Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006

Subject: Mystc Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,sciencegeek
Date: 18 Mar 06 - 10:26 AM

the 27th Annual Sea Music Festival June 8-11

featuring (so far):
Brian Peters

Sule Greg Wilson

Debra Cowan

Ida Red - trio of Alison Kelly, Daphne & Stephanie Glover

Jeff Warner

www.mysticseaport.org or 1 860 572-0711

Subject: RE: Mystc Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Mar 06 - 01:33 PM

Maybe this year, if I can afford it.
M.

Subject: RE: Mystc Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,BB
Date: 18 Mar 06 - 04:33 PM

Hi guest sciencegeek...
I'm wondering where you got the Mystic info. I went to the website, and there is no extensive Sea Fest info posted - or, at least, I couldn't find it.
In fact, Jeff Warner will not be at Mystic this year, as he is in the UK at that time. Maybe next year!

Subject: RE: Mystc Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,sciencegeek
Date: 18 Mar 06 - 05:45 PM

My husband & I are long time volunteers at the festival & get a letter from Geoff about this time each year. My listing is taken from the letter.

Be really interesting to see if Jeff can be in two places at the same time...   :)

Guess I should note that folks should check the seaport website periodically for updates.

Hope you can make it.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 20 Mar 06 - 07:55 PM

Unfortunately Jeff Warner cannot be in two places at once.

But probably in a week or so there may be more firm information.

This Festival is the ultimate experience for anyone who enjoys listening to traditional style sea music, or wants to lead a song or two after hours. The after concert singing is legendary at Mystic.

And the setting is incredible, something which one would think involves a time machine, asone wanders around at night with the tall masts of the Joseph Conrad and the Charles W. Morgan situetted against the moonlite sky.

Of course there are many competing things happening the second weekend of June. There a major home show at the Maine Mall. There's a final sale at Filene's. My lawn needs mowing (or will). The van needs to be washed...

Cheerily,
Charley Noble, who will be there one way or another

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,sciencegeek
Date: 20 Mar 06 - 09:25 PM

Don't forget to mention the Saturday symposium - fot those of you who can wake early after singing all night. Three presenters who give talks on traditional music and the maritimes.

Admission to the seaport on this weekend is all you need to hear music from 11am to 4pm at multiple sites throughout the grounds. The evening concerts Thurs., Fri. & Sat., have a separate charge, so if you can't make the whole weekend, there's still an opportunity to make a day trip.

Well, so much for the public service announcement....LOL.

Charley, if you've been to the YTB, then we know each other, 'cause Mike and I have been volunteers on the sound crew for the past eighteen ( God has it been that long???!!!) years.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 21 Mar 06 - 02:08 PM

LOL

"situetted against the moonlite sky"

Now THAT'S poetry!

Not to mention what is conjued up by "asone wanders around at night."

"The pudding is in the proofing!"

You may quote me, if you can remember my name.

Say "Hello" to Mike!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Barry Finn
Date: 22 Mar 06 - 04:32 PM

Does anyone know when they'll be updating their events section on their site or any more news on who's performing?

Another question. Whose palnning on being there besides me?

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Susan of DT
Date: 22 Mar 06 - 04:37 PM

Dick Greenhaus and I will be there, as always

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 22 Mar 06 - 04:42 PM

I would expect that the volunteer forms should be arriving in the mail soon. I wonder if Meg is still coordinating that.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: sciencegeek
Date: 23 Mar 06 - 08:24 AM

I propose that whoever gets their forms first - lets the rest of us know. Mike & I are usually the last to get ours because postal delivery out here bites. Mike spoke with Meg a couple of weeks ago & the forms are going out late. Why is that not surprising?

Dennis & Judy Cook are interested in helping sound on the main stage, I'm not sure who else on the sound crew will make it. Charley Ipcar and his wife are likely to make it, as well as Norris.

Haven't been in contact with Anna Marie yet, but expect her as well.

Hey, it's the Mystic Festival family reunion. And anyone from the Washington DC area, tell Don & Dolores that they are missed and to get their butts back up here again....:)

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 23 Mar 06 - 08:35 AM

Chris-

I suspect if Charlie Ipcar is coing, I'll be there too!

Alison Freeman, who worked as a sound manager last year and is a fine sea music singer in her own right, is probably planning to come.

I'm encouraging the Press Room crew from Portsmouth. I know that Barry will be there but I don't think Tom and Linn or Jeri have ever been to Mystic. Time to slip the cable and roll on down there.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: sciencegeek
Date: 23 Mar 06 - 09:15 AM

Charley, you little stinker.... I just checked out your website - got me good you did.

No wonder I couldn't put a face to Charley Noble LOL.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Alaska Mike
Date: 23 Mar 06 - 03:45 PM

Boy I envy all who get to go to this festival. Maybe someday after I retire I'll be able to attend. Have a great time and tell me all about it when its over.

Mike

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 23 Mar 06 - 04:50 PM

I will be there as usual on Sunday only. Saturday is my Sabbath and driving on that day is a no no.
                                              SOL ZELLER

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: sciencegeek
Date: 24 Mar 06 - 11:48 AM

Well, Mike if you can't get to Mystic, there's always the option of getting a copy of the Festival CD - probably from the seaport store - check out the website posted in the first entry. Then sit back & listen to it while viewing the photos posted at Charley's website.

http://home.gwi.net/~ipbar/

The next best thing to being there - LOL. But only if you also drink a bit to excess.... :)

Subject: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival
From: GUEST,craig edwards
Date: 29 Mar 06 - 03:18 PM

For those thirsting for information about the 2006 Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival, this just in:
The Festival takes place on June 8-11, 2006 at Mystic Seaport in Mystic, CT. Performers will be-
Len Cabral- storyteller
John Campbell- original maritime songs from RI
Debra Cowan- ballads and sea songs
Jeff Davis- American traditional singer/instrumentalist
Cliff Haslam- chanteys and English folk songs
Ida Red- three great singing women
Ilsha- fisherman's music from Bangladesh
Danny O'Flaherty- Celtic connections with New Orleans
Dan Milner and Bob Conroy- Irish songs and chanteys
Bob Walser- sea songs, squeezebox, guitar, dance caller
Bob Webb- powerful sea songs, banjo, and squeezebox
Sule Greg Wilson- African American music traditions
Brian Peters- leading figure in English folk music
Roll and Go- chantey group from Maine
Rick Spencer- original and traditional maritime music
Three Sheets to the Wind- chantey group for Schooner Adventure

There are evening concerts Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and concerts and events during the day Saturday and Sunday.

There will be information on the web at soon.
Weekend ticket rates are available. Tickets can be ordered starting April 7 by calling 860-572-5315 or 888-973-2767

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Musique174
Date: 30 Mar 06 - 01:26 AM

Question - I am a tall ship sailor, and while I've saved up enough to get me out to mystic from Washington... I'm a little short on cash for once I'm there. I'm wondering if anyone knows if they are taking volunteers for set up or if someone would like to barter - room and board for something. I'm the chanteyman on the Brig Lady Washington, and am SUPER excited as this will be my first time out.

Musique174

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Barry Finn
Date: 30 Mar 06 - 01:46 AM

Go to Mystic's web site & check out for info there. The woman who handles the volunteers name is Meg. Though she won't be there maybe they can put you in touch.
Good Luck
Barry

Charlie, I see that you & Roll & Go are on the line up, congrats.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: sciencegeek
Date: 30 Mar 06 - 08:45 AM

Musique 174,

do you have experience working with sound systems? Can you get there on Thursday?

Send me a PM with your info & I'll pass it on to Meg through Mike. I'm not sure if the volunteer sheets have been sent out yet, so I'll need your mailing address to get you on the send out list. the volunteers are selected on a first come basis, so it's important to respond quickly.

but if you don't mind roughing it, we might very well be able to work out something, even if you don't get on the volunteer roster.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: sciencegeek
Date: 30 Mar 06 - 09:14 AM

I just saw Craig's thread on the festival, 3/29 around 3PM.

Jeff Davis, not Warner. Mystery solved, it's the other Jeff from Jeff & Jeff. Should be great because Jeff Davis did the absolute best ad lib at an earlier Mystic Festival night concert. he has the driest wit...wow.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 30 Mar 06 - 09:44 AM

Barry-

Thanks for the congratulations. Roll & Go is quite excited about performing at Mytsic and we're planning to sing our little hearts out, and our gizzards, and parts of our bodies that it may be best not to mention in a family-thread!

Since two of us have been sound volunteers for years, working as performers will leave a couple of holes in managing sound for the various workshops and concerts.

I'm delighted to see John Campbell on the line-up. I love his range of songs from well-researched historical ballads to well-crafted hysterical off-the-wall ditties. I will be curious what new jewels he is ready to release to the world.

It will also be a delight to sing with our good friends from Gloucester, Three Sheets to the Wind, whom we've been meeting with at the Press Room shanty sings (next one coming up Saturday, April 15).

And our new CD, ROLLING DOWN TO SAILORTOWN, should be available by Mystic.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: sciencegeek
Date: 30 Mar 06 - 10:00 AM

Charley,

new CD should be available as in you'll be dropping some off at the museum store or as in "DearGod, please let the order arrive today...!"

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: JudyB
Date: 30 Mar 06 - 01:33 PM

Chris,

We're hoping the former.... Will let you know for sure in a month or two. :~)

JudyB

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: sciencegeek
Date: 30 Mar 06 - 01:38 PM

Charley & Judy, glad to be seeing you there, with or without the CDs. but preferably both.

Musique174, is there a website for the brig Mary Washington? I found one interesting reference through google

http://www.tallshipstacoma.com/ships/lady-washington.html

Did make she an appearance in Amistad?

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 30 Mar 06 - 04:53 PM

Chris et al-

It's the "LADY Washington," that tall ship whose encounter with a railroad bridge on the Columbia River is so wonderfully commemorated in song.
For a good time, do a search for "The Wreck of the Lady Washington."

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: adventure
Date: 30 Mar 06 - 06:59 PM

Evening charlie, barry, et al...
Hey some of our crew may arrive by boat if we can hook up with a couple of Mystic moorings or slips for the weekend. Give us a few more years and Adventure will be looking for a weekend berth with a full crew of mates and singers. Hope everyone is well. My dorymate and I are heading west to the Button Box workshop next weekend. Had another fun night at Schooner's in Gloucester. Hope to see each and all very soon. April 15th looks good for us for the Press Room and it is a long weekend for us MA folks. Oh crud, my husky just ate my calzone off my plate. Maybe we'll bring him along for the "howl" of it.
The doryman

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: sciencegeek
Date: 30 Mar 06 - 08:24 PM

Sorry for the goof, I was trying to multi-task when I should realize that I can barely manage one thing at a time. And when it comes to typing - maybe not even one. I try to proofread before commiting my goofs to public ridicule...:)...but this one managed to get past me. LOL

Speaking of delusions of adequacy....

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 30 Mar 06 - 08:36 PM

The Adoryable Crew-

That's a happy husky! Now you owe me for a new keyboard. This one is all spattered with Jack & ginger.

Don't for get that Barry and I are rolling into your town for your Wednesday evening music gathering on April 26th, assuming we can find the tavern. Bring a chart to the next Press Room Shanty Swap so we don't get lost. We'd also like to vist the Adventure, kick her tires so to speak! Test the accoustics!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Musique174
Date: 31 Mar 06 - 02:25 AM

sciencegeek - Yep thats the beautiful brig that I live and work on. No she wasn't in Amistad, but she did play the interceptor in Disney's Pirates of the Carribean.

As for the song "The wreck of the Lady Washington". No I hadn't heard it before, but I will share it with the crew.

As for me, roughing it is fine with me, I'm a sailor. Heck I'm happy to sleep on someones couch or floor.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 31 Mar 06 - 09:09 AM

Musique174-

You may hear a fine rendition of "The Wreck of the Lady Washington" on a recently released CD titled SONGS OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST produced by Stewart Hendrickson of Seattle. Various friends and members of the Seattle Song Circle sing the songs. This CD is well worth the investment.

Do you have a first name?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: sciencegeek
Date: 31 Mar 06 - 09:44 AM

hi again, Musique174

actually, if we can get on the volunteer crew, you can bunk on board the Joseph Conrad. If not, you can camp out - there is a campground & we can bring sleeping bags etc, or do what we always do in a pinch - sack out in the vehicle. But the odds are in favor of better lodgings. Just need to figure out where & when to meet up.

Oh, yeah , since Charley and Norris - our two most dependable sound crew members are going awol - getting on the performers list is a pretty thin excuse if you ask me...HROTFL- we are in need of experienced sound crew folks. so if you have any experience in that area let us know ASAP.

Mike has been in touch with Meg & volunteer sheets haven't been sent yet. so get us your mailing address ASAP as well.

send it as a PM or else to [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: sciencegeek
Date: 31 Mar 06 - 09:50 AM

my apologies, Musique - I just got your message on my personal page.
I must have a really bad case of spring fever - I can see the sun - in western NY near Rochester this is a big thing!!! and my mind is not where it should be - which is chained to my desk at my computer.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 01 Apr 06 - 01:14 PM

Anyone else coming?

How about the NHY crowd?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Musique174
Date: 02 Apr 06 - 09:33 PM

Charley Noble - I would LOVE a copy of that CD. Where can I order it? And yes I do have a fist name... Its Nathalie

sciencegeek - I sent you an email with my mailing address for the volunteer stuff. Any way I can help please let me know.

Smiles,
Nathalie
aka Musique174

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 02 Apr 06 - 09:54 PM

Nathalie-

I've refreshed one of the threads about the "Wreck of the Lady Washington" which you'll have to manually resort for dated posts.

SONGS OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST may be ordered from Stewart Hendrickson:[e-mail]

I know that Stewart has recently moved in Seattle so his old mailing address may not be useful. It's hard to keep up with what's happening in the Pacific Northwest from where I am.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble
Richmond, ME

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: JudyB
Date: 02 Apr 06 - 09:59 PM

Hi Nathalie -

There's a thread on
Songs of the Pacific Northwest with more information on the   
website about the CD - hope that helps.

See you at Mystic!

JudyB

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Pelrad
Date: 15 Apr 06 - 10:59 PM

Refresh...

I came here to find the festival performers' list; I've been waiting for it to show up on the museum's website for a while now. I knew you all wouldn't disappoint!

Craig, if you could manage to post it here, couldn't you slip a ntoe to the person who keeps up the museum's website too? I'm sure people are looking for this list, as it is only two months until the festival.

-K

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Barry Finn
Date: 15 Apr 06 - 11:37 PM

Hey Pelrad, how are you?
For the preformers' list see Craig's post above:
29 Mar 06 - 03:18 PM
see you there.
Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 16 Apr 06 - 11:42 AM

Here's a copy of what Craig posted above:

For those thirsting for information about the 2006 Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival, this just in:
The Festival takes place on June 8-11, 2006 at Mystic Seaport in Mystic, CT. Performers will be-
Len Cabral- storyteller
John Campbell- original maritime songs from RI
Debra Cowan- ballads and sea songs
Jeff Davis- American traditional singer/instrumentalist
Cliff Haslam- chanteys and English folk songs
Ida Red- three great singing women
Ilsha- fisherman's music from Bangladesh
Danny O'Flaherty- Celtic connections with New Orleans
Dan Milner and Bob Conroy- Irish songs and chanteys
Bob Walser- sea songs, squeezebox, guitar, dance caller
Bob Webb- powerful sea songs, banjo, and squeezebox
Sule Greg Wilson- African American music traditions
Brian Peters- leading figure in English folk music
Roll and Go- chantey group from Maine
Rick Spencer- original and traditional maritime music
Three Sheets to the Wind- chantey group for Schooner Adventure

There are evening concerts Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and concerts and events during the day Saturday and Sunday.

There will be information on the web at soon.
Weekend ticket rates are available. Tickets can be ordered starting April 7 by calling 860-572-5315 or 888-973-2767

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Pelrad
Date: 16 Apr 06 - 08:03 PM

Thanks, guys. I read the list before I posted. My post was for Craig, if he is still checking in, to get it onto the Mystic website before it's too late. I'm sure plenty of people are looking for it on the museum's site and won't know to come here.

See you both there!

Kim

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,DebC
Date: 17 Apr 06 - 08:57 AM

I have also been informed that Hughie Jones from The Spinners (liverpool) will be over for the Festival as well.

Should be a great time.

Debra

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: sciencegeek
Date: 19 Apr 06 - 04:01 PM

Alert to all potential volunteers - Mike checked with Meg & the volunteer sheets should be going out this week.   Better late than never, eh. If you don't see one in a mailbox near you next week - send me a PM.

PS: It's wonderful that Hughie will be able to make it. Met him at Lancaster a few years back & he's a really nice fellow.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Jonathan Joseph
Date: 25 Apr 06 - 08:26 PM

Hello everyone, I'm a shipwright coming up from Charleston South Carolina to the festival. Been numerous times in the past.Looking forward to another great year. I'm disappointed that Mystic hasn't done better job publicizing the festival on their website. Is Geoff Kaufman actually going to be there? His website doesn't say. I can't imagine him not being there.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 26 Apr 06 - 10:31 AM

Geoff Kaufman will be singing there along with a host of the usual suspects, be reassured, and lots of informal singing after the evening concerts.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble, roaming around Mystic today

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From:
Date: 26 Apr 06 - 11:34 AM

Charley Noble- I'll try to turn up with some fresh stuff, but remember that I've been asked to post a bond that I'll conduct myself with decorum. However, this may not be legally binding since they're still unable after all these years to spell my name correctly. I hope to be ready with a bunch of material that I picked up at the Astoria Fisherpoets Gathering this year. That's JON Campbell no glass, no ice, no H.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: JudyB
Date: 26 Apr 06 - 12:23 PM

Jon -

Decorum - isn't that a three-piece group specializing in apple-coring shanties?

And I don't know what they're worried about - after all, you didn't "gut 'em and head 'em"!

See you there!

JudyB

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Pelrad
Date: 27 Apr 06 - 01:15 PM

Hey, all you volunteer folks,

I understand the Seaport is only providing breakfast for the performers this year, and not for the volunteers. I've been thinking about showing up with many dozens of doughnuts on Saturday morning. A few questions:

1) Do you all eat doughnuts still? I realize they're not terribly nutritious, but they are affordable in large quantities. If you can suggest something else equally affordable that could survive a 45-minute car trip, I'd be happy to oblige. Fresh fruit, perhaps?

2) Does anyone have a rough estimate how many volunteers there are who need food on Saturday am?

3) What time would I need to get it there? (Thinking about actually dropping off Friday night while I'm there for the concert, if you all eat at 6 or 7 am)

Thanks!

Kim

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 28 Apr 06 - 09:47 AM

Jon-

We'll look forward to whatever you sing, warped or knot!

Evidently, we'll not be sharing a workshop but we may find a moment where I can sing you the old Australian ballad I collected in Sydney, Frederick's of Woolloomoloo.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 30 Apr 06 - 01:34 PM

While I was prowling around Mystic last week I learned that a major capital campaign is being launched to rebuild the Charles W. Morgan. The hull looks badly "hogged" with both ends drooping down. Does anyone know where the rebuilding will take place? The Morgan looks a little big for the marine railway at the Museum yard.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Marc
Date: 30 Apr 06 - 04:09 PM

WE will do that at the seaport Charley. Presently we are gearing up to rebuild the lift dock facility in preparation for the Morgan project. The present, (broken) lift dock was originaly built in the early 70's for her last major restoration. Which largely addressed Issues above the water line. She is now in need of a new bottom.

Marc Bernier

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 30 Apr 06 - 05:48 PM

Marc-

Excellent! I'm sure a lot of people would love to view this re-building project and if that's happening at the Seaport it may well be a major attraction.

I certainly enjoyed watching the progress on the building of the Amistaid.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Barry Finn
Date: 02 May 06 - 03:25 PM

The preformers list is up at Mystic's web site for all that are interested but there's no change from what Craig first posted above.
Does anyone know what topics (ya, somping ta do wit da sea, I know)
are scheduled for the Saturday symposium?

Hi Marc, it was nice to see you & a bunch of others at Mystic last week, it got me to scratching me arse in anticipation of the upcoming festival & I'm glad that the Morgan's hull restoration is being done on site (told Charlie that I didn't think you'd be out sourcing this kind of project to some place that'd cost twice as much, for a job done 1/2 as well in a far away yard that wouldn't be quite as capable), Charlie's right, though in that it'll become a new sort of attaction unto it's self.

Hi Pelrad, I'm glad to see you'll be making it this year & yes I still eat donuts but if they get dropped off Friday evening you can bet there'll be none left for Sat morn, especially if they're jelly.

"Does anyone have a rough estimate how many volunteers there are who need food on Saturday am?"

"Yes, all of them. Espically if they're jelly donuts" (Says I with a slurpy smile).

I used to bring down a turkey or ham, if I get a ride I'll probably do that again but not if I'm taking the train, I no longer have those once strong arms & back for that, only the strong stomack remain. Looking foward to seeing all of you there.

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: sciencegeek
Date: 03 May 06 - 08:39 AM

hey, Barry - I'm still smiling thinking about the leg of lamb and the cornbread stuffing you also have brought at one time or another. Hope you get a ride.... ha,ha :)

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 03 May 06 - 09:48 AM

Maybe we'll bring along some traditional sea biscuits to pass. You know the ones with the weevils in them. Of course that raises the critical question, which sea biscuit to choose? The wise shellback always chooses the sea biscuit with the lessor of two weevils...

LOL

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Barry Finn
Date: 03 May 06 - 11:38 AM

Ya, the lamb was good but I choose it because the women in my home can't stand even the smell so it had been ages since I cooked one & had a strong craving, I'm getting the same feeling again as festival time gets closer.
"Hope I can get a ride too, with a hee, hee and smile or two". That sounds like a great chorus for a shantey, no?

See ya there.
Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Pelrad
Date: 03 May 06 - 01:47 PM

All righty, I'll make sure there are lots of jelly donuts for you, Barry. I'll have to tell Jann Campbell to lock'em up so they're still available Saturday morning.

You'll have to come to our house sometime. We live on lamb! (allergic to beef, chicken and pork, and sick to death of lamb and turkey)

Kim

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 07 May 06 - 12:58 PM

Any updates?

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: sciencegeek
Date: 08 May 06 - 11:34 AM

Not really - or are we talking about food, here?

I haven't talked with any of the other volunteers & don't know for sure how deep the cuts are.

Are you going to be showing up Thursday - or Friday?

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Barry Finn
Date: 08 May 06 - 11:46 AM

Has anybody heard anything about the volunteer sign up sheets?
Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 08 May 06 - 05:39 PM

I did get a confirmation that my group Roll &^ Go will be performing a 20-minute set Friday evening in addition to our workshops on Saturday and Sunday. We also have a mid-day 45 minute concert on Saturday,

I'm not aware of any volunteer packets having been sent out. The process seems to be much slower this year. Nor and I are still planning to sleep aboard the Conrad, so we don't have to walk as far after the late night singing in the event we decide to sleep.

If there is a miracle our new recording ROLLING DOWN TO SAILORTOWN will make it back from the CD factory in Mongolia (shrink wrapped in yak intestine) in time to be processed for sale at the Festival. The Mongolian website offered the best price by far and we only had to pay half in advance by wire transfer!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 16 May 06 - 09:14 AM

The full day schedule for Saturday and Sunday and the evening concerts, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, are now posted on the Mystic Sea Music Festival website.

If you've never attended this Sea Music Festival and you like this kind of music, you'll be in for a treat. Plan to attend the entire four days and be sure to ask folks about the after concert songs sessions which are open to the public and continue way past midnight.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Nancy King
Date: 16 May 06 - 09:50 AM

It's good to finally see the program list and performers on the website (though it would be even better if they'd spell JON Campbell's name right...). But I couldn't find a way to buy festival tickets on line. Did I miss something? Will this be there eventually? Seems to me in the past there's been a slight discount for buying tickets in advance, but there has to be a way to do it...

Nancy

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 16 May 06 - 01:15 PM

Lovely Nancy-

No, there doesn't appear to be any way to buy a festival ticket on line.

And Jon Campbell's name continues to be mangled, although he has made good faith efforts to correct this mistake.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Barry Finn
Date: 16 May 06 - 03:03 PM

On the ad card it gives their web site address (www.mysticseaport.org) but it also lists a phone number for advanced ticket sales. 860-572-5315 or 888-973-2767
prices listed were as follows;
Thurs nite concert $12 in advance, $15 at the door(members $10/$12)
Fri concert $23 in advance, $26 at the door (members $21/$23)
Sat concert $23 in advance, $26 at the door (members $21/$23)
Weekend Pass (Thrus-Sun) $60 (members $45)
Weekend Pass (Fri-Sun) $60 (members $45)
Children's Tickets (ages 6-12) half the price of adult tickets

June 8-11, 2006

Evening concerts on Lighthouse Point
All evening concerts start at 7pm
Closing concert: Sunday at 3pm

Hope this helps some & hope to be there & see you all.
Any thing yet on sending out applications for volunteers? Do they need anybody this year? I for one know that I can't afford the admission costs plus the over nite rates to attend unless I can sign on to help, hopefully. This is a festival that's a must do & I'd hate to miss this, I'd have to sat it's the best of it's kind in the US (no, I'm not brown nosing Jeri just truthfull, HaHaHa).

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Susan of DT
Date: 16 May 06 - 03:44 PM

Getting tickets Friday late afternoon has not been a problem. Only one year we could not get full festival tickets (including Symposium) and that was not recently.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,saltywalt
Date: 16 May 06 - 03:57 PM

I'm not sure that this is the place to mention it, but does anyone have festival time crash space for good ol' Salty Walt (no Ratlines in tow this year)?

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Nancy King at work
Date: 16 May 06 - 08:01 PM

Thanks Barry! I guess I'll call 'em on the phone! Looking forward to seeing you (and lots of other good buddies) there --

Nancy

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: JudyB
Date: 17 May 06 - 12:12 PM

Here's the link to Mystic Seaport's web site for more information about the program - including the schedule and a grid for the workshops. Haven't figured how I'll be able to be in three or four places at once - always a challenge at these! Less than a month now - I'm getting excited!

See you there -
JudyB

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 17 May 06 - 12:29 PM

Salty Walt-

We do hope to see and hear from you again.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Barry Finn
Date: 19 May 06 - 03:06 PM

Again, anyone hear about the applications sheets for volunteers. It's only 3 weeks off.
Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Pelrad
Date: 19 May 06 - 07:12 PM

Barry, you should call them to find out about volunteer applications. I think Jann got hers around the time I posted about the food cuts.

Kim

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Barry Finn
Date: 19 May 06 - 08:02 PM

Thanks Kim
Does anyone know how I could get in touch with Meg, if she still in charge of volunteers?
Thanks
Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 22 May 06 - 08:48 PM

My understanding at this point, reading between the lines, is that the only volunteers being recruited this year are those who run sound, and that they have already been contacted by phone.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Barry Finn
Date: 23 May 06 - 12:23 PM

Partly right Charlie. I just spoke to Meg yesterday. The museum has told her she has to get by, by cutting the volunteer staff by 50%. A tuff thing to put on anyone & Meg has been handling HER part of this festival with such grace, finesse & expertise over as many years as I can remember, that she's a joy & pleasure to work for & makes it a worth while & happy arrangement for all the volunteers. This year she's in for tuff time & having to tell people that have been volunteering for a decade or more (myself included) that they've been cut I'm sure is taking a toll on her. I'd like to lift a glass to Meg, here's to you Meg. Anyways I don't know if I'll be making it this year, hopefully there'll be a next year & thank you to Marc B., Charlie & Sciencegeek for your kind offers, I'm still trying to find a way to make it doable.
Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Nancy King at work
Date: 23 May 06 - 01:38 PM

What a bummer! I hope you find a way to make it, Barry -- I've been looking forward to seeing you.

The Mystic festival seems to be -- er -- a bit adrift this year. I hope things straighten out; it certainly has always been one of the best festivals going!

Nancy

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Pelrad
Date: 23 May 06 - 09:39 PM

This is typical of the way the Seaport has been operating recently. There were huge job cuts and "early retirements" this year, and the museum has lost hundreds of years worth of knowledge. Yet they seem to get bigger every time I go, as far as new buildings are concerned.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Nancy King
Date: 23 May 06 - 09:41 PM

Sounds like a priorities problem. *Sigh*

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST
Date: 24 May 06 - 03:16 PM

Just to let you know that those "huge job cuts" were zero and under 20 employees took early retirement. The Seaport has added no new buildings in years except for upgrading Rossie Mill. It's hard times for most museums and very hard times for living history museums. People no longer like to get sand on their shoes and their designer handbags wet. Look around you-cuts in business and downsizing is everywhere.
With the Homeland Security Act firmly in place it is difficult to get foreign acts in and out of the country. Work visas and Social Security paper chases can put performers and institutions in a scramble.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST
Date: 25 May 06 - 03:37 PM

Thanks for the information, Guest of 3:16; I am guessing you work there. As a local, and a member since 1981, and a long-term festival enjoyer, I too have been concerned in talking with several friends who work there about the challenging situation the Museum faces, and the measures needed to survive, and of course the Festival which is, as many musicians have told me, "the Carnegie Hall of sea music." I hope they can keep on doing what they have to do, to be able to keep on with their many worthwhile projects. A lot of people probably think of the Seaport as a sort of theme park and do not realize the substantial historic resource it is, not only in its library and collections but also in its knowledgeable people.
Good to know this Festival at least is on track to keep happening....

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,PJF
Date: 26 May 06 - 10:26 AM

I have been following this conversation for weeks now and I know that not everyone has the resources but there is the option of becoming " A Friend of the Festival" even a small donation can help to continue the festival which is essential to saving sea music as a genre of American music. I am lucky enough to be able to afford to make a contribution each year and it has become one of my main charitable donations as the festival is very important to me.We are all facing cuts and downsizing in all phases of our lives and ever increasing expenses but if you could help out /I know many of you have been volunteers over the years and have done your share that way but I dont think we realize how much it costs to put on an event of this nature, it has always been there for us to enjoy but I would hate to think that maybe some day it wont be possible. Thanks for listening. " A Friend of the Festival"

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 26 May 06 - 02:13 PM

I have the utmost admiration for the core group of people who have kept this sea music festival going the last few years. It's not an easy job, and I'm sure it's difficult managing the needs of all the many entertainers as well as their audience. The festival should be a money maker, do substantially better than a non-festival weekend. I'm not sure how well that bottom line is actually defined between the festival organizers and the museum administration but reaching or exceeding targets is what it takes to continue this wonderful festival.

I certainly would be willing to continue to be "A Friend of the Festival" if that will be helpful. Last year there were several categories:

Clipper-Individual $1000    Family-$2500
Packet-Individual $500       Family-$1000
Schooner-Individual $250    Family-$500
Dory-Up to $249

There were benefits associated with each category.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,PJF
Date: 26 May 06 - 02:29 PM

please dont misunderstand my message I know those amounts of money are very steep but I am sure any contribution would be helpful. I have come to the festival for 19 consecutive years and would find it very hard to face a year without it. Maybe I was a bit stuffy but I certainly am not when I am there It is the BEST. Will see you all in two weeks.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,SJW
Date: 27 May 06 - 03:38 PM

One thing is certain...we all love this music and the people who sing it. Foreign acts are always appreciated, but we also especially love those local and regional people who have been singing for us for over 25 years. I know of musicians who would give their right arms to be able to perform at the Mystic Festival. There will never be a lack of performers available. When you come this year, tell Geoff or Craig who your local and regional favorites are and assure them it is not necessary to search the world over for new talent, one or two new acts are fine, but Cliff Haslem., the Ancient Mariners, Jon Campbell, Goux and Solanowski, Bob Webb, Don Sinetti, the Morgans, Bob Walser, the Seaport Chanteymen,the Johnson Girls and Tom Lewis and those we have listened to for years and years have always provided the music we come to hear. Only 13 days till we all meet again!...Little Sally Racket

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Marc
Date: 28 May 06 - 08:39 AM

Guest 3:16, I'm not sure of your source, although I can guess. There have been several positions eliminated at the museum recently, and those twenty 'early retirements' represent a wealth of experiance that will probably never be able to be replaced. Never the less, there is still a Sea Music Festival for the time being.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST
Date: 28 May 06 - 02:44 PM

Dear Guest 3:16:
Not only have I refused to renew my membership at the Seaport, I am refusing to set foot on the grounds until they realize that they are not a yacht club or an international corporation -- when they want to be a museum again (and start acting like one), I will reconsider.
The place they should be investing their dollars is in the coming generation (education/outreach) NOT in expanding the art gallery and other such foolery.

Dave De Angelis
former volunteer and performer

>Sorry if off-topic.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST
Date: 29 May 06 - 11:39 AM

Even if what the above guest said were half true, I would ask how his individual "on grounds" experience has changed. I think it's a severe over reaction. What you are asking is for no change and I would ask what business can afford to do that and yes museums run on money and need to think outside the box with new ideas and creativity.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST
Date: 29 May 06 - 03:02 PM

I take exception to the "half-true" statement above....I made no such "personal remarks" in my post :-) nor will I -- although I am _seriously_ p_ssd_ and my reaction is equally as serious as the situation.
The book store is 50% the size it used to be and the corresponding art/framing operation is 200% the size. (the book store is where the music used to be shelved -- it now occupies a sparse four foot section on the bottom floor & you have to really search for it.)That's a fact.
Education department is functioning on 50% of former staffing levels.
Staffing of some "living history" and other "live" demonstrations has been cut back and/or missing many "experienced" hands. That's a fact.

If you want a "real" museum you should take some clues from Williamstown.

Possibly the success of Williamstown is that it remains essentially the same experience "on grounds" that it has been for over twenty years.(with no major changes.)
It isn't necessary to "think outside the box" -- you just have to be using the right box to start with.

And I'm sorry about my "cookie", but I lost a hard drive and this is the back-up. When I'm up and running I'll reset it.

>Again sorry for the off-topic, but it is a serious matter which possibly could impact future music festivals at the Seaport.

Dave De Angelis

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST
Date: 29 May 06 - 03:16 PM

Sorry -- in my haste to send off a response I said "Williamstown" instead of WILLIAMSBURG -- you know- in Virginia.
Sorry

DAve

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Barry Finn
Date: 29 May 06 - 04:21 PM

Hi Nancy - I did, I'll be singing with the Glouchester folks from the schooner Adventure, "Three Sheets to the Wind" with whom I do have a history with. Some years back I used to sing for their onboard fund raising sails & have recently began singing with some of the good people that have been involved in her ongoing restoration. It'll be good to see you (& your singing sons) too as well as all the other new & old folks & friends again.

Hi Dave, I'm hoping you'll be changing your mind & attend this years festival. This years showing at the door is, from what I understand, a major deceiding factor as to the festivals' future. If I'm wrong would any of folks here in the know please correct me. So if there were ever a year to come & show your support for the music, the festival & the direction on he museum & let them know that the music of the sea is a very important part of the culture & folklore of the sea this would be the year. And any way we'd miss you, your voice & your knowledge and I do know how you feel & it is good to hear from you after so long. Do come.

Anyone else who's not sure of coming, it's the best festival of it's kind in the country & it needs our support & our numbers to continue. While your there you maybe able to let the museum know how important the music of the sea is to you, after all not everybody's a mind reader.

I'm glad I can make it once again & hope to see as many of you as possible singing your lungs out.

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 29 May 06 - 07:13 PM

Dave De Angelis-

When Barry and I checked in late April it was sad to see the book department at the Museum Store being downgraded, and music CD's practically non-existent.

I also checked in with the publications department and was saddened to find that much of their core staff had taken early retirement.

As an outsider I'm not privy to the "why" of it all, and it's unlikely that I'll be consulted in the future.

I would like the Sea Music Festival to continue, as well as many of the valuable educational activities. But the best I can do at this point is encourage people to attend the Festival, and for those most directly impacted urge them to bind up their wounds as well as they can.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 29 May 06 - 09:45 PM

Although I can't be there this year, I'm seconding Charley Noble's motion and sending in a contribution. The "friend of the festival' category assures your money is going to just that. Let's vote with our pocketbooks and help keep the music going.

Museums across the country are going through similar problems. These are tough times for funding, and cultural programs within the museums are feeling the heat. It's not only at Mystic.

But this festival is on! Have a great time there.

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Marc
Date: 30 May 06 - 07:01 PM

The rumour are probably true, I'v been told that this years gate will have a direct impact on the future of this festival.

Guest, I don't need to sling seaport mud on this site. However if you'd care to remove your guest mask and contact me, I'd be glad to discuss the changes that have happened as of late, both good and bad. The visitor experience has changed dramatically. I think my source of info is fairly reliable. Your comments sound like you feel the same about yours.

Of course you can continue to accuse people of not noing what the speak of behind your mask if you prefer.

Marc Bernier

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 30 May 06 - 08:30 PM

Marc-

Hang in there, old friend!

But if you do need some help to storm the corporate board room, you only have to PM!

Geez, I haven't stormed a corporate board room since, the early 1970's, and I can't even remember which one is was, but I'm sure they deserved the experience.

But we'll have GREAT fun for the Mystic Sea Music Festival weekend to be. You can rely on that!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble et al

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Nancy King
Date: 30 May 06 - 09:59 PM

I'm afraid the only contribution I can make at this point is $60 for my festival ticket! But I hope that will help!

Barry, I'm glad you found a way to make the scene -- looking forward to seeing (and hearing!) you.

Nancy

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Pelrad
Date: 30 May 06 - 10:05 PM

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cause such a stir with my comment. I am sure of my sources and know what I said is true. I have a membership, we visit frequently, and yes, the visitor experience has changed.

The sea music festival had a lot of support from the Seaport in the 90's, but the argument lately has been that the people who attend the festival would be coming to the Seaport anyway (in other words, a significant number of people do not come specifically for the festival - festival attendees are people who have come to see the museum and get the unexpected bonus of a few concerts). It's too bad that my inlaws are moving house during that weekend; normally they rent a slip for their boat at the Seaport just so they can be there for the festival. That's pretty big money, and they won't be coming back if there's no sea music on their anniversary weekend!

I remember, starting right from the first one in 1981 and not letting up until maybe 1992, there was a rumor at the end of each festival that there would not be another the next year. Funding has never been certain.

I'm not sure how many folks can make it to the evening concerts, considering the prices (I may only be there during the days), but I think those are the attendances that count the most.

Does anyone know if daytime gatekeepers have a way of keeping track if incoming visitors tell them they are there specifically for the festival?

Kim

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST
Date: 31 May 06 - 08:34 AM

The Seaport Store is just that- a store. Books and CDs can be bought on line so why keep a large inventory in stock that is both costly and timely to inventory. Maritime prints and paintings sell well. The public drives the inventory.
The Store is not what make Mystic Seaport an outstanding place. The ships are still there as is the shipyard, The demonstration squad still does the outside demonstration skill stuff. The daily chantey music performances still happen. Exhibits are updated and remain interesting; Seadogs, Women at Sea, Black Hands- Blue Seas etc. It is true that some exhibits have been open on and off; Cooperage, Nautical Instruments and Chandlery. The daily visitor numbers drive what the Seaport can or can not afford to present.
Williamsburg does ok but that's about the only museum doing well . Where else in N.E. do you see living history museums flourishing? Some museum professional say living history museums are a thing of the past - a dead concept.Where is the public?

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 31 May 06 - 11:03 AM

"Where is the public?"

That is a question that all who are connected with "folk" and "traditional" music seem to ask, no matter what our connection. As a radio host on a listener supported radio station, I admit asking myself why bother hosting when it becomes difficult to attract an audience that will support the program. Over the years, we see our audience turning grey and dwindling. There does not seem to be a new generation ready to support at the same level of participation. They might be out there, but are they ready to commit their support?

I can't think of a single "folk" festival that is sitting back and wondering what to do with the piles of money they make each year. Even the 800 pound gorillas such as Philadelphia Folk Festival and Clearwater are struggling to stay afloat (pardon the pun).

I've attended a couple of Sea Music Festivals at Mystic, and I wish I had the time and opportunity to attend more over the years.   I plan on coming up this year on Saturday.   It is truly a beautiful festival and very well organized, at least from my perspective as a "fan".   

One thing that I have noticed, it does appear that during the day, the audience for the music can, at times, appear to be sparse. It does appear to me that many people are there for the day and just happened to pick a weekend when the festival is taking place. With luck, they will be exposed to the music and hopefully come back to support it - but the question would have to remain, does the Sea Music Festival draw more attendees for the Museum?   How much does attendance spike? Does it become worth the time and investment if the return is so little?

Unfortunately, the economics of carrying on the work of Museums, festivals and radio shows has become difficult. Disposable income is spent on iPods, home entertainment centers, and other electronica that can numb the mind. Life is different today. When I go to events and feel that at the age of 48 I am one of the "kids" in the crowd, then I know that there are obstacles to overcome. I wish Mystic and all the other organizations that keep our history alive the very best of luck.   I will support them in any way that I can - as long as they continue to provide good experiences and continue to do important work.

Artistically, the festival is one of my favorites. I love the ambiance, the quality of performers, and the organization. I highly recommend this to everyone - even if the music of the sea is not high on your list. The experience of this unique festival needs to be witnessed first hand.

Sorry for my rambling. I just wanted to share my thoughts. This has been a very interesting discussion about a great event. I urge everyone to attend!

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,PJF
Date: 31 May 06 - 12:14 PM

Since I wrote on May 26 as a Friend of the Festival the conversation has turned quite serious from the original discussions but I am very happy that the criticisms have been answered by some knowledgeable people and I feel better that there has been a forum for these issues.The only thing that I would add now is that the festival is not only a serious place to save sea music but rolicking good time. It is a place where I have made precious friendships with people I only see once a year but because we share the love of the music it is like a family reunion , come and save the music but above all come and have fun. A Heavenly Twin

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Leadfingers
Date: 31 May 06 - 12:50 PM

100 !!!

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 31 May 06 - 01:55 PM

... bottles of beer on the wall?

Why do so many people have a perverse thrill in posting #100?? I never understood that!

Just teasing, not starting trouble!

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: sciencegeek
Date: 31 May 06 - 02:31 PM

hi, guys.

Mike & I are really looking forward to another great year at Mystic...the annual pilgrimage that I also have referred to as a "family reunion", just with sea music "family" - ones we get to choose... not get stuck with...:)

If I ever hit lotto, boy will there be an endowment for the festival!

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Leadfingers
Date: 31 May 06 - 02:39 PM

Ron - Leave us with our simple pleasures ! And one year I may make it across for Mystic !!

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 31 May 06 - 02:47 PM

Enjoy! I was just teasing.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST
Date: 31 May 06 - 06:33 PM

What does 100 !! mean I am new to this/

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Barry Finn
Date: 31 May 06 - 06:53 PM

100 means 100 posts to this thread, I think. Leadfingers is enjoying himself, let him enjoy. Though it'd be delightful if he'd make the festival in person, he is a good one for keeping late night music on a roll.
Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 31 May 06 - 08:10 PM

I apologize for making a joke about 100. It is harmless fun.   I did not mean to come across as demeaning.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: SINSULL
Date: 01 Jun 06 - 12:01 PM

Doesn't look like I can make it this year. Hope the weather cooperates for all of you.
SINS

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: sciencegeek
Date: 01 Jun 06 - 12:43 PM

So Barry, looks like you not only have a place to stay... but you'll even get breakfast...eh.   

now lets all hope for good weather and large crowds.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Barry Finn
Date: 01 Jun 06 - 07:00 PM

Does anyone know what the Music of the Sea Symposium will focus on (ya, I know sea music), I do know Glenn will be the moderator, but anything else?

Ya Chris a bunk & bread's good enough, now they tell me to stay away from donuts & coffee! Kim you're donuts are safe for now.

Sinsull you have to come,,,,, so I can blame the rain on you, I can hear the thunder rolling right now as I type.

Hi Ron, I think we've crossed paths but missed each other elsewhere, I'll be keeping a weather eye out for you. Do look at the crowd this year, the past few yrs there's been a noticeable increase in the youth attending espicially around the college age folks, very involved & talented too.   

See you all soon.
Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Jan
Date: 01 Jun 06 - 07:18 PM

We plan to be there to enjoy good weather - great music - meeting lots of old friends and making new ones. So if you hear an English voice please say "Hello"

Jan L

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 01 Jun 06 - 07:56 PM

JudyB and I are now planning to be guests Thursday evening so we can enjoy the evening show. We'll be taking careful notes. I understand there is late night singing after this evening concert as well. Does anyone know where that will be?

Cheery,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: sciencegeek
Date: 01 Jun 06 - 08:30 PM

Jan L (guest)... as in Lardner?

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Barry Finn
Date: 01 Jun 06 - 09:33 PM

Sorry Charlie, I don't know anything about Thrusday nights & what happens, but I'll will be there. I'mm untill the lightning dies down a bit. "SINSULL", it's your fault!!
Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: SINSULL
Date: 01 Jun 06 - 09:35 PM

Watch it, Barry! Lightening strike screwed up my clocks and my attitude!
SINS

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Jun 06 - 08:51 AM

There will be three papers presented at the Sea Music Festival Symposium on Sat. morning beginning at 9:30.
1."Boston Men" and their
Scuttlebutt: Ship Seizures on the Northwest Coast 1790-1820.
2. The Water Music of Samuel Barber.
3. Irish Maritime Songs From New York's 19th Century Entertainment Emporiums.
No coffee or donuts this year. BYO

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Jan L
Date: 02 Jun 06 - 09:32 AM

Sciencegeek

Yes - one and the same !

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: karen k
Date: 02 Jun 06 - 10:10 AM

I can only be there on Sat. but I'll make a long day of it. Have only missed one or two. I love this festival as long as it is not too hot!

karen

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Barry Finn
Date: 02 Jun 06 - 12:44 PM

Thanks Guest
Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Barry Finn
Date: 02 Jun 06 - 02:24 PM

The Water Music of Samuel Barber??

The 20th century American composer???

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Celtaddict
Date: 03 Jun 06 - 01:28 AM

Thanks, Guest 8:51. Any idea who is presenting?
That does make two Irish focus points. Danny O'Flaherty grew up in Connemara and the Aran Islands, rowing currachs, and is a native Gaelic speaker as well as a passionate performer and educator. We also hope to have a traditionally constructed currach on hand, and we hope in the water as well.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Jun 06 - 12:38 PM

Saturday Symposium presenters include:
1.Jon Bartlett and Rika Ruebsaat from B.C.
2.Jean L. Kreiling
Professor of Music
Bridgewater State College
3.Dan Milner and Bob Conroy from N.Y.C.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 03 Jun 06 - 09:39 PM

Jon Barlett and Rika Ruebsaat are part of the Vancouver Folk Song Society Shanty Crew and it will be a treat to hear them sing as well. We have enjoyed their recent recording TALL SHIPS IN THE FRASER.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 05 Jun 06 - 04:47 PM

THREE MORE DAYS!

I was looking at the long range weather forecast and it's a real quite a puzzle. Seems like there might be some rain Thursday afternoon, and maybe some on Friday. There's a low to the south and another low sweeping in from the west...

I would urge stuffing into your backpack/survival kit some kind of rain gear, or planning to take off all your clothes and stuff them into your backpack so they don't get soaked.

It doesn't look like the kind of monsoon weekend we had about eight years ago, when almost everything was swept away, mothers and children screaming, and older men turning pale as they sipped their secret stashes of Port Royal rum.

I'm really not trying to scare anyone away but urging everyone to come prepared.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: JennyO
Date: 05 Jun 06 - 11:36 PM

Hi Charlie - we seem to be getting some of that wet weather here in beautiful downtown Earlwood at the moment - just as well cos we have a drought that needs to break. So it's been all hands to man the tarps! We park our cars under tarps and the BBQ area is covered too. But they are crummy old ones, and the whole thing is very makeshift. So when it rains, there are always bits that collect large volumes of water.

Yesterday morning, John came out to find one of those sections weighted down almost to the ground with water just near my car door. It was too heavy to empty and entrance to my car on that side was blocked, so he got in the passenger side and drove my car out from under, then punctured a hole in the tarp to let the water out. What a mess! I spent more time later sorting out other bits in the rain, and came inside covered in water and mud.

I hope your festival isn't going to be that rain-affected! Good luck with it. Wish we could be there!

Jenny

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 06 Jun 06 - 04:58 PM

JennyO-

I wish that you and John could be at Mystic as well. You'd both have a blast!

Only two more days before we load the van and roll south!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 06 Jun 06 - 11:25 PM

I was at Mystic last Friday. It's still there and it's still really beautiful.

The weather forecast for the Sea Music Festival weekend is good: mid-60s day to mid-50s night, sunny with only occasional, brief showers predicted.

If you love something, you need to support it. If you don't, chances are it will go away. Very obviously, this is a year when the Sea Music Festival needs to be supported. This will be a very interesting and an intimate festival that will have at least a few musical surprises, all of them for the good. For example, Hughie Jones and the Johnson Girls are mentioned above. Chances are you'll see them on-stage with Milner & Conroy on Saturday afternoon.

Importantly, the line-up indicates that this should be a very maritime-oriented event. That's a very good thing.

All the best,
Dan

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Guest..Heavenly Twin
Date: 07 Jun 06 - 09:37 AM

I certainly hope we see the Johnson Girls...it would be awful to see them there (as we always do) and not hear them perform...they are the best!!! If anyone has not heard them before SEEK THEM OUT! What's a little rain? Anyone remember what my sis and I called "the rain festival"? It poured for three days and we still all had a blast like always. See you soon.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 07 Jun 06 - 09:53 AM

Anyone know where folks will be gathering to sing after the Thursday evening opening concert. The website says "open pub sing" but doesn't specify where.

Friday and Saturday evening the after concert sings are scheduled at the dance hall across from the Main Entrance to the Museum (South Gate). For those who have never experienced this space, it's a large open rectangular room with a bar (beer and wine) conveniently located in the entryway. It's not easily accessible to the handicapped being on the 2nd floor but if you are courageous and have strong trustworthy friends you should be able to navigate in and out safely. Format is spontaneous. You try to raise a shanty/chanty/chantey as the current one is ending, and if you pick the right key and have the support of a cluster of friends you may even survive the process. It's really not the place for quiet ballads or instruments.

Performers always attend, although if they are wise they don't risk leading too many songs. However, for volunteers and guests this is your opportunity to shine. And, yes, you can always enjoy chorusing along or just listening.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: sciencegeek
Date: 07 Jun 06 - 12:42 PM

Well, going nuts as usual trying to finish projects, pack everything.. and I think the kitchen sink is coming this year... gotta check on that - and we'll be heading to the east early Thursday morning - should make it into Mystic by late afternoon. so Charley, maybe we'll bump into each other before the evening concert.

yahoo!

See you there, Chris & Mike

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 07 Jun 06 - 02:07 PM

Chris and Mike-

I'll be the feller with the beard in a dark trenchcoat.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble, 24 hours to go

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: sciencegeek
Date: 08 Jun 06 - 12:44 AM

well, just spent half a day with an ailing critter... and Mike is fighting a cold, might be getting into Mystic late on Thurs. or early Fri. Best laid plans and all that....

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 12 Jun 06 - 01:23 PM

So, did everyone enjoy it?

I went on Saturday and had a marvelous time. Kudos to Roll and Go! Well done Charlie! I picked up a copy of your CD at the festival store and really enjoyed it as well.

It was also the first time I had the opportunity to see Danny O'Flahterty and I was very impressed.

The weather was nice, the crowd was having a good time, and it was a very enjoyable day. I wish I did not have other obiligations or I would have loved to stay over for Sunday.   I hope the festival is able to return next year! I renewed our family membership in hopes!

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,"No, don't give me money," says the shanty s
Date: 12 Jun 06 - 04:46 PM

So, I'm back from the Sea Music Festival, and I've identified various artists whose albums I wanted to buy, but couldn't, because they weren't sold in the store. I can't understand why performers didn't have sufficient (if any) albums in the store.

Anyway, a web search turned up just one album by Jon Campbell. Is that all there is from him? If not, where can I find more?

I'll have to come back later with names of other performers whose works I couldn't buy.

Thanks in advance for assistance.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Barry Finn
Date: 12 Jun 06 - 06:09 PM

Hi "GUEST,"No, don't give me money,"'
Jon has at least 2 CD's, if not more. I ended up buying (afforded by not eating & saving) 2 CD's from Jon whose friend had them (he couldn't sell them himself because of the signed contract) to sell because he knew that the onsite performers store would run out (they only will pre buy a certain amount) & they can't restock because of computer issues & that it's really run out of Mystic's store, it's been out sourced to San Francisco, this happens every year & is a sore spot with performers, who usually bring extras because of this. See Camsco on Mudcat about CD's.
Still I hope you had a good time other wise

Sorry to have missed you again Ron, I would've liked to have met you.

Well a great time was had by all that I met. Mudcatters, Linn, Tom & me, came in under the wing of the Glouchester/Cape Ann folks that represent the Schooner Adventure, Three Sheets To The Wind. We had a ball but I don't think we'll be invited back again. I think if we get close to the town of Mystic they'll be calling the police. We came 1 if by land & 2 if by sea, if'n we came at all. We arrived by boat, by camper, by car & brought the spouses, the kids, the dogs & other assorted animals. One dog attended the pub sing while another dog up on the main stage with us. I think/hope that our ragtag throw together band of sea vagabonds & ocean gypsies were entaining & worthy of being invited though. Some of the highlighters for me were Dan Milner (Liam's brother) & Bob Conroy from NYC & mudcatter Jon Bartlett & Rika Ruebsaat from BC, Canada, all symposium presenters (which they all did a great job of) & all great singers & musicians. Although Jon & Rika weren't on the list as performers they were warmly invited to sing every were they went & did they sing!! They were great. Another great who was not listed was Hugie Jones who was also heard from at a pub sing & at the "All Haands Concret". Maybe these unlisted guests well hopefully be listed guests in the future if the festival has a future. Another highlight was fisherman singer, musician & songwriter Jon Campbell who songs & stage presence had the dead laughing. The Friday evening concert was having it's share of sound problems & they climaxed just as Jon started his performance. He went on while the sound floated in & out of stage left & right & then off & on altoghter. It was the best stand up routine I'd ever heard & the audience was in an uproar & it stayed that way well past when the sound was finally righted. Another treat was the S.S.Chanteens from the New Haven Sound School's Maritime Culture class. This group of high schoolers got to do a few workshops & were a main stage hit for opening the Sunday "All Hands" concert. Only drawback was that their talented teacher, ex Shipping News member & good friend Paula Daddio wasn't performing on her own but then that's what a good teacher does. I didn't get to meet & hear nearly as much as I wanted (a sign of a good fest). Arriving without a voice (from a bad cold, no I didn't forget it) I didn't get to sing much as I'd liked to & probably shouldn't have sung as much as I did (ripped & raw) but I definitely couldn't had a better time. I thought Friday was a little slow with the weather & Saturday seemed to be a slow starter though the symposium seemed well attended, espically for starting at 9:30 am by the time the symposium ended (11:30?) the weather was changing for the better along with the crowd. The Saturday nite pub sing was as packed as I've ever seen it & went on longer than I can remember with alot of the strong singer staying till we were finally forced out a 2am & it continued until close to 4am elsewhere at a few places on the site. I'd say Sunday the grounds & the concert had a way better than average crowd with the sun & all. Anyway, I certainly hope that this type of showing, shows that the festival deserves to continue & that it's a benifit to all that love the music, the sea & it's tradition & it's culture.

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Barry Finn
Date: 12 Jun 06 - 06:11 PM

Sorry that should've said at the beginning that the store is no longer run by the Mystic staff & that it's been out sourced.
Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 12 Jun 06 - 06:29 PM

JudyB and I have just returned from a wonderful extended weekend at Mystic. Roll & Go members (and assorted friends and family) all survived the experience, and the weather was far better than advertised. Yes, it was quite nippy Saturday evening but NO rainouts during the day workshops or early evening concerts.

Several Roll & Go members have worked as sound volunteers for years at Mystic, so we basically understood the ground rules, written and unwritten, and planned accordingly. We dutifully filled out all the forms provided and among other things mailed in 60 CD's by the deadline of May 20th. We were surprised and delighted that over 50 CD's were sold by Sunday afternoon. We do agree that a more flexible system would be nice (such as in previous years) so that people whose stock sold out early had a chance to resupply but there was no limit on what could be initially sent.

The late night singing just got better and better, and it was just great to see and hear folks getting together and harmonizing (and dancing!). I was especially captivated by the powerful singing of Jon Bartlett and Rika Ruebsaat from Vancouver, BC, whom I've only heard on recordings. And this was the first time I'd heard Hughie Jones in three dimensions (of the Spinners). But there was a raft of good singing, and much of it from volunteers and guests.

My only regret is that there appeared to be less of the more quiet song-swapping that used to take place in the Youth Training Building. Maybe it still happened. Saturday night I did turn in early, well, actually 2:30 AM Sunday morning and maybe things mellowed down after I left.

Our friends from Gloucester, Three Sheets to The Winds, were well represented and did themselves credit. I do have this weird memory that on Saturday night they were accompanied on the stage by one of their dogs (Luke) who promptly went to sleep. Did this really happen or am I still experiencing flashbacks?

I also have clear flashback images of Jon Campbell, Ida Red, Barry Finn, ... Oh, what the hell, once one starts there is no end of the names to list! Maybe I should provide a link back to the Mystic Website.

One of the real fun parts about performing was to try out several of our sea shanties aboard the Charles W. Morgan and to discover that they actually are functional. Of course there was an experienced workcrew to heave and haul on the lines and work the windlass, and an experienced shantyman to back us up. Lord knows what would have happened if we were required to work as well as sing!

Our support team was taking a lot of digital photos and we'll try to process at least some of them so we can provide a link in this thread.

Our thanks to the organizers of the Festival and the many people who have sustained it through the years. May it continue to happen.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Feadan
Date: 12 Jun 06 - 09:53 PM

Barry wrote:

"I don't think we'll be invited back again. I think if we get close to the town of Mystic they'll be calling the police".

Nice Barry...thanks for the over reacting and vote of confidence (sheesh). The dog sleeping on stage was Sunday morning, Charlie, not Saturday. Lordy, what a great time it all was. Friday night singing was a good deal better than Saturday. Less showing off and more sharing, IMHO.

Cheers,
Feadan

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: sciencegeek
Date: 12 Jun 06 - 10:10 PM

Glad to hear that all you folks made it back home safe & sound. Mike & I stayed with a friend, so actually got to sleep Sunday night.... you guys remember sleep... right?... and drove back home today.

Took tons of pictures.... and with any luck some will actually turn out OK.... :) If you didn't get to see the blessing & launching of the curroch, I'll see about posting photos... maybe on photobucket.com .... assuming I didn't royally screw them up...LOL.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Barry Finn
Date: 12 Jun 06 - 11:37 PM

There is a bit of humor in there, between the tounge & the cheek. That dog was the good dog (sorry Feadan). You 2 (Mike & Chris) were another few I some how managed to not meet up with, I took showers.
Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 13 Jun 06 - 09:48 AM

Feadan-

I should let sleeping dogs lie BUT I was with Roll & Go Sunday morning at the North Stage and there is no way I could have seen dat dog then at Lighthouse Point. Maybe ol' Luke put in more than one appearance. I am surprised (and delighted) that more effort was not exorcised by the powers that be to "curtail" such manifestations.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble, after 12 hours sleep

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Greg Bullough
Date: 13 Jun 06 - 12:40 PM

Some insights into the wonderful pub sings at this years' event.

It appears that the correct formula has been found.

1) Use the German club hall. It's a great space when you have that many people. The Galley is okay for Thursday night, with a small crowd, but if you get many people in the nooks and crannies half of them aren't there.

2) The price of the beer was right. That, and the absence of such refreshment at the YTB, pulled the performers over like "months advance."

Charley, you mentioned the reduced YTB activity. That is actually a good thing! The YTB can become a refuge for the "in" crowd, and those of us who have access (myself included) have a bad habit of getting carried away there with jamming and socializing with old friends, to the expense of the pub sings.

Indeed, that's been a chronic problem...performers really are booked for the festival and the pub sing is part of the festival.

This year they showed up in record numbers and stayed and stayed. Each time the pub sing showed any sign of flagging, some performer or experienced chanteyman would give it a great kick in the ass. It was still strong when I left after 1AM on Friday, and when we had to leave at 2AM Saturday. That has quite literally never happened in my 16 years of Festival participation.

On Friday night, very few people went back to the YTB I think because it was truly foul outside by around midnight. I was thinking about it until I saw the wet coming down in the streetlight. The idea of walking all the way to the YTB with a melodeon in tow when my car to the hotel was yards away didn't appeal at all.

Not having performers living on the Mystic Whaler just yards away perhaps reduces the turnout at the YTB as well. When you have to navigate, perhaps by car, to your digs, discretion becomes the better part very quickly.

It is my understanding that on Saturday night, when we got kicked from the German Club at 2AM, there were a couple more hours of YTB festivities.

Something else that was different this year, and it was a big improvement. In past years, performers and chanteyfolk who should have known better tended to carry on conversations at the back of the hall, and set up a roar that could drown out a singer who might not perhaps have the volume of a Don Sineti or Cliff Haslam.

That didn't happen this year. Everyone was there for everyone else, sang on the choruses and in many cases rescued songs that would have crapped out had it not been for a strong, on-key chorus. That happened BOTH nights.

Saturday night, someone started 'Down to the River to Pray' the version from 'Oh Brother Where Art Thou.' Oh my did that take off! Wow! A very good example of how someone not on the Festival bill can create a high point.

Another high point of those evenings was Jon and Rika from Vancouver, BC. Two very strong singers with a great sense of what needs to be done next who can pull the crowd in. And we had John Roberts in there, and Hughie Jones pulling as well.

Barry, as I recall, let the Irish jammers in the corner (myself among them) that it was time on Saturday night to change from seisun to community sing. He did this in the best way of doing it, by laying into a good loud song with a chorus.

These pub sings don't work unless everyone gets it right and this year they most certainly did.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From:
Date: 13 Jun 06 - 01:22 PM

Thanks to all who went without grub to purchase CDs, but if we don't sell a few we're missing out ourselves. Thanks to all the participants and spectators, I always leave that festival excited to   come up with some more stuff, maybe I'll do a CD of songs written by somebody other than me, which I wish I'd written. Be sure to come to the Working Waterfront Festival in New Bedford, in late Sept., hearing my friend Geno Leech do his poetry will guaranteed change your life, also Jim Payne from Newfoundland is coming, and Aoife Clancy. If anyone needs CDs 15bucks to 123 Stony Lane,Exeter,RI 02822 will rectify that.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Marc Bernier evidently with lost cookie
Date: 13 Jun 06 - 01:44 PM

Nice critique Greg, Thank you. John nice to see you this weekend, It's always a pleasure having you at the festival

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 13 Jun 06 - 02:05 PM

Nice speaking with you, John. Now that I have your address, I'll have to get one of your CDs. I'm sure you've written many fine songs and I didn't get to hear enough of them.

Had a really great weekend once the weather forecast proved true. Bob Conroy and I had a nice workshop with Danny O'Flaherty on Irish immigration and settlement. Enjoyed the pub sessions. I thought Marc Bernier and Jon Bartlett sang better and better the later it got. Banladeshis were a fine touch. Loved some of the songs Jeff Davis sang.

Hope to see you all again sometime.

All the best,
Dan

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Barry Finn
Date: 13 Jun 06 - 03:09 PM

Very nice critique Greg, ditto. To add to some of your points. I've been to the festival since the beginning & besides a slack period in the mid 80's & some medical R&Rs, I've been to most. Both Friday & Saturday nite pub session went until the doors needed to be shut around 2am & Saturday nite it carried over to the YTB & went strong until about 4am. It may have happened before but I've never seen it & both nites to boot. I also notice more younger folks joining in the festival & not all of them were S.S.Chanteens. Adding them was a shot in the arm, new blood.

Charlie, it was at the "All Hands" concert where we were dogged down. Actually I led the dog by lease on stage, he was very good accompaniment, don't ya think. His snore sounded better than my bark.

Yes Jon your CD's are better than food & I'm glad I saved & that you had the foresight to have a friend have extras on hand. I've manned the CD sales for a number of years & it's a problem every year & Charlie don't put it all on the performers.

"so that people whose stock sold out early had a chance to resupply but there was no limit on what could be initially sent".

When something doesn't work try a different approach & it hasn't worked well for years. When a teacher says the kids all flunked the test, it's time for the teacher to review how they're teaching to the kids, not that the performers are kids but they do have what you might call a different type of business style, hell if they were great business people they wouldn't be performing for all of us, the least we could do is make it just a bit easier for the to make a living. The folks that want their CD's get upset when they can't buy (see above) & the performers don't eat as well if they can't sell.

I'd also like to say a special "cheers" to the demonstration crews & especially to Mary Kay & crew, Don Sineti & David Littlefield. It's been a number of years since I've watched the shipboard workshops & demonstrations & I forgot how they make it so interesting & exciting for the crowd to watch & work the ships boat, lines, sails, capstans & pumps to song, not to mention how easy they make it for the singers, it certainly lends to the full experience, not what you'd get at many of the other festivals.

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 13 Jun 06 - 03:10 PM

Thank you Dan.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 13 Jun 06 - 04:13 PM

Curmudgeon and I had a grand time, although that time was limited by the demands of (yikes!) WORK! We were there only about 25-1/2 hours total (arriving late morning on Saturday and having to leave early afternoon on Sunday), but boy did we pack some great experiences into those few hours!

Singing with Three Sheets to the Wind was a joy and a privilege. The whole Gloucester crew has been a major addition to our musical circle. We're having way too much fun -- but the Republicans haven't figured out how to tax it -- yet.

Of course, that also meant we didn't really have enough time to hear everyone (difficult being in several places at once) but did at least get to say "hi" to most of our friends, meet a bunch of new people, and have a few insightful conversations as well.

Did anyone else encounter the skunk bathed in moonlight near the Gazebo on the Green after Saturday night's concert?

Loved the Saturday night pub sing -- actually glad they shooed us out at 2. We made an executive decision against more fun and retired to our accommodations to hit the hay (actually a rather comfortable bed). Otherwise we would have been even more tired than we were for Three Sheets to the Wind's Sunday morning concert.

Linn

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 13 Jun 06 - 04:16 PM

And in the gift shop I found another non-edible type SQUID for my coleection!!!

(I have the largest collection of rubber and other non-edible squid -- and a couple cuttlefish -- in the state of New Hampshire. Well, maybe it's the ONLY collection of squid in New Hampshire.)

Linn

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 13 Jun 06 - 04:53 PM

Greg-

Well done for notes and I do agree that the shanty sings at the Dance Hall were the best ever, for the ten or so years I've been attending.

However, I still would like a space and time for quieter songs. It doesn't have to be the YTB, or exclusive to any particular group. It just should be available as an option. I'd appreciate your support, and the support of others, for creating such a space next year.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Greg B
Date: 13 Jun 06 - 06:01 PM

Charley...I guess the quieter place is the YTB while everyone
else is at the Pub Sing, OR rather late at night if that's how
it develops (vs. a seisun) and it sometimes does.

I'm trying to think of buildings that are always open...not
many.

You have to remember that the Sea Music Festival is a
'festival' in some ways but in others is more a series of
performances. The grounds are closed to all but Performers,
Staff, Volunteers, Guests, and Friends of the Festival once
the final concert lets out. Anything structured on-site after
hours kind of runs upstream against the objective of very
limited access.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Feadan
Date: 13 Jun 06 - 07:56 PM

Greg wrote:
"Saturday night, someone started 'Down to the River to Pray' the version from 'Oh Brother Where Art Thou.' Oh my did that take off! Wow! A very good example of how someone not on the Festival bill can create a high point."

Thanks, Greg! I'm quite flattered by your praise.


Cheers,
Feadan

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Celtaddict
Date: 13 Jun 06 - 09:53 PM

Charley and Greg, I agree that a place for a shanty shout (Charley's term from prior years) and another for something more along the lines of a song circle would be great. That also gets into the accessibility issue, of course. On the other hand, the folks who tend to stay all hours at the pub sings are largely the performers, volunteers, Friends and guests; not as many of the folks who just buy the tickets, but face it, the folks who 'just' buy the tickets are crucial to the Festival and are needed in larger numbers! It is a very attractive 'perk' of Friends to have that access. Maybe it would not matter if the quieter segment were relatively restricted. I do find the individual 'performances' at the pub sing, however, add a change of pace that I like a lot; I would hate to be in one building belting out shanties while Johnson Girls/NexTradition/Ida Red/Windlasses or some combination (Rick Fielding said traditional music is a 'highly incestuous field') were singing something bluesy or gospel in another. The pub sings started in the first place years ago because after the concerts folks just kept on going, some on the grounds, some in other places; I recall a most interesting session of round after round in a Friendly's one year. They did try doing them at Lighthouse Point after the concert and at pubs downtown, and I agree Frohsinn Hall seems to work the best. The other times, including a lovely after-hours one last year (I missed most late-night and the Symposium this year due to hostessing), seem to just 'happen' and it is hard to schedule some of those things; if they were scheduled we would have the same problem by night as we have by day, of being unable to be everywhere at once.
Barry, thanks for getting Jon Campbell's name right. JON. No H.
He has two CDs, "Keep On Fishing" and "Catch and Release." If you don't have them, get them! Actually, he and my brother and I have more, because my brother loves his work so much he took all those old cassettes and made CDs for himself and for me for Christmas, and when Jon was at our house and saw them, of course he made a set for Jon too. There are also some excellent instrumental Christmas CDs, but I personally can't get enough of Jon's wit, songs, and sand-and-ashes voice.
Yes, we saw the moonlit skunk. I happened to be walking with Walter Askew who immediately made up a skunk shanty on the spot.
Greg, your input for the Festival is hugely important in so many ways. Thank you.
Please, one and all, keep using your voices, your typing fingers, and your pocketbooks to let the Seaport know how much we want this festival to continue.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Celtaddict
Date: 13 Jun 06 - 09:57 PM

And if you write the Seaport, don't forget to include both praise for the terrific job they do in keeping the music and the traditions alive and also suggestions for improving, in the most positive way you can! In the aftermath and fatigue, complaining is likely to go down badly but the time is good for constructive suggestions, offers of specific assistance (thanks Lee Bloomberg for the Bose speakers!), and Friends of the Festival checks.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 14 Jun 06 - 11:28 AM

Refreshing!

Any other survivors?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Greg B
Date: 14 Jun 06 - 02:06 PM

I'll make public my personal nickname for the event:

'The Bellow and Swill Fest'

It has the advantage that it may also be abbreviated

'The BS Fest'

So it's recursive. Or bimodal. Or something like that.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: adventure
Date: 14 Jun 06 - 06:20 PM

Can't believe it's Wednesday already. Thanks to the Three Sheets crew from Gloucester(Brian, Laura, Dave, Rose, Colin, Owen, Gardi, Alex, Peter B, Barry O, Sharon, Sally for your participation and great singing, to Tom Hall and Linn Schulz and Barry Finn who joined our group to sing with us. Tim is still hospitalized waiting test results. We had a great time and met some really neat people. Don Sineti you are a jewel. Craig....you deserve a medal and a raise. Good to see our friends Roll and Go from Maine...Charley and Judy and their crew. We had a great time and the evening sings after the concerts were tremendous. Tim and Bunny...you are the best and thanks for letting us stay at your house. John Roberts doing Sweeney Todd and Ken Sweeney doing the pirate gigs were just a blast. Barry Finn, you drool when asleep while riding in cars! Staff, volunteers, singers, guests and audiences should get a well done. Our impromptu pub sing on Sunday in the Mystic pub was a real treat for us and the customers. This is what we tend to do best. Thanks to each and all...now to relaunch Adventure by July.
Still pulling out the marsh grass and healing the evening bruises from the journey home Friday evening or rather Saturday morning.
The doryman and his mate.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 15 Jun 06 - 10:52 AM

Any report from the survivors' gathering Monday evening at the Griswald Inn in Essex? We had to get back to Maine Monday and hated to miss this final flurry.

We'll be posting a link to the hundreds of digital images our support team was able to take over the weekend. There are some nice shots of shantying aboard the Morgan, a lovely panoramic shot of Don Sineti, various groups and individuals in action on the stages, behind the scenes shots, ship silouettes, rigging and marine hardware, and for some reasons images of goslings and egrets. We need to do some editing before we expose the images to the world. Be patient!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 15 Jun 06 - 11:10 AM

I'm curious about something.   In the past several years a CD would be issued featuring music recorded at the previous years festival. I did not see any CD from the 2005 festival. I assume that this was the vicitim of a decreased budget?   It is a shame because the series of CDs from the festival were wonderful.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Pelrad
Date: 15 Jun 06 - 07:06 PM

The evolution of the Pub Sing:

In the beginning, there was the YTB. In the YTB was very little food or nonalcoholic drink (we could fight over a drop of water by Saturday lunchtime), but there was a beer keg on the dock that usually didn't run out until early Sunday morning. Also in the YTB were several performers, volunteers and guests. Early in the evening there was much raucous singing, which segued into quieter sharing of more obscure material. There were groups on the front porch, back dock, inside the building, even in the bathroom. The music could be heard throughout the night from the berths on the Conrad. It was not unusual for me, getting up at 5 am to make breakfast, to pass people on the gangway who were just getting off to bed. (And boy did I snicker when they were awakened not two hours later by Doug Allen's reveillee! Remember the year he sent a bagpiper through?)

As the festival matured, organizers decided a good way to boost daytime attendance was to send the performers out to several local bars on Saturday night (and sometimes Friday night) to sing. Folks were divvied up and sallied forth to damage their vocal cords by singing over the hum of crowds and air conditioners. The YTB was empty, because everyone was out on the town. Some folks had the energy to return to the YTB after the bars closed, and they had quiet sessions, but most were too tired or drunk to do this.

This went on for a few years before people realized that performers were getting plum worn out pubcrawling. It's a fun weekend, but performers need to be at their peak Friday, Saturday AND Sunday, and let's face it, the majority were getting on in years. They couldn't party all night, blow out their voices on Saturday and have nothing left for the Sunday concerts. It was not unusual for half the performers to be unable to sing by Sunday morning, or to pass out on the YTB dock from sheer exhaustion (or hangover).

In addition, attendance was up; the festival was well-established. People who couldn't get access to the YTB wanted to participate in the singing. Someone came up with the idea of the German Club. Thus, the after-hours singing was split into two venues: the general public and folks who wanted more robust sing-alongs went to the German Club, while folks who were more interested in sharing quieter material went to the YTB. This was a natural division, as the German Club served beer and the YTB keg on the dock had gone the way of the dodo.

It was always difficult to decide between venues, but I almost always chose to eavesdrop on what Louis Killen, Dick Holdstock, Alan McLeod, Jeff Warner, Jeff Davis, etc, were swapping in the YTB setting. Performers and volunteers alike wandered between the two venues (and sometimes ended up at the halfway point, the gazebo on the Village Green). People would stagger in from the German Club sing, join the quieter gang, and party on until 3 or 4 am.

This was the first year I didn't see anyone in the YTB. I'm glad it was such a great sing over at the German Club - I think it had a lot to do with the extroverted nature of most of this year's performers. Coupled with the fact that a lot of people were REALLY tired this year and didn't stay up late! Unless the policy has changed this year, performers are not required to attend the pub sing. They are encouraged to drop by, and many feel it's their duty to be there to get it rolling, but I don't believe it's part of their performance requirements.

This got really long. I hope you are all suitably eddified. ;-)

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: sciencegeek
Date: 15 Jun 06 - 08:10 PM

oh boy, do we remember the bagpiper! And I'm sure the piper never forgot us either!
I also remember Tom Lewis' first year when he came through with Wakey Wakey!

I tend to suspect that the attraction of the beer and good singing was pretty strong to keep folks at the YTB. Mike was in the YTB & was joined by me, Charley and Judy. Often the instrumentalists ended up there to be joined later by the ballad singers and finally the last of the pub singers. That didn't happen this year.

Since I was still fighting the effects of a cold, leading a shanty was not in the cards this time. But there's always next year.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Pelrad
Date: 15 Jun 06 - 10:23 PM

The year that Stan died, 1992, was a transitional year; the "pub sing" was held under the tent at Lighthouse Point. I remember having to leave because some earnest young man was singing about his "stencil bones" being carried away on the way to Old Maui.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Celtaddict
Date: 15 Jun 06 - 10:39 PM

Survivor Night at the Gris was less packed than usual, and had fewer singers than usual, but was pleasant. Cliff's advice (eat somewhere else first) was sound. Each singer had two songs this year, and then back to Cliff, and it was an earlier night than usual, at least in the singing. On the other hand, we could hear the singers well and Cliff did not have to keep asking everyone to pipe down.
I really liked the compilation CDs too, and enquired of Geoff who has edited them in past years, if there would be one for 2005, or 2006. His response:
"I'm afraid things look bleak for either possibility. Events Network
that now handles the store doesn't seem inclined to do it."

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 16 Jun 06 - 12:59 PM

Roll & Go members are still having fun mulling over the Festival.

Thanks for the overview of after hour activities and the report from the Griswald Inn. Most members of our group held back on leading shanties at the Dance Hall. We did want to save our voices for concerts and workshops, and we didn't want to deprive anyone else of the opportunity of leading a song. I'd still like the option of a quieter sea music swap and I will lobby for it next year. I do hope there will be a next year and we do encourage others to make a donation, as we are, to Friends of the Festival (860-572-5365 or e-mail [e-mail]).

The performer contract this year still had the option for Mystic to make use of recordings to make a compilation CD but no recording was actually done by the sound crews to my knowledge. As performers, we'd much rather sell our own CD's for which we exercise quality control. It was also our sense that this year there were problems with sound quality at the Lighthouse Point evening concerts, especially evident Friday evening.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Greg B
Date: 16 Jun 06 - 01:23 PM

History of the pub sings--- an alternate view:

(I could get out my collection of Festival programs,
which is extensive, but I'll wing it.)

At the 11th festival (let's see would that be 1991?) the pub
sing was held upstairs at the Seaman's Inne, in a room that
was too small to contain the crowd, really. The Inne at the
time was not actually owned by the Seaport. I believe it
happened there in a couple of previous years, before my
time. But I remember that sing being sublime, as Don Sineti
and Cliff Haslam were both there, and carried much of the
'show.' I remember it because it was my first year.

At the 12th, I believe we attempted to have it in the pub
at the Seaman's Inne. Even smaller and more hopeless, but the
upper room was taken up by a wedding and those folks complained
mightily.

At the 11th (and at least a few subsequent festivals)
there was only one pub sing, and that was on Saturday
night. So there was really nowhere else to be on Friday
but the YTB.

Also at that festival (and some subsequents) there was a
New England Contra Dance held either at the German club or
a downtown Mystic church. That has gone away.

In ensuing years, various venues were tried out, including
Lighthouse Point.

The multiple-pub-sing-thing has only happened for a few years.
I believe last year was the first year for three pub sings.

For the first multi-sing years, one was in the Galley and the
other at Trader Jacks, down on Holmes St. Both had their ups
and downs. We also tried out another pub in downtown Mystic
and that was something of a disaster. With both Jacks and
the downtown pub, we had to sing over regulars who didn't want
to be singing, and the spaces and acoustics were tough. Running
them was real work, sometimes including a sound system. Marc
Bernier, as I recall, fought many of these battles and kept
the events from imploding, but not without a lot of effort.

This was the first year of two German Club evenings, with the
first in the Galley. Don't quote me, but I suspect that the Galley
pub sings will go the way of that dodo. The Thursday one was quite
sparse, and I doubt if the Galley management will want to pay for
the service help to be there. This year was small enough that we
COULD have just set up the chairs in the YTB on Thursday night,
thought the YTB is not generally open or used by the Festival until
Friday afternoon (when a once-a-year-event becomes like second
nature routine, you know you've done a lot of 'em). Of course
the rain probably dampened the Thursday response. In any case,
if Thursday happens again, I wouldn't be surprised to see it
move back to a Mystic pub.

Myself, I was a bit grateful for the small Thursday crowd and the
excuse NOT to damage my vocal chords. Especially considering what lay
in store.

Regarding the YTB keg, that dodo. It was either last year or
the one before that Seaport management decided that an open
keg sitting on the YTB deck was a liability at a number of levels.
So they ceased to let the organizers spend budget money on same.

Having been through a decade and a half of these events, I'll
say that the YTB thing has always been hit-or-miss. At the 11th,
Festival, I distinctly remember being in mid-conversation
with Tom Lewis on Friday night in the YTB when he said 'Why in
the bloody hell aren't we singing anyway?' and without further
warning erupted into 'Rollicking Randy Dandy Oh' at full Tom
Lewis volume in quite close proximity to my earholes. Everyone
got in a great big circle and did a round robin of sorts well
into the wee hours. I quite enjoyed it once the blood stopped
spurting from my eardrums. I recall starting "Fire Down Below"
far too high.

I recall other YTB evenings where everyone was engaged in conversation
and munching on the peanut butter and soda crackers provided (where
they trying to tell us something?) and singing never even got
off the ground.

Regarding performers in fragile condition on Sunday or even
Saturday morning, yeah sure, they did all of that damage to
themselves off-site and in town. Wink.

But without a wink I can say that people have gotten a lot
smarter over the last few years as regards doing what they
have to do to meet their responsibilities.

The same is true of the volunteers; the more serious carousers
seem to have been culled out of the corps or perhaps they've
engaged in some Darwinian self-culling. Maybe the ones who were
running around as little kids saw what we looked like in the
morning 10 years ago, and learned from our mistakes.

Indeed, in the last decade or so, I'd say that the most vulnerable
folks have been performers who've never been to the event at all
before. They sometimes become so excited by the thing that they
might forget that the excesses of the night before must be paid
for on the morning after (and on occasion 'long about halfways
in between, as they awaken all and sundry in a vain attempt to
locate their missing band-mate, who often is named 'Hughie').

There now seems to be maybe one per year who runs himself on (or
as in this year off) the rocks.

It truly has ratcheted down. It seems that some of us are older
and wiser, and that the new folks that are coming on aren't by
and large as foolish as we once were.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 16 Jun 06 - 04:52 PM

Greg-

There may be a song in this, which would pull together all the years of wondrous experience, something akin to JON Campbell's ode to the Isle of Block ferry and the Gathering of the Clan!

I's a' ol' shantysinge' an' I kno' I's done wrong!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 17 Jun 06 - 02:03 AM

Happy to hear all went great. I'll bet Ida Red brought down the house. I was wondering why i hadn't gotten any news of a compilation recording from last year (I was one of the peformers in '05) and am disappointed that this new entity is not funding the compilations anymore. I always looked forward to nuying them at the fest.

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 17 Jun 06 - 07:43 AM

As an unnamed guest said earlier. The store is just a store, they have no negative impact on programs. Anything they used to carry and now don't, or won't is available on line.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 17 Jun 06 - 10:09 AM

We're still editing images from members of the Roll & Go support team. But we should be able to put up some selections soon. We probably won't include the images of egrits and goslings in the cemetary ponds. Why on earth would anyone photograph anything but boats and sea music singers?

Anyone else have a link to their Mystic pics?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Pelrad
Date: 17 Jun 06 - 07:36 PM

Funny - I confused the year the YTB keg went away with the year they did away with the "good" beer, which was around 1986 or 87. I remember folks discussing the lesser quality (and the next year they brought their rum and single malt). I forgot that the keg was actually still out there until a couple of years ago, but now that I think about it, Ted was in charge of hooking up new kegs and I know he wasn't old enough for that in '86. Don't look at me, I never drank any of it! (But I was in charge of running cups of the good stuff from one end of the Seaport to the other the year the tent was at the North End. 1984? 1985? Those performers sure were thirsty.)

Also, the pub sings in town that I was talking about were around that same time. I remember because I was definitely way underage (maybe 14-17, so 1985-87?) and was worried that I would be kicked out of the bars. Performers were actually assigned to different places in town for the singing and it was much more of a performance than a "sing," so people really were blown out by Sunday morning.

Kim

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Rika Ruebsaat
Date: 19 Jun 06 - 02:26 PM

Jon and I have been hearing about Mystic for decades and have always wanted to go. This year we finally got the chance and were blown away.

We arrived Friday to a warm welcome from everyone we met. During the concert the audience sang along like they knew the songs. It felt, in fact, like the people who come to Mystic are not really an audience; they are participants who merely happen to sit in front of the stage rather than on it. We�ve never sung to a more well-informed audience. We were really impressed that the Friday and Saturday evening singing sessions were open to anyone, unlike most festival where they�re restricted to performers and volunteers. And free beer all evening � what a treat!   We were amply lubricated for the singing, which was fabulous. For us these singing sessions are one of the main reasons we come to festivals; the other stuff is gravy. The venue was perfect � big enough to accommodate everyone but not too big, and the acoustics were great. The fact that it was right next door to Albion House where we were staying was a real bonus.

Having the symposium as part of the festival is a wonderful idea. It gives depth to the weekend and allows history geeks like us to do something we love. Again, we were impressed with how well-informed the people who came were and we could have kept jabbering all day if it weren�t for all the other interesting things happening.

We think what makes Mystic special is that it has a focus. The people who organize it care about the history and music of the sea, as do the people who come. This creates a community of interest, which is palpable when you�re there. At most music festivals the performers are performers and the audience consists of consumers who pay money come to watch them. At Mystic the content of the festival along with the site attracts people who are interested in maritime history, and if they�re not, the environment can�t help but spark an interest.

Anyway, enough burbling. Thank you to Craig and all the others who made it happen and we look forward to seeing you all again.

Rika Ruebsaat

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 19 Jun 06 - 07:58 PM

We're still editing hundreds of images but we're getting closer to posting something.

Have a nice shot of Jon and Rika!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Greg B
Date: 20 Jun 06 - 07:50 PM

Rika...

You and Jon gave ten-fold what you gained.

And I say that as someone who remembers, 16-odd years ago,
HIS first Mystic SMF. The open arms with which we were
received, the insanely great singing, the feeling that
I'd just found all the people that were just like me,
this guy name of Hugill introducing himself to me of
all people, the remarkable generosity of spirit and
musicianship that attends the whole thing, to say
nothing of the place and setting which is, let's face
it, absolutely enchanting, second to none.

You and Jon are clearly assets in the preservation of
this great genre of music and in just bloody well keeping
people singing, rather than listening to the radio.

If SMF 2006 has re-invigorated that energy in you, then
(to coin a phrase) MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Greg

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Guest PJF
Date: 20 Jun 06 - 08:45 PM

Dear JOn and Rika I cant even begin to tell you how delighted and honored we all were to have two people so knowledgeable and so enthusiastic With us at the festival this year. When my sister and I sat with Jon at the beginning of the Friday night pub session and he sang A Pub with no Beer as we were waiting to be served we knew we were in for something special . We asked Jon as we left what he thought of our little festival and I will not give his exact words but they were as big and enthusiastic just as he is. Thank both of you for your exuberance and it is through something like this experience that we know this festival must go on. Thank you all at Mystic for everything . The Heavenly Twins

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 20 Jun 06 - 10:44 PM

Here is the first set of edited pictures for the Thursday Evening "Fitting Out" Concert at the Boat Shed on Lighthouse Point: Click here for a good time!

We are still working on the other sets of pictures and will post them as they are completed.

Thanks to our team of volunteer photographers.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble, on behalf of Roll & Go

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Barry Finn
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 12:24 AM

Nice job Judy & Charlie, can't wait for the rest.
Thanks for posting them.
Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: JedMarum
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 12:59 AM

I wish I could have made it. Maybe one of these years!

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,SJW
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 11:16 AM

It's Wed. June 21, and I still can't get this festival out of my head. I wake up each morning with a song in my heart and on my lips...19 festivals and I think this one was my favorite. (I do say say that about all of them) Craig...you did well(English teacher, you know)! Jon and Rika you are the BEST! To Craig, Don, David, Jeff and Rick...can't wait to see you again. LOVE, The other twin

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 11:59 AM

Hello Jon & Rika,

Well, it's no surprise to me that you two were a big hit at Mystic Seaport this year. I'm so sorry to have missed Northwest Folklife but I did have a good excuse. All the best to you both!

P.S. I'm recovering nicely. I start cardio rehab sessions next week!

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Greg B
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 12:08 PM

Who was that masked man?

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Celtaddict
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 07:50 PM

Jon and Rika, you added immensely! Your energy and enthusiasm was wonderful!
(I thought you were some of those 'regulars' who come each year and eventually turn up on the program!)

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 21 Jun 06 - 10:59 PM

Celtaddict-

Any how did your pictures come out? Are you willing to share?

We just got a fresh set to edit so it will be a while before we post Friday evening.

Let's all meet in Vancouver for a shanty/chanty/chantey swap!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,PJF
Date: 22 Jun 06 - 02:31 PM

Dear Charlie I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the first round of pictures and to let you know that "The Conrad at Dusk" will be my screen saver until the next festival. Thanks!

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 22 Jun 06 - 06:17 PM

I'm still looking for last years photos.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 22 Jun 06 - 08:31 PM

PJI-

I'll pass on your thanks to JudyB who actually took that nice "screen saver" of the Joseph Conrad at Dusk.

I was sleeping aboard the Conrad as usual this time around. I actually like the bunk beds, for the three hours I use them. However, I almost made the mistake of taking a shortcut at the end of the gangway when leaving the ship late one evening,barely stopping myself before ending up in the water. No doubt, if anyone had been around, he, she or them would have been amused.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: JudyB
Date: 22 Jun 06 - 09:49 PM

PJF -

Thank you! I'm glad you like the photo - I enjoyed taking the sunset shots, others of which will probably appear as we post more photos from the weekend.

JudyB

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 23 Jun 06 - 06:51 AM

JudyB has just posted some pictures of Friday evening's "Unmooring Concert" and the post-concert shanty shout at Frohsinn Hall.

Here's the link again: Click here!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: JudyB
Date: 23 Jun 06 - 10:47 PM

There are a few more twilight shots here. With a bit of luck I'll have some of the Saturday workshop photos up by Sunday.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Jun 06 - 12:33 PM

Hope to see Jeff Warner at next years festival. Martin Carthy was a real treat a few years back.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Jun 06 - 12:37 PM

The Morgan will be rejuvenated at the Seaport's lift dock which itself is under going extensive renovation. She will be hauled out in 2007 and be out of the water for several years.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,GUEST RPinPA
Date: 24 Jun 06 - 01:48 PM

My heartiest thanks to JudyB and all the un-named volunteer photographers who took shots of the festival. I look forward to them as much as I did the annual festival compilation CD which sadly has seemed to have seen its demise. Maybe someone someday can bring back the CD which many festival goers seemed to want. I am already trying to figure out how to get time off for next year's festival as I'm optiMystic (sic) they will have one. Gotta think positive.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 24 Jun 06 - 11:05 PM

"OptiMystic" I like it. We should foward the suggestion to Craig for a new button.

We're still editing Saturday and Sunday but maybe by next weekend these pictures will be released. There really are some nice shots but often the conditions were not ideal for photography and the photoshop editing can be challenging.

The workshop from hell in terms of photographic conditions has to be the Village Green Whaling Songs on Saturday where half the stage was shaded by a tree and the other half in bright sunshine. And then you had Don Sineti in the shade in a black T-shirt leading some of the songs.

Cheerily,
Charey Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Greg B
Date: 25 Jun 06 - 07:50 PM

Not to mention others in the shade of Don Sineti.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 25 Jun 06 - 08:08 PM

GregB-

;~)

Yes, Don is a big feller!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Brian Peters
Date: 07 Jul 06 - 06:03 AM

Charley, did you finish editing the Saturday / Sunday pictures yet?
Brian

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: JudyB
Date: 07 Jul 06 - 07:24 AM

Well, Charley has another bunch edited, including the Sunday closing concert, but I haven't had time to convert them for the web and post them. Saturday's booked, but maybe we'll be able to get some more up on Sunday. You know, having a real job does get in the way of what I want to do!

All the best,
JudyB

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Brian Peters
Date: 07 Jul 06 - 10:12 AM

Didn't mean to appear impatient. I don't have a real job myself, but even so I never have time for what I want to do either!
Brian

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: JudyB
Date: 07 Jul 06 - 12:14 PM

Actually, I didn't think you sounded impatient - tho' I'm a bit impatient with myself over it. Thought it would be done last weekend, but a couple of things came up, and you know how it goes....

Charley doesn't have a "real" job in the traditional sense, but I think he's often busier than I am with my fairly standard office-type job. I'd expect it's rather the same for you.

And we are happy to know that someone would like to see the pictures - thanks!!

JudyB

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Leadfingers
Date: 07 Jul 06 - 01:42 PM

Hope you had a good trip over there Brian !!

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Leadfingers
Date: 07 Jul 06 - 01:42 PM

And 200 !!

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Brian Peters
Date: 08 Jul 06 - 05:39 AM

>> Hope you had a good trip over there Brian !!

Yes thanks, Terry, it was an excellent trip. Mystic Seaport in particular is a beautiful location and I only wish I could have found more time to look over the exhibits. And the singing in late-night sessions was very impressive - the kind of intensity I don't normally experience outside Sheffield carolling sessions.

>> And 200 !!
Was this addressed to me too? If so, explain!

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Jeri
Date: 08 Jul 06 - 09:03 AM

Leadfingers is counting posts. I think it's an obsessive-compulsive thing and he's allowed in the BS threads (that aren't obituaries for someone's loved one) but he's not supposed to do it music threads.

By the way Brian, I very much enjoyed hearing you at Old Songs! Wish there'd been more time or a house concert somewhere.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Brian Peters
Date: 09 Jul 06 - 06:42 AM

Thanks Jeri. I had a good time at Old Songs too. I'm not sure where you are in the US, but e-mail me here if you want to be added to my US mailing list.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: sciencegeek
Date: 09 Jul 06 - 07:48 AM

Yes, indeed.

It was great fun getting to meet you and listen to your grand songs at both Mystic and Old Songs.   

I'm sure your wife was just as glad to have you back at home... but do what you can to come and visit us on this side of the pond again.

Chris
one of the Mystic volunteers   :)

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Brian Peters
Date: 09 Jul 06 - 08:19 AM

Next trip over will be April 2007!

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: JudyB
Date: 09 Jul 06 - 10:52 PM

The next round of Mystic photos are sort of posted at my web site. I say "sort of" because I ran out of energy. Charley had all the photos for the Sunday final concert edited and ready to go, and I got them web-sized - but they don't have captions on the link page yet. I'm not likely to get back to this for a while, so I decided to post what I have so the people who have been patiently waiting can at least take a look - even though you may have to click on a link to see who it is!

I also don't have any photos from the Saturday night concert - it was a great show and I enjoyed it immensely - and I couldn't take photos from where I was without being rather disruptive, so.... If anyone has some photos from that show they'd like to share, send me a PM and we might be able to work something out. I'll be happy to credit you as I did the photographers from Roll & Go's extended family who took most of the other photos I've posted so far - or put them up as anonymous, if you prefer.

I do have several workshops still to go (some great ones of "Chanties at Work" aboard the Morgan - photos there are always such fun, even without people running madly around hauling on ropes and stuff!), and a few more "filler" photos of ships at dusk and wildlife on the walk in from the hotel and such. Anyone have a good source for a few extra hours? There don't seem to be enough in my days lately!

Thanks for the nice comments!
JudyB

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 10 Jul 06 - 09:44 AM

Refresh for the benefit of thoe who may have missed JudyB's late Sunday night post!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,Brian Peters
Date: 10 Jul 06 - 10:04 AM

Thanks, Judy.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,RPinPA
Date: 10 Jul 06 - 03:14 PM

Thank, Judy, for all the great pictures you and your dedicated crew provided. They bring back fond memories of this year's festival. I remain highly OptiMystic about next year's festival. Once again thanks for all your work and dedication.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 10 Jul 06 - 04:52 PM

Though I was in New Orleans during the festival, I still enjoyed Don Sineti's singing :-).

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 10 Jul 06 - 06:03 PM

Chantyranger-

I'm sure you could have heard Don Sineti's dulcet leading "Maui" half away around this wide world, and certainly in New Orleans.

May the big feller live long and prosper!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 11 Jul 06 - 06:11 PM

I suppose there might be someone who missed a chance to view all the beautiful pictures that are linked above.

There were a few more folks who were taking pictures. Have you had time to edit them? I for one would like to see more of what we missed while we were performing.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Celtaddict
Date: 11 Jul 06 - 09:59 PM

I have some photos I am happy with (and thanks for asking, Charley, and Marc?) but with some extenuating circumstances here (don't ask) do not know when I will get them up. After the first few went up last year, there were tech problems with the 'Cat and Pene Azul was out of photo-posting commission for a while, and I have not had the time to master the make-your-own-webpage to post yet. I always love to share them, though.
Is anyone currently able to put them on the 'Cat?

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,festival 2007
Date: 24 Jul 06 - 07:05 PM

does anyone know the date for the next festival, this was our first one, acutally being able to be there, we have heard don many, many times, and love the music, i have to plan way in advance so that is why i am being so impatient, we were so happy to be able to be there this year just by chance and luck, and needless to say were in 7th heaven with all the music, any info would be so appreciated, thanks so much, cathy, fairfax, va

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,SJW
Date: 24 Jul 06 - 08:49 PM

A close friend "and one of those in the know' recently wrote me a note that said"I have kept my ear close to the ground and it seems that the festival will continue". It is my dearest wish that this is true, but it is a very reliable source so I put hope and faith in it. A true festival lover

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,festival 2007
Date: 30 Jul 06 - 08:33 PM

thanks so much for the response, we plan on contributing to the cause later this fall, if that will do any good, we belong the mystic seaport and join yearly, nevertheless thanks for all the great music.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 30 Jul 06 - 09:04 PM

We're still looking for guidance on what kind of support would be most effective. That kind of information can only come from our remaining contacts who still work at the Mystic SeaPort Museum. Feel free to send me such information by PM or e-mail and I'd be happy to post that on Mudcat if that makes sense.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 31 Jul 06 - 04:26 PM

Greg-

Thanks so much for your post above. I think it clarifies things enough so that Roll & Go can make a major donation to express our appreciation for the great time we had this year performing, and the many other festivals that we've enjoyed as volunteers and audience.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Barry Finn
Date: 31 Jul 06 - 05:20 PM

This is great news Greg B. I no longer work, cos I'm poor (not the other way around) so if I couldn't make it by the Monday before I know I could make it at mid week & as always the seaport could use me as it sees fit. I also have alot that I'd love to see different (if there's money of curse). Ad's going out that would hit all lovers of not only the music but of the tradition & culture in a timelier manner, along with a schedule. About hitting other aspects of the culture, example; Charlie Noble has a couple friends we stayed with on Long Island who (in the pleasant months) work as adventures & naturalist south of the horn & have rounded it no less that 60 times, they do presentations. Cable & rope (hand) splicing techniques, demos, and demo's usage of knot making. Bring in the likes of Master Rigger to do ship demos, New Bedford's not far off & it still has a strong fishing tradition bring that into play. Bring back the quality musicians & singers that are within the tradition including the singer/songwriters & not the ringers that have a few songs that could be past off as something some what related to the sea. Bring over a couple of the Viking replicas & maybe some Columbus Caravels that'll help with the housing & control the drinking. The Adventure from Gloucester may be ready by then, that crowd would love to sail her down & the dogs could all stay onboard, so that settles a few more problems, no more performing dogs, though that mutt was pretty darn good up there (see Dory mate). Do ya wanna sell some of that Live Oak, have a maritime auction? Or at least set some of that Live Oak up & have a mauling competition. Bring in about twenty whores & step up a real sailor town (see Charlie Noble. No, not for the whores). How about a sea poets corner (see Jon Campbell & spell his name right this time). How about a few authors that write about all thing sea, maybe Lin & Larry Pardey-living aboard & cruising, Linda Greenlaw-swordfishing, lobstering & ocean cooking (she's only right up the coast), Roger Abrahams-song collecting from maritime cultures, how about Jeffery Bolster-afro-american influences or Stuart Frank to do a thing on Pirates, that's all the rage now or Horace Beck- folklore of the sea that's not the rage but it's interesting & appropriate. Dingy & dory races & lifeboat & life saving demos. Have I spent enough money yet? Set up a real boarding house & house the performers there & man it with a real pimp & a crimp, the whores can earn a few extra bucks there & any hecklers can get them selves shanghaied out, the Adventure will take 'em for a few dollars more. Sell the performers CD's from a volunteer's tent & the heel with the bloke from San Diego. If there's a couple of extra c-notes floating I might know where I can get a couple of whales (it'll be PC, they're the wash up kind) but you'd have to keep that under your hat. As you can see I'd go for the whole ball of wax but the FOF may want to kick my ass 1st, I'd bleed them dry before they'd wake.

Well Greg, I for one would be more than happy to help to keep this festival ongoing but you'd have to sign a disclaimer if you're going to listen to anything that I got to say. Is it a deal? Well alright then. I'm there.

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 31 Jul 06 - 07:58 PM

Barry-

You're certainly on a rollllll! ;~))

What's the tune for that rant?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: DebC
Date: 31 Jul 06 - 08:59 PM

Marketing, marketing, marketing. I am quite sure that the Seaport has a marketing department. It should be used.

Ads in Sing Out!, Dirty Linen, Old Time Herald, (any others I am missing?), partnering with Folk Alliance and NERFA, not to mention ads or articles in mainstream newspapers like the Boston Globe, Hartford Courant, NY Times, Providence Journal and others.

Radio spots on Folk Music radio all over the Northeast and New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania. I know festival promoters who give free tickets to DJs to give away to their listeners. I am sure Ron O. could speak to that.

I was on a three week tour throughout Florida, the Carolinas, and New Jersey and talked up the festival. There were many folks who had never heard of this festival but were excited enough to want to know more.

I would be happy to participate in a week-long event at Mystic. I think that could be exciting. BUT...

Marketing, marketing, marketing.

Is almost as important as location, location, location.

Deb (who always has a blast at Mystic) Cowan

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: sciencegeek
Date: 01 Aug 06 - 02:16 PM

glad to see folks are still talking about Mystic.

since this thread is getting way cumbersome... I took the liberty of starting a new one for the 2007 festival as a way of making it easier to find comments about next year's effort

please don't keelhaul me.....

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Marc Bernier
Date: 01 Aug 06 - 04:09 PM

I'm glad folks are still talking about this festival. It's a good one. And, the reason it's good is you guy's make it that way.

So Greg. Who is this "individual within the Seaport who believes strongly in the
value of the event", do I know him?

cheers
Marc

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Greg B
Date: 01 Aug 06 - 05:22 PM

Good point on the 'Marketing' thing, Deb.

This year, the Seaport's communications Dept didn't even have
the Festival up in the front-and-center position on the Seaport
Web site until hell was raised on the Wednesday before!

Marc, the name I've been given is Jonathan Shay...since the
Festival follow-up meetings have already happened I must say
that it distresses me that you were neither given this information
nor invited to share your insights at those meetings.

To me it is either indicative of an abysmal level of internal
communications or a failure to properly position resources like
yourself to back-fill properly behind Geoff, Rick, and Craig,
perhaps both.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 01 Aug 06 - 06:25 PM

This year (2006), I picked up my tickets at the desk, and overheard a staffer pointing out the Seaport's highlights to a bunch of visitors. Mentioned everything except the Sea Music Festival,

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 01 Aug 06 - 08:13 PM

Probably useful to suggest again that people should be circumspect about their posting, given the apparent vulnerability of the 2007 Mystic Sea Music Festival. PM's or e-mails are less likely to torpedo whatever re-organizing efforts are taking place.

And, yes, I'd love as well to know all the bloody details but I'll settle for one more glorious Mystic Sea Music Festival.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Greg B
Date: 02 Aug 06 - 11:02 AM

Okay, we'll take it private, or semi-private.

I have the ability to host mailing lists, and
I'm going to host one for discussion of the
Sea Music Festival and for the Friends of
the Festival.

To subscribe, simply send an email with
the word 'subscribe' to [e-mail]
In the body of the mssage, please put a note with
your name and your interest in the Festival. (I'm
not going to just add every random person.)

You will receive an email message to which you must
reply confirming your desire to subscribe.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: sciencegeek
Date: 04 Aug 06 - 09:28 AM

photos from the festival - the blessing & launching of the currock built at the seaport.

the photos are numbered in sequence, but they are not in order in the site. Still a newbie, so haven't figured out how to rearrange their order yet. And a few more are waiting to go up. but enjoy

http://sciencegeek55.u.yuku.com/gallery/ls/aid/19396   

Charley Noble says the link works

http://sciencegeek55.u.yuku.com/gallery/ls/aid/19396

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Greg B
Date: 04 Aug 06 - 12:13 PM

We have a number of subscribers to the mailing list, and I'll
be sending out a welcome message soon.

Please, if you want to join, please FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS
two items up TO THE LETTER! If you do, you'll save me having
to tell you to follow the directions.

These listservers are pretty much self-serve so long as people
RTFM.

Greg

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 04 Aug 06 - 01:23 PM

Sciencegeek-

The link indeed works!

Great pictures.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: sciencegeek
Date: 08 Aug 06 - 01:21 PM

good day, guys...

added a few more pics to the currock file and added some photos of the Chanty Cabin gang into a second file.

I have dial up at home, so gave up trying to upload from the house, way too painful... arggghhhhh


shots of the currock



some festival friends

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: sciencegeek
Date: 09 Aug 06 - 12:51 PM

put up a few more pics of the currach...

I just heard that there will be some activity on the 26th with Danny being there to do demonstrations and a concert. didn't see anything posted on the Mystic website, but haven't checked Danny's website yet.


Maybe someone near Mystic can scope it out & post more info for the rest of us.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,jcampbellwampum
Date: 10 Aug 06 - 05:38 PM

I wonder if any of the other performers are still waiting to be paid by the NEW store operation, by my reckoning it's now well over the 45 days that they claimed would be the maximum time required to turn the money around on CD sales, just another sea story I guess you know the one that starts" This is no shit....." Barry has some commendable ideas, it seems that the festival is an existing entity which would be attractive to any number of presentors

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Celtaddict
Date: 10 Aug 06 - 06:11 PM

Jon, Danny had not been paid yet either, last time I spoke with him (very recently) for either CDs or the gig itself.
Chris, thanks for the reminder, I will put it here and in a separate thread.
Any 'Catters in the area? This event is FREE, hosted by the City of New London, through New London Main Street, and Celtic Cause.
No clue what is with the 'new management' which so far seems more of the former and less of the latter for this particular event.
We are fortunate to have visiting in the area, at the end of August, Danny O'Flaherty, of Connemara and late of New Orleans, for many years the proprietor of O'Flaherty's Irish Channel Pub in the French Quarter, where he played regularly in the Ballad Room. He will be in New London on Saturday, August 26, for Celts & Currachs, the first celtic heritage day in New London, Connecticut. We will have currach rowing instruction in the morning, then food, music, dancing, exhibition racing, and finish up with a concert by Danny at the historic waterfront park of downtown New London.
While he is in the area, we would love to help enable more people to hear this very special performer.
I am attaching information about Celts & Currachs and about Danny O'Flaherty. If you are interested in having him perform at your venue or home, please contact me at . And do come check out Celts & Currachs. Thanks for helping us pass the word!

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 10 Aug 06 - 09:40 PM

Jon-

I sent out an e-mail inquiry about CD payment after 30 days and got a polite e-mail back saying that under the contract in the fine print Roll & Go would be paid within 45 days. They did mail us a check two weeks later.

Probably a good idea to re-check your paperwork with them, send them an e-mail and ask why there is a delay. It's entirely possible that they sent your check to JOHN Campbell in Sydney, Australia...

Was Danny O'Flaherty a late addition to the performer list? If so it's possible that he's fallen through the cracks left after Craig retired from Mystic. We have photographic evidence that Danny performed there, and would be willing to tesify to that effect.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: GUEST,jcampbellwampum
Date: 11 Aug 06 - 12:43 PM

Candice McCoy in San Diego has invited me to resubmit my invoice so as to be paid for product sold during the festival, does this mean another 45 days? It's much more pleasant to attend that festival as a spectator, if this is the way things are going to be handled I'll forego any further involvement as a performer. The amount of hassle after the fact is beginning to feel like earning the money twice, and is illegal in that I'm now laboring at below minimum wage. I sympathize with all the friends and volunteers who put so much effort into making all this happen,only to have their good works cicumvented by the ill will engendered by the unseen administators of the festival. I'd play it for free if I could just sell CD's, and I'd be happy to do it, I've always felt it to be a very important event.       Those of you who are able should plan to attend the Working Waterfront Festival imn New Bedford in late Sept. My friend Geno Leech will be out from Astoria,Knut Bell will be out from Seattle,come listen to performances by actual card carrying Sailors and fishermen, smell the bait and get a look at how these festivals should be done.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Barry Finn
Date: 11 Aug 06 - 01:26 PM

Sorry to hear about your money woes Jon, Danny's too. That guy John, he's getting your Astoria spoils too, can't anyone get your name right?

Thanks for the heads up on New Bedford looks to be very interesting. It'll be a good reason to visit Mom, in West Dennis.
Are there any later or late night sessions, sings or other such things that will be going on durning festival nights?

Working Waterfront festival can be visited here: http://www.workingwaterfrontfestival.org/thebuzz/

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 11 Aug 06 - 03:51 PM

Jon-

You have been abundantly patient with Candice and Company but you need to stick to her like a leech, and, yes, she probably needs the invoice resubmitted. I would copy everything she e-mails you, along with your replies to her, and forward them to Mystic Seaport Museum (not sure what name would be best to address such concerns to?) so she knows other powers may be watching. I bet she doesn't wait 45 days to mail you your check.

Then you thank her for her work...

The frustration is not worth focusing your songwriting talents on, but I'm sure it's tempting:

Haul in the greenbacks, the greenbacks, the greenbacks,
Haul in the greenbacks, the greenbacks-o!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: sciencegeek
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 10:12 AM

added a few more shots of Hughie Jones before server acted up

enjoy


shots of the currock
http://sciencegeek55.u.yuku.com/gallery/ls/aid/19396


some festival friends http://sciencegeek55.u.yuku.com/gallery/ls/aid/19401

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Greg B
Date: 17 Aug 06 - 05:06 PM

Normally performers are paid during the final concert. I know,
I've been the 'check elf' before. This year, Craig was doing
it.

If he missed anyone (i.e., you departed without seeing him), perhaps
the checks were left with someone upon Craig's departure from the
museum and handed off to someone who was supposed to forward them
by mail.

I would email Jonathan Shay ( [e-mail] ) who
is the new Festial Coordinator and who was also Craig's boss
and let him know of the discrepancy. If they can't find the
checks then they ought to re-issue them, pronto.

Jonathan is a good sort, I think, and would be concerned that
the reputation of the Seaport as an employer should suffer. Like
I said, it's generally been policy that perfomers leave the festival
with their payment for performance in-hand.

As to the book-store issue, I wouldn't hesitate to write to
the Seaport President, Adm. Douglas Teeson. He won't handle
it himself, but you can bet that his staff knows who to send
the correspondence to. I would suggest, however, that you
specifically ask that they send the complaint not to the
book store, but to the Seaport staff member who administers the
contract with the book-store. If there are problems, that person
needs to step up and, again, protect the reputation of the
Seaport.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Barry Finn
Date: 22 Jan 09 - 01:44 AM

That must've been someone just pulling back into port after a couple yrs. Looks like they've been sea sick for a long time

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Barry Finn
Date: 22 Mar 09 - 06:07 PM

yet another one lost

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Anglo
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 03:07 AM

Barry, please take your meds.

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Barry Finn
Date: 03 Apr 09 - 10:18 PM

My meds work fine Anglo,, when I take hem. The 2 post that you no longer see, just as the one that will be deleted dated

Subject: Ñëó÷àé
"From: GUEST,flovergirll - PM
Date: 03 Apr 09 - 09:41 PM"

where the posts that I was refering to. I guess you just had to be there before they disappeared

See you soon, we can swap meds & then see how we are at swapping songs, no swapping spit!

Barry

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 04 Apr 09 - 10:08 AM

Barry-

Now you seem 'em; now you don't.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Mystic Seaport Sea Music Festival 2006
From: Charley Noble
Date: 30 Aug 09 - 10:35 PM

Ematmeria-

I don't think so!

Charley noble