My trip to America

[John Wild]

It seems that Kettle Bridge Clogs have an invitation to the Marlboro Morris Ale from 22-25 May next year. I expect to be there with them and we are all looking forward to a good time. This will be the side's 25th year, though only my 7th with them. From an individual perspective, it is a long way to travel just for a long weekend, and I would like to stay on for another week to 10 days. My question is what to do for the rest of the time.

 

I expect I could draw up a long list of possible events/places, but it would be based on what i have read or seen on websites. So, I would like to ask if any of the U.S. contributors here could offer suggestions. these need not be exclusively concertina or even music related - there are lots of things to see/do just as a visitor. We will be arriving and leaving from Boston, and any other items on the agenda should be on that side of the country.

 

I do not want to clog up the concertina.net forums with this personal request which is of no interest to others. So if anyone can offer suggestions, could you please email me.

 

Thank you in anticipation.

 

- John Wild

[Steve_freereeder]

John - I have sent you a PM.

[Chris Timson]

Ditto. I will quote one sentence from my pm, though:-

 

Have a good time, which is not difficult in the States. You will be amazed at the hospitality you will meet with.

 

Chris

[drbones]

As an American, I'd like to welcome you to the "new world". I'm sure you'll find plenty of interesting places to visit.

I don't know much about Boston or it's surrounding area. I've never been there. Lots of history there though.

I did hear about a big tea party they threw for the British a while back. It looked more like a masquerade ball.

At any rate I hear it was quite a taxing affair which ended with some bad feelings between the Bostonians and the Crown. I'm sure they're over it now

Apparently they've recently built a monument to the occasion. Maybe they have the party in there these days.

[John Wild]

Apparently they've recently built a monument to the occasion. Maybe they have the party in there these days.

 

We might need a big pot. shall we bring our own tea?

 

- John

[drbones]

Apparently they've recently built a monument to the occasion. Maybe they have the party in there these days.

 

We might need a big pot. shall we bring our own tea?

 

- John

Sure! but you might have to pay a duty when you come through customs.

[David Barnert]

If you think you might find yourself near Albany, NY (straight west of Boston, straight north of New York City, both by about 2.5 to 3 hours drive), please get in touch, although I may be away the last week in May.

[Robin Harrison]

Tell you what, John...........I'll see you there. I go to Marlboro and play for the Toronto Morris Men. It's seriously fun weekend.Plan for a few quiet days after! Regards Robin

[Michael Reid]

A visit to The Button Box, in Sunderland, Mass., about 90 miles west of Boston, in the Connecticut River Valley, would be well worth it. I'm sure Rich Morse and his crew would enjoy showing you their innovations in concertina design and construction.

 

The Valley is a lovely part of New England, and if you time it right, a great place to experience a traditional contradance.

[John Wild]

Tell you what, John...........I'll see you there. I go to Marlboro and play for the Toronto Morris Men. It's seriously fun weekend.Plan for a few quiet days after! Regards Robin

 

thanks Robin - I'll look out for you.

 

reply to Michael - the visit to the button box has been advised several times, including directly from Rich himself! it looks like scoring high on the list of things to do.

 

regards

 

john

[Frank Edgley]

"At any rate I hear it was quite a taxing affair which ended with some bad feelings between the Bostonians and the Crown. I'm sure they're over it now."

 

I'm not sure they're really over it. It's difficult to get a really good cup of tea in the US. It often tastes like it was taken directly from Boston Harbour.

[Dave Rogers]

I'm not sure they're really over it. It's difficult to get a really good cup of tea in the US. It often tastes like it was taken directly from Boston Harbour.

 

Hardly surprising if they can't be bothered to bring the water to the boil first before tipping in the tealeaves.

[drbones]

I'm not sure they're really over it. It's difficult to get a really good cup of tea in the US. It often tastes like it was taken directly from Boston Harbour.

 

Hardly surprising if they can't be bothered to bring the water to the boil first before tipping in the tealeaves.

AH HAH!! Now we know your secret!! Boston harbour holds a lot of water. Maybe that's what the monument's for.

[Mark Evans]

The North End

 

Old Ironsides

 

Faneuil Hall

 

Bunker Hill

 

Boston Commons (swanboats should be in full swing by May)

 

Aternoon Tea at the Taj (formerly the Ritz).

 

Concerts....anything at Jordan or Symphony Hall.

 

This is the list relatives ask for. Old Ironsides and Bunker Hill might not be.... your cup of tea.

[bellowbelle]

Well, gee, I just recently placed an order with The English Tea Store, so maybe I'll be able to make a decent cup by the time John is around here!

 

Though, I ordered tea pots, not the tea... hmm. Actually, I drink mostly coffee, but I've decided to pick up on tea more.

 

I'll email you later with any bright ideas I get, John... I'm a little confused about exactly what/where are the Marlboro Morris Men, but I can name some places especially in central Massachusetts that Bostonians or western-Mass people might not think of.

 

Around Boston, though -- there is the Folk Song Society of Greater Boston, and through them, or their newsletter, there are always lots of concerts and events (where concertina players would be welcome to play, too).

 

I haven't been to a fssgb 'sing' for a while, mainly because I was intimidated by Boston driving (public transportation only goes so far). However, I recently got a Garmin gadget, out of necessity, and so now I can get in or out of anywhere -- those little gadgets are amazing!

[Mark Evans]

I'm a little confused about exactly what/where are the Marlboro Morris Men, but I can name some places especially in central Massachusetts that Bostonians or western-Mass people might not think of.

 

I think it's Brattleboro, VT Wendy.

 

Around Boston, though -- there is the Folk Song Society of Greater Boston, and through them, or their newsletter, there are always lots of concerts and events (where concertina players would be welcome to play, too).

 

I haven't been to a fssgb 'sing' for a while, mainly because I was intimidated by Boston driving (public transportation only goes so far). However, I recently got a Garmin gadget, out of necessity, and so now I can get in or out of anywhere -- those little gadgets are amazing!

 

I attended their annual meeting in Watertown. My buddy Kaythrn Kaufman asked me to join her on a couple of numbers. It was fun. I'm sure your new GPS will get you where you need to go.

[John Wild]

Now that I am back and safely over the jet lag, I can take the time to say a few thank you's.

 

Myself and all the members of Kettle Bridge Clogs were made to feel very welcome at the Marlboro Morris Ale. We all had a great time. Thanks to the organisers for making the event such a success. And thanks to all the dance teams for making it such a memorable occasion. I was good for me to meet the various people I had been in email correspondence with beforehand, especially Robin, Doug, and Joshua.

 

After the Ale weekend, Kettle Bridge stayed together as a group for another few days with more dancing in Cambridge on Tuesday evening. We went on the Boston duck tour which was a great experience. I then headed to Niagara Falls for a few days - a truly awesome experience. then it was back to Boston for more sightseeing, including a whale watching trip.

 

Altogether a wholly marvellous time. I have to thank Kettle Bridge Clogs as a whole for making the trip possible. Thanks to those who made suggestions for spending the rest of my time - sorry I did not manage everything. And sorry there were some people I did not manage to see.

 

I will treasure the memories of this trip for a long time.

 

best wishes

 

John Wild

[Jody Kruskal]

Hi John,

 

It was great to meet you in person and I’m glad you made it home safe and sound. Kettle Bridge Clogs were a big hit at the Marlboro Ale this year. Such joy, such passion for the dance your ladies have... and the band! There must have been a dozen of you including four concertinas. Those of who missed this spectacular annual event in Vermont, you ought to be ashamed of yer selves. You can atone by viewing a very fine collection of photos that do capture some of the fun.......................... here.