Old Songs Festival 2003 coming up!

Subject: Old Sogs 03 coming up!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 06:45 AM

Not a typo- I'm a-feared that Old Songs is going to be pretty soggy this year! I've tried in vain to rent or borrow a small camper van to keep my aging bones off the ground, but it looks like mud-camping again! I guess a Mud-catter oughta be able to take it, but I'm tempted to get a motel room just for sleeping. My 14-yr old doesn't wanna, so probably I'll just tough it out.

Subject: RE: Old Sogs 03 coming up!
From: Midchuck
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 09:02 AM

AT, I encourage you to think positively and expect the best.

In the meantime, I have picked up a couple of folding cots at a yard sale. If there's standing water inside the tent, it probably won't come up to the level of the cots. If there isn't, maybe they'll keep us away from that root or rock that always emerges from the ground just where your spine is about 2:00 am.

There is an interesting geological process involved in camping out. The ground is getting harder every year.

I think I've got enough guitars, and it's time to start putting my gig money into a fund for a truck camper. With a toilet. Maybe even a shower.

Peter.

Subject: RE: Old Sogs 03 coming up!
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 12:43 PM

Old song.

When the soggy festival is over,
    I'll float away!...

Subject: RE: Old Sogs 03 coming up!
From: Burke
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 02:54 PM

No camping for me this year. A friend has me booked in to share a room in a B&B.

I will bring the rain gear along.

Subject: RE: Old Sogs 03 coming up!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 02:58 PM

Cots are fine in warm climates, but in the cooler climes, they are a positive nightmare. They are meant for camping in tropical conditions where you need to be off the floor and the air can circulate beneath you. Use them in more temperate zones and the body just expends energy in trying to warm all that empty moving air beneath you, rather than resting. Get a cot with a valance (sheet that hangs down all the way round, but make sure it's a waterproof one or the damp will just use capillary action and soak upwards) or a solid waterproofed foam block to put underneath it.

I've never been so cold as the year I took a camp bed/cot to Towersey, even with all my bags underneath it and all my warmest clothes on me or over me.

LTS

Subject: RE: Old Sogs 03 coming up!
From: Midchuck
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 03:09 PM

I hear you talkin', Liz. I tried sleeping in a hammock once, on a cool night, in my youth. Woke up in the middle of the night, freezing, got out and slept on the ground.

But we have foam pads that we can put on the cots. Should take care of it.

P.

Subject: RE: Old Sogs 03 coming up!
From: GUEST,Ron Olesko
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 03:11 PM

I'm such a wimp.... I have hotel room.   I've never camped before and I keep threatening to.   Maybe next year.

Ron

Subject: RE: Old Sogs 03 coming up!
From: Peg
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 03:57 PM

I think the whole month of July may also be a wet one at Brushwood (western NY near Chattauqua), which is where I am headed after Old Songs to camp for a whole month!

I usualy camp under plenty of tree cover and have tarps there; but at Old Songs I will just have my tent...and minimal gear since I am having to carry it all myself before I hook up with my ride...guess I better bring something wool.

Every day recently that has had rain in the forecast, here in Boston, has been sunny! Except yesterday. So maybe we will get lucky by the weekend. Think sunny thoughts, everyone...

peg

Subject: RE: Old Sogs 03 coming up!
From: Burke
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 04:07 PM

Here's the forecast

Right now they are saying "chance of showers" both Friday and Saturday.

Subject: RE: Old Sogs 03 coming up!
From: SINSULL
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 05:21 PM

In an emergency, line the cot with newspapers for insulation. Anyone want to borrow my little cabana?

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: Susan of DT
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 05:48 PM

The report I just looked up said scattered thundershowers Saturday for the Albany area Saturday.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: Midchuck
Date: 23 Jun 03 - 08:47 PM

Quick! What year was the last Old Songs that didn't have a torrential rain at some point during the weekend?

(I don't know the answer myself, I've only been going 8 or 10 years.)

Peter.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 24 Jun 03 - 01:13 AM

It was dry last year...

~ Becky in Tucson

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: Gloredhel
Date: 24 Jun 03 - 01:53 AM

I'm so excited: my family has a place in the Catskills that we go to every summer for Irish Arts Week in mid-July, and this year I convinced my dad that we need to go earlier so I can go to Old Songs too! Yay! Unfortunately, the possibility of going to two festivals in the rain is not so very cheerful. But it's better than not going.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: Midchuck
Date: 24 Jun 03 - 05:55 AM

Becky, I assume you arrived on Friday, or later.

P.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: Zhenya
Date: 24 Jun 03 - 02:09 PM

I like this forecast better

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 24 Jun 03 - 02:12 PM

A couple of thundershowers simply adds ambiance. Bring it on!!!

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 24 Jun 03 - 02:20 PM

Yes, well, I guess I was comfortably motelled on Thursday night last year, and apparently oblivious to the weather... set up tent on Friday.

~ B in T

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 24 Jun 03 - 02:30 PM

That is a good point. I am staying in a hotel myself so I guess I shouldn't look at a thunderstorm as adding romantic ambiance.

Ron

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 24 Jun 03 - 03:28 PM

...hey, who "fixed" the spelling of the thread? It was SUPPOSED to be "Old Sogs"!

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: MMario
Date: 24 Jun 03 - 03:36 PM

d*mn helpful people!

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: Bill D
Date: 24 Jun 03 - 03:44 PM

it it had said "Old Snogs", they'd have left it alone..*grin*

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: Zhenya
Date: 24 Jun 03 - 04:53 PM

Animaterra - I was wondering what you were referring to when you mentioned the typo - in this context, sogs makes more sense!

Ron- If the storms don't add ambience, they do add closeness! - I think it was two years ago that there was a deluge right before the Saturday evening concert and the entire concert was moved into the Sheep Barn. It was quite packed in there. The music was great, of course. And I also seem to remember that, as always, things were so well run at Old Songs that this went off without any or at least not much)delay. However, I won't be too upset if this downpour does not make a repeat performance this year.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 24 Jun 03 - 05:00 PM

I was in the sheep barn that night, or just outside under an awning across from the stage! It was an outstanding night!   The intimacy was perfect for artists like Joel Mabus. I also remember Karan Casey's performance that night - you could hear a pin drop in that barn. Of course it would have landed on mud and straw and not made much noise anyway, but you get the point!   

Rain or shine, it will be a memorable festival! I can't wait!

Ron

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: Jeri
Date: 24 Jun 03 - 05:35 PM

oooooh...Ron's in a hotel...Ron's got a shower...

Ron, I have always admired your postings here at Mudcat. You're wittier than anyone else and your IQ must be around 300. You're also extremely handsome, even though I haven't actually met you, and I'll bet your sweaty armpits smell like the finest French perfume. If it rains at Old Songs, you'll probably just trip lightly over the surface of the puddle. I admire you, nay, I WORSHIP you.

Which hotel?

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: Ron Olesko
Date: 24 Jun 03 - 11:14 PM

Wow!   I never knew I was so popular!   I better ask for extra towels!!

Ron

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: Jeri
Date: 25 Jun 03 - 07:10 AM

I'm really not that bad of a shower slut. I either get into the one at the campsite or people stand upwind. This year, they'll have a contractor provide a set-up where we can get a 5-minute shower for $5. I still look forward to meeting you, though. (I think we missed each other last year.)

Ron, I have a strong memory of Karen Casey's performance too. I was squished in right smack in the front. I usually loathe situations as crowded as that, but there was a very warm, friendly feel to that crowd and everyone remained polite despite the cramming.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 25 Jun 03 - 07:22 AM

I was there, too! What a night!
Don't forget, everyone who wants to meet each other- the Folk Legacy booth is the unofficial Mudcat meeting place!

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: MMario
Date: 25 Jun 03 - 08:15 AM

I was there too, standing under a very narrow eave across the alley...but the acoustics were surprisingly good!

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 25 Jun 03 - 09:21 AM

The forecast is looking better today.   Now they are saying 50% chance of thunderstorms on Friday and no rain in the forecast on Saturday or Sunday.   Of course forecasts changes minute by minute, but it looks better.

I guess it you want to be optomistic you can say there is a 50% chance that there won't be any rain on Friday!

See you at the Mudcat booth!

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 25 Jun 03 - 09:22 AM

oops.. I meant Folk-Legacy booth, but I guess they wear two hats!

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: MMario
Date: 25 Jun 03 - 09:22 AM

Better t-storms then long soaking rains!

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: Midchuck
Date: 25 Jun 03 - 09:38 AM

The latest Yahoo forecast for Altamont is just partly cloudy, partly sunny weather all the way through, with highs in the mid-eighties Friday and the high seventies Saturday and Sunday; and no mention of any precipitation.

Never happen. Too good to be true. But it would be nice.

The other unofficial Mudcat meeting place is in the "100s" camping section, designated thus.

Peter.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: Peg
Date: 25 Jun 03 - 11:27 AM

So is Dharma Bum coming this year???

I am riding in with Kendall on Friday; looking forward to seeing everyone!

peg

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 25 Jun 03 - 11:59 AM

Remember, free coffee or lodging if you pass near 6 & 15 in PA, coming or going. We're an hour south of Elmira.

~S~

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: Dharmabum
Date: 25 Jun 03 - 04:36 PM

Lack of finances is going to prevent my attendence this year.
Hopefully,next year I'll be back.

      DB.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: Burke
Date: 25 Jun 03 - 04:48 PM

With the camping out in the parking lot, will the main entrance still be the same place?

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: Zhenya
Date: 25 Jun 03 - 05:01 PM

Last year I meant to look for Mudcatters and somehow never got to it, with so much going on. My loss! I'll go for it this year though. I'd love to put faces with the names here. Do people go to the Folk Legacy Booth at any particular time to meet up, or is it just catch as catch can?
Zhenya

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: SINSULL
Date: 25 Jun 03 - 05:27 PM

Gee Dharma, Does that mean there will be a Martin available for the rest of us?
SINS

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: Jeri
Date: 25 Jun 03 - 05:41 PM

Taylor, SINS, and he only got one out of three last year.

Zhenya, we just drop into Folk Legacy on and off throughout the weekend. Sometimes folks are playing and sometimes just chatting. Whoever's hanging around can introduce you to whoever else is hanging around. A good number of us also hang out at the Chucks' place. It's away from the hustle & bustle.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: Peg
Date: 25 Jun 03 - 08:54 PM

we'll miss ya, Dharma; I can understand your situation. I am pretty much flat broke too, but decided a music fest was necessary...

Maybe next year?

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: SINSULL
Date: 25 Jun 03 - 09:19 PM

Martin? Taylor? What's the difference?
She says as she runs for cover.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: Dharmabum
Date: 25 Jun 03 - 10:19 PM

Hopefully,I started a trend last year.
Now I fully expect a report of another Taylor guitar won by a Mudcatter!

I was hanging out at the Folk Legacy booth when the drawing took place last year. They called my name 3 times before I heard them!
(I never limped so fast in my life)


I'll miss Y'all,Have a great time.

      DB.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: bbc
Date: 26 Jun 03 - 08:26 AM

Have a wonderful time! Although my move has been delayed by 2 weeks, I still can't really justify the time. I will be thinking of you all, though, & will hope to rejoin you next year. Belated Happy Birthday wishes, Dick Greenhaus! I saw you on my calendar, but have just been going straight-out for about a month now. Animaterra, Happy Summer Vacation & hugs! Ron, you save your money, I'll clear my schedule, & let's camp in the same neighborhood next year! And, Kendall, you *do* talk funny, but on you it sounds good! ;)

love,

bbc

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: Peg
Date: 26 Jun 03 - 10:08 AM

ah, I see this year the gathering, next year the reunion!!!

The weather forecast is looking dandy!

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: GUEST,Ron Olesko
Date: 26 Jun 03 - 10:27 AM

I do think I will try camping next year.   I'm a novice at camping, but how hard could it be? (Famous last words).

I am thrilled that the forecast is looking better as we get closer. I will see you all tomorrow!!!


Ron

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: Burke
Date: 26 Jun 03 - 12:49 PM

Every weather site I've checked has a different forecast. The only thing they seem to agree on is no rain on Saturday. Showers on Friday might be early or might be late, depends on where you look. Showers forecast again on Sunday.

It will be hot. It will cool off in the evening. Don't forget the jackets for the evening concerts!

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: Zhenya
Date: 26 Jun 03 - 01:47 PM

Jeri,
Thanks for cluing me in. I'll check both the Folk Legacy Booth and the Chateau Woodchuck. (great photo!)

The last forecast I saw showed a slight possibility of showers on Friday afternoon (early, but hopefully not when any campers are setting up) and that's it. Pleasantly warm and often sunny the rest of the weekend. Keep your fingers crossed. (When not playing!)

Now I have to continue doing triage on the daytime schedules and try to get my choices down to a manageable number...

Zhenya

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: Midchuck
Date: 26 Jun 03 - 02:10 PM

Van is packed. Take my last shower for probably a while, and we're gone!

Come see us and pick and howl.

Peter.

Subject: RE: Old Songs 03 coming up!
From: Jeri
Date: 26 Jun 03 - 05:37 PM

I gotta shove stuff in my car and get my oil changed, but at least I bought a tent. I also got an air mattress because I've decided I need SOME luxury! Hey - last year I brought chairs and I usually just sit on the ground. Think I'm going soft?

As much as I complained about assigned camping spots, I'm really glad I won't have to forage for one!