greenferry

It was a wonderful weekend! Rich, Bob and Doug are to be commended for continuing this Northeast tradition, which happens to be in my favorite part of Massachusetts. I especially enjoyed Richard Carlin's workshop (can't wait to buy the CD of the tutor, since I only have the LP and can't play it!), and Ken Sweeney's workshops. Both Richard and Ken offered some interesting insights, and I came away with something to work on. I enjoyed seeing Lynn and Allison again, and the rogues from Canada. I was just stunned by Chris Steven's playing at the concert; everybody played superbly, and the turn-out was admirable. The catered lunch was excellent! The school setting was extremely convenient and very comfortable. Looking forward to the squeeze-in!

LOL! Did he make a video, too?! He's absolutely adorable!

Here is something you could do, but perhaps ought not to do, with your concertina (if you are a Judge!)

What a great pic of everybody! So many people look familiar, but I wish the photo had the names, too!! I see Allison (Animaterra) right there in the middle with the red sweater, next to Doug Creighton (light green sweater) on the left, and Lynne Cullen (pink sweater, green jacket) on the right. That's me (red jacket) sharing a concertina with David Barnert (white shirt, blue jacket), and Jody Kruskal next to him (black jacket, red shirt, white hat). There's Rich Morse, sitting in front with the autumn-colored plaid shirt. And Frank Edgley squatting, on the far right, second one in, with the dark jacket. I think that's Bob Snopes in the back row with a light blue hat between two other hats. The folks who drove all the way from Columbus, Ohio are squatting next to Rich, both wearing blue jackets. Lynne Hughes is in the front row (green jacket) surrounded by three gigantic piano accordions, one of which is a woman who drove from Philadelphia (the red piano accordion) and Lynne's husband Tony Hughes is the big guy straight behind her, in the back row with all the white curly hair facing to the right. The guy with the really funny songs is the tallest person there, in the back row, just behind Allison. It's too bad the Toronto contingent couldn't make it, they are a lot of fun. Can anybody else fill in on some of the names??

The place was packed, with great folks and some fine boxes of all varieties. My favorites were the concert and pub sing. David's workshop on Morris, I almost learned Dearest Dickie, will have to keep practicing... it sounds best with his Hayden. Rich played some of his great compositions in the "new" workshop, and somebody at that one did a medieval piece that was haunting, right before Rich. Doug with his checked jacket was the MC for the concert and did a super job with the limericks. I voted for Jody's limerick "If love be the food of music then SQUEEZE ON" but the judges gave it to somebody else, goll darn! Bob gave me some great advice on getting a hand strap for my English, says they can do it at the Button Box, and it doesn't cost much, so I will give it whirl soon. There was one fellow there who was a real spark, played with his whole body and soul, I think his name was Tim, I remember seeing him at Andrea and Geoff's (for the local enthusiasts here in MA) last year. There was a really unusual fellow who did a human faced puppet with a concertina and green boots that had everybody rolling. Tony and Lynne were just fantastic at the pub, also enjoyed their rap around the table this morning after breakfast. I need to get my names straight, but there was one fellow there who had terrifically funny songs, you all know who I'm thinking of, the one about "the Folk," and the "little Startreks..." Allison is setting new cultural habits for the NESI, I will try to follow suit next time! Lynne was a perfect roommate, and brought her great story telling and singing voice to pub shenanigans; she has a Morse Ceili on order, and I'm jealous! I tried one out, it's beautiful. There were some really interesting old boxes on display in the bar, and the bar lady was heavy handed with the whiskey, and several of us had a good time ordering Johhny Walkers (alas, no Talisker or Lafroaig ... have to wait till I can go to Aran!). Bucksteep is a beautiful place, and the food was delightful, especially the pear soup. Room #2 where Lynne and I stayed

Come on, Jim. Give peace a chance.

I'll raise a toast to that, well said. Peace.

Hint: The one on the left is giving a sermon, and the one on the right is keeping track of the minutiae. Whether they're Men or not is up to the perceiver. They sound like little old ladies to me.

Chris, Thanks for the heads up. Looks as though the George is in Wiltshire, one of my favorite places to visit. (Is this the right one?) I've been there for a steam rally in the summer which was really fun. Also attended a mummer's play near Devizes a few years ago at Christmas time in a small pub. My son and I were staying at Castle Combe for the holidays.

That looks like something fun! From the description, seems as though there is also a significant Morris component. There must be some concertinas in all that! (It's 12-13-14 January 2007.) I read online that this Bear has made friends with one in Germany. Someone has also spotted a similar Bear in Toronto! I wonder if the Toronto Morris folks know about it?

I am wondering if anyone knows of any concertina-related workshops or music festivals in the UK from around Dec. 15 to Jan. 15 next winter? Usually I go to the UK that time of year. Anybody know of any concertina or other folk music happenings during the shortest days and longest nights of the year?

The Button Box is one place that has the photocopies of the book.

I don't understand the meaning of these symbols would it be possible for someone to translate this this one is simply called ph 34 r -- it just looks kind of mysterious, like a masked Bandit this one is called B ) -- it looks sorta like Joe Cool with sunglasses and a wry smile You can find out the "meanings" of each of the symbols when you're in Reply mode; just look over at the "Clickable Smilies" on the left, and click on Show All. A new screen opens that tells you their "meanings." Perhaps others have different interpretations of the above.

Well, why not. A tie-down fit for a queen (or a queen's anchor!).