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Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Peter Kasin Date: 16 Nov 03 - 04:07 PM That is very sad news, and a poignant write-up about him. Thank you Dan for getting word out. Chanteyranger |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: GUEST,Dan Lanier Date: 16 Nov 03 - 03:43 PM To All Concerned: Edgar "Master Mick" Mulraine, the eldest of the "Barrouallie Whalers" and an extraordinary man, appears to be dying after a very difficult year of health problems. He is the man who first assisted me and Vince Reid in convening a group of whalers in 2001, including men Roger Abrahams had recorded in the '60s. Those who have witnessed chantey performances of the Whalers will recall Mulraine's enthusiasm and his expertly delivered upbeat yaps on "Bulldog Na Bite Me." He never dreamt that in his twilight years he might have the chance to achieve international acclaim as a representative of his culture, but he zealously embraced this opportunity when it came about. Each time the prospect of an international performance of the Whalers comes up, he eagerly and unabashedly offers "I hope I will be at the top of the list!" Fortunately, Mulraine was able to participate in a trip to the Netherlands (Workum) for a very successful series of performances this October, something he dearly wanted to experience. As before in the US, he readily made friends and delighted audiences in Holland. He alone knew the potential severity of his condition, but he braved the long journey and endured considerable pain throughout the week because he so loves the adventure of world travel and the opportunity to share his memories and music with us. During the past year, Mulraine's deep Christian faith and the anticipation of one more overseas tour sustained him through the worst of his health ordeal and enabled him to rally for the Holland trip. Since his return home to Barrouallie, Mulraine's health and spirits have declined. He has outlived the vast majority of his generation, having worked harder and longer than most of us can imagine, educated himself, raised and supported a distinguished family, and become a mainstay of his community. In the developing nation of St. Vincent, the quality and affordability of health care, and the general (lack of) awareness of elderly health issues, unfortunately do not favor early detection and treatment of cancers to the extent that our health care systems in the developed world do. In spite of his perennial optimism and enthusiasm, Mulraine has been subtly preparing for death for quite some time. He knew he could not afford prescribed medications and did not wish to deprive his family. We deeply hope he will obtain relief from the great suffering he now endures. He is blessed to have loving family members, friends, and an attentive pastor nearby to comfort him. Your letters or cards would be most welcome to the Mulraines as expressions of appreciation and concern. Please send these ($0.80 airmail stamp from USA) to: Edgar and Verona Mulraine Keartons Hill Barrouallie St. Vincent & the Grenadines West Indies Please forward this information to others who have enjoyed experiencing the Barrouallie Whalers. Thank you very much for your help and kindness. Sincerely, Dan Lanier |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: EBarnacle1 Date: 29 Aug 02 - 01:09 PM Amen |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Charley Noble Date: 29 Aug 02 - 09:15 AM Yes, keep us up to date with the status of any CD recording project. I'm sure there are folks here who would commit to purchasing a CD. Put me down for six (6) for all members of Roll & Go. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: GUEST,Dan Lanier Date: 28 Aug 02 - 11:53 PM Thanks for all the positive remarks about the "Barroualie Whalers!" They returned home safely, tickled to death by the overwhelming reception they received at the SMF, and now look forward to further projects. They would like very much to visit again, and also to produce a recording. Vincent Reid and I are very grateful for your interest in these remarkable men. Please let me know if you'd like to be informed of further activities of the whalers. Dan |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Skipper Jack Date: 18 Jun 02 - 05:49 PM Congratulations to the Mystic's "Festival of Sea Music" organisers. For me, the highlight of the festival were The Barrouallie Whalers. On this our first visit to America, we were impressed by the town and its magnificent houses. It was a sensible idea to extend the festival into the community and Baggyrinkle were pleased to be part of that. It was quite an experience for us to sing shanties whilst the crew actually performed the job of heaving and hauling on board the whaler Charles W. Morgan. It was also very nice to meet fellow Mudcatters, especially Barry Finn, who proved very helpful in the early stages of our planning the American Trip. To Craig, Rick and fellow organisers, the festival was a job well done! Long may it continue to flourish and we very much hope to be part of it at some future date. Thanks also to Michelle who looked after us well. Dave Robinson & Baggyrinkle.
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Charley Noble Date: 18 Jun 02 - 04:04 PM Naemanson- There's always next year, that is if you fly back from Italy... CN |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Naemanson Date: 18 Jun 02 - 11:28 AM WAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH! |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Ferrara Date: 18 Jun 02 - 08:52 AM Chanteyranger, I agree that a whole recording of the B.Whalers would be well received! Danny and Joyce McLeod, so glad to see your post here! And thanks to whoever invited non-Mudcat participants to take a look at this thread. Danny and Joyce, I loved your music, and your good humor and enthusiasm. I went to the Geordie songs, then Karen K coaxed me to the Women and the Sea workshop by telling me you would be there.... Had to miss the C.Fox Smith session because I hadn't had a chance yet to hear the Barouallie whalers and they were doing work songs at that time. One of the hardest choices of the weekend. (Other than the absolute requirement to get some sleep instead of being around music for 24 hours at a time....) Joyce, you sang a lovely parlor song about a young girl who goes on shipboard to bid her impressed sailor sweetheart goodbye. (How realistic is that???) I have raved about that song to my friends back home. It was wonderfully sung. In the Greencastle church, with the wonderful acoustics, and with that gorgeous ship painting behind you, it was magical. Thank you. Rita Ferrara
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Peter Kasin Date: 18 Jun 02 - 02:03 AM Good seeing you again, Barry, and thanks again for "Hard Times In Old Virginia." I wonder if Mystic will release a CD of the whalers songs that were recorded off the boards. Mystic puts out fest compilation CDs, but a whole recording devoted to them would be in demand, I'd think. chanteyranger |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Barry Finn Date: 17 Jun 02 - 09:31 PM Whew, "wasn't that a time". Have to agree with Abby the Barrouallie Whalers were the highlight of the festival. The highlight for me was to be asked to join them on stage for their final song along with the J-Girls (whom I always look forward to seeing) & with Ken Schatz leading "Wake Her, Shake Her" ("Poor Old Man"). Next is meeting up with Roger Abrahams, a real nice & friendly guy. Got to talking about collections from the Georgia Sea Islands. Abby, I finally keep good on my promise to you. Talked a good bit to Roger about my thoughts on the same raw tapes you sent me way back.The whaler's weren't all that along, Liam's Sis took them out on a shopping spree & they were in fine company when they were singing in the late evening Everyone was sounding real fine & meeting up again with them all was just as fine. It was real nice to hang with Wotcha, Chanteyranger (who both sounded great at the late night sings), Charlie, Dan & Bonnie (always somekind of a treat them), Gina who, along with the rest of Shipping News (Eric & Paula), did themselves a real proud performence in joining in on stage at the final concert (have never known them to do less). Hi Rita, nice to see you you & Bill again, not enough time though, not like the Getaway. Hey Pelrad, no bother about your kids, they're only getting some practice in to make ready for they're time, good to see you about again (no Seagoddess, what's up with that?). Got to see alot of others around, Vixen, Dick, Susan, nice to meet up with EBarnacle, finally met up with Madame Gashee (sp.?), (a Baggywrinkle wonder) she's a real pleasure (Oh,Oh. I mean that in a most honorable way Terry). Deb C always is in top form & another one of those real nice pleasureable people. Great to see & hear Dan & Joyce McLeod, they're both a loveable ball of joy & energy, Greg B who's another treat (it's about time you showed your face around here again), along with all the Mystic Men (who have always somehow managed to pull off the finast kind of festival) & Windlass 1, I didn't know you were around & about the Mudcat (glad you are), thanks for the big bear hug, it was real nice of you. Enough already, don't want to start putting people to sleep here. Is it to soon to be looking forward to next year. Barry |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Abby Sale Date: 17 Jun 02 - 03:32 PM I enjoyed the workshop, too. When the three major book titles were on the screen, Greenhaus pointed out that each of the three spelled chantey a different way. I think that definitively solves the issue of the "correct" way. |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Peter Kasin Date: 17 Jun 02 - 03:07 PM Liam's Brother - the place is full of birds? They better put you in a ranger hat soon! :-) Congratulations on the job. One thing about the National Park Service, they do recognise and nurture the good ones, and will get you into that ranger uniform sooner or later. Greetings, Danny and Joyce McLeod. Why not join Mudcat as members? We'd love to have you here! Great to hear you at Mystic (which was the first time I've had the opportunity to hear you, after hearing about you). Thank you for your generosity - always available to answer questions about the songs you sing. Learning about the tremendous output of C. Fox Smith was a revelation to me. chanteyranger |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: GUEST,Danny and Joyce McLeod Date: 17 Jun 02 - 09:40 AM We've only just returned from singing at Liverpool's Mersey Shanty Festival held at the week end. Having returned on Tuesday morning from our amazing visit to America highlighted by the Mystic Festival. Thank you to everyone who made our visit so very special and we hope to see everyone again on either side of the ocean. Special thanks to Donna Glover for her second to none hospitality and to Rick and Craig for giving us the oportunity to sing in Mystic and make a dream come true
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: GUEST,Liam's Brother away-from-home Date: 14 Jun 02 - 12:18 PM Hi Chanteyranger! Found out this morning that I start at Gateway in 2 days; beyond that I know nothing. I guess the Smokey the Bear hat comes later. It should be fun issuing fishing licenses, driving a truck, telling kids not to rollerblade and looking at the birds; the place is full of birds! I had to bow out of the gig at O'Neill's on Saturday night because it would have finished 5 hours before I have to report for work... not the best way to prepare for the first day on the job. It was fun spending time with you and meeting Celeste as well. All the best.
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Naemanson Date: 14 Jun 02 - 08:54 AM Well, you guys may have had a great time at Mystic but my daughter's graduation was great too! At least as good as any fun I might have had at.. sniff, some crummy, cold, Connecticut seaport... Oh hell, who am I kidding... WAAAAAHHHHH! |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Charley Noble Date: 14 Jun 02 - 08:30 AM Chanteyranger-enjoyed meeting you as well and looking forward to more singing when I visit the SF Bay area this September. "Bulldog, Don't Bite Me" is probably best dealt with as a separate lyric request. I have some of what they sang on microcassette and there are also references, as well as other songs they sang, in DEEP THE WATER, SHALLOW THE SHORE by Roger Abrahams, recently reprinted by Mystic Seaport. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Peter Kasin Date: 14 Jun 02 - 12:15 AM Home now from a great 10 days in Montreal/MysticBoston and its environs. I second, fourth, fifth, and sixth the motions that the Barrouallie Whalers were the highlight of the festival. "Bulldog, Don't Bite Me" was for me the highlight of the highlight. Can anyone post the lyrics? The verses I could make out were: This dog is an American dog/This dog is an English dog/This dog is a German dog. (Each verse is followed by the chorus, "Bulldog, don't bite me"). Somewhat hidden in the program was the excellent Lighthouse Point Sunday morning set by Rick Spencer and the Mudcat's own "Windlass1." Their voices blend extremely well, and anyone who has seen Forebitter and The Windlasses perform also know what good stage presence they have. Many thanks to everyone who puts this festival together. It is THE place to learn great maritime songs not yet well-known, as well as all the other great things about this fest that make it, well, GREAT. Mudcatters were everywhere! We were never in one place for a big group photo, and I'm sorry I didn't get to meet all the 'Catters. It was good meeting you, Charley Noble, Abby, Dick, and Susan of DT. Good to see you again, Greg, as always, and I expect to see you fly your plane onto Hyde Street Pier for a chantey sing. Good to hang out with you some, Liam's Brother, and keep me posted on your NPS job status. Ran into Michael of Swansea who was singing with the Welsh group Baggyrinkle. By the way, my upstairs neighbor here back home complained that he was awoken by the sounds of a "Sineti" Sunday morning. -chanteyranger |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Liam's Brother Date: 13 Jun 02 - 04:18 PM The Baggies had told me Clinton but, when you're traveling in a strange country it can be tough to keep things straight.
All the best, |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Marc Date: 13 Jun 02 - 04:16 PM Thank you Gina, I just couldn't think of a folk venue in Clinton. Marc Bernier |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Gina Dunlap Date: 13 Jun 02 - 02:20 PM They sang at Frankies in Westbrook.. |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Marc Date: 13 Jun 02 - 12:50 AM Dan; Where did they sing in Clinton? Just out of curiousity? |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Charley Noble Date: 12 Jun 02 - 04:21 PM GregB- If you'd like a MP3 of "West Indies Blues", send me a PM with your e-mail address. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: EBarnacle1 Date: 12 Jun 02 - 02:20 PM OK, OK, next year I will actually bring the caviar and bialys. On a more serious note, please remember to write to The Minister of Culture in Kingston, Saint Vincent to try to get the government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to suport culture documentation and support for groups like the Barrouallie Whalers. Now that they are back together there should be a way to keep them working and (let us pray) recording. |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Liam's Brother Date: 12 Jun 02 - 01:45 PM It was an excellent festival. My wife, Bonnie - unbelievably - has been to every single one and rates it very highly in the post-Hugill period. The Barrouallie Whalers of St. Vincent, W.I. were brilliant. Their singing, in which you can hear Africa, New England, Ireland and Britain, is, beyond that, really indescribable, must be heard and truly exceptional. Having said that, if any of us were to try and sing like them, we'd probably be killed. On a personal note, when Edgar Mulraine of the Whalers asked me if my wife was my daughter, it just made my weekend! Thank you, Edgar, I will never live that down. Martin Carthy's inspired rendition of "The Famous Flower of Servingmen" will also be remembered by everyone who heard it. I had not been to Mystic for a few years. Bob Conroy and I were invited to the great Mersey Shanty Festival in Liverpool last year and it fell on same weekend as Mystic. Bonnie and the other Johnson Girls sang in Saturday's main concert, did a great job by every report and we were sorry to have not heard them. What I really missed this year were the intimate late night ballad sessions of the past that were never on the program but which were much looked forward to by many people in the mid-90s; people who were there at the time still talk about them often. I particularly enjoyed hanging out with my old pals, Barry Finn, Don Sineti and John Roberts; seeing some of the Washington Mudcat gang; and meeting a few people new to me like Abby Sale. Mystic is a special place, a beautiful, unique and totally fitting location. The festival seems to be continuing. Bonnie and I were at the Griswold Inn in Essex, CT on Monday. It's one of the oldest inns in the United States. Cliff Haslam, originally from Warrington, Lancashire, has been singing there weekly for the last 30 years. A number of the invited festival singers and some of us from previous festival years were asked up to sing… Warp Four, David Littlefield, Carl Thornton, Marc Bernier, The Johnson Girls, etc. Last night, Louis Killen was our guest at South Street Seaport Museum's Maritime Music Concert Series in New York City. It was billed as Louis' "Farewell Concert." Lou has lived in the USA for some time and he's returning to live in England later in the year. He was in great, classic form last night and the audience went wild. Lou was preceded by The New York Packet singing 1 song each. After the concert, many of us went to what can only be called "a waterfront bar with a twist" and there were more songs from Louis, Baggywrinkle and the rest of us. The bar was there when the David Crockett, which is immortalized in the lines of "The Leaving of Liverpool" sailed from the piers of South Street to Liverpool and San Francisco. The David Crockett was built in Mystic, by the way. Baggywrinkle is in Clinton, CT tonight and in Boston later and will be going to the Songs of the Sea festival in Kennebunk, ME over next weekend. Louis and I will be in White Plains, NY tonight with All-Ireland Champion fiddler Brian Conway. The location is Dunne's Pub on Shapham Place if anyone out there hasn't heard enough music yet. So, again, Mystic was great. Thanks to all who make it happen.
All the best, |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Abby Sale Date: 12 Jun 02 - 12:00 PM The music will be in my head for many months. Even 'Randy Dandy Oh,' a favorite, anyway. I learned much at the Seminar and as much in the "settings" of the songs as presented. That's why we went and what was exciting. But I was surprised at the warmth or the people-contact. I'm not a feel-good person. I generally scowl, am sarcastic, hate huggers and am disgusted by anything cute. But it was a family feeling up there. Especially for people I know a lot or little from the 'net but also for total strangers I first met there. All (or nearly all) were warm & open. Odd experience. I feel that I'm now friends, eg, with the Vixon - we only chatted a moment and then I rushed this way and she that but it was a good contact. It was often that way. Even the marine guard seemed a decent sort. (Once he stood down from DefCon 5 and raised his battle helmet.) I regret not talking more with the Whalers. I only chatted a scant minute but I now realize people tended to avoid them - out of diffidence & shyness, I know, but still leaving them all alone & lonely. Something to keep in mind. I know they had a great deal to offer. Well, that's enough gushing. Back to my job shovelling in the sewer. |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: DebC Date: 12 Jun 02 - 09:47 AM Abby, you said : "We were most impressed at the gold tableware and the champagne and caviar and lobster lay-out for the performers." All right, Spencer, ya Skallywag. Where did you hide THAT spread? Deb Cowan |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Charley Noble Date: 12 Jun 02 - 09:38 AM Three cheers for "Kitchen Little"! However, if you're eating out back you may have to compete with ferocious house sparrows; one flew off with half a Portugese sausage. Glad to get a report from Trader Jack's; we were too stressed by the wind and rain to attempt it. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: GUEST,Greg B Date: 12 Jun 02 - 08:45 AM Oh, bloody hell, Abby! We were sitting not 15 feet from one other looking directly into each others' ugly mugs. And it wasn't even a crowded room. In consolation, I was sitting with two rather comely young lasses from New Hampshire, with a pint of IPA in front of me and the Swansea lads singing 'long side. I do recall your song, as well as its intro. I was the bloke who sang 'Randy Dandy Oh' and found that there were plenty among the bunch who could sing a lick and more. As a suggestion, I've often made a time to meet friends at the Seaman's Inne Pub prior either to Thursday or Friday concerts or both. The food there (in the pub)is good and what passes for reasonable in tourist traps. It's not entirely unusual for those groups to include a few of the performers. Maybe the Mudcatters would like to try that next year. Another populer Mystic meeting ground, in the morning, is the redoubtable 'Kitchen Little' where breakfasts are nothing short of stunning. It's on the water side, just a block north of the North Entrance. Greg |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: GUEST,Rick Spencer Date: 12 Jun 02 - 07:35 AM Abby: Thanks for the warning. We'll have our security force more heavily armed next year! Unfortunately (or perhaps not, I'm not sure) our "security" at the YTB is drawn from our museum staff, and some of them are folk music infidels who are unfamiliar with names like Killen, Posen and even Carthy. Thanks for the understanding about the need for the musicians to have a secure and semi-private area to hang out. More to the point, in the past we've had trouble with hangers-on coming into the building and helping themselves to food and drink (no folks, it's not cavair, lobster and champagne) that is intended for performers, volunteers and festival staff. This has resulted in a shortage and hard feelings. You'd be astonished to know what a small budget we have to put on this event, and one of the big costs is food. We'd love to be able to feed and water everyone, but we just can't afford to. Relentless security at the YTB is the only answer. Believe me, nobody wants to be the bad guy, but even in our folk music community there are those who will take advantage. An addendum to my last message: Those who would like to be in touch with us or be put on the mailing list for the festival should probably write to our Sea Music Festival email address rather than my personal one in the office. The address is smf@mysticseaport.org. That way the other festival organizers will see your letters. Thanks again to all who came, saw, heard, conquered and enjoyed themselves. RS Thanks |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Abby Sale Date: 11 Jun 02 - 09:52 PM :-) Arr, I'm the only Abby Sale there is. (At least many people hope so.) I shudder at the thought of name badges but maybe they have a purpose... I am sorry I didn't get to at least say hello to many people. Greg, I regret to say I was at Trader Jack's, too. With considerable trepidation I sang a whole song there. But I couldn't let D-Day pass without without singing "Dodgers." The "Happy!" file would never have forgiven me. (I did explain that it qualified as a sea song as the soldiers very likely sang it while being shipped home. Well...) As to the YTB letting in occasional outsiders, I'll admit they do but the security check is pretty severe. (I do agree with the principle of offering a haven for the performers.) Happens that Posen is one of our oldest friends, but we've only seen once in 30 years. To have a moment, he said to meet him at the YTB. The armed marine guard wouldn't let us pass, though. Just then Killen comes up and I said Hey, tell them we're with you. He did so at great length and with gusts of force. The guard, now brandishing grenades and bayonets asked Killen if he had a pass, himself and if he had a guest pass for us (spouse, Tinker & me). So I said, ok, please tell Shelley Posen we won't be comming in so he won't worry. Who's Posen says the guard (now locking and loading.) I said well then, please tell Carthy in there (whom we've also been close to most of 4 decades) to tell Posen. Who's Carthy, says the guard (now taking aim and lining up the grenade launcher to catch Spouse, Killen and me in one shot.) Finally the guard's mother speaks up and says to let us in. Oh? says I. Yes, says he. Well, says I, that's ok...I wouldn't want to force my way in and break any rules, you know. Please do enter here, says Mother. Oh, no, says I...I've never been one to break the rules - that's alright. PLEASE, says he. So we went in. We were most impressed at the gold tableware and the champagne and caviar and lobster lay-out for the performers. (We had to swear a loyalty oath and another to touch no food nor drink before finally passing through.) Geez, this was a good festival. It does take a bit of effort to get there from Orlando but I'd rather have had that weekend than two weeks in Paris. Unfortunately, for certain reasons, we will be forced to attend again next year. You been warned. |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: GUEST,Rick Spencer Date: 11 Jun 02 - 06:19 PM Dear Friends: Rick here, in slow recovery from the Sea Music Festival. It was a huge task again this year, and Craig Edwards and I owe thanks to a large number of people who help us make it work. Thanks to all of you for the comments and input on this thread. What we read and hear from our performers, volunteers, contributors and visitors is very important to us. We've already started thinking about what we need to do to make next year's event even better. Just a few things to mention. Thanks Marc for being our contact with the 'catters. I haven't had time to get on and check for SMF threads or questions, since most of my time has been spent working on the thing. Thanks to Greg for all the support, the report and a lot of hard work. Abby: I didn't realize when you introduced yourself to me as being from Mudcat that you were THE mudcat himself. I looked for you later in the weekend to get you the copy of my "Contentment" CD that you had asked for, but had no luck finding you. Write to me in care of the museum and I'll ship one to you. Yes, the website was not what we would have liked. It's been under construction for quite a while and there are still some bugs to work out. I hope that as things are determined for next year (performer lineups, etc) they'll be added to a specific Sea Music Festival page that will be updated regularly. As far as getting on the roster of the festival, that's a tough one. I suggest that musicians who would like to be considered first attend the festival to see what it's like and what we expect from our acts. You'd be amazed at the kind of stuff we get from people who think they should be considered. Everything from pop-folk "yo-ho" music by people dressed as pirates to solicitations from musicians who don't seem to understand that "Sea Music Festival" involves sea music. Go figure. Ours is a scholarly as well as entertaining event. Here's what we look for in our performers: A significant scholarly understanding about some aspect of sea music (like Bob Walser or the McLeods). An understanding of the differences between the various major chantey forms. A knowledge of the difference between sea songs (forebitters, ballads, wardroom songs, etc) and chanteys. A particular and/or specific cultural connection to some aspect of sea music (like the Barrouallie Whalers). Oh yes, it would help if you were a musician. Every year we are solicited by hundreds of people who want to perform at our festival, and by many who have been performers here in the past who want to come back. We only have room for a tiny percentage of the qualified acts. Those of you who want to solicit are invited to. First I suggest that you look at the lineup for the last few years and understand that you're competing with some pretty heavy hitters. Still I don't intend to discourage anyone. Once in a while a performer comes out of nowhere with an extraordinary sound and talent, and gets onto the roster. Note the case of the WindLasses. Well that's enough out of me. I'll check to see if there are any additions to this thread in the days ahead. Anyone who would like to write directly to me can at ricks@mysticseaport.org I'll try to respond as fully as time will allow. Thanks again to all who attended, volunteered, contributed and worked hard to make it another great festival. I hope to see you all next year if not before. RS |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Greg B Date: 11 Jun 02 - 05:28 PM Okay, I'm awake now. Nothing like getting up at 0600 following the post-Festival bash-and-bellow. Then being back at work at 0500 this morning. Argh! Abby, you filthy bugger, how could you show up at Mystic and not introduce yourself?!? It's not like I'm 'low profile' or unknown about the place! And Brian, bloody good to see you again, even if you are the oddest-sounding US Army officer since Washington met Cornwallis. This year really felt good...truly well-organized. Believe me, it doesn't happen by accident. Thanks, Craig, Rick, David, Geoff, Chris, Meg, Doug... Major thanks are due to the volunteer Chris, who put together a potluck dinner, much of it cooked by herself on Friday afternoon, to sate the volunteers' appetites prior-to. We've needed that for so many years. And that volunteer meeting just looked so well-attended and organized. All the leadership over and within the volunteer ranks sure showed, and paid off. Of course, it didn't hurt that the catered food in the YTB was much-improved. Dare I say it... it was 'good!' Even the pub-sing at 'Trader Jack's,' historically a bit of a challenge, was quite pleasant on Thursday night. All could be heard, and no shouting dinner crowd to try and be heard over. I noted the wait-staff there listening with intent interest. Sure was wet outside though! I passed the time from Thursday afternoon through Friday afternoon in sea-boots and foulies. My cabin aboard the Whaler was just starting to get that 'special' wet-weather feeling (one set of foulies, 3 wet towels, another set of boots, closed port-holes and a sweaty body in a 6x6x6 space) when the sun broke through and all dried up. If I could just to figure out how not to exhale, such conditions would be much easier. The 'Friends of the Festival' program is developing nicely, and gave some people to enjoy some extra privileges in lieu of volunteering, if they were in a position to help that way. Contact the Development Office at the Seaport, or any of the resident chantey staff for the details. At least some of us 'Friends' spend a bit of time in trenches none the less. It's hard not to want to keep a hand in. Especially when you know where everything in and see the staff busting a vessel trying to get it all dealt with. A thousand little problems... I think Marc mentioned that the YTB is for performers and volunteers only: to that I'd add that, at some levels, a 'Friend of the Festival' status admits you to that sacred space as well. Barry, the time the concertina disappeared it was actually from a museum staff area (I'd as soon not say which), not from the YTB. It belonged to a Mystic chantey staff member, and has not been recovered after some years have passed. I had a new (to me) Salterelle Nuage melodeon to pollute the air with. Bought from Button Box on the way up Thursday. Naturally, its former owner recognized it. It's a small world, after all (and I know a song that gets on everybody's nerves). The Captain of the Mystic Whaler and his Lady once again donated their vessel's hospitality for the duration to make a home for performers and others. As ever, their generosity continues to amaze. God bless 'em. Thanks, John and Marelda, for your kindness, love, and patience. The same goes for your delightful crew, most of them having first come aboard this weekend. You sure know how to pick 'em. Strangest moment was being called up for 'Friends' recognition at the very moment after I found Jill, the long-suffering cabin steward up to her elbows in shite from a balky (okay, full) holding tank. There she was, cleaning up the resulting mess in Carthy's shower. These kids are really something. A real 'Martha and Mary' sort of experience, I'd say. If you ever want to feel popular, be the guy passing out the 'free beer' tickets to performers and contributers at a Pub Sing :-) I second and third all the remarks on our new West Indian friends. And to our own Mr. Noble, that is one heck of a song you have there, and a mighty nice banjo on which to play it. It's been ten years since our dear Stan Hugill passed. It doesn't seem like that long, but we remembered him on Lighthouse Point. Mary Kay and her team of squaddies once again doubled and trebled any expectation of normal human effort in setting and striking seemingly every sail in the Seaport. Repeatedly, so the lubbers could have a go at it themselves. In between they row and sail whale-boats AND display extraordinary scholarship and historical integrity. Carl Thorton once again drafted me to lead the children's parades from the barn to the point, at melodeon-point. This in spite of suggestions from some that we deftly step aside at the last moment and let the little critters plunge, lemming-like, into the Mystic River. We try to remember that when we're old and grey, like Stan, these are the ones who will be wheeling us about. I have found the right way to depart the site. Captain John graciously accepted my offer to row the Mystic Whaler's tender away from the Seaport and to the Whaler's down-river dock after the final concert once the Whaler departed. Leave-taking never felt quite so fitting before. The blow was softened by an evening of singing with Baggywrinkle. On Monday, before he and I went off to the airport, Mr. Carthy received his introduction to 'hands on' chantey-work. Don Sineti graciously yielded the falls of the Charles W. Morgan's main tops'l to yours truly for a bit of 'Reuben Ranzo,' and Martin got to be number 3 seaman behind squad's Carl Thornton. Martin rather quickly found out how LITTLE the conscripted tourists behind him actually contributed to the actual pulling on a line. It is always fun to watch our first-time visitor performers get overwhelmed at the scale and quality of our dear Mystic Seaport. Those of us who see it frequently sometimes forget how we felt the first time that it smacked us square between the eyes...on a Sea Music Festival weekend at that! Greg
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Ferrara Date: 11 Jun 02 - 02:06 PM I'd like to second Charlie's thanks to Craig Edwards and Rick Spencer. The Mystic festival was the most folklore-oriented and informative gathering I've ever been to. The musicians were so knowledgeable and willing to share info on the background and history behind the songs. I learned a tremendous amount. And the music was - IMHO - as good as I've ever heard. Rita |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Charley Noble Date: 11 Jun 02 - 08:41 AM Mudcat was down when I tried to post this yesterday: Mystic Sea Music Report 6/10/02 Just got back in after an extra day of recovery at the Mystic end. Unlike Barry, I packed it in early Friday and Saturday nights getting four hours of sleep each night aboard the Conrad. I do have this recurring image from the closing songs at Sunday's final concert - The Barrouallie Whalers (traditional singers from St. Vincent), The Johnson Girls, and associated friends raising the rafters with "Goin' Down to Cuba for a Load of Sugar." What energy, what joy! Barry said afterwards he could go to Heaven now - it just don't get no better. I also enjoyed meeting Greg and Jan from the NYC crew, jamming with them on "West Indies Blues", and some time I've got to check in on the shanty sessions at or near the South Street Sea Port. I also got together with Chanteyranger whom I'll be seeing this September in the Bay area, and I'm sure we'll sing another round of "Shanghai Passage." I had a great time running sound as a volunteer with the crew at the North End stage, and participating in the C. Fox Smith Workshop (I sang my arrangements of "Shanghai Passage" and "Flying-Fish Sailor") with those fine folks Danny and Joyce McLeod. That was pretty close to Heaven for me; I even got to leaf through Danny's notebook of C. Fox Smith personal hand-written sea poem collection. Now I've got to see if a song the Ancient Mariners sang, "The Spray," is in the DT; they've really nailed the arrangement and as far as I could determine they haven't recorded it yet on a CD. Thanks again to Craig Edwards and Rick Spencer for doing the chief organizing work for this remarkable and, to me, unique sea music festival. See you all next year! And some of you in Kennebunk next weekend! Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Bill D Date: 10 Jun 02 - 11:20 PM such a time!...so many great singers in one place...and ships and scenery, too.. I got to MEET folks I had only heard or heard about.. Debra Cowan is a FINE singer!...and the Johnson Girls were in their usual good voice....and Martin Carthy sang, played, explained, listened, hung out and seemed to enjoy himself every minute! (yes, it is impressive to SEE "Prince Heathen" performed)...and for the first time, I understood what Martin is doing with his distinctive guitar style...and where he started. (He says his guitar 'heros' were Libba Cotton, Big Bill Broonzy, and Doc Watson...then he started studying how to make the guitar follow and 'enhance' what the voice was doing..) I have some pictures to post, and I'll get them up somewhere in the next few days...(if you DONT want to be seen, ya' better tell me soon, as I'll assume you don't mind being part of the scenery!) (and next time I will NOT forget my jacket...wind over water can be VERY chilly after dark...*wry grin*)...thanks to Dick G. and Susan of DT for harassing us into going and rescuing us from ourselves, also... |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Abby Sale Date: 10 Jun 02 - 10:50 PM Yep! Unbestaggeringlylieveable! I shall be happily gushing for months. Youse guys that live in the Norheast are spoiled. What music! Carthy/Robb/Posen/Killen all together and dozens more. But screw the people, there were great songs I never heard before & great songs I love & heard new. Those St. Vincent whalers were worth the trip, themselves. I can admit now I've had Abrahams' raw tapes & the book for some time but hearing & seeing, of course, added a vital dimension. I was actually able to say I understood (most of) the words. The Shenandoah song is "Solid Fas'" and in the data base. Yep, it was all one big highlight...true. Only sad I didn't get to see some 'catters but great to see/meet those I did. Turns out I met some what don't have that many pimples, can actually keep on key most of a verse and didn't drool at the mouth. Some, anyway. Who cares from a little freezing rain and exhaustion |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Ferrara Date: 10 Jun 02 - 10:18 PM Jeri good suggestion about the play-party games. |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: GUEST,pelrad Date: 10 Jun 02 - 10:07 PM That was Bill Harley who did the "Singing In The Rain" bit. Quite the storm, and my toddler slept through the whole thing. :-) The Barrouallie Whalers were just wonderful! They were the high point of the festival as far as I was concerned. It was particularly interesting to see them sing off-stage; they get into this tight little group and dance together the whole time. And what they don't know about fishing could fill a teaspoon. Tons of knowledge there. I apologize to anyone who was disturbed by my three yr-old talking at the top of his lungs or by his baby sister, who alternately pushed her stroller all over the place and threw tantrums because we attempted to restrain her. I was mighty glad to see them go home with their daddy! Anyone want to cast their vote as to whether Jeff Warner should grow back his beard? So far I have three yays and one nay. ;-) |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Jeri Date: 10 Jun 02 - 07:19 PM I couldn't afford it, but it's nice to hear what went on. I'm looking forward to Kennebunk next weekend. Rita, wouldn't a play-party games workshop be nice at the Getaway? I don't know any, but there's a certain person named in your post above, right after Ken Schatz, who just might. |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Ferrara Date: 10 Jun 02 - 04:17 PM Home, feeling blissful. Many many thanks to Dick, Susan, Abby, Barry who cajoled me into it! Highlights: The Geordie workshop. Lou Killen sang "Ah Can Hew" the best I've ever heard it (better than his recorded version.) Everything Lou sang. Everything I heard Danny and Joyce McLeod sing. Ditto Ian Robb and Jeff Warner. Watching the Banoullie (sp) Whalers do a play-party game that involved passing bricks from one spot to another at top speed without getting your fingers pinched.... Loved the Friday night sing, and Wotcha really raised the rafters with "We'll Fathom the Bowl." Fantastic singing, Wotcha. Dan and Bonnie Milner, Ken Schatz, Barry Finn, I agree with Vixen -- so nice to get to see them more than once a year! And the Welsh group were fantastic at the Friday late night sing. Early Friday night, singing chestnuts like The Old Dun Cow with Warp Four, who were here from Ireland for the festival. During the day, hearing Pat Sheridan of W4 sing The Rocky Road to Dublin. Guess it was all one big highlight. I slept through a lot of it as usual (including the Saturday pub sing) but I'm so glad to have gone and I got home in great shape -- very relaxed. Rita
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: MsMoon Date: 10 Jun 02 - 03:31 PM Highlight for me: The Barrouallie Whalers' 'Shenandoah' variant. |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: GUEST,Vixen @ work Date: 10 Jun 02 - 12:04 PM Well, Reynaud and I only got to stay for 4 hours (we just had too much to do this weekend...) but we *did* get to see folks we only see once or twice a year! (this year we get to see them an extra time, with extra pleasure!) Ferrara and BillD, Dick Greenhaus and Susan of DT, Don and Delores, Barry Finn, and others! We got to meet Abby Sales, and I'm not sure how many folks we saw that we know from places other than the Mudcat. Great Music at everything we stopped at. Barry's voice is amazing! Great to see old and new friends under such happy circumstances. And, since Reynaud had never been to the Seaport before, we toured the Morgan and the Amistad as well. A busy day for sure! I hope we get to Old Songs in a couple of weeks...In any case, we're looking forward to the Getaway! V |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Marc Date: 09 Jun 02 - 06:48 PM Just got home. GREAT WEEKEND! Instead of listing the brilliant performances, I'll mention the ones that weren't. None! |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Wotcha Date: 09 Jun 02 - 05:33 PM Just got back ... Lots of Catters there. Great time had by all: just wear long johns at the evening concerts (those New England Yankees have a different definition of summer weather than those of us South of the Mason Dixon Line). Great acts and great songs. I learned that if you want to sound really good at a pub sing, ask the Welsh to back you up (thanks, Baggywrinkle) ... Yechi-Dah (I got the right pronunciation at least), Cheers, Brian |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: GUEST,Bill D, posting from Susan of DT's place Date: 06 Jun 02 - 09:36 PM we are halfway there, enjoying a quiet evening and good company and looking forward to seeing folks tomorrow...and all weekend. Looks like the rain rained itself out today! Nice weather ahead.... |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Marc Date: 06 Jun 02 - 12:26 AM On a more positive note, I hope to have a beverage and song with each of you. As you can expect ,I'll do my best to be about this weekend. |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Charley Noble Date: 05 Jun 02 - 10:34 PM Sorry about my misinformation about the YTC/YTB space. Now where did I stow those f***ing forms, the ones I so carefully filled out in advance. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Wotcha Date: 05 Jun 02 - 09:30 PM I was last in Mystic 3 years ago before shipping for Kuwait ... I meant to go back last year ... I'll be there this year ... I'll be looking for familiar faces and hoarse vocies on Friday night at the pub sings. Cheers, Brian |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Barry Finn Date: 05 Jun 02 - 08:05 PM To add to Marc (Also not to be a jerk). A few years back one of the performers had a real nice concertina stolen from the YTB. It's sometimes used as place where performers & volunteers can feel secure (or should) about their belongings. Those that sleep on the Conrad can't access their quaters from (I think, maybe Marc can straighten me out) around 8 or 9 am till 5pm, so the YTB is sometimes used as a place where some can lay a burden or a nessessity down for awhile with out a lookout on duty full time & with out worry. Sorry, I guess that's the real world. Barry |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Just another Dave Date: 05 Jun 02 - 04:51 PM Thanks, Marc, I was just about to say the same thing. BTW, I'll be on the look out for all you Mudcatters! Dave |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Marc Date: 05 Jun 02 - 03:52 PM Not to be a jerk ahead of time, But the YTB is supposed to be a restricted area for performers and volunteers. It really is a pain policeing that, the performers do need a spot to retreat from the public from time to time. Please honor that as its a real nuisance standing guard all the time. There will be a late night pub sing each evening, Thu., Fri., &Sat., but the YTB is not meant for the general public. |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Charley Noble Date: 05 Jun 02 - 07:29 AM Refreshing! Looks like the weather is going to be stunning, in the low 80's for Saturday and Sunday, bright and sunny. Time to start packing. Stuff the backpack full of survival essentials. Highlight those hard choices for when I do the volunteer work and when I listen to other folks. What joy! Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Ferrara Date: 03 Jun 02 - 04:57 PM Waaah! Tom Lewis was singing in town last night but I had to miss his concert. Ah well he will be there next weekend. Charley N, thanks for the info on finding after hours stuff. Abby, thanks for the weather info, it is very encouraging. I do not cope well with hot weather these days and have dreaded having to hide out in an air conditioned room during part of the day. Maybe I won't have to do that. Rita |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Charley Noble Date: 03 Jun 02 - 10:47 AM Peter- Tom Lewis is certainly capable of leading any song from any tradition given the situation. This year's weather looks more moderate, not exactly beach weather but that's hardly essential. It's true that too many wonderful singers/workshops happen simultaneously at Mystic, forcing painful choices and mad dashes in and between sets. I tend to high light my choices in advance, knowing I won't have time, or the ability to do so once I reach that "pleasant port." For the after hours happenings I would encourage newcomers to check for info at the Youth Training Center (YTC) located behind a row of sailing dingies and the rope walk shed, off to the right of Lighthouse Point. Again, I'll note what appears to be an "open" daytime event called a Chantyblast on Saturday, 2 pm, at the North End Stage. The shipboard demonstrations aboard the Charles W. Morgan and the Conrad are perhaps the closest any of us will ever get to real shanty/chanty/chantey singing or sailor work. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Charley Noble Date: 03 Jun 02 - 10:46 AM Peter- Tom Lewis is certainly capable of leading any song from any tradition given the situation. This year's weather looks more moderate, not exactly beach weather but that's hardly essential. It's true that too many wonderful singers/workshops happen simultaneously at Mystic, forcing painful choices and mad dashes in and between sets. I tend to high light my choices in advance, knowing I won't have time, or the ability to do so once I reach that "pleasant port." For the after hours happenings I would encourage newcomers to check for info at the Youth Training Center (YTC) located behind a row of sailing dingies and the rope walk shed, off to the right of Lighthouse Point. Again, I'll note what appears to be an "open" daytime event called a Chantyblast on Saturday, 2 pm, at the North End Stage. The shipboard demonstrations aboard the Charles W. Morgan and the Conrad are perhaps the closest any of us will ever get to real shanty/chanty/chantey singing or sailor work. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Peter Kasin Date: 02 Jun 02 - 08:20 PM I remember that, Charley Noble. Wasn't it Tom Lewis who got up in the big tent/mainstage and lead everyone in "Singing In The Rain'? Or was it that guy named "Harley"? |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Abby Sale Date: 02 Jun 02 - 04:24 PM Since that's the way things go, Mystic Seaport has excessively updated their site. Very pretty & slow. There's a much better brief schedule at http://www.mystic.org/source/show_course.cfm?mcourse=13&mkind=visit and a detailed Saturday, Sunday printable .pdf one at http://www.mystic.org/visit/seamusic_grid.pdf |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Charley Noble Date: 02 Jun 02 - 02:22 PM I still remember the great typhoon we had a couple of years ago. All the outdoor sites had to retreat into adjacent buildings. My wife, who was selling programs as a volunteer, was reduced to wrapping herself up in a borrowed trenchcoat and accosting the few cowering guests wherever they found shelter. Still, we had a great time singing together late at night. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Abby Sale Date: 02 Jun 02 - 12:05 PM Sadly, the daughter & husband can't go to Mystic so we can let go of their room reservation. Susan F. found a fine deal for a large double at Econo Lodge, Groton for 3 nights, two adults under age 60 (no duffer's discount) for $190. We'll stay in the Lodge, ourselves, though. Give me a call if you want it - I'll have to cancel Tuesday morning latest, otherwise. "Weather Bug" gives the forecast as: THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers. Lows around 60 and highs in the upper 60s. FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers during the day... Then partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 50s and highs in the lower 70s. SATURDAY Partly cloudy. Lows 55 to 60 and highs in the lower 70s. This may not seem so exciting to you far-northerners but to us Floridians it looks to be a welcome relief. Oi! I'm just looking at the schedule - it looks like everyone we want to hear is playing in different loci simultaneously. |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Ferrara Date: 31 May 02 - 02:47 PM Hey, Vixen, glad to hear you'll be there. Looking forward to seeing you again. - Rita |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Charley Noble Date: 31 May 02 - 11:00 AM What'd you say, Barry? I didn't quite catch that.;~) Less than a week now to tune up them vocal chords. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Barry Finn Date: 30 May 02 - 08:14 PM Hi Charlie, I'll be there to keep you awake. Barry |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Charley Noble Date: 29 May 02 - 08:44 PM Who's coming from Maine and NH besides me? Bob Webb, the Paddy Westers, Jeff Warner... |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Peter Kasin Date: 29 May 02 - 03:05 AM refresh |
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Subject: Mystic air fare From: Abby Sale Date: 23 May 02 - 01:37 PM Just to remind you that today seems to be the last day to get that Southwest Air 1/2 price deal to fly to Providence for the Mystic Fest. See yiz. |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: GUEST,Vixen @ work Date: 21 May 02 - 12:42 PM Well, I'ven't been in close to twenty years, and Reynaud and I are definitely going to go as day-trippers (we live an hour away) We'll be wearing mudcat pins and tees, and looking for familiar faces and other mudcat pins and tees! V |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Rich_and_Dee Date: 21 May 02 - 12:41 PM Hi, While the various acts performing around the Seaport are, obviously, a highlight of the weekend, THE highlight every year is the all-night sing-along at a meeting house across the street from the Seaport. Mysel' and the missus will be there days hanging out on the Mystic Whaler, which is where a lot of the performers bed down for the weekend. Last year we had the unique honor of tipping pints with Liam Clancey, who told us tales of Shane McGowan and then sang "Shenandoah" to our 3-year old. Absolutely flipping brilliant weekend. By the by, Mystic is a tiny, crowded village. Campers would be tough to negotiate around the town. The organizers mill about throughout the event and are musicians themselves, hopping on and off stages when the opportunity presents itself. I'm fairly certain they'll accept a cassette if anyone wants a shot at performing next year. Best, Rich Kelly |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: GUEST,Clearing up Some Questions Date: 21 May 02 - 07:24 AM 1. There are events Thursday and Friday -- evening concerts, both nights, followed by pub sings. There are no daytime workshops on those days, but the festival officially starts Thu. night. 2. Overnighting in parking lots is officially prohibited due to Mystic Seaport's arrangement with neighbors & town government. There is a campground not too far from here -- it should be easy to find, call the Mystic Chamber of Commerce. 3. The web site is not very up-to-date; there is a new one in the works that has been just on the verge of rolling out for about 6 mmonths now. So the old one has been 'strategically abandoned'. Call the main number and request a brochure -- that's the best information source anyone can have. 860.572.0711. |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: GUEST,Clearing up Some Questions Date: 21 May 02 - 07:24 AM 1. There are events Thursday and Friday -- evening concerts, both nights, followed by pub sings. There are no daytime workshops on those days, but the festival officially starts Thu. night. 2. Overnighting in parking lots is officially prohibited due to Mystic Seaport's arrangement with neighbors & town government. There is a campground not too far from here -- it should be easy to find, call the Mystic Chamber of Commerce. 3. The web site is not very up-to-date; there is a new one in the works that has been just on the verge of rolling out for about 6 mmonths now. So the old one has been 'strategically abandoned'. Call the main number and request a bruchure -- that's the best information source anyone can have. 860.572.0711. |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: GUEST, NOMADman Date: 20 May 02 - 02:53 PM For advance tickets and all other information, call the Seaport at 860-572-5315. Regards, John |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Ferrara Date: 20 May 02 - 01:47 PM Well as of now it's a green light. Looking forward to it tremendously. I grumbled that my Mudcat T-shirt is a dark color, not very comfortable if the days are hot; so Dick says I can sew a Mudcat badge on my hat.... Rita |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: GUEST,aesop Date: 20 May 02 - 01:16 PM Anyone know how to get advance tickets? I usually get a flier in the mail, but not this year. The web site has it on their calendar, but that's all. |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Charley Noble Date: 20 May 02 - 12:55 PM Uncle Jacque, you may want to PM folks about what they've done for nomadic housing at the Mystic Sea Music Festival. Officially, I doubt that sleeping overnight in motor home is permitted but I'm sure someone has done it successfully. You can count on me to pass a green bucket to raise bail if you do run into problems! Of course, I have no intention of sleeping the entire weekend. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Abby Sale Date: 19 May 02 - 01:21 PM Uncle Jaque: I do know that Margaret MacArthur often uses one of them things. I'm pretty sure she had one there in '98. You could call Mystic & ask. If anyone wants to know, the Daughter found out for us that the Southwest Air "Friends Fly Free" is available for reservations made through May 23, 2002. See http://southwest.com/. This is legit (and covers _all_ their flights, anywhere.) 1/2 price plus all other discounts you might have (eg Over 60) apply as well. Further, they are very liberal about their definition of "friend." To my amazement, they even include your spouse, no matter _how_ you feel about them. That would work best to Providence, a 53 minute drive according to Mapquest. (Ain't the web great?) |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Uncle Jaque Date: 12 May 02 - 10:59 PM Does anyone know about campground availability?
We have a 27-foot Class "C" motor home which we would probably be bringing. Do they allow such rigs to park at the Museum during the festival, or do we have to park miles away and be bussed in? The last time we were there we had plenty of room to park the rig in the far lot, but that was not during a festival! We don't need hookups as we are completely self - contained for upwards of 3 days with just the 2 of us.
I doubt they would let us overnight in the lot even if we do get to park there, but having a campground within a reasonable distance would be nice. |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Abby Sale Date: 12 May 02 - 03:44 PM Ah, you devious person. I dint think of that. I'll have to get it out & scour the paint & grease stains off. |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: dick greenhaus Date: 12 May 02 - 12:24 PM Abby- That's what Mudcat T-shirts are for.Recognition. |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Abby Sale Date: 12 May 02 - 12:20 PM Ferrara: Thing to do is stay in bed from now until then & you'll be fine by then. (You don't have to work, do you?) Thing is, it can be very hard work to propel a wheelchair there on the grass if it's rained at all. But not impossible. I'd look into flying to Providence & renting a car there. It's actually closer than Hartford or New Haven & you can get Southwest Air's your-"friend"-flies-free deal what you can't get when flying to Groton and besides you can get a _much_ better deal on car rental. Susan is the genius what knows about hotels and you should just believe whatever she says. -- Thing is, room & reservations are getting very short now. But how to meet up with people who's faces are unknown? Well, I know Barry's face - who could forget that? Oh boy! |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Celtic Soul Date: 12 May 02 - 10:20 AM Rita, I agree totally this is *such* a worthwhile event to go and see! My problem is that I have so little time between gigs that it would almost have to *be* a gig for me to justify the time expenditure. I think I'm going to start planning for *next* year now so I don't get so overbooked I can't do it just to do it! Now, if I could get most or all of the band to come with, *that* would be perfect! :D Thanks for all the info, folks! |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Charley Noble Date: 12 May 02 - 10:04 AM Abby, thanks for posting the WHOLE schedule. The Mystic Website does seem to need some updating; I'm not sure anyone is at the helm. I always find plenty of time to snooze while I'm driving back to Maine. And, Barry, I'll try not to sing "Fire, Maringo" while you're snoozing at the YTC; I've got a number of lullabys that might be more conducive to your beauty sleep.;~) Also on the schedule Saturday afternoon at the North End Stage, 2 PM, is something called a "Chantey Blast" for Performers, Guests and Volunteers; this appears to be an OPEN shanty swap for those who are interested in such a thing during the day. Of course you'll want to reserve some of your energy and voice for the late night, early morning informal sessions. I am curious to hear what the Paddy Westers do. I believe this relatively new group is led by Richard Burbank, aka the Chantey Chef, from Rockport, Maine. There's really much too much going on all week-end, hard choices to be made, but if you love this kind of music it's sure the place to be. |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Charley Noble Date: 12 May 02 - 10:04 AM Abby, thanks for posting the WHOLE schedule. The Mystic Website does seem to need some updating; I'm not sure anyone is at the helm. I always find plenty of time to snooze while I'm driving back to Maine. And, Barry, I'll try not to sing "Fire, Maringo" while you're snoozing at the YTC; I've got a number of lullabys that might be more conducive to your beauty sleep.;~) Also on the schedule Saturday afternoon at the North End Stage, 2 PM, is something called a "Chanty Blast" for Performers, Guests and Volunteers; this appears to be an OPEN shanty swap for those who are interested in such a thing during the day. Of course you'll want to reserve some of your energy and voice for the late night, early morning informal sessions. I am curious to hear what the Paddy Westers do. I believe this relatively new group is led by Richard Burbank, aka the Chantey Chef, from Rockport, Maine. There's really much too much going on all week-end, hard choices to be made, but if you love this kind of music it's sure the place to be. |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Ferrara Date: 12 May 02 - 01:12 AM Ummm... Barry, & everybody... We don't actually know if we're going. We just know that we WANT to go. :-) Susan & Dick say we don't have to decide yet since the rooms are already reserved. I figured if I called Don&Dolores and found out a bit about the program, it would give us more incentive to get our selves up there. They are regulars, and volunteers, and have done a lot to interest Bill and me in the festival. We made the reservations in January but "life is what happens while you're busy making other plans" and let's just say we've been living in interesting times. So still don't know if we'll make it. The most recent obstacle is that I fell HARD on my right knee two weeks ago. Still swollen and bruised and ice packs twice a day.... but not broken or chipped, just darned sore and I still have to stay off it a lot. Our biggest concern is that I'll be having so much fun I'll seriously overtax my strength. It's a long drive and long days of music, with lots of walking and no place to go to take a nap.... :-) It may make more sense, if we want to take a music trip, to do something closer to home. in a location where I have the option of resting during the day. Well there's a few weeks yet to sort it out. Rita
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Peter Kasin Date: 11 May 02 - 10:58 PM I'll there the whole weekend. Looking forward to seeing you there. I'll be in Boston on the Thursday before the weekend, probably hooking up with some fiddler friends for a session, then going to Mystic on Friday. chanteyranger |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Abby Sale Date: 11 May 02 - 08:01 PM Posen sent me the following. I don't see any schedule on their website at all except for 1997, or something so I'll post the whole thing. Nothing for Thursday or Friday, though. We'll get there Thursday afternoon. Saturday Shipboard Joseph Conrad 12:00 Chanteys at Work David Littlefield Charles W. Morgan 1:00 Chanteys at Work Rick Spencer L. A. Dunton 2:30 Windlass Demonstration Rachel Thomas Charles W. Morgan 4:30 Chanteys at Work Village Green 12:00 Music of the Gulf Coast & West Indies Barrouallie Whalers Village Green 1:00 Geordie Songs Danny & Joyce McLeod Village Green 2:00 Whaling Songs Barrouallie Whalers Village Green 3:00 Work Song Traditions Louis Killen Village Green 4:00 Dance and Dance Music Martin Carthy Greenmanville Church 1:00 Rivers, Lakes, and Canals Jeff Warner Greenmanville Church 2:00 Women and the Sea Danny and Joyce Mcleod Greenmanville Church 3:00 Fo'c's'le Music Bob Webb Greenmanville Church 4:00 Songs of Immigration Bonnie Dixon Fishtown Chapel 12:00-12:50 Concert- Jeff Warner and Bruce McIntyre North End Stage 12:00 Introduction to Sea Songs North End Stage 1:00 Ballads North End Stage 2:00 Chanteyblast! Performers, Guests and Volunteers North End Stage 3:00 Paddy Westers Concert North End Stage 4:00 Contemporary Sea Songs Children's Stage 12:00-12:45- Carl Thornton Sunday Lighthouse Point 11:00-11:50 Concert- Rick Spencer & Donna Glover Shipboard Charles W. Morgan 1:00 Chanteys at Work Village Green 11:00 North by Northwest- Regional Songs Jeff Warner Village Green 12:00 Songs of Fishermen Shelley Posen Village Green 1:00 Work Song Traditions Barrouallie Whalers Village Green 2:00 Ballads Martin Carthy Greenmanville Church 11:00 For Laughs: Humorous Songs Carl Thornton Greenmanville Church 12:00 Women and the Sea Ann Downey Greenmanville Church 1:00 Songs of Cicely Fox Smith Danny McLeod Greenmanville Church 2:00 Parlor Songs Ann Downey Fishtown Chapel 11:00-11:50 Concert- Louis Killen North End Stage 11:00 Contemporary Sea Songs David Littlefield North End Stage 12:00 Guitar Workshop- Martin Carthy North End Stage 1:00 Instruments that Went to Sea Bob Webb North End Stage 2:00 Songs of North Carolina's Outer Banks Jeff Warner Children's Stage 11:00-11:45- Bob Walser
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Barry Finn Date: 11 May 02 - 06:37 PM Hi Abby, been some time, it'll be great to see you again, I'm sure you'll be seeing & hearing from quite a few. Nice to see you made the northern trip again.
Hi Charley, I hope you'll be doing some all night singing, you won't get away dozing off early this year. You'll love doing a bit with Danny & Joyce, a bundle of high wire energy well mixed with a great sound.
Hi Andrew, I'm gonna be keeping a weather eye (& ear)out for your bunch, did some e-mailing with Terri some while back about Mystic & other local spots. Ferrara, I'm bubbling over that you & Bill will finally be making it. I'm glad Dick & Susan had a hand in helping to give you an extra little shove, ya, I know, you didn't need much more than a tickle. See ya all there. Barry |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Ferrara Date: 11 May 02 - 06:15 PM Here are a few of the workshops: There are half hour mini-concerts on two stages, mostly by the groups I mentioned in my last post, plus people who work at the seaport. One stage is for children's stuff. There's one set of demos of shipboard stuff: how a halyard shanty was actually used, a windlass demo, a whaleboat demo, capstan changies.... Three tracks of general workshops. Examples: Music of West Indies; Rivers, Lakes & Canals; Women and the Sea; Songs of Immigration; Humorous songs; Songs of Fishermen; Ballads; Intro to Sea Songs. Guitar workshop by Martin Carthy; Instruments that went to Sea; Dance & dance music; whaling songs; more. The workshops are generally done by a panel of singers. There's usually no audience participation because the majority of the audiences are tourists. Singing along on the choruses is the norm. Well that's a quick picture of the weekend. Hope it helps. Rita |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Ferrara Date: 11 May 02 - 06:06 PM Celtic, As far as I know, they can pick and choose at will.... It's a GREAT festival, so I hear. I heard that they like to rotate groups, seems to me for example I heard that the Johnson Girls were on the program last year but not this year.... or was it the other way around *BG* Oh my. Bill and I have been discussing it for the last 2 days, we already have motel reservations but it's a long hard trip from DC. I want to go!!! Dick and Susan will be there, they got us the reservations. (Months ago....) One thing you can count on, is that there will be some extraordinarily fine singers and singing. The format is: workshops during the day, concerts during the evening, and late-night singing here and there throughout the town at night. Me, I want to be there for the late-night singing. Here are a few of the singers/Groups I've heard mentioned in connection with this festival over the years: (Please forgive any misspelled names -- also forgive mistakes!) John Roberts & Tony Barrand Lou Killen Bob Wolser The Next Tradition (Ken Schatz and Alison Kelley) Johnson Girls Barry Finn Tom Lewis Boarding Party David Jones Johnny Collins Jeff Warner Here are this year's line-up (courtesy of D & D Nichols): Martin Carthy Finest Kind (ian Robb etc) Barrouallie Whalers (Caribbean-St Vincent) Debra Cowan Ellen Cohn Lou Killen Danny & Joyce McLeod (England) Mustard's Retreat (Ann Arbor, MI) - Don says they retreated because they're yellow.... Mystic Seaport Chanteymen (Geoff Kaufman, et al) Paddy Westers (Maine) Darren Wallace & Friends (Louisiana) Bob Wolser Jeff Warner Warp Four (Cork, Ireland) Bob Webb It is GOOD STUFF. The late night singing would be worth the trip! D&D are going to give me the workshop schedule, I'll submit this post and start over.... (they're on the phone with me as I type this...)
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Celtic Soul Date: 11 May 02 - 11:00 AM Thanks for the info, all!! Anyone have a point of contact they might be able to slide my way?? Oh, and by the way...you guys is da best! :D |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Charley Noble Date: 11 May 02 - 10:55 AM Ill be there as a sound volunteer, C. Fox Smith workshop participant with Danny and Joyce McLeod, and sing-all-nighter.;~) Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Marc Date: 11 May 02 - 09:45 AM My oppinion doesn't carry much weight there. But I'd Hire ya. |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Dead Horse Date: 11 May 02 - 09:00 AM I sing "What shall we do with a drunken sailor" while performing a striptease on one leg. Any good? P.S. I am also very cheap (as I heard someone say, once) |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Marc Date: 11 May 02 - 08:46 AM It's not hard to get a gig at the seaport . They just have to think you're good. They get hundreds of requests and have limited space. So your best chance is if you have something dynamic and unique. |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Crane Driver Date: 11 May 02 - 04:35 AM Celtic - we (Baggyrinkle, shanty group from Swansea, UK) are a peripheral act at Mystic this year, but I'm not sure how - I THINK we just got drunk with the organisers when they were in the UK last year, but there may have been more to it than that! Come and say hello - we're the ones in green and black. Andrew |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Linda Kelly Date: 11 May 02 - 03:58 AM Following divorce and financial ruin I have been putting off going -but I am planning a grand American tour next year or the year after so this is definitely going on my list! |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Celtic Soul Date: 10 May 02 - 11:27 PM Anyone know how hard it is to get into Mystic as an act? We've heard all sorts of rumours, but I'd like to hear what the real deal is from anyone in the know. It has got to be *the* primo nautical music festival on the east coast of North America (unless there are some north of the border I have yet to hear about). Thanks in advance! :D |
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Subject: RE: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Abby Sale Date: 10 May 02 - 10:44 PM Nah! That Calender page is a form. Gotta use Calendar and click June. |
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Subject: Mystic Sea Song Fest 2002 From: Abby Sale Date: 10 May 02 - 10:32 PM The Fest is comming up June 6-9 and we get to go again. Front page Summary listings are about half-way down Calendar (Couple of fair-to-middling singers) Couldn't be more excited to see & hear old friends & see & hear new ones. Best fest ever! Time to oil & grease the tape recorder & get the batteries out of the fridge. Anyone going? (I see Timbrel is) Be happy to meet up & share a song & a beer. Or two. Or three |
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