Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24

Subject: Portsmouth(US)Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24
From: Barry Finn
Date: 05 Sep 06 - 01:32 PM

The Portsmouth Maritime Folk festival (Portsmouth, New Hampshire, US) will be running, as far as I know from 9/22 Fri evening through Sunday 9/24 but maybe Tom came give an account of the exact time & details better than I can. I do know that Friday evening it'll kick off with the usuall fri nite session in Portsmouth at the Press Room on Daniels St around 4:pm. I know there will be a Sat. night program. that's called "A Sailor's Life" and is more like a workshop of foreboitters and ballads illustrating Jack's toils and pleasures, his friends and enemies, with Jeff Warner, Bob Webb, Pamela Goddard and Barry Finn. I don't yet know about the day times for Sat & Sun yet. New & more info should be coming soon on the Folk Horizons web site. http://www.folkhorizons.org

I think it'll be as before with different venues around town hosting various acts & a singing session or two at one or two of the local pubs with the Saturday nite thing happening in the basement of the South Church.
Hopefully more to come later.

Barry

Subject: RE: Portsmouth(US)Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24
From: curmudgeon
Date: 05 Sep 06 - 01:35 PM

The Seventh Annual Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival will be taking place on the weekend of September 22-24, 2006.

The festivities will commence at 4:30 PM, Friday, the 22nd in the Press Room, 77 Daniel Street, as part of the weekly traditional music session. On Saturday, a Shanty Sing, open to all, will be held, also at the Press Room from 2:30 to 5:00 PM.

Saturday evening's performance, A Sailor's Life, will be presented at the South Church Parish Hall, 292 State Street, and will feature Jeff Warner, Bob Webb, Pamela Goddard, and Barry Finn.

Sunday afternoon will feature multiple performances in and around Market Square, including the Portsmouth Athenaeum, the Works, Breaking New Grounds and the Rusty Hammer. The festival will conclude with a Grand Shanty Blast at 5:00 in Market Square.

Performers to include, in addition to the above mentioned, Roll and Go , Three Sheets To the Wind, Tom Hall, Linn Schulz, Bruce MacIntyre, Dave Hallowell, Alison Lee Freeman, David Behm, Bob Frost,Kevin Scanlon, and the High Pukka Flying Squad.
All events are free to the public, but donations will be cheerfully accepted.

Subject: RE: Portsmouth(US)Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24
From: GUEST,Pamela in Ithaca
Date: 05 Sep 06 - 04:43 PM

I am thrilled to be coming out from the Finger Lakes
(*not* a huge maritime center!!) to be singing with my
Portsmouth pals. I think I'm being brought out in the
"now for something rather different" category of song.


For those who have never been, there's multiple days of
great singing and warm company. These folks are as welcoming
as any can wish. And it's a fine time to hang out in a
pretty good small city. Worth the drive, trust me.
Let's hope for seasonable weather - or better.

Only a few weeks away! - Pamela

Subject: RE: Portsmouth(US)Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24
From: curmudgeon
Date: 05 Sep 06 - 08:03 PM

N.B. -- the website is not currently up to date. Everything has been sent to the web person, but ...?

Keep a look out here for more particulars -- Tom

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24
From: SINSULL
Date: 05 Sep 06 - 08:49 PM

I will have to change my Song Circle date but count me in for Saturday.
SINS

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24
From: Charley Noble
Date: 05 Sep 06 - 10:14 PM

The Roll & Go crew is certainly looking forward to another run.

This is really a great opportunity to listen to some fine sea music, sing along on the choruses, and even lead a few songs at the open shanty sing.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24
From: curmudgeon
Date: 12 Sep 06 - 06:29 AM

I should also add to Charley's post that it will also be a good opportunity to increase your CD collection. I just heard from Alison Lee Freeman that she will have a new CD coming out this weekend. Other recording artists include Roll & Go, Bob Webb, Pamela Goddard, Jeff Warner, and maybe Barry Finn.

Hope to see some of you there - Tom

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24
From: Barry Finn
Date: 12 Sep 06 - 07:08 AM

"maybe Barry Finn"

I'll be there Tom but my CD can't make it yet.
It's still busy being born.

Barry

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24
From: Charley Noble
Date: 14 Sep 06 - 06:06 PM

"Hoist up the top sheet and spanker!"

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24
From: Barry Finn
Date: 14 Sep 06 - 06:15 PM

Charlie!! I hope that's not my wife you're talking about!

Barry

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 Sep 06 - 11:15 PM

I'll be there. So will Jacqui. Both eager to handle the spanker.

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24
From: Charley Noble
Date: 15 Sep 06 - 08:54 AM

From "Cruisn' Round Yarmouth":

"With her lily white hand on me reef-tackle fall!"

We really should consider practicing some of these old shanties for the upcoming Maritime Folk Festival and working up a demonstration routine:

"Haul 'er high, haul 'er low!
Bust 'er blocks before we go!"

Cheerily,
Charley Noblet

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24
From: curmudgeon
Date: 18 Sep 06 - 04:42 PM

The   Festival website is up and running. We've got quite a few Mudcatters either attending or performing, and we'd like to see more of you -- Tom

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24
From: GUEST,BB
Date: 20 Sep 06 - 03:33 PM

Writing in from my latest port o' call, Tallinn, Estonia. Best of luck to all, for good fun and good singing! Good beers, good times, and no more flung plates, pots, pans or whatever it was from the PR kitchen last week. Wish I could be there, so in lieu of good times with the Press Room Gang, et al, I shall bellow forth a sea song on Saturday, from the shore of the village of Kasmu, overlooking the Gulf of Finland. After all, its name translates to "Captain's Village!" Too bad I don't know "Polly on the Shore."

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24
From: Charley Noble
Date: 20 Sep 06 - 04:02 PM

Barb-

I'm sure they'll settle for "Cruisin' Round Yarmouth" or "Nine Times a Night."

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24
From: Charley Noble
Date: 21 Sep 06 - 08:29 AM

We're wondering what the situation will be at Breaking New Grounds if there are showers on Sunday afternoon as expected. As I recall the space inside this coffee/pastry shop is not very large, and what little there exists is filled with tables. Usually we set up outside on the front plaza by the Info Kiosk.

Any thoughts?

Dick and I will be down about 1 pm to scout things out. The rest of Roll & Go will be there by 1:30 pm.

Street parking is free on Sunday?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24
From: curmudgeon
Date: 21 Sep 06 - 09:44 AM

Charley, et al, if there is light rain or scattered showers, we may choose to move down the street where there is an awning on a bank that will be closed. However, if it is seriously raining, the outdoor segment of the festival will be cancelled. I No sense in playing if no one will be listening. If there's any precipitation, the CD sales will be located in the Athenaeum.

See you this weekend -- Tom

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 22 Sep 06 - 07:53 AM

The kick off, of course, is tonight's regular weekly session at The Press Room on Daniel Street in Portsmouth, NH -- 4:30 to 9 PM.

Many of the performers plus the regular crew (some of which are PMFF performers) will be in attendance!

See you there!

Linn

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24
From: Jeri
Date: 23 Sep 06 - 10:48 AM

Refreshing, because the Press Room Singaround is a 2:30 PM, the 'A Sailor's Life' program tonight at 7, and the thread done fell off the bottom. I missed the Fri night thing, and I'm up to my eyeballs in allergy meds.

On the cheery side, it's a dismal, cold, rainy day, and if you close your eyes, let the rain hit you in the face like spray coming off the bow, and listen to the sound of the cars driving through the puddles, it's just like being at sea. Well, for somebody who's only been on deep-sea fishing trips and ferries, maybe.

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 23 Sep 06 - 12:40 PM

Lovely session last night at The Press Room -- joined by Pamela Goddard fromw New York, Jeff Warner was back from his tour of England, Gardi, Jim and Alexander were representing th Gloucester contingent, plus most of the regulars who are also part of the festival. Also in attendance were both musicians and audience who don't make it to The Press Room as often as they'd like.

Been getting phone calls all morning inquiring about the time for the program tonight (7 pm) at the Unitarian Church parish hall. The local rag didn't run the press releases or the festival ad as they have in previous years -- just a listing in the weekly "Spotlight" section.

Our "competition" this weekend are the Highland Games at Loon Mountain, Maine's Common Ground Fair, and, of course, Rosh Hashanah.

It'll be dry at The Press Room! And at South Church Parish Hall! And the music will be grand! See you there!

Linn

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24
From: SINSULL
Date: 23 Sep 06 - 10:16 PM

Jacqui has fallen victim to the damned "bug" that has been plaguing Southern Maine for months now. If she is better tomorrow we will see you all. Damn! I was looking forward to tonight's concert.
SINS

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24
From: Charley Noble
Date: 24 Sep 06 - 10:05 AM

Looks like we may luck out this Sunday afternoon, in between morning and evening thunder showers. But we'll bring our foul weather gear along just to be sure.

Were there any survivors from Saturday?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble, from Roll & Go

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 24 Sep 06 - 10:18 AM

The concert was WONDERFUL! Barry Finn, Bob Webb, Pamela Goddard and Jeff Warner (that's left to right across the "stage" area, as opposed to, say, alphabetically or by height) sang a delightful array of songs, individually and playing off each other, and occasionally combining (and, perhaps, adding Bruce MacIntyre).

There was a really good turnout filling the space and 97% (approximately) of the audience joined in enthusiastically on the choruses. I heard songs I've never heard before -- and new versions of old songs. And entertaining educational explanations of the music, the work aboard ships and of a sailor's life.

The open sing at The Press Room in the afternoon was also really really good, although without the amazing turnout of I think it was three years ago (maybe four) -- Press Room regulars, festival regulars, a few people who got accidently surrounded by the music while eating a late lunch and decided to stay, etc.

And a special thanks to Mikki Clement (who's been coming to the festival with her husband Dale for a number of years now) not only kicked off the donation pitcher with a substantial donation, but took it around the room several times in case people were too shy to come u and drop money into it.

And the festival is only half over -- come today for the open sing at The Rusty Hammer -- with performers cycling in, concerts at the Portsmouth Athenaeum in Market Square (that's also where the CD table will be set up) and performances at or in front of several businesses in Market Square. Shanty Blast at 5 p.m.!

See you there!

Linn

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 25 Sep 06 - 07:55 AM

Well, other than a brief but very sudden shower (I didn't actually SEE it -- it was sunny when I got to The Rusty Hammer and again when I left, but Bob Webb and Jeff Warner arrived looking as if they'd been taking in the spray) the weather turned out even better than we'd expected.

The audiences, whether they'd arrived specifically for the festival or just found themselves inundated by sea music, were enthusiastic and really seemed to enjoy themselves a lot -- and showed it by their donations.

It was a really good weekend! Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who participated. You all helped to make it wonderful!

Linn

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24
From: Charley Noble
Date: 25 Sep 06 - 08:04 AM

Most of us lucked out in terms of avoiding the monsoon showers. And the music was wonderful! Tom and Linn and whoever else was involved, thanks for organizing this Festival.

The Works was the best place for singing that Roll & Go was at. The Rusty Hammer was pretty tough going but maybe next year a better corner could be found for singing from. I'm not sure how Three Sheets in the Wind managed to function there.

The Grand Shanty Blast at the end was fun, including the four year old jumping up and down in the puddle, followed up by Jeff Warner jumping in the same puddle before the final song.

We all had a great time!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble
Roll & Go

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24
From: Charley Noble
Date: 26 Sep 06 - 08:37 AM

Any other survivors?

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24
From: GUEST,Pamela in Ithaca
Date: 26 Sep 06 - 08:59 AM

Gosh, I had a great time! Thanks to everyone for
encouraging me and (once again) making me feel so
much a part of the place. We sure lucked out (mostly)
with the weather - though I think that Jeri was lost
back in the corner of the Athenaeaum (along with all the
recordings we hoped to sell).

I thought the Saturday night concert went really well -
I sure had a great time being with the gents.

And here's a bit for Bob Webb...
"It's all for my cappuccino, my jolly jolly cappuccino
All for my cappuccino and biscotti..."

And once again, I'm wondering how in the world
I can get out there more often... and shorten the
distance between the Finger Lakes and the coast.

love to all - Pamela

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24
From: adventure
Date: 26 Sep 06 - 05:46 PM

So...did it really take this long to recover from Portsmouth??? What a great time we had on Sunday at the music festival. The Works, Rusty Hammer, Market Square and the Anth..???...our crew just busted the blocks and had a great time with lots of fun. Thanks for the invite from the Three Sheets crew. I was really bummed out that someone beat me to the puddle dance and jump around...way cool it was. Sure glad we have made a positive connection between the Gloucester crew and Portsmouth crew. Sang hard, ate well, laughed a lot, enjoyed good friends and met new ones. Thanks for having us and to the crew...thanks for your participation and a job well done.
Doryman and his mate from the Three Sheets crew.
Be well!

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24
From: Jeri
Date: 26 Sep 06 - 06:16 PM

Athenaeum, where I was most of Sunday. I only missed Roll & Go and 3 Sheets to the Wind. Good weekend. The high point for this harmony freak was Fizzgig singing the King of Rome. Got chills. Those guys should do a CD and more gigs, they're THAT good.

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24
From: Feadan
Date: 26 Sep 06 - 06:42 PM

Jeri...flattery will get you everywhere (grin). You're too kind. It was an awesome weekend. Good company and wonderful singing. Even though I took yesterday off to catch up on sleep and weekend chores I feel like I'm still recovering. Of course it didn't help that I was off to a budding (mostly) Irish session in Salem last night where Dave Hallowell's good company and musicianship were enjoyed by all present. Hopefully I have enough voice left for the Gloucester shanty session tonight.

Cheers,
Dave (Fizgig tenor) de la Barre

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24
From: Charley Noble
Date: 26 Sep 06 - 08:37 PM

Sigh!

One always discovers that at a festival you can't be everywhere at once!

We hardly got to hear any other performers except for the final Shanty Blast.

Of course, we didn't get down to Portsmouth particularly early so we missed out on the begals and coffee brunch as well.

Thanks for checking in!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble
Roll & Go

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24
From: curmudgeon
Date: 26 Sep 06 - 08:46 PM

Glad to hear that good times were had.

Thank you, Jeri for affirming my gut feeling that David, Rose and Colin needed a showcase of their own, apart from Three Sheets.

Happy you enjoyed your weekend Pamela. You are a rare vintage wine that needs more "tastings."

Sorry about your experience at the Hammer Charley. Maybe you stopped too soon as the rest of the aftrenoon there was great.

Over the past seven years we've had a lot of "names," Lou Killen, Joyce and Danny, John and Tony, Gordon Bok, Main Brace, the Portsmouth Shantymen, et al. They were absolutely wonderful. But I'm begining to think that for this festival, homegrown may be best.

On the other hand, if any shanteurs or shanteuses are going to be in the neighborhood at the end of September next, PM me for possible inclusion -- Tom

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 27 Sep 06 - 02:35 PM

I'm not sure I've recovered from the festival. My festival high was shattered on my way home from work on Monday, when yet another person (my car was totalled 2 weeks ago when somebody hit me from behind) aimed at my car. Fixable, thank gawd, but the kid's insurance company didn't get to me until today, so I was vehicle-less yesterday plus the usual post-accident stresses and aggravations plus getting the magazine ready for the printer. I haven't had time to breathe, let alone reflect on how great this year's festival was!

I really wish I could have heard Fizzgig at the Athenaeum -- the acoustics there are wonderful -- but I was busy "moderating" the performances at The Rusty Hammer (and keeping the enthusiastic crowd relieved of donations).

I think Saturday night's concert/presentation was remarkable! Wish I had it on tape or something.

Better get back to work.

Linn

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24
From: GUEST,Pamela from Ithaca
Date: 27 Sep 06 - 04:46 PM

Linn, I can't believe some schmo hit your car!
You just got that baby. Yesh, what a drag.
I hope that *you're* alright.

Brighter days better be around the courner for you, gal.
We'll put a rush order on it.

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 27 Sep 06 - 06:53 PM

I'll tell you one thing for sure -- nobody from Newmarket, NH gets anywhere NEAR my car!!! (Both the other drivers are from Newmarket.)

Guess what I've got as a rental -- a PT Cruiser! (After they originally set me up with the only vehicle they had -- a huge Ford 4x4 pickup truck gas guzzler! Had to use a stepladder to get into that baby -- but good visibility once I got there.)

Keeps life interesting.

Linn

Subject: RE: Portsmouth (NH) Maritime Folk Fest 9/22-24
From: Barry Finn
Date: 28 Sep 06 - 01:56 AM

Hey Linn, what do they say - "keep on truckin, mama". I can't picture you & Tom in a big SUV.
I must say the festival was a blast. Thanks to you & Tom & all of the others.

"Over the past seven years we've had a lot of "names," Lou Killen, Joyce and Danny, John and Tony, Gordon Bok, Main Brace, the Portsmouth Shantymen, et al. They were absolutely wonderful. But I'm begining to think that for this festival, homegrown may be best."

I'd disagree Tom. I think it was on track & just got a little derailed. It was a small but a fun fest & of quite an interest to those who knew nothing about it. From what I saw & heard the venues were well attended. The only one short of audience was at mine at the Works. I caught 3 Sheets, Jeff & Bob at the Rusty Hammer & Pam & the Flying Potatoes, & all seemed to be well taken, maybe to early in the day to Roll & Go in a bar but while I was there it was rollin espically while the Sheets were blowing. The Athenaeum seemed to do well too, though not the same slam as the Hammer it was every much as attentive & joyful. I do wish I could've caught Fizzgig though, can't be everywhere & perform too but it sounds like they were well attended too. The concert was a good time too & well attended IMHO. Friday nite at the Press Room was a nice kick off but the ending in the Square, Sunday late afternoon was a topping off. There were quite a few singers for a chorus, maybe 25. Maybe the leads couldn't be heard a block or so away but the crew could be & it sounded as if the wind had blown in the sound of voices that hadn't been heard in Portsmouth for at least 100 years. The crowd there was interested, entertained, willing to donate & sing along even though a bit
surprised. A good number of the younger folks (teens to twenty-something folks) were singing right along with the older segment of the audience. In my opinion it was a lot of fun for those that intended to attend as well as those who had no idea what was about to happen. I do think that next year has great potential for being all that & much more.


Thanks again for making it a welcome pleasure
Barry