Old Songs Festival 2002, back from

Subject: Back from Old Songs
From: DonMeixner
Date: 30 Jun 02 - 11:07 PM

Geof and I returned from Altamont via the Southern Tier of NYS. A drive down Route 88 is absolutely breath taking.

Geof (19 yrs) had sufficiently a good enough time to say he is hooked. Dem Acadians did it by golly!

Great to see Kendall again. And meet bbc, the Muse and Burke and Sinsull. Tried to meet a buncg of others but we just didn't connect. Wanted more time to talk to Dharmabum and Nameson, too beat to hang around the Dutch Barn very long on Saturday nite but the songs I heard were wonderful. Especially a Canadian tune about Real and the Metis uprising in the west.

IMHO the first nite wasn't up to previous standards. The show dragged through the first half and was redeemed in the second. Saturday nite was just great.

Don

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Jun 02 - 11:52 PM

I agree the drive to
..................................was better than the booking.

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: Naemanson
Date: 01 Jul 02 - 01:10 AM

I'm back and am I dead. What a drive but what a weekend. I will say more once I have had some sleep.

For the record, I am innocent of anything anyone might say I am guilty of.

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: Naemanson
Date: 01 Jul 02 - 01:11 AM

Oh, and congratulations to dharmabum on winning the first Baby Taylor guitar. I hope it sounds as sweet as winning it must have felt.

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: DonMeixner
Date: 01 Jul 02 - 07:47 AM

Naemanson,

Sorry for the misspelling, mispelling, misspeling of the name. It was late, I was tired, I wasn't sure how, I didn't look. Take your pick. BUT I still wish we could have talked more.

Don

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 01 Jul 02 - 08:19 AM

We went just for the day on Saturday and really enjoyed running around to all the workshops. Ginny Hawker and Tracy Schwarz alone were worth the ride, and Barachois was the bonus.

Sorry I didn't get to meet Don or Naemanson, but I did meet Susan A-R and Dharmabum, saw Dick & Susan & Sandy & Caroline & Karen & Duane & Kendall. There were sightings of a few others, but I never got a chance to talk to them. Also saw lots of other people I know who are not mudcats, mostly from Branford Folk Music Society.

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: Jeri
Date: 01 Jul 02 - 10:22 AM

I once again had a great time.

Yes Virginia, there IS a Dharmabum! Finally met him - wonderful guy! I'm glad he won the Baby Taylor.

The Fri night concert seemed somewhat low-energy. Perhaps it was just the mix of performers/styles. Good music, just quiet, introspective, listening-to (instead of being involved in) music. I was in awe at the playing of Chris Newman & Máire Ní Chathasaigh, though. (And they'd sold out of CDs by the time I got around to looking.) They were parked in "The Woodchuck's Rest" (what's the name on the sign?) for quite a while on Sat afternoon, and I loved hearing their tales.

The Sat concert was great. Jez Lowe & Bad Pennies, Roy Book Binder, Tom Paxton & Anne Hills, Barachois, and the rest - how could it have NOT been great?! John and Tony were wonderful MCs, as usual. I'd love to have that song about dogs!

The songwriting class on Fri & Sat: Managed to write one on assignment in about an hour, about 2 hours before the class. I wasn't sure whether the class would be helpful or not, but I'm very glad I went. Bob Franke has a great talent for helping people find the best in themselves, and the songs I hear from others were wonderful!

In between Fakoli Dance & Drum and the Sat part of the songwriting class, a woman offered her guitar to one of the Fakoli members. Although his fingers were set up for drumming (he couldn't fret with the tips) he played the most amazing African finger-style I've heard. Told me what it was called, but I don't remember. I'd love to buy a recording of this.

Public Service Announcement: Somebody put the lyrics to a song written for the class in my car shortly before I left and after most folks had hit the road. It's a funny song about a dog. If you or someone you know wrote it, please get in touch. End of Public Service Announcement

I left Sandy & Caroline sing-around too early. (Sandy, I'm sorry about that.) It was late, and I think I had to keep moving to stay conscious. Wound up in a great acapella jam, and I left that before it was over because I was just to worn out. Ended up singing a shanty in the women's bathroom at 3AM. Just ran into a bunch of great singers there, and though "wotthehell." Apparently, I'm in trouble with Charlie Baum since he heard from the men's side and couldn't join in. (And why not?! It would have been wild to hear a voice coming from next door. Then again, at 3AM, who's going to care about - or perhaps even notice - one large, bearded woman in the bathroom?)

Met up with TeriLu, but never had a chance to sing with her. It was really good to see her again though, and renew a connection with my past. There will be more chances.

There's more, but I'd have to write a book. (And I've just about done that already!) Special thanks to the Woodchucks for providing a "home away from home."

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: Charley Noble
Date: 01 Jul 02 - 10:23 AM

I was wondering if there were any survivors. From here, Maine, it looked like you had exceptionally dry weather for Old Songs. Keep those reports coming in, and make an effort to tell us more about the songs and, of course, the carrying on.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: Charley Noble
Date: 01 Jul 02 - 10:32 AM

Thanks, Jeri, for the real stuff! Keep typing!

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: MMario
Date: 01 Jul 02 - 12:58 PM

way to go Dharma!

don? Isn't that the long way round?

I wish I could have been there - but I was several hundred years in the past. *sigh* why does everything I want to do occur at the same time?

But - not enough detail - where's the rest of the stories?

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: Ron Olesko
Date: 01 Jul 02 - 01:16 PM

I had a great time on Friday night. Unfortunately my brother-in-law picked June 29th to get married so I had to drive back to NYC for the wedding. During the after-ceremony party my mind kept drifting back to Old Songs - thinking that Jez Lowe was probably on stage at one point, thinking that Tom Paxton and Anne Hills were on the stage at another point, etc. As I was stuck in Times Square around 12:30am I was wishing I was in the barn with Sandy & Caroline and all the wonderful music that was being shared.

I agree with some of the earlier notes that Friday night was a little slow. Bob Franke was great (could he be anything else?) and I enjoyed Quickstep! While my two left feet prevented me from dancing, I enjoyed watching the dancers who seemed to be enjoying the tunes from Spare Parts. Wonderful music!

So how many days until the 23rd Old Songs Fest?

Ron

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: MMario
Date: 01 Jul 02 - 01:34 PM

361?

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: Dharmabum
Date: 01 Jul 02 - 03:16 PM

Broke camp this morning & just got in the door.

Taylor,Big Baby!.........I'm still grinning! Guess I don't need to tell you what the highlight of my weekend was!

Yes Jeri,I was beginning to doubt your existance also(BG).

As usual,had a wonderfull time. Duane & BBC were my camp neighbors once again, & a much welcome addition to the "Hood" they are. The three of us were joined by Hollowfox last night for some very stimulating sunday night conversations.

First time Mudcat meetings for me......Jeri, Sinsull,Don Meixner,Naemanson,The Muse(hope I didn't startle you when I stepped into your path demanding to know which Mudcatter you were). I also got the chance to talk a few of the catters I'd only met briefly last year. I had some great conversation with Barry Fynn (sp?)helluva nice guy.

This was my 2nd Old Songs Fest. I departed this morning with the feeling that I had formed new friendships & strengthened old ones.

So much great music! I only wish I could still stay up for the late night jams!

I have to thank Kendall once again for posting that extra ticket here on Mudcat. Your welcome in my camp anytime.

Looking forward to Old Songs 2003.

DB.

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: Anglo
Date: 01 Jul 02 - 03:37 PM

I know what some of you guys mean by a slow, draggy Friday night concert. It's really too bad Old Songs feels it needs to support traditional ballad singers such as Margaret MacArthur (who btw just got a lifetime achievement award from the State of Vermont). And Beppe Gambetta was after all only a solo guitarist. And hammer dulcimers even - yawn. Yes, Old Songs should turn itself around, change its philosophy, and its name, and do like Philapelphia, spend a lot more money on Salsa Bands and the like, and forget all this draggy traditional stuff. Or maybe Tales & Scales were the problem. Not traditional enough? But they were the festival highlight for some kids I met.

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: Ron Olesko
Date: 01 Jul 02 - 04:16 PM

Anglo, I don't think anyone was suggesting that Old Songs turn into Philly, and just because we said it was "slow" or "low energy" does not mean we were giving the night a negative mark. Since when does "slow" mean "bad"?

If anything, perhaps the lineup could have been re-arranged a bit. I think the booking this year was outstanding, just maybe it could have been shuffled a bit differently. Then again, maybe not!

I am also highly insulted that you would assume those of us who attended do not support "traditional" music. Shame on you!!

Old Songs is a treasure, and for me it has turned into an annual "booster" shot that reminds me of all the good aspects of folk music AND even more importantly, the community that surrounds it.

Ron

P.S. - Margaret MacArthur is a NATIONAL treasure and I hope the folks in Vermont realize how lucky they are to have her!

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: Jeri
Date: 01 Jul 02 - 04:35 PM

I dunno, Anglo. You do loads of traditional stuff and I can't recall ever thinking any of it was 'draggy'. If you had a repertiore that only included two or three up-beat songs in the midst of many quiet, pretty ones, I might. Norman Kennedy, David Jones, NexTradition and others, did plenty of non-draggy traditional music. (I somehow managed to miss Margaret MacArthur.) It wasn't about the type of music, but, despite a few more lively performances, the overall tempo. And lest someone translate my comments, as is common on the internet, as meaning "it sucked and I hated it," I enjoyed the music. The night was just a bit low-key.

It may also have had something to do with the fact I'd driven over four hours, set up a tent in a mad dash, gone to a class and was ready for a nap.

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: GUEST,Don Meixner
Date: 01 Jul 02 - 04:51 PM

Since I started the thread I'll take the heat. I should have been more defined in my statement that it dragged. I think that the selection of performers was as always, first rate. I felt that the order of things was the culprit, not the performers or performances themselves.

The diversity and variety is why I keep coming to Old Songs. Andy Spence and the selection committee are outstanding with their choices.

BTW Anglo, Beppe Gambetta is one of the reasons I drove five hours each way to Old Songs. Being a hammered dulcimer player myself I usually find them in too short a supply at festivals. And In the past when I was booking festivals and coffee houses myself I felt lucky and honored the two times I was able to get Margaret MacArthur for a performance.

But your point is very well made. Lets don't find Old Songs turn into a Telluride Bluegrass festival that hasn't seen Bluegrass in 20 years. Or a show that caters to the trendy and new without supporting the folks that made the whole thing possible in the first place.

Don

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: SINSULL
Date: 01 Jul 02 - 04:59 PM

My first Old Songs and not a drop of rain! The absolute highlight for me was attending Roy Bookbinder's session on the history of blues. His control of the audience was nothing short of astonishing. His stories, songs, style - could have gone on forever as far as I was concerned.

It was fascinating to sit alone on a bench and chat with anyone and everyone who came along. Met a guy showing silver bracelets to a lady - and bought one. It was Don M. and Burke resolving an auction transaction.

Who was the brilliant storyteller at the Woodchucks' compound? He reminded me of an early Donovan. Found myself cheering on an anarchist in a tank named Rosie leading a convoy of trucks into New York.

Many thanks to the Woodchucks for their hospitality. Next year I promise to pick up after myself. This year I was so tired it's a wonder I could pick myself up. Always good to see Barry Finn, Jeri, Kendall, Hollowfox, Sandy and Caroline, Dick and Susan, Brett, Dick of Roll'N Go and anyone else I crossed paths with.

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: Jeri
Date: 01 Jul 02 - 05:10 PM

SINS, it was Mike Agranoff (sp?) He sings and he's written some wonderful songs, funny and otherwise, and has a CD out with the story you mentioned on it.

Something else I should mention is the number of young people. There seemed to be many of them, and there were many incredibly good musicians among their numbers.

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: Anglo
Date: 01 Jul 02 - 05:54 PM

Nice to get such a positive response to my comments, made (as I often do) with tongue firmly in cheek. Sorry if I've highly insulted you, Ron, but you can come out again now. Of course I wasn't suggesting you don't support traditional music, I know you do, and in public yet with your radio show. And traditional music is primarily what this festival is all about. Now I'm as traddy as they come, but I wouldn't have not hired any of the singer-songwriters that were there (excuse the double negative, I was attempting to an example of litotes, one of the lesser known figures of speech). Too much good music for me to listen to in one weekend, though. I think I might suggest they hire some lesser acts so I can get more time to eat and drink, meet friends and the like, and not have to feel I'm missing something. (And this year I especially enjoyed the addition of the gourmet coffee stand, despite the heat).

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: Susan A-R
Date: 01 Jul 02 - 06:02 PM

Still sleep deprived and listening to my new Golden Ring Reunion recording. Highlights for me were playing fiddle with Alan Block, finding out about Jez Lowe (where has he BEEN all my life? ) and singing a lot. The three a.m. chanty sing in the women's room was at the top of the list (the top of the list is pretty crowded.) Loved hearing Bob Frankie, Tom Paxton and Ann Hills, Roberts and Barrand and Beppe. Thanks also to the Woodchucks for their tarp and company on a very hot afternoon. Sorry to miss folks. Couldn't it last a week?

I'm already thinking about the getaway.

Susan A-R

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 01 Jul 02 - 07:08 PM

Thanks Anglo! My tongue was firmly in cheek when I said I was highly insulted, I was merely trying to get the point across that you shouldn't make assumptions from ANY of the notes that were posted. I don't see a single post where people wished different acts were booked or didn't like the spirit of the festival. Naturally nothing is perfect and being such a strong festival, it can surely take some honest feedback. I am sure that the festival will continue being a highlight for the folk community WITHOUT having to change it's style.

If Old Songs went the route of Philly or even Clearwater you would see the festival come to an end. Andy Spence & her staff truly have a vision and their work deserves our gratitude and deep appreciation. Only 361 days until next year huh? Hardly seems worth the effort of unpacking!

Ron

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 01 Jul 02 - 07:16 PM

One more thing... I wasn't knocking Philly or Clearwater in my previous comment. They are fine for what they do and they each have their own audience. They also expose traditional music to audience that may be showing up for the headliners. Education starts somewhere!

Old Songs is unique and important and while it may be my favorite festival, I would hate to see ANY of these festivals change from what they do so well.

Ron

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: michaelr
Date: 01 Jul 02 - 07:22 PM

Pardon my ignorance, but I'd like to know where Old Songs is held, and where I can get info on next year. Any connection with Andy's Front Hall?

Cheers,
Michael

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 01 Jul 02 - 07:44 PM

Yes, Andy Spence is the guiding force behind both the festival and Andy's Front Hall.

Check out their webpage at www.oldsong.org

See you next year!

Ron

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: bigchuck
Date: 01 Jul 02 - 08:19 PM

I should post a long screed about the wonderfulness of this year's Old Songs, but words (or maybe energy) fail me. Thanks to Kendall, Jeri, Sinsull, Hollowfox and all the many more who stopped by to visit the Burrow and left me with such congenial memories. So great to see and hear Kendall playing and beginning to sing again...don't strain it Kendall, the voice WILL come back, I firmly believe. High points for me... Chris Newman and Beppe Gambetta doing unbelievable things with guitars (together); getting to play Chris' wonderful OM-42, and better yet hearing him play accompaniments to my singing on it; the Dave Van Ronk workshop was superb...what a bunch of great stories. Just the chance to spend that much time with my family and the "chucklings" was sooo fine. Charlie, if OS sounded so dry to you, I wish you coult have been there thursday evening....we dam near drowned.
Sandy

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: Anglo
Date: 01 Jul 02 - 08:45 PM

The URL Ron posted is _almost_ right but it won't get you there. Try: http://www.oldsongs.org/

Sorry we traddies don't do blue clickies.

---

Blue clicky provided by a headbanger JoeClone.

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: SINSULL
Date: 01 Jul 02 - 08:46 PM

Just remembered. For some strange reason, Peter's (Midchuck's) son-in-law kept taking out his Johnson and showing off it's iridescent blue hue to embarrassed bystanders. HMMM.

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: DonMeixner
Date: 01 Jul 02 - 08:56 PM

Geof and I noticed that too.

We quietly sneaked off before we were noticed and invited into a Bacchnalia we were unprepared for.

Don

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: bbc
Date: 01 Jul 02 - 09:41 PM

Duane D. & I had a really wonderful weekend! I promise I will post more detail tomorrow. For me, I think this was the best Old Songs weekend I've attended--lots of good music to hear & to participate in, combined w/ old & new friends. Who needs more than that?! Anglo, I'm sorry we didn't meet. Also, Ron Olesko. Dropping by the Folk Legacy stand and/or wearing a Mudcat teeshirt or button alerts other Mudcatters to one's presence. TheMuse found that out! We saw her Mudcat teeshirt across the way & Duane ran right up to her & asked which Mudcatter she was! Shortly after, Dharmabum did the same. georgeward was well-dressed on Sunday in a Mudcat teeshirt & Folk Legacy baseball cap. I was unable to resist going up & giving him a hug (Hope that was ok, George!). We saw Burke's Mudcat shirt at the Shape Note class on Friday, but she got away before we could greet her. Thankfully, she identified us the next day. It's such fun meeting members of our community! There was a lot of hugging this weekend. Never too much, though!

best from bbc (still glowing)

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: Murrey
Date: 02 Jul 02 - 01:18 AM

After four years of not going to Old Songs it was wonderful to be there again and meet up with some old friends and make some new ones.Susan A-R its always wonderful to here someone else has become a Jez Lowe fan !!!He's been around awhile and just great that you've discovered him --now pass it around . Great moment --hearing Tony Barrand and John Roberts sing and the crazy -zany Barachois -and visiting --there IS one problem -it never seems long enough to catch up with everyone and all the music --ah well there's always next year -- oh yeah and I must say Naemason your a pretty good traveler--you can come with us anytime !!~! murrey

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: georgeward
Date: 02 Jul 02 - 03:27 AM

Hugs are always o.k. bbc!

And - having lost Vaughn in December - I valued every one of you whom I managed to see (and everyone I missed) more even if it was hard now and then. As fractious as we are, this folk-whatever is a very special community.

When Tom Paxton accepted his lifetime achievement award from ASCAP at the Folk Alliance, one remark of his struck me: "All I ever wanted was to be a part of this community." Couldn't most of us say the same ?

(And anyone who can be as much of a satirist and gadfly and as gracious - or maybe graceful - as Tom deserves a ruddy lifetime achievement award..at least one)

As Fri night's MC, I value the comments about the feel of the Friday concert, even though my take on it is different. I had a few similar comments at the Festival (and some that went the other way, as well). Mostly with something added to the effect that the second half had more energy.

But sheesh! Think back over that first half: GrooveMama, Margaret AND Meghan MacArthur (whom an awful lot of people loved), Tales and Scales and then Chris and Maire.

My own experience is that Friday gigs just don't take off as fast as Saturday ones. As audience, we're in a different place,and it takes a while to shed our workweek heads. Jeri's remark about having just driven five hours to get there fits here. 's why I've been heard to say my idea of a good Friday gig is playing in a three-chord garage band.

Anyway, remarks heard and valued. Damn, it was fun! -G

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: Jeri
Date: 02 Jul 02 - 08:44 AM

Damn. I'm still wishing I bought Chris & Maire's CD early on.

George, it may really be that it was just Friday. My limited attention span is usually non-existant on Fri. Also - I normally don't even sit down for Fri concerts - I wander around, talk to people and look at all the beautiful crafts I can't afford. This year was different. I sat and listened. So did more people than I've ever seen on a Fri night. The festival keeps growing year after year but somehow manages to keep the feeling of a small group of friends and friendly strangers. I shared cinnamon almonds with the woman next to me on Fri. I was invited to park my chair on somone's tarp on Sat - along with about 5 teenage kids. Someone asked to record the song I'd written for the class, and I wish I'd had a recorder and asked the young guy who wrote the song for his mother if I could record him because it was a Damned Fine Song.

I have an odd definition of magic. I think it's what happens when connections, often seeming uncanny, are made between people. Singing together seems to make this happen more than any other activity because folks have to pull together. People have to listen as well as sing. When we're ALL part of the chorus, we meet each other's eyes in the audience or on the road and think "Ah! One of US!" Old Songs isn't just a festival - it's a community centered around music. It's an old-style community where neighbors come to visit and you don't have to lock your doors. Maybe it's passing on a bit more than only musical traditions.

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: Ron Olesko
Date: 02 Jul 02 - 09:19 AM

George, I should have mentioned that I thought you were an outstanding MC! I loved the song you did about the stuffed (or was it pickled?) whale. What was the name of that one?

You make a good point about Friday night concerts and the audience being in a different frame of mind. Again, I don't think anyone was really knocking Friday nights performers - all were excellent. The pacing was a bit slower than most nights, but that isn't necessarily a problem!

Ron

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: Noreen
Date: 02 Jul 02 - 09:23 AM

Oh Jeri, that is WONDERFUL! I know exactly what you mean... I've gone all goosepimply now, thinking about it. The more of those connections made, the better.

Noreen

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: Naemanson
Date: 02 Jul 02 - 09:23 AM

Well, it must be time to sign back in with my take on the weekend...

DAMN GOOD!

Is that good enough? It was only my third visit to Old Songs and only my second to see the whole weekend. I had a great time. Regrets? Yes. I wish I had camped on site. I also wish I could be in two or three places at the same time.

Murrey, you and Dahlin and your mother were fine to travel with and I had a good time. I am willing to do it again. However, I think if I can ever get back to Old Songs again I will stay on the site. The motel is just too far from the site.

I went to Old Songs with money in my poscket for the first time. Plus I took my six string banjo along and sold it at the instrument exchange. The result? I came away with quite a pile of CDs and music books. And I bought a new kazoo. The button booth was a favorite, bought buttons for family members and friends.

And then the music. Jez is, as always great. That man is a bloody genius with words. Tony and John were fabulous. Barachois was a new experience for me. They should bottle that energy. I needed to meet with Beppe Gambetta for information on Italian Traditional music so I made a point of going to one of his workshops. There is a guy with talent oozing out all over that guitar. And I finally have heard a harp guitar played. NexTradition, Roy Bookbinder, Tom Paxton and Anne Hills, Rose Tattoo, the list goes on and on. It was all wonderful.

Interesting story. Charley Noble wrote music to a poem (Yangtze River) he found in a collection called Sailor With A Banjo. He has been singing it around and then Dahlin began leading it in our group. Dahlin has recorded it on our new CD, Outward Bound. Barry Finn heard Charley sing it and, uh, "borrowed" it from him. John Roberts heard Barry sing it and is in the process of "borrowing" it from Barry. And this weekend I was present as John and Barry talked about it and the changes they've made to the tune. The folk process in action. I pulled Dahlin into the conversation and completed the circle.

Ah, what a lovely time and weekend.

Oh, and I hope my beer was not ignored at the Wood chuck compound. I did intend to get back and drink it that evening but things just didn't work out that way.

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: Charley Noble
Date: 02 Jul 02 - 09:28 AM

Well, I had a great time cleaning out the refrigerator and straightening up the livingroom...sigh. Maybe, next year when I'm not fried from a trek out to Michigan and back.

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: kendall
Date: 02 Jul 02 - 09:52 AM

Had a hellava time getting there, the sky opened up just as I left rt 90. It was so dark I couldn't see my directions, so, I went into a little store for directions, and the guy thought he could speak English. Hell, he didn't know where HE was, let alone where I wanted to be! Somehow, I made it, and, it was worth the hassle. As always, it was great fun to hang out with the Woodchucks, and to swap stories with all. I didn't get to see much of the stage show what with all the wandering around I did. Chatting with Tom Paxton about mutual friends was nice, he is so down to earth. The Folk Legacy booth was, as usual, the center of the earth, another national treasure. I slept for 12 solid hours when I got home; that was after dozing off two or three times on the road. Gotta get rested up for next year.

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: MMario
Date: 02 Jul 02 - 10:00 AM

Hope you weren't driving when you dozed off on the road!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: Peg
Date: 02 Jul 02 - 10:01 AM

well, I am so glad everyone had a great time! I missed being there but I just got back from England on Thursday and I think it would have been impossible to work it ut logistically...

Congratulations on winning that guitar Dharmabum!!! Way to go! Taylors are very nice instruments.

I hope I can make it next year; I had a great time last year...

peg

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: Midchuck
Date: 02 Jul 02 - 10:30 AM

The High Points:

Chris Newman and Beppe Gambetta's jam together Saturday morning in area 2. Chris told me that they had only played together once before, and that not for very long. They could have been working together regularly for 20 years, from the sound of it.

Chris and Maire's main stage set on Friday night. I didn't see the whole concert, and I confess to totally missing the point of the performers (Sticks and whatever) that were on just before them, but I don't see how anyone can claim that a concert that included that set was too slow.

Our delayed 35th anniversary party at Woodchuck Heaven on Saturday afternoon. Thanks to Sinsull for the Mumms; I'm sorry there wasn't enough to go around and the common people had to drink the cheap California champagne we brought. And thanks to Mike Agranoff for wandering in and accepting my request for the full "Ballad of Jake and Ten Ton Molly," which I had heard Bill Staines do a couple of times 15 or 20 years ago, and hadn't heard since.

Chris coming back and playing my new-to-me Collings 000-2H for the better part of an hour Saturday night. I think if he'd had the cash on hand and I wanted to sell it, it would have been gone. Now, dammit, there's stuff programmed into it that I can never decode. I do wish, though, that he'd refrained from using the term, "smashing" to describe it. I know what "smashing" means in British English, but it still makes me nervous in the context of a guitar.

Kendall's one-liners.

The French Roast that Jeri brought in for the coffee mess.

Having both of my offspring there. But I missed the cats. They would have loved it, when it wasn't raining.

The Low Points:

The monsoon that hit just as we arrived, and forced us to huddle under the big tarp and swill beer to avoid hypothermia for 2 hours before we could set up our tents - and then we had to fight for the high and - relatively - dry spots.

Chris's Friday afternoon class in the Dutch Barn. Chris is one of the all-time great guitarists, and a good teacher. But what idiot had the idea of having an instrumental teaching session in a space where the main lighting is from the big open door behind the instructor? How do you learn anything, trying to watch the hands and fingers of someone you can see only in sillouette?

Sinsull referring to "Midchuck's son-in-law." This is scary, as I have no son-in-law. There were two people beating on the blue Johnson. Todd, the owner of it (the one with the whiskers) is Bigchuck's son-in-law. No relation. I disclaim him utterly. Though his daughters are fine people. I wonder if Dee fooled around. The long narrow one, Ian, is my son. Andrea is my daughter. Both are unmarried.

Peter

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: Jeri
Date: 02 Jul 02 - 10:56 AM

Peter, did Todd write a song about a dog. Anybody else you know? Got these lyrics here...

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: Dahlin
Date: 02 Jul 02 - 01:10 PM

I certainly agree with all the comments about the high lights of Old Songs. On Friday I had one of my own. I went into the Dutch Barn on Friday Evening to view the Photos of FoxHollow. Having gone to FoxHollow for many years the photos brought back a lot of memories. (Mostly good). The youthful appearance of the performers from '67 and '70 did put the passage of time into prespective. (I certainly haven't changed that much since then?!) When I returned to my seat at the main stage, Chris and Maire were just starting. Sitting there listening to the sound of the guitar and harp while looking up at the trees swaying to the breeze I was brought back to that other festival in a hollow a little further North. Old Songs is not Foxhollow, no festival could ever be, but it's the closest I,ll come to in my lifetime. Thanks Andy and all your crew for keeping that magical spirit alive and well

Dick Dufresne

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: SINSULL
Date: 02 Jul 02 - 06:59 PM

Sorry Peter but I am not the only one who gets the various 'chucks confused. There are so damn many of you. On the other hand, I thought Ten Ton Molly was named Rose...I believe I have been referred to as "legally blonde" more than once.
Now I remember...Ian and Andrea put up my "tent".

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: catspaw49
Date: 02 Jul 02 - 07:18 PM

Great "reporting" group! Those of us who are reading get that great feeling of what it was like.....I hate it when these things run to comments like, "I had a good time."

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: bigchuck
Date: 02 Jul 02 - 09:14 PM

Brett, your beer doesn't miss you at all. It's sitting in my refrigerator as I write, and is beginning to look necessary on such a steamy night. But there won't be any of it left for next year, I gare-on-tee.
Sandy

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: Barry Finn
Date: 02 Jul 02 - 10:13 PM

It was GRREEEAAAATTTTT! Wonderful time. Loved Jez Loe, he was a big smash for me, super. Shouldn't have written off Anne Hills so fast in the past because of the singer/songwritter lable. Anne Hills, NexTradition, Jez Lowe, Norman Kennedy & John & Tony had to be a best. Another best was in the Dutch Barn, again with John & Tony & the NexTradition, that was pure magic, pure fun & a pure musical orgasm. Listening to David Jones is like seeing & hearing what alot of others try to be, as usual, he's got some kind of nack. The best part though for me is always the late night informal singing, in the barn (fri eve), at creature comforts (Sat eve) or out the among the campsites (any time, eve or day). Saw Susan AR, she was fiddling 5 feet above her chair, wings & all fluttering, playing a trio alongside of Allen Block. It was real great to see old faces, catter's (way to many to list) & others (again, way to many to list) alike, it looks like I missed a bunch (again, again, way to way to list, SOB!), never time enough to see & hear everyone nor enough to do everything, (that's the only draw back, well, except that Naemanson passes out far to early for such a young HAH fellow). No it's not a Foxhollow but Foxhollow was no Old Songs either (both are damn close to as much fun though.
Charlie, your Yankzee River Shanty is on it's start for quite a journey, as such a great song should be. Nice to see & hear Kendall having a such good recovery.
Barry

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: TeriLu
Date: 03 Jul 02 - 12:16 AM

Well, here's my two cents. Didn't see any specifiic mudcatters except Jeri and George W from a distance. Don't know you all enough yet, but I like the idea of identifying garments... Great to see Jeri after all these years - we amazed each other by not having aged in 30 yrs! Must be the old songs keeping us young! Some other time, Jeri! (come to Saratoga!) I sold my bowed psaltery, which covered my husband and my tix and food for Saturday. Couldn't do more than that - too many family and friend obligations. First time in 18 years going to Old Songs. Great to see so many friends from around the Capital District, musicians and listeners. Got to know some people better, with interesting conversations, met a lot of new folks from all over. Enjoyed two fiddle workshops and the flatpicking workshop - that guy is amazing! Listened in on the 2nd half of the Bob franke workshop - wish I'd been part of that! Favorites always Tom Paxton, Anne Hills, Barachois and Roger the Jester - love that guy! (keep your ears open for another french acadian group named Matapat) Wish I could have been there for the weekend and camped. Maybe next year. Would have loved to hear Mike Agranoff -been a fan for years! Hung out with 8th Steppers, and Sarah Pyrtle. Sorry I never got to say hi,or hug George! Peace, Terilu

Terilu

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: georgeward
Date: 03 Jul 02 - 12:41 AM

Jeri, I'm saving your paragraph about magic. I don't often need reminders about why we do this. But that's for when I do.

Ron, the song is in the DT as "Captain Billy and the Whale". And there, also, you'll find Fran Caracillo's account of what is known of the real whale's provenance and demise.

Midchuck, the idiots involved with backlighting in the Dutch Barn R us - the program committee (idiocy is always easier and more fun in committee). I gather you really felt it was that bad. Anyone else agree ? We'll certainly keep it in mind. Problem is, those big end doors are authentic 18th century climate control.

Terilu, sorry I missed you too. -G

Subject: RE: BS: Back from Old Songs
From: Dharmabum
Date: 03 Jul 02 - 07:06 AM

I must concur on the lighting issue in the dutch barn. I was listening to two silhouettes of Ginny Hawker & Tracy Schwartz on Saturday.

Easily remedied by moving the performance stage over by ten feet, or on one of the side walls.

The doors could still be left open.

DB.