Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 25 Dec 01 - 05:08 PM

Thanks Mate, by south I mean Florida. And, I understand about the parents. I just left a family gathering because my 5 year old grand son was being a pain in the ass and his mother trying to reason with him. When I spoke to him, she got all bent, but, he calmed down so we could hear ourselves think. No 5 year old is going tO TELL ME WHAT TO DO.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 25 Dec 01 - 09:16 PM

Sheesh, Cpt.; I can't imagine much of anybody, much less a bratty little crumb-cruncher, telling you "what to do" and getting away with it! It's a wonder the little tyrant didn't get his young arse kicked amain as would any insolent youngster a Century ago - and prob'ly would've fully deserved it. No doubt Mommy would've taken umberage (does she read a lot of Dr. Spock? Has anyone told her that he's dead - after appologizing to a Nation for screwing up at least one generation of Americans with his cockananney ideas on how to raise children?) but I'll bet young Lord Fauntleroy would think twice before flipping off his Gran'pa again! One of our Mentors in the Social Work program we once pursued said that over-empowering children is one of the worst forms of abuse we can inflict upon them - yet is the most common in our culture. Amen to that!

Say, I like that second opinion a lot better than the first one! When a cure is indeed effected, I wouldn't be surprised if some silly landlubber or two considered it an answer to prayer... imagine that!

And you think a laryngyscopy is stress - inducing? No doubt it is, but say; have you ever had a colonoscopy, ol' salt? Now that's a memorable experience (trust me!) {8>{Q.

Have a safe migration, & (far be it from me to tell ye whats t' do, but...) keep in touch, eh?

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Naemanson
Date: 25 Dec 01 - 10:36 PM

Gee, Kendall, didn't you hear that the proper way to raise kids these days is to let them raise hell and sass their elders? If you want to change there behavior you have to reason with them and explain carefully and patiently where they are straying from acceptable behavior. They are NEVER wrong!

Of course, a good swat on the rump never hurt me more than the immediate embarrassment and pain. And look how I turned out....

Never mind...

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 25 Dec 01 - 11:04 PM

I'm just an old fossil I guess. While I dont believe in beating kids, I do believe in making them mind. There are other ways, and one of them is to teach them respect. I never licked my kids, never had to because they knew I would if they pushed me far enough. Consequently, they grew up not fearing me, but, respecting me. Uncle J. as a matter of fact, I did have a colonoscopy. That was a real pain in the ass. Not to mention having my large intestines shown on a monitor screen for the whole unit to see.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Charley Noble
Date: 26 Dec 01 - 08:58 AM

Welcome back aboard, Barry. Looking forward to hearing your dulcet voice. I just reconfirmed with Sharon of China Sea and she and Capt. Bunker are indeed looking forward to this event; I wasn't sure if anyone else had mentioned this to them...I'll be there at 4 pm sharp. Oh, feel free to bring beer, ale, cider and other light refreshments (no leftover turkey, please).

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 26 Dec 01 - 10:13 AM

Well, bad news from this quarter -- doesn't look as if either Tom or I will be able to make it. Tom's working at the shop today, tomorrow and opening up early Friday morning. (And the shop is an hour's drive from home, to boot.)

And my throat is ticklish & scratchy, snot draining down one nostril is tearing up my throat and I''ve got a chest tickle that gives rise to an unproductive cough. I'm hoping it's early enough in the process to head the cold off at the pass, but I may not be able to sing Thursday OR Friday.

I just made some tea with honey loquat in it, will bring in some more firewood, and maybe take a nap and try to sleep away the feeling that my head is full of large dry insects.

Linn

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: SINSULL
Date: 26 Dec 01 - 12:53 PM

My father is in the hospital scheduled for a triple by-pass on Friday. I am a definite "No".
Next time...

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Naemanson
Date: 26 Dec 01 - 04:54 PM

Too bad about all of those who won't make it. I wish you could. My fian... uh, "girlfriend" will be there and I hoped some of you could meet her.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: GUEST,Brían
Date: 26 Dec 01 - 04:58 PM

Sorry to hear, Sinsull, We'll all be thinking of you.

Brían

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Charley Noble
Date: 26 Dec 01 - 08:06 PM

Sinsull, Linn and Tom, sorry you can't join us, and Kendall as well unless he miraculously recovers his gold voice. We'll just have to sing all the louder and longer! So, Brett, is this "fian" anyone I've met? Lord knows what happens when one's away down under and mere mortals are left to tend the threads.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 26 Dec 01 - 08:45 PM

Definitely planning to show eventually - working 'till 1530, then have to tend to some errands, feed & let the dogs out, pick up some fresh Guiness and that sort of thing. Muthah' is aware that she's on her own for supper Thurs. night and not to wait up; I'm assuming we'll be going strong nigh unto 2100 hrs. or so and who knows where we might wander from there. We pretty much got over the "night-life" thing years ago, but Portland is an interesting town don't ye know, even this time of the year.

One potential attendee was my good Amigo "MAV" who, due to frenetic activities elsewhere, hasn't been appearing on Mudcat all that much lately. He enjoyed his first "Shanty Sing" experience at a previous event (They don't do this much where he's from - Nebraska) and I like to think that several participants discoverd that he's not nearly the malevolent ogre that he was at one time cracked up to be.

Unfortunately, his Dad, who has been afflicted with terminal cancer for the past year or two passed over early this (Wed.12/26) Morning, and Mike has gone back to Nebraska to be with his Family for the next week or so. About 3 weeks ago his Dad was critical, and not expected to live through the night; MAV flew out despite being sick with a bad cold, and his Dad seemed to rally with the visit (needless to say, MAV and his Dad were very close). I think that they both realized that it was to be their last reunion on this Earth.

The supportive thoughts / Prayers of any so inclined for Mike and his Family are invited and welcomed to accompany mine as they confront this time of loss and grief.

Im' hoping that MAV can be with us at a subsequent Chanty hoot, and this time bring his harmonica (he's pretty handy with it!)

Save, if you will, a space nigh the foremast with some good sturdy deck underfoot fer yer' auld Uncle J., Mates; 'e'll be clambering aboard presently!

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Charley Noble
Date: 27 Dec 01 - 09:27 AM

Anyone besides me planning to come early and help shift some of the store mechandise from where we'll sing to where Sharon and Capt. Bunker will never find it? I understand they're still trying to locate some of their inventory from the last time we was there.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: GUEST,winterbright
Date: 27 Dec 01 - 05:51 PM

Brian, a correction re: The Side Door: It's always the third FRIDAY. Hope you can make it again for Roll&Go in Feb. ... Lynn Deeves is the January featured. I'll post a reminder as it gets closer.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: GUEST,Brían
Date: 27 Dec 01 - 10:46 PM

Gosh, I seem to be getting as bad as Charle Noble when it comes to dates(LOL).

Charley, what do you mean by early? I'll try to be there.

Brían

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Charley Noble
Date: 28 Dec 01 - 09:38 AM

Well, we had a small but energetic turnout for the shanty swap. Our Roll & Go members included Nor and Eli Dale, Dick Dufresne, Brett Burnham and "fian" Rebecca, and myself. Bobbi Keppel, a veteran folkie, Uncle Jaque, Barry Finn and his wife, John Paynter (newcomer to us), our hosts Stevens and Bunker and Sharon Bondroff, and a few bemused customers who were distracted from their shopping. Oh, I forgot Singapoor, the ancient store parrot who would break in from time to time with an appropriate or inappropriate squack! Barry led a Liverpoole version of what we know as the "Salt Petre Shanty" which Nor and Eli followed with "Hard Times in the Cryderville Jail" which has a surprisingly similar tune. Uncle Jaque did a robust version of "Cruisin' 'Round Yarmouth". We wanted to hear how Barry sang "Yangtse River Shanty" but he politely deferred to Dick. Brett and Eli did their nice rendition of "Maid on the Shore" but I forgot to ask Brett if he could follow it up with "I Never Will Marry." I did "West Indies Blues", "Limehouse Reach", "Shanghai Brown" and "Dead Dog Cider" (with the Rise Again break). Bobbie led "Pleasant and Delightful" and we shouted down the parody follow-ups. Barry also did "Blood Red Roses" and Dick led a Georgia Sea Islands song whose name escapes me but which I want to hear again. John led "Sloop John B" and a Pete Seeger song whose name escapes me. The beer and ale was plentiful, the chips and cheese filled in the gaps, and , thank the Great Cosmic Muffin, there was no fruitcake.

Sure is fun to get together and do this kind of thing. We may follow it up with another one in the spring, if it's OK with Singapoor.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: SINSULL
Date: 28 Dec 01 - 10:42 AM

I was there in spirit. I wish I could have heard Barry's "Blood Red Roses". Next time. Dad's surgery has been postponed indefinitely. At 88,he is fragile and they are being very conservative.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 28 Dec 01 - 11:11 AM

Aye, Mateys; 'twas a jolly grand hoot; indeed t'was!

Thanks, "Roll & Go" Crew, for organizing & orchestrating another one - and to our Gracious Hosts, Cpt. Steve and Sharon!

We were particularly blessed to have "Real Chanteyman" Barry F. back on deck with us, and in fine voice I might add. The very presence of a genuine, certified deep-water Chanteyman who has actually served & sung under sail added a certain sense of legitimacy to the whole affair, methinks. I'm not sure but what Dick may qualify as well, and wouldn't want to leave him out if so(?). Several other participants I know have plowed the sounding seas from one time to another in some capacity. Having said that, it gives us some comfort to know that some of the most sonorious Chantey-Singers on board are, in actuality, every bit as much a "Landlubber" as yours truly.

A few "regulars" were indeed missed; Cpt. KM, Sinsull (and her rumballs!), Jeri, and Brian (may have left before I got there) to name a few.

Although I had invited several Co-Workers from the lantern shop, only one (Charline) was able to make it. She seemed to enjoy perusing the facinating nautical "stuff" all over the China Seas Emporium as well as the jovial racket we were making.

Is John Paynter the fellow with the Vega 5-pinger? I had to razz him a little about it "...not even being broke in yet", although it turns out that his head (the banjo's, not "his" actually) had spontaniously exploded and was just replaced with a brandy-new uncorrupted one. Apparantly he's got some respectable mileage on the Vega despite it's pristine appearance. He's a pretty good picker, actually, and hope to see 'im back on deck next time!

Naemanson's lovely guest and reputed "Fian" seemed a little bashful, and not all that sure what to make of this rowdy gaggle of noisesome Hooligans at first. Hopefully she'll get used to us and feel both welcome and comfortable with whatever crew N. ships & sings with.

As CN mentioned, some of the customers - particularly one family from Mass. with several young children - seemed to enjoy the goings-on, and it is reputed that Cpt. Steve and Sharon made at least one significant sale attruibuted to the Sing. I like to think that our Host's generosity might be somewhat rewarded that way on occasion.

Indeed, we need to do this again - if not on a regular basis! China Seas is a good location, although parking on or around Commercial St. can be a bit of a challange prior to 5 or 5:30 PM on a weekday. Space is limited, but sufficient for the size of the crew we've been able to haul aboard on any given night thus far. I know that "work-nights" are an inhibiting factor for some, including my Wife Susan.

I have been scanning the horizon from time to time for alternative venues for a Chantey-Hoot, as have others - in the event we might need or want one, which is up for debate. One interesting alternative has been the "Arts Center" (or something like that) up in Camden, which we are told is fairly ameinable to this sort of thing. Another is a developing Community Center (in the old DeLorme Building) in Freeport. The Bath Maritime Museum perhaps could be wangled for some sort of arrangement - the big thing being, of course, "at no cost to US".

I think it may be time to retire this thread, but perhaps begin planning for a subsequent Chantey-Sing (or series thereof) on a fresh one. What thinks ye, Mates?

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Naemanson
Date: 28 Dec 01 - 12:54 PM

I guess I can confess (since I announced it last night) that "fian" is short for fiancee. Stand by for one hell of a party on July 14 in Scarborough, Maine. Everyone is invited. I will make a formal announcement next week in a separate thread.

I'm sorry if my departure last night caused a general exodus but I am recovering from a cold and I had a awful headache. Plus, Rebecca has caught a cold from someone and she wanted to leave as well.

Happy New Year!

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: GUEST,Brían
Date: 28 Dec 01 - 02:39 PM

I apologise for not being there. We are in the middle of some Real Estate business which pre-empted everything else. I hope to catch up with you folks later.

My brain is totally cooked, I'm embarassed to say I thought it eas Friday. I ended up sleeping in last night, anyway.

Brían

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Charley Noble
Date: 28 Dec 01 - 06:00 PM

Brían -

Sorry you couldn't make it. So do we need a new address for you now for mailing your overdue Xmas card?

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: GUEST,Brían
Date: 28 Dec 01 - 07:50 PM

Just send it to the address you have in Portland, Charley. The story is too long to get into here. When our current home is renovated, I hope to have one big music party. That, I'm afraid, won't be until spring.

Brían

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Susan A-R
Date: 29 Dec 01 - 09:17 PM

I HATE colds. Haven't ben able to sing much for three weeks. I'll look for furure sings. There will be an afternoon sing here in Montpelier on Jan 19 at Julioos restaurant. Last sing was small, but nice, w Wally MacNow and Margaret MacArthur, among others. I'l put up another thread, and hope like Hell that I can sing by then.

Susan

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: GUEST,Brían
Date: 30 Dec 01 - 01:12 PM

BTW, I will be playing at Rí-Rá's on Commercial St. in Portland, ME on Friday Jan. 11, 2002 9:00-11:00 P.M. if any of the N.E. contingent are in the neighborhood.

I wonder if anyone would P.M. Max(or any of the other Powers That Be) and tell him I've forgotten my password & can't log in any more.

I suspect They are all on vacation, because I,m not getting any answers.

Brían

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: GUEST,Brían
Date: 01 Jan 02 - 11:40 AM

Charley,
Thanks for the card. Is that the usual mode of public transportation in South Austrailia?

Naemanson,
I hope to get to the Press Room soon, weather permitting. If we can't link up, I may try to drive myself.

A happy new year to Roll & Go and all the NE contingent.
Brían

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Charley Noble
Date: 01 Jan 02 - 01:22 PM

Brían-

We tried our best to adapt to traditional transportation modes when we were in the bush.;~)

Is your January 11 gig at Rí-Rá's a "try-out" where you'd appreciate a large crowd of supportive people?
You should be able to revive your own "cookie" as I did a while back by going through the registration procedures; you don't need to re-register as a new member.

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: GUEST,Brían
Date: 01 Jan 02 - 02:49 PM

I've done several open mic nights there. It would be great to have a few familiar faces show up, though.

I've tried re-registering, but I am asked for my password, which I have forgotten. I suppose when the administrators are back(probably tomorrow, thy'll tell me what to do). I suppose I could always re-register under a new name, but I'd hate to do that just yet.

Brían

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Brían
Date: 03 Jan 02 - 08:29 PM

Charley & all the NE folks:

I spoke to my contact at Rí-Rá's last noght and I was told that Friday's is not a good folk night there, so I won't be there Jan. 11. I will let you know what happens as I was told they did indeed like me & want me to play there.

On a better note, it would be great to get some folks down there on Monday's to the open mic.

Brían

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Jeri
Date: 03 Jan 02 - 09:02 PM

Brían, you're best bet for getting help with your password is to post in the Help Forum where Pene Azul will see it as he's the most likely to be able to help.

Please don't register as a new member. We have enough people doing that already despite being told not to.

I hope you can make it to the Press Room!

Subject: RE: Xmas Chanty Sing, Portland, Maine
From: Charley Noble
Date: 04 Jan 02 - 10:17 AM

Brían -

Congratulations on re-activating your cookie sucessfully! Could you provide some details of how and when the Rí-Rá's open-mike session happens; what time should people be there, how is it coordinated, what kind of music is encouraged, how much time does an individual get, where in the building it happens, when does it end? You might also post the results on Uncle Jaque's new thread about the Portland, Maine, folk music scene.