FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories

Subject: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 10:44 AM

I made it home last night about midnight and was just too blue to post anything.

The Getaway this year was un-describeable. From simple aquainances in years past (last year was my first) we returned as a gathering of old friends. New friends were invited into the fold and our circle continued to expand.

If there is a theme that captures what I experienced it is generations and transformations. Hearing Bill D's and Ferrara's son sing on the first night's sing-a-round. Witnessing those that have in years past been shy and unsure of themselves blossom. Dani is growing in her singing everyday. Kathy (Tinker) has a wonderful voice and great speakeasy songs. Jerri is undescribable. It was captured for me in a "snapshot" last night of Rick Fielding sitting in a corner patiently teaching a young woman new to the Getaway and Folk Music in general the basic's of I, IV, and V chords. I turned, and 10 feet away, Kendall was sitting with Dani and Kathy (Tinker) softly singing a song that Dani wanted to hear/learn. These moments capture the feeling but don't begin to describe the weekend. The long lost "Beef Brothers" (Big Mick and Jed Marum) found each other. We found out that Max and Kendall are really fraternal twins separated at birth and a very long labor.

And yes, the weather was wonderful, sunny, clear star filled nights and just a bit crisp. The food was plentiful and good. And the music was...... well it truly was indescribeable. We didn't get to sleep until sometime after 4:00 AM on Saturday night.

I'll give more later. Got to work.

JAB

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: Fortunato
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 12:06 PM

1)Jed Marum, Susette and I playing Little Annie and Blackberry Blossom on banjo, autoharp and guitar outside in the sunshine and later Friday in the dining hall.

Friday night Jed Marum and Bob Clayton and Susette and I were jamming in the dining hall. Rick Fielding sat down to play with us. I sang "Hey, Mr. Bartender". When I finished, Rick leaned over and said, "That's my favorite song."

The look on Micca's face when he tasted Woodchuck Dark Cider: "That's bloody heaven, that is."

More later. regards, Chance

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: GUEST,Vixen at work
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 12:18 PM

D'Cats Are D'Best!

Yet Again, for another year, WOW.

New Friends, Old Friends, Great Music, Wonderful Weather.

I realize those're glittering generalities, but the specifics are innumerable.

Many, many thanks to Charlie Baum, Knitpick, Ferrara, Bill D, and everyone else at FSGW who put together such a wonderful weekend.

Reynaud and I are looking forward to seeing many of you again next Saturday at NOMAD.

V

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: GUEST,Claymore
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 02:01 PM

Did any one get Carol C's (little woman, long hair, big accordian) last direction? She borrowed my car for the Getaway, but indicated she might go to some broadcast in the Philly area (West Chester?) after the festival was done. I'm not worried, just curious.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: Ferrara
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 02:27 PM

Claymore, sorry, don't know what Carol decided to do, even though we were talking and cracking jokes just this morning. FYI the broadcast she mentioned is probably the Mudcat Radio program, which comes on about 8pm Tuesday.

As to the Getaway: Aaaaahhhhhhh....... Bliss ........ Maybe I'll be more articulate after I get a little rest.

Love, Rita F

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: CarolC
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 03:08 PM

Car? What car?

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: GUEST,Claymore
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 03:18 PM

I bet if it's gone, they still find it with the seat pushed All The Way Forward in the anorexic position. That's not driving a car, it's wearing it.

Seriously, you going to the broadcast or what... I've been tasked with doing security at a Greaseman concert at the Apollo with some local SMAD types, and I'll need the car by Friday. No problem until then. Hope the Getaway was all you wanted it to be. Try an email to [e-mail] Thanks,

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: CarolC
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 03:24 PM

(btw, I'm posting from the secret catacombs deep under the ground beneath the office that Max pretends is the home of the Mudcat. I had to climb down at least eight flights of stairs to get here. It's pretty dark and kind of creepy down here, and there are some really strange noises coming from the next room. I think they're coming from Shorty. He's saying something about it being time for his monthly toenail clipping. Don't know what that's all about, but he says he's going to start eating my posts if I don't go get Max or somthing. Gotta go... )

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 03:32 PM

Wow, I didn't know you could get a new car at these Mudcat events!

Carol really DID have a Getaway!

~S~

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: Bill D
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 06:02 PM

some of us are home now, but not NEARLY coherent yet....*grin*...it was indeed wonderful...and yes, there WILL be many pictures...I think I have about an hour of downloading to do and the old 'album' site to prepare....

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: Noreen
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 06:08 PM

Just put a couple up first to whet our appetites, Bill, please?

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: GUEST,Fortunato behind the wall
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 06:38 PM

2)Or maybe Rick said "one of my favorites".

Anyway great memories include my son Matt catching three fish on borrowed string and a hook made from his Daytripper button, (he released them of course).

TJ O'Malley playing "Let's Talk Dirty in Hawaiian"

Annimil singing a 30's song (oh which was it) with Dick and Lois Parks on the Piano.

Gutbucketeer singings Ain't Misbehaving acapella.

And Barry Finn's great voice all the weekend. there's lot's more.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 07:04 PM

Oh, yes. TJ O'Malley made me jealous. He turned LTDinH into a bluesly riff without really changing its core. He did what all good folk singers do with a song, He made it his own.

I can't get this going without sleep deal down. I went to bed about one on Friday and was up at 5:30 AM on Saturday (I don't know why, I just was). Of course, no one else was up then.

When Saturday evening came around I began to feel sleep deprived. About 10:30 PM (which is when the unorganized and truly great music begins) I was sitting in the dining hall thinking, "Man, I really want to stay up for the music." My body was saying, "You'll be lucky if you can get up from this bench, much less sing and play." The argument went on for a while and my body won. So I missed four or five hours of the best music and camraderie around. But I did get eight hours of sleep and was coherent enough to lead the comic songs workshop and the blues workshop.

In reply to multiple requests, I'm posting (and maybe reposting) the words to Breakfast Blues.

My highlight was Dani singing a parody of "Gimme That Old Time Religion". Chorus is unchanged. A sample of a verse is. "I'll pray with Jim and Tammy, Buy a condo in Miami, Pay no tax to Uncle Sammy, It's good enough for me." I had never heard it and had trouble staying on my chair. I understand that thousands of other people know this song, but it was new to me. I'll be searching out verses beyond those that Dani kindly gave to me.

Looking forward to next year.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 07:37 PM

Hoo boy. Maybe I'll be poetical and rhapsodical tomorrow... tonight I'm just exhausted. Couple of quick notes from a borrowed laptop, though:

I can't help feeling all squishy. It was such wonderful music with the most interesting,smart, beautiful, loveable people I've ever had the pleasure to spend time with. I'll tell you how I really feel about Kendall later.

CarolC, are you cold? I think I know someone who might know something about what I think are your jackets. More to follow ; )

Roger is the King of Comic Songs, delivered smooth or extra crunchy. It was delightful to be able to make him laugh. For the record, though, that wasn't one of the verses I brought; I had help. But it's on my list now!

Dani

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: CarolC
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 07:46 PM

Thanks Dani. I knew I was supposed to do something. I was supposed to send you a PM to ask you if one of your charming and delightful friends might have mistakenly thought my jackets belonged to her sister. If your brain is as fried as mine is right now, you'll understand why I forgot. If I don't forget immediately after posting this, I'll send you a PM.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 07:49 PM

Sheesh, Carol. That's exactly what happened. She is chagrined, to say the least. Thought she'd send them to you anonymously, but I reminded her about postmarks ; )

They'll be on their way soon. And it was great to meet you and hear your music.

Dani

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 07:53 PM

Well I threw a bunch of stuff in the car for Getaway and discovered no cassette tapes, but I did somehow have the video camera and two blank tapes. I will drop it off tommorrow to have them copied for Max... he's promised to be fair in the editing, but I'm keeping the original just in case. Max has promised an edited tape available on the auction.... Now there are too many spots the tape missed out on...But Kendall and Max in duet "I'm Busted" is to die for... even coming in in the middle after finding the camera I was laughing all over today. And then there's Max conducting the Mudcat Chorus to Kendall's Toor a loor a loora

Penne Azul on percussion
The Amazing traditional campfire song by Allan C and the Mucat Backup band California Dreaming .... and Jed Marcum continuing the diversion Some how as the camera battery died during the next song we continue in a sound only twilight zone of How is that traditional?
Jim ( Gutbucketeer's)Twin brother appearing late in the night whwen he had just explained up in the barn by pumpkin light how he had disappeared back to 1935 years ago...
Momnop's son Dylan coming in in the early morning to say the singing didn't bother him in the next cabin, but could we hush the guy snoring?
And the camera missed Carol C's instrumental... Next year long extension chord and a tripod.... The camera person can't laugh and hold the camera too...
Try for more later

Tinker

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: CarolC
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 07:56 PM

Tell her not to feel bad about it. It was an honest mistake. It was great to meet you, too, and I really enjoyed the song you sang at the blues workshop.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: MMario
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 08:43 PM

The Rockettes style kick line to Kendall's 53rd verse of "Goodnight, Irene" at 4:15 am; Jeri doing a hesitation waltz across the deck while Jed and Rick rehearsed a song; meeting way too many people for my brain to remember names; total immersion music is what it felt like, and that was having skipped most of Saturday!

FINALLY meeting Sinsull; laughing way too much; getting the lyrics to a song I've been trying to find for two years (written copy yet!!!!) Meeting CarolC also at long last - and discovering that while she and her sister are two different people - they still remind me of each other at odd moments.

And thank you to whover brought Alice's CD's! (I got one)

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: Allan C.
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 09:37 PM

Ya had to be there!

How could I possibly tell you what it was like? Where will I get the energy to do so? Okay, I'll try to give you a few samples of my own experiences. I will tell you, though, that some of the best moments were simply ones in which I got to spend some time talking face-to-face with some of the 'Catters I have come to know as friends. Some of the events have already begun to run together in my mind, so the order of events may not be very accurate. I know left out some names. Sorry. I am notoriously horrible at remembering names.

David C. and I arrived at about 5:30 and soon discovered that we were sharing a room with Max, Pene Azul, Gutbucketeer (JAB) and Joe Offer. Our building was divided into four large rooms, all of which opened onto a small, cental room. There was also a five-stall, shared bathroom. It had four sinks and four shower stalls. On the other side of the wall from our room was a room that was occupied by (forgive me if I forget anyone) Jeri, SINSULL, Tinker, CarolC, Dani, and two non-Catters named, Annie and Janie (sisters). I really cannot recall who was in one of the other rooms. I think Jed Marum and Micca were in there - but I forget who else. The fourth room was for couples. It was at various times was occupied by Roger in Baltimore and his wife, Marge. Annamill and her husband, Glenn were also in there for part of the weekend.

For those who weren't at last year's Getaway, the shared bathroom was a challenge - especially when showering. There was a single "obvious" exception. But I'll let the ladies tell you about that.

Everyone gravitated toward the collection of food in the chow hall. Each new arrival added yet another treat to be investigated. It was an amazing array. One thing that didn't last very long at all was a tray of fresh canoli that SINSULL brought. Micca stuffed down a double handful of them and went back for more.

Micca staunchly maintained that I am the spitting image of Cobble. I can only extend my condolences to Cobble and hope that life has been kind to him, nonetheless.

After a bit of hanging out in the dining hall, many of us returned to our quarters where we did a bit of singing. Max, RiB, Gutbucketeer and I supplied most of the instrumentation and some of the singing while other singers included Jeri, SINSULL Dani and Janie. Some of these folks drifted in and out ad lib., and at one time Janie and I were the only ones remaining. Janie seemed to know a LOT of songs - certainly almost all of the ones I played. I thought we sounded pretty good on a couple of songs we tried.

We all called it quits fairly early that night and tried to get some sleep. The temperature was about 40 degrees (F). I was awakened in the middle of the night by Joe Offer's teeth chattering and the sound of his foot-stomping as he attempted to restore circulation into his frozen feet. I tossed him an extra sleeping bag under which eventually shivered himself to sleep.

When I finally got outside in the morning, I discovered that it was much warmer outside of the cabin than it had been inside. Even at around 42 degrees, it felt so much better in the sunlight - something that I believe nearly everyone experienced that morning.

After breakfast, Big Mick emceed a gathering of mostly Mudcatters to introduce everyone. Some of the "featured artists" sang something. Shortly afterward, we all found our ways to one of the two or three choices of workshops. I opted to stay to hear Rick Fielding's mini-concert. The songs were interspersed with very pleasant, somewhat autobiographical comments. I have a couple of Rick's CD's and so have more or less heard his voice before. It is even better in person. I will have to say that it was a joy to watch his guitar playing as well.

(I, too, saw the guitar lesson described above by Jim Bunch. It would have made a beautiful picture.)

Lunch was next. A word about the food here: In my estimation, throughout the entire weekend, the cooking staff clearly pushed the very limits of average.

I don't have my schedule at hand and cannot recall the names of the workshops I attended during the rest of the day. All were mostly wonderful experiences. I will have to say, though, that I have little patience when it comes to having to endure listening to lengthy ballads. At one workshop I daydreamed my way through one such ballad as the singer read through the nine or perhaps eleven verses on the page of a book. I imagined that I could handle that. Then the page was turned and an equal number of verses became apparent! I decided it was time for me to be someplace else.

I had a great time at most of the workshops and heard quite a few songs that were new to me as well as a couple that I may want to add to my own repertoire. I also learned a few tidbits of the histories and suggested meanings of some other songs.

Others may want to try to list all of the Mudcatters they encountered over the weekend. I won't. There were so many!!!

There was an open-mike concert after supper. Micca was among those who honored us with a performance. It was his first time to be on stage, he said, as well as his first encounter with a microphone. He did quite well with both. There were lots of other Catters on the bill. My memory of who took the stage that night is rather cloudy. I don't want to attempt a listing.

The show was over by about ten. At about eleven a mass of 'Catters gathered in our quarters. We played and sang until some time after 4. Unbelievably, many of those same people were up "early" that same morning to join in some gospel singing.

Some time after breakfast, David and I headed UP THE HILL (observing the rule that reads: EVERYTHING YOU WANT IS UPHILL FROM WHEREVER YOU ARE RIGHT NOW,) to catch Kendall Morse's performance. I attended a Love Songs workshop a bit later in the day. (Love songs are what interest me the most, BTW.) There were some mighty pretty songs sung there.

In late afternoon, Sandy and Caroline did a mini-concert. This, I believe, was the third or fourth time I have heard them. Each time, miraculous pieces of musical history that they have helped to preserve were shared. It is so difficult for me to describe how it feels to watch them. Perhaps if you could imagine being able to spend some time hearing the tales of John James Audubon as he shows you his collections…

At some point during the day Janie and I decided to sign up to perform at the open mike that would again be happening that evening. We practiced a little and finally found a song that we thought we could manage to get by with.

Then, just before the evening meal I got to watch Jed Marum perform. Jed is a remarkably well-voiced songster who clearly understands the history of many of his songs. He is also quite a songwriter. I was especially impressed with a song he sang about a morning in Montreal. His guitar playing…I cannot think of how to tell you how much I enjoyed his style and execution.

After the evening meal I lugged my guitar UP THE HILL to the open mike concert location. On the way UP THE HILL I realized that the song Janie and I were wanting to perform was in need of a second guitar. It was fifteen minutes until showtime. Who could I ask? I was soon happy to find that Jed Marum had generously consented to accompany us. We ran through the chords three times.

A few blurs of time later, it was time for Janie, Jed and me to do our bit. It was Janie's very first time in front of a microphone. Neither of us knew the lyrics. Jed and I had practiced for a grand total of three minutes. The song was Sometime Lovin'. Despite all that might have happened, the song seemed to go quite nicely. That small moment is an example of one of the many wonderful things that just seem to happen at the Getaway. It all makes for a very pleasant memory.

After the show I made my way (down the hill) to the dining hall only to discover that I had left something behind at the concert and again was faced with going UP THE HILL to retrieve it. When I returned, I found a small circle of people who were witnessing a musical exchange between Kendall Morse and Sandy Paton. They were trading hobo songs. It was wonderful!

A while later another gathering formed in the same place. I arrived in time to hear a few songs being traded by Big Mick and Barry Finn. After a while, Dani led us in a very cool gospel round. MMario chimed in with a few songs as well. (What a voice!) We continued trading songs until we just couldn't stay awake any longer. We all knew that quitting meant the end of the music for the weekend - the end of the Getaway. Nobody wanted to be the first to call it a night.

Morning came too soon.
Quick breakfast.
Packing.
Thank you's.
Hugs.
Goodbyes.
UP THE HILL (driving, this time) and away.
Mental plans for next year.
The long drive home.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: MMario
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 10:00 PM

oh good! I was wondering what went on Saturday during the day, now I have some idea.

But how soon they forget! 'Twas I in the other room with Micca and Jed. and thanx for the compliment on my voice - considering you have a pretty damn good set of vocal chords yourself I take that as high praise. Now if I could figure out how to keep the knees from shaking when I'm in front of a mike I might do okay.

I'm dead beat, but too keyed up still to go to bed. Will probably crash in the middle of my shift tomorrow - so really should catch some z's.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: Ferrara
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 10:22 PM

Well, RiB, you outlasted me Saturday by a couple of hours. Many thanks to Kathie Mack, who helped me stagger back to my room about 8pm. She missed the first concert set to help get me back there with all my stuff. I went right to sleep, slept until last call for Sunday breakfast.

The result was that I felt terrific on Sunday, got to workshops all day long and stayed up till 4am like everybody else. :)

For us the weekend started with the pub sing with Micca at the Royal Mile, having Joe Offer and Barry Finn stay here Thursday night, then trying to pack on Friday while trying to catch up on a year's worth of gossip with Joe & Barry. It was hopeless. Finally Bill left without me, Joe having Offered to give me a ride, so's to speak.

FINALLY I got to gossip enough, because we took the back roads and hit much traffic and it was a damn long drive. I can't tell you how much fun it was, just singing and talking and taking our time. All this really started the weekend off right.

Highlights? The whole weekend was so bright and shiny I can hardly believe it.

Whoa. I know I stayed up until about 2pm Friday but right at the moment can't remember a thing about it.... I do remember hearing from Charlie that Mick couldn't leave Michigan until 5pm, but had promised he would stop part way and get some sleep. He did, too, and arrived about 10 minutes before our "Musical MeetnGreet" session started.

One special time was sitting in the dining room very late last night with Dani, Mick, Barry, Tinker, Allan C, Micca, and various "floaters".... If I forgot anyone it's because my brain was fried.... I put my feet up on a chair and closed my eyes but it was still wonderful just to be sitting there listening.... and getting Mick to sing Spancil Hill .... Talk about a Mudcat Moment!

AND, a classic Getaway Moment, Mick and Barry were singing a fierce Irish song and Barry picked up one of the cafeteria chairs, held it sideways on his lap and thumped it like a bodhran. Oh my.

Then, watching Barry with Mick's bodhran once he fetched it from the car. Hard to explain, he was so at home with the instrument, adjusting it until it felt just right, finding so many ways to vary the sound and the rhythm. I never watched one played by an expert before, I always thought you just thumped them....

And after Rick Fielding and Jed Marum's wonderful Instrumental Styles workshop, going up to my room to change for dinner and hearing Pauline Lerner, out on the lawn, still playing tunes on her fiddle.

And watching my son Shadowmonk, who helped lead the fantasy adventures, surrounded by so many kids he looked like the Pied Piper. And hearing him and his friends join in the late night sings. And Mmario joining in on one of their RenFest/Pyrate Royale songs "The Grand Pubs of Yorkshire."

Then there was the last half hour before we left, while I was once again trying to get packed (I'm ALWAYS the last one!). Kendall loves zithers and wanted to hear mine, so I sat on the big old stump in front of the white house and played Rose of Allendale. Sunshine, fall foliage, Sandy Paton (also packing to leave) coming over to sing along on the chorus, other people wandering by and stopping to hear One More Song. Ahhhhh....

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 10:28 PM

At the risk of leaving out people, Mudcatters who were there included:

Vixen
Charlie Baum
Dani
JAB (gutbucketeer)
AllnC
SongBob
DavidC
Judy Cook
Jeri
CarolC
BillD
Tinker
Gorgeous Gary
Ferrara
Rick Fielding
Barry Finn
Susan of DT
Dick Greenhaus
Annamill
Roger in Baltimore
Nancy King
Karen K
LaMarca
Big Mick
Pauline Lerner
Jed Marum
Kendall Morse
Joe Offer
momnopp (Judy O)
Sandy and Caroline Paton
Micca
Mmario
Max
Reynaud
Sinsull
Lorraine
KathWestra
Knitpick

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: Ferrara
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 10:33 PM

Sinsull, was it you who brought the cannoli? Way to go lady. Let me be the first to invite you back to next year's Getaway and Friday potluck supper....

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: GUEST,Gorgeous Gary
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 10:34 PM

Another great Getaway! And my favorite of the six I've attended so far. OK, not a big sample I admit; I know there's one or two folks who have attended more Getaways than I've been alive...so I'm a late bloomer.

Made my workshop debut this year leading Jewish songs on Sunday. Seemed to be a success, I counted about 14 folks at one point, with good songs to offer or request.

Had a blast singing up in Mudcatville on Saturday! Oh, and I forgot to mention the first two of the three I sang were my own ("Sedona" and "City By The Lake").

Here are the links I promised. The first one is for "When I Was A Boy" (the funny computer song). It links to the page of midwestern filker Steve Macdonald who recorded it on his "Reap The Wind" CD. I should note that writer Frank Hayes specifically requested it not end up in the database. The second link is to Joe Bethancourt's collection of 873 "Real Old Time Religion" verses (thanks for reminding me Roger; I'd forgotten what the other link I'd promised was! Sleep dep'll do that to you):

When I Was A Boy
Real Old Time Religion

Great to see everyone again! And of course, I hope to see lots of the local folks at the Open Sing in a couple of weeks (at my condo in Rockville).

-- Gary (who tossed his cookie and needs to reset it...)

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: catspaw49
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 10:42 PM

Canoli?

...........bummer..................

Spaw

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 11:10 PM

My batteries are charged and I'm ready to face the rest of the year! At it's most basic that seems what the Getaway did to me. Dani and I were talking at one point and observed that all around us were people like us! People that go through life singing in the halls, in the bathrooms, and on the street. People that listen to "folk" shows and "all that old stuff" late on Sunday night. No One asked me to stop singing, playing, or to turn down the racket the WHOLE WEEKEND. It was great. I got to play my Gutbucket and people actually said they liked it. Bill thanks for Ain't Misbehavin'. My Brother Showed UP!!! (It truly was a surprise. If I had known he was coming I could have figured out a killer story, but as it was it was pretty ironic).

Highlights for me were first meeting all of the new people: Annie and Janie, David C, Jeff (Pene) MMario, Sinsul (Mary), Micca, Jed Marum (I met him once way back for introductions at the MiniFest but this was different), Carol C., Kendall (Can you give me some storytelling pointers some time), Rick Fielding, Joel, and so many others. Then, as I mentioned before, there were friends: Dani, Kathy (tinker), Alan C., Bert (Bert I wish you could have stayed longer), Barry, Mick, Max, Jeri, Bill D. Ferrara, Dottie (great banjo uke player), Fortunato, Suzette, Songster Bob, Knitpick, Special Ed. It gets bigger every year. I'm sure I'm forgetting someone, but my minds on brain drain right now.

I could walk Uphill Everywhere Without Crutches.

Friday night's Jam in the Mess Hall. Jed, Chance, Rick, Suzzette, T.J, Bob Clayton...... Just listening was a treat.

Saturday's Jam in the Cabin.

Ghost Stories..

Hearing Jeri sing.

Hearing Dani sing.

Hearing Tinker (Kathy) sing.

Rick Fielding and the Beef Brothers.

Kendall and Max !

Hearing The Key of R three times, and the last time they even got all of the chords right!

Hearing Kendall's songs and stories.

Hearing Roger of Baltimore's food songs again.

Playing, 20's and 30's music in the Jug Band Workshop, the 1935 Workshop, and at odd moments with Chance, Susette, Special Ed, Joel, Dick and Lois Parks, T.J. and Julie, and especially Dottie Hurley. These are the lost songs of our past and just plain fun.

Looking at the Stars as the music played in the distance around me.

Getting to know everyone better!

Things that I regret are: Missing too many workshops and events because I was in another one. Not getting to know Vixen and Renard again this year. Leaving.

See you next year!

Can't wait for the pictures and if anyone got them tapes of the music!

JAB

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 11:13 PM

Lost and Found

-
One pillow in "The Pines," room 2 (beige and blue pillowcase)
Black socks (1 pr) in Cabin 6

If they're yours, drop me a private message. --Charlie Baum

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 11:17 PM

I just realized that the thread name is "2002" Memories. I've been working too long with the FY 2002 Federal Budget. AHHHHHHHH!

Can someone please change it to "2001" Memories.

Thanks

JAB

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 11:18 PM

I knew I'd missed at least a few Mudcatters above. Add:

Pene Azul
Bert

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 11:23 PM

Oops!

I forgot Joe Offer. We have to exchange Song Book Lists. I only have about a hundred though.

JAB

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: Ferrara
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 12:03 AM

To all the people who "threatened" to come but couldn't make it, especially 'sPaw and KatLaughing -- you were missed. You were very much missed.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: Jeri
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 12:29 AM

Tinker, I hope you didn't get the great human pillow festival in the corner while you were filming! And that Kendall/Max duet just about had me needing CPR. That Saturday night singing in the cabin was one of the most fun times I can recall in my entire life. Some beautiful music, some incredibly silliness, musical and otherwise, and a whole lot of family feeling.

I made it home alive. Wimped out on the radio show. After getting less than 5 hours of sleep each night and not knowing where I was going or what I was doing, I figured I'd accidentally end up in Oregon.

I finally sang into an actual mic on an actual stage to an actual audience, and did NOT mess up. If it hadn't been for Ickle Dorritt's song, "The Sparehand," I probably wouldn't have signed up to perform.

It was great to meet so many new friends, both Mudcatters and FSGW members.

I still don't feel like sleeping. Perhaps it's because if I do, the weekend will REALLY be over.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: Nancy King
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 01:08 AM

Well, I for one had a fine time indeed. We lucked out on the weather -- even had lunch outdoors, in addition to lots of al fresco workshops.

What a great treat to see and hear so many old friends ("How are your kids?" "Remember the time...?") and to meet so many new ones. I was particularly pleased to meet Rick Fielding and Jed Marum, two great pickers and super-nice guys. Rick in particular impressed me as a natural teacher blessed with great patience and generosity. Wish I lived close enough to take guitar lessons from Rick! Also enjoyed meeting and hearing (to name only a few) Jeri, MMario and Roger in Baltimore, and renewing acquaintance with Barry Finn, Karen K, Kendall, Big Mick and lots of others. It was good to have Dick and Marlene Levine back after a two-year absence. Speaking of absence, I did miss a few regulars, among them Dave Diamond and Dwayne Thorpe. Hope they and bunches of others can make it next year.

The "What I learned from Folk-Legacy" session was simply amazing. In addition to the great music and fascinating and funny reminiscences about Sandy and Caroline and Folk-Legacy, the unabashed love in that room was palpable.

This Getaway was also special for me because I was able to meet a personal deadline by delivering a long-overdue package. More about that later.

And oh, the relief of no news broadcasts or newspapers for two whole days! Didn't realize how great that was till Monday morning.

Already looking forward to next year's Getaway (Oct. 18-20, 2002 -- right Charlie?)!!

Tired but happy, Nancy

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 01:15 AM

It was probably Micca snoring - he can be worse than Manitas at times, and that is world class snoring!!

LTS

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: Allan C.
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 08:17 AM

It was mostly my good friend, David C. who was doing the snoring. However, the cold night air seems to have crept into the sinuses of a few of the women on Sunday night. There were times when they actually drowned out the steady drone of David C..

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 08:49 AM

I can see I missed a memorable moment in time. Your memories are inspires me to come next year. Lifes is to short not to share it with others. I think I'll rent a bus and pick up Mudcatters along the way. Wouldn't that be something. Kat, you are too far out of my bus route so you may have to move a little closer. But Catspaw, for sure. I can see it now. The bus ride down would be a hoot.
What a wonderful experience the 'Get Away' must have been.

Little Neo

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: Allan C.
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 08:56 AM

Ferrara modestly claims to have simply closed her eyes and put up her feet during the small session with Dani, Barry, Mick, et al.. In fact, she sang. It was the first time I ever heard her sing alone. What a sweet and beautiful voice!

There were some other vocal surprises during the weekend. Although I have heard Jeri sing a few harmonies and such, it was an incredible joy to hear her alone on stage. You could quite nearly see the energy travel all the way from her heels to her throat as she put her soul into her song.

Tinker also has a powerful and beautiful voice. She also has a tremendous store of songs and truly funny personal anecdotes.

SINSULL treated us to her sweetly trilling voice with which she shared some songs she learned from her father and elsewhere. She blew us away with her "Bird In A Guilded Cage".

LaMarca and her musical partner, (whose name escapes me at the moment,) supplied some lovely songs at a variety of workshops as well as at one of the open-mike's. Beautifully arranged vocals...fine guitar backing.

This weekend was also the first time I ever heard Kath Westra sing. This was a real treat!

There were so many beautiful voices! I have been blessed with having heard most of them before. It was great to hear them again.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: MMario
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 09:14 AM

Between the Maryland Ren-faire and all the singing - I am currently a low baritone - no tenor range left at all - a friend told me I sound like I have just finished having a week of great sex. Can't say it was quite *THAT* enjoyable - but damn close!

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: annamill
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 09:49 AM

Don't have much time to talk. At work. It was amazing and everything everyone above said.

Micca, Sinsull, and Bert are at my house and will be at Mudcat Radio tonight.

We had good conversation and good music last night.

Talk more later.

Love, Anna (Micca is quite a character)

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: DeanC
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 09:51 AM

I'll excuse Charlie Baum for not including me in the list of Mudcatters since I have only appeared on it a couple of times. In some ways I look at this Getaway as just another one like the other 30 or so that I have attended. They are all special. I have met most of my friends (not to mention my wife) through the Getaway or other FSGW events, so it has a special meaning for me. Each Getaway, however, has its own special moments. For me, this year a few come to mind. First and foremost the "What I Have Learned from Folk Legacy" workshop. Listening to the songs and the stories of how Sandy and Caroline have effected peoples lives was incredible. I found myself thinking that although I knew most of the songs that were sung during that workshop (and lots of others from Folk Legacy recordings), I didn't actually learn them from the records. In a few cases I learned them directly from the recording artists (like Helen Schneyer, Jonathan Eberhart, The Boarding Party, Joan Sprung, Rock Creek, etc.) or indirectly from others who learned them from the records. It seems to me that one of the special things about folk music is that personal connection - I learned this from "so-and-so" - to the songs. Sandy's workshop on collecting and Dick Greenhaus' workshop on what's available on recordings were also wonderful. Both had some pretty amazing recordings, and Sandy's stories about meeting and recording some of those people were fascinating. I hope you all will encourage more people to come to the Getaway next year. The more the merrier.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: Tinker
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 09:52 AM

Jeri, if by the great human pillow festival you mean the great juxtiposition of Jed, Jeri, and Momnopp sharing a bed with Kendall in varied and shifting positions... well there are a few shots but my amatur camera skillls were not up to capturing the truth of the moment. Interpretation may vary upon viewing(and Max's edit....)BG
Watching the tape last night I found myself filling in moments that weren't recorded and wishing I could go back and find them all.

Tinker

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: DeanC
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 10:03 AM

Sorry. In my previous post I didn't realize that these get interpreted by HTML, so I didn't put in line breaks.
I wanted to mention one other thing anyway. There have been a lot of mentions of meeting other Mudcatters at the Getaway, but precious little about meeting non-Mudcatters. There plenty of both kinds there, but I think its important to realize that they are not really two different kinds. We are all in this for the love of the music and the friendships that grow out of the music. It doesn't matter so much that some of us can talk to each other via computer. I, for one, would like to see a little effort at the Getaway to bring the two groups together rather than to segregate them. I'll get down from my horse now.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: Dani
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 10:07 AM

Was there a difference? I just figured them all to be people who were more or less met, some whose music I already know, and some yet to be shared. It's just that with some, I get the privilege of knowing them more than just once a year. Some of those FSGW folks already feel like once-a-year friends, and that's just fine too.

Dani

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: MMario
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 10:26 AM

Dean - no slight intended to those FSGW members I met - I was as warmly welcomed by them as by any 'catter; and enjoyed immensely my entire weekend. I figure that all mudcatters are potential FSGW people and vice versa. - I didn't feel there was any "seperation" at the Getaway - and I certainly hope that society members didn't get that feeling from *us*!!!!

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: Allan C.
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 10:32 AM

Yes - what Dani said. I write mostly about 'Catters here because the people who have never attended a Getaway would not have the slightest idea of who I was talking about if I mentioned other folks. Every person there, no matter what affiliation they may have had, added his own special thing to the "soup". The flavors that resulted were indescribably delicious!

It is only natural for people who know one another to hang out together. There were informal gatherings that were comprised mostly of FSGW members. There were others that were largely attended by 'Catters. But at no time was there any divisiveness or segregation.

Certainly there were some "inside jokes" and references made to past events that not everyone "got". But that added something to the event as well.

One thing that struck me and that David C. remarked about later: Many of the FSGW folks have been in contact for decades. There were so many times when a FSGW member would start a semi-obscure song and the FSGW crowd would know the song well enough to join in the chorus. It always sounded great, but was a bit puzzling to me until I thought about it for a while. It was simply an indicator of the level of shared history that many of them have.

The Mudcat is still quite new by comparison to the FSGW. The time will come, I am sure, when the two groups are so well integrated that we will all know the choruses to many of each other's songs.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 10:56 AM

The two groups aren't really two groups--the overlapping intersection is staggering--HALF of the Mudcatters I listed above are local DC-area FSGW members, and a few more are FSGW regulars who live at a distance. Since long before the personal computer was invented, people from all over the place have been coming to Getaways and sharing music. The invention of the Internet, and later, of the Mudcat, has only made the process of inviting folkies from around the country (and around the corner) more efficient.

--Charlie Baum
(still trying to recover from a wonderful weekend)

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: Janie
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 11:27 AM

I was so inspired by the weekend and EVERYONE's love of music and gentle support for us neophytes that I came home and j'ined up with you mudcatters. (And was so impressed with CarolC.'s wardrobe that I brought part of it home with me--nevermind that she wears petites and I wear "womens" sizes.) I had been away from music for sooo.....long--how very sweet to again sing and listen to my heart's content. Thank you everyone for the experience and for what I hope are the first of many friendships and memories. Janie

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: Jeri
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 11:35 AM

I will always remember that "What I Learned From Folk Legacy" workshop. The emotional level was as high as it could be. Hearing the songs and stories brought home just how significant to folk music, and loved, Folk Legacy and Sandy and Caroline are. This was summed up at the end, although not with words. We stood and held hands to sing the last song. (I think it was Caroline who started it.) All of us in that room were bound together with our love of music, and our love for the Patons and one another. They make love and music inseparable.

Tinker, I think we got to that stage where we were like a litter of puppies, with absolutely no concern for personal space. I can't wait to see the video.

I didn't notice a separation between FSGW and Mudcat folks. We were people at the Getaway. By the time I left, I was hugging anyone who didn't get away fast enough.

To paraphrase Allan: "We will all know the choruses to each other's songs." Yep.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2002 Memories
From: MMario
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 12:04 PM

Great phrase Allan - and speaking of that - it is SO great to be able to sing a "new" song to a group - and by the second chorus they start to chime in, but by the final chorus they are doing multi-part harmony. What an experience!

Jeri - by the end you were so tired I don't think you even noticed the people who were running around to get back into line and get another hug from you. *grin*

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: lamarca
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 12:26 PM

Well, for a lapsed Mudcatter, the Getaway was a fun way to meet the faces behind the posts...but, just a "little" bit of dissent from the completely rosy posts above...

I've been coming to Getaways since '85 or '86, and though I'm also a 'Catter (or have been at times), I and a few others from FSGW who aren't on the Mudcat did have a bit of a "strangers at our own party" feeling. I was a daytripper this year, so didn't get to share the wonderful singing after hours that always goes on; I don't know how "integrated" those sessions were.

I realize that it's a mixed blessing; as the folks in the FSGW get older, have kids with soccer practice, jobs with deadlines, etc, it's been harder for the Society to find folks willing and able to organize, run and attend our events. The influx of new folks from the Mudcat has given the Getaway a welcome boost both financially and in song and musical diversity.

I guess it's just incipient Old Fogey-hood that makes me yearn for the days of MY first Getaways at Camp Letts, listening to Jonathan Eberhart and Barbara Karns jamming in Letts Lodge, eating Pete the Spy's latest (and always late) dinner extravaganza; hearing "Tubas in the Moonlight" from Marv and Kathy Reitz's jugband; Dave Olive performing as "Blind Harry Palms" doing a blues guitar and gaeda duet with Mark Gilston on "Please Don't Play A11"; someone who shall remain nameless setting fire to Dick Rodgers cheat sheet for the 40-something verse ballad he was trying to perform, Bob Hitchcock and the Cockettes doing "I Got Stoned and I Missed It" at the Sunday concert, and the debut of the Yorkist Ballad Charade Society, in which Sue West and I had supporting roles as Lord Randall's dead dogs...

Those days are gone; I hope that both Mudcatters and FSGW are forging new communal memories to share in the years to come. I would just like to second DeanC above, and suggest that mentioning non-Catters you shared songs with by name is one more way to widen the circle of friends. If someone on the Cat comes to DC from out of town and sees a name they heard about on Mudcat, that spark of familiarity can start a new round of sharing.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: DeanC
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 12:27 PM

Well, good! I'm encouraged by the comments about lack of separation. I don't want to make too big a deal about it anyway. Incidentally, in a sense there have always been two groups of people at the Getaway - FSGW members and non-members. Now maybe there are three - FSGW, non-FSGW, Mudcat - although as Charlie pointed out they are not mutually exclusive. Historically the only difference between members and non-members is that members get a registration preference in case the camp fills up. That is not currently an issue since we are not close to filling this camp.
I really welcome newcomers for their new input if for nothing else. We've had great fun singing the same songs over the years, but it's also great fun learning new ones or variations of the ones we already know. The communal knowledge of music in this group is astounding.
Something else occurred to me over the course of the weekend. What other knid of music could I be interested where I could actually meet, talk to, spend the weekend (or week) with my musical heroes? I love the music of Paul Simon, for instance, but my chances of meeting him are nil. On the other hand, I also love the Copper family songs, and I have met them and spent a week with them at Pinewoods Camp. It seems like there is less separation between the great performers of folk music (at least most of them) and their admirers than in other types of music. The reason, I surmise, is that folk music was meant to be done by everyone, not just some stage performers. Some of us (not me) are fortunate enough to be able to devote their lives to it and make at least a meagre living from it. From Rick Fielding's comments this weekend I'm not sure whether it's a blessing or a curse. In his case it is certainly a blessing for the rest of us.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 12:30 PM

Hey Janie.

Welcome to the Mudcat!!!

Let us know how long it takes before you are addicted :-)

We all look forward to a reprise of your singing duo with AlanC next year.

JAB

P.S.

Get your sister to join too.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: DeanC
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 01:04 PM

Mary (lamarca) managed to get her post in while I was typing my last one. Everyone who has been to a Getaway has some special memories. One of my favorites comes from the infamous Spring Getaway. It was without a doubt the coldest on record, and due to dry conditions we were not allowed to have fires anywhere. There was one building that had some heat in it, so everyone tended to gather there to sing. The singing was some of the best I can recall. The moment I remember, however, was from the Saturday evening concert when Helen Schneyer, Jonathan Eberhart, and Andy Wallace sang "Hal and Tow":

Hal an tow, jolly rumbalo
We were up long before the day o
To welcome in the summer
To welcome in the may o
For summer is a comin in
And winter's gone away o

That chorus brought uproarious laughter given the circumstances.

This, the occasions that Mary mentioned, and many others are fondly remembered, and they cannot be recreated. Contrary to the joke, nostalgia IS what it used to be, so this most recent Getaway will also have its memories, and in future years we (especially those new to the Getaway) will long for the good old days of 2001. We can't get our past back, but we can continue our lives in the same spirit that created our past. So I'll keep coming to Getaways.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: katlaughing
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 01:33 PM

Thanks, Ferrara, your words mean a lot to me. I missed all of you, too.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: CarolC
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 01:35 PM

Welcome to the Mudcat, Janie.

There's no way I can do justice to all of the amazing vocal music that seemed to almost seep out of every little corner and nook of Camp Ramblewood during the Getaway. I know very little about songs, and others have done a splendid job of describing that aspect of the weekend. Needless to say, there was a lot of beautiful vocal music being made.

I can comment on the instrumental aspect, since that is my musical orientation. One of the first things I heard upon arriving on Saturday afternoon was a few people, scattered here and there, playing fiddles and guitars and other instruments. Just sitting around in fields or on porches and things. That was very pleasant.

As the weekend progressed, I enjoyed an aural smorgasboard of different kinds of sounds and many different kinds of acoustic music coming from a wide variety of instruments. There were the usual assortment of stringed instruments with necks, but I also enjoyed GutBucketeer's gut bucket bass. And there were squeeze boxes. I saw several concertinas of the usual sizes, and there were two bass concertinas. Those were a real treat. And there was one melodion. I didn't hear it played very much, but the little I did hear sounded really nice.

I would have to say that the highlight for me was when Dick (I'm pretty sure his first name was Dick) Swain invited me to jam with him, he on his bass concertina, and me on my Italian accordion. I really loved the way those two instruments sounded together. We played some dark and moody Finnish waltzes, which we both loved, and then we moved on to somewhat lighter and sweeter British Isles and American pieces.

That was my first real experience of jamming with other people on my box (playing the the actual melody and basses,rather than just the basses under other people's melodies). Eventually, we were joined by another concertina player, and a fiddle player.

About that time, the singers in the next room started having difficulty hearing themselves, so we left for a less intrusive location to continue our jam. About the time I started running out of pieces I could play, our group aquired two large Celtic harps a second concertina, and a second fiddle. The only way I can describe that sound would be to say that it was not only beautiful, it was mighty.

I sat in on parts of a couple of workshops. Rick Fielding and Jed Marum conducted a very interesting workshop on instrumental techniques. There was quite a bit of information being presented that I didn't understand because it was about stringed instruments, but I enjoyed hearing the stories that Rick and Jed told about how they came to adopt some of the different techniques they use, and I especially enjoyed hearing them play.

I also sat in on part of a blues workshop that was being conducted by Roger in Baltimore and Max. That was a treat. I enjoy the blues even though I don't play them, and Max, Roger, Dani, and another female singer who's name I didn't hear, really got down with those blues and belted out some funky, gutsy stuff.

I also enjoyed the Mudcat jam that wended its way in the the wee ours of the morning Sat. night/Sun. morning. I came to it somewhat late from the other jam, but it was great sitting in the big circle of Mudcatters taking turns singing and playing music. I was even asked to play my accordion. I was pretty nervous about playing solo in front of a bunch of people, but they were very welcoming and generous in their encouragement. So I guess that was a rite of passage of sorts for me as an accordion player.

And of course it was wonderful seeing Rick again, and meeting so many people I've gotten to "know" in a virtual sense, and being able to get a fuller sense of who they are as people through spending time with them in the 3D sense. Not the least of whom was the legendary Micca. Pene Azule and I decided that he must have had multiples of himself wandering around the Getaway. He was so friendly and gregarious that there are quite a few people who probably think they spent most of the weekend hanging out with him.

I'm still not back to my real world yet. I'm still making a nuisance of myself around the Mudcat offices, and there's the concert tonight to look forward to before I head for home.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: Duckboots
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 01:44 PM

Well, Mr. Fielding got home late last night, a lovely surprise since I hadn't expected him until Tuesday. He still hasn't stopped talking about what a wonderful time he had.

Thanks to everyone who sent their love and best wishes home with Rick, I wish I could have been there, maybe next year.

Duckboots (Heather)

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: CarolC
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 01:54 PM

(Oops! I'm still pretty brain dead from the weekend. I forgot to mention that it was great to see Allan C and David C again. If I forgot anyone else I had met previously, someone please come here and kick me.)

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 02:30 PM

Fucking amazing!! ('scuse the expleted deletive!)

Absolutely wonderful time, and rather than listing the memorable moments here, I'll just let them dribble out over the next few weeks.

Thanks to Charlie Baum for giving me an "alternative" route home though. Much more interesting than the Joisey or Mass. Turnpikes, but because of the many neat little towns I wound through, I made quite a few stops. 14 hours of driving....was I ever whacked!

Thank you so much.

Rick

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: MMario
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 02:40 PM

Rick - not sure how you went back - but you should try coming down through Buffalo and then down route 15 sometime - the stretch I drove was incredibly beautiful with fall foliage both days - and amazing the amount of change that occurred over the weekend. And Wysiwig would be at about the halfway point for you.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 02:58 PM

I created another thread for those interested in discussing how Mudcat relates to FSGW and other real world organizations. It is an important discussion but I would prefer that this one not be taken over by it through thread creep.

Go here:

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: Bill D
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 03:43 PM

pictures have been downloaded, and a set cropped, lightened and labeled by Ferrara.....I will put a 'few' on my site, then see how I can best put the whole batch in one place....(it may be slow going...I have some sort of CPU problem making the PC run slowly)

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: Fortunato
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 03:48 PM

Maybe your CPU has CRS.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 04:11 PM

Mmario--that's precisely the route I used to send Rick back to Toronto.
Ramblewood to York to Harrisburgh to Northumberland (home of the J. Priestly house and museum--a breath of fresh air) to Williamsport to Painted Post to Bath to Rochester to Buffalo to Toronto.

--Charlie Baum

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: Bill D
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 04:58 PM

ok...here we go. I think Rita's editing left a part of PaintShop open gobbling memory..

anyway, to whet appetites,(big pics...will downsize later ones, and you may request BIG ones of favorites after we get them sorted out..)

here is how it endedOne Last Song as referred to in Rita's post WAY back up there.

The Guitar Lesson ...Rick doing what he does....

Sat morning Meet 'n Greet with MANY faces>/a>

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: Dani
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 06:38 PM

OK, we can move the topic over to Jim's other thread if you want, but I thought of one big difference between the two groups, if you COULD divide them:

Some of us were guests there. Some of those FSGW folks worked like dogs to show everyone a good time, and did it graciously! I am so grateful to Charlie, Dolores, Don, Rita, Dick, Jennifer, Judy, and all the others whose names have jumped out of my head. An awful lot of work goes into making something like this work, and so many things that COULD go wrong did NOT go wrong, because of their work. It was delightful, and they made it seem EASY!

Thank you.

Dani

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: Bill D
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 06:55 PM

now...adding a few comments to the ones above.

I have now had 12-13 hours sleep and can almost remember what I want to say...which is, that it was even more wonderful than all those other folks said!

I seem to not be willing to admit that I can operate clearly on 3-4 hrs. sleep any more...but I still try it. I have a lot of memories of sitting in my little chair and listening. I listened to amazing jams featuring harps, clarinet, viola, cello, concertina and autoharp, with dull ol' banjos & guitars happily playing along. I listened to ukelele and Jew's harp...I listened to zither and bass concertina..(no..not together)....

I heard a totally amazing rendition of "The Panic's On" in the "Take me back to 1935" workshop, by Joel Bailes on piano, with Dick Parks on trumpet and T.J. O'Malley doing SUCH fine guitar fills!...'folk music'?? maybe not..*grin*...but WOW!...

I listened to voices...FSGW's own Susan C., in her classically trained soprano....Barry Finn, in his room-filling voice that got stronger the more he sang (and Jeri, whose voice and vocals are headed the same way!...she sang when she swore she wasn't sure HOW she could sing))....the long-practiced harmonies of Sandy & Caroline Paton....soft voices, loud voices, smooooth voices.... raspy, but clear voices, and yeah, a few voices that need some practice, but were still full of feeling.

and how very proud and happy I was with my wife, Ferrara, singing so well all weekend! (yes, Rita...you are reading this and blushing a bit, but lots of folks told you so all weekend)..and my son, Darriel (ShadowMonk) who has already raised a few eyebrows with his voice..(needs MORE songs, but heck...he has time...)

but what I listened to most were people talking and sharing and learning in between songs. There were not enough minutes to meet and explore all the new friendships and renew the old ones thoroughly, but we damn sure tried, didn't we?

........now, I'll post this and go back and read it and see if I said anything near what I intended..*grin*...you just can't do justice to it in a few minutes of typing...

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: kendall
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 07:14 PM

A summation of the weekend. FAN****INGTASTIC!!

I just got home this afternoon and I'm reeling, but, had to check out the feedback.

What's this about Max and me playing blues? How does this stuff get started?

Dani, you said something about telling what you REALLY think of me? Should I smile, or cringe?

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 07:24 PM

(Micca is quite a character)

We did try and warn you you know, you only have yourselves to blame, and serve you right!

LTS

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: Big Mick
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 07:24 PM

I'm just sitting here at Mudcat Central, and regretting that this is the final act of one of the most memorable events of my time as a folkie.

I too want to lend my voice to thanking the FSGW folks for their wonderful work. These folks are wonderful hosts. I have never felt "separate" or "outside" in the three Getaways I have been to. From the first minute I was made welcome and invited to participate. I am sorry to hear that some feel a sense of intrusion, but it only makes me want to integrate more. These Mid Atlantic folkies are some of the finest people around. Those who haven't been yet are missing out on sharing with some of the most incredible performers around. I am not going to attempt to name them all, because I would miss some. But when one ponders the names and the talent that inhabit these environs, it is staggering. I feel so blessed to share in the camaraderie and talent that flows so freely at this gathering.

I will share reminisces when I am back in Michigan. Got a show to do.

Mick

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: Dani
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 07:51 PM

Smile, Kendall, smile. I'm so glad to have met you. For those of you who weren't able to make it, I will embarrass Kendall by saying that he is one of the sweetest, kindest men you could ever meet. Good looking, too. His style is something most younger men can only hope to achieve someday...

Folks, I picked up Kendall's "Beginner's Luck" album whilst there. Janie and I sang almost all the way home, more than seven hours worth, and I didn't get to Kendall's tape 'til this morning. Now, I warned you all I don't know a lot of songs (yet) and I'm embarrassed to admit I'd never heard "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda". So there I am, on the way home from the grocery store, parked in my car crying my eyes out. What an amazing song. And the way Kendall sings it just ripped my heart out.

I owe you a song, Kendall.

Dani

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: Tinker
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 08:04 PM

Oh, and Kendall after repeated "What's that?!" comments as I went through new CD's.... My twelve year old son stopped on his way through the kitchen to say " Who's that guy? He isn't too bad." Really Really high praise from a boy determined to go the rock route. He really likes your style Kendall, actually stayed for a whole song. And since there's no food left in the house after I was gone all weekend I know it was really the music. Thanks... And I've got to second Dani's opinion, a very gentle man, with definative twinkle....Now ya might want to watch just how much you believe but that just goes with the style

Tinker

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: GUEST,SINSULL
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 09:06 PM

At Mudcat Central recovering from four hours in a car with Micca. Thank you, Bert - great directions! More tomorrow when I reach NYC. Short synopsis: I wish I were back at the Getaway.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: GUEST,SINSULL
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 09:15 PM

Lest I seem ungrateful...enchiladas from heaven from Bert and Tree with NO after effects! Three hours in the car with Micca, I was most thankful. Big thank you for the guitar lesson as well. Love you, Bert. SINS

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: kendall
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 09:16 PM

WOW!! my cover is totally blown, but, with that kind of feedback, I really dont mind! Now, I guess I can expect a broadside from Spaw?

What a treat to meet such great people, I wont single you out, you know who you are! To all you folks who enjoyed spending time with me, thank the Patons. They suggested I ride with them from Ct to Md., and, if they hadn't done so, I would not have come. Another reason to be greatful to Sandy and Caroline,these two are wonderful beyond words. What an honor to call them friends.

Dani, I will collect that song on my way to Florida this winter. I just got a letter from the resort there, and they want me again as resident entertainer.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: Gorgeous Gary
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 09:28 PM

Speaking of Micca...round 'about 4pm this afternoon while staring at an architectural drawing on my compter screen I suddenly found myself humming "I'm glad, glad, very very glad, I'm glad I'm a gladiator..." 8-)

-- Gary

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: WyoWoman
Date: 24 Oct 01 - 12:02 AM

Ok, Ok. I HAVE to go next year. I know this, really I do. Is it the 18th of October? I didn't have time to read all the above, but think I saw that date mentioned ...

So glad all y'all had such a great time. So sorry the rest of us missed it.

ww

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 24 Oct 01 - 12:43 AM

Next year, October 18-21, 2002, at Camp Ramblewood again. It'll be a couple of weeks before the contract can be ratified and carved in stone, but put those dates on your calendar.

Reading a thread like this reassures me that all of the work that goes into setting it up is truly worth it! Thanks for all the wonderful comments.

Administrivia: I also forgot Shadowmonk in my listing. Mary LaMarca's other half is George Stephens, one of the greatest voices in our local circle.

And my favorite moment was probably the "What I learned from Folk Legacy" workshop. I've never been to a session like that one (and I've been going to folk events for decades now). Tributes are often formal and carefully crafted speeches of the mind; this one was just an informal emotional pouring out of love and gratitude from the heart to two of the people who have enabled more folk music than any other pair I can think of.

--Cbarlie Baum

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: Ferrara
Date: 24 Oct 01 - 01:54 AM

Charlie's right, the happy feedback lets you know it was truly worth all the work. But, really, getting to be there all weekend made it worth all the work! (Didja like the weather we ordered? We had to put in our bid MONTHS ahead of time!)

Sometimes the Getaway seems unreal; hour after hour, workshop after workshop, song after song, it continues to offer rich new dimensions of music, talk and fun. For a whole weekend? Must be a dream.

For me, this year was almost unique in that I Felt Good. No Getaway cold or flu, no exhaustion and blowing out my voice. (It helped that I slept around the clock Saturday night.) A Milestone.

I have always loved the fact that so many people travel long distances to the Getaway and come back year after year, for example Dick & Marlene Levine from New Jersey, or Dick Hamlet & Corinne McWilliams from Oregon. I hope many of the people who were here for the first time this year, will be familiar faces in years to come.

Last year, I was so euphoric (manic?) after the Getaway I couldn't stop babbling. This year I may have had an even better time, there is deep contentment and happiness from all the great interactions I saw happening. But less urge to babble.... Maybe after we get this weekend's craft show behind us!

Well, time to go over and look at the FSGW/Mudcat thread and maybe put in my 2 cents worth....

Rita

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: JedMarum
Date: 24 Oct 01 - 09:46 AM

... too much still going on in my head to get it out clearly in a single post. This was a wonderful weekend - a veritable music orgy! I rarely put my guitar down, except maybe to pick up my banjo - and what a treat to meet so many great folks.

... there were some real highlights for me, and I am sure I opened new freindships that will last a lifetime.

And I didn't have to put up with any "damn Republican" jokes - or maybe I just missed 'em!

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: Fortunato
Date: 24 Oct 01 - 10:05 AM

Thanks to Charlie Baum for bringing home my camera battery charger. And thanks to Jenifer and Don and Delores and all the FSGW folks who work hard every year to make this event possible.

After reading this thread I feel I was hardly there, I missed so much.

One really neat thing was the small jewels scattered around the lawn for children (of all ages) to find. Katydids and Cardinals and Indian Summer.

regards, Chance.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: MMario
Date: 24 Oct 01 - 10:13 AM

I'm beginning to feel halfway human after the emotional and physical "crash" yesterday - it was *very* hard getting through the work day - tho' the CD's I brought back from Getaway helped a lot. One co-worker claims she heard snoring coming from my cubby - but I don't think I ever actually dozed off. Zoned out, yes.

It's hard to sort out everything that went on over the weekend because there were so many levels. I had conversations on everything from reverse racism to extended families; ren-faire costumes, pub songs, filk songs, traditional songs. My ears eagerly drank in as much music as possible - and there were quite a few people there I would gladly have listened to for hours on end.

Barry Finn actually runs off some sort of atomic battery, doesn't he? He must, the man seems to gain energy as the night goes on. Occasionally I got tired just watching him.

I keep hearing about more and more things too, which I wish I could have caught - not just Saturday during the day when I "went missing" to fulfill some obligations at the MD ren-faire - but times I WAS there.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: JedMarum
Date: 24 Oct 01 - 10:34 AM

I have to second the special thanks to Charlie Baum for his efforts and his consideration. For those of us part taking in the festivities, it easy to forget just how much effort goes into organizing the event - the fact the we didn't give it much thought is testament to just how well it was organized! Things went very smoothly, and we were all well looked after. Thanks Charlie for a job VERY well done.

Thanks to all the FSGW folks who made the weekend possible and just plain fun!

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: GUEST,PeteBoom (at work)
Date: 24 Oct 01 - 10:46 AM

Sounds like a tremendous time. Now if work did not get in the way of important things, like music, things would be SOOOOOOO much better....

Pete

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: Tinker
Date: 24 Oct 01 - 11:50 AM

WAHHHH!! I just dropped the videos off to get VHS copies made for Max. It'll take about a week and then Max'll be able to cut and copy. I've been sneaking a fix everytime I realize it's over. Sunday nite was a much lower energy than the insanity on Saturday but I finally went through it as well. I'm glad I'm not the one deciding what to edit. But among my favorite moments Bick Mick in a song, with Barry on the Bohdran, and Jeri on the fiddle, Allan doing backup and everyone coming in on the chorus. Thanks Jeri and Joe and Dani and MMario and anyone else who really didn't want to have a camera in their face but sang it out anyway. There are a few washed out faces due to backlighting on Sunday night, but it doesn't fade the music. oh, and Barry on Saturday perhaps it was the vile black stuff that did it but on one of your songs the camera pans down as your sitting and singing and we watch your feet do the percussion for a verse or so... Great stuff really ... Love you all

Tinker

I really have to wait a week to see it again ?? What was I thinking....

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: Bert
Date: 24 Oct 01 - 12:01 PM

It was great meeting everyone, some of you again and some for the first time. I wish I could have stayed longer and I'm sorry I missed saying goodbye to everyone.

A VERY special thank you to those sound guys at the Saturday evening concert. I don't think I've ever heard a sound set up that was so good. From the audience point of view you could hear every voice and instrument clearly. And when performing the feedback was absolutely perfect you could hear just the right amount so that you could give your best.

GREAT JOB GUYS!!! I don't think you realize just how much you added to the enjoyment of the concert.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: Allan C.
Date: 24 Oct 01 - 12:30 PM

I said something above about only mentioning 'Catters in my comments here because I didn't think other Mudcats would recognize the names if I spoke of some of the FSGW members. I have to say that there is one other important factor at play here. I am absolutely terrible at remembering names! The only reason I can rememer the names I have mentioned above is because I have been using them for nearly four years.

There are some names from the Getaway that are floating around in my brain but most of them are not attached to faces or even to deeds. The reverse is also true. Thus, I could mention Judy Cook, for instance. But for the life of me, I cannot tell you anything she did or anything else about her. Then there was that short blonde woman who sang...well, she sang something at some point but I can't recall the song and certainly cannot remember her name. Then there was the guy who, upon leaving the grounds, got his car hung up on a protruding rock. I have no idea of his name; but, no, he isn't a Mudcatter. Would you like to hear about the LONG conversation I had in the parking lot with a woman whose name I do not know? I learned a HUGE portion of her life story before I could find an artful way of backing away. I could try to scratch around for words to describe for you the voice of a guy who played hurdy-gurdy but cannot tell you his name. He is a very friendly and knowledgeable fellow and did a fine job of playing his instrument. There was a lovely woman named Francie who sang "solo" for the first time in a workshop I attended. I really don't know anything more about her.

This is the way it is for a fogey like me who has severe CRS. I really don't mean to slight anyone by not mentioning them. I simply don't remember enough to make it interesting.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: Bert
Date: 24 Oct 01 - 12:38 PM

I know exactly how you feel Allan. Short term memory problems are a real bummer. There's nothing you can do about it and people think you're rude or not trying.

So you meet someone new and go away muttereing their name over and over and trying to fit it with their face. And all of a sudden BOOF, it's gone.

So people yell out "Hi Bert" and I think Who the bloody hell was that?

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: MMario
Date: 24 Oct 01 - 12:47 PM

been there, forgotten that. I've been in service industries of one sort or another for most of my life - and seem to "stick" in peoples minds - I've had people come up to me - "Hi! I used to work with you at xxx in the mid 70's,(or you fixed my computer, or whatever) how are you, blah, blah blah" - and absolutly no clue as to who they are.

And it's not that I don't try to get people's names - just can't hang onto them. I *do* recall seeing some of the same faces at Old Songs that I couldn't put names to also at the Getaway - so at least I tend to recognize faces.

But I was also more concerned with getting in singing time and listening time then trying to figure out names.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: Bert
Date: 24 Oct 01 - 12:47 PM

And thanks to Rick and Bob for tips on fixing the action of my guitar. I got a file out as soon as I got home and it's really slick now. MUCH EASIER on the ol' fingers.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: Ferrara
Date: 24 Oct 01 - 03:13 PM

One reason I like this thread each year, is I get to live vicariously through things I missed during the weekend.

In order to make it a really rich weekend, the program chairman has to make sure there is music for several different tastes, going on simultaneously, in as many time slots as possible. It works. I haven't had ANY complaints this year about time slots where there was "only boring stuff."

The problem is, we have a lot of people with wide ranging tastes in music and they are the ones who have the most problems with missing stuff they would have like to see. Me included. But it's fun to hear about them here.

Allan C, I too have CRS, and I can prove it: Even though you commented on Allan Rathbone's spelling his name the "correct" way, I forgot and listed you as "Allen C" on all the Getaway photos! Oh my. And Ouch. I think from now on I'll remember it though....

The problems of names at the Getaway.... Our minds are on the music, and specifically on whatever music interests us most at a given moment. Imagine my embarrassment in the Meet'n'Greet, when I didn't know Keith Baldwin's name even though I have been talking to him at Getaways for at least 20 years! (He was the guy in the Western style hat who sang "Now and Then There's a Fool Such As I").

SO, I have made up my mind that Next Year I will ask the name of everyone I exchange remarks with, if possible. My average number of repeats before I actually remember a name is about 12, but I find that lots of folks have the same problem and are very understanding.

Actually this is one reason that some of the Getaway pics will be labeled, for example, "Saturday Jam" with no identification of who's who -- It's too embarrassing to make it clear that there are people whose names I don't know!

I still haven't talked about the specific things that were highlights of this year's Getaway for me. I have to let it all filter out a bit, right now everything still seems like it was a highlight.

Rita

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Oct 01 - 04:02 PM

Still too tired to post and we (Mary and Micca) are on our way to New Hampshire tomorrow. The weekend hasn't actually ended yet. My biggest thrill? Very biggest? Meeting Sandy and Caroline Paton and having Sandy ask me to send him a recording of my "Boston Burglar". No words to describe the wonder of it.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: MMario
Date: 24 Oct 01 - 04:08 PM

And the winners of the "Longest Weekend" award goes to....

the envelope please

Sinsull and Micca!

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: Jeri
Date: 24 Oct 01 - 04:16 PM

I'm trying to remember details of things, and they're all beginning to slip away. When it finishes fading, I'll be left with memories of the music and laughter, the good friends met again and the good friends I met for the first time. I'll regret I didn't get more of a chance to talk to some people, but I'll hope for a next time.

Some details I won't forget are Rick and the Beef Brothers, Dani singing InOBU's song about the firefighters, the whole Folk Legacy workshop, Micca giving me a tankard, SINSULL slipping me some bourbon balls, Joel slipping me some moonshine (I never had the stuff, and it was great!), Bruce's feedback on a song I did Sun night, Jed's asking for the words (what a heck of a compliment!), the Sat night cabin singing and silliness (I'd decided to go 'home' and sleep - fat chance!), Mick singing Walker In The Snow, George and Mary singing the song (here comes MY name problem) about "and the memory of Jerusalem with its dark, satanic mills," Jed singing Prayer From Little Round Top and everything else, Rick and Joel playing blues in the gym, Carol and Dick beginning to play those lovely waltzes on Fri night...there's more, but I have to stop sometime.

I'm homesick, and I desparately miss the community, the music, and especially my friends, old and new.

This is a song Kathy Westra sings. It's in the DT, but I felt like I needed to put the whole thing in my post.

WHEN FIRST WE MET
(Alan Bell)

1. When first we met we were total strangers
We didn't know if we could be friends,
How soon we came to know each other
Now I know we will meet again

Chorus:
So here's to you and our time together
I'll share with you now a parting glass
And bid adieu with a smile and laughter
Our time apart will be short and pass

2. We talked of dreams and a good tomorrow
Of yesterday's and their dark dispairs
We've had our share of joys and sorrows
Now we part as friends who care

3. A long long road now winds before me
And fate may take me where it will
Through deep valleys and over mountains
I'll not forget, I'll remember you still

(repeat first verse)

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 24 Oct 01 - 05:37 PM

Well, I gotta be a little careful here, 'cause the object of my affection is still a mite shy at accepting compliments, but........

Watching Jeri sing her song at the Saturday night concert was a real high point for me. She absolutely nailed it! Great delivery, pitch, dynamics and timing. This gal's gonna be heard from, mark my words.

Among some other notable moments that I'll probably mention over the next couple of weeks was Rita EXPLAINING her Zither. Sure, we've all seen these things, but exactly how they're tuned and played has never been clear to me. Now it is. Thanks.

Two hours in the middle of the night with a man named Joel who plays piano very much like Leroy Carr. Jeri joined us for a while, but mostly we absolutely POUNDED out Carr and Scrapper Blackwell blues to a huge dark empty Gym. T'was great fun. My little 0-18 Martin probably doesn't know what hit it...I've never played harder or louder on it.....felt like it was 1930 and I WAS Scrapper! Yeah!

Rick

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: Ferrara
Date: 25 Oct 01 - 12:36 AM

Yes to all of that, Jeri.

One memory for me, is of watching my son Shadowmonk clear his throat with a *tiny* sip of Joel's moonshine before he sang "Grand Pubs of Yorkshire" for I-forget-who. Of course, another highlight was seeing him and his friends joining in the late-night sings instead of going over to their cabin to listen to Smashing Pumpkins or Rage Against the Machine on their boom boxes. *BG*

One of my favorite workshops was Rick's and Jed's Instrumental Styles. I just came to listen, it never occurred to me that zither playing also involves instrumental styles.

My borrowed car left with its owner to go to the RenFest about noon Sunday, which is why I couldn't get to any of the Folk Legacy session (it was UP THE HILL). Rats and toads, what a thing to miss! I had planned to go to the first half, then off to lead Civil War songs. Ah well that's life, and that's the Getaway, too....

With both FL and 1935 against it, Civil War was pretty darned sparse so we sang all our favorite songs in unison, but there were still some songs I'd never heard before.

Time to quit now, I have to finish an article on woodburning ("pyrography") by tomorrow for a new magazine. I'm just taking a short Mudcat Break, but back to work now....

Rita

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 25 Oct 01 - 01:18 AM

Know the line in "Sirey Peaks," Rita? I'm tired of cow pyrography and allows I'm goin' to town.

Needless to say, the total surprise of the Folk-Legacy birthday cake will never be forgotten, but the "What I Learned from Folk-Legacy" session was such an overwhelming experience for Caroline and me that it is sure to live in our hearts forever. I know that karen k, Kathy Westra and Jennifer Woods are the prime suspects in arranging it, but I wish to thank all of those who participated. I (and I'm speaking for both of us) have never been more deeply moved. It embarrasses me to be such a sieve in public, but my lady assures me that good friends will forgive such a weakness. I hope she's right!

How very gratifying it is to be reminded by our friends that over these past forty years we have helped add a lot of good songs to the folksong revival. That's reward enough. We thank you all.

Sandy (and Caroline)

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: kendall
Date: 25 Oct 01 - 09:11 AM

Sandy, if it's any consolation, I think you held up better than I.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: Knitpick
Date: 25 Oct 01 - 09:41 AM

I think the most memorable thing of this past Getaway for me was the Folk Legacy session. It was SOOOO marvolous! Even better then we expected it to be when planned! And all the wonderful baseball caps -- Sandy is soooo pleased! Those who can make NOMAD don't forget 'em if you got 'em!

Also the Beef Bros. -- Jed Marum & Big MIck -- what fun! And their half-brother Rick! I was fighting the end of bronchitus most of the weekend, so was a good kid and went to bed reasonable each night, but being the housing czarina, I had placed myself right next to the 'catters, so I heard some of the wonderful music from there as I fell asleep.

I do hope all of you come back again next year. And yes, I think Kendall was more emotional at the Folk Legacy tribute then Sandy was -- but barely more so -- we got Sandy good. And who deserves it more than Sandy & Caroline? Boy do I love those two.

jennifer near dc aka knitpick

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: JedMarum
Date: 25 Oct 01 - 09:43 AM

There are some obvious high points this weekend for me; it was a thrill meet Rick and get to play with him. I have to say I was floored when I realized just what a fine player he is ... as a pretty good guitar player it was a real treat for me to sit and pick with someone of his ability. And I'll be digesting for some time to come, things Rick taught this weekend.

I'd have to say that Kendall was a genuine surprise for me, and another highlight. I kept wishing my wife, Louisa was with me because she would have loved him (she's been truly enjoying his recordings since I got back). Kendall is a warm hearted free spirit with a gift for humor and song, and it was delightful to meet him.

Sandy I hardly even know you and I was choked up by the outpouring of love and affection for you and Caroline, just as you were. It is easy to see that the work you have done for love these last many years is paid back to you in kind. I caught as much of your sessions as I could and truly enjoyed meeting you and Caroline.

And finding my long lost brother Mick was a treat, too. I swear we must have a common ancestor back in the family tree, somewhere. His stories and his songs were wonderful. I look forward to seeing him up his way, one o' these days (we've been plottig a tour in the North country).

Now that I've started listing highlights I realize I can't complete the task! But a couple more surprises; Jeri and her songs, enthusiasm and humor - micca was an absolute fireball of fun and outrageous humor - chance, another great player and fun to pick with - and several other ladies with whom I fell in love listening to their songs

... and again; thanks to Charlie and Ferrara for making it possible and easy for me to get there - and Joe for getting me back to BWI.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: Big Mick
Date: 25 Oct 01 - 10:54 AM

Wow.........................really hard to write this one, cause I just know I will leave something out. I have been pretty fortunate to meet an awful lot of Mudcatters, and because of that I have come to know FSGW'ers/New Englanders/Mid Atlantic folkies. To me, all this discussion of the differences is silly. And I thought that the Getaway proved it. We are not different, we are all just folkies attending a weekend. The hospitality was splendid, the carmaraderie warm. This thing is getting better all the time.

Before I start my reminisces, I want to urge you all to start budgeting for this thing next year now. If you start it now, it will be there for you next year............and you will be soOOOOOOO happy you did.

Yeah..........Sandy and Caroline and the session on "....Folk Legacy". I told Jeri later to be sure and plant those memories firmly in her mind. One day we will all brag that we were at that one. Anyone who hasn't met the Patons has a perfect reason to come to the next Getaway. I love these people. Please don't take that as insincere. I truly, from the bottom of my heart and with all my soul, love these people. For fourty years they have shared their music and their love with whatever vagabond musicians (LOL)and/or folks who wanted to be musicians, that the wind blew up. Kathy, Karen and Jennifer are to be commended. I hereby award them a lifetime supply of Big Mick hugs to be used at their discretion. It was marvelous. And Kath closed it by singing a stunning song that I must have.

I will write more later about my Jeri, Tinker, Dani, Jed, Max and Kendall (they are a couple now...LOL), Gutbucketeer, Karenk, MMario, Dick Swain, Lucy.........and on and on. There were special moments with each one. But now I have to run off to the studio.

Mick

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: Allan C.
Date: 25 Oct 01 - 11:05 AM

There has been some mention of snoring in the notes above. I have also told you that David C. was certainly among the more skilled of the snorers in #10. What I failed to mention was the incredible regularity of his snoring. At some point during the Saturday night jam, Tinker sang a song - I can't remember what it was but I'll use another song as an example of how it sounded when unwittingly accompanied by David C.:

"Take this hammer," (ZKREWNORK!)
"Carry it to the captain," (ZKREWNORK!)
...you get the idea.

By the way, David asked me to tell you all that he truly enjoyed the weekend and thanks all for what they did to make it such a memorable time.

I will have to say that I am always a bit surprised to discover that someone who is as good a player as David is, could be as shy as he is about sharing it. He says that now that he knows you guys better, he will let loose with some dobro and mouth harp music in years to come. He may even inflict some banjo music upon you.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: MMario
Date: 25 Oct 01 - 11:18 AM

It's a good thing David is a sound sleeper - he sounded like he was catching some z's even while we were still in #10 - before moving into the common room.

The "What I learned from Folk Legacy " session - fascinating, well deserved praise; lots of great stories and songs. A case of wishing I was a bit more outgoing in shoving myself forward - Having known Sandy and Caroline for only slightly over 2 years - and in actuality less then a week of contact; it is amazing how quickly those two can become "important" to another person - but that's just the type people they are. And if it hadn't been for their gently but persistantly coming back to me over and over that first sing-around at Old Songs - I doubt I would have ended up at the Getaway.

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: Jeri
Date: 25 Oct 01 - 11:27 AM

How could I have left out Shadowmonk?! He's a fine singer, but a truly likable guy with an abundance of joy. Also Dallas - I only heard him do one song in the Pub Sing Workshop, but I hope I hear a lot more in years to come.

Sandy, if you didn't notice, many of us at the Folk Legacy workshop were leaking. If we have to forgive you for such "weakness," we also have to think of it as weakness in ourselves, and I'm damned if I'm going to do that! It's the strength of love that allows us to feel things that strongly, and I love you two!

Subject: RE: FSGW Getaway 2001 Memories
From: Allan C.
Date: 25 Oct 01 - 11:34 AM

Please post further comments in the (Part 2) thread.