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Ozcatters meet at 2007 National?
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: JennyO Date: 04 Apr 07 - 06:40 AM Nope, I'm still here. Leaving Sydney in the car late tomorrow morning. I plan to hang around the Troubadour tomorrow night from about 8, as the first of our possible meeting places. Wear your badges guys! Is anyone else still around? |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: The Fooles Troupe Date: 04 Apr 07 - 06:53 AM "Nobody here but us chickens"... |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: Canberra Chris Date: 05 Apr 07 - 06:28 AM Canberra Chris will be there too of course - I tried three times to join the thread, but kept losing the connnection! Had Branno and Co staying on their way in, and a tow-truck dumped the Mathiesons' mobile home on my front lawn on Saturday. So it started early for me, whoopee! Heading down to the site shortly. See youse, Chris |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: Charley Noble Date: 09 Apr 07 - 12:29 PM Any survivors? Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: GUEST,Gerry Date: 09 Apr 07 - 09:10 PM &Was surprised when I got back to Sydney to learn of torrential downpours over the weekend. Weather in Canberra was terrific, hardly a cloud to be seen (Thursday night to Sunday afternoon, anyway). Usually, there's one act I never heard of before that blows me away. Didn't happen this time, but I did enjoy a few acts that were new to me - Dionysus (a young 4-piece from South Australia, I think, do music of the Eastern Mediterranean), Golden Fleece (trio, Georgian polyphony - it's more impressive with a bigger choir, but these three were quite good), Folkloric Choir Samotsvety (terrific outfits, and more songs about Cossacks than I've ever heard in one place before), Camoon (Middle Eastern music), Mandy Keating and Helen McLachlan (the Second Coming of Kate & Ruth), BabaGanoush (the sound man did them no favors Sunday in the Trocadero, I couldn't hear the clarinet at all because of the piano accordion; the balance is far better on their CD). My old favorites were terrific - Chloe & Jason Roweth, Yalla, Nancy Kerr James Fagan, Shortis & Simpson, Apodimi Compania, The Transylvaniacs, Kristina Olsen, and Sirocco. I could make an even longer list of the fine bands I didn't get to see, but that would be too depressing. The best part was the singing sessions from 10 until whenever. The Friday session seemed to be breaking up by midnight, but the Saturday was still getting bigger when I left just after midnight, and there's no telling how long it went on. I won't dwell on the acts I saw that I didn't like (and there weren't very many) but I do want to record one critical comment. A band that did a good job on The L & N Don't Stop Here Any More introduced it as being from 1927, and from North Carolina. I guess that from Australia Kentucky looks a lot like North Carolina, but the date is off by a few decades. Jean Ritchie, who wrote the song, turned 5 in 1927. |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: Canberra Chris Date: 10 Apr 07 - 12:55 AM Yes Charlie, there are a few heads bobbing on the surface. Gerry, too right about the singing sessions - they are back with a vengeance, folks! The singing room rang til midnight, and then the stairwell in the session bar til 3.30 or later. My special moments from many great ones were in the sessions. Bugsy - take a bow, also for your spot in the Troubadour. A lovely Irish singer from Melbourne called Mossie Scanlon. And right at the end in the early hours of this morning, Evan Mathieson dredging up from his end-of festival brain almost all the words of Devlin's General Store almost all in the right order, and Margaret Walters put on the spot to sing Kittie Kane - both great songs by John Warner for those unfamiliar, from Pithead in the Fern, one of the best folk albums ever released. Kittie Kane just breaks me up. John should have submitted it as a PhD on prostitution in the Gold Fields. Nothing more needs to be said. Mate, when you get to heaven they will all be there to greet you. And the quote of the festival over- (or under) heard from a 20 foot high fairy: "I do the day shift. There's another fairy who does the night shift." Chris |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 10 Apr 07 - 03:32 AM ahem - the singing room rang til 1am! I left the stairwell around 3.15 each morning, throat dry, back sore as hell (I even took some painkillers there one night!) For those who have not enjoyed the delights of singing in a plain ordinary, cement fire escape type stairwell, sitting or standing on the stairs and/or leaning on the stair rails is hell on feet & backs, but the acoustic is magnificant. You walk up the stairs cos you see a few folks there & as you get closer you hear magical harmony or roaring shanties, so you take an empty spot. If you are far enough up the stairs, you can peer over the rail into the upper section & see a pack of human sardines, 2 or 3 per stair, singing their lungs out. As someone leaves, you shuffle upwards, singing all the time. Leaving is hard, cos someone starts another great song! I've never stayed till the end, but I know some sessions have continued til 6.30. If you want to know about the end, you'll have to ask JennyO! My Festival was singing & socialising, and if Festival = 'see lotsa' concerts' it was a failure. I missed many an essential concert cos I fell into good company or couldn't be bothered wandering off to a distant venue, but I had a ball. Highlights - National library's folklore conference on Thursday before the National. This included fragments from several 1960's folk TV shows, Wot as shame you can't check out Danny Spooner, 6 weeks off the boat from England, c. 1963, recorded with other young folkies on Gary Shearston's show!! Another great session, followed by a concert at the National, was Keith McKenry's Lost folk Songs. 71 songs were collected in 1940, 10 published fully & the rest destroyed! Fortunately a verse & chorus of each one was published in a newspaper column, & Keith has managed to locate 47 of them, so far. Hrothgar's hymn session where we took the Mudcat group pic. This massive group of 7 Mudcatters will shortly grace the Mudcat gallery. Lots of Mudcatters missed out. Bob's or JennyO's pics will get there before mine as I haven't read the page on transferring shots to computer in the manual of my new digital camera. Evan Matheison's CD release - Harry's Legacy (songs of Harry Robertson, playing as I type) Jenny Fitz's ballad session, especially Jenny, accompanied by Nic & John from Cloudstreet, & Miguel & Anthony from Triantan, acting out King Willy. Watch as Jenny grabs a jumper & stuffs it too far up her jumper, to become a very pregnant Queen (no wonder her baby can't be born, it's sitting almost on her shoulder blade!) See Nic as the evil mother-in-law cackling as King Miguel begs. Watch King Mig handing money to a audience member, then creating a baby from her plastic carry bag! Watch him diving under chairs trying to catch & kill the kid. We laughed till we cried. I also laughed till I cried watching John(cloudstreet) with his old singing partner Martin Pearson. The Morris Belly Dance Challenge, tho due to the sun & heat I only saw the belly dancer's segment, I missed the Morris men dressed as belly dancers & doing their stuff. Ask JennyO for details! Last year the belly dancers won, this year Ken's belly dance ensured that the Morris won the trophy. I hope next year's challenge will be under cover. The 2 male voice groups. Looks like the Spooky Men started something, now we have Bloke-appella (quartet) & Voicemail (a few more). Lovely voices & fun. 'nuff typing for the moment. sandra |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 10 Apr 07 - 04:02 AM I forgot the best things of all - watching Security folks evict loud, obnoxious drunken campers! They had disrupted the sleep of many folks for 2 nights with their noise & an illegal fire, & it was a pleasure to see 6 Security folks march towards their camp, wake them from their drunken sleep, make them pulldown camp & leave. A friend reported that another lot of loud drunks were told that if they even so much as farted after midnight, they were out. I assume they had a second chance as they did not light a fire & were not so obnoxious. We still have Drought Declarations all over Oz & Canberra has level 4 water restrictions, and the Park does not allow fires. sandra |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: Charley Noble Date: 10 Apr 07 - 08:22 AM Sandra and Chris- Thanks for the early reports. My back is aching but so are my ribs from chuckling! Maybe next year there should be a Kitty Kane workshop, provide some professional polish for those who admire her and would follow in her footsteps. How was the C. Fox Smith workshop? We had a quiet weekend in Maine, redistributing the 12 inches of snow that fell on Thursday. It's still there in piles refusing to melt and more is scheduled for this Thursday! Poor flower sprouts are being buries and the cats are in denial. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 10 Apr 07 - 09:56 AM sorry, Charley, I didn't get to the Shellback Sheila workshop, so can't report on it. But I can report I successfully read the techo stuff in my camera manual & now have loaded 121 pics on my iMac! Strangely enough, most were of Morris dancers. I also have 6 Ozcatter pics awaiting reduction before sending to Jeff. sandra why would google give us ads for 'Ave Maria. listen to this Identical twins,' ... & Graduation gowns?? My mind is boggling at what the Ave Maria identical twins link refers to. So much more satisfying to boggle than click. |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: jack halyard Date: 10 Apr 07 - 05:04 PM Ok, for Charlie in particular, Shellback Sheila was a ripper of a show. I was initially a bit sceptical, but by the National, the Forties had sung the songs in and they came out strong and gutsy. With Charlie's amazing research and Marg. Walter's research and programming it was a powerful and deep look at an amazing woman. In addition, the background on the ships, the times, the working conditions and the people made it a superb thing to be involved in. The song settings came from a number of sources, and we also recited some as poetry. Charley, "The Lee Fore Brace" setting is fantastic. What is clear to me is that Cicely could well have heard or read Lawson's words and used the poetic scheme. Not only is the fit to the tune dead square, but it underlines the "Ten men hauling.." element dramatically. The songs are powerfully singable and the choruses came out with all the force we expect of a good shanty.. not that the forties were unsubtle, "Limehouse Reach" was as moving as such a song should be, and I felt that my own rendering of "A Mains'l Haul" was not done with seaboots on. The audience loved it and we were bombarded with questions and people wanting to share their stories at the end of the show. For the rest, Yarri in the trocadero was murder on stage with the sound man playing ducks and drakes, and then the audience jumped up and gave us a noisy standing ovation. Yarri in the Troubadour was better, soundwise, with the same audience reaction. The Union Concert was a resounding success for the Forties with The audience participation in "Bring Out The Banners" being audible over the immense PA they have in the Budawang. Re Kitty Kane, thanks for your comments. I hope they all meet me at the gate. "Ladies of Negotiable Affection" would be a great sort of workshop. Oh, wonderful poet's breakfasts, lots of instrument displays and woodworkers doing demonstrations. I learned how to make both timber and metal handplanes. All up, an excellent festival. Yeah! don't forget the crazy combination of Morris dancers and belly dancers- they have fiendish plans brewing for next year. Good health all, Jack Halyard. |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: Charley Noble Date: 10 Apr 07 - 05:14 PM Jack- Wow! Really nice to hear. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: Bugsy Date: 10 Apr 07 - 09:12 PM OH WOW!! What a wonderful festival! I must admit though, I did overindulge "SLIGHTLY" on the old Coopers Sparkling Ale. It was great to catch up with the few Ozcatters I managed to bump into over the weekend, and thank you Canberra Cris For your comments, I'm glad you enjoyed the songs and chat. Time to get ready for this weekend - Fairbridge Festival. I'm a bit worried I may be coming down with a dose of laryn....... the old sore throat! I got a few 'Catter photo's and will post them ASAP. CHeers Bugsy |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: Chris Maltby Date: 10 Apr 07 - 10:22 PM Another "highlight" (?) was John Thompson's rendition of Climb Every Mountain in the Sound of Music massacre - beautiful falsetto, hit the high notes with ease and volume and a very fetching habit as well. It got him the highly commended award too - the winners being Shortis and Simpson's conversion of the oh-so-wholesome plotline into the basest and funniest debauchery. No more need be said on that... I heard that John had refused to participate unless a full nun's habit could be found for him (on Easter Sunday, no less), but they somehow located one by magic by 1pm (it even seemed to fit) and on he went... I also heard a rumour that it was vengeance for being cast as Maria in his all-boys school production, presumably when the high notes came somewhat more easily. I can vouch for the fabulous singing sessions - though I never managed to stay up for the stairwell - excellent facilitation helped I think. Hrothgar's hymns surpassed all understanding. Yarri (in the Trocadero) was worth the standing ovation - I've seen a few performances of it now, and it was certainly one to take away. |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: Chris Maltby Date: 10 Apr 07 - 10:24 PM PS That last paragraph above should have been tagged as the token rant. |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: JennieG Date: 11 Apr 07 - 01:16 AM A definite highlight (apart from meeting catters) was Hrothgar's hymn singing session, always good but this year we surpassed ourselves I reckon. Saw some great performers, heard some wonderful music - lots of guitars - Chris Smithers, Nick Charles, and Ged Foley performing with Kevin Burke on fiddle....sublime. And this from one who would run a mile to avoid Irish fiddling. Thought of joining in some of the dance workshops but something else always intervened. However decided to frock up for the ball, which turned out to be a waste of time as far as I was concerned; I should have stayed in jeans! And I think I can safely say that I have never, in all my born days, seen anything to equal the morris dancing/belly dancing challenge. Hairy morris blokes wearing veils and bras performing belly dancing.....I leave it to your imagination. That's it for another year. Cheers JennieG |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 14 Apr 07 - 06:09 AM 6 pics sent to Jeff! & the other 115 pics cropped & resized as necessary. I really must read more of the manual one day. sandra |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: George Papavgeris Date: 14 Apr 07 - 06:54 AM What an elaborate hoax you all have played on me! Pretending you had such a grand time, when I am certain you spent most of the day sheltering under a brolly from the downpours and the beer was bad, and everyone's voice had gone to pot... And all that, just to make me jealous! But I refuse to be drawn to your make-believe virtual world, I refuse I tell you, I.... WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! Now - NFF2008, THAT will be the one to go to... |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 14 Apr 07 - 09:14 AM oh, no!! he has discovered our secret sob |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: JennyO Date: 14 Apr 07 - 10:34 AM All right - I suppose it's time to confess - There was NO ITALIAN CHOCOLATE!! So the festival was less than perfect. I guess then I shouldn't mention all the other yummy food, Martin Pearson at his absolute best with John Thompson as Never the Twain, or their final midnight concert on Monday night with James and Nancy and Kate Fagan, or the spicy aromas of the mulled wine at the Troubadour, or the nightly singing sessions in the Singing Room, followed by sessions in the stairwell till stupid o'clock (I went to bed at 6am on Sunday night/Monday morning), or the antics of the Morris Men dressed as belly dancers - especially one Ken Smith who wore a fetching hot pink number, and Ricarda's 'Obby 'Oss, and Nick's giant moose (at least I think it was a moose). I also shouldn't tell you about the lovely night some of us spent in Spaghetti Junction with piles of pasta, crusty garlic bread and a few bottles of wine, or sitting in the Stock Camp near the smoky open fire eating hearty stew served up with damper and billy tea, or the wonderful madness of people like Bruce Watson, Mal Webb with his sound effects, and Mic Conway's National Junk Band, or Bugsy cracking us up with the Fishfinger Song up in the Singing Room..... No, I won't tell you about these things, I'll just let you experience some of them next time you come. Roll on 2008! |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: George Papavgeris Date: 15 Apr 07 - 04:03 AM I am SO glad you didn't mention all those things, Jenny! And Sandra, thanks so much for the pics! 350-something days to go. |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: rich-joy Date: 15 Apr 07 - 04:22 AM .... sigh .... and I s'pose that Fudge Lady was there again with her unique and wonderful Macadamia & Lavender variety??? (hey, don't knock it if you haven't tried it!) - strange to say, it goes wonderfully well with Guinness!!!!! Cheers! R-J |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: JennyO Date: 15 Apr 07 - 04:57 AM I'm not sure about fudge lady. I'm not really into fudge. Maybe Sandra or freda would know. We had a lovely reprise of some of the festival today, with Cloudstreet being on at The Harp. I reckon nearly half the audience was made up of survivors from the National. A lot of us were saying that we were only just recovering from it - we played hard! Also, listening to John and Nicole, I was reminded of a few other festival tidbits - such as John's rendition of The Van Song, and his reference to dressing up reminded me of Bruce Watson's fishnet stockings - he wears them to sing a song about one of our pollies - Alexander Downer. Bruce tells the story that his wife was out with their children, buying some for him to wear for the song. As she held them up in the shop, she called out "Oh look, these would be perfect for daddy!" Anyway, a lot of us plan to make some more memories next weekend at Snalbans festival. I might even be recovered enough by then to do it justice! |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 15 Apr 07 - 09:28 AM I was planning to get to the Harp, but was to busy to see the clock in time. There I was typing furiously & suddenly it was 2.18 - not enough time to get to Tempe as the trains are 30 mins apart. re fudge, was it sold by the macadamia shop near Budawang? I don't eat sweet stuff so I don't go looking for sweetie stalls, but the lightly salted macadamias were yumbo. sandra |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: Andrez Date: 16 Apr 07 - 07:29 AM Best joke I heard all weekend: Q: What do you call a one legged Morris dancer? A: Lagerphone! Cheers, Andrez |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: JennyO Date: 16 Apr 07 - 09:11 AM Andrez, did any of us meet you? I know I didn't - at least not knowingly. The joke is awfully familiar though. Where/when did you hear it? By the way, did you meet Aitch's lagerphone buddy, One Boot Bob? |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: Bob Bolton Date: 16 Apr 07 - 11:41 PM G'day Jenny, Some remaining grey cell insists I met Andrez ... possibly at the (most minor-) Mudgather at Hrothgar's Hymn Session - but he isn't in the photos ... (¿ ... ?). Regard(les), Bob |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: Grubby Date: 17 Apr 07 - 12:47 AM Had a great time at the National ( something wrong with you if you don't) saw too many acts by Monday getting a bit blaise about attending concerts. Some of my highlights but not in any particular ranking Jamming around the campsite - magic stuff and meet so many people. It's an amazing thing isn't it all's quiet and you and your mates start playing and before you know it people with instruments appear from everywhere. This is the real part of the festivals for me I think. Chris Smither - great singer song writer with a no nonsense attitude to performing. Comes on says hullo and before you know it he has hit with five great songs. Sometimes we don't need the full historical origin of every song, Chris is onto that and keeps the patter to a minimum but just enough to mak you feel part of the show. Jez Lowe - A long time favorite and great to catch up with him again. Here this year with Kate Bramley. Always nice to sit back and enjoy the songs written by Jez. Kevin Burke & Ged Foley - For those into Irish Trad Kevin is the man when it comes to the fiddle. One of the best. Franklin B Pavety - Aussie bush band been around for years but do the old favourites with a new freshness and do it well. Always great to sit in on one of their concerts. Alistair Huelett - Caught Alistair at at evening concert in the Merry Muse tent where he done a lot of his old traditional folks songs. Great concert great voice. The sesion hall - Plenty of Bluegrass/old time /irish/ macedonian/scottish you name it it was there and you could see it all. But for me the highlight of the wekend was the country comedy duo 'Nester Lou & Slim Knackers. Had us rolling in our chairs with laughter. Great to see an act not afraid to trample over that ever increasing issue of political correctness. They didn't tiptoe around it they charged right on in. No subject is safe with these two. Google their site and check them out.What a breath of fresh air. And last but by no means least was the many unknown acts performing throught the weekend at blackboard concerts. Shit we have some talent in this country waiting to be discovered. It was great just to move from one blackboard concert to the next catching it all. Young children to older folk all with the one purpose, the love of performing and strutting their stuff, good on the natioal committe for providing the venues for the ordinary folk to have a go and thanks to those who did have a go for making another year at the National a special time. see you next year Cheers Grubby |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 17 Apr 07 - 01:07 AM I hope we manage to meet next year. by-the-by, Easter is very early nexty year - according to my diary it's the 4th weekend in March, so I'm arranging to move the Dog to the 3rd Saturday! can't miss the National. sandra |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: Bob Bolton Date: 17 Apr 07 - 02:08 AM G'day Sandra, I seem to remember seeing a remark that Easter 2008 is only one day later than the earliest possible date ("... first Sunday after the first Friday after the first full moon after the northern hemisphere vernal equinox ... although this also depends on how the equinox is calculated - or observed - and by who - for where ...). I believe it can fall as late as 25 April - so we should, at least, have a National that pleases the thermotropes! Regards, Bob |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: Rowan Date: 17 Apr 07 - 03:03 AM I get back to where the computer has been stashed while I go to Canberra the week before Easter (the schoolmate of my elder daughter was doing the Irish Fiddle Master Class) and down to the coast at Corindi Beach for the ten days after Easter (teaching mapping and surveying stuff) and I log onto Mudcat to find this thread at the top of the list. A very satisfying National bracketed by good times. Lynne Stone's exhibition at the Botanic Gardens was a bottler! Despite some shabby treatment by one of the staff (who concluded his press release on her with "a display of 15 flowers." when approx. 100 blooms of 19 species were exhibited) the Gardens apparently doubled their attendance of the previous March. Well worth seeing! And for those of you with broken guitar or banjo strings, Lynne has a use for them; fiddle strings are a bit too soft however. I got to see the original documentation of various rellies Service Records at the National Archives; got the daughters to see some of the family history and remove some faulty interpretations. Went to the Aust War Memorial and found that the January-February 1943 part of Unit Diary for the Artillery Battery at Wilson's Prom (which I needed to check on the exact dates of a serious bushfire there) was the only part of the Unit Diary sequence that was missing. C'est la vie! However, I did find out that the swag my father had was originally issued to a bloke who got the MM at Bardia and the AWM accepted, with alacrity, my offer of it for their collection. Saw a few performances but was in the Comms office for most of the ones mentioned above but I had some great times in the Session Bar with the concer; was cornered by various OzCatters for a gasbag or two. The festival ran much like clockwork from where I saw it. The 'issues' this year were 'fake wristbands' and 'nonpayers. There were 300 people detected with fake wristbands and removed just on the Saturday night! On the Sunday they reached a level of counterfeiting that was truly remarkable. Some had cut the fence to get in but the local adolescents have mapped out the stormwater drain system for about 1.5km and EPIC weren't able to do much about it on the weekend. Caught up with lots of friends I get to see only at Nationals and had a great time. The daughters and their mate did very well at their busking, despite having lost much of their "cute" factor. The younger acquired one of the 'very bright' ukuleles to attend Mike Jackson's workshop and, like most of the others there, ended up playing songs on it in about 10 minutes. The elder started learning basic fiddle from her mate who'd attended the Master Class and ended up performing various BB&S tunes in the session bar. Now I've got to get her a proper fiddle instead of the 3/4 one she used. Missed the Monday as we had to dash north for 12 hours so I could then drive a load of gear down to the coast. But perfect weather and excellent students got the Arrawarra fishtraps measured and compared with the inaugural survey of 2002; the seagrass is collecting lots of sand in them. Perfect weather, lovely people, wonderful music, satisfaction all around! Can't wait for next year! Cheers, Rowan |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 17 Apr 07 - 10:01 AM Rowan, I heard about the photocopied wrist bands - but not the stormwater system. I assume it is already blocked in readiness for next event at EPIC. One night in the first year I attended (2000) I met a member of my meditation group, and was very surprised to hear that she & her friends had came in after midnight when there was no one at the gate. It didn't seem to go with her spiritual principles of honesty & god centeredness! When I next saw her in Sydney I said my friends who were Security volunteers were horrified that she & her friends had got in when others paid, but she still didn't worry. sandra |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: JennyO Date: 17 Apr 07 - 11:32 AM I heard about them using the stormwater drains, but I can't remember who told me. It might have been Forbes, or maybe it was you, Rowan. I hope they do do something about that (maybe put mesh over them?) Imagine if there was a downpour and one of those kids got caught in a drain! Sandra, I was actually surprised that there would be no-one on the gate at ANY time. Somehow I imagined they would always have someone on a roster to cover the possibility of people like your friend sneaking in late at night. Maybe they have already remedied this. |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: Andrez Date: 17 Apr 07 - 05:50 PM Jenny, it was the first time I had heard the joke. Me old mate Mic Conway told it at his gig. Bob, we met after viewing the footage of a few aged folkies in a younger incarnation: Spooner, Dryden et al. Branno and I were talking briefly to Jaimie J and Tim O'Leary after the show when he poined you out and I called you over and claimed my badge. I didnt see one other person wearing one in the session bar or concerts for the entire festival. Mind you I'm not one for much hymn singing or as you might have guessed, Morris dancing! I spent a lot of time catching gigs by the foreign imports as part of enlarging my fiddling year 8 daughters musical horizons as well as catch up of historical matters like the Harry Cotter and Harry Robertson tributes etc. We also caught up with musical mates from the Kimberley. If its OK, perhaps you might post an annotated group pic for future festival reference or maybe we need to have Mud cat T shirts made up for next year. They might be more visible than the badges? |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: Rowan Date: 17 Apr 07 - 06:00 PM Sandra, some of the earlier fake wristbands were photocopied onto paper of approximately the right colour and others onto white paper that was coloured later with highlighters. They were relatively easy to spot once stewards had been alerted to them but there were about 30 different versions just on the Saturday. Sunday's were much more sophisticated but I'm not going to broadcast details. I suspect next year's ID system will be different. I don't think they'll go for the Top End Festival IDs though; such creativity would be impossible to counterfeit but difficult to use for the numbers at the National. While people go to such lengths to counterfeit IDs (or try their luck for unattended gates) I suppose we can be assured that there is active interest in the music, dance and poetry of the folk scene, especially among the young. Cheers, Rowan |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: JennyO Date: 17 Apr 07 - 10:22 PM Ah, that would explain where I heard the joke - I saw Mic Conway too - wouldn't miss him for quids! Anyway, Morris dancers have thick skins. They're used to Morris jokes - comes with the territory - same as bodhran players, accordion players and banjo players. |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: GUEST,Gerry Date: 18 Apr 07 - 12:51 AM If people sneak in after midnight, what are they sneaking into? There's nothing on the program that late. Yes, I know the sessions go on until all hours - are freeloaders sneaking into the sessions? I think it would be very hard to get volunteers to do security on the midnight-to-eight shift, and considering how little there is to be kept secure, I'd be more surprised if they had someone on the gate than if they didn't. |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: JennieG Date: 18 Apr 07 - 01:38 AM I suppose if you sneak in after midnight and lay low (in the sleeping bag you drag in with you) you could emerge all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed ready for the next's days events. Friends of ours, who live in Canberra, were getting very stroppy about being asked to show their wristbands frequently. According to them, once when they drove their car in (they had performer passes), again while still in the car just inside the gate, and again when they walked through the wristband checkpoint. I tried pointing out the reasons for it but they said "who would believe that a pair of 60 year olds would forge wristbands!" They tried to make their point by walking through with their hands in their pockets - I thought they were being a bit childish. We might all be wearing microchips next year and we could be scanned in. Cheers JennieG |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: Rowan Date: 18 Apr 07 - 03:23 AM It was the performers' wristbands that were being counterfeited on the Sunday. Gerry, you (like most of us) are probably so honest that the thought of malfeasance wouldn't occur to you. There's quite a lot to be kept secure; the instrument lockup, people's campsites, sound gear are just some examples. Some campsites and food stalls had stuff stolen, probably when nobody was within cooee after hours. Being in the Comms office exposes me to some of the goings on that I don't wish to broadcast but there are volunteers doing all sorts of things behind the scenes (and on gates) after midnight. Stewards check (in both senses) the under age drinking in the Session Bar and patrol all the areas, keeping the foulmouths in the camping area under as much control as possible. Gatekeepers control access around the clock, ensuring delivery people can get in and out of the pedestrian-only areas with minimal disturbance. Comms may be quieter on the post-midnight shift but is not silent. With tens of thousands of entries over Easter Week and the Easter weekend, it takes a lot of keen and competent volunteers to make it all run like clockwork without all the workings on display. And it does run remarkably well.. Cheers, Rowan |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: Bob Bolton Date: 18 Apr 07 - 04:16 AM G'day Andrez, "... Mud cat T shirts made up for next year. They might be more visible than the badges?" Hmmm... I did see a fair number of the 'Catters' wearing Mudcat tags ... but I knew what I was looking for - and I knew most of the wearers. I'm not rapt in the T-shirts idea - I find T-shirts too bloody hot ... and next year Easter is within one day of as early (aka: HOT!) as it can be. Regards, Bob |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 18 Apr 07 - 04:23 AM Jenny, my acquaintance & her friends were around in 2000, & I assume security was different in those days. I remember her saying the gate was not staffed when they arrived late for the late night music & sessions & they also did not stay overnight as they were attending another weekend function. But I also remember folks in jackets around fires in different places all night. Rowan, I was also taking pics at the Harry Robertson concert - maybe you are in one of my audience shots! Another Sydney-sider was taking lotsa' pic at that concert & he also might have a pic of you. The Mudcatter group pic & 5 others went to Jeff a few days back. As the latest pics in Events are from 2005, anyone who wants the annotated group pic, please PM me with an email address & I'll send it. Pic was taken by someone at the session & annotated by Chris Maltby. I bought a Mudcat T-shirt ffrom Bill Stables when he visited a few years back, but I never wear it cos I never wear t-shirts! Even tho it is red & I love wearing red. sandra |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: JennyO Date: 18 Apr 07 - 05:43 AM I have a red Mudcat t shirt from Bill Sables, and I had it there, but I didn't wear it. The short sleeves are actually fairly long and it's a warm t shirt. The days were so pleasant I think I would have been too hot in it. Maybe I'm turning into Bob Bolton! |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: Rowan Date: 18 Apr 07 - 06:30 PM Andrez, I got my badge early in the piece from Bob and was wearing it fixed to my Volunteer's badge (prominently, as the kitchen staff checked it) so we must not have crossed paths. Sandra, I was found by JennyG near the Festival Office and know I was clocked in the Session Bar by her with Freda. When Bob wandered past he was pressured to take a minigroup piccie; it's the only one I know about. And Foolestroupe was partly right in his (preFestival) comment on me in Comms (singing the workers' rights); I thought I'd take some "Your rights@work" badges to hand out. I wore one on my hat and gave lots away before realising there was a union stall also handing them out. Mine were reusable though. Cheers, Rowan |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: Bugsy Date: 18 Apr 07 - 09:15 PM Rowan, with regard to the volunteers at the national, I think they should all be given medals for the job they did over the weekend. Both Mrs Bugsy and I were super impressed with the way the festival was run and how helpful and friendly the volunteers were to us "out of towners" who needed directions on a frequent basis. Special mention must go to the people who kept the washrooms pristine throughout the 5 days we were there. As far as security and theft are concerned, I was in tent city and left my guitar in the tent througout the festival, along with other personal items. Nothing was touched. CHeers Bugsy |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: Bob Bolton Date: 18 Apr 07 - 09:45 PM G'day Rowan, There was a slightly more formal (and populated) "photo opportunity" at Hrothgar's Hymns Session ... 6 or 8 Mudcatters present. Digital images were taken on several Mudcatters' cameras - but usually by whatever bystander could be dragooned to do so. Judging by the images on my belt-pouched digital (I didn't even think of attempting to instruct some helpful person in using a manual, film-loaded Nikon!), the results are a bit short of professional standards, but we shall compare results and pick out the the best to post to Mudcat - along with the addendum from the Session Bar. Regards, Bob |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: JennieG Date: 19 Apr 07 - 02:32 AM Bugsy, As a volunteer I thank you for those kind words, and I'm sure Rowan does too. Every year while working in the office I get queries I have had before, and every year I get new ones - one that made me chuckle this year was a lady who rang up and asked "what would I like at the festival? I only like Celtic music." However it isn't volunteers that deal with the washrooms, they are contract cleaners, and I thought that this year they did a better job than in previous years. Cheers JennieG |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: Rowan Date: 19 Apr 07 - 03:27 AM Thanks to both of you. Jenny, if you were in the office last year you may have met Naomi, my elder daughter. This year she was a Mug Juggler. Cheers, Rowan |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: Hrothgar Date: 19 Apr 07 - 07:15 AM John Thompson played the part of Maria in his high school's production of "The Sound of Music". |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: freda underhill Date: 19 Apr 07 - 09:45 AM For me, the highlight was hearing Trianton performing "High on a hill is a lonely goat herd" in Gaelic. and when Martin Pearson ans John Thompson performed, I laughed so long,hard and loud it hurt! freda ps plus Alan Musgrave, Bob McGuiness and all the great sessions! |
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Subject: RE: Ozcatters meet at 2007 National? From: Chris Maltby Date: 29 Apr 07 - 04:50 AM Here is the pic of the OzCatters at Hrothgar's hymn session. |
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