BS: How Goes Yer St. Pats Marathon?

Subject: How Goes Yer St. Pats Marathon?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 16 Mar 02 - 12:46 PM

I'm at about the half-way mark... I'm so glad this bull only happens once a year!

Last nights gig was great... Even the troublesome heckler was entertaining... He started off on our side 100% but when we wouldn't do his request "right the hell now" he started getting really loud and abusive, and even flicked a couple of smokes (unlit? What's the point???) at us from the crowd... About halfway through our first break, the bouncers got tired of him and his buddies and 'escorted' them out, to a standing ovation from the crowd! LOL!!! Don't ya hate it when the big guys get more applause than the band? :-)

We played the rock stars the rest of the night... Just one of those nights when everything comes together unexpectedly, and the music is flowing, and all the young pretty girls are making SERIOUS eye contact and smiling, and the dancers won't stop and the crowd is actually in tempo when they bang the table tops! Had lines like "I AM A GOLDEN GOD!" And "Ya, know what I do? I get people off... And THAT you can print." Going through my head for most of the last 2 sets...

Now if I can just find my voice for the matinee today, and another show tonight...

Then Sunday... well, lets not talk about Sunday yet o.k.... Part of me is "keepin my eyes on the prize" and thinking of all the new toys I can get with the March Win Fall, and another part of me is hoping that the world will end tonight, just after last call...

Hope its going this well for all you other giggers out there... and for those who are crowd, remember, we couldn't do it without you...

O.k... well... we COULD, but -I- wouldn't want to...

In closing, remember this one thing... No matter what a stripper tells you, there's NO sex in the Champaign room...

Subject: RE: BS: How Goes Yer St. Pats Marathon?
From: The Pooka
Date: 16 Mar 02 - 01:17 PM

Clinton H. - damn. Couldn't you have told us that last bit yesterday? Would've saved me a bundle....

Gig sounds terrific. Know ye'll get through the rest of it with colors flying even more gloriously!

Shpeaking "for those who are crowd", we love what you performers do for us and are in awe of your energy and stamina. Thank you.

Last night wife & I saw Altan in concert, first time for us. Magnificent. Up Donegal!

Subject: RE: BS: How Goes Yer St. Pats Marathon?
From: gnu
Date: 16 Mar 02 - 02:43 PM

Altan ? Gosh, I only can dream. Ah, er, with Clinton, of course.

Wish I had some cash to spare... the big "brus down" starts, oops, started at two o'clock, with a half dozen bands, including a 'Catter by the name of Bernie Houlahan (not too shabby for Moncton, New Brunswick, eh ?), and goes past midnight. Locally brewed Irish Red Ale and others, and I suppose there might even be Guinness as well. Word has it The Commitments may do a set or two as they are in town for another gig tomorrow. Guess I'll have to settle for a couple of Buds, my cassette player and my Hrans.

Same thing again tomorrow with another batch of talent at a local hot spot starting in the afternoon, not to mention the big Irish Canadian Association dinner at a swanky hotel tomorrow night, repleat with another batch of talent. Guess I'll have to setlle for the two hour mass and the walk to the Celtic Cross. That doesn't cost anything because I just fold up an envelope for the basket.... shhhhh... don't tell Father Sloan it's me... JC and I got a deal but I don't think he told Father and I wouldn't dare.

Subject: RE: BS: How Goes Yer St. Pats Marathon?
From: Sorcha
Date: 16 Mar 02 - 03:21 PM

We only have the one tomorrow. Starts at 2, ends ??? It's also supposed to be a "Branding Party"......all the local ranchers show up, fire up a huge propane burner and brand the walls.......strange Old Wyoming Custom although not necessarily on St. Pats Day.

Subject: RE: BS: How Goes Yer St. Pats Marathon?
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Mar 02 - 12:05 AM

it goes

Subject: RE: BS: How Goes Yer St. Pats Marathon?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 17 Mar 02 - 08:58 AM

Well... 10 to 9 on Sunday am... probably shouldn't have stopped at the Kildare House last night after playing from 3-10:30... The PLAN was a couple of 'put-me-to-sleeps', but plans and reality are often 2 very different things... got home around 3, and was wide awake...

But I got my cupa java, my english muffin slathered in peanut butter... I gotta be back at the Kildare House to play at 11... Ya know... I just had a thought... a SMART man woulda left his gear there last night while he was skulling pints...

Oh well... after that gig, it's meet up with the band downtown to play from 4-close... The bass player doesn't know it yet, but he's singing a bunch of songs today! LOL!

So hopefully I'll see all ya'll tomorrow eh!

Have a gooder folks!

Subject: RE: BS: How Goes Yer St. Pats Marathon?
From: curmudgeon
Date: 17 Mar 02 - 10:09 AM

It's nearly 10 AM. I've just about finished my morning quart of coffee and intend to spend most of the day relaxing prior to heading to the Press Room for my 25th consecutive St. Patrick's performance in that venerable pub.

When Bob Frost and I did the first gig a quarter century ago, it was a beer only pub; I should add that it was the first pub in the state to serve draught Guinness and still pours more pints than any other such establishment.

In those bad old days there was a manager who would open the doors at 7 AM on St. Patrick's Day, and sure there was a line waiting to come in. Now, those of us who might have been inclined to start early, have aged a bit too much for such wanton imbibing.

Like others who have been doing music on this day, we too have had more requests for Danny Boy, the Unicorn and other bits of drivel than one can sanely comprehend. I expect more of that tonight. Last year a dunken "maiden" requested Danny Boy. We explained that none of us had the voice for it. Later she accosted us with a virulent accusation that we had sung it while she was in the bathroom. Such are the humours of this day.

And if any Mudcatters are so inclined to venture to Portsmouth NH, I will be joined my my comrades as the Great Bay Company at the Press Room. Show starts around 6:30.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day to all!

Slainte -- Tom

Subject: RE: BS: How Goes Yer St. Pats Marathon?
From: Alice
Date: 17 Mar 02 - 10:09 AM

This year is not such a marathon for me as last year was. I didn't plan any gigs, but got invited to do two - the first was on Friday night, a regional radio show like Prairie Home Companion, called The Main Street Show. It was taped and will be aired on KGLT fm this evening from 6-9. There was a live audience that was very appreciative - I was told "they never sing along", but I got them to sing with me on Red Is The Rose. I've known the creator/host of the show for 20 years, but this was my first time performing on the Main Street Show. His regular side-kick on the program is poet and songwriter Greg Keeler (Click Here for fun), who was great, as usual, doing among other songs, Lament O' the Laundromat, in his best Butte imitation brogue (Click Here for lyrics). The show was a blast. I was the nod to St. Patrick's Day, doing four songs, dressed in a long green velvet gown, looking like something out of the Lord of the Rings.

The other invitation is to join in a group playing from 6-7 this evening for a St. Patrick's Day supper at a small church.

Alice

Subject: RE: BS: How Goes Yer St. Pats Marathon?
From: Peg
Date: 17 Mar 02 - 11:13 AM

I think I will stay home.

Subject: RE: BS: How Goes Yer St. Pats Marathon?
From: GUEST,Guest Paddy Joe.
Date: 17 Mar 02 - 02:40 PM

Just seen the various parades on Irish TV and if there is any Mudcatters from Fredricksburg you should be proud of your Band`s contribution to the Dublin Parade. It was wet and windy but the people at all the festivities seemed to be enjoying themselves. Paddy Joe.

Subject: RE: BS: How Goes Yer St. Pats Marathon?
From: Celtic Soul
Date: 17 Mar 02 - 02:58 PM

OY! You aint kidding when you say "Marathon". We had our 5 hour gig last night (combined with an all day rehearsal prior), and we're at it again tonight for another 3ish hours.

Fortunately for us, neither performance is the typical U.S. green beer sort of celebration. But, this weekend will be more work than my work-a-day job when it's all said and done. Monday morning at the office will be a break comparatively speaking.

Not that I'm complaining...I love it really. But like sex, there is a limit to stamina. Eventually, I need to collapse.

Monday morning, here I come.

Subject: RE: BS: How Goes Yer St. Pats Marathon?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 17 Mar 02 - 04:14 PM

Not even a plate of bacon and tatties..... Nearest I got was printing out the words of 'The Banks of the Bann'. And I can claim Irish through my mother in law!!!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: How Goes Yer St. Pats Marathon?
From: mooman
Date: 17 Mar 02 - 04:30 PM

Not bad this year! Invited to play strings at the concert of a whistle and flute workshop yesterday. Nice meal and then 4 hours of great music. Two and a half hour gig this afternoon/evening at the Belgian Gaelic Games. First time in a long time I was able to enjoy my music in non-smoky environments over St Pat's.

Slainte

mooman

Subject: RE: BS: How Goes Yer St. Pats Marathon?
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 18 Mar 02 - 02:30 AM

Great concert at the Avalon Theater in Easton, MD, with Artisan and the Kevin Broesler dancers. What wonderful harmonies from Jacy, Brian and Hillary, what marvellous terpsichore from the young dancers, what delightful singing along from the audience, and when Artisan sang along with me on Wild Mountain Thyme, I thought I'd died and gone to Yorkshire.

Seamus

Subject: RE: BS: How Goes Yer St. Pats Marathon?
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 18 Mar 02 - 04:47 AM

am recovering from mine.... our band hosted a session from 5 - 7 and then we played a gig from 7 - 12pm.

I can honestly say I am absolutely knackered!

Was an excellent gig though, we managed to get lots of people up from the audience whom we knew had a party piece or two, and persuaded them to sing a few songs. Plus we managed to get some young kids we've been teaching to take centre stage and play a few tunes.

All in all a good day - though if I here another version of Athen Rye I'll swing for someone!

No hassle from anyone, just a load of people we vaguely knew from the Irish club all having fun.

Cheers

Ella

Subject: RE: BS: How Goes Yer St. Pats Marathon?
From: PeteBoom
Date: 18 Mar 02 - 08:48 AM

Recovering nicely. Doctors say my prognosis is good.

Started at 7:00 AM Friday playing schools and a pediatric ward at a local hospital. Saturday played a couple of small quick private parties then moved on to the MASSIVE event for us this weekend - playing for the local folk arts society. Our first time invited to play EVER (in 17 years the band has been going) and they did not quite know what to expect from us, and the other way around (I think setting up the drumset in the middle of the stage had them concerned). Had an absolute ball -

We were a LITTLE concerned when the opening tune (set of jigs, nice clip, good swing and lift) got NO reaction while we were playing - then we finished the tune and the place roared - literally. After that, things ran nicely - including the jokes prompted when the banjo player broke a string at the start of his first solo - oops - accordian player picked up the slack and no problems after that.

Sunday was quiet - played at a church service in the morning - met a few friends for lunch after and played a couple of tunes, then went to the local.

Had a guy from Armagh play just before us - and BIG MICK's band just after us. They were running only an HOUR late, so we set up, did a quick level set and played straight thru. Had an absolute ball. Mick's band followed us - had the crowd wrapped around their little finger(s).

Numbers for the weekend -

Number of times we played "The Wild Rover": 3 - for sound checks.

Number of times we played "Whiskey in the Jar": 1 - for a sound check

Number of times we played "The Black Velvet Band: Nil.

Why should we? The bands before us played them all...

Now - off to work.

Regards -

Pete

Subject: RE: BS: How Goes Yer St. Pats Marathon?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 18 Mar 02 - 10:15 AM

Well...

Here it is... 10 o'clock the morning after... My fingertips are full of broken glass... my feet are full of rodents... my voice is full of smog... but I survived... And my pockets are full of ill gotten gains!

This is the first time I've played a St Pats that fell on a Sunday... Last year, the local where I started in the morning had people lined up back to the parking lot before the place even opened...

This year... well... I'd been 'on' for almost an hour before anyone even showed up... But when they did, the DID! The Kildare House is one of my absolute favourite places to play! ;-)

That one ended at 3... 4 found me setting up and ready to rock again at the big shiny cheesy downtown 'Irish' bar... we got bumped back half an hour while the Irish Dancers did their thing... They sure enough had their dancing hair well strapped on yesterday, but what the hell is up with this?? Are they not ALLOWED to smile while they dance? It really has to be one of the most BORING 'cultural' dance styles ever... Give me Hungarian or Russian 'folk' dance anyday! Those people look like they're enjoying themselves...

So, we started about 4:30... by the 2nd last set of the day at around 10:30 I leaned over to the front guy while we were adding yet another instrumental verse to a song and remarked to him, "Have you noticed that when the 3 of us sing, we all sound like we're going through puberty?" We might have had one good vocal chord left between us, and that one was fading fast... Fortunately, Sunday prevailed and the place was well into winding down during our last break, and the owner made a call that thrilled us to the bone... "Tell ya what guys, you've been at it hard all day... Go back up in 20 minutes and play till 12:30, and we'll call it even." You've never seen 3 happier folk dudes... O.k... well... 2 folk dudes and a bass player... (Brian knows I'm just kidding him...)

So, thanks... to The Kildare House, where I am more often than not... Patrick O'Ryans, who are really way too close to my house... All the servers who kept me in water, coffee, and killer corn beef sammaches.... All the dudes who sat in the crowd and watched my left hand fly for most of the night... All the folks who danced and danced and danced and danced and danced...

And all the fine fine fine babes who shake it and bounce 'em and look up at us on stage and smile smile smile...

See you folks next year!

Dive safe till then...

Subject: RE: BS: How Goes Yer St. Pats Marathon?
From: Alice
Date: 18 Mar 02 - 11:01 AM

Yesterday turned out to be even more musical than I expected. I had a morning breakfast meeting with some people that I work with - they asked me to sing "something Irish". The owner of the restaurant came out from the kitchen, and I sang Erin Gra Mo Chroi to her. We did the church supper as planned, then on to our regular Sunday night session. When we arrived at the old Baxter hotel, the lobby where we have had the session since '94 was filled with tables and chairs. Everyone was in the smokey bar. The small stage was where they told us we have to have our session from now on, since the new lease owners are going to turn the lobby into a restaurant. The acoustics were totally dead. Half the circle couldn't hear the other half. The smoke was so bad, it was overwhelming. I talked to the new manager, asking if they could make Sunday night non-smoking. I guess they plan to eventually, but will phase into it. The acoustics in the old lobby were great, and the other advantage of the lobby was that alot of kids and their parents would come to listen to the session, and many of the young players now are sons and daughters of session players who have come to listen since they were children. The bar location is going to block out all the families that were regular listeners with their kids. Oh, well. Things change.

Alice

Subject: RE: BS: How Goes Yer St. Pats Marathon?
From: Jeri
Date: 18 Mar 02 - 11:19 AM

Well, it was a somewhat insane, but (and?) fun night here. (Maybe Bat Goddess or Curmudgeon will elaborate)

They had these glow-in-the-dark Guinness thingies, and people found some very creative things to do with them. Dancers (who managed to NOT knock any mic stands over) stuffed them in bras and jeans (in the area where the zipper would normally be zipped).

There were pipers. 5 of 'em, with 2 drummers, bass and snare. They arrived downstairs while the band was on upstairs. The band went on break and the pipers came upstairs, moving to the area right in front of the stage. (I'm thinking "Oh shit - kill the mics NOW!!!") They didn't know "Farewell to the Creeks." Oh well.

There was also a capo on a mandolin - something I hadn't seen before! (Well, I'd never seen a glow-in-the-dark crotch before, but that was hardly surprising, given the mood of the night.)

Subject: RE: BS: How Goes Yer St. Pats Marathon?
From: GUEST,UBU Ed
Date: 18 Mar 02 - 12:26 PM

Exhausted. Played 2 gigs both Saturday and Sunday, in addition to the regular Thursday night. We never seem to learn to pace ourselves, whatever that means, but had a ball none the less. At the Sunday afternoon show, a little fella showed up in a leprechaun outfit. We worried a little for him as larger fans seemed inclined to pick him up and hold him over their head.

Voices are shot, calves too tight from bouncing, fingers sore. What a great weekend!

Subject: RE: BS: How Goes Yer St. Pats Marathon?
From: Robin2
Date: 18 Mar 02 - 11:00 PM

Hi everyone

Haven't posted in awhile...did 8 gigs from Fri to today...tough.

Made tougher by my da passing on last Sunday...everytime we had to play Danny Boy, we dedicated it to him...made the song mean SOO much

Happy St Pat's to all

Robin

Subject: RE: BS: How Goes Yer St. Pats Marathon?
From: Genie
Date: 19 Mar 02 - 05:38 AM

All I can say is "Thank God for finger picks!" (I'd have had blisters by Saturday without 'em.)

Genie

Subject: RE: BS: How Goes Yer St. Pats Marathon?
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 19 Mar 02 - 06:08 AM

From an audience rather than a musicianer perspective:
missed the fireworks on Saturday night cos I was having a great time eating and drinking and enjoying wonderful company in a lovely wee Italian restaurant; dandered round Dublin soaking up a great atmosphere - watched one guy get arrested, tried to get into numerous pubs.
Sunday - got up, bought some shamrock and watched the parade as it passed Christchurch; off to the Stag's Head pub where we spent much of the day in a cosy window seat; sausage baguette from Rasher Byrne's in Temple Bar, then back to the Stag's Head, and then a pint in Vicar Street on the way back. Lovely.

Subject: RE: BS: How Goes Yer St. Pats Marathon?
From: Alice
Date: 19 Mar 02 - 10:17 AM

Robin, I am very, very sorry to hear about your father. My sympathies to you and your family. Take care of yourself.

Alice

Subject: RE: BS: How Goes Yer St. Pats Marathon?
From: reggie miles
Date: 19 Mar 02 - 10:22 AM

363 more days till the end of this year's marathon and we start all over again

Subject: RE: BS: How Goes Yer St. Pats Marathon?
From: PeteBoom
Date: 20 Mar 02 - 01:30 PM

It is Wednesday... We (my band and I) have recovered and are ready for the LAST gig of the annual March Madness... tomorrow night at a place called One Trick Pony... We're looking at it as an "afterglow" night - real relaxed - we may even use a set list...

Hey Mick, whatcha doin' tomorrow night?

Pete

Subject: RE: BS: How Goes Yer St. Pats Marathon?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 20 Mar 02 - 01:46 PM

Last gig in March?.. geeze I got three or 4 left yet to play, and a chum of mine has 5 this weekend alone...

;-)

Subject: RE: BS: How Goes Yer St. Pats Marathon?
From: PeteBoom
Date: 20 Mar 02 - 04:13 PM

Nah - last one that is "St. Patrick's Day Related" - we started March 2nd... ;-)

Subject: RE: BS: How Goes Yer St. Pats Marathon?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 20 Mar 02 - 04:17 PM

Ahhh... gotcha mate!

;-)

Subject: RE: BS: How Goes Yer St. Pats Marathon?
From: Big Mick
Date: 20 Mar 02 - 10:28 PM

Pete, I will stop in if I can squeeze it in. Should I bring a guitar?



Mick

Subject: RE: BS: How Goes Yer St. Pats Marathon?
From: DonMeixner
Date: 20 Mar 02 - 11:02 PM

Silly Season ends for me and The Flyin' Column on Saturday in Rome, NY at St. Peter's. A combined Italian and Irish parrish so they celebrate both St. Joseph's Day and St. Patrick's Day together.

The Irish and the Italians are an obvious mix. Both countries are mainly Roman Catholic, both names begin with "I", The only people to buy the Thompson Light Machine gun were the Mafia and the IRA, When the red in the Italian family's flag by the door fades to Orange everyone thinks an Irish family lives there. The Irish speak Gaelic the Italians speak Garlic, the comparissons are nearly endless.

Don

Subject: RE: BS: How Goes Yer St. Pats Marathon?
From: PeteBoom
Date: 21 Mar 02 - 08:14 AM

Mick -

If you do bring your guitar, it does NOT mean you get to drink any of my beer or whisky! I know some of the guys in the band - if ya feel like getting up to sing a song or two, that would be a gas! Of course, if you want to join in on the Oirish Sing-along in the Key of E - that would be fun too! (Black Velvet Band - Wild Rover - etc, etc, etc) We've had guests sit in and have a great fun before -(nothing as good and Duncan MacGillivray on pipe tho - THAT was interesting!) Probably do that toward the end of the 2nd set or in the third set...

Anyone else?

Pete