BS: Your Proudest Moments

Subject: Your Proudest Moments
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 20 Apr 02 - 04:14 AM

I'm very curious (allright! I'm just plain nosey. I'll cop to that) about what you consider to be your proudest moment since you started performing. It can be an unexpected cudo facing someone you admired, a time when you got on stage and could do no wrong, a time when you felt that you were making a difference, or just about anything. What was it? When and how did it happen?

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: Amos
Date: 20 Apr 02 - 05:43 AM

I was unexpectedly accosted by an old Chinese man in Kuala Lumpur who told me that a talk I had given was the best he'd ever heard. Swole mah head up awful.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: gnu
Date: 20 Apr 02 - 06:33 AM

I appreciate every single compliment. Recall, I play Hran.

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: kendall
Date: 20 Apr 02 - 07:52 AM

There have been many. When my first recording on Folk Legacy was released, when, after a performance at the Press Club in Washington DC, Senator (soon to be Secretary of State) Muskie took me aside and said how much he enjoyed it, and that people like me have more power to influence others than do politicians such as he. Being asked to represent Maine on the TODAY show, being asked to appear on ON THE ROAD with Charles Kuralt, doing a play based on a book with Julie Harris, then, getting an unasked for autographed copy of the book from her. I've had many lucky breaks.

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: Celtic Soul
Date: 20 Apr 02 - 08:43 AM

My proudest moment was also the moment when I was most humbled.

There was a fan who had come to see us faithfully for years, and I knew her fairly well from her frequent visits. She came up to me after a show at a venue we play regularly and told me she was about to go totally deaf (in around 2 weeks). She added that she was already mostly there, but still had a little hearing in one ear. She asked if we would sing "Carrick Fergus" for her so she could remember it for as long as possible. So, more than a little shocked and more than a little humbled, I told the rest of the band, and of course, we did it for her.

It was damned hard to get through the song, as her crying made me cry, which doesn't make for a lot of good voice control. We sang a few more of her favorites as well, and a couple of new ones we thought she might enjoy.

In the end, all we could do was sit there and be sad, but also be rather amazed that, of all the things she might have wanted to hear last, it was one of our songs. What an amazing honor.

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 20 Apr 02 - 09:51 AM

Celtic Soul -- that's an amazing story. Bless both of your hearts.

Stephen

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: Amos
Date: 20 Apr 02 - 11:52 AM

Jeeze, CS -- I need a new keyboard again. Wow. And thanks for sharing that story -- it strikes a nerve. How grim to know you are marching toward deafness...gawd!!

A

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: KT
Date: 20 Apr 02 - 01:03 PM

Celtic Soul, I've got the sniffles bad enough as it is, now you've got me dripping all over the keyboard!! What an incredible story. And an amazing honor!! WOW!! KT

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: gnu
Date: 20 Apr 02 - 01:15 PM

Uh, er, um... 'scuse me, I have to go for a tissue.... gee.

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: KT
Date: 20 Apr 02 - 01:31 PM

I couldn't name a proud moment, but there've been many that humbled, and filled me......Here's one.

I had just finished my last set of a long day of singing for tourists. Got up to put my guitar in the case, when a lone woman came dashing in for her dinner, and music. Running through my head were thoughts like, "If only I'd left five minutes ago"...."I have so much to do", etc, I decided that maybe she'd be content with a bit of conversation. (Since she was the only one in the place at this point, I couldn't really ignore her. )

In her I found the dearest soul, who spoke little English, and would have been content with my company. But after hearing a little bit of her heritage and her story, "Hineh Ma Tov" popped into my head. I sang it for her as she finished her dinner. Afterwards, she thanked me over and over again, and tried to explain to me how much that song meant to her. She didn't need to. Her tears said it all. Geesh! What was I whining about? And to think I almost missed the opportunity. KT

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: Banjer
Date: 20 Apr 02 - 01:39 PM

I have had many 'proud' moments in my life, not many music related. I guess one of my 'proudest' moments was a few weeks ago as I related in another thread when I learned that my 13 year old grandson loves bluegrass music. He never let on like he did, whenever I saw him he usually had one of the 'new' bands on the player and I would never have guessed!!! That showed me there is hope for preserving our past through our future!!

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: Deckman
Date: 20 Apr 02 - 02:30 PM

Several months ago I was visitng my parents at the nursing home where they lived. It had been a long day for me, I was tired and just wanted to get home to Bride Judy. As I left the nursing home lobby and I started to exit the front doors, I noticed a little group of old ladies that always seemed to be sitting there. I went through one set of doors, then something caught me. I stopped, turned around and went back into the lobby and took a chair with them. I started the conversation, and before long we were chatting and joking. Then I decided to sing "Dick Darby", acapella, with all the hand gestures. They loved it. I sang a couple of more songs, then I left. I went home feeling very pleased with what my music had done for all of us that night. CHEERS, Bob

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Apr 02 - 02:41 PM

I've had several also, but a few that really stand out are when my son won the state science contest, explaining how computers change commands into binary and back (in 1982!) to a bunch of college professors who didn't know beans about it AND he got to walk across the stage, shake hands with one of the astronauts who walked on the moon, who gave him his blue ribbon, as well as a savings bond. He was 12 at the time.

Another was when my oldest daughter was chosen to display an abstract oil painting in a regional show in CT while she was in high school.

And, lastly, when my youngest received several scholarships for college.

Musically, there've been a lot, but one that was really neat was my winning top honours in a solo violin competition in high school with special comments about my bowing technique. They were really pleased to see me use the whole bow, unlike the less bold.:-) (Rog says it's 'cause I used to be a Roma fiddler in a past life!*bg*)

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: toribw
Date: 20 Apr 02 - 02:46 PM

Celtic Soul, what a beautiful story!

I have not been performing in public for long, so my proudest moment in that regard (so far) was discovering that I can sing in public without the earth opening and swallowing me whole. And with no one running for the exits with bleeding ears, either.

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: Amos
Date: 20 Apr 02 - 03:01 PM

Actually -- I gotta say that the day Max played seven of my Mudcat Songbook numbers on one Radio program just swole my head up to impossible sizes for several days. LOL! And I owe it all to the green Goddess!!

A

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: Sorcha
Date: 20 Apr 02 - 04:33 PM

Maybe the night daughter Kate sang for Seamus Kennedy and he said WOW! and asked for another.
Maybe the afternoon not too long before my mum died that I spent all afternoon playing songs on her viola for her. She hadn't been able to play or hear it for years.

Maybe the afternoon I spent playing my harp for Mr.'s dad (who was terminal). We started home (14 hr. drive) and recieved a call half way that he was gone.
Maybe every month after we play for the residents at the nursing home and they come up with tears in their eyes and say "Thank you."

Maybe the night daughter Kate did her Ethel Waters impersonation with a solo at a choir concert........rocked the hall. We heard about that one for weeks!
Maybe the day son Luke said he wanted to become a Sky Marshall. (Those of you who know Luke's background will appreciate this one.)

I can't say as I can pick one...........

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 21 Apr 02 - 03:46 AM

toribw -- you've cleared the first graet hurdle! Keep going!!

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: DMcG
Date: 21 Apr 02 - 05:30 AM

Last night my two eldest boys played their first live gig. Heavy metal, but, hey, its all live music!

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 21 Apr 02 - 06:33 AM

DMcG -- it all contributes to the whole.

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: GUEST,jonesey
Date: 21 Apr 02 - 10:20 AM

My nephews aged 14 and 15 had a band w/2 other school mates. They would ask me to come and listen/critique their rehearsals every month or so. I'd slip over and listen upstairs while they flogged away in the basement, but didn't know I was there. Then after about an hour or so I'd walk downstairs and offer my observations. For the 1st 6 mos. or so there wasn't alot of improvment. Then they found out about a 'battle of the bands' held at another local high school about 3 mos. hence. The school would allow 1 band from each of the surrounding high schools to participate. At around the same time the bass player's brother heard them and asked them to come and play a night at his fraternity and they would be paid! They all freaked out, called me up and asked if I thought they were good enough to be paid. "Are they going to pay you?" I asked. "Yes," came the reply. "Then you're good enough to be paid," I told them. A flurry of activity followed with me setting up a mixing board and mics, recording every rehearsal and getting them to the point they could operate the stuff without me. They'd play for an hour, listen back, throw up then rehearse for another hour, listen back, throw up, etc. I didn't go over for about six weeks once the mix was dialed in as I figured they would need some time to get their 'legs' without me. One day after work I decided to go by and see how they were coming along. As I approached the house I could hear the bass and drums coming through the basement wall...stopped right in the middle of the side yard as I couldn't believe my ears. They were playing 'Higher Ground'(Stevie Wonder via The Red Hot Chili Peppers) with the assurance and 'chops' of veterans. I sat down in the living room and was treated to killer versions of Green Day, Smashing Pumpkins, Toad the Wet Sprocket, R.H.C.P., Hendrix, Cream, Black Sabbath, Kiss, Pearl Jam and Nirvana songs. I sat there and wept through the whole 2 hour rehearsal they were 'that' good. And not one of them even was old enough to have their driver's licence! Needless to say they won the battle of the bands and tore up the frat party. But, that moment in the living room was the proudest I've ever been, musically speaking.

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 21 Apr 02 - 12:58 PM

WOW!!

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: MJ
Date: 21 Apr 02 - 02:43 PM

My proudest moment to date was not my own accomplishment but that of my youngest daughter. She has the heart and soul of a singer...She sang a solo at her local high school pops concert (two years ago!). She chose her father and my favorite song, "You've Got a Friend" (the Carole King version). She brought tears to my eyes and I SWEAR she was singing to me...I felt so full of pride leaving the auditorium that day...

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: Celtic Soul
Date: 21 Apr 02 - 04:44 PM

Wow MJ (and everyone else who has posted about your kids). I'd be pretty damned proud as well!

I don't want to push my daughter, but I would *love* to see her get into music some day as many of you have posted. We shall see what comes of these public school violin lessons! ;D

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: Doug Chadwick
Date: 21 Apr 02 - 05:32 PM

I am involved in our local Gang Show (a variety show performed by Scouts and Guides). For the past few years I have written and produced the Junior Gang number for the Cubs, Brownies, younger Scouts and younger Guides, sometimes with original songs and sometimes with well-known pieces. We rehearse each week from September through to February and then give 5 performances at the largest venue in town. This year we had a total audience of just under 3,000.
The children are not professionals and for many of them, it's their first time on stage. There are normally about 40 kids in the number but once they are on stage, they are out there on their own. In 7 years they have never let me down and I have every reason to be proud of them.

Doug

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: Deda
Date: 21 Apr 02 - 06:59 PM

My son (Amos' nephew) jammed with Amos when we visited him a few years ago, and I just LOVED LOVED LOVED being their audience. (I'm hoping for a repeat gig this summer when Amos visits here.) Then this year my son has been on a college year abroad program in Rennes, Britanny, France since last September, and not only does he decide to take Gaelic as his additional foreign language, but he gets a regular gig playing at a local Irish pub! (Even French cities all seem to have Irish pubs.) He's playing three nights a week with some local musicians, usually just for free beer but occasionally they get a few francs, and he does a little busking, too. Makes my heart take wing.

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: PeteBoom
Date: 21 Apr 02 - 07:06 PM

Hah - just got back from one of mine. A weekend workshop on piping and drumming - all day classes on Saturday, a concert featuring the instructors that evening then 3 1/2 more hours Sunday until 12:30.

One of the instructors was a fellow I used to compete against regularly. ANother was a 21 year old kid (REALLY! Turned 21 on Saturday!) who is one of the best in the world in his field - Friday I handed him a copy of a book to get his opinion. Today we were doing a joint workshop on drumming - someone asked about training guides for bass and tenor drummers - he told them to buy the book he had read Friday night and Saturday - it had everything needed to get started. After the workhop he ordered a couple of copies for groups he taught. A couple of folks there knew me "way back when" and figured there was something odd going on with having me involved. Then this other instructor bought my book - just released 2 days before. Oh yeah.

On top of that - I had the great joy of playing with some of the aboslute best pipers and drummers anywhere on Saturday night. There is much pleasure in being able to play for the sake of playing with the best in the business...

and then drink really good whisky afterward!

Pete (still glowing)

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 21 Apr 02 - 07:15 PM

These are all wonderful stories. They and the stories one hopes are yet to come are what make it worth the "Daft Questions" the, endlessly repeated songs and the other crazy and/or annoying things that happen to us in our little corner of the musical universe.

Keep the stories coming! We all need the "spoonful of sugar" as it were.

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: Mooh
Date: 21 Apr 02 - 07:31 PM

Hearing myself on CBC radio, twice. Mooh.

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: Celtic Soul
Date: 21 Apr 02 - 08:32 PM

Oh, BRAVO, Stephen! Absolutely...well spoken. :D

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: Robin2
Date: 21 Apr 02 - 10:06 PM

Wow, what great stories!

Celtic Soul, your story was sad and inspiring at the same time. And Kendall, can I have your autograph?

I notice alot of us had our proudest moments not for ourselves but for our children. I'm the same. My proudest moment was watching my son sing on "Great Performances" with the Westminster Choir, and then at Carnegie Hall.

Robin

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 18 May 02 - 03:03 PM

I'm refreshing this thread for two reasons.

1)It's short enough yet that a new one isn't needed

2)an opportunity to sound a positive note IS needed.

Let us hear those stories, 'Catters!

Steve

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 18 May 02 - 07:22 PM

Sining a song I wrote and someone famous asking where I got it and can they have it.... not telling who.. would be too much.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: DonMeixner
Date: 18 May 02 - 07:43 PM

When my son Greg and I shared the stage for the first time.

Don

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: Mudlark
Date: 18 May 02 - 11:38 PM

I'm by no means a professional, but I play and sing at a local critical care hospital twice a month. The guy who heads up the music part of Hospice is, both professional and ON, bigtime. He came with me, the first time I played at the hospital and he was all over the place, had a rose in his teeth, played on bended knee before the ladies. He really put on a SHOW.

Oy, I thot to myself, what an act to follow! Flamboyant, I'm not. I have trouble even making eye contact when I sing. But I do talk to everybody, try to sing songs they know, let them talk, even if it interrupts a song.

Most of the patients in this place are in various stages of dementia, many pretty far gone. And yet, there is the same bunch of people, month after month, that show up. That touches me very much. And when I see some of these people come to life, start tapping toes, some even getting up and dancing around, well, I don't know that it makes me feel proud, exactly, but it sure makes me feel GOOD!

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: Amergin
Date: 19 May 02 - 12:57 AM

Well....not sure...but let me see....the time I was told by a very prominent mudcatter that he wanted to perform one of my poems at a couple of his christmas shows....that floored me...and the fact that he passed it on too....and then the time i came out of the closet as a lesbian.....somehow my folks always knew...what also makes me proud is when people hear something of mine and they want the words to them...so they could sing them,...and a certain postcard I will never get rid of sent to me by a certain eighty something banjo picker from new york...one telling me that I write good lyrics (good was underlined twice) but to show them to some one younger...signed pete...and the time I first held my goddaughter in my arms...made me realise how much I want a little one or two to bounce upon my knee...and to tell stories to...and sing to...(and to clean up the house when they get older)

of course they are nothing in the magnitude of the posts I have seen here...

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 19 May 02 - 05:29 AM

Amergin -- Don't sell yourself short. The thrill of a "big" moment of pride wears off quickly. What gets us all through are the little moments like holding a god-child. However, had I ever recieved a postcard from a certain New York banjo picker my my head would have swollen up so badly that my hair wouldn't have fit.

DonMeixner -- Details!! Details !! Please, give us the details !! How did that come about? It sounds like there's a great story in that event.

Stephen

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 20 May 02 - 11:54 PM

This thread keeps getting knocked off of the list. I am detrmined that it will stay. We need a positive thread. Think of this post a a refresh. i'll do it as many times as i need to to keep tjis thread going.

Steve

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 22 May 02 - 03:28 AM

Narf!

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: Amos
Date: 22 May 02 - 09:20 AM

Fresh!

A

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: alanabit
Date: 22 May 02 - 03:20 PM

OK. Here's one that stoked up my ego a couple of years back. I was doing a project of about a dozen gigs with a few local musicians. The unknowns were myself and a couple of local girls who did a harmony duo. Next on was a rather better known local duo, "The Magic Street Voices" and our bill topper was the magnificent Klaus der Geiger with his trio. In my book he is one of the world's greatest folk musicians. I have mentioned him on a couple of other threads already. To give him a two line history, I'll tell you that he studied under Stockhausen in Cologne in the sixties, went on to play violin with the Boston and LA Philharmonic orchestras (becoming a recognised new music composer on the way) and then threw it all in to become a street protest singer and busker in the early seventies. He made a name for himself because of the astonishing vigour of his live performances and the uncompromising morality which underpinned his commitment (causing him to see the inside of prison cells and courtrooms on many occasions). Had he worked in English, his renown might have approached that of Woody Guthrie, but you don't know him because he sang in German. When he came to rehearse with us, he had missed a couple of meetings because he'd been away doing a theatre group tour. (He gets hauled out to do Paganini from time to time). We practised the a capella number, "Men of Steel" which I'd offered as a closer. We thought it would give us a chance to sing together and to do something a bit different. When Klaus came he declined to conduct it because he did not want to miss the chance of singing a harmony himself. Then when he said, "Right, so I introduce this song by Woody Guthrie or is it Pete Seeger..." Your red faced correspondent mumbled, "Actually, it's one of mine." The look of surprise on his face was something I'll never forget. It was almost worth working in a foundry for!

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: Amos
Date: 22 May 02 - 04:38 PM

Wow! Great moment indeed, alan!!

Nice story! Good company to be mistaken for!

A

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: GUEST,Steven G.
Date: 22 May 02 - 07:51 PM

I remember my first performance that happened to me a year ago. It took me 18 years, to start performing in public. I told the audience, that it took me 18 years to do this, and I played 2 tunes, and the audience response, made me think, that all that practice was well worth to playing more public. And I am enjoying every minute of it, and any chance I get I play in concerts.

Steven

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 06 Jun 02 - 04:28 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: kendall
Date: 06 Jun 02 - 09:10 AM

At a friends home back in 1969 we were swapping songs. I sang LORENA, and Pete Seeger said, "I didn't realize how lovely that song is, thanks for giving it back."

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: MMario
Date: 06 Jun 02 - 09:45 AM

Y'know - though there have been many moments that stroked my ego - and pleased me beyond measure, I would say I tend to feel Pride more for "my" kids; and I am blessed to have connections with a couple hundred of them. (532 at last count *grin*)

One moment that sticks in my mind - glancing up during a church service to see a young man who struggled mightily both academically and socially - running a finger along the print of a prayer book as he read the prayer for the benefit of the younger boy next to him. Watching him turn from the stereotypical "juvenile delinquent" into a role model for youth has been a pleasure and a great source of pride, becuase it has not been easy for him.

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: Ebbie
Date: 06 Jun 02 - 11:34 AM

Amergin, who else is living in your house with you, may I ask?

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: Amergin
Date: 06 Jun 02 - 01:33 PM

Well...currently three people...but we all share the same body...

Actually I live in a motorhome in my parents' yard....moved there due to certain medical issues a couple of years ago...

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: Gloredhel
Date: 06 Jun 02 - 06:17 PM

I sing at my church on a fairly regular basis. Last fall, a woman came up to me after Mass and introduced herself as coordinating the Bible study group at the juvenile prison. She asked if I would come and sing for them. I went, though I wasn't sure whether I'd really reached them or not. I guess I did, because the next week I got a thank-you card that they'd all signed with the most beautiful messages, and they all keep asking her when I'm coming again. (I've been five times now)

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: DancingMom
Date: 06 Jun 02 - 11:06 PM

A biggie was when I played Bloody Mary in a college production of "South Pacific." That was so much fun.

Many years later, my children's musical achievements are a source of pride. My oldest, a clarinetist, wants to be a music teacher. What's really cool is when they all perform together. There's something about having a passion in life, and then passing it down to your kids. It's great.

Subject: RE: BS: Your Proudest Moments
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 07 Jun 02 - 04:24 AM

Wonderful moments all. Keep 'em coming!

I suppose that it's well past time that I 'fessed up and told you what got me thinking along these lines in the first place.

There is a little coffeehouse, here in Madison, WI, called Mother Fool's. Once a month,on the last Friday, they hold an open stage. The "hosting" chores are rotated amongst the people who play there regularly.

One night, a couple of years ago, when I had the duty a gentleman named Ira MacDonald came in to play. He had just moved to town from somewhere in Michigan. He did a nice jazzy sort of set made a point of letting me know that he had enjoyed himself and that he would return.

About two months later I found out that Ira had started hosting an open stage at the other end of the neighborhood at a coffeehouse called Speed Jump (how's THAT for a name for a coffeehouse?) on the other three Friday nights of each month.

About two months ago Ira moved back to Michigan. I made a point of being at his last open stage in Madison. When I finished my set Ira went up to the mike and said something which I could not possibly have imagined that anyone would or could say.

He said, " I wan't you to know something, folks. Stephen lee is the main reason that we're here at all doing this. When I first got ot town, I went to teh open stage at mother Foll's and Steve made me fell so comfortable and welcome that he inspired me to start another one. So thankyou, Steve, from all of us!"

There was a round of applause and I got up and took kind of a sheepish bow. It is a rare and unique moment when one fells justified in using a word like "flabbergasted".

A couple of days later I started this thread because, at the time, i wasn't sure how to react to teh whole thing. I haven't told the story until now because i wasn't sure how to do so without sounding like I was bragging (I'm still not sure that I have achieved that).

With a few months worth of perspective and your various stories I think I've finally got a handle on it. If nobody ever sings any of my songs or even hears my name again, I'll still know that at least once in my life I did my job right. I got someone to go out and share the music.

Stephen Lee Rich