NEFFA 2005

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: GUEST,David J.
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 01:05 PM

That there are 2, 3, or 4 separate festivals rolled into one is wonderful. The problem is that many festival goers don't allow themselves the opportunity to experience more than a single strand. A good case in point is the Japanese folk songs workshop I went to Saturday morning. It was a truly wonderful event that I was certain the dyed-in-the-wool traditional music crowd would appreciate. Here was a 20-something foreign graduate student singing the songs she learned at home from her parents and grandparents. In other words, she was a genuine "source singer," as the academics like to say. But where were they? No Sandy, no Caroline, no Joe, no Dick, no Judy, no Howard, etc. A lot of Asian faces, though.

Fantasy thought: The singer should have called her workshop "Folk Songs of the Outer Hebrides." She could have sang the exact same songs, claimed the language was an obscure dialect of Scots Gaelic, and said she was the daughter of a silkie. Everyone would have believed her!

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 09:24 AM

at least three or four...but that's the beauty of it - there is something for everyone - including those (who like myself) want to sample this that or the other thing...or just park one's self in the corridor and enjoy the shifting sounds.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 05:45 AM

Janice, I feel there are probably three or four or more- there's the morris dancers' festival, the "meet old friends in the hallway and never get to a workshop" festival, and the cafeteria schmoozers festival in addition to the ones you mentioned!
Allison-who-wishes-she-had-met-you

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: Janice in NJ
Date: 12 Apr 05 - 11:12 PM

I sometimes think there are two festivals at NEFFA, three if I count the dance events. But let me focus on the two musical festivals. One is the festival of the inner core, many of whom are Mudcatters, and the other is everyone else. It's impossible to characterize the inner core precisely, but I know them when I see them. They are the long time festival, club, and society regulars, almost all of whom perform the traditional English language music of the British Isles or North America. This group was out in force at the Sunday morning memorial to Tom Gibney.

The everyone else group includes most, if not all, of the foreign language performers, as well as many of the off beat performers, including people who do the stuff for children, who give the educational presentations, and who lead the jams.

I'm not saying this division is bad, I'm just saying it exists, and that I try to make a point out of sampling both festivals. Yes, I saw the Woodchucks, as I always do, but I passed up hearing Judy Cook's Songs of Eating so I could hear Heather Lev do a wonderful workshop on the life and music of Malvina Reynolds And yes, I heard the Animateera Women's Chorus lead Sing for Joy, but I also stuck around for Tom Neilson's Outlaws in History. I believe I was the only one who did so.

Has anyone else had this two festival experience at NEFFA? Or am I barking up the wrong tree?

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 12 Apr 05 - 01:25 PM

We had a great time but got home exhausted Saturday night around 11:00. Should have brought the luggage cart to roll the bass along rather than lugging it along with guitar, banjo and 500lb gig bag crammed with stuff from one end of that huge school to the instrument check at the other end. Thanks to Jim Bean for helping on one of the trips. And Frank should have brought a backpack, because there was only so much junk we could jam into my purse. So now we know.

I really didn't care for the remote parking. After getting to the high school, we ended up driving several miles back toward where we came from to get to the lot. Then we waited in line with about 100 people at a forgotten bus stop. A driver finally showed up to get us about 1/2 hour later. At the end of the day, we had to take a bus to this remote lot, get our car, and then go back to the school to get all our instruments and stuff, and then retrace our ride to get back onto the highway. Round trip added over an hour to the day which was not fun.

I was told at the check-in table that they are looking for another venue, so that issue might get better.

Other than that, I was totally dazzled by the programs and talent and good food and vendors and friendly crowds. And what a crowd! I couldn't believe how many people, literally thousands! There was a steady agenda of workshops and dances, plus some of the greatest music you could ever hope to hear in every corner of the grounds.

It was nice to see some mudcatters (yes, MMario's mudcat t-shirt gave him away) and other folks I knew from the folk community around Connecticut. I was hoping that was Animaterra's Morris team I took photos of, thinking it sure looked like I remembered her looking when I met her at NOMAD last November! Should have also grabbed some photos of Dick & Susan & Sandy & Caroline. Karen K did a great program of gospel and ballads, and we were pleased to be part of it.

If we get to Old Songs, we for sure will camp. This day-tripping is too tiring and we end up missing some of the fun!

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 12 Apr 05 - 10:19 AM

A fine festival. I'd like to thank the helpfule Mudcatters--Duchess and MMario in particular--who cheerfully helped CAMSCO set up and tear down when I was incapacitated. And thanks to all who dropped by to say hello!

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 12 Apr 05 - 10:18 AM

Almost forgot! I am duly authorized and instructed by Judy Cook to say "Hi!" to all the people at Mudcat.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 12 Apr 05 - 10:13 AM

didn't really have a chance to talk with Barbara - but stepped onto the shuttle bus and at my first step heard "MUDCAT?" and she introduced herself as I crammed myself down the aisle.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 12 Apr 05 - 08:58 AM

Aside from wishing the signage to the remote lot was a wee bit more helpful it was a perfect weekend. I wallowed in the music PLUS- got to meet my psuedo-nephew for the first time - turns out he likes shanties - not so pleased with celtic songs *grin*

Do with someone would offer a workshop on cloning though - it's even more vital at NEFFA then Old Songs or the Getaway!!!!   Most of the hours I had double or triple conflicts.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 12 Apr 05 - 05:42 AM

Great photos, Barbara- I never even saw you!
(Add to my "saw" list- Kathy Westra, John and Linda Henry, many old Revels friends, Barbara Benn- too many others to remember at this early hour!)

Allison

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 12 Apr 05 - 05:34 AM

It was indeed a wonderful NEFFA, though I hardly went to a single workshop other than the 3 I was a part of! It was wonderful to see Linn and Tom, Lynn Noel, various Woodchucks here and there, MMario, Sandy and Caroline and Dick and Susan, and so many others.

And what great weather for so early in April!

Allison

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: GUEST,David J.
Date: 11 Apr 05 - 03:27 PM

My favorite workshop was the one led by Takako Nagumo, Japanese girl who sang the folk songs she learned from her mother. I think she said she's a college student from Los Angeles, and that her family moved from Japan to America when she was in elementary school. Did anyone else catch that workshop? It was in the first time slot on Saturday morning, so the audience was sparse. I saw her do the same workshop last year when it was in the afternoon, and the room was packed. Darn, she is adorable as well as talented!

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: bigchuck
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 09:57 PM

What a fine festival it was this year. Saw lots of old friends and heard lots of great music. Unfortunately my voice was shot, Probably because I forgot to pack my magic Asthma inhaler, but a truely fine time. Good picture of the Chucks, Barbara. Thank you.

Sandy

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 04:59 PM

I think my definitive image of NEFFA 2005 was sound for the New Orleans Jazz Band being run by a guy in a kilt.

Had a grand time yesterday -- didn't connect with at least one person I expected to see, but managed to see more sessions than I thought I'd be able to. (Unfortunately, not ALL of each individual session I caught.)

Especially enjoyed Animaterra, Judy Cook's Food Songs, Betty and Norman MacDonald, Jennifer Wood & Bob Clayton, Woodchuck's Revenge, the Jeannie Robertson remembrances & field recordings, Pamela Goddard & John Roberts, John Roberts and Ye Mariner's All and everybody else I caught bits of. Too many people I couldn't schedule seeing. Sigh.

Curmudgeon and I were part of Tyler Buck and Friends doing a Celtic Singaround -- and we had a few minutes cut out of our already short time (40 minutes instead of 55) by the previous occupants of the room taking way too much time to leave.

All in all, almost made up for missing NEFFA last year because of Tom's surgery.

Linn

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 02:43 PM

Photos taken Saturday, for those who might be interested. Mudcat is welcome to download any for the events page. What a great festival!

NEFFA 2005 Photos

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: Gorgeous Gary
Date: 08 Apr 05 - 07:58 PM

One of these years I must make it up for NEFFA.

In the meantime, if anyone wants to see a few folks do a double-take, find the MASSFILC crew (filkers from the Boston area and friends of mine) and tell 'em Gorgeous Gary says hi! 8-)

-- Gary

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 08 Apr 05 - 03:56 PM

I'm leaving in an hour! See you all there!

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: duchess
Date: 07 Apr 05 - 04:07 PM

I will try to get their earlier if not, will pop by! Good luck setting up

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: GUEST,lamarca (cookieless)
Date: 06 Apr 05 - 07:16 PM

George and I will be doing a set of Aussie songs on Sunday, and singing a song or two in various workshops - provided both of us are over The Cold From Hell...

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: Susan of DT
Date: 06 Apr 05 - 06:29 PM

Thank you Jura, but we had better be set up before then. That is the problem - all the booths are supposed to be set up way before the audience comes. If we are not all done setting up by then, we will be tearing our hair and definately welcoming help. Come say hello in any event. Thank you.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: GUEST,Jura (the Duchess)
Date: 06 Apr 05 - 09:28 AM

I will try to find you Friday - should be there by 6 pm or so - I know the booth well - been by many a time. Rain will stop by early afternoon - yay! (I will see if there is any Lithuanian manpower around to help)

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 06 Apr 05 - 05:40 AM

I won't be there till late Friday, either! So sorry!
Allison

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: Susan of DT
Date: 05 Apr 05 - 01:23 PM

Thanx Jura

We will be running between the car - a white volvo wagon that will be full of CDs and the spot that is officially Folk Legacy, rather than CAMSCO - we have been sharing it with them for years, which is right past the entry/ticket room at the junction of two corridors. I am hoping not to have to do ALL of the schlepping to setup the booth after having done all of the car loading. Usually Dick and I split the work, but not this time. We do use a hand truck, but there is an awful lot of stuff to unload and setup.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Apr 05 - 11:15 AM

Not quite sure yet if I can make Neffa this year but if so - I would be glad to help you out. I am a friend of MMario's -(have worked at the Lithuanian food table for years and years - yes potato pancakes!)
If I do go it would be a last minute show up - where can I find you?

Looks like torrential rain on Friday!

Jura (the Duchess)

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 05 Apr 05 - 10:45 AM

Sorry Dick - I will probably just be passing Albany about that time...

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 05 Apr 05 - 10:39 AM

HELP!
If anyone's going to be available to show up at NEFFA at 4:30PM-5:00 PM on Friday, and is willing to put in about 1/2 hour's worth of light labor, PLEASE call me at 800/548-3655. I have to unload CDs from the CAMSCO wagon, and my doctor won't let me lift things fo another month or so. I'm certainly willing to pay for the help, either in cash or CDs.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 04 Apr 05 - 03:15 PM

Coming up this weekend.

Karen's workshop is no longer called "England Revisited" but rather "Ballads & Gospel." We'll be there accompanying her and also probably doing two of our originals (one ballad, one gospel).

Hope to meet a few mudcats if they'll make themselves known to me. And also hope to find some of that good food mentioned, attend a few other workshops and find a jam or 12 before we leave Saturday.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Apr 05 - 02:03 PM

up!

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: GUEST,Pamela in Ithaca
Date: 31 Mar 05 - 06:47 PM

Ooops - let me try that again with a message this time.

Linn, I'll keep an eye out for you and Tom.
It's so hard to juggle all of the great music and dance at NEFFA!
And I'd love to lay hands on the singing we did in Portsmouth back in September. I was beginning to wonder whether it had gotten lost in the mail. Oh, and I'll have a new demo in hand. I'd love to get folks' reactions to what I'm doing these days.

Best, P.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: GUEST,Pamela in Ithaca
Date: 31 Mar 05 - 06:43 PM

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 30 Mar 05 - 06:54 PM

Let's update, revise, etcet etcet what I said earlier (guess I'd been looking at last year's grid) -- I'll be with Tyler Buck & Friends -- Celtic Singaround, Saturday 5 p.m. in the North Star Room. Kathy Moore and Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) will be there, too.

Pam in Ithaca! Glad you'll be there! I may actually get that stuff from the Portsmouth Maritime Festival onto a CD for you. (Whether I'll remember to bring it is another thing entirely. Sigh.)

Too many friends to see at NEFFA -- way too much music, too much fun, too much food.

Looking forward to it!

See y'all there!
Linn

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: Suffet
Date: 30 Mar 05 - 07:09 AM

Greetings:

I'll be doing only one NEFFA event this year -- I proposed four, but what the heck! -- and it's with my group, MacDougal Street Rent Party. Here are the details:

Songs of Struggle
with MacDougal Street Rent Party
Joel Landy • Eric Levine • Takako Nagumo • Anne Price • Steve Suffet
Saturday • April 9, 2005
10:45 to 11:30 PM
Lyric Room

We'll be singing songs of the labor, civil rights, anti-war, and other progressive movements. Come to sing along, clap, holler, shout, and show everyone which side you are on! Since no one is on after us that late at night, we get to do the whole 45 minutes instead of just 40.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Mar 05 - 10:22 AM

again

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Mar 05 - 11:00 AM

be fresh!

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: Dreaded Thumbpick
Date: 28 Feb 05 - 09:29 AM

I'm going to be there for the first time in 5 years or so. I want to try to talk Bob Coltman into coming. Anyone out there willing to give up one of multiple slots that they have? I'd like to get him more time than splitting my 45 minute set.

Wally

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From:
Date: 25 Feb 05 - 12:39 AM

a while ago, you posted... looking for the below. uh, I have a copy if you still need.

Adeline

Ps I'm looking for Jeremy Steig


Subject: Recording of Good Morning Blues
From: Animaterra
Date: 18 Feb 01 - 03:48 PM

I've been trying on and off for a couple of years to find a recording of "Good Morning Blues", specifically of Leadbelly singing it. I have a lesson on the blues with this song, and would love to have the kids hear it. I had an order in to Amazon, but they were not able to complete the order. So: anyone here willing to help me find a copy?

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: Susan of DT
Date: 24 Feb 05 - 05:25 PM

Thanx Allison

Mario is going to help us with breakdown at the end. No one is around at the point of setup. Breaks during the days are welcome as well.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 24 Feb 05 - 07:42 AM

Susan, I'll try to stop by to help at some time. Wish I could help with set-up and/or breakdown, but the early timing of the festival makes it impossible for me this year.

Allison

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: GUEST,Pamela in Ithaca
Date: 22 Feb 05 - 09:55 PM

Relating two threads together...
I'm thrilled to be sharing a session of Narrative Ballads
with John Roberts at NEFFA this year.
Saturday at 2:00... I'm not sure where. Should be a good time,
I hope!

-Pamela Goddard (dance caller and singer of traditional songs)

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 22 Feb 05 - 06:09 PM

Whoa, that's what I need, more food... I never met a calorie I didn't like! Yes, I heard it was much bigger. Can't wait.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: Midchuck
Date: 22 Feb 05 - 05:57 PM

Barbara, NEFFA is very much like NOMAD in concept and general organization, but the scale is much larger, both in sheer number of bodies and number of different things going on.

And there's a lot more food!

Peter.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 22 Feb 05 - 10:38 AM

This year will be the first time for me and Frank. KarenK asked us to accompany her in her "England Revisited" workshop on Saturday at 12:15, so we're really looking forward to the whole thing.

We've played with ShoreGrass several times at NOMAD, which I'm told was modeled after NEFFA, so we know we're in for some fun. Will have several instruments with us for the day, so I'm hoping there might be the occasion for some spontaneous jams and maybe a few more mudcatters to visit...

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 18 Feb 05 - 01:13 PM

being New England - it probably is illegal according to some blue Law - but what the hey!!!!

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 18 Feb 05 - 01:01 PM

What fun! It will be here before you know it! MMario, it will be great to see you here. And if Big Mick makes it as well- jeez, are we allowed to have this much fun?

Allison

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: MaineDog
Date: 17 Feb 05 - 09:33 PM

The Grids are up now, its awesome, as usual, one can't possibly do all the good stuff, because it all happens at the same time!

I will be in the Small Hall at 3pm on Sunday with the Strathspey and Reel Society of NH, and generally around and about.

MD

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: Susan of DT
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 11:59 AM

Dick and I will be there at the Camsco booth.

We can use some help this year, since Dick is unlikely to be fully recovered by then, both the come by for an hour or two and a more substancial committment including help setting up on Friday afternoon and taking down the booth Sunday nite (for pay). PM or email Dick ([e-mail]) if you are interested.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 11:01 AM

I am planning on attending. Looks like I will have trouble deciding where to go and whom to see.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: Midchuck
Date: 16 Feb 05 - 10:54 AM

The performer materials arrived today.

Us Woodchucks are doing a humorous song workshop on Sunday at 1:00 pm with Mike Agranoff, Evy Mayer, and April Grant.

We're doing a set of our own on Saturday at 3:30, entitled "Chasing Guests Away." (The original title was "Songs For When Guests Won't Leave," but they wouldn't let us use one that long.)

The program description for that set is:

Horribly sad songs; violent songs; politically incorrect songs; (mildly) bawdy or at least tasteless songs. Suitability for young children not guaranteed (although they'll probably love most of it).

In other words, pretty much what we normally do.

Who else?

Peter.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 26 Jan 05 - 12:12 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2005
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 25 Jan 05 - 11:41 AM

I'll be there -- Celtic Singaround -- 9 pm Friday in the Music Room. Kathy Moore and I are there supporting singaround leader Tyler Buck.

There should be a good turnout. I had to miss it last year, alas -- it was the day after Curmudgeon's heart surgery.

Linn