Going to Rainycamp, Seattle WA, USA? (2007)

Subject: GOING TO RAINYCAMP, SEATTLE WA USA
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 13 Jan 07 - 11:36 PM

Is anyone going? I probably won't make it..too far and I hate the flourescent lights but I might...the singing is often quite good. It is outside Seattle an hour or so. mg

Subject: RE: Going to Rainycamp, Seattle WA, USA? (2007)
From: GUEST,Reggie Miles
Date: 14 Jan 07 - 01:03 PM

I live about an hour north of the site. I was hoping to be able to just hang around on Saturday as I did a few years back. I was happy to be able to just share what I could of my music on just the one day. I helped out those who were working at the event where and when I could, and kicked in what cash I was able to afford. But I see that this year they've outlawed the practice.

As my income is largely what I am able to derive from my performances on the street at Seattle's Pike Place Market. I have no $ to be able afford the whole weekend package. Nor could I take the extra time off from playing downtown. Hey, I may be gettin' by but I ain't gettin' ahead.

Outlawed from a folk music gathering, hmmm, it does have an interesting ring to it, don't ya think? Perhaps I could use that in my promo.

Outlaw Reggie Miles

Subject: RE: Going to Rainycamp, Seattle WA, USA? (2007)
From: open mike
Date: 14 Jan 07 - 01:18 PM

hey Reggie!   perhaps there is a song a-brewin' here?

Subject: RE: Going to Rainycamp, Seattle WA, USA? (2007)
From: Deckman
Date: 14 Jan 07 - 01:48 PM

Hey Reg,

Could you elaborate on this please? Bob

Subject: RE: Going to Rainycamp, Seattle WA, USA? (2007)
From: Stewart
Date: 14 Jan 07 - 02:52 PM

I'll be there as usual, with Paddy Graber from Vancouver, B.C. We'll be doing a workshop titled "Irish Slow Airs to Songs," which will explore the origin of slow airs from songs and the use of slow airs as melodies for songs. It's sort of a trial run for a workshop we're planning for Folklife (if they let us do it).

Reggie, I'd enjoy seeing (and hearing) you there. I don't see any problem with your cominging for just a day or or part thereof. But then, I don't make the rules. That's too bad. You should come down to Mary's SunnyCamp next Sept. Fewer rules there.

Cheers, S. in Seattle

Subject: RE: Going to Rainycamp, Seattle WA, USA? (2007)
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 14 Jan 07 - 02:58 PM

That prohibition of day trippers or partial weekenders has always been something that has bugged me about Rainycamp. When I started it years ago I would always accomodate people for whatever period of time they could make it. Sometimes there are insurance reasons and people come up with elaborate reasons concerning food, but the food is not a problem..just tell people to bring their own food if they come for the day. mg

Subject: RE: Going to Rainycamp, Seattle WA, USA? (2007)
From: Deckman
Date: 14 Jan 07 - 03:22 PM

Hmmm? I WAS thinking of also coming over for the day. I also only live an hour away. But I am concfused here (a common condition). Am I NOT allowed to just come for the day? Bob(deckman)Nelson

Subject: RE: Going to Rainycamp, Seattle WA, USA? (2007)
From: Stewart
Date: 14 Jan 07 - 03:53 PM

That's right, Bob, just stay away. We don't want to contaminate the scene with good music!;-)

Oops, did I say that?
I'm sorry. I wish you could come!

Cheers, S. in Seattle

Subject: RE: Going to Rainycamp, Seattle WA, USA? (2007)
From: mg
Date: 14 Jan 07 - 05:01 PM

I don't know what the rules are but I know in the past they were quite strict on this. Again, it might have to do with insurance rules or camp rules, which I can understand, but it might be more generic reasons, food etc. Maybe it should be checked out and people should write letters if it is not for an infallable reason. I think it harms a camp if people can't come in and out depending on their finances, transportaion, other committments etc. They shouldn't be able to mess up the food count, but that is so easily solved by bringing own food, eating at a nearby restaurant (town is not far away). Also some people prefer motels etc. and they should be able to just pay a day fee and attend the camp, or their spouses etc. sometimes don't share our love for hard bunks. This is a generic observation, not just about Rainycamp. Camp organizers, keep this in mind. mg

Subject: RE: Going to Rainycamp, Seattle WA, USA? (2007)
From: GUEST,Reggie Miles
Date: 14 Jan 07 - 09:13 PM

Here's the text that caused me to post what I did.

"There will be no discounted rate for stays of less than the full weekend."

You can read it on this page Rainy Camp '07 under the heading of Payment.

I understand the need of the organizers for these gatherings. They want to promote the entire weekend stay when trying to book campers for these events because they want to ensure that they will be able to meet what is probably an expensive fee for the rental of the campgrounds. There may also be additional concerns and considerations for how much food will be available to feed each camper. Further, there may be capacity issues that the camp might be bound by, or other such regulations regarding the use of such facilities. And too, there's the problem of simply having to deal with last minute arrivals to the party, the parking problems, and the issues of having enough room to accommodate extra unscheduled visitors. Finally, some folks may not wish to spend the extra time during the weekend to handle surprise attendees. They would rather be spending that time enjoying themselves at the event, taking in that special workshop, etc.

Still, I would think that the extra interest in the event and the genre would somehow be welcomed and nurtured.

When folk musicians are outlawed, only outlaws will be folk musicians. Hey, I don't particularly think of this as bad. This could be a great shot in the arm to the genre. Think about it. We could use a few more banned outlaw folk musicians to spice up the mix. It worked for Rock and Roll (think Elvis and his hip shakin')and it's been doing wonders for the Rappers. All that gangsta imagery has made this genre the new 'bad boys'. That dangerous edge, and those explicite lyrics have drawn a lot of attention their way. Maybe we need a few more bad boys...and girls.

Subject: RE: Going to Rainycamp, Seattle WA, USA? (2007)
From: Deckman
Date: 14 Jan 07 - 09:27 PM

Hi Reg,

Thanks for your posting. I'm of two minds on this:

On the one hand I could easily bitch and complain, write bad verse, etc. It doesn't seem quite right that accomedations aren't available for those of us that want to attend for just one day, or perhaps just an evening performance.

But, on the other hand, I don't know the various issues involved. And I'm sure there are some. The late John Dwyer (wonderful musician) and I produced four years of Folk Festivals at our local college. So I'm somewhat aware of some of the problems. But it does seem to me, that some serious thought might be given to accomediating "dailies," for lack of a better term.

I certainly wish the best for this gathering. CHEERS, Bob(deckman)Nelson

Subject: RE: Going to Rainycamp, Seattle WA, USA? (2007)
From: mg
Date: 14 Jan 07 - 09:59 PM

well, you could easily set a limit, say 15 people...honest, there are many acres here..that particular place would accomodate dozens of people during the day without anyone hardly even noticing..and it keeps good people from coming...some of whom have financial considerations...I am not at all against telling day trippers to bring their own food, because that seems to be a sticking point. And sometimes the camp itself willnot allow it so you are stuck. But if the people wouldn't otherwise come, and you have a day fee, you are certainly not out money, and you aren't out more than a few minutes of time..you could give someone getting a scholarship the task of tracking the day people, collecting their money etc. It is not brain surgery. And this particular camp is near big cities so many people probably could whisk in for a day.   mg

Subject: RE: Going to Rainycamp, Seattle WA, USA? (2007)
From: mg
Date: 14 Jan 07 - 10:00 PM

And the people it keeps out are often those who are professional musicians and might have paid gigs etc. one or the other night. mg

Subject: RE: Going to Rainycamp, Seattle WA, USA? (2007)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Jan 07 - 05:13 PM

Why doesn't someone just ask and report back?

Subject: RE: Going to Rainycamp, Seattle WA, USA? (2007)
From: Stewart
Date: 18 Jan 07 - 07:30 PM

Here's a preview of my workshop
Irish Slow Airs in Songs
Sat. 2:30-4:30
You can download lyrics and tunes if you wish.

Cheers, S. in Seattle

Subject: RE: Going to Rainycamp, Seattle WA, USA? (2007)
From: Genie
Date: 19 Jan 07 - 02:54 PM

I'll be there with you guys in spirit. :-D

My body will be enjoying the sun in San Diego.*
§;-D

Genie



*if the snow's moved back up north by then.

Subject: RE: Going to Rainycamp, Seattle WA, USA? (2007)
From: Stewart
Date: 26 Jan 07 - 10:57 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Going to Rainycamp, Seattle WA, USA? (2007)
From: Deckman
Date: 26 Jan 07 - 11:18 PM

Stew ... that was quite "refreshing!" (bad bad Bob)

Subject: RE: Going to Rainycamp, Seattle WA, USA? (2007)
From: Genie
Date: 27 Jan 07 - 03:05 AM

I wonder if the camp organizers could maybe find a compromise of sorts. E.g., if it's $90 for the whole weekend, including meals, maybe the day fee (no meals, no lodging) for Saturday only could be $40 if paid in advance or $50 for last minute drop-ins.   Friday evening only (sans meals and lodging) might be $20/$30. Sunday only could be comparable to Fri. eve. only. Something like that.

Also, although I realize the food at Rainy Camp is unusually healthy and delicious and a major draw, I wonder how much the camp might be able to drop the weekend fees if people provided their own food and cooking/clean-up.    When I attended the Alternative Healing Retreat at Breitenbush (OR) in 1988, the weekend was way less expensive than a normal Breitenbush weekend, partly because everyone brought the equivalent of a bushel basket of produce, people also brought and took care of their own dishes (bowl, cup, flatware, etc.) and all the cooking and clean-up was done by the camp participants.
This may not be an option in quite the same way at Rainy Camp, but I suspect that anything that would cut down the amount of food and service personnel time needed from the camp personnel would help make the weekend more affordable.

Anyway, Reggie, do think about coming to Sunny Camp.   Mary is very flexible in accommodating oddball participants. ;-D

Genie

Subject: RE: Going to Rainycamp, Seattle WA, USA? (2007)
From: mg
Date: 27 Jan 07 - 04:36 PM

It looks like I will probably be going. However, as I did at Camp Alexandra last year, I will just avoid the main room with the blue books and the flourescent lights (not sure RC is flourescent but they are awfully awful and bright at night). I will be nice until 10 p.m. or so and then I shall retire to another building with like-minded souls who do not like to take turns (I do not care personally about ever having a turn), who do not like the singing from books experience (OK to bring your own)and no instruments except guitars (saves a lot of trouble in the long run).   In the past we have been able to stay up late enough to have a nice time after the books have gone to bed but I am getting older and can't count on enough late night hours to make it worth the travel time frankly. I have told people about the lights for years and they won't do anything about them, and I have told them about the too long concerts on Sat night for years and they will keep them so if and when I attend these camps, which I do mostly for the late night singing, I will be setting up my own little free for alls, which I have done, but later after concerts etc. This time it will be during concerts and main song circles etc. Life is too short to sit through four hours of rise up screaming under interrogation lights on hard aint it hard camp chairs. mg

Subject: RE: Going to Rainycamp, Seattle WA, USA? (2007)
From: Genie
Date: 28 Jan 07 - 05:08 AM

Yeah, Mary,
but think of it this way: those hard ain't it hard chairs may very well have been what gave birth to the blues. ;-D

G

Subject: RE: Going to Rainycamp, Seattle WA, USA? (2007)
From: Deckman
Date: 28 Jan 07 - 09:19 AM

Mary, There you go AGAIN, agreeing with me! Don't you know that agreeing with me will forever ruin your reputation?

We've often said that the absence of bright lights, and books, brings out the best of songs. I won't be able to make it this year, but I'll certainly be there in spirit. CHEERS, Bob(deckman)Nelson

Subject: RE: Going to Rainycamp, Seattle WA, USA? (2007)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Jan 07 - 02:47 PM

Are the lights a health and/or headache issue? What kind of lights work best for you? I understand about the blue books--I remember the paternal grumbling about them. :)

SRS

Subject: RE: Going to Rainycamp, Seattle WA, USA? (2007)
From: mg
Date: 28 Jan 07 - 03:17 PM

I hate flourescent lights with a passion..the older ones at least have horrible health problems associated with them. I don't get headaches, although some people do..I just get very irritated and it is just a stressful feeling..any bright lights but especially flourescent, and late at night..would anyone have a party and light up the place like a cheap K-mart store? It makes people look awful enough that I think they don't sound so great either....

All that has to be done is for people (please if you are local do this) to bring a few lamps and place them around the room. I can't as I am traveling by bus but some people could...organizers should take care of this...

Also, it is harder to sing and stay uplate with those awful lights. Have we evolved to sit under f. lights ever..read the health effects and ask why schools are even allowed to put children under them...no, we evolved to sing mostly by sunlight, by candlelight and firelight and moonlight....

Save the interrogation lights and floodlights for the proper occasion such as when a burgler is suspected to be on the premises and you want to startle her or him. mg

Subject: RE: Going to Rainycamp, Seattle WA, USA? (2007)
From: Stewart
Date: 28 Jan 07 - 03:24 PM

Singing In The Dark

Worth a try!

Cheers, S. in Seattle

Subject: RE: Going to Rainycamp, Seattle WA, USA? (2007)
From: Deckman
Date: 28 Jan 07 - 08:53 PM

I've always preferred candles. Bob

Subject: RE: Going to Rainycamp, Seattle WA, USA? (2007)
From: Rapparee
Date: 28 Jan 07 - 09:02 PM

Anyone want to come to Idaho (the forgotten part of the Pacific Northwest) for a sing-thing? I can work around the lights in my house, and although some of my books have blue bindings most don't.

Subject: RE: Going to Rainycamp, Seattle WA, USA? (2007)
From: Genie
Date: 28 Jan 07 - 09:23 PM

Idaho, Rapaire?   Sure, but not in February. ;-D


Mary said: All that has to be done is for people (please if you are local do this) to bring a few lamps and place them around the room. I can't as I am traveling by bus but some people could...organizers should take care of this."

That will work at Rainy Camp in some of the cabins, but not in the main lodge. One of my biggest sources of chagrin the one time I went to Rainy Camp was that the main lodge had only one circuit and 2 or 3 outlets.   We couldn't even have hot water tea and a coffee brewer going at the same time during most of the day.

Subject: RE: Going to Rainycamp, Seattle WA, USA? (2007)
From: mg
Date: 29 Jan 07 - 01:31 AM

OH i WOULDN'T TRY IT IN THE LMAIN LODGE..but there are a couple of extra rooms that would be nice...mg