Northeast Concertina Workshop 2007

[Richard Morse]

Rich, what time is Friday night? I can't find it anywhere on the workshop pages.

We didn't want to feature it publicly (might have all sorts show up?), but in our confirmation letter we say that the open house is from 5-10pm. In past years few people have shown up before 6:30 or 7:00 (I guess everyone's either traveling or eating dinner?) but things quickly get hopping after that.

 

-- Rich --

[lildogturpy]

Should be arriving after 7-00 myself. Driving down from Montreal

 

See you all there.

[bellowbelle]

Hi,

 

I'll be heading for Amherst tomorrow to attend the evening concert, and as far as I know, my 22-yr old daughter will be joining me.

 

So....

 

Should you wish to either join us or avoid us , well, we will probably stop in at Bart's (not far from the church) for something to eat -- ice cream or a sandwich. I figure we'll be there around....uh, my guess is 5:45 pm.

 

Then, we'll promptly head home when the concert is over.

 

If we don't show up, it might mean we spent too long at some store along the way....maybe The Book Bear in West Brookfield, or something!

[Animaterra]

And a good time was had by all! I was only able to attend the Saturday workshops, but I learned a lot and filled my brain (and my fingers) with new skills. Best of all was seeing such fine folks- the usual suspects, from David Barnert (why is he always the first person I lay eyes on at these events??) to greenferry, to Jody Kruskal, Ken Coles, Rich Morse of course, and lots of non-C'net friends I've picked up from these workshops and the NE Squeeze-In.

 

Congratulations to the Button Box for putting on a stunning day. My only request for next year: More cookies!!

[David Barnert]

Best of all was seeing such fine folks- the usual suspects, from David Barnert (why is he always the first person I lay eyes on at these events??)

Because your head and mine are situated well above the horizon of average-height heads? Because at the beginning of these events I'm usually doing my "light-house imitation" looking for familiar faces?

 

I, too had a great time. I am only now trudging my way home through the gloppy wet snowstorm (stopped for lunch now at the Panera in Hadley--free WiFi!). There were, what, seven Hayden players there, including Jim Bayliss from Texas and the monster Hayden (see my post and following in this thread). I forgot to ask him: How does he fly with that thing? I even got a chance to introduce Jim and Robin Harrison, whose Hayden Jim bought years ago at my suggestion.

 

Animaterra missed the concert (Bellowbelle, were you there? Sorry, I didn't see you). There was a lot of great playing, and it seems, a bit more humor than in past years. Richard Carlin is a real character, performing a non-stop stand-up comedy routine while simultaneously sitting down playing fiendishly difficult reels on his concertina (and never failing to point out the upcoming and recently passed difficult parts). Brian Peters played quite a few affecting tunes and songs, several that he's written (or completed) himself. I was so taken with one (a polka whose name I will never remember or be able to pronounce) that I bought both the book it's in and the CD it's on. And although anyone who has ever been to the NESI has seen Ken Sweeney play English Concertina and Harmonica at the same time, there were many there who hadn't, until last night.

 

Apres concert, we filled the back room at a pizza place around the corner (Bertucci's) and had a grand time, although before we got around to maaking any music it was time to leave.

 

Ahh, well... Next year.

 

Nice job, Rich and Doug and the rest of the BB staff.

[bellowbelle]

.................

(Bellowbelle, were you there? Sorry, I didn't see you).

 

I wasn't there....sorry I 'lied!' I fully intended to be there was looking forward to it, but then my plans were gradually eroded, then just plain snuffed out.

 

Lesson learned for next year: Don't invite anyone else! Go alone! And don't even mention your plans, so they can't trash them!

 

Anyway, I'll get over it.

 

It' is partly that I wasn't feeling top-notch, but I think I would have managed to get there if I'd just kept my plans to myself.....long story......

 

Anyway, I'm glad it all went well! Next year, I'll be smarter and maybe I"ll get there!

[Paul Read]

It certainly was a good weekend. Other cnetters I ran into were li'l dog turpy,and, of course Robin Harrison who had to put Richard Carlin straight on the Kimber style (a source of much merriment!). I found Richard to be a very pleasant and amusing character. The Bryan Peters workshops were excellent. I think a full day would be fun. I got to hear some great playing from Jody, Robin H, Bryan and others at a later early hours session. The only downside was the apres-concert where the pizza restaurant was not conducive to a session. Ah well, a lesson for next time.

 

Other than this and the drinks for the afternoon break it was a job well done by the Button-Box Boys. Many thanks to Doug, Bob and Rich and the lady in the shop whose name escapes me.

[Robin Harrison]

Adding my bit.................they are such a pleasant crew at the Button Box and organise a very friendly day.Truly an event that especially those at an early stage of learning would feel comfortable at.

Brian Peters is an excellent teacher and a superior anglo player.Impressive.

The Button Box anglo,the Morse, was beautifuuly played by Frank Ferrel and it sounded FANTASTIC.Showing my preference here, but it was almost indistinguishable from a concertina reeded anglo.Great work, boys. He also seems to play Irish music with far more chords that seems common which I enjoyed greatly.

Richard Carlin was a hoot.

Chris Stevens was young, wickedly handsome, amazingly tall and as Doug says, a whizz bang player............doing stuff most only dream about.

C.netter Jody Kruskal played at a later session.I truly believe that he has developed his own, and clearly a unique, style.On this forum Dan Worral, at the Palestine week end, described it as an American style. It is no understaement to say it is breath-taking. See him if you can.

Lots of fun

Robin

[ragtimer]

There were, what, seven Hayden players there, including Jim Bayliss from Texas and the monster Hayden (see my post and following in this thread). I forgot to ask him: How does he fly with that thing?

Wow, seven Hayden players in one room! I remember last year's NECW, when I was impressed to see five of us in one place. More than I thought existed in the USA

 

Thanks, David, for the links to the older threads on that monster 82-key Hayden. That is a few more buttons than I'd want to handle, but I do feel the need for more than the "standard" 46. Around 55 should be a significant improvement.

 

Yes, I would have no trouble finding you in a crowd ...

Hope to be there next year. I had major duties in a variety show that ran 4 days this past weekend. It was great, made and renewed lots of frienddships with artists and musicians -- just like at a Tina fest.

Nice job, Rich and Doug and the rest of the BB staff.

No surprise there! Next year or bust -- Mike K.

Edited April 17, 2007 by ragtimer

[Richard Morse]

Things are finally settling down here after the NCW event. It was a good time though not without teething problems. Some things were a bit "rough around the edges" (notably the food), though with this year's experience subsequent years will be a huge improvement. Too bad that the after concert spot, Bertucci's was not very conducive to playing. It could have been if we had set things up (tables, chairs) differently in there. and even then there wasn't enough time to get going as they close at 11pm. The Amherst Brewing where we were last year is much more conducive and stays open later though we were pointedly asked not to come back again after... uh... a "misunderstanding" between our crowd and the managership.... Oh, well.... We'll try harder next year for a more conducive after concert spot.

 

Thanks to all who made it - and helped make it such a nice event!

 

[Richardcarlin]

Thanks all for a great time at the Northeast Concertina Workshop and Hootenanny. I enjoyed very much coming out of semi-retirement to meet everyone and hear many fine players. On the issue of William Kimber, I would like to clarify that although I play nothing like him and am totally misguided in my understanding of his music I still think he was a great concertina player and will continue to try my best to honor his memory by playing not at all like him the many tunes that I enjoy.

 

Thanks again to the great Button Box staff -- including the talented Rich Morse, handy Bob Snope, and organized Doug Creighton -- for their hard work making this happen. I will add that the Morse English concertina is a wonderful instrument and bargain -- very light, easy to play ( a great action!), and a steal at any price. I'm very glad that you are making these instruments available for the next generation of players who will not play at all like William Kimber but still honor his memory through pumping away.

 

Next year, the pizza's on me!

 

Best, Richard

[Robin Harrison]

May I add Richard, that you are a great teacher, have a fine sense of humour and are gracious when confronted with know-it-all types.You did indeed honour the memory and legacy of the great man by your fine workshop.

I would be proud to come to any other workshop you gave and heckle!

Extra olives and anchovies, please.

With Gratitude, Robin

[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!