted to the Spaw thread.)

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: kendall
Date: 26 Jun 01 - 07:37 PM

I could have sworn I saw Bat Goddess at the fest. Jeri, you dont have to go easy on me, I'm well prepared to hold my own!

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: Midchuck
Date: 26 Jun 01 - 07:46 PM

Hold your own what?

P.

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: kendall
Date: 26 Jun 01 - 08:14 PM

Need you ask?

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 26 Jun 01 - 09:21 PM

Let me tell you guys, that song circle on Saturday night was the highlight of the weekend for me. Mudcatters galore, and every one of 'em "did us proud," as my mother used to say.

I was prepared to be impressed (as I was) by Peg's singing, since so many had told me to expect it to be fine. The one who knocked me out was John B, because I wasn't prepared in advance for that one! He gave us a splendid presentation of "The Trooper and the Maid." It was as fine as anything offered on the stage, by golly, and you know there were some fine performers there with which to compare it -- Martin Carthy and Norma Waterson, Alison McMorland and Tom Speirs (although Alison's husband, Geordie McIntyre, wasn't included in the roster of hired performers, the two of them shared a few songs with us at the Folk-Legacy booth on Sunday and Geordie proved to be a smashing singer in his own right), and The Finest Kind, to name only some of the non-U.S. participants. Sara Grey treated us to more of her fine banjo-accompanied ballads than she had offered the last time we heard her, and they are always a great treat.

We brought home both jars of leftover pesto sauces contributed by Susan A-R, bless her heart, which went so well with the pasta provided by Animaterra at the Mudcat picnic behind the Folk-Legacy focal point. The rain may have kept the ravenous Mudcatters from finishing them off before they ran for cover. Meanwhile we were trying to cope with an ankle-deep stream, about four feet wide, sweeping through our booth. Managed to get the extra CD stock up onto the tables before all the boxes were washed away in the flood, so I still had plenty of good traditional CDs for Burke to choose from as she made her excellent choices. Thanks, Barb. My shoes, however, were still squishing with every step I took the next day. Ah, yes -- echoes of Fox Hollow, as Hollow Fox has pointed out. She, by the way, gave us Heather Wood's "Foolish, Incredibly Foolish" at the song swap, and she did it darned well! Our Barry Finn was astounding! He sang with the same power that he showed us at the Getaway and at NEFFA last year.

I can't take the time or space to give a full report, but Andy Spence came by at the end of the day on Sunday to tell us that she had heard a lot of good reports about the Saturday night song-swap. That really pleased me, because it was a comment, as I saw it, about the contributions of the Mudcat crew, which were all splendid. I felt the need to run a pretty tight ship that night, tighter than I might choose to run normally, because some of the more agressive performers might have grabbed the floor and that could have kept us from hearing the good songs presented by those who were a bit more shy about singing. I tried to make sure that anyone who wanted to share a song with us had a chance to do so, and the result was one serendipitous discovery after another. As they say, you shoulda been there! Maybe you'll be there next year?

Sandy

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: bbc
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 09:36 AM

Some of our folks may still not be home to post to this thread, as they planned some travelling along the way. After we said goodbye Monday morning to Peg & kendall, Dharmabum & his travelling companion, we wandered down to the campsite of Charmion & her husband (can't keep 2 names in my head at the same time--sorry!), 2 of our Ontario folks. As they finished packing their gear, we had a great chat & started getting to know them; wish we had started earlier! I love meeting folks from other places; it broadens my experience of life so much! Just a tidbit for you--as Charmion & I headed to the "Ladies," she remarked that, in the U.S. southern states (noted for decorum), she had inquired as to the location of sanitary facilities, i.e.--"Where is the toilet?," thereby causing a southern belle to blush at her bluntness. We agreed that neither bathroom nor restroom were particularly accurate terms. The facility we used that weekend had neither bathtub nor shower (more's the pity!) & we certainly didn't waste any time resting there--not w/ good music to hear & good folks to spend time w/! According to Mr. Morse, he takes care of *his* needs in "the litter (in Maine--littah) box!" Thanks, kendall! :) I remarked earlier that I'd spoken w/ George Ward about his song, "You Gotta Talk My Language"--probably in my top 5 favorites. Just now I was reading the latest catspaw thread only to discover that George has been a posting Mudcat member for more than a year. Nifty neat! A belated welcome, George; great to have you here!

bbc

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: kendall
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 11:21 AM

you gotta agree that "Litter box" sounds better than some of the names for that room!

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: MMario
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 11:32 AM

Where else but New England could you get verbal confusion between "litter" box and "letter" box?

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: bbc
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 12:11 PM

As a non-kitty owner, kendall, it just struck me funny. Leo, if you're using your letter box for disposal purposes, I'll make sure to only send you email! :) Great spending time w/ you at Old Songs!

love,

bbc

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: Hollowfox
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 03:44 PM

Whee! Hee! Hee! (Actually, Jeri, what I said was,"Jeri, you're drooling." You took it for the straight line it was, wiped your chin and continued shmoozing.)
What a place it is, where you have to choose between the pleasures of contra dancing, living-room style singing with the Patons, barroom type singing in Creature Comforts (the staff eatery), the sheer variety of music at the 'Chuck's enclave, the (I'm running out of adjectives, folks) variety at the Dharmabum/Kendall/Peg et al (keeping it alphabetical) camp...
One of the treats people forget to mention is Jake, the sign language interpreter for the concerts. He doesn't get any hint of what lyrics are coming up, but he doesn't turn a hair, even when they're singing a round. He could probably handle the sextette from Lucia di Lammermoor.
Hey folks, at least the rain wasn't cold. BTW, the way to get a hot shower at Old Songs is to take it on Monday morning, after breaking camp.
Sandy, you silver-tongued scamp, you said just the right thing when you said you liked my singing. I was never agressive about shoehorning in to lead a song, and I've been out of singing in front of witnesses for too many years; you gave me the courage to actually lead a song with a chorus over at Creature Comforts.
After an *interesting* year, I needed a laugh, and thanks to Artisan, the Arrogant worms, the Berrymans, Joel Mabus, etc., I spent most of the festival laughing my ass off. I don't know if I was delighted, startled, or impressed by the age range of fans for the Worms, but I'd pay admission to be at the preschool program where the innocent grownup has some of these kids; s/he'll say "What does the pig say?" and get a rousing shout of either "He's dead!" or "Shaddup!". (This is from a song about an actual roadside attraction in Ontario called "The Mounted Animal Nature Trail"; think of it as a very low maintenance zoo.)
The only problem I had was that all those workshops and concerts got in the way of my visiting. I didn't hear nearly enough of Peg or Barry Finn, either.
I'm still riding high, but when my soul catches up with my body in a day or two, I expect I'll crash like a ton of mackerel.

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: Jeri
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 04:26 PM

Hollowfox, I went up there expressly TO drool on him...Norma too. I suppose they get a lot of that from people. Morons like me go up and say something like "I just wanted to tell you (uh-oh - lookout) how much I've enjoyed your music...blah, blah, blah." I at least stopped before the blah-blahs, and Martin was very gracious - even shaking my hand. Then I shut up and let Hollowfox drool on him.

Just to continue our conversation, the impression I have of you from 197-whatever is a young woman with a wicked sense of humor and an aggressive joy in life and music who wanted to share that joy with folks. I wanted to be like you when I grew up. I also remember the warmed flask of something (brandy?) at Fox Hollow, when I was on the late shift at the campground gate. Anybody who shares their joy, and their booze is OK in my book!

Sandy, I didn't notice you were running any sort of "tight ship." It had a very relaxed feel. I did notice is you got some of the quieter folks to sing. Whatever you did, I hope you keep doing it - that song swap couldn't have possible been any better.

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: Hollowfox
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 06:04 PM

Yeah, Jeri, I don't usually have the courage to just go up and drool, but some of my lame excuses to start a conversation probably make me look stupider than drool. Thanks for breaking the ice and letting me take a turn. (It was Jack Daniels; I still think it tastes best when the least amount of oxygen hits it, but outside of folk festivals, people look funny when I drink it out of the flask) Let me know how your ambition turns out when you grow up - you'll probably beat me to the finish line when it comes to growing up. *BG*

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: kendall
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 06:46 PM

Listen you two, why the hell do you think people perform in the first place? They are looking for approval! I've known very few performers who were pricks, Hank Snow, Jascha Hiefitz were the exceptions. The key is, be brief. There is nothing more embarassing than being faced with someone who doesn't know when to shut up!

Subject: RE: Old Songs, How did it go
From: Jeri
Date: 27 Jun 01 - 06:48 PM

Changed my mind - don't wanna grow up!