In Praise of 'Alaska Mike'

Subject: In Praise of 'Alaska Mike'
From: Deckman
Date: 11 Mar 04 - 06:21 PM

Bride Judy and I had the great pleasure of meeting "Alaska Mike" the other night. He is in Seattle all this week, working his job for the State of Alaska. Mike Nelson was gracious enough to host a small dinner gathering, which brought us together. Another very popular singer and friend John Weiss was also there, which rounded out the evening nicely with four singers. I always enjoy getting to know another singer in a smaller group as it really allows time to visit, tell stories and share songs.

And let me tell you, Alaska Mike" is someone you want to meet and trade songs with, if you ever get the chance. He's a blast. And he is not big ... he's HUGE. And he has the voice to match, a very stong robust voice that refelcts obvious traing. I especially enjoyed his diction.

And, what a songwriter. I so enjoy and appreciate people that can string those words together in such a way as to perfectly paint a picture, or cast a spell, or put you on the floor laughing. What a talent. You have to hear his latest song, "Iditarod."

We left with two of his CD's. Great listening. "Alaska Mike" has no idea that I'm posting this note, but I felt I had to do this. Somewhere toward the end of the evening, I mentioned something to everyone that caused a silent pause and then smiles: It is so GRAND when total strangers can meet, trade songs and stories, and leave after a few hours and feel like we've made a new friend."

I hope when he returns to out part of the lower 48, we can get together again. CHEERS, Bob(deckman)Nelson

Subject: RE: In Praise of 'Alaska Mike'
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 11 Mar 04 - 06:24 PM

"he's HUGE. And he has the voice to match"

Heh... on the strength of his samples on his web site alone, I really wanna hear him sing "You're a Mean One, Mr Grinch" sometime!

Always good to read a review of a fellow 'Catter... especially one that's glowing!

:-)

Subject: RE: In Praise of 'Alaska Mike'
From: Big Mick
Date: 11 Mar 04 - 06:36 PM

Let me add a second to that. I bought most of his stuff when we met at the Getaway. He is a major talent. The man sings wonderfully, and can write a mean lyric. You will never be sorry you purchased his work. And his wife is something special. When the big lad starts to forget a lyric, she pops in, puts him on track and goes back to her knitting. Loved watching that.

These are great folks.

Mick

Subject: RE: In Praise of 'Alaska Mike'
From: Nancy King
Date: 11 Mar 04 - 07:00 PM

Yes, yes! We really enjoyed Mike and Tawmmie at last year's Getaway! Lots of fun, great songs! I hope we'll see them again this year, or before too very long, at any rate. And you too, Deckman! Sure would be great to meet you!

Cheers, Nancy

Subject: RE: In Praise of 'Alaska Mike'
From: Deckman
Date: 11 Mar 04 - 07:21 PM

Nancy,

"Alaska Mike" mentioned last year's Getaway. He was in awe of the occasion and of the talent in attendance. He said samething like" "it was like being in one room with 300 perfect singers!" Bob

Subject: RE: In Praise of 'Alaska Mike'
From: Col K
Date: 11 Mar 04 - 07:23 PM

Roll on the time when we can welcome Mike to the shores of England.He has a wonderful talent and is a super person as well.We met at the Getaway last year and I think that all the Brits there enjoyed his music.
Looking foreward to meeting and hearing him again soon.

Cheers Mike all the best

Colin

Subject: RE: In Praise of 'Alaska Mike'
From: kendall
Date: 11 Mar 04 - 09:16 PM

I second all this, go out of your way to hear him if you must, this kid is GOOD!

Subject: RE: In Praise of 'Alaska Mike'
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Mar 04 - 09:54 PM

Let me add my voice to the chorus! Mike and Tawmmie were a wonderful addition to the Getaway; hear him if you can, buy his songs if you are able. I for one am hoping they make it back to the east coast this fall for the Getaway. And Deckman, I also second Nancy's invitation. We would love to meet you both!

Subject: RE: In Praise of 'Alaska Mike'
From: Carly
Date: 11 Mar 04 - 10:03 PM

Sorry, folks. that last guest was me. My cookie got et, or something.
Yours, engulfed in technology, Carly

Subject: RE: In Praise of 'Alaska Mike'
From: Janie
Date: 11 Mar 04 - 10:14 PM

I third, or fourth, or fifth the motion. Great folks. Great music, great song writer. Mike and Tawmmie really added sparkle to last years Getaway (and it sparkled already!)

Ya'll come back, now. Ya heear?

Janie

Subject: RE: In Praise of 'Alaska Mike'
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 11 Mar 04 - 10:29 PM

Holy moly folks, you sure know how to perk up a feller's day. I started work this morning at 6:30 am and didn't finish until 6:00 pm. And to top it all off, I was climbing onto a large fishing vessel after lunch and slipped, falling backwards head first into the waters of Salmon Bay.

So what a great surprise to find Deckman's post and all the nice comments from so many friends. Thank you all so much, I don't feel like such a soggy doggy anymore.

Best wishes,
Mike

Subject: RE: In Praise of 'Alaska Mike'
From: Deckman
Date: 11 Mar 04 - 10:44 PM

Sounds like this afternoon's event could lead to another song! Bob

Subject: RE: In Praise of 'Alaska Mike'
From: Miken
Date: 11 Mar 04 - 11:17 PM

Ah yes, Bob...Swamped in Salmon Bay..or something like. It was a great meeting on Monday night, enjoyed it tremendously. Looking forward to the next time!   Mike I've been listening to your CD's and like so often happens, phrases and licks stand out with repetitions; especially with all new (to me) and original material. You are surely a talent! And a relatively young folkie.......so wo can look forward to much more over the years to come. As Bob observed...t'was a matter of minutes till we felt like old friends. Hoped to see you once again before you left Seattle this time, but will have to wait, it appears. We'll do it again when you are down this way!!
Mike

Subject: RE: In Praise of 'Alaska Mike'
From: karen k
Date: 12 Mar 04 - 12:40 AM

Hi, Mike and Tawmmie. Everyone above is right on the money. Great folks, great songs. Hope to see you both back at another Getaway or somewhere else in the near future.

Subject: RE: In Praise of 'Alaska Mike'
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 12 Mar 04 - 01:22 AM

I'll second and third what everyone else has said about Mike and Tawmmie. But you all need to get up to Alaska and see him in his native habitat. He's even better there!
Hi Mike and Tawmmie.

Seamus

Subject: RE: In Praise of 'Alaska Mike'
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 12 Mar 04 - 08:37 AM

I'll jump on the bandwagon - My only regret(s) about meeting this pair at Getaway is that:

a) I only bought ONE of Mike's CD's.

b) I only bought ONE of Tawmie's knit animals.

c) it was only three blasted days

Subject: RE: In Praise of 'Alaska Mike'
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Mar 04 - 11:22 AM

Mike and Tawmmie were a bright spot for me too at the Getaway. A big bear of a man with a little lady who knits and keeps an eye on him. They are a joy to have around. You two will always have a spot in my driveway.

Subject: RE: In Praise of 'Alaska Mike'
From: Bill D
Date: 12 Mar 04 - 01:00 PM

good people indeed! They brought a lot of energy, music and fun to the Getaway...and at a party on Monday, Mike took one of the best pictures of Rita & I we have ever seen! *grin* ..(and I suspect he know a few 'trad' songs when he's not sharing all the VERY well-crafted stuff he has written!...al least I caught him singing along with some!)

Subject: RE: In Praise of 'Alaska Mike'
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Mar 04 - 11:14 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: In Praise of 'Alaska Mike'
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Mar 04 - 11:40 AM

Huzzah Mike and Tawmmie. All the high praise is much deserved! It was wonderful to meet both these folks, to hear Mike's amazing songs, and just get to know two warm and wonderful people. MMario, I bought ALL of Mike's CD's, and because I did got a "bonus single" of his hilarious Iditerod song. There are some GREAT songs to be heard on these recordings and it's well worth having them all. Mike and Tawmmie, we're counting on you joining us again for the Getaway. There would be an empty place if you didn't.

Now, about that new song about a government employee being unceremoniously dumped in Salmon Bay in February.....

Subject: RE: In Praise of 'Alaska Mike'
From: Big Jim from Jackson
Date: 15 Mar 04 - 02:12 PM

From the discription offered in the first post, I think some of you missed the idea about writing the song. Being a bit above the average weight myself, I know what the song would be like. It would be one of those disaster song---all about the destruction caused by the tidal wave created when he hit the water. At least, that's what it would be about if it were me that fell!   :-)

Subject: RE: In Praise of 'Alaska Mike'
From: Joybell
Date: 15 Mar 04 - 05:45 PM

I would love to meet and hear Alaska Mike in the flesh. Sadly I probably won't ever be able to. We met in the chat room when I was a very new Mudcatter. I remember his patience and help, and the friendly chat, while I was learning the ropes.
Please take care of yourself Mike. My Mum always told me I'd drown for sure if I went swimming after lunch. An hour, she said, wait and hour at least!. Joy

Subject: RE: In Praise of 'Alaska Mike'
From: Dani
Date: 15 Mar 04 - 10:12 PM

Mike, I also enjoyed meeting you and Tawmie at the Getaway. I have so much respect for your songs and for your singing.

Still, I would have paid plenty to see you dunked, and hear what you said when you came up.


Affectionately,

Dani

Subject: RE: In Praise of 'Alaska Mike'
From: Deckman
Date: 15 Mar 04 - 10:28 PM

I know EXACTLY what Mike said when he came up for air. He said: "#%##&**$%@#^^%!!! I have that on good authority. I've started writing the ballad of "Mike's Fall," but I can't find words that rhyme with the above quotes. CHEERS, Bob

Subject: RE: In Praise of 'Alaska Mike'
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 15 Mar 04 - 10:52 PM

LOL, I was hoping this thread would die a quick and painless death, but my hopes wither. Word has it that after I fell in the water an alert went out to the citizens of Seattle of a rare White whale siting in Salmon Bay. By the way, Bob, you got most of the quote word for word. How'd you do that? As for the Getaway, we are hoping to venture to Ramblewood again this coming October, but finances might change our plans. Keep your fingers crossed for us.

Best wishes good friends,
Mike

Subject: RE: In Praise of 'Alaska Mike'
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 16 Mar 04 - 08:52 AM

so Mike - what about a reminder of where we can get your Cd's? etc...hey - you might even make this trip self financing with a little creative pushing here on the 'cat

Subject: RE: In Praise of 'Alaska Mike'
From: Deckman
Date: 16 Mar 04 - 10:19 AM

Mike, it was easy getting that quote. I only live 30 miles from Shilshoal bay ... I HEARD you! CHEERS, Bob

Subject: RE: In Praise of 'Alaska Mike'
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 16 Mar 04 - 10:32 AM

Any truth in the rumour he's now known as Tsunami Mike?

RtS

Subject: RE: In Praise of 'Alaska Mike'
From: GUEST,Moby Mike
Date: 16 Mar 04 - 10:38 AM

Hey MMario, my CD's are always available at my website
. By the way, congrats on completion of your CD also. Maybe we can work out a trade??

And Bob, you've got better hearing than the guys on the boat. I had to holler and whistle quite a bit before they peeked over the side and started laughing.

Joybell, after retirement my wife and I are hoping to visit the land down under at least once. I look forward to sharing a song or two with my friends there when we do.

Mike

Subject: RE: In Praise of 'Alaska Mike'
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 10:39 AM

Finally, he posted his website. Thanks, Mike

Subject: RE: In Praise of 'Alaska Mike'
From: KathWestra
Date: 17 Mar 04 - 10:54 AM

That was me in the "Huzzah" guest post earlier. Sorry to be anonymous (although at least it was a NICE anonymous post!). My cookie crumbled and I didn't even notice.

So, everything I said, plus a new hooray at the news that Mike and Tawmmie are planning to visit us again. Mike, maybe we can set up a Folklore Society house concert for you either just before or just after the Getaway weekend. Talk with Charlie Baum about this. XO Kathy