Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: Suffet
Date: 12 Jul 04 - 07:44 AM

To our friends, old and new, who turned out in force at CB's 313 Gallery last night...

THANK YOU!!!

With just a little good luck we will see you at the Fifth Annual Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash next year.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: InOBU
Date: 08 Jul 04 - 11:47 PM

Good idea Bill, but then again, there is the old mark on the side of the lamp post, two brief cases, man in the trench coat, goods in the garbage can cash drop... has a certain, fellow traveller feel to it... "the sparrow flies west over the green onion patch...
Cheers
Larry

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: Bill Hahn//\\
Date: 08 Jul 04 - 08:10 PM

Let us solve the mail problem.

What do they say in shows like Sopranos-=---Faahgeddaboutid!!

No postage, no handling, no problems---just fahgeddaboutid.


Bill Hahn

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: Jeri
Date: 08 Jul 04 - 10:34 AM

Can we simply fax you? I absolutely hate sending cash through the mail! I think it's illegal as well.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Jul 04 - 09:34 AM

and where, pray tell, mr. or ms. radio audience, do we send our cash and addresses?

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: InOBU
Date: 08 Jul 04 - 08:27 AM

Hi Janis:
You may have Oktoberfest, but we have Chester the Cat (and Camp Mojo)! Cheers Larry

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: GUEST,Radio Audience
Date: 08 Jul 04 - 12:08 AM

Don't make out any checks, I can only take cash. Shipping & Handling is postage.
I'm glad someone is aware that simply taping a radio program is public service.
Send me your address and you will get a tape of the program on July 4, 2004 of Steve, Anne & Eric.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: Janice in NJ
Date: 07 Jul 04 - 10:13 PM

I'm finally back at a computer. Oh goodness, have I been missing all the fun! Forget about the Mojo Guitar Shop. We've got the House of Guitars (HOG) here in Irondequoit, New York. That's the town where Oktoberfest comes in September.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: InOBU
Date: 07 Jul 04 - 09:13 PM

Dear Steve:
You now work for Pinga Jas Hominawhkerensky (Pronouced Pinga Jas Hominawhkernsky or sometimes Unice Fitzwallergeely Ponderhousen). I am afraid I lost you in a poker game, I poked her and she threatened me with sexual harassment ... I would not worry though, although blind, she CAN tune a radio AND a recording machine and has connections with the Mojo Guitar Shop on St. Marks Place where she can book you into the Island of Broken Toys tour, each night between 11 AM and 10:30 PM. While listening to Steve play and sing, do check out the really neat guitars at reasonable to CHEEP prices. If you buy a guitar, Chris Mojo will let you autograph Pinga's wooden leg.
CHeers
Larry
PS Chester the Cat rules!

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: Backstage Manager(inactive)
Date: 07 Jul 04 - 06:11 PM

Steve,

You should contact the Woody Guthrie Archives. They list Woody-oriented events, large and small, on their website.

Woody Guthrie Archives.

If Nora Guthrie's in town on the day of your show, she might like to attend.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: Bill Hahn//\\
Date: 07 Jul 04 - 06:11 PM

Who knows---with all this publicity (negative or otherwise) it can only sell some more tickets for the WG Bash. Is that not always the case---look at all the notoriety that came about when Disney made a stink about not distributing Farenheit 9/11---as one example of negatavism selling the product.

I do, sometimes, find humor in dark situations---but, really, this "blind" business is over the top in bad taste (by the original poster). Perhaps he wants to make tapes now for paraplegics that were downstairs while their radios were upstairs. Bad taste just leads to more bad taste.

On a serious note, though. Just recently I interviewed the executor of the Jim Henson Estate for my program and innocently mentioned that it would be nice to put a shot of the Muppets crew on our website---not so simple. He is an attorney and told me that Disney (which now owns the rights) might cause us a lot of grief. Use Henson instead, he stated, since he is the one who can issue the rights.

Unfortunately, business is getting so complicated in the clearances required makes you wonder how things ever get done---and also know why lawyers make big bucks.

So---what is "handling" anyway? I know postage and packaging.


Bill Hahn

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: Backstage Manager(inactive)
Date: 07 Jul 04 - 06:03 PM

Ron,

Yes, I was responding to the guest's comments about the blind.

Digital radio or not, the sightless people I know are all more than capable of turning on, and tuning, a radio.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: Suffet
Date: 07 Jul 04 - 05:39 PM

Profits? That's a good one! Let me point out that a sell-out crowd at CB's 313 Gallery is about 100 people, and after producing five different shows at that venue I have yet to be blessed with a sell-out crowd. Admission is only $5 per head, and from that the house gets a cut for itself and to pay the sound guy. We then give the special guest artist and our bass player their payment from the performers' share. The remainder is divided equally. Each of us has done his or her own publicity, which means paying for printing and postage. In my own case, have 180 names on my NY metro area mailing list. In addition, I place quarter page ads in the NY Pinewoods newsletter. Go ahead and do the math!

Does being under contract to Lorcan Industry Inc. mean that the corporation will absorb the loss? [That is joke. Laugh.]

Moreover, didn't I say this? Honestly, I don't really care if anyone is recording me for non-commercial purposes. And this? The bottom line is that for the record I am not giving my permission at this time, although I will not do anything to stop "Radio Audience." That sure seems like I'm saying go ahead and do what you want. But at the same time I'm agreeing that there are some complex issues involved.

Now that we have shown that the horse is truly dead, can we please stop beating it?

But please do come to CB's 313 Gallery this coming Sunday, July 11, 2004, at 7 PM to find out what all the fuss is about. That's at 313 Bowery in New York City.

Just look for the huge throng of cool looking young people with tattoos and body piercings. That's CBGB's/Omfug. We're right next door, where -- alas! -- there will likely be no wait to get in.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: Jeri
Date: 07 Jul 04 - 05:28 PM

And he's STILL flying under the radar. Ron, of COURSE he is!

Dear Mr. Audience, I would love a copy of the tape. I'm not legally blind, but I had a problem finding my reading glasses that day. Whom should I make the check out to, and where should I send it?

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 07 Jul 04 - 04:55 PM

Backstage Manager, I assume your comment was directed at our guest rather than me.   

Our "guest" who made the statement might have been referring to the issue of digital radios. Unlike the older analog type, many digital radios rely on visuals for accurately tuning in a station. "Scan" buttons often zip by stations leaving the listener to either look at the digital readout to determine what station they have tuned to, or rely on the sound. Audible identification can take time for the announcer to mention the station, and some stations give their call letter infrequently. It can be a challenge.

In the past few years there have been a number of radios put on the market that assist the blind to accurately tune in. Many radios have presets so they can tune in their favorite stations.

I think our guest was merely stirring up the mud.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: Backstage Manager(inactive)
Date: 07 Jul 04 - 04:34 PM

Your suggestion that blind people need help in turning on their radios or tuning in stations is rather insulting.

I know any number of blind people. All of them have skills that go way beyond turning on the radio. One of them, Doc Watson, is one of the most brilliant musical artists of the past 50 years.

Another is Steven Ridgewood, a brilliant sound engineer who has no trouble operating 128-track recording consoles.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 07 Jul 04 - 03:17 PM

Once again you are wrong in your statements. While there is no way of getting an accurate count, I have met several listeners who are blind.

You made an ignorant statement earlier when you asked "who will turn on their radio for them". You made an assumption that a blind person could not operate a radio, but you then made an assumption that they can work a tape recorder. If YOU had any care you would realize that there are devices that enable them to tune a radio, operate a taper recorder and so much more.   

I take it that you are more of a crank as opposed to someone with a legitmate point of view.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: GUEST,Radio Audience
Date: 07 Jul 04 - 03:09 PM

Now I am forced to respond.
How many blind people listen to the station?
You don't even know because you obviously don't care.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 07 Jul 04 - 02:46 PM

Be sure to save your receipts!!!!

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: InOBU
Date: 07 Jul 04 - 02:39 PM

As a matter of fact, Radio Audience... I get the profits from Steve's WG bash... Steve is under contract to Lorcan Industry Inc. I bought Steve from Joel Landy for a veggie burger and a six pack of diet Jamison's whiskey. It was a fine investment, though I would part with him for a copy of the NY POST headline about Gebhardt.
Cheers Larry

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 07 Jul 04 - 12:08 PM

Blind people who can't find the station???????????????

Okay Radio Audience, you've had your fun.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: GUEST,Radio Audience
Date: 07 Jul 04 - 11:55 AM

I'm performing a PUBLIC SERVICE.

Now I know how Richard Nixon felt when all those people screamed about him working hard to make the world safe from the Communists.

The recording is a gift. If you don't want you don't have to stop others from getting some pure enjoyment from a taped radio program. What about all those blind people who couldn't find the station on the dial? Who's going to turn on their radio for them? Shame on you Ron, Steve and the so called backstage manager!! More like backseat driver if you ask me!!

Ron's post is all smoke and mirrors since we never got a response from Steve about who gets the funds from the Woody Guthrie's Birthday Bash.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 07 Jul 04 - 12:06 AM

Wow, I take a few hours away from the computer and look what happens.

First, the performance of the Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IS covered because venues do pay performance rights in the same fashion as radio stations pay for broadcast rights.

Secondly, I did not approve the distributing of such a recording. Nor did I claim to own the rights. I may have been to subtle for some, because I do think that the orignal poster made an innocent mistake when they offered the CD and I did not not expect the lengthy discussion that has followed.

If TwoCents read my entire post, he or she would have noticed that I asked if they cleared the rights with Steve, Anne & Eric. Obviously this person did not, because as Steve pointed out the rights weren't given.

MyTwoCents had it all wrong. Public Domain??? Look up the definition before you use the term! As Backstage Manager pointed out, there ARE rights issues involved. As I stated earlier, we do pay our dues for BROADCAST rights.   Someone at home DOES have the right to tape whatever they want off the radio (no matter what station), but that does NOT give them the right to distribute it, for all the reasons said.

The person in question was not giving a "gift". They asked for a "donation" (I'm curious what the amount was and who it was going to) AND shipping and handling.

I do think we are all making too much of this. While I don't know who this person is, I do think it is an innocent mistake by someone who did not know the rules. I was trying to be lighthearted when I asked if they were making a donation.

While it is not like this person is making copies of the latest Madonna or Aerosmith album, the effect on independent artists is probably much greater, and harder for them to collect. Someone who sits at home and records songs off the radio is not doing anything illegal, but they are hurting the artists they think they are supporting. It is a selfish act.   When they start selling those recordings to others, they are doing something illegal. Even if the song and recording is in the public domain, the radio station retains the rights for the broadcast. For a case like this,it would not make financial sense for the radio station and the artists to pursue it, but that does not make it okay for the individual to do what they were doing.

I'm sorry this has taken so many posts and deflects the attention from the Woody Guthrie Bash, which is the whole purpose of this thread. Yes, it has become A Mighty Wind.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: Jeri
Date: 06 Jul 04 - 11:34 PM

Larry, I think so. This one's called 'A Mighty Windup'.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: Backstage Manager(inactive)
Date: 06 Jul 04 - 11:24 PM

With all due respect to Ron, he doesn't own the rights that you are circumventing when you distribute such a recording.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: Backstage Manager(inactive)
Date: 06 Jul 04 - 11:22 PM

The radio program is public domain because it's on a non-profit station. There is no need for liscening agreements when one tapes a radio program while it is broadcast to the general public.

You can get away with taping a radio program for your own private use. No one is going to get in a tizzy about that. However, a radio program itself, and the content therein, are not in the public domain, whether or not it is a non-profit radio station. What you cannot legally do without all of the requisite permissions is distribute that recording.

Non-profit radio stations, be they community, public, college, etc. pay to license the music (and sometimes other content) which they broadcast.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: InOBU
Date: 06 Jul 04 - 11:19 PM

What is this, the sequel to A Mighty Wind???? Cheers Larry

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: GUEST,My Two Cents
Date: 06 Jul 04 - 10:52 PM

"I am fine with what you are doing. I do appreciate the exposure since my show can only build on word of mouth."

See even Ron agrees that this is a public service.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: GUEST,My Two Cents
Date: 06 Jul 04 - 10:48 PM

Sorry but you have it all wrong.

The radio program is public domain because it's on a non-profit station. There is no need for liscening agreements when one tapes a radio program while it is broadcast to the general public.

The donation is for shipping and handling of the tape only, not for the content of the tape. RA made it crystal clear that this is a gift, not a sale.

Here they are doing a public service and what do they get but hubris from the very people who could be a household name thanks to their labor!! I'm simply shocked.

In this vein, are you all having that Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV are you going to pay royalties to the estate of Woody Guthrie?

Who gets the money you are making on that event anyway?

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: Suffet
Date: 06 Jul 04 - 05:48 PM

Greetings:

Wow, an Anne Price - Eric Levine - Steve Suffet bootleg!

Honestly, I don't really care if anyone is recording me for non-commercial purposes. But I agree that even if the CDs are given away for free there are some serious issues at hand. Anne Price, for example, sang one song by Woody Guthrie and another in which Hans Eckardt Wenzel put Guthrie's words to music. Both Wenzel and the Guthrie estate should first grant permission for those recordings, and then they should get paid for each copy sold. Anne needs to give permission to use her performance. Eric sang a song by Sis Cunningham and another which I do not recall. I sang one jointly composed by Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, and another which I wrote to the tune of of a song originally written by the Almanac Singers. At the end we sang a song by Woody Guthrie which was written to a tune Woody borrowed from Huddie Ledbetter.

Put simply, there are lots of authorizations required before that CD can legitimately be distributed.

On the other hand, if we are talking about four or five copies that will truly be sold at cost, there will most likely be no problem encountered. But there is still some risk, no matter how small. The bottom line is that for the record I am not giving my permission at this time, although I will not do anything to stop "Radio Audience."

By the way, the permission to broadcast most of those songs comes from ASCAP or BMI. I am certain WFDU subscribes to both. In the case of my own song, The Ballad of Gary Rader, I belong to neither ASCAP nor BMI. However, by performing that song on WFDU Traditions, I granted WFDU an implied license to broadcast the song. If someone wants to put that song -- or any of my songs -- on a CD, I will be happy to work with him or her to make the process as simple and inexpensive as possible. And that's said by someone who actually earned $76.50 in royalties last year!

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 06 Jul 04 - 02:40 PM

That is correct Backstage Manager, and I did not bring that up because I believe the guest is speaking only about the interview portion which did not contain any other recorded music. In addition to recorded music, there are copyrights on the songs themselves which can come into issue.

Copyright and royalty issues are very complex. While the intentions are honorable, it is not a simple matter of slapping in a tape and hit record and then offering the result to the world.    Even at WFDU, we pay for the rights to BROADCAST the music, but we do not have the rights to make a tape of our own broadcast and issue it to the world.   We can receive artist permission for on-air performances and release CD's of that, but even that is a complex issue.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: Backstage Manager(inactive)
Date: 06 Jul 04 - 02:31 PM

There are issues beyond the permissions of the guests on the radio show.

If there is any recorded music, you cannot legally sell a tape of a radio program unless you have a licence (probably with a royalty stipulation) from every performer, songwriter/song publisher and record company involved.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 06 Jul 04 - 02:17 PM

Very cute guest.

In all seriousness, I could care less about having my voice reproduced in this case, but I cannot speak for the talents of my guests.   While my show is a tiny blip on the radar in the scheme of things, I do not condone selling the work of another artist without their permission. I am sure your intentions are honorable guest, and I honestly do appreciate your help in making this program available to others.   However, I'm not sure what you are asking in terms of a "small donation", plus handling and shipping charge. That sounds like a sale, not a gift. I assume that you have received approval from Anne, Eric & Steve. If that is the case, then I am fine with what you are doing. I do appreciate the exposure since my show can only build on word of mouth.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: GUEST,Radio Audience
Date: 06 Jul 04 - 02:06 PM

The taped radio program promoting the Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV is available today, for a mere donation. It is not for sale to anyone.

Since it's not for sale, consider it a gift . There will be a handling and shipping charge to cover the cost of reproduction and postage.

The people that you will hear speaking and singing are Anne Price, Eric Levine, Steve Suffet and the guy whose program it is. What's his name?

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: InOBU
Date: 06 Jul 04 - 08:12 AM

Ah the dowey dens of Yarrow... ya gotta chuckle...

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: InOBU
Date: 06 Jul 04 - 08:10 AM

Whoops, that shoud reeed watter oft a dcks bk. Lercn Otwey

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: InOBU
Date: 06 Jul 04 - 08:09 AM

Steve beat me to it... Steve and I are great pals and it is getting to the point that one can't pull anyone's leg without a war around here... as to spelling, DAMN! I'd rather be known for my singing and writing then my spelling anyday, water of a duckz bac.
Cheers
Larry

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: Suffet
Date: 06 Jul 04 - 05:25 AM

Greetings:

I was unable to log on for the past 24 hours, and I cannot understand what has been going on in my absence. Please let me be clear about this: Lorcan (Larry) Otway is both a dear friend and trusted comrade, as well as a wonderful musician. We have had our differences of opinion, and he does enjoy ribbing me, but we have always acted in a friendly and comradely way to one another, and we will continue to do so.

Ron Olesko has also become a friend, and I am pleased to see that he has invited Lorcan to be on WFDU Traditions. Both will have a good time. More importantly, so will the audience. And without an audience there is no art, whether that art be creating a radio program or making music.

Both Lorcan and I are thankful that we have our respective fans, supporters, and defenders. However, anyone who feels that he or she needs to take sides, or who supposes that there is any bad blood between us, is mistaken.

Having said that, let me get back on topic.

First of all, a big THANK YOU! to Ron Olesko for having Anne Price, Eric Levine, and myself on WFDU Traditions this past Sunday, July 4.

Next, an equally big THANK YOU! to a majority of the United States Supreme Court who have finally shown the guts to assert that the Constitution is not yet a dead letter.

And, of course, a tremendous THANK YOU! in advance to all our friends, fans, well wishers who will turn out at the Fourth Annual Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash this coming Sunday, July 11, 2004, from 7 to 9 PM. That's at CB's 313 Gallery, 313 Bowery, in New York City. Admission is just $5, and for that price you can stay all night and hear the acts which follow ours.

See you all there!

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: JennyO
Date: 05 Jul 04 - 10:43 PM

You are the rude and obnoxious one, GUEST, taking anonymous pot-shots from behind your mask. I would not choose you. Whatever else is going on here between people who know each other is obviously being worked out, and has nothing to do with you.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: GUEST,www.spellcheck.net
Date: 05 Jul 04 - 10:24 PM

Please enlighten me JennyO. Which one would you choose? Someone who can spell, like me, or someone who's so rude and obnoxious that he makes an issue out of the fact that he wasn't one of the few chosen to be in the bash?

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: JennyO
Date: 05 Jul 04 - 10:22 PM

I think that came out wrong - I think I meant a folkie who couldn't spell - well you know what I mean...

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: JennyO
Date: 05 Jul 04 - 10:18 PM

GUEST,www.spellcheck.net, if I had to choose between a folkie who could spell, and a rude and obnoxious one, I know which I would choose. As one of our esteemed members, SIR jOhn from Hull would say, this is music site, not speling site. So there.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: GUEST,www.spellcheck.net
Date: 05 Jul 04 - 09:53 PM

As to my organizing a Woody Guthery tribute...

am not at all amused. Ron HAS very kindly offered to have me on the air, on a show NOT AT ALL connected to Woody Guthery.

I thought all folkies knew how to spell "Guthrie."

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: InOBU
Date: 05 Jul 04 - 06:17 PM

am not at all amused. Ron HAS very kindly offered to have me on the air, on a show NOT AT ALL connected to Woody Guthery.

A few questions and observations. First of all, 15th Street has no committee of Ministry and Oversight, we have two committees, Ministry and worship, and Pastoral care. Second, point to a single word, printed here by me which says a single unkind thing about Steve, and I agree with Ron, (at the risk of pissing off a fan...) why mention me on a show which has nothing to do with me? If I where you, I'd sign my name, both Radio Audience and Innocent Bystander... Cheers Larry

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 04 Jul 04 - 06:25 PM

Why would we mention Larry today?   Larry will be on my show September 12. I hope his fans will tune in!! I am looking forward to having him on the program.

By the way Guest, if you are "selling" copies of my radio show, I trust you will make a generous donation to non-commercial radio station WFDU-FM and NY Pinewoods.   E-mail me at [e-mail] and I will give you details. I do appreciate your support!

It was great to have Steve, Eric and Anne on the show today. They showcased Woody's music by giving examples of the diverse styles that Guthrie used.   The Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash should be memorable!!

Eric gave me a great CD of topical songs that I am looking forward to listening to and sharing with the audience.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: GUEST,Radio Audience
Date: 04 Jul 04 - 05:54 PM

If anyone wants to purchase copies of the taped radio show of Steve Suffet promoting the event on July 14th, please post your e-mail here and I will contact you. I listened to the entire program, not once did anyone mention Larry Otway. Why?

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: GUEST,Innocent Bystander
Date: 04 Jul 04 - 05:50 PM

I think it is time to point out the Committee for Ministry and Oversight at the Quaker Meeting on 15th Street may want to have a word with Mr. Otway on his stirring up of bad feelings and his intentions to cause harm to a simple musical performance.
What kind of Quaker would want to mix it up in this ungentlemanly manner with an old retired school teacher like Steve?

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: Suffet
Date: 02 Jul 04 - 10:27 PM

Read Ramblin' Man by Ed Cray, Woody Guthrie: a Life by Joe Klein, and Woody's own Bound for Glory. Then you will have as many stories as I have.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: GUEST,2 in harmony
Date: 02 Jul 04 - 08:05 PM

Steve---Enjoyed the way your mentioned of some of the songs most closely associated with Woody. (6/24/04) Do you have a story or two to tell about the man himself?

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: Big Mick
Date: 30 Jun 04 - 09:11 AM

Sure wish I was going to be close, Steve. I would love to come to this one.

Good luck,and I hope many Mudcatters come to your event.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: Suffet
Date: 30 Jun 04 - 09:02 AM

Greetings again!

We would love to say Howdy! to Messers. Otway, Rotten, Hernandez, Ms. Collins, and anyone else who cares to stop by. $5 cover lets you stay all night and hear the acts that follow us for the next three or four hours. You just might catch the next [fill in the blank] on his/her way up or the last [fill in the blank] on his/her way down. In any case, it's a cheap night out, and just 25 cents more than you would pay for an ice cream bar at Yankee Stadium.

Fourth Annual Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash
Sunday • July 11, 2004 • 7 to 9 PM
CB's 313 Gallery
313 Bowery
New York City

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: InOBU
Date: 29 Jun 04 - 09:11 AM

Being that he is still alive, me and Johny Rotten will likely attend...

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: GUEST,John Hernandez
Date: 28 Jun 04 - 12:22 PM

I'll try to be there whether you have Lorcan or not. Anne Price is enough of an attraction.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: InOBU
Date: 25 Jun 04 - 08:29 AM

Right you are Kev, I stand corrected. It is Sid who is singing harmony with Woody... ah what a picture!
Cheers
Larry

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: Suffet
Date: 24 Jun 04 - 08:31 PM

Have you been RAMBLING AROUND and hitting a lot of HARD TRAVELING lately? Have you been GOING DOWN THE ROAD FEELING BAD? Has your CURLY HEADED BABY in those OKLAHOMA HILLS told you SO LONG, IT'S BEEN GOOD TO KNOW YOU? Yup, we know it's been HARD, AIN'T IT HARD? So you should be TAKING IT EASY, TAKING IT SLOW. Just hitch a ride on that SHIP IN THE SKY or jump into your CAR, CAR and head straight way to NEW YORK TOWN where you will find the...

FOURTH ANNUAL WOODY GUTHRIE BIRTHDAY BASH
ROUND ROBIN SONGFEST

Sunday • July 11, 2004 • 7 to 9 PM

CB's 313 Gallery
313 Bowery
New York City

$5 cover. What a bargain!

Be there!

--- Steve & the gang

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 24 Jun 04 - 08:25 PM

Johnny Rotten lives, but not Sid Vicious...

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: InOBU
Date: 24 Jun 04 - 06:04 PM

My dear old friend Steve:
I don't intend to flog a dead horse over this, and invite who ever who want, it's your show... but I must be getting old, but I looked back over the Woody event threads, and don't see, nor do I recall my saying that I wanted my band to play, and in fact, I have been accompanying myself the past several years... in fact, through this thread you keep speaking as though I said invite me and my band... I didn't ... I said I can be had, and all hell broke loose.
Frankly, I am inclined to agree with Randi, that there is, in this generation a wee wall between the folk club set and the activist on the road. But, well, ... don't think twice...
As to my organizing a Woody Guthery tribute... I am reminded of the old Belfast graphite I saw back in 1977 (It might have been in Enniskillin...) "Elvis is dead, Johnny Rotten LIVES!" Shite, boyo, just like Rotten... we all are going to be on THAT wall one day...
Cheers and have fun
Larry

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 24 Jun 04 - 02:57 PM

Sonny Ochs has been presenting Phil Ochs Song Nights for many years. They are amazing.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: Suffet
Date: 24 Jun 04 - 02:24 PM

Greetings:

Ron Olesko is right. Go ahead and organize your own Woody Guthrie celebrations. Tribes Hill just held a Woody Guthrie song session at the Clearwater Hudson River Revival, and the Folk Song Society of Greater Boston did the same at NEFFA a little earlier this year. I don't mind. In fact let's have events celebrating the music of Leadbelly, Cisco Houston, Malvina Reynolds, Dave Van Ronk, Phil Ochs, and the many other folk musicians who are so much a part of our musical heritage. Two, three, fifty birthday bashes!

Now let me admit the truth. I didn't come up with the idea of a Woody Guthrie tribute. Two big ones were held soon after Woody's death. But years earlier there had been the very first such concert. It took place in New York City on March 17, 1956, and Woody himself, ailing much still very much alive, was the guest of honor. I wasn't there, but my friend Isabel Goldstein was in the audience, while three of my other friends, Ellen Kossoy, Irene Kossoy, and Pete Seeger, were performers.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 24 Jun 04 - 11:19 AM

Well put Steve!   

If I could add my $.02 - I love going to festivals, but there are always dozens of performers I would like to see on the bill. Every festival I go to has "favorites" - some are musicians who the audience wants to see year after year, and others are friends of the festival organizer.

As an outsider, I commend Steve for putting his Woody Guthrie bash together these past 4 years. I hope it continues for many more. I would also love to see other "birthday bashes" crop up around the globe. I hope Steve won't mind that.   Woody's music touches on universal themes and it should not be limited to ONE event.

Hopefully Lorcan and others might be invited in future years. I would love to see John Flynn, Joe Jencks, Catherine Moon, David Lippman, The Solidarity Singers, Rod MacDonald and the dozens of progressive artists who are creating music in the spirit of Woody Guthrie.

By the way, I am happy to say that Lorcan and I are working out a date, hopefully in early September, where he can perform on my show. There is a lot of great music and important music that needs to be heard.   We need to build more stages, not tear down the ones that exist.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: Suffet
Date: 24 Jun 04 - 10:24 AM

Greetings again:

OK, let me make this clear. CB's management gives me a two-hour time slot for the Annual Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash. That's all. I now get an average of more than 15 requests from people who want to be in the show. I can only accommodate about half of them. I have told some very fine musicians that they had to wait a year or two.

For example, Erica Smith, was supposed to be in the first WGBB in 2001, but she had to drop out that year for personal reasons. She wanted back in, but I couldn't fit her in until 2003. Mind you, I am talking about the Erica Smith, the shining star of New York's downtown anti-folk scene.

As far as Lorcan Otway goes, he appeared in 2001 and I invited him back in 2002. But he didn't like the terms – he couldn't bring along his own band members – so he declined. I moved on and got others. One of them was Anne Price, who has now become a regular. So have Eric Levine and Gina Tlamsa, who first came as Lorcan's accompanists in 2001.

Out of the Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash came the folk ensemble, MacDougal Street Rent Party, comprising Anne, Eric, Gina, Joel Landy, and myself. Yes, these are the first people I now invite. I also always invite Jessica Feinbloom, who has been a singing partner for the past five years. So, unless one is unable to accept the gig, six slots are accounted for. That leaves room to invite one or two others, at most. I am happy to say that this year we will have Chris Lang as a featured performer and A. Bogs as a special guest artist.

I would also like to point out that I produce the Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash on my own. I deal with CB's management, I schedule the rehearsals, I design and distribute the flyers, I place the ads, I send out the press releases, and I find volunteers who are willing to act as our roadies. This year I am the one who secured an invitation to appear on Ron Olesko's WFDU Traditions radio program on July 4 (89.1 FM, 3:00 PM, in the NY-NJ metro area). And I am the one who invariably takes the monetary loss, since my expenses have always been greater than my share of the gate.

If Lorcan Otway, or anyone else for that matter, wishes to appear at CB's 313 Gallery, then that person is free to arrange a gig. Just call [phone] on a Wednesday afternoon and ask to speak with Micheline. She usually books performers 6 to 8 weeks ahead of time.

Meanwhile, let me renew my invitation. Come to CB's 313 Gallery in New York City on Sunday, July 11, 2004, and find out what all the fuss is about. Our two-hour round-robin songfest begins at 7:00 PM, and we try to start the music on time. So get there a few minutes early and you won't miss anything.

CB's 313 Gallery is located at 313 Bowery at the foot of Bleecker Street in the East Village section of Lower Manhattan. Admission is just $5, and for that price you can stay all evening and hear the acts that follow us.

Enough said.

--- Steve Suffet

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: GUEST,Randi
Date: 23 Jun 04 - 08:10 PM

I don't think that questioning why someone, in this case Lorcan, is not included is off topic. The bash should be about activism and "the people" I saw Bernadette McAlicky say at a speech if you want to know about what the important civil rights questions in America are, ask him, and pointed at Otway. Like Woody Guthrie's songs, Otway's songs ring true because he was there, side by side with the people who society has no time for. He would bring back songs from being on the road with real people like Woody and not from TV or the movies. I get it when he says he does not have time or money for folk clubs. He is what a folk musician is, the voice of the people because he shares their fate and in America today, the people are not doing very well. Instead of Lorcan meeting the folk clubs half way, they could meet him so that he songs can be heard. I should add that, in addition to Lorcan, musicians should not be excluded or not heard because they do not have time for all of a club's activities and socializing.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 23 Jun 04 - 12:52 PM

Larry's Amadou Diallou is a really great song, and so is Engine 33, among others.

I wonder, if a reincarnated Woody Guthrie was to drift along, would he ever get a spot at this bash?

The thing about Woody seems to have been he was focused on what was going on in the wolrd around him, here and now, and he still would be.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: GUEST,2 in harmony
Date: 23 Jun 04 - 11:44 AM

I've heard some wonderful, funny and insightful anecdotes about Woody's life. Perhaps Mudcattersmight share such knowledge on this thread. To me, learning more about Guthrie enriches his work although his music stands on its own, of course.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: InOBU
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 06:32 PM

Steve: I know you are a well meaning fellow, but, I guess you don't know or remember what it is to be so poor that if you got away for one weekend a year, it set you back for several months. I don't kid you when I say there are days when Genie and I have a bag of popcorn for dinner. I'd love to have time to network at weekends etc. but I am struggling to busk up the cost of the phone bill. Folks know my work, if they need me to be part of the weekend party, well, I'd love to but just don't have the gelt.
Cheers
Larry

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: GUEST,John Hernandez
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 03:33 PM

No, I am not Mr. Otway, although I wish I could play the Irish pipes like him.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 09:28 AM

Relax Lorcan, I did not use "begging" as an insult, nor did I ever insinuate that you were logging in under other names. I was trying to point out how successful the Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash has become. That is what this thread was supposed to be about.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: Suffet
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 07:06 AM

Greetings again:

Ron, thanks for the plug. Anne, Eric, and I are looking forward to visiting your studio on July 4. Yes, the annual Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash has become an established event here in New York, and I get more requests than I can possibly honor. Perhaps "begging" is too strong a word, but I know what you mean.

Lorcan Otway is a friend and a comrade, and a wonderful musician. I added him to the first WGBB in 2001 simply because he asked. I invited him back in 2002, but the invitation was for him alone, not for him plus his then-current band. He declined, so I moved on to other people who asked. So many, in fact, have asked to be in the WGBB that in 2003 I added a second show called the Midwinter Hoot. A second annual Midwinter Hoot took place this year, but I will likely drop it, because I found producing two such shows a year is more than I can handle.

I should add that Lorcan and Sorcha Dorcha were really a big hit at the PMN annual concert in North Carolina in 2002. Peggy Seeger loved them, as did Si Kahn and just about everyone else who was there. However, please let me point out that I am the person who recommended that PMN concert producer Jim Wolfe invite Lorcan and his band. Jim did so on the strength of my say-so and Sorcha Dorcha's first CD, even though Lorcan was not a PMN member. Lorcan was also given a PMN workshop to lead at the PMN gathering at UNC-Asheville the following day, and it was also well received.

But did Lorcan follow these successes up by coming to any other PMN gatherings, summer or winter? Or by joining PMN? Or by writing for the PMN newsletter Sassafras? Or by participating in the PMN e-mail list serve? The answser to all of these is no. Which is too bad, because if he had, Lorcan would have made connections with quite a few people who are regularly involved with PMN. These include, among many others, Pete Seeger, Karen Brooks, Pat Humphries, Joe Jencks, Kim and Reggie Harris, John Fromer, Tom Nielson, Dave Martin, Mary Kate Small, and a host of others throughout North America who would have been receptive to his music.

As for New York Pinewoods, yes Lorcan joined at a Peggy Seeger concert. But did he ever come to the NY Pinewoods weekends in the country? To the parties and picnics, including the annual picnic at Jean Ritchie's house on Long Island or the annual singing and swimming party in Queens? To the various open mikes and song circles held throughout the boroughs of New York City? Did he volunteer to lead a workshop at a NY Pinewoods festival, such as Fall Fling or the Eisteddfod-NY? Or offer to do a stand alone teaching workshop on the uileann pipes? Once again the answer to all these questions is no. Maybe NY Pinewoods is a hard nut to crack, but at least Lorcan could have met them part of the way.

By the way, these are all things I have previously told him in private.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: InOBU
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 04:42 AM

Dear Ron:
I am more than insulted by the contention that I am begging to be on anyone's program. The quality of my music is public record as is the degree to which I am overlooked by various venues. At times I remind folks I am out here, playing music that reflects my activism on matters of American democracy where I don't see many "progresive" folk faces. I made no alligations about Steve stealing musicians, and I assure you I am not writing under the name John Hernandez. As to joining folk clubs ... there is just so much time in the day and I have no money to join clubs, I don't have mony for health insurenence or food some days. Look, I don't give a damn if there are cliques or not or why they exist or seem to exist. Some good folks like John and Randi notice that the same folks get called to play again and again and others don't.
All the best
L.O.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 12:00 AM

I am really looking forward to having Steve and guests on my show on July 4 to talk about this event and share some songs. (I will also have Jed Marum on the show that day as well, not connected with the Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash). If you are not in the NYC area that day, you can also listen in via the internet - www.wfdu.fm.

Steve, I think it is to your credit that people are resorting to public begging to be part of your Birthday Bash! In 4 short years you have created an EVENT. I hope your idea spreads, and perhaps other birthday bashes will sprout up around the globe.   No one should lose sight of the fact that the Birthday Bash is about celebrating Woody Guthrie. What a great idea!

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: Suffet
Date: 21 Jun 04 - 10:35 PM

Greetings:

For the record:

• I didn't steal any musicians away from anyone. Eric Lenine and Gina Tlamsa appeared as Lorcan (Larry) Otway's instrumental accompanists in the first Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash in 2001. By that time they had already left Lorcan's band or were about to leave it. I had nothing to do with their decisions. I am, however, very happy that Eric and Gina and I, along with Anne Price and Joel Landy, are all members of MacDougal Street Rent Party. However, MSRP is an entirely different band, and in no way is a competitor to Sorcha Dorcha. If anything, we are complimentary bands, as both MSRP and Sorcha Dorcha use traditional musical themes to present contemporary topical-political songs.

• Neither are New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club and People's Music Network competing organizations. They serve different purposes, and I am proud to belong to both. When there is a commonality of interest, they have been known to cosponsor an event. I find it unfortunately that to the best of my knowledge Lorcan is currently a member of neither. Loner or not, both organizations would benefit from his being a member, just as he would bebefit from belonging to both.

• Let's stay on topic, which is the annual Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash. I would certainly consider asking Lorcan to appear again, but he cannot bring his own band as accompanists. By trial and error I have concluded that the featured performers should call upon one another for instrumental and vocal back up, and not go outside for accompaniment.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: GUEST,John Hernandez
Date: 19 Jun 04 - 04:42 PM

Like Lorcan Otway I used to be a member of Pinewoods. I presume he means the New York Folk Song Society, and not the Pinewoods Camp near Cape Cod, which is actually run by CDSS. I let my membership lapse when I moved away a few years ago, but I'm back in New York about once a month so I know what he is talking about. They are a tough nut to crack. I don't mean to imply that Pinewoods people are intentionally unfriendly -- they are certainly not -- but they are very inbred, and they tend to associate only with one another, musically at least. If you look at Steve Suffet's core group of regular performers, you find that most of them are Pinewoods people. The rest are from Peoples' Music Network. That shouldn't come as a surprise, since Steve is a long time activist in both organizations, and he doesn't hide those affiliations. If anything, Steve trumpets his connections too much.

Of the two groups, PMN is by far the more open and welcoming, and I do remember seeing Lorcan Otway and his band when they appeared in the PMN concert with Peggy Seeger, Si Kahn, and Billy Jonas in North Carolina a few years ago. So if Lorcan wants to get back into Steve's inner circle, maybe he should pursue PMN membership instead of Pinewoods. Just one man's opinion, of course.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: InOBU
Date: 17 Jun 04 - 09:30 PM

Thanks Randi: Hope to see you at the next Gig, I'll post here or let Sandy know... or you can email me at [e-mail] and I will keep you posted about gigs. Cheers Lor

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: GUEST,Randi Collins
Date: 17 Jun 04 - 11:15 AM

Lorcan, Yes, I am that person. Very sweet of you to remember. I have of course have seen you perform since. Best wishes. Keep up our spirits with your voice.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: InOBU
Date: 17 Jun 04 - 11:02 AM

Good of you to care, John. But, I don't doupt Steve's intentions. I think these things become a matter of unconcious allegence to who you hang out with (those with whom you hang????). I am somewhat of a loner due to the many things I work on at once... and I have a distinct artistic vision which makes folks a bit uneasy when working with me, but, I do try to accomodate the individuality of band members, so I would be surprised if there are lasting bad feelings to do with the band... I would presume it is the who hangs out with who dynamic, who knows. I even joined Pinewoods to be one of the gang... didn't seem to work. But I don't assume bad intent.
Cheers
Larry

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: GUEST,John Hernandez
Date: 17 Jun 04 - 10:38 AM

Randi Collins is right that Steve Suffet has developed a core of performers who follow him everywhere, whether to a night club like CB's, a coffee house like the People's Voice, or a festival like NOMAD. The irony is that two of those core performers, Eric Levine and Gina Tlamsa, used to be in Lorcan Otway's band Sorcha Dorcha. Did Steve "steal them away"? May that has something to do with Lorcan not being in any of Steve's shows lately? I am only guessing. Is there anyone who knows the answer and would like to share it?

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: InOBU
Date: 16 Jun 04 - 10:42 PM

Randi! Thanks. I'm chuffed. Are you the Randi to whom Sandy introduced me at the fundraiser for the Southern burned churches?
All the best,
Lor

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: GUEST,Randi Collins
Date: 16 Jun 04 - 11:11 AM

I I do not understand why you do not ask Lorcan Otway to be part of the core concert every year. I notice you always have a small repeat core of the same people. THere should be room in the core group for one more singer who is one of the few people in New York writing about things Woody Guthrie was singing about. I have heard him for years before he had a band, singing at fund raisers for people who really needed what he was saying. In times of increased censorship and unpopularity of protest music, I think it serves the memory of Woody to have Lorcan Otway play music that is about the times, and about the present concerns of the people.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: Suffet
Date: 15 Jun 04 - 09:01 PM

Greetings:

That's right. Three or four of the performers appearing at the Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash on July 11th will be guests of Ron Olesko the previous Sunday, July 4th, on his WFDU Traditions radio program. The show is broadcast on WFDU, 89.1 FM, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, but we don't yet know what time we will be on. So far we have Anne Price, Eric Levine, and myself lined up. We hope to get at least one more.

The WFDU signal can be heard within a 50-mile radius of Teaneck, New Jersey.

Whether or not you hear us on the radio, please come hear us live at CB's 313 Gallery on Sunday, July 11. 2004, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. That's at 313 Bowery at the foot of Bllecker Street in New York City. $5 cover lets you stay all night and hear the acts that follow us. For information, please call [phone].

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: GUEST,2 in harmony
Date: 15 Jun 04 - 12:26 PM

Heard there will be some singing and discussion about Guthrie coming up on the radio. Can someone fill in the details.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: InOBU
Date: 09 Jun 04 - 12:34 PM

John:
Dear fellow...
I am more than touched by your kind words about my song. I am really speachless, a state in which I am almost never found.
Thanks from the bottom of my heart.
Lor

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: GUEST,John Hernandez
Date: 09 Jun 04 - 12:22 PM

I'll try to make it this year. You eally should take up Mr. Otway's offer and put him back in the line-up. His song about Amadu Diallo is equal to Woody's best work, today's equivalent of "Vigilante Man."

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: Suffet
Date: 09 Jun 04 - 07:48 AM

Lorcan, you are not that annoying! Yes, we could consider you for a future show, but you cannot bring your own band. You would have to depend for accompaniment upon Eric, Gina, and whoever else is in the show. It's too early to make any promises for 2005.

For those who do not know, Lorcan Otway performed in the first Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash at CB's 313 Gallery back in 2001. We have been rotating the performers a little bit each year. Last year, for example, we had Erica Smith and also Mark Maniak. Chris Lang and A. Bogs are new this year.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: InOBU
Date: 09 Jun 04 - 07:29 AM

Gee... any interest in inviting that anoying fellow, Lorcan Otway?
Cheers
Lor

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: GUEST,2 in harmony
Date: 09 Jun 04 - 12:30 AM

sorry you won't be able to get to the Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash, Janice. Enjoy Ontario!

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: Janice in NJ
Date: 03 Jun 04 - 02:54 PM

Sorry but this year I'll be camping somewhere in Ontario. I just hope black fly season is over. Have a great bash anyway.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: GUEST,2 in harmony
Date: 02 Jun 04 - 09:39 PM

It would be great to hear songs by some of Woody's colleagues, those who inspired him and those who were so inspired by him. Much interest in concert in NYC metropolitan area. Feel closer to other Mucatters when I read about interest in other parts of country and beyond...

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: Suffet
Date: 25 May 04 - 04:23 PM

Greetings again:

I'm getting terribly sloppy in my old age. After posting that semi-literate message I remembered that I did upgrade from the "magazine only" option to the basic magazine + CD package the last time I renewed my Sing Out! subscription. That means I should have started receiving the CD with this issue. I called the Sing Out! office in Pennsylvania this morning, and the woman I spoke with confirmed that. She said she would mail the CD to me by the end of this week.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: GUEST,Anne Price
Date: 25 May 04 - 01:29 PM

The CD is definitely worth the extra cost for Sing Out. Nothing like hearing a song to know if it's worth learning, and there are things that you just can't get from the written page, even if you are a good music reader.
    And that's "Guthrie song" not "Gutrie song" and "Woody Guthrie Folk Songs" not "Wody Guthrie Folk Songs." And "plowing through" not "plowing throw." Sorry, but when I'm not a folk singer I'm an editor. Can't help it. :-)

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: Suffet
Date: 24 May 04 - 06:33 AM

Anne, you are welcome. That Woody Gutrie song, Peace Call, is in the Nearly Complete Collection of Wody Guthrie Folk Songs published by Ludow Music (The Richmond Organization) in 1963. The collection is far from complete, since it has fewer than 200 songs, but it does contain many that have not been published elsewhere. So it is possible to discover Woody Guthrie songs without ploughing throw the archives.

By the way, I don't get the CD with Sing Out! That's because I took the cheapola subscription. Maybe I should opt for the classier one the next time I renew.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: GUEST,Anne Price
Date: 23 May 04 - 11:12 AM

Thanks for the plug, Steve. I just heard a "new" Guthrie song on the CD that comes with the current issue of Sing Out! and I must learn it for the concert! It's called "Peace Call". I continues to amaze me how many wonderful Guthrie songs are still undiscovered.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: Suffet
Date: 21 May 04 - 09:42 PM

Greetings:

That anonymous guest must be none other than the lovely and talented Anne Price, a fellow member of MacDougal Street Rent Party. Here is a link to her website:

http://members.aol.com/aeprice/

Now for a completely unsolicited plug. The Happy Landings album that Anne recorded with the late Marilyn Maltzer, previously available only as a cassette tape, has recently been released on CD. Go ahead and treat yourself to one. This webpage will give you the details:

http://members.aol.com/aeprice/landings.html

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: GUEST
Date: 21 May 04 - 07:07 PM

I'm looking forward to singing Ticky Tock. Woody wrote the words, and the music was added by the German singer Wenzel. The song was published in Sing Out. Nora Guthrie heard Wenzel in Germany (she's married to a German)and said to herself "aha". She got him to come to New York and look through the Guthrie archive. Wenzel wrote some very good music to some of Woody's previously unrecorded lyrics. On one level Ticky Tock is a nice children's song about the ticking of a clock. On another level it's about how no one can escape the passage of time. Since it was written near the end of Woody's life he must have known time was running out on him. Wenzel is a charming performer. He did a concert in New York at German house and he sang Ticky Tock while playing piano and tapping water-filled glasses. Then he sang the song in German and it sounded good to me even though I don't understand German.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: Suffet
Date: 21 May 04 - 09:13 AM

Guest G.U.:

We thought about taking the show on the road. You know, hitchhiking and bumming or riding empty rail cars from town to town, playing on street corners for dimes and in roadhouses for a bowl of chili and some biscuits. We could sleep in flop houses, or in jungle camps, or possibly in someone's barn, or even ask the local sheriff to put us up for the night in the calaboose if we promised to get out of town the next morning. Yeah, that's keeping it real. And maybe in six months or a year we would reach California, that's if the Legionaires and the vigilantes and the highway patrol and the guys at the agricultural inspection station didn't turn us back.

On second thought we decided to just sing about it.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: GUEST
Date: 20 May 04 - 05:01 PM

Well, darn it, you're just too far away from northern California!

G.U.

Subject: RE: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: GUEST,Penguin Egg
Date: 19 May 04 - 05:24 PM

I'm in the wrong country to be attending, but it is good that people are taking the trouble to remember this great American artist.

Subject: Woody Guthrie Birthday Bash IV
From: Suffet
Date: 19 May 04 - 06:16 AM

Here we go again!

THE FOURTH ANNUAL
WOODY GUTHRIE BIRTHDAY BASH
ROUND ROBIN SONGFEST

Sunday, July 11, 2004
7:00 to 9:00 PM
CB's 313 Gallery
313 Bowery
(at the foot of Bleecker Street)
New York City

Featuring...

Jessica Feinbloom
Joel Landy
Chris Lang
Eric Levine
Anne Price
Steve Suffet
Gina Tlamsa

$5 cover lets you stay all night and hear other acts as well.

For information, please call [phone].

Be there!

--- Steve