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!).

Con-text: - a letter of recommendation from someone already in prison? Could also be one of those emails from a Nigerian running a check scam . . .

I think you must mean something like this. Now THAT is a very classy case! I can see that with a DeWalt drill, a couple of brass pieces from Ace Hardware, and some ordinary elastic, I can easily fix up my Button Box case with a nice tie-down. Perhaps could add a small dog-collar type latch to the elastic to make it easy to open. Hmmm . . .

Surely then in this case the "generally accepted rule for behaviour" is driving faster than 65? - W Well, if you're driving down the Mass Pike hauling boxes of concertina CDs, melodeons, guitars, mandolins, and fiddles in the back of your car, with your Morse Albion concertina shifting around on top of the stuff in back, and your camping gear is beginning to hang off the roof rack, chances are you'd be doing 30-40 in the right lane. Or if you're headed to Northeast Squeeze-In on Friday night and you're running late for the free beer at the social hour*, chances are you'd be doing 80-90 in the left lane. However, if the State Trooper with his Smokey the Bear hat suddenly appeared in your rear view mirror bumpered up behind to clock you, you'd put on your turn signal and slow down to 72 in the middle lane, knowing full well that they don't usually stop people for going as much as 7 miles an hour over the speed limit. Context can make a difference. * Can anybody verify this?

And a pair o' dogs? Dogs, eh? Now, which individuals might you be thinking of for that distinction?

It would be great to find a good source for a top opening concertina case. I'm sure there's one on here somewhere. I took my lead from Allison and got a colorful Native American "leash" at NEFFA, and tied it around my case through the handle. She got the idea to tie one end of it to her wrist and the other to the handle, in case she got busy and forgot about the concertina. On the other hand, there must be some way to secure a tie-down of some sort inside of the case. I wonder if anyone's done that?

Wendy, That really is a novel solution! And a very colorful one! I'm glad you included a photograph of it. Perhaps in a future evolution you can invent a quick-clip of some sort instead of the wire. I am amazed that you were able to take the picture yourself!! I hope you have a speedy recovery! Can you still do the block party? Cheers, Barbara

Paradoxes make life interesting.

Dick Miles is a valuable member of this community. There are "ideal norms" ("rules") and then there are the "real norms." People are continually breaking the norms in every facet of society. If you drive down the Mass Pike, a sign on the side of the road will tell you that the Norm is 65 Miles an Hour. Hardly anybody goes 65 miles an hour. Stop and think about it. Nearly everybody is breaking the norm. And that's the way it is for just about every single type of behavior in society. Norms exist, and people are always breaking the norms. The people who are especially adept at breaking the norms are often those who are highly intelligent, and these are the ones who come up with novel ideas and new approaches to things. Scientists, artists and musicians are often the ones who break the norms and show us interesting new paths, and creative new ways of communicating with one another. Librarians and preachers follow the rules. Totalitarians ostracize people who deviate from obediance to conformity.

It's the most amazing experience; I've been down to Lewes (Sussex) several times. Important point; Lewes is a small, but very attractive town (I did a Folk Club booking in a club which used to run there - not the current one), and thousands of people turn up for the celebrations on 5th November (or 4th, if the 5th falls on a Sunday). Don't even think about arriving by car; the roads are closed, and you'll have to walk miles to see the action. Lewes railway station is just 400 yards from the main street, and is on the direct line from London Victoria, via east Croydon. Extra trains run on the night, so getting back should not be a problem. During the afternoon, shop-keepers nail boards over the shop windows, to ensure that they do not get smashed (this is England, after all). Local pubs will generally only admit regulars (although I've managed to get in for a swift drink a couple of times). By about 5.00 pm, the crash barriers have been erected, and people are trying for the best vantage points. Once you've got one, it's often best to stay put for 2/3 hours, and let part of the show come to you. I can't remember the exact timings; somewhere, I have a couple of old programmes, but can't think where, at present. The evening goes something like: (1) The five Lewes Bonfire Societies parade through town, in costume (they are really great). In the main street (Eastern end) I think that you see either two or three of the societies. I think this is the best spot for viewing. (2) The five Societies parade again, only this time carrying burning crosses, and flaming torches (some of which get thrown to the side of the road, still burning, when almost finished). It's hot, and dangerous (by the way, wear old clothing, you'll be amazed at the stink, the next morning!) (3) Firework are set off whilst each Society is standing "on parade". The Cliff Society is the most lively, dressed as Pirates, and they throw fire crackers down in the street as they march along. The sound is deafening, and the smoke gets everywhere. The crowd usually gets quite excited at this point. As well as the costumes, giant images are carried along on floats, and these will later be burnt at the five individual Bonfire sites around town. You might see images of, for example, Tony Blair, The Pope etc., and the burning of there images is a reminder that in less civilised times, people were persecuted and burned for their religious beliefs. (4) By about 9.30 or 10.00 pm, the Bonfire Societies march off to their individual sites for a display of fireworks etc. I once stayed for part of this, but it seemed to take forever to start, whilst waiting for everyone to pass in opposite directions though some very narrow streets. Hope that this has given you sufficient information to make you want to join the throng, one year. Regards, Peter. Peter, This was a great description! Thanks for all the great information! I definitely will plan on it, and take the train as you suggested (and wait for the crowds to part before heading out to the fireworks display). I wonder if there were any concertinas in all of that celebration?

LOL! You're absolutely right. I agree with the folks who suggested a separate forum be set up those who want to air their views on political topics. I thought there was an off-topic forum already (?); perhaps this one should move over to it if anybody wants to continue to stir the hash.