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04 Apr 09 - 10:41 AM (#2604506) Subject: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? From: Charley Noble I'll be trekking out to Michigan in a couple of weeks where I used to live in the 1970's. I'll be performing at a benefit fundraiser for the Mystic Sea Music Festival in New York on Sunday afternoon April 19 and then proceeding north to Albany for the night. I could be in the Detroit area for Monday evening. The following weekend I will be doing some music with Elderly Music friends in the Lansing/East Lansing area, and then shifting back to Ann Arbor the following weekend for the graduation of a niece. Are there any Mudcatters resident in the Greater Detroit area? If so I'd love to do some music with you, a house party or participate in a regularly schedule music swap. The ideal time for my schedule would be between Monday, April 20th and Thursday, April 23rd. It would also be nice to have someone in the Detroit area to share a dinner in Greek Town with! Cheerily, Charlie Ipcar 207-737-2187 |
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05 Apr 09 - 10:31 AM (#2605038) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? From: Charley Noble Hmmm, no nibbles! It's a good thing I still have music friends in Ann Arbor and Lansing. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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05 Apr 09 - 10:55 AM (#2605052) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? From: Cool Beans Hi, Charley, Screw Greektown. How 'bout a home-cooked meal, a place to stay and bit of song swapping on Monday, April 20, or Wednesday, April 22? Marty |
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05 Apr 09 - 11:21 AM (#2605059) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? From: maire-aine Hi, guys. Marty, you beat me to the invitation. I'd love to join you guys. PM me and I'll send you my phone #. Maryanne (who's about a stone's throw from Cool Beans) |
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05 Apr 09 - 11:38 AM (#2605063) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? From: Cool Beans Maryanne, I was thinking about including you as soon as I hear from Charley. Marty |
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05 Apr 09 - 04:54 PM (#2605199) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April From: Charley Noble Cool Beans and Maire-aine- Getting together with you folks and your friends to swap some songs sounds great to me. Why don't we plunk for Wednesday, April 22, for a song party. That gives me some time to catch my breath and nose around a bit. Would you please send me a PM with details of where and when to best track you down. Here's a link to my website with regard to my music: Click here for website! Thanks! Charley Noble |
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06 Apr 09 - 01:13 PM (#2605722) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April From: Charley Noble What I probably will do is pull into the Detroit area Tuesday if I can connect with another old friend who appears resident in Royal Oak. Does Wednesday evening sound good for a song party? I'd plan to head up to Lansing Thursday or Friday afternoon; Friday evening is a regular session at the 10 Pound Fiddle where I can connect with other old friends. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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06 Apr 09 - 03:07 PM (#2605831) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April From: Big Mick Hi Charley! Sorry for not getting back to you sooner, but I have been on a road trip out to wilds of NE Iowa and am just getting back and caught up. I actuly live in West Michigan, but might slip over for your gathering, schedule permitting. |
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06 Apr 09 - 05:09 PM (#2605949) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April '09 From: Cool Beans Wednesday's good for me and it can be at my house (although I haven't told Laura yet what she's getting into). Mick, it'd be delightful to see you again. |
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06 Apr 09 - 06:24 PM (#2606005) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April '09 From: Michael Harrison Greek Town is o.k., but are the Red Wings playing? Now that's a date! GO RED WINGS! |
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06 Apr 09 - 06:31 PM (#2606012) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April '09 From: Beer I was hoping you would see this thread Michael. Red Wings will be in the thick of things. But than how often does Charley pass through town eh! What about Leftydee. He must be hanging about? Beer (adrien) P.S. Good luck Charley and check out the Rory get The Dory thread. I'll be posting in about 5 minutes. |
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06 Apr 09 - 09:00 PM (#2606133) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April '09 From: frogprince Dadrattit; I would try to wangle an invitation to this, knowing a few of you would be there at once. But getting down there on a weekday like that isn't realistic for us for the time being. Enjoy, guys! |
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06 Apr 09 - 09:16 PM (#2606146) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April From: Charley Noble There will also be an evening song party after my noon concert/workshop at Elderly Instruments in Lansing Saturday, April 25. PM me for details. Maybe I should revive "Shafted in Shaftsburg," although the composing of this song was one reason I had to leave the State of Michigan in 1982. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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14 Apr 09 - 08:53 AM (#2610892) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April From: Charley Noble Cool Beans- Are we firm for a music party at your house on Wednesday evening, April 22nd? I have some friends in neighboring Troy that I'd like to encourage to come. Here's the official lyrics to "Shafted in Shaftsburg": By Charlie Ipcar & Maxine Parshall, © 1975 Shafted in Shaftsburg G I've been shafted in Shaftsburg, -----C--------------------G Been lynched in Lynchburg town; --------------------------- I've been sharpened in Flint, ----A-----------------D And Highland's got me down; ---G I'm all washed up in Bath, C----------------G Impaled in Lansing too; ------------------------E Yes, I've been shafted in Shaftsburg, -----A----------D-----G Come on and get shafted too! ------------------------E Yes, I've been shafted in Shaftsburg, -----A----------D-----G Come on and get shafted too! I got fed up in Eaton Rapids, In Custer I made my stand; I got crocked in Potterville, In Mason I was canned; Reformed in Westphalia, Benton Harbor straightened me out, But the shafting I got in Shaftsburg 'Twas dreadful there can be no doubt! But the shafting I got in Shaftsburg 'Twas dreadful there can be no doubt! I lost my bearings in Wheeler, Hamburg ground me down; I was given the bird in Pigeon And Fowlerville's a chickenshit town; I got riled up in South Riley, Ran amok in Menominee, Menominee, Menominee, But when you come to Shaftsburg, You'll be shafted I guarantee! But when you come to Shaftsburg, You'll be shafted I guarantee! I got mixed up in Cement City, Muskegon raised a stink; You can't get high in Lowell, Hart's got no soul I think; I've been glum in Lum, Taken for a ride in Cadillac; But once you're shafted in Shaftsburg, You know you're never coming back! But once you're shafted in Shaftsburg, You know you're never coming back! I lost my head in Bad Ax, And Hell it wasn't so hot; I got fucked over in Climax, And Hillsdale left me flat; I've been socked in Argyle, Swamped in Grand Marais, But when you're shafted in Shaftsburg, You know you're gonna stay that way! But when you're shafted in Shaftsburg, You know you're gonna stay that way! I put up my dukes in Ellington, Got locked in the Kalamazoo; I got the trots in Flushing And see-sawed at the Sault; I got stoned in Petoskey, Balmed in East Gilead; But once you're shafted in Shaftsburg, Nothing else is quite as bad! But once you're shafted in Shaftsburg, Nothing else is quite as bad! I was polished off in Brighton, In Lyons I lost my pride; I was fleeced in Shepard, In Frankenmuth I got fried; I was blown away in Galesburg, And Howeled all the way home; When you're shafted in Shaftsburg, You know it's time to roam! When you're shafted in Shaftsburg, You know it's time to roam! I was cast out of Eden, In Paradise I was lost; I was damned in Holland, In Thunder Bay, tempest tossed; Tehquamenon was my downfall But, Eureka, I saw the light; When you're shafted in Shaftsburg, You know it's time for flight! When you're shafted in Shaftsburg, You know it's time for flight! I got plastered in Paris, In Rosebush I got ripped; I got tanked in Sherman, In Beacon I was lit; Fell off the wagon in Temperance, In Brunswick I got stewed; When you're shafted in Shaftsburg, Nothing else is quite as crude! When you're shafted in Shaftsburg, Nothing else is quite as crude! I drifted through Grand Rapids, At Big Rock I was sunk; Coldwater was a chilling experience, Hemlock had a lot of punch; Saginaw was a big letdown, And Paw Paw's a fruity place, But once you're shafted in Shaftsburg, You've known real disgrace! But once you're shafted in Shaftsburg, You've known real disgrace! Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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14 Apr 09 - 04:35 PM (#2611200) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April '09 From: Cool Beans Yes. I'll give you a call tomorrow (Wednesday, April 15). Is late afternoon a good time to call? |
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14 Apr 09 - 05:42 PM (#2611258) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April From: Charley Noble Cool Beans- I'll be home until 4 pm EST. Then I need to take off for Portland for music practice with Roll & Go. Late thursday afternoon would be fine. Charley Noble |
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19 Apr 09 - 10:11 PM (#2614743) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April '09 From: Charley Noble Well, I'm certainly on my merry way, having attended a fine sea music session at the Press Room in Portsmouth NH, Saturday and the Mystic Fundraiser at the Borderline Folk Club in New City, NY. I'm now staying wth one of our sea music friends some 30 minutes east of Albany. Tomorrow, I actually plan to practice some music here, something which I didn't have time to do in the mad rush to get several projects completed before leaving Maine. Tuesday I should be continuing the journey west, swinging up through Ontario and then arriving in the Detroit area Wednesday afternoon. Then Cool Beans is hosting a music party and everyone is invited! Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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21 Apr 09 - 08:19 AM (#2615536) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April '09 From: Charley Noble Well, I finally was able to sit down and practice some of my music here east of Albany, including some of my unique Michigan songs. Paul and Charleen are certainly fine hosts and we've had some good fun together, singing and comparing notes on songs and musicians. Now it's out the door and on to Buffalo, and deepest darkest Ontario. My plan is to attempt to phone Cool Beans this evening from somewhere in Western Ontario and determine his schedule for late Wednesday afternoon. Cheerily, Charley Noble, back on the road |
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21 Apr 09 - 02:56 PM (#2615745) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April '09 From: Cool Beans In case you don't get through on the overseas call (is Lake Ontario a sea?) I will be home Wednesday afternoon, after 2:30. |
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23 Apr 09 - 09:33 AM (#2616928) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April '09 From: Charley Noble I've resurfaced at the Cool Beans' residence in the greater Detroit area, Huntington Woods in particular. My voyage across Lake Ontario was uneventful except for the occasional sighting of the rare and endangered great fresh-water whales. Marty (Cool Beans) and I had a good time swapping songs and stories in the afternoon, and after a fine supper with his wife Laura there was a music party that included Marie-Aine (Mudcat), Bert (an old-time fiddler), Craig (guitarist) and a supporting cast for choruses and refrains. We had a whole lot of fun and it's always interesting to see what new songs, and old songs, a new group comes up with. It's also been some time since I've played with a good old-time fiddler; I'd love to have Bert do some accompaniment on some of my songs and this just might happen given that he plans to revisit fiddle camp in Maine this June. I led "West Indies Blues," "Mobile Bay," "Tramps," "Mid-Watches," "Dead-Dog Cider," "Old Fiddle," and ended the evening with "Shafted in Shaftsburg." Some of the fiddle tunes that I got Bert to lead included "Cold Frosty Morning," "Home with the Girls in the Morning," "Colored Aristrocracy," and "Whiskey before Breakfast." Hopefully, Cool Beans will fill in the correct titles of some of the other songs that he and others led but it was all great fun. Today I'll do some more practice for the concert/workshop at Elderly Instruments on Saturday. And Friday morning I'll venture up to East Lansing and then join the gang for Residents Night at the Ten Pound Fiddle. This is hard work but someone has to do it! Cheerily, Charley Noble, resident in Huntington Woods, a stone's throw away from the Detroit Zoo |
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23 Apr 09 - 10:08 AM (#2616942) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April '09 From: Cool Beans Speaking of throwing stones at zoo animals, we did "Teddy Bears Picnic." Also played or sung last night: "Katushka" (fiddle and guitar), "I Want To Go Back To Michigan," "Come Take a Trip in My Airship," "Windy and Warm," "Deep River Blues," "Storybook Ball" and others. I've forgotten a few. A fine time was had by all. Charlie and I had never met before. Yay, Mudcat. |
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23 Apr 09 - 11:54 AM (#2617023) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April '09 From: SINSULL Sounds like a good time was had by all. Did Mick ever turn up? Or should I say "turnip" - potato substitute. |
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23 Apr 09 - 12:02 PM (#2617033) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April From: moongoddess Wish I could have been there! Charley, I know several of your friends from the Mysic Festival - Dave Peloquin, Cindy Peloquin, and Jon Campbell. Any chance you would be coming to RI? If not, I'll catch you in Mystic. Diana |
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23 Apr 09 - 04:27 PM (#2617218) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April '09 From: Charley Noble Sinsull- No sign of Big Mick but maybe he'll surface at my Elderly Instruments concert/workshop on Saturday (starting at noon). Diana- Odd but we were just talking about Jon Campbell; I was explaining to Marty about the odd song I collected in Sydney, Australia, "Fredrick's of Wooloomooloo." Indeed, we'll see you at Mystic. Marty (Cool Beans) had worked at the Detroit Free Press for years and we've had a great time playing with newspaper jargon, and sharing weird stories that would make great songs, and such. He and his wife also have ventured to the Coast of Maine and I'm certainly looking for an opportunity to reciprocate their hospitality. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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24 Apr 09 - 09:48 AM (#2617747) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April '09 From: Charley Noble We were having breakfast this morning and Marty's wife Laura and I realized that we had shared three years at Michigan State University, 1968 to 1970, including the anti-war demonstrations and involvement in the many off-campus community organizations. It all makes some kind of sense, or not! Now, I'm thinking, it might be fun to organize a Grand Rapids song party. My good music friend Paul Emery is resident there, along with Mudcat's Big Mick, and I've got an open schedule between this weekend and the next one when I'll be in Ann Arbor. I'll see if I get any response and will report back. There definitely will be an Ann Arbor song party on Sunday afternoon/evening at the Mark Charles/Sheila Ritter residence on Easy Street. And I'll try to firm up details on that as well. Marty and Laura are planning to join us as well; Laura and Sheila certainly have old friends in common. As I've been saying, this trip is and will continue to be great fun, and enlightening! Cheerily, Charley Noble, on the road to Lansing/East Lansing |
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25 Apr 09 - 09:49 AM (#2618464) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April '09 From: JudyB Hmmm - No report on the Friday night session at the Ten Pound Fiddle - you don't suppose it's still going on??? |
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25 Apr 09 - 03:35 PM (#2618652) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April '09 From: Charley Noble Well, we've been pretty busy here in Lansing/East Lansing since I hit the ground running on Friday. The Ten Pound Fiddle evening was a very impressive sing-along with about 70 people, all willing to sing and sing in harmony. Pat Maden is a magnificent song leader! I met a few more folks there that I knew before but we'll meet many more tonight at this evening's song party at Sally Potter and Ruelaine's house. The concert at Elderly Instruments went well enough, about 40 minutes of songs to about twenty people, including "Shafted in Shaftsburg." No one signed up for the follow-up workshop but I'm not sure that would have worked anyway. I did sell a couple of CD's and spent some time with one person who was really interested in concertinas. Monday evening I'm planning to have supper with the current crop of Rivendwellers, my old housing co-op; I stopped by yesterday and was impressed with how well they've kept up the place. They're even raising children there! Wednesday it's off to Grand Rapids where my old friend Paul Emery and I are planning another song party, the one we'd like Bib Mick to attend. Try 517-881-9837 for more info. Friday I'll head down to Ann Arbor. Saturday is graduation and Sunday evening will probably be another song party with my hosts who actually live on Easy Street. Try 734-478-1333 for more info. On Monday I'll start for home and should be in Maine late Tuesday afternoon. Cheerily, Charley Noble, in deepest darkest Lansing |
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26 Apr 09 - 12:15 PM (#2619040) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April '09 From: Charley Noble Well, we certainly had a nice gathering last evening at the Sally Potter/Ruelaine Stokes residence here in Lansing. There were about a dozen or so old friends assembled whom I've worked and played with in music, politics, and alternative energy projects. And there was lots of great food, an abundance of Middle Eastern dishes that I dearly love but much, much more. There was probably more chatting than music initially but we certainly did have a good music session later as well. Paul was encouraged to sing his all time favorite "I'd Rather Make a Revolution than $50 an Hour" and I was encouraged to lead "Shafted in Shaftsburg." But we also got to lead some of our newer songs, and then many old favorite sing-a-longs. We are all getting older and I find it fascinating to view people through the perspective of having known them for over 30 years, what has changed and what seems familiar. There is a young gray cat in this household named "Charley" that greatly appreciates having more potential packmates, and he certainly was the life of the party. He was a stray kitten some months ago but is now becoming a commanding presence. This evening I'll probably get together with Karrie Potter, another old music friend who is getting married later this month and who needed to be out of town yesterday for a family related "shower." Big Mick has been in contact with my friend Paul Emery in Grand Rapids and a song party is definitely on at Paul's house in East Town for Wednesday evening beginning at 7 pm. If you're within range, please feel free to attend. Send me a PM for details. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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26 Apr 09 - 11:34 PM (#2619295) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April '09 From: maire-aine Hello, Charley and all. Gee, I wish I could join you in Grand Rapids on Wednesday, but that's just not possible. Give my luv to Mick. And, Charley, have a safe trip home. Maryanne |
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27 Apr 09 - 08:58 AM (#2619526) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April '09 From: Charley Noble Thanks, Maryanne. I really enjoyed your singing at Marty's song party. Now it may be difficult to post much of an update this morning. Charlie, a young gray shorthaired cat, seems intent on playing with my mouse, which I've now shifted over to the left side of the key board. He's very nice but he always wants to play! This evening I revisit Rivendell Housing Co-op, the small seven-person house I and my friends established back in 1976 or so in Lansing. We had hours of breakfast meetings planning this move and when we finally found a house that met all our criteria it was a pretty scary move. Let's see, there were Mark and Sheila, Dave, Karen, Rob, and Maxine and myself; couples and singles, musicians and non-musicians, cooks and non-cooks, neatniks and slobs, and mostly of a radical political persuasion. We actually formed a legal corporation that held title to the house, amortized the initial downpayment so that subsequent members could move in and out for the equivalent of a month's rent, and drafted a set of bylaws that would choke a corporate attorney (what in Her name is a type III vote?). The house itself was legally a duplex with separate units upstairs and downstairs but we used it as one big communal house. Each of us had a separate room (where we could be as messy or neat as we pleased). But there was a huge matrix (on the refrigerator) that dictated who was responsible for maintaining the common areas of the house (it was the cleanest house I've ever lived in!). Everyone had to sign up for a day of cooking and cleaning dishes; we did share evening meals together and the rest were up to individuals. Then there were weekly or bi-weekly chores. Other specialized jobs such as bookkeeping and food purchases at the co-op were also the responsibilities of individuals for the longer term. Amazingly, the system worked fairly well. Perhaps, it worked well because we knew each other socially for a few years. However, we generally needed to replace one or two members a year for one reason or another and we soon evolved a procedure of publicizing a vacancy, interviewing applicants over the phone, and then inviting the best prospects (one at a time) for dinner. It must have been pretty scary for the applicants but we certainly selected some keepers, and a few others which did cause us some grief. I lived there for seven years. Since I returned to Maine in 1982 I've still received the annual Thanksmas card inviting me back to the house for the celebration and providing me some information on the current residents. It is amazing that the co-op has survived, even thrived, over these many years. There certainly were times when I was there when it almost imploded! It was nice to pay a brief visit last Friday afternoon but I'm sure this evening will be even more interesting. Well, last evening I had a good time talking with my old friend and Rivendell housemate Karrie who is finally getting married later this month and moving to Richmond, Virginia, where her old sweetie works. Karrie has been a member of several all-women old-time string bands (most recently Lady of the Lake), a banjo instructor and salesperson at Elderly Instruments, director of a peace and justice center, and a neighborhood social worker. I'm sure she'll soon find new music friends in the Richmond area. She's a treasure! This will be a leisurely day. I'll probably stop at Elderly again and stock up on some more CD's. Then I'll see if I can find any suitable graduation presents for my two nieces who pass out into the wide world later this month. Then, it's on to Grand Rapids! Cheerily, Charley Noble, with Charlie the cat |
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28 Apr 09 - 09:25 AM (#2620425) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April '09 From: Charley Noble Well, Rivendell Housing Co-op is certainly alive and well. There are now eleven residents including three children under the age of ten. I arrived in the midst of another spring thunderstorm, making my way through the L-shaped livingroom toward the loud music in the kitchen where four residents were busily at work slicing and dicing vegetables. It was a brutal sight as they emptied pile after pile of dismembered vegetables into a pot of boiling water for the soup. Kathie was rolling up other piles of rice and diced vegetables into sushi rolls and someone else was chopping the rolls into sections. They put me to work stirring the pot which seemed one of the safest things for me to do. They were also preparing the batter for the carrot cake, substituting one thing or another for missing ingredients as the process went along. All the time there was this running conversation about past and present residents, with my admiration being expressed for the new stone countertop, the tile floor, and the dishwasher. The residents now own the house free and clear of the original mortgage and are quite thankful that we started this whole project. They've certainly made other major improvements in the house, the new efficient fireplace insert in the livingroom, the new furnace, the new roof, the conversion of the attic into living space, all fun for me to see. About eight of us actually sat down for dinner, other residents being either late or committed to other evening activities. There are three massage therapists in residence, a carpenter/handyman, several musicians, some college students, a woman who was raised in a circus family, a young Black woman and her teenaged daughter who were in transition to Ann Arbor in a week or so, and a neighbor who shares meals at the co-op. I learned that there were other interesting things happening in the neighborhood, including a co-housing project where 12 families had taken over a block of houses. After dinner we did a little singing, I wished everyone the best of luck, and departed into the greater Twilight Zone of the Lansing night. Today I have some more shopping to do for nieces graduate presents, and then dinner with two of my old Rivendell housemates who live in this area. Charlie the gray cat seems to be tuckered out this morning; he's sprawled out on the left side of this keyboard, which enables me to use the mouse with my right hand. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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29 Apr 09 - 09:32 AM (#2621169) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April '09 From: Charley Noble Not a lot to report from yesterday. I went down to the Lansing Public Market to nose around. My memories of the old brick buildings by the Grand River include rows and rows of fresh grocery products, fruits and vegetables all beautifully displayed. It's really early in the season for any fresh vegetables, so most of the booths were empty except for craft and food booths, but there was a big booth representing the East Lansing Food Co-op. I did run into some old friends as expected, including one of my favorite neighborhood organizers, Priscilla; we had a long talk about how things were going in the city, the current political leadership and how to deal with the recession, and we reminisced about old battles and friends. I had lunch at a booth specializing in Egyptian meat pies (of such a size and packed full of meat!) and then ventured off to East Lansing in search of graduation gifts, and had some success. Then later that day Karrie and I went over to have dinner with our old Rivendell housemate David who has been researching cancer treatments for the last 30 years. David was able to fill us in on what some of our other former housemates had been doing but there are some that we've totally lost track of. If we ever managed to get the whole group together, we'd have an amazing party! But we better hurry while we can still party. Karrie, who is getting married (finally) later this month was showing us photos of her new house in the suburbs of Richmond, Virginia; it's a nice big house with lots of rooms for books, musical instruments, and visitors. And she's already established contacts with the old-time music community there through her job at Elderly Instruments; just know that if you're in the greater Richmond area that she is a fine singer, banjo and guitar player, and all around organizer and long-time friend; PM for more specifics if you'd like to meet her. Today I pack up all the stuff I've scattered about Sally and Ruelaine's house and head off to Grand Rapids for my visit with Paul, and hopefully another good music party. Charlie the cat says "Hello!" Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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30 Apr 09 - 11:34 AM (#2621965) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April '09 From: Charley Noble I've resurfaced here in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the East Town neighborhood to be specific. I used to have some friends who worked with the neighborhood organization here in the 1970's but they are pretty much scattered to the wind. I did some nosing around Wealthy Street yesterday afternoon to see what was happening, noting the new Ethiopian restaurant that has taken root; there really is a wave of Ethiopian restaurants sweeping over this country ("Wat's up!" should be their slogan)! The Grand Rapids Folk Music Society is now running their activities out of a newly renovated community theatre building, booking such performers as Lou and Peter Barryman, Bill Staines, and regional favorites that I couldn't identify. There was a fine natural food store and bakery, where I stocked up on cheese and bread for myself and my host. Then I ventured over to Paul's house and found a note on the door saying they were off at a nearby Italian restaurant and I should join them; cell phones work well here so I was able to reach Paul and his nephew Tyler and have them order something while I was on my way. It turned out to be Paul's birthday as well so I got a chance to add an "appaling" verse to "Happy Birthday" when the cake magically appeared. Then we went back to the house to see if the music party was going to happen. Well, this time it didn't. I called Big Mick again and found that he was tied up with family concerns but that he was very interested in getting together with Paul later; I hope they do so because I think they'd have a great time swapping songs and discussing Michigan politics. So we did swap a few songs between the three of us but it was mostly an evening of stories of what happened when, and what some of our old friends had been up to. This morning Paul introduced me to the Second Life website where he is an active player, performing live music in a virtual reality folk club. Maybe I need to shift over there from stodgy old Mudcat! But, then again, they probably don't have a critical mass of sea music people. Still, we could stream live from the Press Room sea music gatherings! It does boggle my mind and it certainly could technically be accomplished, more likely by a teenager than someone from my age group. But Paul is certainly making progress on Second Life and has a group of fans. I'm encouraging Paul to spend a week in Maine so Judy and I can record some of his fine songs, edit them, and provide him a master for running off some CD's. He's really an excellent songwriter with a wealth of human experience to draw upon. I think this will happen. That's about it for now, Charley Noble, adrift in Grand Rapids |
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30 Apr 09 - 05:52 PM (#2622214) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April '09 From: Cool Beans Easy Street. Wealthy Street. I see a trend here: wishful thinking. In Providence, where I came from, they're more altruistic; they've got Benevolent Street, Hope Street, Benefit Street... |
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30 Apr 09 - 10:04 PM (#2622332) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April From: Charley Noble Cool Beans- And the streets are paved with gold, or at least with good intentions. Cheerily, Charley Noble, still adrift in Grand Rapids |
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30 Apr 09 - 10:26 PM (#2622345) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April '09 From: JudyB Well, I've been reading some of these "reports from the road" to our kitty gang as bedtime stories - and when I got to the part about Charlie the cat, Teji the cat gave the computer screen "the look"! I think Teji is going to be checking your suitcase very carefully when you get back to make sure you're not trying to sneak another cat into the household! :) Don't forget to give my love to our niece on Saturday. JudyB back in Maine |
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01 May 09 - 10:16 AM (#2622588) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April '09 From: Big Mick I wish my life would settle out, as I really wanted to get together with Charley while he was here. But between my daughter and the car accident, and my father and his hospitalization, recovery, and rehabilitation, there just isn't much room left. It is all I can do to keep the music going ..... but we just keep trudging on. Charley, I am so sorry that I could not make the sing on Wednesday. I am sure Paul and I will get together at some point. I'm not much for "Second Life" things, but 3D singing and performing is much on my plate. This other stuff can't go on forever, even though it seems it will. Safe Home, Mick PS to JudyB: I have a big mouthed calico that has something to say on all topics that I would gladly send along for your collection!! LOL. |
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01 May 09 - 10:57 AM (#2622633) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April '09 From: Charley Noble Mick- There are times when family concerns require full attention. I certainly understand that. Still, it would have been an interesting evening if we all could have gotten together last Wednesday. Paul's primary life experience is far more intriguing than anything on "Second Life." Judy- Well, there was also this big gray tiger cat that I just met on the street while repacking the van. He purped at me and then rolled over to have his belly scratched. And he wasn't wearing a collar. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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01 May 09 - 04:28 PM (#2622815) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April '09 From: JudyB Charlie - Teji (our big fluffy calico, Mick) says ... hmmm, this is a family-friendly site, isn't it. Let's just say that she was not amused. :) Cheers, Judy |
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02 May 09 - 08:23 AM (#2623086) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April '09 From: Charley Noble Well, now I'm resident in Ann Arbor on Easy Street. Life is good! We had a nice session, just Sheila, Mark and myself, swapping songs last evening. Marty, I do need to correct the street address I gave you for Sunday's party; it should be 2326 Easy Street. I'll also try to reach you by cellphone if you do not confirm that you have read this message. Off to niece graduation! Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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02 May 09 - 10:28 AM (#2623119) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April '09 From: Cool Beans Got it, Charlie, thanks. Would've gone to the wrong house. Congrats to your niece. See you Sunday. |
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02 May 09 - 08:00 PM (#2623320) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April '09 From: Charley Noble Marty, Well, the wrong house on Easy Street might still have been interesting, if the address existed! My silver Honda van is also parked in the driveway. Things start on or about 7 pm. We're all looking forward to seeing you again. Cheerily, Charley Noble, having survived niece's graduation and another great dinner in Greektown |
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03 May 09 - 05:19 PM (#2623638) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April '09 From: Charley Noble Things are looking good for this evening. Lots of good stuff to eat and drink and a combination of family, old friends, and new friends expected to join our song party. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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04 May 09 - 07:41 AM (#2623853) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April '09 From: Charley Noble Marty and Laura did make our song party, joining six of us here, and we had a really nice time. More details when I get back to Maine but the friends and experiences we've all shared is amazing! Now it's off to Toledo and points east! Cheerily, Charley Noble, back on the road |
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04 May 09 - 01:33 PM (#2624003) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April '09 From: JudyB Teji went out on the porch and perked her ears up this morning - I think she heard your car start for home. :) |
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05 May 09 - 07:26 AM (#2624507) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April '09 From: Charley Noble Judy- Well, Teji may have heard me checking out at Motel 6 in Amsterdam, over the chatter of 20 or so high school kids on their way back from a spring trip to Niagra. I'm glad I finished my coffee before they alighted in the breakfast room; there wouldn't have been a crumb or drop left! I should be back in Maine by late afternoon. Cheerily, Charley, just west of Albany |
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05 May 09 - 02:44 PM (#2624810) Subject: RE: Music In Michigan (Charley Noble)? 20-23 April From: Charley Noble Just got back to Maine around 2 pm in the afternoon. For some reason there is a calico cooncat glued to my lap as I post this; she seems very happy! I'm now sorting through all the CD's that I purchased at Elderly Instruments, looking for the tracks that were my favorites on the long road home. Certainly "There Are No Words" by Kitty Donohoe, as re-released on NORTHERN BORDER, is a powerful song about 9/11/01. Then there's Wanda Degan's rendition of "The Keewenaw Light." My other favorites were by Joel Mabus: "Touch a Name on the Wall," "Sea of Dreams," "First Times," "If Wishes Were Horses," and "The Duct Tape Blues." I'm planning to post the lyrics and links for these and a few others, as they come to mind, on a new thread titled "Michigan Musically Revisited." My thanks again to the folks above who put me up and hosted song parties. I certainly had a wonderful time. Cheerily, Charley Noble, back in Maine |