NEFFA 2006

Subject: NEFFA 2006
From: Janice in NJ
Date: 16 Feb 06 - 12:33 AM

Has anyone seen one of the preliminary NEFFA 2006 grids? I hear that the "For Performers Only" grid came out about 3 or 4 weeks ago, but no one has mentioned it yet on Mudcat. What gives? Has NEFFA requested performers to remain silent until they officially post the schedule on their website? I have heard of festivals that do that, but as far as I know NEFFA never has issued such a gag rule.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: KathWestra
Date: 16 Feb 06 - 07:01 PM

Hey Janice,
As a longtime NEFFA performer, I can tell you that there's good reason for what you call the "gag rule." The NEFFA committee, a member of which called me today to request a switch in my performance schedule, is still dealing with a myriad of performer requests for schedule changes, as well as changes necessitated by unanticipated conflicts (hypothetical example: a Balkan songs workshop is scheduled in the music room at the same time one of the musicians is supposed to play for a dance). With NEFFA, an all-volunteer effort, it really ISN'T ready to announce to the public until all this shifting is done. It's a practical matter. If the draft schedule were widely distributed, and somebody with their heart set on hearing Balkan songs came specifically for that only to find out it had been rescheduled for a different day, they would be unhappy. Multiply that possibility by hundreds of performers, and thousands of attendees, and you see why it needs to be kept under wraps until it's final. Don't worry, it will be out soon!
Kathy

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: MaineDog
Date: 16 Feb 06 - 07:37 PM

Hi Again Kathy

Neffa again! Seems like the crowds were down last year, and there were lots of rumors about a new venue, partly because of lost dancing space.
I wonder if any of the problems have been fixed, somehow.

MD

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: Janice in NJ
Date: 16 Feb 06 - 11:42 PM

So there is a NEFFA gag rule now. That explains why it's been so quiet. By this time last year there were a dozen or more peformers who were posting their tentative schedules, even if those schedules were subject to change. So let me rephrase my question. Has anyone received a NEFFA acceptance notice that she or he is willing to share? Please don't give a specific day or time; just a "yes" or "no" will do for now. Kathy, may I presume you are a "yes"?

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: Barry Finn
Date: 17 Feb 06 - 01:21 AM

I'm a little bit frightened of NEFFA this year, if fear for my safety. If you're gonna be there Ms. Westra, then I have nothing to fear. You are my hero & my Secretary Of Defence. "Just Say You Will, Say You Will". Now that's soul.
Barry

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 17 Feb 06 - 05:42 AM

Oh, Barry, be there! I'll take care of you, too!
I've just been busy with other things, haven't posted here in awhile. I'll be there, in 3 different venues, and I must say the NEFFA committee did a brilliant job honoring my requests re days and times -I knew better than to make specific requests, but last year my 3 gigs were all an hour apart on the same day and I ran around like a chicken with my head cut off and didn't get to any other sessions! This year (so far!) I'm more evenly distributed between Sat. and Sun. and haven't noticed any major conflicts with others (so far!) so I should have lots more leisure time to enjoy my friends and other workshops.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: KathWestra
Date: 17 Feb 06 - 08:47 AM

Janice, I'm definitely a yes. Doing a solo set, and also leading a "Remembering Helen Schneyer" workshop with various others, both scheduled for Sunday at this writing. It isn't really a gag rule--just a friendly request from the organizers to refrain from sharing the whole draft grid until it solidifies. Knowing how hard those program volunteers work (a thankless job involving lots of headaches and many, many uncompensated hours), I'm more than happy to honor that request. I don't think there's any problem with folks sharing their plans to be there as performers, as long as it's clear that specifics may change. And I expect that, now this thread has been started, others will chime in and confirm their expected presence at the festival, and that's good! NEFFA is a wonderful festival at which I've performed every year since 1990, and a terrific opportunity to dance your feet off and hear lots of great music. Those who aren't familiar with this festival, to be held April 21-23 in Natick, Massachusetts (just outside Boston) can find more info here: NEFFA Hope to meet you there!

Barry, please come. You'll be well protected--being your Secretary of Defense is a "dream job" I take seriously!
Kathy

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: MMario
Date: 17 Feb 06 - 08:57 AM

I attended NEFFA last year - and plan on it this year. There's a lot of factors beyond my control that will enter into whether or not I actually GET there - but looking forward to being Audience.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: bigchuck
Date: 17 Feb 06 - 09:01 AM

We Woodchucks will be there. Participating in two workshops, I think both on Sat. Perhaps Midchuck will post the subject matter details, as my mind gets hazier with advancing age.
Sandy

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: Suffet
Date: 17 Feb 06 - 09:09 AM

Greetings:

I won't say who will be there because it looks like the NEFFA people are pretty serious in keeping the schedule under wraps until it is posted to their website. But I can tell you two people who are on the preliminary schedule and who told me they won't be there. Both already sent withdrawal notices. They are:

Tom Neilson -- He accepted an offer to do a concert tour in Hawaii.

Takako Nagumo -- She's a Japanese national who works for the United Nations, and the UN assigned her to attend an international conference that conflicts with NEFFA.

Takako, by the way, is doing a house concert for the Philadelphia Folksong Society on February 25. If you get the chance, please go to hear her. I don't know when or if you will get a chance again. Takako, who is recognized in the Japanese community as the foremost performer of Japanese folk songs and children's songs in North America today, has been at NEFFA and NOMAD for the past two years, and she appeared in a children's concert with Pete Seeger in New York early last year. Her duties at the UN keep her from appearing more often, unfortunately for us.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: bbc
Date: 18 Feb 06 - 05:10 PM

I haven't attended NEFFA in the past, but think that maybe I will this year. I'd love to smile & clap for you all!

love,

Barbara

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 19 Feb 06 - 12:16 PM

Well, if you attend stop by at the Folk-Legacy and CAMSCO booths (They're right next to each other) and say hello. Maybe buy some CDs.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: Midchuck
Date: 19 Feb 06 - 09:59 PM

The best argument against going to NEFFA is that I usually spend more money at Greenhaus's booth than I should.

Peter.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: Suffet
Date: 19 Feb 06 - 11:44 PM

Peter,

You can even buy one of my CDs from CAMSCO. In fact you can only buy one from them, because that's all Dick and Susan stock at any one time. So go ahead and make my day by cleaning them out. :-)

--- Steve

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: MMario
Date: 01 Mar 06 - 03:20 PM

preliminary grid is up:

http://www.neffa.org/grid/grid.pdf

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: Janice in NJ
Date: 01 Mar 06 - 10:01 PM

Oh my gosh, Kathy! What have they done to you? Part of your In the Tradition is opposite Mike Agranoff, and the rest of it is opposite both Ye Mariners All (with John Roberts) and bluesman Bob Malenky (the white guy from the Muddy Waters Blues Band). Choices, choices, choices!

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: bbc
Date: 09 Mar 06 - 10:00 PM

Just made my hotel reservation for NEFFA, so I will hope to see you all there. Am I correct in thinking that I get my ticket to the event when I arrive, like the NOMAD festival? If not, please let me know!

best,

Barbara

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: KathWestra
Date: 10 Mar 06 - 08:14 AM

Barbara: Yup, tickets when you arrive.
And Janice, I know. The timing of my workshop is pretty awful. I want to clone myself so I can perform and listen at the same time. Unfortunately, it's a perennial problem when there are so many performers. Some years the scheduling turns out better than others. You just learn to live with it--and enjoy what you do get to hear. Hope to meet you there, either at my concert or hanging around the Folk Legacy and Camsco booths. Introduce yourself!

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: GUEST,bbc at work
Date: 10 Mar 06 - 11:18 AM

Thanks, Kathy! Hugs waiting to be shared.

Barbara

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: SINSULL
Date: 10 Mar 06 - 11:41 AM

I will have to cancel my Song Circle to attend but if I don't I won't see Caroline and Sandy for another year. Decisions! Decisions!

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: Dave Ruch
Date: 10 Mar 06 - 02:21 PM

Does anyone have favorite hotels/motels in the area they like to stay at? I'll be performing this year and have not been to the area before.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: GUEST,Midchuck - evidently kicked off the list
Date: 11 Mar 06 - 12:58 PM

Does anyone have favorite hotels/motels in the area they like to stay at? I'll be performing this year and have not been to the area before.

We use the Red Roof Inn in Framingham, because:

1) It's right at the Mass Pike exit nearest NEFFA.

2) It's an easy walk from it to the shuttle bus stop, even carrying instruments, so you can leave your car at the motel.

3) It doesn't give a NEFFA discount, so NEFFA won't list it in their places-to-stay list, so it isn't as likely to get sold out early.

4) It's quite cheap by the standards of the area.

Peter.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: MaineDog
Date: 11 Mar 06 - 01:21 PM

Greetings to all Neffa-bound Catters,
I'll be playing with the Strathspey and Reel Society of NH at 3 PM on Sunday in the Small Hall, and the Scottish Jam Session to follow. (Unfortunately my purple Mudcat shirt clashes horrendously with my kilt.)
MD

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: kendall
Date: 11 Mar 06 - 03:00 PM

I don't know why they couldn't have it in Scarborough Maine so everyone could go.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: Suffet
Date: 11 Mar 06 - 03:33 PM

Peter,

They didn't kick you off the list. Your cookie expired. Click on "Membership" at the top of the page and then go to "Reset Cookie."

--- Steve

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Mar 06 - 05:47 PM

I'm driving, Kendall, so you can go. But I have put my name in to do some volunteer work on Friday AM so you will have to get out of bed early if you're going down with me.
SINS

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: jacqui.c
Date: 11 Mar 06 - 07:11 PM

SINSULL

Kendall says he's not going but I am. How do I volunteer to help?

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: SINSULL
Date: 11 Mar 06 - 09:50 PM

Go to the NEFFA website and follow the links.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: GUEST,The Weirdo Formerly Known as Midchuck
Date: 12 Mar 06 - 08:07 AM

Peter,

They didn't kick you off the list. Your cookie expired.

Yes they did, dammit. They all hate me because I'm prettier and more talented and more articulate than them and they threw me out due to petty jealousy. Well, I'll show them! I'll fill the list with long blathering posts full of vitupration...I'll be the new Martin Gibson, only worse...They'll rue the day!

Kendall, get your gnarly old arse down there and don't send your poor helpless terrified wife into the wilds of Greater Boston on her own...Poor thing is used to the peace and calm of London...she'd never survive (HAW!)

Peter.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Mar 06 - 10:03 AM

Oh dear! Martin Gibson with a sense of humor. We're in for it! Jacqui will be under my protection, Peter. Sort of the blind leading the blind. But Kendall might want to consider coming along and supervising the credit cards.

I looked over the schedule and feel as if I will have to be in two to three places at any given time to see it all. More decisions. But I will get to see Morris Dancing for the first time. Neat!

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: Suffet
Date: 12 Mar 06 - 11:47 AM

Greetings again:

To answer the question about where people are staying, I'll be where I always stay, at the Hampton Inn in Natick. It's only a short drive from there to Natick High School. The NEFFA rate is $88 per night + tax, and that includes breakfast. If you want to make a resetvation, call 508-653-5000.

--- Steve

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 12 Mar 06 - 05:53 PM

Never seen morris dancing, Mary??? Well, be sure to carve out a moment at 10 am on Saturday to enjoy the fine Harrisville Morris Women - debuting our one and only fuschia glockenspiel!

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Mar 06 - 06:02 PM

I have. And I have a Christmas present for you from 2004. A little late but I have it.
SINS

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: Jeri
Date: 12 Mar 06 - 06:44 PM

Be
Afraid

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: SINSULL
Date: 12 Mar 06 - 06:57 PM

No. This is a legitimate gift from a friend overseas who entrusted it to me to deliver - a mistake. I don't even know what is in the package.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 13 Mar 06 - 05:51 AM

Uh.Oh.
Yorkshire friend or London friend???

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 13 Mar 06 - 05:52 AM

Of course, I don't know if Jeri means I should be afraid or Mary should be afraid!!

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: GUEST,bbc at work
Date: 13 Mar 06 - 11:19 AM

Undoubtedly, you, Allison. Mary has a reputation for her gifts!

love,

Barbara

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: Barry Finn
Date: 14 Mar 06 - 02:05 AM

Be afraid, very afraid! Good luck Allison. RUN
Barry

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: Anglo
Date: 14 Mar 06 - 02:39 AM

Mary's gifts are beautiful things. They should be accepted gracefully. Though as you already understand, that's not always easy to do :-}

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 14 Mar 06 - 05:48 AM

Well, if she shows up as threatened at 10 am on Saturday, I'll already have my dancing shoes- do they qualify as running shoes?

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: GUEST,Deceased Midchuck
Date: 14 Mar 06 - 07:05 AM

IIRC, 10:00 on Saturday is our "Songs for Guests Who Won't Leave" set. Hide in there.

P.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: jacqui.c
Date: 14 Mar 06 - 07:10 AM

Tea all over the keyboard again - thank you Anglo.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: kendall
Date: 14 Mar 06 - 07:16 AM

Mid Chuck, never fear, Jacqui can take care of herself. She knows how to fight dirty. Plus, having been born and raised in London qualifies her for survival in ANY city.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: jacqui.c
Date: 14 Mar 06 - 07:34 AM

Kendall! You're giving away the element of surprise - now they'll all be on guard.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 Mar 06 - 08:54 AM

I repeat - the gift is one I am delivering for someone else. I believe Animaterra is safe. Barry, on the other hand, has yet to see the Polynesian Beauty I have reserved for him. And Tinker's Michael Jackson, Angel of Death still sits in my living room taunting the neighbors.

It's set. No Song Circle on the 22nd so I can go to NEFFA. Any hotel suggestions? Right now I am thinking Hampton Inn.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: GUEST,bbc at work
Date: 14 Mar 06 - 11:25 AM

I'm glad you can come, Mary. Look for a PM from me.

Barbara

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: GUEST,upchuck
Date: 14 Mar 06 - 11:32 AM

Mid Chuck, never fear, Jacqui can take care of herself. She knows how to fight dirty. Plus, having been born and raised in London qualifies her for survival in ANY city.

I know. The HAW! was to indicate subtle irony.

Peter.

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: kendall
Date: 14 Mar 06 - 12:25 PM

Clam diggers don't know from irony. lol

Subject: RE: NEFFA 2006
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 Mar 06 - 12:39 PM

Midchuck got a bottle of decent champagne and pretty red flutes to drink it from. No complaints there.