MacColl Tribute in Salford - Sunday

Subject: MacColl Tribute in Salford - Sunday
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 01:10 PM

Spotted in tonights Manchester Evening News (19/09/2001)

Quote
'Dirty old town' honours its son

One of Salfords most famous sons is to be remembered in a tribute at the Working Class Movement Library. The life of musician Ewan MacColl, who wrote the song Dirty Old Town, about the city where he grew up in the 1930's, will be celebrated from 2pm on Sunday. MacColl's widow, Peggy Seeger will join friends and musicians performing in The Joy of Living - the title of one of his many sucessful albums. The afternoon will include songs and extracts from his early theatre and radio plays. Those who knew him will also share their personal memories. MacColl, whose real name was Jimmie Miller, died in 1989. His singer-songwriter daughter Kirsty was killed in a tragic boating accident last year. Admission is free, with details on 0161 736 3601.
End Quote

Anyone want to Join me? I'll stand them a pint in Salfords real ale Mecca - The Crescent - later as well:-)

Cheers

Dave the Gnome

Subject: RE: MacColl Tribute in Salford - Sunday
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 19 Sep 01 - 05:21 PM

Wot? No takers for either the MacColl tribute or to see me get me 'and in me pocket?

DtG

Subject: RE: MacColl Tribute in Salford - Sunday
From: 8_Pints
Date: 20 Sep 01 - 03:05 PM

Dave, there is a problem!

The tickets for this event have all gone - months ago!

However due to popular demand, there is going to be a mega singaround at the Ducie, Devas St on Saturday night, from 8pm.

It looks like being an amazing night, a kind of who's who of traditional song.

Peggy Seeger, Alison McMorland, Bob Blair, Kevin and Ellen Mitchell to name a few!

Hope to see you there. PM us for details

Sue & Bob vG

Subject: RE: MacColl Tribute in Salford - Sunday
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 20 Sep 01 - 04:34 PM

Hmmmmm - Tickets? All gone? The buggers told me it was free! Ah well. Restores my faith in Salford Council - I thought they had got something right for once...;-)

I'll certainly give the Ducie a good dose of thinking about. I still get a warm glow when I think of the lock-in Circa 1985 when we got in 7pm Saturday and escaped 3pm Sunday! The landlord at the time (don't remember his name - small Irish guy) Charged us a quid for kipping on his benches and 50p for a huge bacon butty and cup of tea. Then at 10am we got the usual "Can't serve alcohol yet but would ye like a Guiness while yer waiting?"

Eeee. Good times - could last the course now:-(

Might get there with a bit of luck and a good wind behind me.

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: MacColl Tribute in Salford - Sunday
From: John Routledge
Date: 20 Sep 01 - 06:52 PM

Sorry to make it really disappointing Dave but the tickets were free!! Sat will be amazing Try to make it!! John

Subject: RE: MacColl Tribute in Salford - Sunday
From: treaties1
Date: 20 Sep 01 - 08:03 PM

That would have been something to be there on Sunday, my heart jumped when I saw the thread title. I'll try to make the Ducie though

Subject: RE: MacColl Tribute in Salford - Sunday
From: 8_Pints
Date: 21 Sep 01 - 09:16 PM

Refresh

Subject: RE: MacColl Tribute in Salford - Sunday
From: John Routledge
Date: 22 Sep 01 - 08:58 PM

Absolutely wonderful night of song.

So many highlights.

Alison McMorland, Sandra Kerr, Kevin and Ellen Mitchell, Bob Blair and Ewans widow Peggy Seeger.

Together with the help of 3 Catters - Sue and BobvG and me - and another couple of dozen or so absolutely outstanding singers an amazing singaround ensued.

Many thanks to Terry Whelan for putting this together. A repeat next year is to be organised.

Looking forward to the more formal proceedings later today. John

Subject: RE: MacColl Tribute in Salford - Sunday
From: 8_Pints
Date: 22 Sep 01 - 09:08 PM

I'll drink to that!

Sue will never forget this magic night.

Bob vG

Subject: RE: MacColl Tribute in Salford - Sunday
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 04:32 PM

Did anyone manage to get to the Sunday event or did our local council manage keep it a secret from everyone until all the tickets went?

Out of interest I believe the event was going to be last year and we did get an invite to that. By an awful co-incidence the invite arrived on the day of Kirstys death and she had star billing. I guess I can't blame the council for that but it is unforgivable that no-one at the only remaining folk club in Salford received an invite or ticket for this recent event!

Anyhow - water under the bridge now.

Give us a report if anyone went.

Cheers

Dave the Gnome

Subject: RE: MacColl Tribute in Salford - Sunday
From: 8_Pints
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 06:03 PM

We were there! Both the Sat singaround and Sunday tribute event were absolutely amazing. I have never experienced such a concentration of quality singing. Kevin Mitchell said it was the best singaround he's ever been to! We feel as though we've made lots of new friends, what a priveledge to have been involved.

Dave, there were plenty of Salford people there (the 2 concert rooms probably held about 120 people between them) Quite a few folk said they lived locally. Info had been available from the Working Class Movement Library.

There were so many highlights it is difficult to choose a favourite moment but here are a few of mine (I was in the annexe):- Peggy Seeger singing "The first time ever I saw your face", Alison and Geordie singing "The Joy of Living", Terry singing "Manchester Rambler", "Kiss the children for me Mary" and "Dirty Old Town" and Kevin Mitchell singing "Tunnel Tigers" All these were incredible, as was Alison performing "Cloudberry Day" and Ellen singing a couple of Lizzie Higgin's songs.

I, and many others were moved to tears by Annie Dearman's song about Ewan's mother. It is one of his less well known compositions but brilliant nonetheless!

We're still on a high from the weekend and the good news is that the Ducie Saturday night gathering is set to become an annual event - so if you missed out this year, watch out for postings next year!

Sue and Bob vG

Subject: RE: MacColl Tribute in Salford - Sunday
From: John Routledge
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 06:58 PM

Thank you Sue and Bob for capturing the atmosphere perfectly. So many wonderful singers singing their socks off.

I will add two further highlights - Bob Blair singing Lassie o' the morning and Kevin Mitchell singing Blue Tar Road.

A very emotional and inspirational weekend.

Many thanks to all concerned. John

Subject: RE: MacColl Tribute in Salford - Sunday
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 07:08 PM

Thanks Sue, Bob and John - The description was wonderful - I could have been there.

Unfortunetley 'Info available from the Working Class Movement Library' is like the Vogon excuse in Hitchhikers guide - The plans were avialable in the celler - just behind the sign that said 'Beware of the Tiger'. As I'm sure you are aware no-one ever visits their local places of interest!

Anyhow - thanks for the view and see you soon, all being well, at Swinton Folk Festival.

Cheers

Dave