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Marion's busking tour
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Subject: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Marion Date: 18 Aug 03 - 09:53 PM Hi gang. So I'm setting off tomorrow on the busking tour I've mentioned on other threads. Thanks, Mudcatters, for your invitations and advice; it's a great help. I'll post updates in this thread when I meet Mudcatters, and when I have an adventure I feel would be of interest to folk geeks. I'll be travelling by bus and staying in youth hostels for the most part. The first two months will be in Canada; going to the Maritimes, then doubling back and going out west. I then plan to cross the border and see if I can make it from Seattle to Washington DC in six months (with, perhaps, a few little detours from the most direct route). The main things will be busking and visiting people. I also hope to find some opportunities for: touristing (Grand Canyon and redwoods are priorities), jamming, songwriting, visiting at least ONE Springfield, rescuing beautiful monsters from ravenous princesses, seducing farmers' daughters, talking to Americans, etc. At this point I think I've contacted every Mudcatter who suggested a meeting or slumber party, asking how to contact you and making an estimate of the timing and probability of contact. But if I've overlooked anybody, please do let me know. With love, Marion |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Sorcha Date: 18 Aug 03 - 10:40 PM Good on ya, Marion! Bring it on down! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Amos Date: 18 Aug 03 - 10:55 PM Very best of adventures to ye Marion -- see you when ya get this way! A |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Mudlark Date: 19 Aug 03 - 12:30 AM Looking forward to your visit, Marion...hearing your stories and your music. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Marion Date: 19 Aug 03 - 11:25 AM 106 miles to Chicago. I've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and I'm wearing sunglasses. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: GUEST,mg Date: 19 Aug 03 - 03:31 PM guess I should ask..I presumed you were a lady like Marion the librarian..but are you????? mg |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Bobert Date: 19 Aug 03 - 09:03 PM Don't firgit that when the tour comes 'round these parts that you and I gonna be drinkin' and jammin' on my back deck here in the Blue Ridge mountains.... Bobert |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Peter T. Date: 20 Aug 03 - 12:46 PM She ain't no librarian. Good luck, soft travelling. yours, Peter T. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Marion Date: 23 Aug 03 - 09:13 AM Thanks Sorcha, Amos, Mudlark. Mary G., I prefer the allusion to Maid Marian. But I am indeed female - sorry for the confusion. Bobert, sounds like it's almost heaven. If I mysteriously stop updating this, you'll know that I'm being held incommunicado by the Homeland Security squad, and pick up the pace of your revolution accordingly. Peter, better start packing soon. I'll be picking you up middle of September. Marion in Quebec City |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: mg Date: 23 Aug 03 - 09:12 PM great...I am glad you are female just because of the configuration of my little apartment...but either way would have been OK. Too badf you won't be here in time for Sunnycamp...mg |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Mudlark Date: 24 Aug 03 - 02:12 AM Come on then, Marion! I'm looking forward to meeting you! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: gnu Date: 04 Sep 03 - 12:04 PM Marion. It wasn't your fault that I had to leave so early into your visit. It was bad gas. Thank goodness there wasn't any leakage like at your last stop. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: gnu Date: 04 Sep 03 - 12:27 PM That didn't sound right. I had problems with my truck. Felt like the tranny was slipping. Turned out to be the result of my changing to lower octane gas in the wake of rising prices. Oh yeah... did you get a chance to do some busking on Main Street before the rain started ? Did you meet up with buddy in the red cowboy hat ? Sorry again about the truck acting up. I'll make sure you get a tour of Shediac and the "shore" next time you're in town. Thanks for the tape... it's excellent ! g |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Mark Clark Date: 04 Sep 03 - 11:33 PM And here I was suspecting that Spaw was involved somewhere. <g> - Mark |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: GUEST,.gargoyle Date: 04 Sep 03 - 11:48 PM Thanks to your previous threads, and current "tour" Marion....
I see very little distinction between, "busking," "pan-handling," "free-loading," "grifting," "begging," and "travelers."
I wish blessings on your hosts.
Sincerely,
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: gnu Date: 05 Sep 03 - 05:21 AM Busking provides entertainment for remuneration, if given. I see this as a very large distinction. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Barry Finn Date: 05 Sep 03 - 05:32 AM Nicely put gnu. Barry |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Don Firth Date: 05 Sep 03 - 03:49 PM Gargoyle, there's a major qualitative difference between a busker and a panhandler (and the various other epithets you list above). The busker offers entertainment to any and all who pass by. If you are interested in listening to them and if you are so moved, you can toss a voluntary contribution into the hat or open instrument case. If not, just walk on by. This is quite different from having some kid who hangs out on the sidewalk outside a mini-mart accost you, blocking their way and saying "Spare change? Ya got any spare change?" The busker is offering something of value. You can take it or leave it. The kid outside the mini-mart offers nothing, he just gets in your face and makes a pain in the ass of himself. Don Firth |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: John MacKenzie Date: 06 Sep 03 - 04:40 AM Does that kid's name begin with the letter G ? Giok |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: open mike Date: 06 Sep 03 - 07:16 AM I hope you will be able to stay in mild weather... if you head south as autumn creeps north you should be able to keep one foot out of the (perma) frost! happy trails! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Marion Date: 11 Sep 03 - 03:34 PM All: Hi gang. So the first Mudmeeting of my trip was last week, when I met Gnu one morning. He gave me a tour of Moncton, and I didn't put any kind of curse, hex, or jinx etc. on his truck. I am preparing an email newsletter for my friends; I'll post it here too when it's ready. Hey Gnu, was the double entendre in your first post deliberate? Glad you like the tape and that the truck is OK. I did play on Main Street after we parted, but not for very long before the rain. I didn't meet the guy in the hat, but I did meet another Torontonian street artist who made sculptures from coat hangers. Thanks for the visit! Marion |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: BlueJay Date: 12 Sep 03 - 04:43 AM Marion- Remember, if you are anywhere near southern Colorado, come and see us in La Veta. You will be glad you stopped in. I imagine that at that point in your journey, your instrument could use a good look-over, and David Enke is the best there is in this part of the country. Not only that, I'll bet you will need a really good meal at that point in your trip, and my daughter, Annie, is probably the best single cook I have ever known. If you like good kids, good music, good food and expert instrument repair, stop by and see us in La Veta, CO. Thsnks, BlueJay |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Marion Date: 15 Sep 03 - 12:04 AM Newsletter 1: August 19 to September 14 Hello friends. I've just finished the Maritime leg of my tour and am getting sorted for the rest of the way. Montreal: I started in Montreal, where I saw college friends Eddy and Martine, and did some fiddling and sightseeing. The highlight was a day spent in the always adorable Ste. Anne de Bellevue, where my former landlords, Lord and Lady Jones, were having a 50th anniversary party. I sang them a song I wrote for the occasion, and met many of the Jones' extraordinarily cool friends, who all seem to practice unique professions then trek around the North Pole for vacations. I jammed with a psychic woman who channels messages from plants (that is, I jammed to her piano playing, not her channeling). Besides the party and open house, I wandered around the college and house, where each location held many memories. (For the Chateau insiders: although I still regret losing track of my Barbie, I was thrilled to find that my signs are still up in the bathroom, as well as someone else's sign saying "It's true! Listen to this person!"). Boris, another Macdonald guy, was also there; just a few days into my trip and already an unanticipated reunion. Hopefully there will be more to come. It also seemed appropriate that I was beginning my trip by returning to the spot where I discovered folk music. I thought about the day that Will gave me his spare guitar and Navin taught me to play a couple of Dylan songs on it, and I was hooked for life. And in the past few weeks I've paid the favour back, twice actually: I gave introductory guitar lessons to a Japanese girl in my hostel in Charlottetown, and to a girl at L'Arche Cape Breton. Rest of Quebec: I spent a few cold and windy days in Quebec City where the busking was fine, the grownups danced and the cops looked the either way despite a very complicated licence system another busker tried to explain to me and I elected to ignore. I then took a bus-window tour of the Gaspe Peninsula, which was very pretty and makes up a bit for the conspicuous lack of the Cabot Trail on this trip - though there were times I sure wished I could pull the bus over for a while. Prince Edward Island: You know how you always hear that geography affects personality: Cape Bretoners are friendly, Torontonians are stressed-out, Quebecers are fun-loving and so on? I've never really believed that; people everywhere generally seem more or less the same to me. But now I know that Prince Edward Island is an exception. People really are nicer there. I stayed a few days in Charlottetown fiddling and chatting with people. There's a theatre downtown where they show the Anne of Green Gables musical twice a day, and there's excellent busking to be done in front of it as tourists arrive for the show. Next time I'm going to have to wear an Anne costume. I slept at a home hostel run by an elderly couple who kept a guitar, fiddle, and banjo around for any guests who could play, and the wife knew how to play piano accompaniment for fiddling. So one of the evenings we had a kitchen party. Maybe that's what I should do when I get old. I then went to visit a friend of the Jones' who has a cottage by the northern shore, and she put me up in the sparest of spare rooms. It was a short walk to a gorgeous, solitary red sand beach, and I got up early to go for a swim while the sun was rising. Very, very beautiful, as was a drive around the countryside to see Green Gables and the PEI National Park. My hostess, Pat Stanyer, has a small publishing company, and I bought a book of PEI folklore and am working on a song about one of the stories in it. New Brunswick: I went to the new house of college friend Lindsey and her husband Matt. It's interesting to see all their work and plans for renovating, gardening, goatherding etc. I'm sure it's nice to have a little empire that you can make the way you want it... but it must be hard to feel tied to a location. I know it's a cliche for a single woman of a certain age to feel angst about friends getting married and having children... but I get that same feeling that "they've moved away from me into a different world" whenever one of my friends buys a house. Matt works at Fundy National Park and I went in with him for the day and went hiking. I also had a day in Moncton, where I met Gary, an internet pen pal, and did a little busking. I met another wandering street artist from Toronto who made coat hanger sculptures, and he made me a little fiddler. Nova Scotia: I went to see my sister Sondra and her husband and kids in the Annapolis Valley. The kids liked playing with my fiddle and we played lots of road hockey too. Sondra took me to a "Pampered Chef" party on the Greenwood base, and I was surprised to learn that all the other women there seemed to host or attend this kind of thing all the time. I'd heard of Tupperware parties, and other kinds of selling parties, but had never been to one before, and my enjoyment of it stayed firmly on the ironic level. It's a bored air force wife thing, I guess. Cape Breton: Although I only spent a year at L'Arche Cape Breton, it was a very intensive year and I think about my housemates there all the time. So going back was a big deal for me, as was having the chance to walk, sing, cook, go to chapel, and discuss shoes with my gang. I also got back in conctact with John Macdougall, my fiddle teacher. He's retired from teaching but has a daily gig at a pub during tourist season. I went to the pub with him and played about fifteen minutes while he took a break. Onward and upward: I'm now on a pit stop in Perth. At first I thought that living in the middle of a country is a pain if you want to do a cross-country trip, but now I realize that starting with a short trip is a most excellent way to organize a long trip. Now I know what I should take out of my backpack, and what I should add to it. Tomorrow morning it's westward ho. Thanks for reading, talk to you next time, love, Marianne of Green Gables. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Marion Date: 15 Sep 03 - 12:15 AM Bluejay said: If you like good kids, good music, good food and expert instrument repair, stop by and see us ... Hey, I like all those things! What are the odds? I'm thinking of heading your way in early November; I'll certainly need to have my strings tuned at least by then. Marion |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: *daylia* Date: 15 Sep 03 - 10:44 AM I'd like to respond to Gargoyle's comment "I see very little distinction between, "busking," "pan-handling," "free-loading," "grifting," "begging," and "travelers." Recently I had an unforgettable encounter with a beggar on a downtown street-corner. I was on a "coffee-run" for some friends when I passed a very tall, very thin, very old man with long tangled grey hair in dirty raggy dark clothes standing in a doorway. He asked me for some change. I told him I'd catch up with him on my way back from the coffeeshop. But then I started having second thoughts. He looked like an alcoholic, and I didn't want to give him money to go poison himself more with. I asked the girl at the coffeeshop if she knew him, if he was ok to give money to, but she'd never seen him before. By the time I was walking by him again I'd pretty well convinced myself not to give him any money. But something about those haunted, pain-filled eyes made me hold out the change anyway. He struggled to open a little pouch, and then I saw that he had no hands. Just wrists. :-O I was shocked, just plain :-( . So sorry I'd judged him so harshly. I wished I had a few hundred to give him then, instead of the measley $3 pittance I had from the coffees. Spent the next few days being grateful for the blessing and wonder of my own hands -- how could I play music, or write, or work, or do just about anything without them? What a blessing hands are ... And I've never seen him again, either. WHen I described him to a friend who owns a downtown store and knows all the streetpeople in this town, I was surprised she'd never seen or heard of him either. Sometimes I wonder if he was really an "angel in disguise", come to teach me love and compassion. If that was the case, it sure worked! Anyway, Garg, please remember this little tale next time you sit down at your computer and use your hands to blast away at "beggars, panhandlers, freeloaders, buskers" etc. muchsofterheartednowdaylia |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: *daylia* Date: 15 Sep 03 - 10:47 AM Oh, and best wishes on your travels, Marion! Sounds like you're going to have the time of your life! daylia |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: jbailes Date: 15 Sep 03 - 11:35 AM these vignettes of your travels are charming. it doesn't take much imagination to appreciate the vicarious interest many of us have in them. it can be hard and lonely traveling around, and yet, the kindness of strangers and music happenings can offer recompense. we look forward to your coming to dc where it ought to be really fun busking, two fiddles, in georgetown, and on capitol hill where i live, in eastern market on saturday and sunday, and lunchtimes at the corner of pennsylvania and 2nd street across from the library of congres, where i work. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Willie-O Date: 15 Sep 03 - 07:44 PM daylia, thanks for that. gargoyle, you don't have a sincere bone in your body. Why don't you just !@#$%^&*()_+|+_)(*&^% And Marion, carry on! Glad you decided to go to the Island. People there are like (almost) all Maritimers, really. We actually met an unfriendly one in Halifax on the fiddle orchestra tour, (acting territorial cause we used the wrong parking lot) and I was shocked. Shocked! In Ontario it would have been no big deal. Bill |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Fortunato Date: 15 Sep 03 - 08:09 PM Travel on, Miss Marion. It's lovely listening. Come on down. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Rick Fielding Date: 16 Sep 03 - 03:34 PM Great to see you. My heart pionded with pride a bit when when you played in my home town of St Anne de Belleview.....somehow it made me feel I'd been given a chance to send somthing back with you that I wasn't able to give when I lived there and was too shy to face my audience when playng. Rick |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: BlueJay Date: 17 Sep 03 - 02:37 AM Marion-- like I said before, if you pass anywhere near southern Colorado, a side trip to La Veta would be very rewarding for us all. I'm not so sure about the busking, per se. Our town, <900 folks, is not all that public, especially in the wintertime. But you will be greeted in good fashion, slathered with great food and amply plied with your drink of choice. As individuals, we would certainly love to hear you perform, and play with you as well. You'll meet the various PUTW folks, as well as our various band incarnations. And if your instruments need repair, this is the place to go, in southern Colorado, anyway. Plus, I can put you in contact with some lesser known Mudcat folks who live in the area. Like Lonesome EJ, Rex and Kat laughing. Hmmm- almost sounds like this is getting to be a regional event! let us know, at any time in your journey. Timing is not a critical factor on our end. thanks, BlueJay |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Marion Date: 26 Sep 03 - 02:46 PM Thanks for the story, Daylia. Rick, Toronto may be the centre of the universe, but I'm convinced that Ste. Anne de Bellevue is the centre of the parallel universe. Willie-O, I met an unfriendly person in Greenwood, NS. I think it may be a islander vs. mainlander thing. (I made a purchase and said that I didn't want a plastic bag, as I had my knapsack. She said, "It has to be one of our bags," and tied the handles in a knot before giving it to me. Kind of funny, really. I've had people look a little surprised that I didn't want a bag, but I've never had someone try to force one on me before...) In a couple of days I'm going to have a reunion with a girl I lived with in Egypt ten years ago and haven't seen since... Take care, all. Marion (Winnipeg, Manitoba) |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Deckman Date: 26 Sep 03 - 04:49 PM Marion: I got your e-mails. I'm starting to set something up for that Sunday you mentioned. I've sent you some P.M's, including my correct home number. I'll give you a message call now. We are looking forward to meeting you and offering our house-port-ality and a hoot! CHEERS, Bob(deckman)Nelson |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: katlaughing Date: 26 Sep 03 - 05:32 PM Great reading about your adventures, Marion, thanks for sharing with us! Hope to see you, soon. BlueJay, whaddaya mean "one of the lesser-known?!!"**bg** kat |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Deckman Date: 28 Sep 03 - 07:15 AM So ... Marion ... Where are you now and how is the trip going? Inquiring minds want to know! Bob(deckman)Nelson |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: open mike Date: 28 Sep 03 - 10:48 AM so marion are you in the pacific north west? Does this mean you will be heading to northern california soon? should I roll out the red carpet? should we send out an all points bulletin? do tell. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: open mike Date: 29 Sep 03 - 02:24 AM rumours have it that you will be in Seattle area on nov. 15 rumour control? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Marion Date: 01 Oct 03 - 03:54 PM Open Mike, those rumours are unfounded! I plan to get to Seattle Oct. 17. After that I'll be taking the long way to California (i.e., the route that goes through Colorado) so I expect to get there end-of-November-and-most-of-December-ish. I also want to state that I love BlueJay and Katlaughing just the same and consider them to be equally famous Mudcatters. So no fighting. Hey BlueJay, can David fix the zipper on my fiddle case? Take care, Marion (in Edmonton, Alberta) |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: katlaughing Date: 01 Oct 03 - 06:06 PM LOL...yeah, I love him equally, too, Marion...**bg** we'll keep the light on for ya. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: mg Date: 01 Oct 03 - 08:50 PM IT's possible you might want to come down through Long Beach (admittedly out of the way, but very cheap bus wise..if you can get to Olympia via some public trans by 9:30 a.m. you can get the rrest of the way for just a few dollars..) and then on to Portland from Astoria.... mg |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: GUEST Date: 09 Oct 03 - 08:08 PM me i saw the page about the toronto busking in the subway. i've done it for years. the reason that many stations are empty is we are restricted to playing 29 stations by law. socan has charged toronto transit 900 buck a year per station and the ttc can't afford to pat for more than 29. people do occasionally play others but they risk losong their licence. we used to have fifty sattions abd i would have liked more. the audition process is rather arbitrary but most of the people who loose out have a problem with their stage personality. which in my experience carries over to being pretty angry and uncooperative in the sudways with other muscians. their is a ral divide between immigrants and the ontario born who really do think we ought to getbout of their way when they want to play. this approaches violence often and results in threats very often. a lot of the muscians you mentioned who lost licences are exactly the bully crowd. sorry to bring the bad news but people who are nice locally are not always nice in the subway. having been subjsct to alot of these threats i don't have much synpathy for them. they are usually counry pop players, and usually born in ontario. again i find the people with a problem getting the licence ought to look at thenselves as they are usually so difficult it carries over to the audition. this is meant for marion who was talking about the buskers. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: GUEST Date: 09 Oct 03 - 10:59 PM Just Do It Marion....take the citation and use it to light your next Cuban Cigar....you'll be long-gone
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Deckman Date: 10 Oct 03 - 07:48 PM Howdy Marion ... Bride Judy and I are looking forward to meeting you one week from Sunday. We have a nice hoot planned, with several mudcatters, and many of the usual "suspects." Drive carefully! CHEERS, Bob |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Marion Date: 20 Oct 03 - 02:53 AM Katlaughing... you love BlueJay equally to what exactly? Guest Me, I guess you're the guy I met on the subway a few months ago, eh? Glad to see you on Mudcat. I hope you're having a good year. I was interested to learn from you that SOCAN fees are behind the price the buskers pay and the limitation on stations. I was wondering about what you said about SOCAN not allowing buskers to submit playlists and collect royalties. Have you, or someone you know, attempted this? I don't know how SOCAN would justify collecting the fees but not accepting the claims related to a given venue. All: I'm at the home of Deckman and Bride Judy, which is just like heaven. Deckman and I have been swapping songs all weekend, and today people gathered for a hootenanny. I met the notorious Don Firth and avoided getting him going on politics, as I had been advised. Reggie Miles can't be adequately described in words, so I'll just mention that he let me try out his musical saw. Stewie and I did some Irish fiddling together accompanied by Mike N. on guitar. I met several other Seattleniks, and one new friend says she will send me letters from her family history for me to write about. Glorious evening; good food; distributed tapes and flowcharts; and we sang till the cops came by to discuss a noise complaint. The only needed to make the day perfect would be for the Nelsons' nervous Finnish-speaking cat to let me hold her. Tomorrow it's on to Portland, and to a song circle with Genie. There were some questions that Deckman asked me before my arrival that I thought I should answer here for anyone who may be wondering: I am travelling alone and by bus. I don't have a picture posted that you can consult, but I'm an easy person to pick out of a lineup since I am carrying a fiddle and guitar. I love cats, dogs, and whatever other animals you may have domesticated. I'm not fussy about sleeping arrangements, and it's very unlikely that I'm too tall for your couch. I am fussy about food - I am a strict vegetarian, so no fishies, birdies, or invertebraties. However, any rumours you may have heard about me being vegan are temporarily untrue (so stop scaring people, Rick!) I'm also fussy about smoke - I don't go to pubs etc. that allow smoking. Take care, Marion (Everett, Washington) |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: alanabit Date: 20 Oct 03 - 04:26 AM You are making me quite jealous. I think that when my children are big enough that they don't need me, I shall set off to continue my misspent youth until well into my sixties! An evening swapping songs with Don Firth, Bob Nelson and Reggie Miles sounds like one whole lot of fun. Good luck with your further adventures. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Willie-O Date: 20 Oct 03 - 06:58 AM Thanks for the update Marion--I've been wondering where you'd gotten to in yr wandering! They should just call it SOSCAM. Strange how an organization which started with an admirable purpose can get so power-crazed and unfair...licensing subway stations, ha. There may be something to the island/mainland friendliness continuum, but since North America is mostly mainland (well, a really big island, here's hoping you meet all the friendly Americans. Travel on. Keep them postcards coming. Bill |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Deckman Date: 20 Oct 03 - 09:26 AM I'll add a brief note here about our visit with Marion, or"Maid Marion" as Don's calls her. She certainly was a very pleasant guest and knows well how to look out for herself. Bride Judy and I both really enjoyed getting to know her and her music. Hoots are curious events: sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. But the collection of folkies that showed up yesterday was very receptive to Marion, and when those energies are just right, much warm music flowed. Everyone responded to her music and shared their own. I especially enjoyed the quiet times with just the two of us sharing our songs. And ... she is such a good songwriter. Look out folks, we are going to be hearing a lot of her in the next years. I so admire someone that can take a nubin of an idea and express it succinctly. She knows she'll always be welcome in our home. CHEERS, Bob |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: open mike Date: 20 Oct 03 - 11:11 AM yipee-grand to hear of the long awaited gathering! I wish I could have been there....PNW hospitality is the greatest! Happy trails! Laurel The only thing that would have made it better is if we could have opened a pal talk room and shared the joy!! We could do that if you make it by here. Also if you go to near Newport Oregon, Francy might do the same! Laurel |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Stewart Date: 20 Oct 03 - 11:05 PM A fine time was had by all at Deckman's "Hoot." I enjoyed meeting Marion and hearing her music. She sings some nice songs and plays a mean fiddle. Good luck, Marion, on your remaining tour. Cheers, S. in Seattle |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Miken Date: 21 Oct 03 - 12:01 AM Marion, It was a pleasure to meet you and hear your music. Enjoyed backing up you and Stewart for a few tunes, and we probably could have done much more if time had allowed. Bob's hoots are pretty eclectic and I always enjoy the poetry readings as well as the music. Your songs are a joy, you're good with words. Your description of Bob and Judy's home is spot on.....always feels like home to me somehow. They are gracious and caring people. Say hello to the other catters down the line, and especially "Genie in Portland and Open mike in Calif when you get there. Good travelling the rest of your trip and I enjoy reading your posts updating us. Mike |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: GUEST,reggie miles Date: 21 Oct 03 - 12:57 AM Can't be adequately described in words?! Hmmm, I resemble that remark! It was fun having a chance to meet you Marion. You've got quite the whirlwind tour planned! I think I'd need to take a vacation afterward just to recover from the vacation you're taking. One of these days I'm gonna figure out how to scratch one of them fiddles. I wish I was at least as adept as Mike N. at following all of that scratchin' with my gitter. It was altogether too short a hoot for me. I could have sawn all night. Enjoy the rest of your adventures travelin' across America Marion. Thanks Deckman for graciously hosting the fun. Saw ya later |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Frivolous Sal Date: 21 Oct 03 - 01:28 AM Marion, meeting you was a joy. Deckman's gatherings are always magical, to me, anyway. One of your songs had me in tears, though I tried to hide it. Others were wonderfully funny. Before it was over, someone twigged to my birthday, and my life is now more complete, because Reggie sawed "Happy Birthday". Deckman, that mysterious plastic box in your kitchen is Dilettante chocolate, with a peeler, to put it on top of the chocolate pie. Sorry, all. Marion, I will post your photo, and let you know where. (If it came out, I haven't looked yet.) |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Don Firth Date: 22 Oct 03 - 12:40 PM Marion is a delight. Good singer, good songs, good fiddle and guitar work, and just a neat person! I've got to admire the spirit of someone who picks up their guitar and fiddle and hits the road. Gutsy. And a very "Fifties / Sixties" thing to do. I met a lot of itinerant singers during those decades, traveling around the country, meeting people, swapping songs, and often regaling folks with tales of their wild adventures on the road. Two that come to mind immediately are Guy Carawan and, all the way from England, Roy Guest. And a few dozen I never heard about again. I can't remember any women doing the "on the road" thing back then, but times have changed. Too bad you're not going to be around longer, because I would like to get to know you better and hear you sing and play more. Anyway, good luck and much joy on your journey. Did you get a chance to sample Mehitabel's chocolate pie? Wow! Don Firth P.S.: "Notorious!??" No politics. I only froth at the mouth on appropriate occasions. . . . |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Marion Date: 23 Oct 03 - 06:14 PM I certainly did have some chocolate pie, and with a little imagination, I found an alternative use for the straight chocolate that was left behind. Did you just apologize for leaving it, Mehitabel? And it was the Catnip Blues that made you cry, wasn't it? Genie and I are coming up to Seattle tomorrow where I will sit in on one of her gigs. On Sunday we intend to be at the "Grateful Bread" jam and later the song circle that Stewart told me about. Cheers, Marion (Portland, Oregon) |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: reggie miles Date: 24 Oct 03 - 12:38 AM Grateful Bread jam? Where is that? Is anybody going to bring the peanut butter? Song circle? Nobody mentioned a song circle at Bob's. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Deckman Date: 24 Oct 03 - 02:42 AM Hi Reg, I'm NOT hosting a song circle. I'll PM you Stewart's phone number, he knows the details. CHEERS, Bob |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: mg Date: 24 Oct 03 - 09:58 PM boy did you miss some beautiful days at Long Beach..the last 2 days have been just glorious..thank heavens because we just had a conference here with the most incredible seafood etc. provided by the fishers, oysterers, etc. Wow.....the sunset tonight was amazing..have a clam tide this weekend too. But have fun in the big city. Hope to see you on Monday..remember to take the early bus to Kelso..leaves about 7 or 7:30 a.m. and gets there around 11 or so....and remember Longview is my home town...the bus from kelso to Astoria cuts through one end of it...you will have a great view of the Columbia from the Longview bridge...and Astoria is an amazing town...you can either take the 2:?? bus near th Safeway or the 5?? bus same place...I can meet you in Ilwaco around 5:30 or so...you could visit the Ilwaco museum which is where the bus gets off...My numbers again are work 360-642-2031 and cell, almost never on but I will try to ermember, 360-749-0310. Home 360-665-4999. If you are going to try to busk, Astoria would be by far the better place, as we are pretty deserted here...I don't know where or if people busk in Astoria but you can always start the trend. It can really really rain there...I would have rain ponchos etc. and wrap up any instruments really carefully . mg |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: GUEST Date: 24 Oct 03 - 11:01 PM Dman you passed thru Chico CA already and narey a howdy do. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Marion Date: 26 Oct 03 - 02:04 PM Was the post above from Open Mike? I haven't been to California yet. I do intend to look you up, but it'll be a while yet (I'm not going straight south). Mary Garvey, I'll respond by PM in a couple of minutes. Reggie, I've asked Genie to send you info about the bluegrass jam. I don't really know anything, I'm just trailing her around. Have thought a bit more about Don's post. The first reaction was to feel sorry for those poor suckers in the 50s and 60s who didn't have Mudcat. The next was to wonder why I don't have any "tales of wild adventures on the road" (other than the time I wrestled a husky). I guess it's because the protocols I follow to feel safe travelling as a single woman tend to make wild adventures unlikely (i.e., I don't get into cars with strangers, or impair my judgement chemically, or participate much in night life when I'm on my own, etc.). But certainly the process of screening out bad-wild adventures also screens out good-wild ones. Oh well, what are you going to do? All: when I was in Portland I met up with Amergin one evening, which was very enjoyable. We talked mostly about high school, for some reason I can't remember, and I forgot to ask him what Amergin means. I listened to parts of the Mudcat CDS, and was particularly taken with Khandu's "Cool Cup of Water" and Deni's "There I Must Lie". In Seattle I went to hear Genie doing an Octoberfest/harvest gig at a retirement home. I played a few fiddle tunes as an overture and later with her chording. Quote of the day: "Do you mind if I blow my nose on your chords?" Cheers, Marion |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Marion Date: 26 Oct 03 - 02:11 PM Romance! Terror! Exotic Adventure! Marion's newsletter #2, September 15 to October 26 Hello my friends. This is an account of my northwest passage through Canada and my infiltration of the American border. Administrative note: I've added some email addresses to this list, of people I've linked up with in the last month. If you'd rather not get newsletters, let me know. If you want back issues, let me know. Ontario: First stop was Toronto, where I went to stay with Shawn and Katie and Shawn's brother Blair. They are the guardians of my good guitar, so I had a joyful reunion with it. I went to the radio station to see Rick, Heather, and Peter, and to ramble about the Simpsons and SUVs on air. I went back to some of my old busking spots, and we had a fun potluck with other friends Anita and Tom. It was with some reluctance that I left Shawn and Katie's House of Good Conversation, Food, and Guitar. (I had a "Talking to Americans" moment; when arriving in Toronto, my seatmate from Maine said, "And I thought New York City was big!" When I suggested that New York is in fact bigger than Toronto, she said, "No, New York is two or three million people, and I've heard that Toronto is, like, two billion." No wonder it's so hard to get a seat on the subway.) I also went to Simcoe in southern Ontario to see my old roommate Rebecca and her dog Gypsy. We participated in a dog sport called agility, which is essentially an obstacle course, and she fed me falafel with cilantro salsa, which is my new favourite food. We went out for a sunset at Long Point beach, which we had all to ourselves despite it being a provincial park. I also visited my cousin Carol and her kids. Heading northwest, I spent a quiet Sunday wandering around Sault Ste. Marie. My next planned stop was Thunder Bay, but Monday in Thunder Bay in the pouring rain is not as appealing as you might think, so I went ahead to Winnipeg. Manitoba: In Winnipeg live my old roommate Mercy, and Will and the kids. We played Dutch Blitz, which is the best card game I know of, and listened to U2. Also in Winnipeg live my old roommate Dulcy, and Amgad and the kids. We caught up on nine years of gossip, and I learned that a couple of people I worked with in Egypt were on a fact- finding trip to Baghdad. I also made a couple of short trips from Winnipeg: to Lac Du Bonet to see my mother's cousin, and to Brandon to see a friend of my old landlady's. Saskatchewan: I went to Saskatoon, which is a nice small city and the sun made it seem very likable. Pretty good busking, too. I then went and spent an evening in North Battleford with Crystal, another roommate from Egypt nine years back. Alberta: I went to Edmonton. Then I left. British Columbia: I had a wonderful day in Prince George. While I was busking, somebody invited me to the Old-Time Fiddlers Association that evening. When I went to the community centre in advance to get the details, there was a seniors' lunch club in progress and I played for them awhile and they fed me too. That night I went to the Fiddlers thing and took turns with the other fiddlers leading the band. I was reminded of how great it is to have a good piano accompanist, and how good it feels to see people dancing to your music. Yukon: The bus ride up the Alaska Highway was its own reward, great scenery and wildlife spotting, and with a bus ride that long you start to feel bonded with the other passengers, so I had some good chats and some music sessions on the bus breaks. I was fortunate to hit Whitehorse during Indian summer, so I got some busking in. I went to an open mike by the Whitehorse Folk Society, sang a few songs, and heard some great gypsy fiddling, classical guitar, and cowboy poetry. It sure beats shooting whiskeyjacks and trees. I went to Burwash Landing with Will Jones and spent a couple of days. It's an isolated but quiet and beautiful place. British Columbia, again: I spent another evening in Prince George in passing, visiting friend-of-a-friend Kirsten. Alberta, again: I went to Jasper, a very touristy mountain town. Now I often busk in places where it's not really allowed, but usually nobody will stop me for an hour or two (if at all). In Jasper the cops shut me down in ten minutes. The interesting thing is that I had been chatting with a passerby when the cops approached, and he became quite indignant on my behalf and started mouthing off to them. I strolled off as they were demanding his ID. So I got back on the bus and rode the Icefields Highway to Banff. It's another legendary drive: through the Rockies, with glaciers just sitting there beside the road, and mountain sheep fearlessly asserting their right of way. British Columbia, yet again: I spend four days altogether in the Vancouver area, where it never stops raining, and I didn't busk a note. I don't know why everybody wants to move to Vancouver. Fortunately the visiting there was good. I spent some time getting acquainted with my favourite brother Harold, who I don't see very often. I was reunited with Sonya who lived with me in Cape Breton, and met her new husband. And I stayed with Marg Jones, had Thanksgiving dinner with her and learned about her massage practice she's opening. I also spent a few days in Victoria. I met up with Katie's sister Annie one evening. In the hostel I met a Scottish girl travelling with a guitar and spent hours swapping songs (we sang Caledonia three times). And I went on a hostel field trip to see the salmon run. It was early in the season and I only saw a half dozen salmon, but it was extremely interesting to learn about the salmon life cycle. Washington: Having obtained some advice about the delicate art of border crossings, and having disposed of my subversive literature and baggie of corn starch, I crossed the border without a search - they seemed mostly interested in whether I was carrying any beef. (I had been a little paranoid about the border, as the last time I tried to cross by bus I was turned back.) First stop was in Everett with Bob and Judy, who are internet pen pals (from my favourite site, www.mudcat.org). I had a wonderful weekend singing and talking about music, and they invited their friends - including several people I've also met on the internet - over for a jam. Oregon: I went to Portland to see Jeanene, another Mudcat pen pal and the person I got a lot of advice and inspiration from when I was getting into the business of doing music at nursing homes. We went to her song circle and I got to know her friend Lee and did some good busking. I also went out one evening with Nathan from Mudcat. In fact most of the Americans I'm acquainted with are from Mudcat, not real life. Washington, again: I went to Seattle with Jeanene and attended one of her retirement home gigs, and played a little fiddle there. Seattle seems like a nice place to live - good busking, a good folk scene (I'm planning on going to a bluegrass jam this afternoon, then a song circle tonight). And I found a restaurant with a vegan Thai buffet (why would you ever stop eating?). Overview: This has been a great month for wildlife spotting. I saw a bald eagle on the ground, beaver swimming, flock of trumpeter swans, grouse, literally dozens of mountain sheep, deer, elk, and "free-range" horses, as well as a salmon spawning run. My other encounter with nature was helping to pull porcupine quills out of a dog's nose, but I'm trying to repress that. In other bad news, I lost my towel. This might not seem like a big deal, but those of you who have read "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" will understand the symbolic and emotional significance to travellers of keeping track of one's towel, and know that this is a bad omen. But there've only been two days where I hated everybody and everything and wanted to go home, and I figure that two days in two months is an acceptable percentage. And I'm very pleased that I've gotten into the rhythm of writing on the bus and have written six and a half songs on the road so far. I continue to collect stories to write about. So take care all, write to me, have a good fall, Marion |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Don Firth Date: 26 Oct 03 - 03:25 PM Hi, Marion, I posted a story on Mudcat a year or so ago told by one of the folks who passed through Seattle back in the early Sixties. I couldn't find it on the 'Cat or I would just link to it, but since I saved what I wrote on disk, I'll repost it here for your enlightenment and amusement. Back in the late Fifties and early Sixties, a number of folk singer types were doing what they considered to be the mandatory pilgrimage: picking up their guitars or banjos and hitch-hiking around the country. Sort of doing the "Woody-Wander" I guess you could call it. They seem to feel that it legitimized them as "folk singers" or "wandering minstrels." Anyway, when they hit Seattle, they'd usually make their way to the University District and mosey into a music store there called "The Folklore Center" and ask if there were any gigs in town. A few of them had some pretty good stories about their adventures "On the Road."Apparently dumb questions are the order of the day when you run into the authorities while on the road. Once when Walt Robertson was hitchhiking from Seattle back to Haverford, Pennsylvania a week or so before college started in the fall, he had rolled out his sleeping bag in a farmer's field somewhere. He woke in the middle of the night with two guys from the sheriff's department standing over him. He immediately recognized the glint on the barrel of the shotgun aimed between his eyes as he blinked in the light of the big flashlight in his face. The question? "What're ya doin'?" As sleepy, scared, and irritated as he was, he wisely resisted the temptation to give them a smart-ass answer. No problem, though. Once he satisfied them that he was just a college kid on his way back to school, they left him in peace. It's undoubtedly just as well to err on the side of caution and safety. You might miss a few good adventures, but better that than have an adventure that you'd a whole lot rather not have. Good travelin'! Don Firth |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Deckman Date: 26 Oct 03 - 05:59 PM Don ... What the heck was the name of that guy we knew from Europe that blew through town back in the early 60's? He spoke French, was an incredible entertainer, stole most of the wimmen we were interested in. I think I also remember that he was a car racer. He always reminded me of a male Scherazade (sp?). Ask him a question, he's start to tell you the story, and six weeks later, he was still living at your house! Hmmm? Just wondering. (I hope that Marion doesn't think I'm trying to cause her thread to creep). CHEERS, Bob |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Don Firth Date: 26 Oct 03 - 10:15 PM Wow! That sure dredged the old memory bucket!! If we're thinking of the same person, his name was Jean Galland. I just ran a google on the name and all I came up with was a French movie actor (1897-1967), obviously not the same guy. The guy we knew was French, he knew Rolf Cahn real well, and he also knew Lord Buckley. Must be the same person you're thinking of, because he was a real raconteur, and I'm pretty sure he did some race driving—sports cars. He could sit and regale you with stories all night long, and the beauty of it was that he was such a good story teller that you didn't even care whether the stories he was telling were true or not. I think most of them were, though. He wound up singing for several weeks at a fairly nice club downtown, a place that normally did jazz. He sang Irish, Scottish, English, and American songs with a slight French accent—not unlike Rolf Cahn singing the same stuff with a slight German accent. Often hung out at Guenter's Pastry Parlor. I remember several stories he told about Lord Buckley, but I don't want to hijack Marion's thread. (Sorry. We'll take this conversation out to the kitchen and let the singing continue here in the living room. . . .) Don Firth |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Deckman Date: 26 Oct 03 - 10:33 PM Don ... You are absolutly right, as usual. And actually, there is a reason that I posted this on "Maid Marion's" diary. She speaks to the obvious wisdom in traveling "smart" when you are alone on the road. I well remember that it was our perception, back in the late 50's, or whenever that Jean sailed through (French Algiers?), that a guy on the road had a much easyier time of it than a lady on the road. I suspect that, in this regard, things have not changed much in 45 years. Eh? Bob |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Sorcha Date: 26 Oct 03 - 11:33 PM Wow! Looks like Maid Marion will be here nest week or so!Wheeeee! (It will be a bit chilly for street busking here though....) We'll try..... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Frivolous Sal Date: 29 Oct 03 - 02:39 AM Shall we start a thread about traveling in the 60s? I'd sure like it. Marion, I was sorry the chocolate didn't get on the pie. Now, I am just sorry. I wandered my house all day looking for chocolate, alas. Where is the song about that? It would have to be written by a woman. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: katlaughing Date: 29 Oct 03 - 10:48 AM It'll be warm enough here, Sorcha, for her to get some busking in, I think! This is going to be so much fun. She's going to be on the community radio station here at 2pm, Friday 7 Nov for about ten minutes. Ya'll can tune in at www.kafmradio.org. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: GUEST,Big Mick at work Date: 29 Oct 03 - 12:42 PM Got to get back to work, but I had to jump in and see how our Marion is doing. Glad I did. This is a great log, from a great lady. I can't wait until I get to sit down with you again and see how it has changed your music from the last time we sang together. FYI, Amergin is the name of a Poet/Bard. His "Song of Amergin" is (I think, correct me if I am wrong, Mudcatters) the oldest extant written poem. His story of how the Gaels came to Ireland is where much of the lore begins. Fascinating stuff, Friend Marion. Keep the updates coming. All the best, and safe travels, Mick |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: katlaughing Date: 29 Oct 03 - 01:15 PM Well, drat, I just got off the phone with the radio guy and they are also having someone else live that afternoon, so he said it'd be about two songs' worth of time, so Marion, ya got any long ballads? I'm thinking him changing ten minutes to two songs could be a good thing.**bg** |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Deckman Date: 29 Oct 03 - 01:22 PM Kat ... I'm quite sure you'll enjoy your time with Marion. Bride Judy and I certainly did. One of the more memorable events was her sharing a song she wrote. very recently, based on some letters published from the slavery days. She wrote a very poweful song titled, "The Lily Of The South." I'm working on it now. Be sure and ask her to share it with you. CHEERS, Bob |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Marion Date: 29 Oct 03 - 03:45 PM Hello gang. I'm at Mary Garvey's house, by the ocean, and finding my way here was certainly worth it. She sang me an interesting original song about gathering oysters during the war blackouts, and this afternoon I'm heading off to the town in the song. I'm very much looking forward to meeting Sorcha and Katlaughing. Mick, I was listening to "Follow Me Down to Carlow" a couple of minutes ago. Mehitabel, I got your family letters - it's an embarrassment of riches - and have started reading. Great to hear from you Don and Bob, and Bob, I'll have to hear what you do with the song eventually. Love, Marion |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: mg Date: 29 Oct 03 - 04:11 PM ;hi. marion..if y6ou haven't left yet please email me the letters and I'll see if I can pop them into word and how long a document it is...also, Oysterville is an oyster town but the song was probably closer to South Bend area. mg |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Deckman Date: 29 Oct 03 - 04:23 PM Marion ... you might be lucky enough to be able to dig and cook and eat a "RAZOR CLAM." Unique to the area and simply delicious. Hi Mary! Bob |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Willie-O Date: 29 Oct 03 - 04:37 PM Ah the mystical charms of the Pacific Northwest. Where I spent my only winter ever not in Ontario (in Olympia). I'd be even more nostalgic if it hadn't been cold and raining for the past six or eight days here. It's like February in Oly. Still, I am glad to see you're having an excellent adventure Marion, and meeting all our western compadres...carry on. Bill |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Sorcha Date: 01 Nov 03 - 11:07 AM Marion is arriving here on Monday, 3 Nov. I'm sure she'll check in! Exciting stuff! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Sorcha Date: 01 Nov 03 - 03:10 PM (If I had MudCat company more often, my house would stay cleaner!) Sorch, cleaning like a madwoman |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Rex Date: 03 Nov 03 - 06:23 PM Sorry to be so late in jumping in. I was playing at an Irish pub near here on Saturday with scottish fiddler, Loretta Thompson and mandolin marvel Charlie Provenza. I just got a call from the owner of the place saying there's another scottish fiddler that will be there tonight. She couldn't recall the name so I mentioned Marion. Nope, but when is Marion coming around she wants to know? So, Marion, if there is a time this week or next week that you could come to the Conifer area. Karen of Sweet Fanny Adam's Irish Pub would like for you to drop in. They don't have much in the way of money but they have rooms to put you up in their resort. Fine eats and great hospitality. And plenty of Guinness and single malt. I would be happy to accompany on guitar, mandolin, fiddle, whatever. Please let me know. You can drop a line here, or PM me, or email me (timetravelmusic@yahoo.com) or call (sent by PM) This could be fun. Rex |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Sorcha Date: 03 Nov 03 - 11:50 PM We are having a great time! Played some music getting used to each other, cooked a (sort of vegetarian) dinner, but I added a venison roast which Marion didn't partake of. Walked over and played with Owen a bit, tomorrow night we are playing at the local nursing home. Rex we will get in touch with you. Think Marion is leaving Cheyenne on Sat. eve, 8 Nov. to go to kats house. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Marion Date: 04 Nov 03 - 10:55 AM Hello gang! I am here at Sorcha's house; got in yesterday and was very glad to see a bed after four nights on the highway. We have been jamming (I tried out the famous Maggie)and making plans, and I have played with her amazing upside-down fighting dogs and gone to visit cute grandson Owen. Before leaving Long Beach I went to see a cranberry harvest where Mary Garvey works, and listened to Gordon Bok sing some of her songs (I especially liked a Stan-Rogers-esque song about Newfoundland). Mary, the song I'm working on now is set in Nemah/South Bend so it'll be sisters with your oyster song. Katlaughing and Rex, I will PM you each shortly. I've done very little busking over the last week, though, as it's getting too cold and snowy. After I visit the Colorado contingent it'll be time to head for the real south. Love, Marion (Torrington, Wyoming) |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: mg Date: 04 Nov 03 - 12:10 PM cool...what is the song about????? mg |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Rex Date: 04 Nov 03 - 01:35 PM I should like to be up visiting Sorcha myself. I miss her fiddling. Do keep us posted on your whereabouts and plans. Rex |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Marion Date: 04 Nov 03 - 08:03 PM Mary, at the South Bend museum I picked up an article about Bertha Allison. She came to Washington from Missouri by herself when she was 18 to teach school at Nemah and South Bend. All: Cross-cultural information needed to get around America. I'm familiar with miles, and pounds, and feet, and the 60 minute hour, but I don't know anything about Fahrenheit temperatures (other than -40 and +451, of course). Can someone tell me how to do the conversion? Thanks, Marion |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Mudlark Date: 04 Nov 03 - 08:17 PM Hi Marion.. I think a quick, rough way of converting C to F is... Take cent. temp, double it and add 40 to get approx F temp. It will be within a few degrees. Hope that helps....have fun! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Amos Date: 04 Nov 03 - 09:15 PM F = C * 9/5 + 32 Regards, Amos |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: mg Date: 04 Nov 03 - 11:39 PM here is for a sunny day (ha ha) 90 will be pretty hot 80 will be nice 70...nice..long sleave maybe 60..getting brisk 50..brisker 40...chilly 30 cold 20 really cold..need good jacket 10..need mittens, muffs etc. on rainy day.. here in NW..probably won't be above 55...it will be probably between 40 and 55 and will be damp and chilly... mg |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Miken Date: 06 Nov 03 - 12:15 AM Marion, Thanks for keeping us posted. I look in here regularly. Mike |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: GUEST,Obie Date: 06 Nov 03 - 10:47 AM Marion, I'm surprised that you indicate that our American friends are still running on the 60 minute hour. The international dec-hour is so much more computer friendly! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Marion Date: 08 Nov 03 - 02:58 AM Thanks gang. I hope nobody followed Kat's link above to listen to the radio program - I decided to skip it, but it didn't occur to me to tell y'all so till this evening. Sorry for any inconvenience. I have had a pleasant time at Sorcha's (also known as Chaos Central - she has a very busy life chauffeuring and period-costuming the townsfolk), especially playing with the dogs and sitting in on two of her fiddle club's gigs. Tomorrow it's off to Colorado. Love, Marion |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: katlaughing Date: 08 Nov 03 - 05:13 PM Yea! Sunday morning music and a good visit! Marion, I know you probably won't see this, but I ran into a guitar picker at the bakery, today, and invited him over for tomorrow, too. Sounded pretty good and plays a slew of stuff, some might be more pop, but he's got the requisite gray ponytail, hat, etc. and is known around the Valley as "musicman." It's his only day off, but he said he'd call and might find some time to join in. We've got a couple of other sometime musicians coming, too, besides some of my family. Enjoy your ride over the Rockies! kat |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Sorcha Date: 08 Nov 03 - 11:22 PM And, she's OFF! Heading for Colorado this evening. I am home from the bus station safe and sound. All you Catters out there, remember, the door is always open here and the coffee is always on. Come on Down!!! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Rex Date: 09 Nov 03 - 02:33 PM So where in Colorado is Marion headed, West? middle? South? Marion? Sorcha? Kat? I have a gig for us at at coffeehouse in the Conifer area for Friday, the 21st. Can you make that one Marion? It's all set with a sound system and such. I need to hear back from you before I have them send out the ads and flyers. Rex |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: open mike Date: 09 Nov 03 - 03:05 PM conifer is on the front range: Serving the Colorado Front Range Communities of Conifer, Bailey, Pine, Pine Junction, Evergreen, and Morrison and the radio staion that Kat was mentioning is in Grand Junction. there's some hills between the two. (rocky mountains!) The Radio Room at KAFM, located at 1310 Ute Avenue in Grand Junction, is up and running. This intimate 75 seat smoke-free room is sure to become the premier spot for quality musical performances. There is not a bad seat in the house and everyone is close to the stage. We are proud to announce the following scheduled concerts which are all benefits for KAFM Community Radio. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Marion Date: 09 Nov 03 - 06:24 PM Rex, I have just sent you a PM with the long answer. The short answer is yes. I'm here at Kat's house of cats (balancing out all that dog energy from Wyoming, you know.) We've had a nice leisurely day chatting and trading songs with Kat's friends and relations, and debating whether Catspaw is a Yankee or a Southerner. Cheerio, Marion (Grand Junction, Colorado) |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: katlaughing Date: 09 Nov 03 - 07:09 PM This has been a wonderful day! Marion has a lovely voice, very sweet and I love her original songs! All of you cat lovers need to hear her parody of Cocaine Blues!! Your cats will thank her for it.:-) More later! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Rex Date: 09 Nov 03 - 11:51 PM It's good to hear that you've gotten to see Kat. I still have to get out to Grand Junction and see her new diggins. And you got it all wrong about Catspaw. He's a dyed-in-the-wool Buckeye. Same as me. I've just strayed a bit far from that "cradle of civilization", the lovely state of Ohio. To any catters in the area, here is where Marion and I will be playing the evening of the 19th: Aspen Perk Cyber Cafe Coffeehouse with high speed internet access. Couches, business and leisure meeting areas, kids play area. Live music every Saturday night. Computer and website consulting services also available. Address: 25797 Conifer Rd., Unit B-102 Conifer, Colorado 80433 Phone: 303-816-4339 Well that's what thet say about it. If you need maps and such, let me know. Rex |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: GUEST,Rex on the work 'puter Date: 10 Nov 03 - 08:15 AM Wheesh! Idiot! Belay that. We are playing on, now when is that? We are playing between 6 and 9. PM. On Friday, the 21st. Yes, that's right. Rex |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: open mike Date: 12 Nov 03 - 12:15 AM whew--a whirlwind tour... methinks our dear marion may have run into a big wind and been driven off course. got a call from Lost Angeles this morn and she is due in northern california in a few hours...not sure how going east from wyoming brings one around to Lat/long 39N/121W, but i will be interested in finding out... meanwhile, thanks for the hint, Sorcha, got some soy milk in the fridge to greet her! will send reports.,...and perhaps do a Pal talk session-- alert! be on the alert! will announce before hand so people can log on.. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: katlaughing Date: 12 Nov 03 - 10:51 AM Thanks, Laurel, I was just wondering where she'd got to! But, as far as I know she didn't go east. She went southwest from eastern Wyoming, to western Colorado. Last I knew, she was catching the bus from there (my "here") on Monday afternoon and wasn't sure where she was going, but probably south, i.e. warmer.:-) She had talked about New Mexico. I'd asked if she didn't mind backtracking and she said no...the bus pass gets her almost anywhere and she doesn't mind crisscrossing at all. What a great experience! Great fun! kat |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Rex Date: 12 Nov 03 - 01:02 PM Our Marion is sure skilled at touring. She must travel light. I will just check here now and then to find out where on earth she is. Rex |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: mg Date: 12 Nov 03 - 08:20 PM SHe travels well, but she doesn't travel light..I tried picking up her pack and couldn't lift it..not to mention the guitar and fiddle... mg |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Sorcha Date: 12 Nov 03 - 08:51 PM I carried guitar and fiddle--together, both weigh nothing. Both less than my own fiddle and MUCH less than a banjo and case....didn't try the backpack.... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: open mike Date: 13 Nov 03 - 03:23 PM The first day of Maid Marion's visit here was my day to drive the book mobile so i left her off at the library while I visited several small communities around the county and then we had a small jam session with my musical friend Bob before going to a delightful house concert given by another travellinig Canadian female musician Margaret Christl!! Marion opened the second set with some wonderful fiddle tunes and a good time was had by all! http://www.mgl.ca/~jhcole/mc/mcHome.html she has a recording on folk legacy, our own dear Sandy and Caroline's label: http://www.folklegacy.com/cd/cd62.htm Margaret Christl's concert was a wonderful way to welcome Maid Marion! Margaret is no longer associated with water bug music, but they have some audio files on their page; http://www.waterbug.com/christl_songs.html |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Marion Date: 15 Nov 03 - 05:04 PM Hello gang. Here I am on Open Mike's old hippie commune. I ended up in California by mistake (thought I was getting on a bus to Las Vegas, but landed in Los Angeles instead) and came up north to see OM before winter descends. It's been a great time here trading songs and having new experiences: salmon-watching, newt-catching, Paltalking, CD-recording, trench-digging, woodstove-using, and going in the back of the library just as if I was a real librarian. We have gone to one house concert and plan on another tonight, after having a sauna. Then later tonight it's back on the bus for a few more days of wandering, then to Denver to see Mudcatter Rex (if I can find it, that is. Maybe I'll end up in Dunsmuir or something.) Love, Marion (Concow, California) |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Sorcha Date: 15 Nov 03 - 05:11 PM Marion's picture was in the Torrington newspaper last week. After I get permission from her, I will e mail it to Pene... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: open mike Date: 15 Nov 03 - 08:41 PM Marion is a great embassador (ambassador?) for folk music. Marion is keeping us all connected as she weaves her way around gathering stories sharing songs and reminding us that life is goods and friends are essential!! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: mg Date: 15 Nov 03 - 10:32 PM Cool....and we haven't heard from our Italian friend lately...are you still planning a trip? mg |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: michaelr Date: 16 Nov 03 - 06:03 PM So Marion -- you won't be coming to the NorCal coast area then? Santa Rosa is only about 3 hours from open mike's place, and you're certainly welcome here. Cheers, Michael |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: open mike Date: 16 Nov 03 - 11:19 PM She hopped on the bus at midnight last night and was heading south to New mexico and Ariz. on the way to Colorado. She has this bus pass and is making good use of it..travelling by bus at night and spending time busking by day...or visiting with mudcats! Ahh, the gypsy life! No telling if she may be back in Calif or not.. maybe so....it was too rainy while she was here to be on the street. Plus I live quite far from the nearest streets. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Rex Date: 17 Nov 03 - 06:20 PM Marion, a sure fire way to find Denver is to start at Sacramento, (handy if you were going to pay the new governor a visit anyway) and head due east until the mountains give out. That's where Denver is. If you can't find your way to Conifer, just give me a holler, I'll come find you. I'm looking forward to seeing you. Rex |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: BlueJay Date: 18 Nov 03 - 03:43 AM Marion--You must have the patience of WalMart. From Sorcha's in Wyoming to Denver via California, by bus, is an indirect route, at minimum. I once travelled from Florida to Colorado by bus, and it took four whole days. Absolutely drove me nuts. It seemed like we stopped at every tree along the way. When you do get to Colorado, give us a yell, even if it's not in your original time frame. Looking forward to some good music, BlueJay |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: katlaughing Date: 19 Nov 03 - 05:08 PM Hi, Marion. I've been a bit busy with a new grandson in WY. I am sorry I forgot to leave a voice message about this week. I hope yu got my PM. Have fun! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Rex Date: 20 Nov 03 - 12:40 PM Hi all, Marion is here in Conifer. We've been having a fine time seeing the sights in the area and playing music. I do enjoy her singing and guitar playing but particularly enjoy her fiddling. She has a bow control that I wish I had. We're going to the high country today so she can see what it's like above timberline. That is, if the snow will allow it. We will also stop at the Sweet Fanny Adams Irish Pub out west of here and visit with my friends, Karen and Andy that built it. Tomorrow we play at the Aspen Perk coffehouse. Rex |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Marion Date: 20 Nov 03 - 01:00 PM Hello gang. After brief stops in Bakersfield, Flagstaff, and frigging cold Santa Fe, I got here to Conifer yesterday. This place has the highest beauty:oxygen ratio I've come across so far. I have been having a good time playing, cooking, and hiking with Rex and family, and it's surprisingly warm here (I guess because it's so close to the sun). No worries, Kat, I've seen your PM. Congratulations on the grandbaby. I will mail you the book. Michaelr, I'll be coming back to California, probably a number of times. However, it may be in phase two of my trip (Mardi Gras to end of May) that I go that far north again. BlueJay, that's a new expression to me - patience isn't the first word I associate with Walmart. Four days from Florida to California seems longer than it should be - or were you spending nights off the bus? I'm reasonably happy doing lots of bus travel. Sleeping on the bus saves me hostel fees, and I use the time to write songs, look at scenery, and listen to the other passengers (and more rarely, talk to them). Love, Marion |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Rex Date: 22 Nov 03 - 09:22 PM Whew! Well Marion is on her way south. We got to the top of Guanella Pass. It was cold and windy up there at 11,669 feet. We're a bit lower at the house, 9,600 ft. We got out to South Park so she could see that, went for a bit of a hike up by Kenosha Pass, and stopped for some music at Sweet Fanny Adams. I've got pictures from the pass and at the Irish pub. We did a show at the coffeehouse last night. The weather was great while she was here but it got cold last night. It got to snowing pretty good today. It took awhile getting her to Denver. We stopped at Tiny Town, and the Redrocks amphitheatre on the way. They have quite a visitor center now. It was cold and windy there. Then we stopped at Dinosaur Ridge as that and Green Mountain east of it are the first places that dinosaur bones were found in this part of the world. We got out in the cold wind and tracked down the bones. I left her at the Greyhound bus station in Denver. She says she is headed for El Paso. Man, she gets around. And is still planning to visit BlueJay for Thanksgiving. She should be on her way. I'm hoping so anyway. It took me quite awhile to get home as there were many accidents and traffic was stopped in places. I was surprised to find that we had a foot of snow when I got home. Elaine and I sure enjoyed her company and music. Thanks for coming to see us Marion and may the tour continue to go well. Rex |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: GUEST,michaelr Date: 22 Nov 03 - 09:58 PM Guess my cookie's gone again, hmmm... Well let me know if you're up this way, Marion, we'll busk a bit... Rex, is that the South Park of Comedy Central fame? Cheers, Michael |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Rex Date: 25 Nov 03 - 01:24 PM Yep Michael, I'm told that this area is the inspiration for that show. Can't say I've ever seen it. I've sent in a couple of photos to Pene from Marion's visit. I hope someone will put together an event page for her tour so pictures can be put there. And Marion, Springfield is about fifty miles straight south of Lamar in Southeast Colorado. Isn't there one in every state? Rex |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Willie-O Date: 28 Nov 03 - 08:49 AM OK, where the heck are you now, Marion? And check your PM's. Bill |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Marion Date: 29 Nov 03 - 01:03 PM Hello gang. Lots to update since last time! As Rex mentioned, we did some good touring, hiking, raven-watching, and dinosaur-hunting up in the hills, and he introduced me to some of his avocations like historical recreation, antique tools, and sabre play. The coffeehouse was an interesting experience. Playing a three hour gig, or quickly working up a three hour set with someone you just met may be old hat to Rex but it was new to me. Rex is indeed a national treasure; it's so handy to play with someone who can spontaneously provide accompaniment on a variety of instruments. So I went to Texas for a few uneventful days. I enjoyed seeing the cotton fields and cacti, continuing my observations of the different landscapes across the country. Then I came to La Veta, home of BlueJay, daughter Annie, and son-in-law David, and their kids, and here I spent my birthday and American Thanksgiving. BlueJay was quite correct in that a trip to La Veta was well worth it. And while lingering in the Pick Up the World world, I picked up the smallest Pick Up the World pickup in the world - they gave me the prototype for this new design for my fiddle. Also, under David's expert supervision I dissected my fiddle and worked over the finish with steel wool so now it looks much nicer, without that "Hello, I'm a brand new student fiddle!" look. Besides that, it was a very sweet time in the valley, cooking and eating and jamming with BlueJay's family and other friends. Oh yes, one other interesting thing I wanted to mention about La Veta. I crossed paths with a guitar called "Big Mo", a very large old Kaye. Big Mo is travelling around the country visiting and being signed by the good folks at 13th Fret, which is a website for acoustic guitar lovers, not entirely unlike Mudcat I thought. They're passing this guitar from person to person within the network, and I thought it pretty cool that we were in La Veta at the same time. So this afternoon I start meandering my way to LA to see an old roommate - then to San Francisco for a few days - then home for Christmas, I expect. I'm not expecting to see any more Mudcatters during this half of the trip, but you never know. Love, Marion |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: GUEST Date: 29 Nov 03 - 02:34 PM I'm not losing sleep or anything... ...but this really bugs me. Why is this thread in the BS section? Isn't this (kind of) thing just about the coolest, folkest kind of thing thing that this forum can and does do? Why should this be relgated to the cellar of kooky conspiracy theories, political rants, fart jokes and other such nonsense, when this should end up in the "Best Of Mudcat" column? 'scuse me but isn't "busking" (especially in this context) music? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Don Firth Date: 30 Nov 03 - 12:22 AM Hmm. . . . Gotta agree with GUEST just above. Don Firth |
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Subject: RE: BS: Marion's busking tour From: Rex Date: 02 Dec 03 - 11:53 AM First of all, I'm with you fellers. Marion's tour should be up in the main part of the forum. Not here with bad jokes and what the govermint is up to. I think what Marion is doing is the prime function of Mudcat. I'm happy to hear that Marion made it out of Colorado on that cold, snowy day and then got back to it to visit BlueJay. Mighty keen to have found "Big Moe", the travelling guitar. It was meant to be. A great big thankee to Pene for building a Marion's busking tour events page. I'll get another photo there right away. So, where in the world is Marion today? With her energy, she could be anywhere. Rex |
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Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour From: Marion Date: 02 Dec 03 - 02:05 PM Oh, how embarrassing. I forgot to mention BlueJay's lovely wife Tammy. I guess that's just a sign that I didn't see as much of her as I would have liked. Guest, you may be right - it's a close call in my mind. For what it's worth, it was me who labelled this thread BS from the beginning, it wasn't moved here by a clone. I suspected - correctly, I think - that this thread would be more of a social diary than talk about busking. I would put a thread that discussed how to busk profitably, or how to avoid hassles with authority, in the first section. But gossiping about my visits - fun as it is - doesn't have the mutual education angle that I associate with the music section. Rex, do you mean that you've heard of Big Mo before now? Events page, eh? I'll go take a look. Marion (Tucson, Arizona) |
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Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour From: John Hardly Date: 02 Dec 03 - 02:53 PM oops. I was the "guest". I failed to log on. Sorry, but thanks for moving the thread where it belongs!! I am watching it with GREAT interest, vicariously enjoying what I wish I'd done when I was young. |
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Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour From: Big Mick Date: 02 Dec 03 - 11:06 PM May I second John Hardly? Marion, my friend, I have fond memories of sitting around the table in Paul Mills backyard until the wee hours of the morning. You, Jed, Paul, Bev, Rick, Heather and I. I remember the little smile you got when you were playing something you really liked. So I know how much folks are enjoying your company, as I did. I have found myself, more than once, reading this thread and wishing I could drop everything and do this as well. Thanks for one of the most interesting threads. I look forward to reading about the rest of your adventures. All the best, Mick |
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Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour From: Stilly River Sage Date: 03 Dec 03 - 04:08 PM Well, shoot. I haven't been reading this thread, I didn't realize you were going to be in Texas. We even have a guest room (that hasn't always been the case). SRS |
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Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour From: GUEST,John Date: 03 Dec 03 - 07:54 PM Marion, Good on Ya. Wish I had the nerve to do your thing. Don Firth's story about the "COPS" reminds me of one of my experiences when I was a "cop". About 4 a.m one morning(25 years ago) while on patrol a car just ahead was me was driving slightly eratically . I pulled in the car and recognised the driver as one of Dublins best balladeers. I said, "O.K, into the patrol car, and bring that instrument with you for safe keeping". He sat in the back seat and was instructed to "Open the case". We had a brill session in the car for over an hour, by which time he was in perfect condition to drive his car to his home which was less than half a mile away. |
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Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour From: Sorcha Date: 03 Dec 03 - 08:30 PM See? There are still nice cops out there, just not very many! Good on ya, John!!! |
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Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour From: Mudlark Date: 04 Dec 03 - 01:28 AM Marion...just a reminder, tho you don't plan to do much socializing from here on in. I'm half way between LA and SF and have a spare room if you need it, if only for the night. I'm 10 mi. from Hwy 101, that main E-W coast highway...just let me know. |
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Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour From: open mike Date: 04 Dec 03 - 01:31 AM isn't 101 mainly N-S? |
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Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour From: Rex Date: 04 Dec 03 - 12:30 PM Nope, I hadn't heard about Big Moe until you told all of us. Your finding it was meant to be. Just as this whole tour has just come together. And ayep, you have an events page now thanks to Pene. Check it out! Rex |
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Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour From: Sorcha Date: 04 Dec 03 - 02:38 PM And what is this with Big Mo? Inquiring minds want to know...... |
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Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour From: Amos Date: 13 Dec 03 - 12:25 PM Hey!! New News!! Marion's on a Greyhound bus pulling in to San Diego at 830 tomorrow (Sunday). So we'll get to put her up and listen to that fiddle for a day. Hot damn!! I dunno if we'll be doing anything photogenic but I'll try to get a shot or two if we do, and send them to Pene. Regards, A |
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Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour From: Amos Date: 14 Dec 03 - 12:23 PM Huh!! She wasn't on the 830 bus or the 855 one either. The message number she gave me requires a PIN to access, but I don't have it. Anyone know how to reach her? Hope she rings in from a later bus or something. I seem to be out of options. A |
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Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour From: Amos Date: 14 Dec 03 - 12:33 PM I got the message number to work, so if she checks it we'll be back in communication that way. A |
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Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour From: Amos Date: 14 Dec 03 - 12:51 PM Hupla!! She's arrived -- the bus was just running very late is all. Off to the depot!! A |
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Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour From: Marion Date: 14 Dec 03 - 07:19 PM Hello gang. Not much time to chat, but just wanted to check in and confirm that I did the Los Angeles thing and did the San Francisco thing and am doing the San Diego thing (that is, swapping songs with Amos and Edain, and about to go visit their friends along with Amos' wife). I will fill in more details and answer those comments that invite answers when I get home - which is very soon. Love, Marion |
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Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour From: Amos Date: 15 Dec 03 - 01:46 AM Well, that gal has been plucking and singing and picking and bowing since about 10 o'clock this morning with hardly a break, We just spent a great evening at some friends' working up some joint versions of some old standards and enjoying the hell out of Marion's remarkable fiddle work and musical talents in general. She sure is one bright light!! And a heap of fun to play alongside of, too! She's now on the bus to Toronto, some three days away. Safe travel!! And thanks for coming by!! A |
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Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour From: open mike Date: 15 Dec 03 - 03:25 AM Happy trails to you, maid marian, and I hope your travels were a joy! I bet you gathered some stories for new songs! I love your music, and the creative way you find stories and thoughtfully put them to tunes that mesh with them is interesting ways! Keep it up and keep us posted! Looking forward to the time our paths cross again!! Laurel |
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Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour From: Marion Date: 29 Dec 03 - 02:29 AM Hello gang and happy Holy Innocents day. I am now home for Christmas and done travelling for a while. I expect to resume the tour in the middle of February for another four months. It's been a great time, and I'm looking forward to phase two, but happy to have a break too. I had quite a nice visit with Amos and his friends - we found that we had some good rapport in jamming together. And Edain taught me stuff about the English civil war (didn't even know there was one). After the long ride northeast I made a quick visit to Rick and Heather's, and heard a sample of the new CD. It's good to be busking for nice Canadian money again - American money is such a pain in the ass - but I was surprised to discover upon my return that we have a new prime minister. Didn't realize I was that out of touch with the news. Anyway, sorry it's been so long since I checked in, but I've been very busy. The sumbitches at Greyhound lost my backpack, so I've lost my diary and some writing projects and music learning notes. So I've been working on trying to reconstruct what I can from memory - besides Christmas shopping/celebrating/socializing, of course. Hi John Hardly. I guess you've got a lot of pull around here, eh? Mick, I remember that too. Let's do it again. Stilly River Sage, I'll be in Texas again. Among other things, I hope to be at the North Texas Irish Festival (in Dallas; Jed Marum's playing in it) the first weekend in March. What town are you in? Mudlark, I'll be in California again, lots of unfinished business there. I thought that I would look you up in the spring instead of this year for the reasons you mentioned a while ago. Sorcha, I said all that I know about Big Mo on November 29. If inquiring minds want more, you'd best ask BlueJay. Guest John, to be honest, I didn't like your story as much as Sorcha did. Busking may be a victimless crime, but drunk driving isn't (or am I misunderstanding you?). I would rather you had done the big favour for the other people on the road than for the singer. But thanks for your good wishes, hope to hear from you again. Open mike, XOXOX. Rex, I played the tape you made me of your mystery jig over the phone to my Cape Breton friend who knows tons of Scottish tunes, but he didn't recognize it. I'd still like to try the techno approach of putting it in abc and searching on the internet, but I lost the tape in my backpack. If you want to mail me another copy, I could still try working on that next year. Love, Marion (Perth, Ontario) |
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Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour From: open mike Date: 29 Dec 03 - 04:02 AM I hope your pack will find its way back to you. You were so close together for so long, hard to believe they could be so clumsy! If it was labelled they will be sure to locate it on a bus somewhere! The guest room has since been occupied by my nyckelharpa teacher who came here to perform a couple of concerts. It is snowing now, so "bright and crisp and even". You may have insipred a sense of adventure, as Leadfingers and I have been toying with the idea of a busking tour of sorts - you trend- setter, you! warm hugs to you and glad you made it home for the holidays..Laurel |
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Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour From: katlaughing Date: 29 Dec 03 - 09:26 AM Good to hear from you, Marion. I got the book back, thanks. I am really sorry to hear about your backpack. I HOPE they find it! kat |
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Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour From: Sandy Mc Lean Date: 29 Dec 03 - 09:06 PM Marion, Happy New Year from Cape Breton! When fiddlers here want information on a tune they usually call Cameron Music Sales in Port Hawkesbury and ask John Donald. (John Allen's Brother) He is very obliging and a walking encyclopea of Scottish and Cape Breton music. (902)625-5135 I hope that you get your stuff back! Slainte, Sandy |
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Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour From: Stilly River Sage Date: 29 Dec 03 - 09:23 PM Marion, I'm next door (about 40 miles west) in Fort Worth. I never go to Dallas unless I can help it, but this sounds like a very good reason for making an exception and heading over there. Maybe we'll see you in March! SRS |
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Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour From: Mudlark Date: 29 Dec 03 - 10:25 PM Hi Marion...Glad to hear I'm still in your itinerary and next year will be a lot more workable. It's taking me longer to come back from this operation than I'd originally expected. Enjoy your break...look forward to seeing you in the Spring. |
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Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour From: Rex Date: 31 Dec 03 - 03:11 PM Ouch! The diary. That's a bad loss. I do hope those Greyhound folks come through and get it back to you. I'll be happy to send you another tape of the mystery jig. Send me your address on a PM note. May all the 'catters have a fine new years. Rex |
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Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour From: Marion Date: 12 Jan 04 - 01:03 PM Hi gang. Yay, I finally got my stuff back from Greyhound. Rex, I called John Cameron (the guy Sandy McLean suggested) and he didn't recognize the tune - said he didn't think it was Scottish, for what it's worth. I have got the dots written down now, learning abc format's the next step. Laurel, that sounds cool. Just be sure to include Toronto in the tour... though not in the too immediate future. Stilly River Sage, I hope that works out for you to come to the festival too. Cheers, Marion (Greenwood, Nova Scotia) |
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Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour From: open mike Date: 12 Jan 04 - 03:53 PM Marion--glad you got your stuff returned,,,hope all is intact-pack, notebook, etc. Wonder where it went and if it has stories to tell of it's own trip?!@ keep warm and hope to see tales of your further adventures. |
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Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour From: Stilly River Sage Date: 12 Jan 04 - 04:35 PM Stay warm! Good news on the returned posessions. |
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Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour From: Big Mick Date: 12 Jan 04 - 04:43 PM I am greatly relieved. I was worried about the loss of your priceless trip log and notes. Great to hear, my friend. Mick |
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Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour From: Rex Date: 20 Jan 04 - 04:28 PM Whew! glad to hear you got your stuff back. Particularly the diary. How could that be replaced? Thankee for looking into that tune. I am most grateful for that. Rex |
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Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour From: Marion Date: 26 Feb 04 - 11:12 PM Springfield, Springfield, it's a hell of a town: Marion's Newsletter # 3 Dear friends: Hello and happy Lent. I'm sorry it's been such a long time since I wrote a newsletter; diary access problems, computer access problems, procrastination, laziness, you know how it is. I hope you are all doing OK and that you are less negligent about writing to me. The exciting news is that I finally made it to a Springfield; two of them really. I spent part of a day in Springfield, Oregon, which is really part of Eugene. Then later I was driven through Springfield, Colorado while I was asleep. But that counts. The other exciting news is that, after rereading Steinbeck's "Travels with Charlie", I have found good names for my instruments. The fiddle is Rocinante, after Don Quixote's horse and Steinbeck's truck. The bad guitar is Charlie, after Steinbeck's dog. I am still, however, without a name for the good guitar that had to stay home. Perhaps Cinderella? As most of you know, I have had significant changes to my travel plans. I've divided the trip into two parts, returning to Canada for a two-month break in the middle to just let the killer bees come to me instead. Tomorrow I set out on part two: another two months in the US, then two months in Canada. So we last left our hero in Seattle. From there I went to Long Beach, Washington, to see Mary, where I spent some time in the local small towns and on the beach, and toured a cranberry experimental farm. Next, I made brief busking trips to Eugene, Oregon, and Spokane, Washington. I spent a day riding the bus aimlessly around Montana, and saw a sign on a church saying "Polka Mass 10:00am." Then I went to Torrington (in remarkably underpopulated Wyoming) to visit Mary and family, including a very new grandson. I played at a couple of events with Mary's old-time fiddle association, and also tried some indoor busking at a coffeehouse, which was OK but not as much fun as the street. From there I went to Colorado, where I spent a day with Kat, who invited friends and family over for some fun song sharing. From there I got on a bus thinking I would arrive in Las Vegas in the morning, but it turned out to be around midnight. I wasn't about to go wandering around Vegas in the middle of the night, so I stayed on the bus, getting to Los Angeles in the morning. I wasn't about to go wandering around LA in the middle of the day, so I made some calls and Laurel invited me to come up to the Chico area on short notice. I loved having my own little cabin on her hippie commune, and she took me to some house concerts and to another salmon run viewing spot. From there I headed east again with some busking stops - Flagstaff, Arizona is a fine town - then went to Conifer, near Denver, Colorado, to visit Rex and his family. We went for a mountain drive up above the treeline, but I could also really feel the effects of elevation where their house was when I walked in the woods or climbed the stairs. Rex had booked a coffeehouse gig for us and we worked up a three hour set of folkie songs, which was fun and a learning experience for me. He also took me dinosaur hunting; we didn't see any live ones, but we found some bones and footprints. I went down to Texas for a few days of bussing and busking - El Paso is my favourite American busking town so far. I have a habit of trying to identify the crops that I see along the road - who says I'm not using my degree in agriculture? - but there was a new one in Texas that stumped me for a while: the plants had these strange white blobs on them. But it did finally occur to me that I was in what's known as the land of cotton. Next stop was La Veta, Colorado, to see Jay and his family, where I spent my birthday and American Thanksgiving (which is locally known as "Thanksgiving"). These charming people outfitted Rocinante with the smallest Pick Up the World pickup in the world (they are the CEOs of the world-famous Pick Up the World pickup world). You should all go buy one of these; if you don't have an instrument, they can also be used to amplify typewriters, pool tables, you name it. Then westward ho again. In Tucson, Arizona, I attempted to use a public library and was not allowed in because I had Charlie with me. Why?, I asked. Heightened security, they said. Rocinante was OK - the 28 pound hiking pack was OK - but no guitars. Whoever can best explain this to me will be congratulated in the next newsletter and awarded with some sort of prize. Next I went to Los Angeles - on purpose, believe it or not - to see Jill and Joel. It was great to see them and hear their choir concert, but except for a stroll on the beach, I felt out of place in LA - everywhere I went seemed either too good for me or too bad for me. Also, I got the flu and ended up spending a long time there with Jill looking after me and making me fresh ginger tea. I left Charlie there to be picked up again in the spring. I have long had a theory that all towns and cities are really identical to each other and the fact that we like some more than others is simply a function of weather, level of personal health, and the first few people we happen to meet. However, as soon as I arrived in San Francisco - in the dark, in the rain, still kind of sick, and to a hostel bed where the last occupant had thoughtfully left me a bottle of codeine - I loved the place. So the new theory is that all places are identical, but we like them or not according to whether we expect to like them or not based on their reputations. That would account for my aversion to Los Angeles too. Last stop was San Diego to see Amos, as well as his wife and friends and another Mudcat girl from England. It was a short visit but of very high quality. From there (ironically, the farthest possible point from Toronto in the US - excluding the freak states) I got on the bus back to Toronto. As you may have gathered, I have abandoned all pretense of a linear progression through the country. I have a new philosophy of travel which is based on combining bus schedules, climate predictions, and circadian rhythmns. The result is that an itinerary that seems somewhat counterintuitive (Colorado to California to Colorado to Texas to Colorado to California to Canada...) really does make a kind of sense. Since then... I briefly saw Katie, Shawn, Rick, and Heather while passing through Toronto. I went to Perth for Christmas (about two weeks before my backpack deigned to make an appearance) with parents and sisters etc., saw Angela, then went to spend a month and a half helping my sister in Nova Scotia look after her kids, where my education about dinosaurs continued. So them's the highlights... I'll write sooner next time. Off to the south I go. Love, Marion |
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Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour From: Marion Date: 26 Feb 04 - 11:28 PM Continued here: Marion's other busking tour |
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Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour From: Sorcha Date: 26 Jan 07 - 08:10 AM Refresh |
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Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour From: Stilly River Sage Date: 26 Jan 07 - 09:58 AM I saw a note from Marion on another thread that says she's close to completing a course in nursing to become an RN. Congratulations! I hope she'll use one of her infrequent visits here to fill us in on her work. And will music be incorporated in any way? Or once school is concluded, will music move to a front burner again? I hope so! Marion--my son Dylan is now learning the classical guitar--he started lessons a few months ago. He's not the giddy little boy giving an astonished smile at the violin bow drawn across the strings. Now, at almost 15, he's a long haired youth hunched over his guitar, going back and forth between classical exercises and picking out heavy metal tunes. :) SRS |
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Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour From: Don Firth Date: 26 Jan 07 - 03:19 PM What Dylan is up to just tickles me pink, Maggie! Don Firth |
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Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour From: Willie-O Date: 27 Jan 07 - 09:48 AM Marion's still in nursing school, musically is concentrating on writing songs, not performing much at the moment. I see her once in awhile when she catches a ride on my Perth-Toronto-Perth delivery run. Bill |
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Subject: RE: Marion's busking tour From: Stilly River Sage Date: 27 Jan 07 - 11:04 AM Well if she doesn't come back to this thread, Willie-O, tell her that we're very proud of what she's accomplishing. She was between jobs and careers when she did her busking tour, but she is working towards the best of all worlds--giving through her music and giving through her nursing care. She will intimately touch a lot of heads and hearts. I can imagine her humming to herself as she makes her nursing rounds, patients in their rooms stirring and smiling in their sleep, or straining to hear as much of the tune as possible. SRS |
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