Hoot Etiquette

Subject: BS: Hoot Etiquette
From: Deckman
Date: 01 Sep 03 - 10:34 PM

During last night's hoot, I observed that there really is a strict set of "rules" that prevail. I became so fascinated with the dynamics of the evening that I thought it would be educational to note some of these rules. This is NOT a complete list:

#1 ... You never pick up another person's guitar without asking permission. The same is true for his woman.

#2 ... If the song just sung was one that you REALLY wanted to sing first, you do not criticize his performance. You can, however, talk loudly through his next song.

#3 ... It is considered bad form to sing 19 songs in a row. However, it seems to be acceptable to sing 14 consecutive songs, unless there are other people in the room.

#4 ... If you are wearing the "Tune It Or Die" tee shirt, your guitar had better be in tune all night.

#5 ...If you insist on playing your plectrom banjo along with every song that is sung, you WILL be relegated to the accordian room. Remember - while it's true that accordians burn longer than banjos, it is also true that banjos DO burn.

#6 ... When children are still present, thirty eight verses of "Roll Your Leg Over The Man In The Moon" is NOT considered appropriate.

#7 ... When the cops come, the second time, it is not smart to sing "Go Down You Murders" at the top of your lungs.

Now Mudcatters, I'm sure that I missed a few of the "rules." So feel free to add to this all imortant list. CHEERS, Bob(deckman)Nelson

Subject: RE: BS: Hoot Etiquette
From: mg
Date: 01 Sep 03 - 10:37 PM

take out your blue book and say turn to page 73 and wait until everyone has found page 73 and then wait some more.....

mg

Subject: RE: BS: Hoot Etiquette
From: Deckman
Date: 01 Sep 03 - 10:40 PM

Good grief Mary, that only took you three minutes! Bob

Subject: RE: BS: Hoot Etiquette
From: Rapparee
Date: 01 Sep 03 - 10:40 PM

Well, let's see:

8. Don't force Republican's to join in "Cops of the World" until you get them drunk first.

9. When children are present and you sing "I'm a little teapot," be careful about what you point out is your "spout."

10. Beer is always in order.

Subject: RE: BS: Hoot Etiquette
From: Deckman
Date: 01 Sep 03 - 11:09 PM

#11 ... If at the end of a long and fatiguing hoot, you find that you cannot make your banjo fit into the accordian case, you may not, I repeat you MAY NOT invite the accordian player into the street to duke it out! Bob

Subject: RE: BS: Hoot Etiquette
From: GUEST,Claymore
Date: 01 Sep 03 - 11:12 PM

Call a tune that someone solo's on just as they leave the room to drain the lizard...

Use a bluegrass up-beat on your mando... during a jig.

And my personal implacable virulent malevolence goes to the bottom-feeding parlor quitar player who, when he realizes he can't keep up with the rhythm, plays the damned thing LOUDER.

Subject: RE: BS: Hoot Etiquette
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Sep 03 - 11:17 PM

You can try to send the children to bed at what seems an appropriate time so you can start singing the "good" songs, but they WILL sit at the top of the stairs and listen to all of the singing late into the night!

Subject: RE: BS: Hoot Etiquette
From: The O'Meara
Date: 01 Sep 03 - 11:28 PM

Too true. I didn't find out for many years that my kids knew all the words to "Charlotte the Harlot" when they were 10.

O'Meara

Subject: RE: BS: Hoot Etiquette
From: GUEST,pdq
Date: 02 Sep 03 - 12:45 AM

I can sing "Cops of the World "after only one beer. It takes no coaxing at all to launch into "Love Me, I'm a Liberal", including the live intro "...one of the shadiest is the Liberal."

Subject: RE: BS: Hoot Etiquette
From: Deckman
Date: 02 Sep 03 - 06:08 AM

#12 ... While the sweetness of the thought is appreciated by everyone, at the conclusion of a particuliar romantic ballad, and you feel it necessary to charge across the room and give your lady a passionate kiss, make sure it is YOUR wife you are kissing. CHEERS, Bob

Subject: RE: BS: Hoot Etiquette
From: Rapparee
Date: 02 Sep 03 - 08:59 AM

13. If you can't get your instrument to fit into its case at the end of the evening, make sure that it's the proper case. Or that it's your instrument. Jumping and stamping on the instrument to make it fit isn't a Good Idea.

Subject: RE: BS: Hoot Etiquette
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 02 Sep 03 - 09:01 AM

#6b - if you *should* sing 'roll you Leg Over' - don't let the children sing verses - as they will embarass the adults.

Subject: RE: BS: Hoot Etiquette
From: Midchuck
Date: 02 Sep 03 - 09:44 AM

Too true. I didn't find out for many years that my kids knew all the words to "Charlotte the Harlot" when they were 10.

In the fall of her freshman year at college, my daughter was invited to a Rugby team dinner. They warned her that some off-color songs might be sung, and she shouldn't go if she was easily shocked.

She said she was shocked, by how many verses they left out, or had the lyrics to wrong. She said she spent all evening correcting them.

Peter.

Subject: RE: BS: Hoot Etiquette
From: Bill D
Date: 02 Sep 03 - 09:58 AM

14.

Subject: RE: BS: Hoot Etiquette
From: Bill D
Date: 02 Sep 03 - 10:08 AM

I did NOT hit 'submit! I didn't!

14. If the dead air at the end of a song exceeds 2.4 seconds, you may start another one, even if you recently sang 14 in a row...(If you have ever made a record or CD, you may decrease this to 1.6 seconds).

15. #14 does not apply if someone has a fascinating bit of 'historical' background to the song just sung.

15a. If this is the 27th time you have heard this fascinating bit of historical background, it is permissable to throw copies of that bluse book at them.

Subject: RE: BS: Hoot Etiquette
From: Amos
Date: 02 Sep 03 - 10:44 AM

Bill,

The tab key will activate the Submit button, in my experience.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Hoot Etiquette
From: Bill D
Date: 02 Sep 03 - 10:54 AM

hmmm...well, a bad, two-finger typist might have hit almost anything...

Subject: RE: BS: Hoot Etiquette
From: Don Firth
Date: 02 Sep 03 - 05:20 PM

16. When an older singer who's been at it for many years and can play the guitar quite well for themselves, thank you very much, sets his or her instrument aside and begins to sing a Child ballad or any other song a capella, anyone who begins to accompany this singer with any instrument whatsoever shall have a wire cutter applied to his or her strings and will receive at least one dope-slap from everyone else who is present.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: BS: Hoot Etiquette
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 02 Sep 03 - 05:27 PM

Don Firth: Hear, hear!!!!

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: BS: Hoot Etiquette
From: Deckman
Date: 02 Sep 03 - 05:38 PM

Don ... I think that started to happen to you Saturday night! Bob

Subject: RE: BS: Hoot Etiquette
From: Deckman
Date: 02 Sep 03 - 05:57 PM

It shall be permissable to hide the instrument of the most offensive player at the hoot. This is best done while he is out of the room. Bob

Subject: RE: BS: Hoot Etiquette
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 02 Sep 03 - 06:14 PM

Understand from the git-go that if you have an opinion on this......

YOU'VE ALREADY LOST!!

because:

If you ask someone to get in tune, you get accused (behind yer back) of wanting people to be "PROFESSIONAL" (a very dirty word)

If you ask the really bad musicians NOT to play along, you get accused (behind your back) of being a snob (or twenty other similar words)

If you just go along with the standard flow, you start believing the old addage "Pete Seeger taught the world to sing....and should never be forgiven for it"!

If ya really wanna have fun playing, invite yer friends who are total blinkered folk nurds who follow the etiquette. Ya don't have to socialize with them!!! Ha ha!

Cheers

Rick

Subject: RE: BS: Hoot Etiquette
From: Deckman
Date: 02 Sep 03 - 06:36 PM

This theme of hoot etiquette brings up another huge question: Who enforces the rules? One would assume that the person hosting the hoot is also the "bouncer." However, it's been my experience that this doesn't always work. I've been "burned" at many gatherings over the years where it would appear to be perfectly legimate for the hoot hoster to simply take an offending particpant out in the back yard and educate him. That sometimes happens, but not always. Any thoughts? CHEERS, Bob (nice to hear from you Rick)

Subject: RE: BS: Hoot Etiquette
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Sep 03 - 09:45 PM

We employ a bean-eater to act as disciplinarian at our hoots. Proper hosters' hootiquette is to catch the eye of the designated discreet disciplinarian and nod him/her over to stand next to the ignoramus for a couple of tunes, till the-afore-mentioned ignoramus is motivated to case the instrument and go out for fresh air. On occasion the d.d.d. cannot attend so I have to do the job myself.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Hoot Etiquette
From: Deckman
Date: 02 Sep 03 - 10:21 PM

"S" ... too funny!

On many occasions I have been assigned the duty. I well remember one fellow, a nice guy really, but he just had to play his out of tune and loud 12 string with everyone! I mean, with EVERYONE. After subtle hints and suggestions didn't work, I took him into the kitchen and tried to explain, gently, that his constant twanging away was getting on everyone's nerves. It was like talking to a brick wall. When we returned to the living room, within two songs, he was banging away again.

This time, I just walked over, took his guitar from his hands and said, "follow me." We walked into the bathroom, I shut the door, and told him, you're gonna do one of two things: "Put your guitar down for an hour or I'm going to lock you in here and you can play with yourself!"

He appologised and joined the hoot again, and was fine after that. Some guys are just slow learners! Bob

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Sep 03 - 11:06 PM

Most people I know would have made the other choice!

~Susan

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 03 Sep 03 - 12:29 PM

Bob, just remember that GOOD leaders are often insensitive bastards. Apparently the bands of Benny Goodman, Buddy Rich, Lawrence Welk and Tommy Dorsey (not to mention Guy Lombardo (!!)) were all very wary of incuring their leader's wrath......but they were all successful organizations that went on for years. Fletcher Henderson, Bunny Berrigan and Rick Fielding wre all enthusiastic but hated to discipline band members.......so consequently had high turnovers and (in my case) ended up playing solo most of the time. I'd have made an AWFUL ship's Captain!

Sometimes I dream about reaching the Pearly Gates and hearing St Peter say: Welcome Rick, yer just in time for the song circle........we're all just here to have FUN! Guess I'm just paranoid!

Cheers

Rick

Rick

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Sep 03 - 02:16 PM

In case you've never heard it, here's a good example of POST-hootiquette as Rick referenced above. Perhaps it has a preventive effect for the next hoot; I dunno how long its effects would last though.

The Buddy Rich Tirades

~S~

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: Rapparee
Date: 03 Sep 03 - 02:23 PM

Above the line! Wow! This has musical interest and everything!

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: Midchuck
Date: 03 Sep 03 - 02:24 PM

Bob, just remember that GOOD leaders are often insensitive bastards. Apparently the bands of Benny Goodman, Buddy Rich, Lawrence Welk and Tommy Dorsey (not to mention Guy Lombardo (!!)) were all very wary of incuring their leader's wrath......but they were all successful organizations that went on for years.

Not to mention Mr. Bill Monroe hisself, to put it a little closer to home....or so I'm told...

Peter

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 03 Sep 03 - 02:39 PM

AHA! Now I know why I kept getting 'accidentally' hit with that two-by-four while I was at WYSIWYGS! *grin*

(Kidding - of course - She and Hardi are excellent hosts)

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Sep 03 - 03:14 PM

(He's just trying to hide his identity as ddd!)

We handle all these problems by working almost exclusively with people with no manners, and declare it an all-play jam. Not a song circle, song swap, or singaround.... a learners' lab.

~S~

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: Deckman
Date: 03 Sep 03 - 04:10 PM

You know Rick, a few postings back you really hit the key to a good hoot ... be careful who you invite.

There's hoots and then there's hoots. Last Sunday we had a very successful gathering. It started with an afternoon BBQ and potluck. By midafternoon the tables were groaning from the weight of the gifties. The yard was full of familes, children and happy people. As the evening approached, some more 'serious' folkies arrived and we moved into the woodshop. As the sun went down, I lit the pot bellyed woodstove, the jug of wine came out, and the serious music started. I once counted 27 souls sitting on chairs, stools, work benches, and saw horses. Some folks noticed that there were a few photos of past participants sitting on the workbench.One song led to another. Solos, duets, group songs, some poetry. We even had one little darling seven year old perform her very first violin solo ... Oh, it was swell! At one point, I stepped back into the shadows and just looked at the scene.

I'm 66 years young, and I've been enjoying and participating in these kinds of gathering since I was thirteen. I swear, there is nothing in the world MORE WONDERFUL than being in a roomful of people who want to sing, share their music, and enjoy yours. And it's all free! CHEERS, Bob(deckman)Nelson

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: curmudgeon
Date: 03 Sep 03 - 04:15 PM

That sounds really wonderful, Bob; very much like our gatherings here in NH and Maine. Do you have any pictures to send to Jeff? Twould be great to see some scenes of such an experience -- Tom

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: Deckman
Date: 03 Sep 03 - 04:26 PM

Funny you mention that! Tommorow morning a good friend is coming by to show me his pictures he took at the hoot. They are all digital, even though I am not. I'll work with Don regarding the pictures. We've been thinking that it's about time that we post our mugs and bio's. Bob

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: curmudgeon
Date: 03 Sep 03 - 04:27 PM

Let us know when the pics are up. Thanks -- Tom

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: Amos
Date: 03 Sep 03 - 04:57 PM

Aww, Bob, ya make me mad I missed it!! Sounds so fine!


A

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: Frivolous Sal
Date: 04 Sep 03 - 03:46 AM

Here are a few photos, unretouched. I took them when I sat and aimed at the musicians, so they don't include the whole show, or my side of the circle.
http://www.hpphoto.com/servlet/com.hp.HPAlbumPictcom=us&awp=albumshow.html&album_id=2911316

I don't know much about HP. Please tell me if there is a problem, and I will use another site. If you don't get there, be sure you have used the whole address.
I put some photos of the same suspects at a concert on my personal site, intending to share the news when the other roll was developed. I learned at the hoot that they had searched them out already. Those magic spiders are amazing!

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: Frivolous Sal
Date: 04 Sep 03 - 03:58 AM

Oopsie. I had HP mail the address to me. They sent a different one.

http://www.hpphoto.com/servlet/com.hp.HPGuestLogin?username=tomsons&password=87798511

This might get you there.

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: Deckman
Date: 04 Sep 03 - 05:37 AM

Hi Kid,

Hey, they are there. The outside shots are O.K., but the shop shots are pretty dark. It was sure nice to see you and yours Sunday. Which reminds me of yet another piece of shop etiquette:

It shall be the duty of the host to provide large travel cups of steaming hot coffee for those who drive over one hundred miles! CHEERS, Bob

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Sep 03 - 09:14 AM

Coffee??????? Dinner. Our MudGather weekends start with two crockpots, one meat and one veg.

~S~

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: Deckman
Date: 04 Sep 03 - 02:41 PM

Of course ... coffee and dinner! Why some of the best singers we know only eat at hoots! And in our case, it's often a long time between hoots! Bob

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: Don Firth
Date: 04 Sep 03 - 03:03 PM

Hey, what's the secret? I got to the HP photo home page, but they asked me to log in and give a password. Whadoeyedonow?

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Sep 03 - 03:13 PM

use this address:

http://www.hpphoto.com/servlet/com.hp.HPGuestLogin?username=tomsons&password=87798511

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: Don Firth
Date: 04 Sep 03 - 03:33 PM

Still not getting it. I got the thumbnails, but everything I click on at that point takes me back to the HP home page. Maybe I'm not holding my mouth right?

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: Amos
Date: 04 Sep 03 - 03:47 PM

This link worked for me all right...looks like a fine old time was had by all and a good rough blocking practice session for the ultimate performance at the Mudcat Old Timers' Rest and Beat Home. :>)

A

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: Deckman
Date: 04 Sep 03 - 04:12 PM

Interesting pictures, eh Don? By the way, Judy found yet another dead singer under our bed this morning. I wondered what the smell was! Bob

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: Frivolous Sal
Date: 04 Sep 03 - 04:31 PM

Don, you hit view to get a larger size, but they are still pretty small. I can send you any requested original. The dark ones can be made viewable, but I didn't do it at 2 AM. The poor camera was having problems with the evening sun streaming in the door.
Since no one bribed me enough to surpress it, here are the concert images.
http://web3.foxinternet.net/tomsons/folklife_2003.htm

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: Don Firth
Date: 04 Sep 03 - 06:33 PM

Beautiful! Got 'em!

On the Windows Picture and Fax Viewer thingy (came with recently installed Windows XP) I can blow them up larger, but I start losing detail. I've also got Photoshop Elements installed, and although I don't really have a clue yet on how to fly the program, I'll try to mess a bit with the dark, inside shots. Sometimes it's possible to lighten a photo up and bring out more detail. I'll see what I can do and letcha know.

Have they identified the body yet, or is it too far gone?

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Sep 03 - 07:17 PM

Well, Bob, I have to admit that IS a feature we do not include, even tho we do have a priest on hand for last rites, plantings, etc. Temp storage of cadavers, no. People have to pack out what they bring in, sorry asses and all.

~S~

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: Deckman
Date: 04 Sep 03 - 07:52 PM

Susan, obviously you provide more complete services than do Bride Judy and I. Until this last gathering I had never thought of having a priest on hand.

And Don, Yes I think I know who it is (was). But's it's not important, he was a chanty singer! CHEERS, Bob

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: Don Firth
Date: 04 Sep 03 - 08:44 PM

Oh. Him.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: Deckman
Date: 04 Sep 03 - 09:00 PM

Don ... I certainly hope that our mudcatter friends are only teasing! Gawd help us if we started a range war over something so unimportant as singing! CHEERS, Bob

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Sep 03 - 10:34 PM

Well, Don, you see, he came with the house... we disguise him as well as possible with a banjo, and make him play blues on it. Parishioners say, "that's different," but the other folks don't suspect.... yet.

~S~

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 04 Sep 03 - 10:58 PM

Bob and Don, you guys look good! Handsome as ever!

Maggie

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: Deckman
Date: 04 Sep 03 - 11:17 PM

Hi Maggie ... Well, all I can say is the obvious ... Texas must have dimminshed your perceptions! Thanks. Bob

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: Deckman
Date: 04 Sep 03 - 11:20 PM

Back to the theme of "Hoot Etiquette":

It is no longer permissable to sic "MOOSE" on the first five cops that arrive. At his age of 71, it still requires more than five to make it a fair fight! Bob

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: old moose
Date: 05 Sep 03 - 04:17 AM

I don't know how I could be so misunderstood. that was a feller named Giddings at the shindy on the houseboat on Lake union. I wasn't there. I was drinking that night at Herb's Northlake and the little fracas that arose had nothin to do with folk singin. There was somethin about a red headed woman in it. The only thing I ever raise at a hoot is my voice in what I call song and repeated calls for coffee. Oh, I may have called once or twice for beer and wine, but that was a while ago and forty years are forty years. Ah, but I was young then, young and male pattern stupid. You were so intent and focused that you were never young, while I am still young and still don't kow what I'll be when I grow up.
The rule I regard as very important is that it's rude to try to sing with your mouthful. It's perfectly acceptable to search the ceiling for words that seem to have gone walk-about, and I hold that rule not worth a fig that says that people who cannot sing well should shut up!

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Sep 03 - 10:56 AM

If you expect someone else to tune yor instrument for you, it is incumbent upon you to find out, in advance, what personal service will be appreciated in exchange.

It shall not be permissable for any individual to ask for tuning assistance more than 12 times in any calendar year.

Tuning by use of electronic tuners shall suspended when an autoharp (or hammered dulcimer or folk harp) is present. In case of any questions, votes for how to tune are by the number of strings on the instrument-- 1 string = 1 vote. Pipers and other non-stringed-instrument-players shall abide by the majority of votes cast.

All rules are suspended when children who are playing instruments are present, except the rules about breaking instruments, which rules are so severe and lengthy I hesitate to publicize them; also, as such rules differ from state to state, enforcement should be left to local discretion.

It shall be cause for permanent exclusion from future hoots to continue playing a song or tune once any priest present has administrered last rites to said song or tune, having furst declared it a dead horse not to be beaten further. Participants are herby forewarned that "Sweet Betsy From Pike" has been declared dead and buried numerous times already, by virtue of its number of verses, as have been "Kumbaya", "DeColores," and "Amazing Grace," for obvious reasons. "Star of the County Down" also has been cremated, following fistfights breaking out over matters involvng the time signature.

~S~

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: Midchuck
Date: 05 Sep 03 - 12:25 PM

If you expect someone else to tune your instrument for you, it is incumbent upon you to find out, in advance, what personal service will be appreciated in exchange.

Ha HA! HAWWWHH!

Tuning by use of electronic tuners shall suspended when an autoharp (or hammered dulcimer or folk harp) is present.

In heaven's name, why? In these times, when everyone has an electronic tuner, can't a person who hauls around an autoharp, hammered dulcimer (bashed mandolin?), etc. that isn't in standard (A=440) tuning be dismissed from serious consideration as an utter antisocial dork?

All rules are suspended when children who are playing instruments are present, except the rules about breaking instruments, which rules are so severe and lengthy I hesitate to publicize them; also, as such rules differ from state to state, enforcement should be left to local discretion.

In the case of children breaking instruments (not their own) the rules against pistol-whipping other peoples' children are also suspended.

...."Sweet Betsy From Pike" has been declared dead and buried numerous times already, by virtue of its number of verses, as have been "Kumbaya", "DeColores," and "Amazing Grace," for obvious reasons. "Star of the County Down" also has been cremated...

Aren't we forgetting the most important...?

"I was standing by my window, on a cold and cloudy day,
When I saw the hearse come rolling..."

BLAM! BLAM! ARRGHGH!

"OK, boys, bring that hearse around back, here...."

Peter.

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: Frivolous Sal
Date: 05 Sep 03 - 12:41 PM

Bob's recent hoot resulted in a disagreement over the rules between Spouse and myself. If a well-known (albeit local)recording artist is present who has recorded and often sings a particular song, is there a rule about singing that number first? I think there is, if the group all know each other. Spouse thinks not.
No one did it intentionally - this is just a question.

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: Sorcha
Date: 05 Sep 03 - 12:50 PM

I would agree with you, mehit.

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: Amos
Date: 05 Sep 03 - 01:01 PM

Tacit consent shows up in the darndest places, doesn't it??

A

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: Deckman
Date: 05 Sep 03 - 01:39 PM

Hey Mehit ... First come first served! Bob

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Sep 03 - 02:58 PM

... can't a person who hauls around an autoharp, hammered dulcimer (bashed mandolin?), etc. that isn't in standard (A=440) tuning be dismissed from serious consideration as an utter antisocial dork?...

Well, not if she's the hostesss. :~)

~S~

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: Midchuck
Date: 05 Sep 03 - 03:41 PM

But Why?....

P.

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: wysiwyg
Date: 05 Sep 03 - 04:52 PM

Well, because I tote it around a lot to play out and around for area churches, so it gets exposed to weather changes an awful lot. I have shoulder and wrist problems that periodically make tuning it myself difficult to impossible. So when Hardi has too heavy a load in pastoral care or church meetings, and can't get one of them tuned up for me before everyone arrives-- and these folks that jam with us NEVER arrive in tune anyhow-- I will still play if it's just a little off all across the string range uniformly, and people will stop by my playing stand and tune to me. So from time to time, it happens.

ALso-- and this may make you even crazier-- our church band plays everything down a half step-- why? Because it's easier to play autoharp in B or E by tuning it down a half step, instead of recutting ALL those felts or having 25 harps in all keys like Harpgirl does-- cheaper too, since I play for free. Anyhow, I sing a lot in those keys. Since I am the bandleader and the songleader for the worship music, we play in my keys. Then, it's just easier to tune to me than for folks to use their tuners.

Now on a fiddle tune jam, I take the place of all thjose guitars doing the rhythm, so we make it a priority to get my best harp in true tune for that kind of jam.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: Deckman
Date: 05 Sep 03 - 06:54 PM

Susan ... It also helps if you can be the boss! That's why I like to host hoots at my house ... we play by "house rules!" CHEERS, Bob

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: Bill D
Date: 05 Sep 03 - 07:15 PM

heading for a "song circle" (not exactly a hoot) in an hour. It has a theme.."names of people, real or fictional"......so, I only have 247 choices..*sigh*...

I think I'm gonna do "Tam Pierce" "Ida Red" and "Jimmy Brown the Newsboy"

(and this place is so small, we need a rule about who gets to set where, so banjo players don't go whacking acapella folks in the ear.....come to think of it, ALL hoots need a rule about seating....you all debate this while I'm gone)

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: Deckman
Date: 05 Sep 03 - 08:50 PM

I think Bill should sit on the left! Bob

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: Bill D
Date: 06 Sep 03 - 10:48 AM

*LOL*...so do a lot of folk! (but actually, Bill sat scrunched on his little low chair, halfway under the piano in a crowd that was even bigger than expected.

well, the sing was somewhere between tolerable and atrocious, with fine highlights and LONG periods of tediousness, marked by occasional use of **The Blue Book** and some general disdain for decorum..(tramping back & forth to the snack table before the break DURING a song and talking while someone was trying to start a song...etc.)

I have dreams of having a series of real hoots at my place where it is by invitation, and not advertised as "ya'll come"...even if you haven't learned a song, can't carry a tune, and think RUS, Filk songs or Tom Lehrer are the ultimate expression of 400 years of Western folk music.'Tis a delicate matter to guide, educate and cajole without insulting or deriding someone's 'taste'...*sigh*...

It is hard to decide how to approach the state of affairs, as this is the 'official' singaround of our group, it has just had a decline in the 'old guard' in recent years. (I have attended them for about 25 years now, and have let a 95% attendance record slip to under 50% in the last couple years).......we shall see...it's worth trying to make it all work.

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: Deckman
Date: 07 Sep 03 - 02:10 PM

If you go to PHOTOS, then EVENTS, Jeff just posted some pictures from the hoot. Thanks Jeff. CHEERS, Bob

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: Don Firth
Date: 07 Sep 03 - 04:17 PM

I checked the photos (waiting for the photo CD Bob sent me—should arrive in tomorrow's mail). Gruesome twosome all right! My gawd, in that bottom shot I look like a beached whale! I wear baggy clothes so I'm comfortable in the wheelchair, so most of that has to be the clothes. I'm actually pretty scrawny and weigh in at about 135 lbs. Bob's looking pretty good though (despite the face and the body).

That's the li'l "Go" travel guitar I've been playing lately. I can play it without any problems while sitting in the wheelchair, whereas with a full-size guitar, the lower bout and the right wheel of the chair want to occupy the same space. It sounds surprisingly loud and full for such a small box.

I hope the CD contains some shots of seven-year-old Lizzie making her performance debut on the fiddle. If so, we ought to post a couple of her, because that may turn out to be a major event. String-smokin', foot-stompin' bluegrass fiddler? Major classical concert soloist? Who knows? (Ah, youth!)

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: Don Firth
Date: 09 Sep 03 - 12:15 AM

Bob has never gotten much into HTML codes, so he suggests that for those among you who are in good health, have hardy constitutions, and do not horrify easily, I post a link to the pictures of the hoot at his place on Sunday, August 31st.

Brace yourself!!

(Boy, do I need a haircut!)

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: Amos
Date: 09 Sep 03 - 12:23 AM

Awwwww....I love it...even though it is horrifying close to the bone. If it weren't for the L'Oreal "Just for Men" Brush-In Light Brown....


Just kidding... you guys looked like you were having a real barrel of fun. Wish I had been there!


A

Subject: RE: Hoot Etiquette
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Jan 04 - 10:23 AM

Referencing some of my comments above about tuning:

Scordatura

~S~