Martin Luther King Celebration
On 1/14/07 I'll be singing at the Martin Luther King Celebration at the Woodstock Community Center. 2-4 PM With Deborah Burger, many speakers, poets, etc.
LUSK ANNUAL MUSIC PARTY
LUSK ANNUAL MUSIC PARTY
On Saturday, January 27, 2007 the Lusk family will have our Annual Mid-Winter Folk Music Party at 61 Wurts Street, Kingston, New York. It starts at 6:00 p.m. and runs until people leave, which is usually pretty late.
All kinds of music and musicians are welcome, but no amplifiers please. Usually there is a healthy mix between folk singing, fiddle music, blues and bluegrass, with several different jamming spaces available, so people can find their niche, or float from one to the other. It's not a big food party, (it's a music party!) but we have the basics - you won't go hungry - and you can bring a dish to share if you wish. Also, this is an open party, so feel free to spread the word.
No illegal drugs please, although moderate alcohol use is fine. All smoking must take place outside, (preferably down the block, over the river and through the woods.)
Directions are at the end of this e-mail. Any questions please call (845) 338-8587, but no rsvp is necessary. If you call the night of the party we may have trouble hearing the phone!
Thanks,
Bob, Penny and Roberto Lusk
61 Wurts Street
Kingston, NY 12401
(914)338-8587
boblusk@hvc.rr.com
Party Directions
From the South: Take 9W north past the Poughkeepsie bridge. Keep on going. You will go through Highland, a turnoff for 299, Esopus, then Port Ewan. At the end of Port Ewan there is Laundromat on your left at the rear of a large parking lot. There will be a turnoff after this to the left that goes into Kingston. You will go over a small bridge. Go straight and you will be on Wurts Street. Go to the top of the hill and park opposite the park near the corner of Spring St. The house will be lit up. If you miss the turnoff in Port Ewan, you wind up going over a larger bridge on a more major highway. Make your first left turn and go straight 2 blocks up the hill. This will put you at the corner of Wurts and Spring St. (Be careful driving across Wurts Street if you come this way). Look for parking. The house will be lit up with lights and spirit.
From the NYS Thruway: Get off at the Kingston exit. Go around the traffic Circle to the 3rd exit (it is the 2nd exit that says "Kingston"). This is Chandler Drive. Follow it to the end (about 1/4 mile) At the light cross over and bear left. You will be on Broadway. Take Broadway all the way through Kingston. You will pass the High School, Kingston Hospital. Shortly after you pass Burger King and the road bears around and down to the right. At the bottom there is a light. Broadway makes a sharp 90 degree left turn. Don't make that turn. Go straight one more block and make a left. You will be on Wurts Street. Go about 2 blocks to the corner of Spring street and look for parking. The house will be all lit up.
On Saturday, January 27, 2007 the Lusk family will have our Annual Mid-Winter Folk Music Party at 61 Wurts Street, Kingston, New York. It starts at 6:00 p.m. and runs until people leave, which is usually pretty late.
All kinds of music and musicians are welcome, but no amplifiers please. Usually there is a healthy mix between folk singing, fiddle music, blues and bluegrass, with several different jamming spaces available, so people can find their niche, or float from one to the other. It's not a big food party, (it's a music party!) but we have the basics - you won't go hungry - and you can bring a dish to share if you wish. Also, this is an open party, so feel free to spread the word.
No illegal drugs please, although moderate alcohol use is fine. All smoking must take place outside, (preferably down the block, over the river and through the woods.)
Directions are at the end of this e-mail. Any questions please call (845) 338-8587, but no rsvp is necessary. If you call the night of the party we may have trouble hearing the phone!
Thanks,
Bob, Penny and Roberto Lusk
61 Wurts Street
Kingston, NY 12401
(914)338-8587
boblusk@hvc.rr.com
Party Directions
From the South: Take 9W north past the Poughkeepsie bridge. Keep on going. You will go through Highland, a turnoff for 299, Esopus, then Port Ewan. At the end of Port Ewan there is Laundromat on your left at the rear of a large parking lot. There will be a turnoff after this to the left that goes into Kingston. You will go over a small bridge. Go straight and you will be on Wurts Street. Go to the top of the hill and park opposite the park near the corner of Spring St. The house will be lit up. If you miss the turnoff in Port Ewan, you wind up going over a larger bridge on a more major highway. Make your first left turn and go straight 2 blocks up the hill. This will put you at the corner of Wurts and Spring St. (Be careful driving across Wurts Street if you come this way). Look for parking. The house will be lit up with lights and spirit.
From the NYS Thruway: Get off at the Kingston exit. Go around the traffic Circle to the 3rd exit (it is the 2nd exit that says "Kingston"). This is Chandler Drive. Follow it to the end (about 1/4 mile) At the light cross over and bear left. You will be on Broadway. Take Broadway all the way through Kingston. You will pass the High School, Kingston Hospital. Shortly after you pass Burger King and the road bears around and down to the right. At the bottom there is a light. Broadway makes a sharp 90 degree left turn. Don't make that turn. Go straight one more block and make a left. You will be on Wurts Street. Go about 2 blocks to the corner of Spring street and look for parking. The house will be all lit up.
Steve Suffet: Shameless Self-Promotion!
I don't promote very many people's CD's especially if I haven't heard them myself, but Steve and I go way back and he is, in fact, as he says, an "old fashioned folk singer". Worth checking out, I'm sure. - Bob
Greetings,
As the subject line warns, this message is an act completely shameless self-promotion. If you find that to be a problem, read no further. Just hit the delete button.
If you are still with me, then here's what it's all about. My new CD, "I've Been Up On the Mountain," is now available for purchase on-line through CD Baby. Here's a link:
http://cdbaby.com/cd/stevesuffet2
Of the eighteen songs, four are ones that I wrote by myself in traditional style, one I wrote in collaboration with Joel Landy, and another I wrote with some help from Anne Price. One is a little known Woody Guthrie song , and another is by Utah Phillips. The remaining ten songs are all my arrangements of traditional folk songs. You will find among them quite a variety of genres, styles, themes, and moods.
I was blessed to have some truly fine musicians work with me on this CD. They are Jody Kolodzey, Ray Korona, Joel Landy, Chris Lang, Heather Lev, Eric Levine, Bruce Markow, Anne Price, Gina Tlamsa. I hesitate to call these folks "back-up musicians," for "I've Been Up On the Mountain" is truly a collaborative product. You are welcome to listen to sound clips from any or all of the songs. But if that is not enough to convince you, you can download five complete songs from the CD for free from my music site, or you can listen to them on-line as streaming audio. They are the first five songs at the top of this page:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/1/stevesuffet_music.htm
I know some folks will tell me that giving away so many freebies means I have lousy business sense, but you can prove me wrong by buying the CD.
Oh, one more thing. Just in case you missed it, CD Baby also carries my first CD, "Now the Wheel Has Turned." Here's a link:
http://cdbaby.com/cd/stevesuffet
If you would rather buy either or both of my CDs directly from me, you will have to do so in person. Otherwise, I'm very happy to let CD Baby deal with the order taking, billing, shipping, and tracking while I concentrate on making music. I will, nevertheless, make these two exceptions:
1. If you are a member of People's Music Network, the Peoples' Voice Cafe, or AFM Local 1000, you can order either CD from me for just $13 each or both for $25, postpaid to anywhere in the USA. You don't even have to pay me in advance. Just submit your order to my by e-mail, include your postal mailing address, and send me a check when the package arrives.
2. If you would like to buy 5 or more CDs at one time, please contact me and we will work out a discount based upon how many you want. My phone number is 718-786-1533.
Kindest regards for a healthy holiday season and a happy New Year.
--- Steve Suffet
Old Fashioned Folksinger
Website: http://suffet.home.att.net
Music website: http://www.soundclick.com/bands/1/stevesuffet_music.htm
E-mail link: mailto:suffet@att.net
Phil Ochs lyric: 'No Christmas in Kentucky', etc
Here is a note from John Pietaro of "Flames of Discontent"
Friends,
Though we are taught differently, the holiday season usually finds us doing very little reflecting on loved ones or spiritual concerns. We may think of the poor, but we usually move on quckly enough to thoughts of our hurting check-books. Few of us remember to sign up to work in a soup kitchen or to help with gift-wrapping at local charitable organizations. God knows, I always mean to. I envy those among you who insist on ONLY celebrating the Winter Solstice,for the holidays really have become deeply commercial. Yeah.
I guess being a full-time activist also implies working overtime around this time of year, but its just so hard to get it all in. So, we run around and buy the gifts we need--those we meant to get weeks before. The presents for the folks we'll be seeing at Christmas or Chanukah or Kwanzaa or New Year's Day. Then don't forget to buy the bottle of wine or the holiday cake. But--wait--you almost forgot to hang the twinkly lights around the doorway! I squeeked by and actually did so only a week ago). There's so much to do. So what was this holiday time really all about?
One of the things that keeps it all in perspective for me is a song by Phil Ochs. Each year when we perform for a Phil Ochs birthday tribute (as we did this Dec 16 in Woodstock), the following song is a must. It is a little-known piece that never actually appeared on any of his regularly released albums. He wrote it long ago, while traveling throughout Harlan County, Kentucky during one of the harshest labor struggles of the past
fifty years. Though the miners in "Bloody Harlan" had actually become organized years prior, there were always renewed fights as well as terrible oppression. The early 1960s saw a resurgence among the miners who were fighting for safe working conditions, decent pay, and benefits. Strikes and other labor actions saw many of the workers being locked out and as the months wore on, Kentucky became a battleground.
The life-long Labor activist and member of the IWW, Phil Ochs, traveled to Harlan County during the holiday season of 1962. He met with the miners, sang with them on picket lines, sat with them in cold makeshift union halls, joined them in pot-luck dinners and stood with them as they braved corrupt deputy sheriffs with dogs and loaded rifles. Ochs proved his worth as not only a topical singer, but a die-hard radical. He became one with the miners and they offered him the chance to write some of his great early works including "Harlan, Kentucky" and the lyric which follows - "No Christmas in Kentucky". The latter offers us a lesson not only of history, but of all time. Please read this over as you contemplate the next holiday party or gift purchase. It is not intended to sadden you during the holidays, as far as i can see. But it will make you think and consider the issues in your life that actually DO matter.
Please enjoy and pass this on to others.
In Solidarity...and Peace,
John Pietaro
www.flamesofdiscontent.org
________________________
"No Christmas in Kentucky"
By Phil Ochs
G C
Christmas shoppers shopping on a neon city street
D C G
Another Christmas dollar for another Christmas treat
G C
There's satin on the pretty dolls that make the children glow
D C G
While a boy walking ragged in the cold Kentucky snow
G C G
No, they don't have Christmas in Kentucky
C D
There's no holly on a West Virginia door
G C G
For the trees don't twinkle when you're hungry
C D G
And the Jingle Bells don't jingle when you're poor
There's lots of toys for children when then Christmas time is near
But the present for the miners is a stocking full of beer
In the dark hills of Kentucky there's one gift that may be found
The coal dust of forgotten days that's lying on the ground
No, they don't have Christmas in Kentucky
There's no holly on a West Virginia door
For the trees don't twinkle when you're hungry
And the Jingle Bells don't jingle when you're poor
Let's drink a toast to Congress and a toast to Santa Claus
and a toast to all the speeches that bring the loud applause
There's not enough to give, no, there's not enough to share
So let's drown the sounds of sorrow with a hearty Christmas cheer
No, they don't have Christmas in Kentucky
There's no holly on a West Virginia door
For the trees don't twinkle when you're hungry
And the Jingle Bells don't jingle when you're poor
Have a merry, merry Christmas and a happy new year's day
For now's a time of plenty, and plenty's here to stay
But if you knew what Christmas was, I think that you would find
That Christ is spending Christmas in the cold Kentucky mine
No, they don't have Christmas in Kentucky
There's no holly on a West Virginia door
For the trees don't twinkle when you're hungry
And the Jingle Bells don't jingle when you're poor
Notes:
From the Remembering Phil Ochs website
Chords supplied by James Barnett
Happy Blessed Holidays - THE TRADITIONAL MUSICIAN'S PRAYER
THE TRADITIONAL MUSICIAN'S PRAYER
(with apologies to St Francis)
(with apologies to St Francis)
Lord, keep always before me
The appreciation of music as one of Your greatest gifts.
Never let me stray far from the tune;
Help me to remain faithful to the spirits
Of those musicians who have gone before
Leaving this lovely legacy in my care.
Lord, let me always remember
What Your Golden Rule instructs
So that I treat other musicians
As I would wish to be treated myself.
Lord, let me always remember
That You give Irish musicians a special gift:
The opportunity to praise and glorify You
While sitting around playing jigs and reels
In dark pubs, on cruise ships,
In kitchens, on concert stages.
Lord, give me patience always
And help me to remember
That the word "tradition"
Implies sharing.
Lord, give me tolerance always
And help me to appreciate
The Great Mystery:
Not everybody likes what I like.
Never let me slip too far into self-importance
And help me use as necessary
Whatever sense of humor
You may have imparted to me.
Lord, let me never forget
That I don't have all the answers
And that there's nobody
That I can't learn from
(Even bodhrán and banjo players)
And finally, Lord - if it's not too much to ask -
Make me competent first
Then respected
And eventually brilliant.
(But Your will always be done.)
Amen.
- Bill Black
Anti-House Concert Blog
Here's a great blog about political repression of folk music house concerts! http://livingroommusic.blogspot.com/atom.xml
Caroling in the Neighborhood
Had a wonderful time caroling with the neighbors again this year. It's called "Cocktails and Carols". Starting with "snuggles" (hot chocolate and snapps) at pianist Liz Tolinos's House on Ravine Street at 4:30, we made the rounds of the neighborhood singing in front of houses that looked as if they might be occupied. There were a lot of good singers including a High Falls contingent, people from NYC, midtown Kingston, Abeel St, etc. We had some wonderful cider at Dimitri & Linda's House on President's Place, caroled for Azara Farell and other neighbors, then went to the church on the corner of Spring & Wurts Street to 3 seperate apartments.
First was Herman & Andy's, who had fancy drinks and tequila meatballs. Then upstairs to Amanda & Amy's Church Penthouse for "White Christmases". Peter came in playing the accordian, so we wound our way around the corner to His and Julies wonderful space where we had more to drink and Peter sat down at his grand piano and led us through some more carols.
Then it was home sweet home at 61 Wurts street where Penny made Irish Coffees in the kitchen and I played with Peter in the diningn room while drinking egg nog that Penny had made from my mother's old recipe. Then it was roll down the block to Paul and Ingrid's church where, Peter played the organ, I played fiddle and several great singers sang with us.
On our way out we each got to pull the rope and ring out the church bells across the valley. Penny and I abandoned the group as they continued down to The Bridgewater Bar on Abeel Street.
All in all a wonderful evening of Christmas song and cheer!
First was Herman & Andy's, who had fancy drinks and tequila meatballs. Then upstairs to Amanda & Amy's Church Penthouse for "White Christmases". Peter came in playing the accordian, so we wound our way around the corner to His and Julies wonderful space where we had more to drink and Peter sat down at his grand piano and led us through some more carols.
Then it was home sweet home at 61 Wurts street where Penny made Irish Coffees in the kitchen and I played with Peter in the diningn room while drinking egg nog that Penny had made from my mother's old recipe. Then it was roll down the block to Paul and Ingrid's church where, Peter played the organ, I played fiddle and several great singers sang with us.
On our way out we each got to pull the rope and ring out the church bells across the valley. Penny and I abandoned the group as they continued down to The Bridgewater Bar on Abeel Street.
All in all a wonderful evening of Christmas song and cheer!
Peace Symbol
What a great ending to this story!
Pro-Peace Symbol Forces Win Battle in Colorado Town
DENVER, Nov. 28 — Peace is fighting back in Pagosa Springs.
Last week, a couple were threatened with fines of $25 a day by their homeowners’ association unless they removed a four-foot wreath shaped like a peace symbol from the front of their house.
The fines have been dropped, and the three-member board of the association has resigned, according to an e-mail message sent to residents on Monday.
Two board members have disconnected their telephones, apparently to escape the waves of callers asking what the board could have been thinking, residents said. The third board member, with a working phone, did not return a call for comment.
In its original letter to the couple, Lisa Jensen and Bill Trimarco, the association said some neighbors had found the peace symbol politically “divisive.”
A board member later told a newspaper that he thought the familiar circle with angled lines was also, perhaps, a sign of the devil.
The peace symbol came to prominence in the late 1950s as the logo for the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, a British antiwar group, according to the group’s Web site. It incorporates the semaphore flag images for the letters in the group’s name, a “D” atop an “N.”
Other people have said the upright line with arms angled down, commonplace in the United States in the Vietnam War, especially, has roots in the early Christian era, representing a twisted or broken cross.
Mr. Trimarco said he put up the wreath as a general symbol of peace on earth, not as a commentary on the Iraq war or another political statement.
In any case, there are now more peace symbols in Pagosa Springs, a town of 1,700 people 200 miles southwest of Denver, than probably ever in its history.
On Tuesday morning, 20 people marched through the center carrying peace signs and then stomped a giant peace sign in the snow perhaps 300 feet across on a soccer field, where it could be easily seen.
“There’s quite a few now in our subdivision in a show of support,” Mr. Trimarco said.
A former president of the Loma Linda community, where Mr. Trimarco lives, said Tuesday that he had stepped in to help form an interim homeowners’ association.
The former president, Farrell C. Trask, described himself in a telephone interview as a military veteran who would fight for anyone’s right to free speech, peace symbols included.
Town Manager Mark Garcia said Pagosa Springs was building its own peace wreath, too. Mr. Garcia said it would be finished by late Tuesday and installed on a bell tower in the center of town.
Amy Fradon this Saturday
Friends of AIR~ This Saturday will no doubt be one of the finest shows we've ever had & I hope you don't miss it. I say that not just because Amy is so talented & has one of the sweetest voices I've ever heard, but because 2007 is going to be bringing down some major changes for AIR Studio. After over 15 years of art & music events, renovations, restorations & child rearing (3 down, 2 to go!), Nina & I have decided that the time is right for her to open her own private PT practice here on O'Neil Street. I ask you to look ahead to January 13th, the next 2nd Saturday & join us for a Pot Luck party, to Jam with Bobby & friends, & also discuss our plans for the future & how you can continue to be a part of it. Keep lookin up! Peace&LovePrevails...(:-)>jbo
2nd Saturdays @ AIR: Live Music, 8-11PM
*******************************
A.I.R. Studio Gallery
(Artist-In-Residence)
71 O'Neil St, Kingston, NY
http://www.airstudiogallery.com/
http://www.airstudiogallery.com/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2nd Saturdays @ AIR: Live Music, 8-11PM
Acoustic Artists Coalition ~ Hosted by Bobby Kennedy
$10pp, admission includes coffee, tea, juice, seltzer, chips, dips & assorted munchies.
>12/09~ AMY FRADON & JIM BARBARO: Amys' sweet, melodious voice is one of the Hudson Valleys finest treasures, together with our old friend & colleague Jim (master sound engineer for all of our CDs & audio recordings), will make this a night to remember.
>01/13: The next decade at AIR; Pot Luck Party & Open Mic. Join us for a reorganizational meeting on our future plans for developing 71 O'Neil St as midtowns progressive healing arts center.
---------------------------------------------------------------
>Art Fun for Kids: Draw, Paint, Cut & Paste. Fun for all ages. By appointment, $10 per hour, group discounts. Also, Children's Art Parties, TARP; Therapeutic Art Recreation Program for special needs sessions.
>12/20~ New Moon Gatherings: ETA 2012: Every New Moon, ExtraTerrestrial Ambassador trainings & UFO watch (weather permitting) from 1130pm-1am. Time to prepare for 1st contact. Call ahead for reservation & details. INCOMING!>
>HELP! Johnny Asia Relief Fund~ Please help John recover from his long debilitating battle with Lyme Disease. No standard medical approach has been able to help him & none of the standard health insurance programs will cover the alternative program he using. Visit this site to offer your support in any way you can:
AIR STUDIO GALLERY, 71 O'Neil St, Kingston, NY. Ph: 331-2662, E: AirStudio@aol.com Web: http://www.airstudiogallery.com/ (New & Improved! Concert recordings, art & pics!). An going, rotating art exhibit of Friends of AIR; Robert Eggers, Jim Krzymowski, Jim Marzano, Leslie Miller, Glen River, Todd Samara, Roberta Sickler, Ruth Wolf, Lee Yaple & others. < http://www.richardzarroart.com/ > Archival reproductions available through PayPal.
Gallery hours: Stop by anytime you're in town or, call ahead, we live here! Just one block off Broadway on the corner of O'Neil St & Tremper Ave, in Midtown Kingston. Across from Boices Milk House, one block North from where Rt32 & Henry St meets Broadway. Member of the Ulster County Arts Council ( http://www.ulstercountyartscouncil.org/ ) & the Arts Society of Kingston ( http://www.askforarts.org/ ). Help make the world a more beautiful place, support the arts!
Gallery hours: Stop by anytime you're in town or, call ahead, we live here! Just one block off Broadway on the corner of O'Neil St & Tremper Ave, in Midtown Kingston. Across from Boices Milk House, one block North from where Rt32 & Henry St meets Broadway. Member of the Ulster County Arts Council ( http://www.ulstercountyartscouncil.org/ ) & the Arts Society of Kingston ( http://www.askforarts.org/ ). Help make the world a more beautiful place, support the arts!
FOR FUTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
JIM MARZANO, 71 ONEIL ST, KINGSTON, NY, 12401-3509; PH# 845-331-2662, Email: AirStudio@aol.com
Taps
just had an e-mail from George that the following is a hoax. Well it makes a good story anyway. Thats the differance between folklore and history!
From: George Armstrong
If any of you have ever been to a military funeral in which taps were played; this brings out a new meaning of it. Here is something Every American should know.. Until I read this, I didn't know, but I checked it out and it's true:
We in the United States have all heard the haunting song, "Taps". It's the song that gives us that lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes. But, do you know the story behind the song? If not, I think you will be interested to find out about its humble beginnings.
Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land.
During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment. When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.
The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.
The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status. His request was only partially granted.
The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral. The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one musician. The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform. This wish was granted. The haunting melody, we now know as "Taps" used at military funerals was born.
The words are
Day is done ... Gone the sun
From the lakes ...From the hills ....
From the sky .. All is well .
Safely rest .. God is nigh.
Fading light .. Dims the sight ..
And a star ... Gems the sky
Gleaming bright From afar ....
Drawing nigh . Falls the night.
Thanks and praise ... For our days .
Neath the sun ... Neath the stars...
Neath the sky . As we go .
This we know .. God is nigh.
I, too, have felt the chills while listening to "Taps" but I have never seen all the words to the song until now. I didn't even know there was more than one verse. I also never knew the story behind the song and I didn't know if you had either so I thought I'd pass it along.
I now have an even deeper respect for the song than I did before.
Remember Those Lost and Harmed While Serving Their Country.
And also those presently serving in the Armed Forces.
From: George Armstrong
If any of you have ever been to a military funeral in which taps were played; this brings out a new meaning of it. Here is something Every American should know.. Until I read this, I didn't know, but I checked it out and it's true:
We in the United States have all heard the haunting song, "Taps". It's the song that gives us that lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes. But, do you know the story behind the song? If not, I think you will be interested to find out about its humble beginnings.
Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land.
During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment. When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.
The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.
The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status. His request was only partially granted.
The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral. The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. But, out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one musician. The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform. This wish was granted. The haunting melody, we now know as "Taps" used at military funerals was born.
The words are
Day is done ... Gone the sun
From the lakes ...From the hills ....
From the sky .. All is well .
Safely rest .. God is nigh.
Fading light .. Dims the sight ..
And a star ... Gems the sky
Gleaming bright From afar ....
Drawing nigh . Falls the night.
Thanks and praise ... For our days .
Neath the sun ... Neath the stars...
Neath the sky . As we go .
This we know .. God is nigh.
I, too, have felt the chills while listening to "Taps" but I have never seen all the words to the song until now. I didn't even know there was more than one verse. I also never knew the story behind the song and I didn't know if you had either so I thought I'd pass it along.
I now have an even deeper respect for the song than I did before.
Remember Those Lost and Harmed While Serving Their Country.
And also those presently serving in the Armed Forces.
Ahhh!, It's the Tax Man!
From Terri Massardo. She and Steve host the John St. Jam in Saugerties http://www.chrisdepalma.com/JSJ/JSJ_home.php This post is not related to their jam, but is pretty creative.
***************************************
What Happened???
At first I thought this was funny...then I realized the awful truth of it. Be sure to read all the way to the end!
Tax his land,
Tax his bed,
Tax the table
At which he's fed.
Tax his tractor,
Tax his mule,
Teach him taxes
Are the rule.
Tax his cow,
Tax his goat,
Tax his pants,
Tax his coat.
Tax his ties,
Tax his shirt,
Tax his work,
Tax his dirt.
Tax his tobacco,
Tax his drink,
Tax him if he
Tries to think.
Tax his cigars,
Tax his beers,
If he cries, then
Tax his tears.
Tax his car,
Tax his gas,
Find other ways
To tax his ass
Tax all he has
Then let him know
That you won't be done
Till he has no dough.
When he screams and hollers,
Then tax him some more,
Tax him till
He's good and sore.
Then tax his coffin,
Tax his grave,
Tax the sod in
Which he's laid.
Put these words
upon his tomb,
"Taxes drove me
to my doom..."
When he's gone,
Do not relax,
Its time to apply
The inheritance tax.
Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax,
Fuel permit tax
Gasoline Tax (42 cents per gallon)
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Interest expense
Inventory tax
IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Taxes
Marriage License Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service charge taxes
Social Security Tax
Road usage taxes
Sales Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone federal excise tax
Telephone federal universal service fee tax
Telephone federal, state and local surcharge taxes
Telephone minimum usage surcharge tax
Telephone recurring and non-recurring charges tax
Telephone state and local tax
Telephone usage charge tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax
COMMENTS: Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago,
and our nation was the most prosperous in the world.
We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.
What happened?
***************************************
What Happened???
At first I thought this was funny...then I realized the awful truth of it. Be sure to read all the way to the end!
Tax his land,
Tax his bed,
Tax the table
At which he's fed.
Tax his tractor,
Tax his mule,
Teach him taxes
Are the rule.
Tax his cow,
Tax his goat,
Tax his pants,
Tax his coat.
Tax his ties,
Tax his shirt,
Tax his work,
Tax his dirt.
Tax his tobacco,
Tax his drink,
Tax him if he
Tries to think.
Tax his cigars,
Tax his beers,
If he cries, then
Tax his tears.
Tax his car,
Tax his gas,
Find other ways
To tax his ass
Tax all he has
Then let him know
That you won't be done
Till he has no dough.
When he screams and hollers,
Then tax him some more,
Tax him till
He's good and sore.
Then tax his coffin,
Tax his grave,
Tax the sod in
Which he's laid.
Put these words
upon his tomb,
"Taxes drove me
to my doom..."
When he's gone,
Do not relax,
Its time to apply
The inheritance tax.
Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax,
Fuel permit tax
Gasoline Tax (42 cents per gallon)
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Interest expense
Inventory tax
IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Taxes
Marriage License Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service charge taxes
Social Security Tax
Road usage taxes
Sales Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone federal excise tax
Telephone federal universal service fee tax
Telephone federal, state and local surcharge taxes
Telephone minimum usage surcharge tax
Telephone recurring and non-recurring charges tax
Telephone state and local tax
Telephone usage charge tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax
COMMENTS: Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago,
and our nation was the most prosperous in the world.
We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.
What happened?
Updating
New posts at http://bhaavram.blogspot.com/, Also have added on to some song intros at http://boblusklyrics.blogspot.com/ and updated some personal history at http://journeytokirtan.blogspot.com/
Peace "Poem" of the Month
I'm happy and proud to announce that my song "Read Me the Dead" has been chosen as Arts for Peace's Peace Poem of the Month for December 2006. It will be displayed at the Arts for Peace show at the Village Hall in New Paltz. I had known that someone submitted it for me, but that was awhile ago and I was surprised to hear that they are using it. One more piece of local publicity for us!
Read Me the Dead
c Bob Lusk May 2006
Every Saturday morning Jay, David and Joan
Stand by the door, at the Kings’ Mall
Outside the recruiters, they do their duty
They stand and recite, the names of the dead
Chorus: Read me the dead, what were their names?
Do you think this is some sort of game?
Read me the dead, what were their names?
Do you think this is some sort of game?
That was my son, my daughter or brother
Uncle or aunt, friend or a lover.
Why did they go, what did they hope for?
Why are we here, who wants to know?
Chorus
Cursed be the leaders, who tarnished the memories
Of foot soldiers, veterans, each one a hero
These are their names, their battles have ended
We stand in their honor, we stand here for peace!
Chorus
Read Me the Dead
c Bob Lusk May 2006
Every Saturday morning Jay, David and Joan
Stand by the door, at the Kings’ Mall
Outside the recruiters, they do their duty
They stand and recite, the names of the dead
Chorus: Read me the dead, what were their names?
Do you think this is some sort of game?
Read me the dead, what were their names?
Do you think this is some sort of game?
That was my son, my daughter or brother
Uncle or aunt, friend or a lover.
Why did they go, what did they hope for?
Why are we here, who wants to know?
Chorus
Cursed be the leaders, who tarnished the memories
Of foot soldiers, veterans, each one a hero
These are their names, their battles have ended
We stand in their honor, we stand here for peace!
Chorus
Traditional Music of Upstate New York
For Immediate Release
Contact: Kyle Carey
cel 603-393-8199 or Skidmore College: 518-580-5000
Traditional Music of Upstate New York
Free Concert - Thursday, December 7th 7pm
Bernhard Theater - Skidmore College Campus
Skidmore College · 815 North Broadway · Saratoga Springs, NY · 12866
Siamsa na nGael of Skidmore College will sponsor a concert of Traditional Music of the Upstate New York region. This free event is a unique gathering of nine of the area's finest exponents of regional 'folk music,' that is ballads, songs or dance music coming to us through an oral tradition. Though not known for it's folk music in the way that Ireland or Southern Appalachia are, New York State has a rich tradition of it's own.
Saratoga Springs, New York - This free event will have both an entertaining and educational aim. The music itself runs the gamut from the lovely long-form ballads of singer Colleen Cleveland to the lively dance music of Bill Spence and George Wilson. An added goal is to bring to students and the community an awareness of New York's folk tradition and the many performers who carry it on. Traditional Music is an important part of New York's cultural identity.
The concert will feature Rexford resident George Ward - a singer, musician and folklorist who specializes in traditional ballads and songs of the Erie Canal, Voorheesville resident Bill Spence - a hammered dulcimer player who led the revival of the instrument in the early '70s and has been a key player in the contra-dance scene ever since, Wynantskill resident George Wilson - a fiddler, teacher and multi-instrumentalist who has played with Spence in Fennig's All-Stars and solo since the late 70s, Brant Lake resident Colleen Cleveland - a singer who has the rare gift of an unbroken oral tradition coming down through her family, Greenfield Center residents John Kirk and Trish Miller - both musicians, teachers and performers who for over 20 years have celebrated the music and dance of the Adirondack region, Schenectady resident and England native John Roberts - a singer and musician whose repertoire includes ballads and songs from Britain, Ireland and the Northeastern United States which he has performed over the years on his own and in a duo with fellow singer Tony Barrand, Ballston Spa resident and Adirondack native Dan Berggren - singer, songwriter, folklorist and collector of songs from Minerva and throughout the Adirondack region, and Southern Appalachian resident and Saranac Lake native Lee Knight, a singer and song collector whose has also worked with Marjorie Lansing Porter and Anne & Frank Warner, musicologists who had a major impact on the preservation of New York State Traditional music.
Concert attendees are encouraged to bring canned food to be collected and donated to a local Saratoga Springs food pantry.
After the concert there will be an open song-swap held at the Case Center building. This additional event is also free to any who wish to listen or to take part.
Additional information Contact:
Keith Fotheringham, Manager, Celtic Treasures 518-583-9452 or cel 518-879-1029
Or for further information on the artists:
George Ward (518-399-0315):
http://www.mulesong.com/
Colleen Cleveland:
http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/upnorth/masters/cleveland/cleveland.php
Bill Spence (518-765-4193):
http://www.oldsongs.org/billspencemusic/biography.html
George Wilson (518-461-8394)
http://www.oldsongs.org/georgewilson.html
Lee Knight:
http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-139680221.html
Dan Berggren (518-490-1809):
http://www.berggrenfolk.com/
John Roberts (518-370-4166):
http://www.ziplink.net/%7Elwalker/r-b_bio.html
John Kirk & Trish Miller (518-581-0255):
http://www.johnandtrish.com/
Contact: Kyle Carey
cel 603-393-8199 or Skidmore College: 518-580-5000
Traditional Music of Upstate New York
Free Concert - Thursday, December 7th 7pm
Bernhard Theater - Skidmore College Campus
Skidmore College · 815 North Broadway · Saratoga Springs, NY · 12866
Siamsa na nGael of Skidmore College will sponsor a concert of Traditional Music of the Upstate New York region. This free event is a unique gathering of nine of the area's finest exponents of regional 'folk music,' that is ballads, songs or dance music coming to us through an oral tradition. Though not known for it's folk music in the way that Ireland or Southern Appalachia are, New York State has a rich tradition of it's own.
Saratoga Springs, New York - This free event will have both an entertaining and educational aim. The music itself runs the gamut from the lovely long-form ballads of singer Colleen Cleveland to the lively dance music of Bill Spence and George Wilson. An added goal is to bring to students and the community an awareness of New York's folk tradition and the many performers who carry it on. Traditional Music is an important part of New York's cultural identity.
The concert will feature Rexford resident George Ward - a singer, musician and folklorist who specializes in traditional ballads and songs of the Erie Canal, Voorheesville resident Bill Spence - a hammered dulcimer player who led the revival of the instrument in the early '70s and has been a key player in the contra-dance scene ever since, Wynantskill resident George Wilson - a fiddler, teacher and multi-instrumentalist who has played with Spence in Fennig's All-Stars and solo since the late 70s, Brant Lake resident Colleen Cleveland - a singer who has the rare gift of an unbroken oral tradition coming down through her family, Greenfield Center residents John Kirk and Trish Miller - both musicians, teachers and performers who for over 20 years have celebrated the music and dance of the Adirondack region, Schenectady resident and England native John Roberts - a singer and musician whose repertoire includes ballads and songs from Britain, Ireland and the Northeastern United States which he has performed over the years on his own and in a duo with fellow singer Tony Barrand, Ballston Spa resident and Adirondack native Dan Berggren - singer, songwriter, folklorist and collector of songs from Minerva and throughout the Adirondack region, and Southern Appalachian resident and Saranac Lake native Lee Knight, a singer and song collector whose has also worked with Marjorie Lansing Porter and Anne & Frank Warner, musicologists who had a major impact on the preservation of New York State Traditional music.
Concert attendees are encouraged to bring canned food to be collected and donated to a local Saratoga Springs food pantry.
After the concert there will be an open song-swap held at the Case Center building. This additional event is also free to any who wish to listen or to take part.
Additional information Contact:
Keith Fotheringham, Manager, Celtic Treasures 518-583-9452 or cel 518-879-1029
Or for further information on the artists:
George Ward (518-399-0315):
http://www.mulesong.com/
Colleen Cleveland:
http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/upnorth/masters/cleveland/cleveland.php
Bill Spence (518-765-4193):
http://www.oldsongs.org/billspencemusic/biography.html
George Wilson (518-461-8394)
http://www.oldsongs.org/georgewilson.html
Lee Knight:
http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-139680221.html
Dan Berggren (518-490-1809):
http://www.berggrenfolk.com/
John Roberts (518-370-4166):
http://www.ziplink.net/%7Elwalker/r-b_bio.html
John Kirk & Trish Miller (518-581-0255):
http://www.johnandtrish.com/
"From the Mountains to the Valley" on TV!
"From the Mountains to the Valley" - Video Produced by Ernie Mortizans from a concert of Bob Lusk and Regina Scheff doing historic folk music, will be playing on public access Ch 23, in Saugerties, at the following times this week:Thursday 4:30 - 6:20, Friday 4:30 - 6:20, Saturday 4:30 - 6:20, Sunday 1:30 - 3:20
Kings Mall 7 Benefit
Dear Editor,
Cries of "More, More" greeted the end of each musical set at New World Home Cooking on Sunday afternoon as we enjoyed a too short but very successful party/fundraiser in support of the Kingsmall 7. The terrific New World Home Cooking appetizers kept coming, warming bellies. Betty McDonald called herself stage manager but was truly the gracious hostess, warming hearts.
Murali Coryell led a world class musical line up and gained the rapt attention of the audience, not easy in a chattering, bustling Ulster County group. Bob Lusk, one of the Kings Mall 7, sang an original song which could become THE Iraq War lament with a strong, from the heart, baritone. Betty McDonald, Jim Curtin and Peggy Stern made music which stopped me in my running-around-attending-to-everything tracks. Such deep beauty and wild wisdom.
Julie Parisi Kirby and T.G.Vanini's songs were alternately witty and soulful, both with impeccable musicality. Mikhail Horowitz and Giles Malkine must have written new work for this sophisticated crowd. They topped themselves and had us doubled up, helpless with biting hilarity. Peggy Mulligan piped some plaintive bag pipe offerings for "healing."
Yes, Bagpipes! And then the chairs disappeared like magic from the sheer force of the need to dance to Rennie Cantine and Rip Van Ren. If you weren't there but thought you felt an earthquake Sunday afternoon, it was that rocking group.
Sincere thanks to all of the above. It was the happiest fund raiser ever. And the celebratory mood was enhanced by an announcement of the Kings Mall's 7's attorneys, Stephen Bergstein and Alan Sussman. The New York ACLU considers this case important enough for their over loaded docket. They will join the appeal! As WWII Vet Joan Keefe told the supportive crowd, freedom of speech and assembly is not limited to two hours a week!
Joan Walker
Enlist For Peace Legal Defense Fund
Cries of "More, More" greeted the end of each musical set at New World Home Cooking on Sunday afternoon as we enjoyed a too short but very successful party/fundraiser in support of the Kingsmall 7. The terrific New World Home Cooking appetizers kept coming, warming bellies. Betty McDonald called herself stage manager but was truly the gracious hostess, warming hearts.
Murali Coryell led a world class musical line up and gained the rapt attention of the audience, not easy in a chattering, bustling Ulster County group. Bob Lusk, one of the Kings Mall 7, sang an original song which could become THE Iraq War lament with a strong, from the heart, baritone. Betty McDonald, Jim Curtin and Peggy Stern made music which stopped me in my running-around-attending-to-everything tracks. Such deep beauty and wild wisdom.
Julie Parisi Kirby and T.G.Vanini's songs were alternately witty and soulful, both with impeccable musicality. Mikhail Horowitz and Giles Malkine must have written new work for this sophisticated crowd. They topped themselves and had us doubled up, helpless with biting hilarity. Peggy Mulligan piped some plaintive bag pipe offerings for "healing."
Yes, Bagpipes! And then the chairs disappeared like magic from the sheer force of the need to dance to Rennie Cantine and Rip Van Ren. If you weren't there but thought you felt an earthquake Sunday afternoon, it was that rocking group.
Sincere thanks to all of the above. It was the happiest fund raiser ever. And the celebratory mood was enhanced by an announcement of the Kings Mall's 7's attorneys, Stephen Bergstein and Alan Sussman. The New York ACLU considers this case important enough for their over loaded docket. They will join the appeal! As WWII Vet Joan Keefe told the supportive crowd, freedom of speech and assembly is not limited to two hours a week!
Joan Walker
Enlist For Peace Legal Defense Fund
Adam Snyder - Historic Music in Kingston
Kingston City Hall will proudly host and celebrate the debut of Adam Snyder's second CD: "This Town Will Get Its Due," at a free concert on Saturday, December 16, at 3pm in City Council Chambers, City Hall, 420 Broadway, Kingston, NY.
Adam will be there to sing some of his new songs and will have his CD available for purchase and autograph.
Adam will be there to sing some of his new songs and will have his CD available for purchase and autograph.
Kumbaya
How did 'Kumbaya' become a mocking metaphor?
02:40 PM CST on Sunday, November 12, 2006
By JEFFREY WEISS / The Dallas Morning News
What do a recent Republican political ad, bubble gum commercial and British newspaper spoof of a soccer rivalry have in common?
All make fun of a well-known religious song. The GOP ad is typical: An impersonator of former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright sings "Kumbaya" with terrorists. Why is "Kumbaya" the designated silly-song to represent phony or ineffectual friendliness?
Where did the song come from? And what the heck is a "Kumbaya," anyway?
Also Online
Religion blog: Check out various performances and discussions of "Kumbaya."
The last question is the easiest to answer: "Kumbaya" is a pidgin version of "Come by here." The word repeats as a prayer throughout the song. A typical verse runs:
Someone's praying, Lord. Kumbaya./ Someone's praying, Lord. Kumbaya./ Someone's praying, Lord. Kumbaya./Oh, Lord, Kumbaya.
In other verses, someone's singing, crying, sleeping and so on.
The song's roots wind from South Carolina to Oregon to Angola to Ohio – and out to nearly every summer camp in America.
Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia, offers an oft-repeated theory about the creation of "Kumbaya." It says the song (also spelled "Kum Ba Yah") was composed by the Rev. Marvin V. Frey (1918-1992) in the 1930s in New York City.
While it's commonly thought to be a "19th-century African-American folksong, originating among the Gullah, a group descended from enslaved Africans living on the Sea Islands of South Carolina and Georgia ... there is no evidence of the song before Frey's publication," Wikipedia says.
Concise, simple – and significantly wrong. (Lesson: The Wiki is handy, but not trustworthy.)
What may be the best chronicle of "Kumbaya" has been written by Lum Chee-Hoo, a doctoral student in music education at the University of Washington. His article is to be published in Kodaly Envoy, a scholarly music journal.
"I was interviewing some undergrads on camp songs they know and found out that 'Kumbaya' was top of the list, and so decided to do a little investigation," he said.
Here's what Mr. Lum found:
The earliest known threads of "Kumbaya" history are in Washington, D.C., at the American Folklife Center of the Library of Congress.
Sometime between 1922 and 1931, members of an organization called the Society for the Preservation of Spirituals collected a song from the South Carolina coast. "Come By Yuh," as they called it, was sung in Gullah, the Creole dialect spoken by the former slaves living on the Sea Islands.
Another version was preserved on a wax cylinder in May 1936 by Robert Winslow Gordon, founder of what became the American Folklife Center. Mr. Gordon discovered a woman named Ethel Best singing "Come By Here" with a group in Raiford, Fla.
The music and lyrics in both cases were similar, though not identical, to the modern version.
So how could Mr. Frey, a pastor and composer, claim authorship? According to Mr. Lum, Mr. Frey said that he had been inspired by a prayer he heard delivered by "Mother Duffin," a storefront evangelist in Portland, Ore.
Mr. Frey's first lines: "Come by here. Somebody needs salvation, Lord. Come by here." A lyric sheet of Mr. Frey's final version, printed in 1939, indicates it was written in 1936 – well after the versions collected by the music historians.
So was Mr. Frey inspired by a woman praying by using a song she had learned on the other side of the continent? Or was he one of many white artists of his era who piggybacked on the creativity of African-Americans without giving credit? The history is silent.
Mr. Frey went to his grave claiming the song was his own. In any case, by the early 1940s, Mr. Frey's copyrighted version had made it into church hymnals and onto live radio broadcasts.
Next, according to Mr. Frey, he taught the song to missionaries headed for Africa. By the late 1940s, other missionaries had returned to America from Africa singing "Kum By Yah" – with no idea where it had originated.
Jump forward to the mid-1950s and the Cooperative Recreation Service, an Ohio-based publisher of songbooks for camps and scouts.
Joe Hickerson, a folksinger and former director of acquisitions for the American Folklife Center, credits Lynn Rohrbough, the owner of Cooperative Recreation, with getting "Kumbaya" to the masses.
If a camp wanted a music book with, say, 40 songs, Ms. Rohrbough would offer 30 from her stock inventory and add 10 new ones, Mr. Hickerson said.
"Kum By Yah" – described only as an "African" song – was part of the Rohrbough inventory by 1956. As a result, it showed up in countless books of camp songs used by the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and others.
"The camp counselors who played guitar liked it because it only has three chords," Mr. Hickerson said.
In the 1950s, he was a student at Oberlin College, in Ohio, where he and some friends had formed a singing group, the Folksmiths. He said he first heard "Kumbaya" in 1957 from a folksinger named Tony Saletan, who had learned it from Ms. Rohrbough.
That summer, the Folksmiths played the song for thousands of campers, Mr. Hickerson said. When the group released an album in 1958, "Kumbaya" was included – the first commercial recording of the song.
Pete Seeger also recorded the song on an album released that year. Many other folksingers quickly followed suit, including the Weavers, Joan Baez, and Peter, Paul and Mary.
In time, the song spread beyond summer camps to become a mainstay of the civil rights movement and Catholic folk masses. So "Kumbaya," apparently, traveled from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific Northwest, to central Africa and back, from a Midwest publishing house to campgrounds everywhere, and, finally, into the broad vernacular of American folkmusic.
For the next 25 years, it was just one folksong among many.
But in the early 1980s, something happened. "Kumbaya" became the English-speaking world's favorite folksong to ridicule, the musical metaphor for corny camaraderie. How? Someone's wondering, Lord.
An extensive (and we do mean extensive) search of databases of newspapers, magazines and other sources turned up what may be the first ironic reference to "Kumbaya" in print, from Aug. 16, 1985.
The line is from a Washington Post review by Rita Kempley of the comedy movie Volunteers:
"Tom Hanks and John Candy make war on the Peace Corps in Volunteers, a belated lampoon of '60s altruism and the idealistic young Kumbayahoos who went off to save the Third World."
How did she settle on "Kumbaya?" Had she heard others mocking it? Was it something about the cynicism felt by liberals under Reagan? A commentary about the religious theme of the song, at a time when the Moral Majority was making its name?
Ms. Kempley can't remember. "I guess that song was the ultimate expression of people in the '60s who really cared," said Ms. Kemply (who accepted a buyout last year from the Post).
"And then everyone decided, Let's just make fun of that."
Dissing "Kumbaya" caught on.
In 1988, a column in The Christian Science Monitor knocked a New Age performance: "Next he'll want you to sing 'Kumbaya.'..." Time to leave."
In 1994, then-senatorial-candidate Rick Santorum dismissed the federal AmeriCorps program as "somebody ... going to do one year of community service picking up trash in a park and singing 'Kumbaya' around the campfire."
These days, a search for "Kumbaya" on Google or YouTube is almost as likely to turn up a joke as the song.
The recent bubble gum TV ad shows a bunch of tween-aged "summer campers" around a campfire.
"Let's sing 'Kumbaya,' " a rainbow-clad "camp counselor" says.
"We don't want no 'Kumbaya!' the kids yell. "All we want is bubble gum!"
Which doesn't make a ton of sense. But neither does the decision to make "Kumbaya" the symbol of insincere bonhomie. After all, the lyrics have nothing to do with friendship or unity.
So why did "Kumbaya" – among all the folksongs written in the last 100 years – become an idiom for idiocy?
Here's a partial list of etymologists, linguists and other experts who say they don't know:
Paul Heacock, editor of the Cambridge Dictionary of American Idioms ... Erin McKean, editor in chief of U.S. dictionaries for Oxford University Press ... Cynthia Barnhart, senior general editor for the Third Barnhart Dictionary of New English ... Grant Barrett, editor of The Official Dictionary of Unofficial English ... Wayne Glowka, an editor at the journal American Speech and chair of the American Dialect Society's committee on new words ... Barry Popik, contributor to the Historical Dictionary of American Slang ... Hugh Rawson, author of Rawson's Dictionary of Euphemisms and Other Doubletalk.
Some guesses: It's a one-word title that rolls easily off the tongue. It sounds foreign, and that makes it funny to many Americans. It's African-American, so racists deride it. It's African-American, so sappy white liberals couldn't wait to suck the soul out of it. It's a song that generations of summer campers (and folk-mass celebrants) were forced to sing, and they're sick of it.
Since nobody really knows, let's give the final word to Pete Seeger, from his liner notes to the 1958 album Pete Seeger and Sonny Terry at Carnegie Hall:
"At any rate, it is a beautiful example of how the world's folkmusic continues to intermingle, sans passports or permission, across boundary lines of fear and prejudice."
Kumbaya.
E-mail jweiss@dallasnews.com
MAKE THEM STOP, LORD, KUMBAYA ...
"Kumbaya" has been recorded scores of times. Some of the performers are the usual suspects. Some are not.
Folkies:
•Joan Baez
•The Folksmiths
•Garrison Keillor (on Prairie Home Companion)
•Odetta
•Peter, Paul and Mary
•John Sebastian
•Pete Seeger
•Sweet Honey in the Rock
•The Weavers
Oddities:
•Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber (of Veggie Tales)
•Jose Carreras with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra
•Nanci Griffith & The Blue Moon Orchestra
•Guadalcanal Diary (indie pop band)
•The Hillside Singers (best known for the Coke ad song "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing")
•Mackenzie MacBride (glam-punk)
•Raffi
•Terell Stafford (jazz trumpeter)
•Very Best of Welsh Male Choirs
Jeffrey Weiss
COLE PORTER IT AIN'T
The lyrics to "Kumbaya," as recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary in 1998:
Kumbaya, my Lord. Kumbaya.
Kumbaya, my Lord. Kumbaya.
Kumbaya, my Lord. Kumbaya.
Oh, Lord, kumbaya.
Someone's singing Lord. Kumbaya.
(REPEAT TWICE)
Oh, Lord, kumbayah.
Someone's laughing, Lord. Kumbaya.
(REPEAT TWICE)
Oh, Lord, kumbaya.
Someone's crying, Lord. Kumbaya.
(REPEAT TWICE)
Oh, Lord, kumbaya.
Someone's praying, Lord. Kumbaya.
(REPEAT TWICE)
Oh, Lord, kumbaya.
Someone's sleeping, Lord. Kumbaya.
(REPEAT TWICE)
Oh, Lord, kumbaya.
02:40 PM CST on Sunday, November 12, 2006
By JEFFREY WEISS / The Dallas Morning News
What do a recent Republican political ad, bubble gum commercial and British newspaper spoof of a soccer rivalry have in common?
All make fun of a well-known religious song. The GOP ad is typical: An impersonator of former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright sings "Kumbaya" with terrorists. Why is "Kumbaya" the designated silly-song to represent phony or ineffectual friendliness?
Where did the song come from? And what the heck is a "Kumbaya," anyway?
Also Online
Religion blog: Check out various performances and discussions of "Kumbaya."
The last question is the easiest to answer: "Kumbaya" is a pidgin version of "Come by here." The word repeats as a prayer throughout the song. A typical verse runs:
Someone's praying, Lord. Kumbaya./ Someone's praying, Lord. Kumbaya./ Someone's praying, Lord. Kumbaya./Oh, Lord, Kumbaya.
In other verses, someone's singing, crying, sleeping and so on.
The song's roots wind from South Carolina to Oregon to Angola to Ohio – and out to nearly every summer camp in America.
Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia, offers an oft-repeated theory about the creation of "Kumbaya." It says the song (also spelled "Kum Ba Yah") was composed by the Rev. Marvin V. Frey (1918-1992) in the 1930s in New York City.
While it's commonly thought to be a "19th-century African-American folksong, originating among the Gullah, a group descended from enslaved Africans living on the Sea Islands of South Carolina and Georgia ... there is no evidence of the song before Frey's publication," Wikipedia says.
Concise, simple – and significantly wrong. (Lesson: The Wiki is handy, but not trustworthy.)
What may be the best chronicle of "Kumbaya" has been written by Lum Chee-Hoo, a doctoral student in music education at the University of Washington. His article is to be published in Kodaly Envoy, a scholarly music journal.
"I was interviewing some undergrads on camp songs they know and found out that 'Kumbaya' was top of the list, and so decided to do a little investigation," he said.
Here's what Mr. Lum found:
The earliest known threads of "Kumbaya" history are in Washington, D.C., at the American Folklife Center of the Library of Congress.
Sometime between 1922 and 1931, members of an organization called the Society for the Preservation of Spirituals collected a song from the South Carolina coast. "Come By Yuh," as they called it, was sung in Gullah, the Creole dialect spoken by the former slaves living on the Sea Islands.
Another version was preserved on a wax cylinder in May 1936 by Robert Winslow Gordon, founder of what became the American Folklife Center. Mr. Gordon discovered a woman named Ethel Best singing "Come By Here" with a group in Raiford, Fla.
The music and lyrics in both cases were similar, though not identical, to the modern version.
So how could Mr. Frey, a pastor and composer, claim authorship? According to Mr. Lum, Mr. Frey said that he had been inspired by a prayer he heard delivered by "Mother Duffin," a storefront evangelist in Portland, Ore.
Mr. Frey's first lines: "Come by here. Somebody needs salvation, Lord. Come by here." A lyric sheet of Mr. Frey's final version, printed in 1939, indicates it was written in 1936 – well after the versions collected by the music historians.
So was Mr. Frey inspired by a woman praying by using a song she had learned on the other side of the continent? Or was he one of many white artists of his era who piggybacked on the creativity of African-Americans without giving credit? The history is silent.
Mr. Frey went to his grave claiming the song was his own. In any case, by the early 1940s, Mr. Frey's copyrighted version had made it into church hymnals and onto live radio broadcasts.
Next, according to Mr. Frey, he taught the song to missionaries headed for Africa. By the late 1940s, other missionaries had returned to America from Africa singing "Kum By Yah" – with no idea where it had originated.
Jump forward to the mid-1950s and the Cooperative Recreation Service, an Ohio-based publisher of songbooks for camps and scouts.
Joe Hickerson, a folksinger and former director of acquisitions for the American Folklife Center, credits Lynn Rohrbough, the owner of Cooperative Recreation, with getting "Kumbaya" to the masses.
If a camp wanted a music book with, say, 40 songs, Ms. Rohrbough would offer 30 from her stock inventory and add 10 new ones, Mr. Hickerson said.
"Kum By Yah" – described only as an "African" song – was part of the Rohrbough inventory by 1956. As a result, it showed up in countless books of camp songs used by the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and others.
"The camp counselors who played guitar liked it because it only has three chords," Mr. Hickerson said.
In the 1950s, he was a student at Oberlin College, in Ohio, where he and some friends had formed a singing group, the Folksmiths. He said he first heard "Kumbaya" in 1957 from a folksinger named Tony Saletan, who had learned it from Ms. Rohrbough.
That summer, the Folksmiths played the song for thousands of campers, Mr. Hickerson said. When the group released an album in 1958, "Kumbaya" was included – the first commercial recording of the song.
Pete Seeger also recorded the song on an album released that year. Many other folksingers quickly followed suit, including the Weavers, Joan Baez, and Peter, Paul and Mary.
In time, the song spread beyond summer camps to become a mainstay of the civil rights movement and Catholic folk masses. So "Kumbaya," apparently, traveled from the Atlantic coast to the Pacific Northwest, to central Africa and back, from a Midwest publishing house to campgrounds everywhere, and, finally, into the broad vernacular of American folkmusic.
For the next 25 years, it was just one folksong among many.
But in the early 1980s, something happened. "Kumbaya" became the English-speaking world's favorite folksong to ridicule, the musical metaphor for corny camaraderie. How? Someone's wondering, Lord.
An extensive (and we do mean extensive) search of databases of newspapers, magazines and other sources turned up what may be the first ironic reference to "Kumbaya" in print, from Aug. 16, 1985.
The line is from a Washington Post review by Rita Kempley of the comedy movie Volunteers:
"Tom Hanks and John Candy make war on the Peace Corps in Volunteers, a belated lampoon of '60s altruism and the idealistic young Kumbayahoos who went off to save the Third World."
How did she settle on "Kumbaya?" Had she heard others mocking it? Was it something about the cynicism felt by liberals under Reagan? A commentary about the religious theme of the song, at a time when the Moral Majority was making its name?
Ms. Kempley can't remember. "I guess that song was the ultimate expression of people in the '60s who really cared," said Ms. Kemply (who accepted a buyout last year from the Post).
"And then everyone decided, Let's just make fun of that."
Dissing "Kumbaya" caught on.
In 1988, a column in The Christian Science Monitor knocked a New Age performance: "Next he'll want you to sing 'Kumbaya.'..." Time to leave."
In 1994, then-senatorial-candidate Rick Santorum dismissed the federal AmeriCorps program as "somebody ... going to do one year of community service picking up trash in a park and singing 'Kumbaya' around the campfire."
These days, a search for "Kumbaya" on Google or YouTube is almost as likely to turn up a joke as the song.
The recent bubble gum TV ad shows a bunch of tween-aged "summer campers" around a campfire.
"Let's sing 'Kumbaya,' " a rainbow-clad "camp counselor" says.
"We don't want no 'Kumbaya!' the kids yell. "All we want is bubble gum!"
Which doesn't make a ton of sense. But neither does the decision to make "Kumbaya" the symbol of insincere bonhomie. After all, the lyrics have nothing to do with friendship or unity.
So why did "Kumbaya" – among all the folksongs written in the last 100 years – become an idiom for idiocy?
Here's a partial list of etymologists, linguists and other experts who say they don't know:
Paul Heacock, editor of the Cambridge Dictionary of American Idioms ... Erin McKean, editor in chief of U.S. dictionaries for Oxford University Press ... Cynthia Barnhart, senior general editor for the Third Barnhart Dictionary of New English ... Grant Barrett, editor of The Official Dictionary of Unofficial English ... Wayne Glowka, an editor at the journal American Speech and chair of the American Dialect Society's committee on new words ... Barry Popik, contributor to the Historical Dictionary of American Slang ... Hugh Rawson, author of Rawson's Dictionary of Euphemisms and Other Doubletalk.
Some guesses: It's a one-word title that rolls easily off the tongue. It sounds foreign, and that makes it funny to many Americans. It's African-American, so racists deride it. It's African-American, so sappy white liberals couldn't wait to suck the soul out of it. It's a song that generations of summer campers (and folk-mass celebrants) were forced to sing, and they're sick of it.
Since nobody really knows, let's give the final word to Pete Seeger, from his liner notes to the 1958 album Pete Seeger and Sonny Terry at Carnegie Hall:
"At any rate, it is a beautiful example of how the world's folkmusic continues to intermingle, sans passports or permission, across boundary lines of fear and prejudice."
Kumbaya.
E-mail jweiss@dallasnews.com
MAKE THEM STOP, LORD, KUMBAYA ...
"Kumbaya" has been recorded scores of times. Some of the performers are the usual suspects. Some are not.
Folkies:
•Joan Baez
•The Folksmiths
•Garrison Keillor (on Prairie Home Companion)
•Odetta
•Peter, Paul and Mary
•John Sebastian
•Pete Seeger
•Sweet Honey in the Rock
•The Weavers
Oddities:
•Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber (of Veggie Tales)
•Jose Carreras with the Vienna Symphony Orchestra
•Nanci Griffith & The Blue Moon Orchestra
•Guadalcanal Diary (indie pop band)
•The Hillside Singers (best known for the Coke ad song "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing")
•Mackenzie MacBride (glam-punk)
•Raffi
•Terell Stafford (jazz trumpeter)
•Very Best of Welsh Male Choirs
Jeffrey Weiss
COLE PORTER IT AIN'T
The lyrics to "Kumbaya," as recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary in 1998:
Kumbaya, my Lord. Kumbaya.
Kumbaya, my Lord. Kumbaya.
Kumbaya, my Lord. Kumbaya.
Oh, Lord, kumbaya.
Someone's singing Lord. Kumbaya.
(REPEAT TWICE)
Oh, Lord, kumbayah.
Someone's laughing, Lord. Kumbaya.
(REPEAT TWICE)
Oh, Lord, kumbaya.
Someone's crying, Lord. Kumbaya.
(REPEAT TWICE)
Oh, Lord, kumbaya.
Someone's praying, Lord. Kumbaya.
(REPEAT TWICE)
Oh, Lord, kumbaya.
Someone's sleeping, Lord. Kumbaya.
(REPEAT TWICE)
Oh, Lord, kumbaya.
Yorktown Folk Guild
Fun at the Yorktown Folk Guild Saturday night. A small group, but enthusiastic. Mark Bernardini puts out a lot of time and effort to make it happen. There are some great guitar pickers there.
The high point for me though was singing in the church lobby while Lorraine played accordion. Songs were Hava Nagila and Roll Out the Barrel.
The high point for me though was singing in the church lobby while Lorraine played accordion. Songs were Hava Nagila and Roll Out the Barrel.
Chant
Chanting Circle at the Woodstock Jewish Congregation
Join us for En-Chanting Afternoons
Sundays from 4-6 pm
November 12, December 17 (bring your menorah), January 14, February 11
Enter into the sacred space of winter afternoons through devotional Hebrew chants. Learn and practice deep ways of connecting with Jewish prayer and liturgy. Join a community of voices raised to bring down the divine flow. Everyone is welcome.
With Roberta Wall, a graduate of Kol Zimra, chant leadership training taught by Rabbi Shefa Gold.
*Questions? phone Roberta at 845 246 5935*
*or email robertaindia@yahoo.com*
Quotes!
Staying with the "about me" theme for a minute, here is a page of quotes that I've gathered from various published comments about me over the years. Aw, shucks!
Go to - http://bobluskquotes.blogspot.com/
Go to - http://bobluskquotes.blogspot.com/
About Me
Day after the election, So, what's going up with me? Busy, busy, busy. It feels like I have been running non stop for the past few months. The thought of now and then having a day that is not filled is very welcome.
I have been taking music classes at the Hindu temple in Wappinger's Falls. A lot of fun, but a stretch.
Some problems with the tendons in my hand have limited my playing lately. I'm getting physical therapy and have no doubt of a complete recovery. I am able to do my gigs, just not spending time playing for fun.
I'll be at the folk guild in Yorktown this Saturday. On the 19th there is a benefit for the Kings Mall 7 (me and 6 others who dared to raise our voice in protest) at New World Home Cooking. I'll be singing a song at least.
I have stopped drinking coffee, I hope for the last time. Also working on a healthier overall diet. Also, I have been getting to the Y in the morning for the past week.
The day job is more taxing than ever. When I get home, all I want to do is sit and watch "Gilmore Girls".
I have a 1/2 dozen instruments in my basement that need repair. Also need to finish putting together my studio, make time for more vocal toning, etc, etc.
I'm also working up a Johnny Cash show. Penny doesn't want to be June Carter though.
I have been running a stop smoking group for the Mental Health Association. Next week is the last week and as of last night everyone quit!
Peace to you and yours!
I have been taking music classes at the Hindu temple in Wappinger's Falls. A lot of fun, but a stretch.
Some problems with the tendons in my hand have limited my playing lately. I'm getting physical therapy and have no doubt of a complete recovery. I am able to do my gigs, just not spending time playing for fun.
I'll be at the folk guild in Yorktown this Saturday. On the 19th there is a benefit for the Kings Mall 7 (me and 6 others who dared to raise our voice in protest) at New World Home Cooking. I'll be singing a song at least.
I have stopped drinking coffee, I hope for the last time. Also working on a healthier overall diet. Also, I have been getting to the Y in the morning for the past week.
The day job is more taxing than ever. When I get home, all I want to do is sit and watch "Gilmore Girls".
I have a 1/2 dozen instruments in my basement that need repair. Also need to finish putting together my studio, make time for more vocal toning, etc, etc.
I'm also working up a Johnny Cash show. Penny doesn't want to be June Carter though.
I have been running a stop smoking group for the Mental Health Association. Next week is the last week and as of last night everyone quit!
Peace to you and yours!
Eisteddfod-NY November 17-19 - early bird deadline extended!!!
Subject: Eisteddfod-NY November 17-19 - early bird deadline extended!!!
Eisteddfod-NY, A Festival of Traditional Music
17-19 November, 2006
at The Renaissance Charter School, 35-59 81st Street, Jackson Heights, Queens, NY.
We've extended the Early-Bird Special until Tuesday 7 November. (Election Day - don't forget to vote!)
Don't miss this wonderful event. Members of supporting organizations qualify for early-bird discounts on all-festival passes ($65; at-the-door $75) until 7 November 2006. You can book tickets online:
members: http://eisteddfod-members.eventbrite.com
non-members: http://eisteddfod-ny.eventbrite.com/
non-members: http://eisteddfod-ny.eventbrite.com/
Music from America, England, Scotland, Ireland, Brittany, Francophone Canada, and West Africa, presented by a stellar list of performers. See website for complete list and schedule.
Concerts, workshops, Open Stage, Festival Marketplace, and plenty of opportunities for singing and jamming.
See you there!
--
Joy Bennett
President
Folk Music Society of NY, Inc.
FMSNY1@att.net
Joy Bennett
President
Folk Music Society of NY, Inc.
FMSNY1@att.net
Pete Seeger: Working Families Message
Pete Seeger has recorded a special election message for you. It's 38 seconds long, and it'll make you smile. Please take a moment to listen to it, and if you agree with his message then forward this email to everyone you know.
You can hear Pete's message at:
http://www.workingfamiliesparty.org/countonme/seeger.html
See who else is voting Working Families and why at:
http://www.workingfamiliesparty.org/countonme/endorsements.html
Vote Working Families!
Sam Williams, Bertha Lewis, and Bob Master
WFP Co-Chairs
Dan Cantor
WFP Executive Director
http://wfpjournal.blogspot.com/
http://www.workingfamiliesparty.org/
P.S. Check out our election event calendar and add election events at
http://freecal.brownbearsw.com/WFP
Hillary/Banjo
Hillary Clinton was in town today at our local VFW hall. I brought my banjo and joined with a few of the local lefties outside to greet her cavalcade as she drove up. Of course we didn't see her. They had the route planned out and took her in through the back door. They were in large black cars with tinted windows, but she couldn't have helped see us as they drove out. I'm not sure if they heard me singing "Study War No More", probably not, but I had to do it...tree falling in the forest and all that.
I have used my banjo more and more at rallys lately instead of the guitar. Part of the reason is concern about the guitars saftey. My Martin D35S, which is the only guitar I know loud enough to play at a rally unamplified and be heard, cost me $1,650 ten years ago and would probably cost a lot more today. My Gold Tone Pete Seeger long neck banjo with home made resonator only cost me $600. Banjos are also able to take the cold, heat, and general abuse that rallys call for. The resonator was a piece of junk from a cheap banjo. I spray painted it and attach it to the banjo with velcro, so it can come off easily and be played as an open back.
At rallys I usually play with a flatpick, similar to 4 string Plectrum banjo style. The sound and the rhythm carry much more than a frailing or 3 finger style.
If you want me to come to your rally............... give a shout.
I have used my banjo more and more at rallys lately instead of the guitar. Part of the reason is concern about the guitars saftey. My Martin D35S, which is the only guitar I know loud enough to play at a rally unamplified and be heard, cost me $1,650 ten years ago and would probably cost a lot more today. My Gold Tone Pete Seeger long neck banjo with home made resonator only cost me $600. Banjos are also able to take the cold, heat, and general abuse that rallys call for. The resonator was a piece of junk from a cheap banjo. I spray painted it and attach it to the banjo with velcro, so it can come off easily and be played as an open back.
At rallys I usually play with a flatpick, similar to 4 string Plectrum banjo style. The sound and the rhythm carry much more than a frailing or 3 finger style.
If you want me to come to your rally............... give a shout.
Humidifying Instruments
This link was sent to me by ElDicko@aol.com. I personally have had several instruments badly injured over the years from lack of humidity. Perhaps even more important than a humidifier is a hydrometer ($20 from Radio Shack) to measure the humidity in your home. Anything less than 30% is a problem.
From Fred's Music Shop
How humidity affects your guitar!!
Since, in our part of the country (Northeast), we use forced air or radiator supplied heat frequently, we have a lot of damage occuring to "better" acoustic guitars over the winter . Many of our customers have instruments that have developed cracks, etc. from lack of proper humidity over the winter . Having a heating system that is "hot water" , in other words ... radiators in the rooms .. is NOT a system that supplies ANY form of humidity to the air! Many of our customers are baffled by the fact that even though they have "hot water" heating systems... their guitar still cracked .!! The reason for this is that the "water" is INSIDE the radiator and does not enter the air ... the air is dried by the heat just as much .. .and maybe more than with forced-air systems. If you have a "better " acoustic guitar ... one with solid woods .... it is IMPERATIVE that you keep the air at a proper humidity ... in most cases ... the MORE THE BETTER ! In the early 1970's , when our store was on North Ninth Street in Reading , I once had a 1939 Martin D-18 crack overnite ! I was playing it .. .put it on a stand and went home ... and the next morning when I came in the top was cracked and I was baffled !?! I had "Hot Water" heating .. why would my guitar crack?? Well , when I actually took a humidity reading ... I had basically NO HUMIDITY! Since then , I either keep the humidifier going or keep my good guitars in my basement where the heating system has no effect. In our store , we recently installed new high-output systems on the main heating systems and if you visit our acoustic guitar displays , you will notice that we STILL use a room type humidifier to augment the system and we constantly monitor the humidity with and electronic meter. We like our guitars ... so we humidify over the winter
!!
If you want to check your guitars .. here's some quick ways that I use to tell if my guitars are drying out .
#1 - is the action getting lower ? The guitar is getting really easy to play? Faster action than you remember? If so .. the top is "shrinking" and lowering itself and getting ready to split ... watch it!!
#2 - is the sound getting buzzy - more fret buzz than you remember. Same as above .
#3 - when you run your fingers down the sides of the fingerboard... are the fret ends sticking out slightly ? (or more?) ... think of the wood as a sponge .. .the fingerboard is drying out and shrinking ... the metal frets don't shrink... so they stick out!!!
If the answer is yes to any of these ... it's probably yes to all of them and your guitar is drying out ... watch it !!
Back to Fred's Music Home Page
copyright 1996 - Fred A. BernardoFredÕs Music Shop - 212 W. Lancaster Ave., Shillington, Pa. 19607www.fredsmusic.com
From Fred's Music Shop
How humidity affects your guitar!!
Since, in our part of the country (Northeast), we use forced air or radiator supplied heat frequently, we have a lot of damage occuring to "better" acoustic guitars over the winter . Many of our customers have instruments that have developed cracks, etc. from lack of proper humidity over the winter . Having a heating system that is "hot water" , in other words ... radiators in the rooms .. is NOT a system that supplies ANY form of humidity to the air! Many of our customers are baffled by the fact that even though they have "hot water" heating systems... their guitar still cracked .!! The reason for this is that the "water" is INSIDE the radiator and does not enter the air ... the air is dried by the heat just as much .. .and maybe more than with forced-air systems. If you have a "better " acoustic guitar ... one with solid woods .... it is IMPERATIVE that you keep the air at a proper humidity ... in most cases ... the MORE THE BETTER ! In the early 1970's , when our store was on North Ninth Street in Reading , I once had a 1939 Martin D-18 crack overnite ! I was playing it .. .put it on a stand and went home ... and the next morning when I came in the top was cracked and I was baffled !?! I had "Hot Water" heating .. why would my guitar crack?? Well , when I actually took a humidity reading ... I had basically NO HUMIDITY! Since then , I either keep the humidifier going or keep my good guitars in my basement where the heating system has no effect. In our store , we recently installed new high-output systems on the main heating systems and if you visit our acoustic guitar displays , you will notice that we STILL use a room type humidifier to augment the system and we constantly monitor the humidity with and electronic meter. We like our guitars ... so we humidify over the winter
!!
If you want to check your guitars .. here's some quick ways that I use to tell if my guitars are drying out .
#1 - is the action getting lower ? The guitar is getting really easy to play? Faster action than you remember? If so .. the top is "shrinking" and lowering itself and getting ready to split ... watch it!!
#2 - is the sound getting buzzy - more fret buzz than you remember. Same as above .
#3 - when you run your fingers down the sides of the fingerboard... are the fret ends sticking out slightly ? (or more?) ... think of the wood as a sponge .. .the fingerboard is drying out and shrinking ... the metal frets don't shrink... so they stick out!!!
If the answer is yes to any of these ... it's probably yes to all of them and your guitar is drying out ... watch it !!
Back to Fred's Music Home Page
copyright 1996 - Fred A. BernardoFredÕs Music Shop - 212 W. Lancaster Ave., Shillington, Pa. 19607www.fredsmusic.com
WOODY REDISCOVERED
From: Stephen & Marilyn Suffet
To:
Subject: "Woody Redicsovered" in Brooklyn 12/17/06
Greetings!
We know this event is seven weeks away, but the truth is seating is
strictly limited. Our hosts have enough chair and sofa space for just
sixteen people, and four of those places have already been reserved. So
if you want to attend this event, it's better to let us know sooner
rather than later.
WOODY REDISCOVERED
an Exploration of Woody Guthrie's Less Known Songs
with Anne Price and Steve Suffet
Sunday . December 17, 2006 . 4:30 to 6:30 PM
Park Slope location . Brooklyn, NY
Sponsored by the Folk Music Society of New York, Inc.
(New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club)
with kind support and encouragement from the Woody Guthrie Foundation.
For reservations, location, and directions, please call Steve at
718-786-1533 or Anne at 718-543-4971.
WOODY REDISCOVERED will take place at a private residence on 8th Avenue,
near Carroll Street & Garfield Place, Brooklyn, NY. The hosts have asked
us not to put their address out on the Internet, but their building is
easily reached by public transportation (Grand Army Plaza subway
station) and by car.
WOODY REDISCOVERED is an exploration of some of Woody Guthrie's less
known songs. There are more than 3,000 songs in the Woody Guthrie
Archives, and Woody recorded well over 300 of them. However, only about
30 are well known today. In this house concert style workshop we will
introduce you to a few of Woody Guthrie's other 2,970+ songs. Some were
recorded or published in Woody's own lifetime; others were discovered
among his effects after his death. All deserve to be recognized as the
gems that they are. We will have song sheets available, so come prepared
to sing along and learn some new old songs. For example:
Dance Around My Atom Fire
Ticky Tock
Peace Call
Two Good Men ( a Sacco and Vanzetti song)
Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key
Arthritis Blues
This Morning I Am Born Again.
Peace Pin Boogie
Tin Horn Taxi
Why Do You Stand There in the Rain?
When the Curfew Blows
Mr. Tom Mooney Is Free
What Are We Waiting On?
Blow, Big Wind, Blow
Sixty-Six Highway Blues
.... and as many more as time permits!
The suggested donation is $12. FMSNY members: $10.
Anne and Steve presented WOODY REDISCOVERED for the Folklore Society of
Greater Washington this past September 30, and here is what two people
had to say:
"It was a pleasure hosting an informative evening like that. As I listed
to the songs combined with the show-and-tell of songbooks and albums, I
realized that it was precisely the sort of evening that makes the
Folklore Society unique as a presenter of more than just concerts for
mere entertainment." -- Charlie Baum, FSGW vice president
"I was very happy to be able to provide hospitality to you, as well as a
venue for your house concert -- which I enjoyed very much and where I
learned a great deal about Woody Guthrie that I hadn't known before. A
good sign about how much the rest of the audience also enjoyed your
concert is the fact that two people who had been there came up to me at
an old-time CD release party last night to talk with me about YOUR house
concert!" -- Kathie Mack, FSGW member and concert host
So please come to Brooklyn on December 17 and find out for yourself!
Website links:
Anne Price: http://www.anneprice.com/
Steve Suffet: http://suffet.home.att.net/
Folk Music Society of New York, Inc.: http://www.folkmusicny.org/
Woody Guthrie Foundation & Archives: http://www.woodyguthrie.org/
--- Steve Suffet & Anne Price
To:
Subject: "Woody Redicsovered" in Brooklyn 12/17/06
Greetings!
We know this event is seven weeks away, but the truth is seating is
strictly limited. Our hosts have enough chair and sofa space for just
sixteen people, and four of those places have already been reserved. So
if you want to attend this event, it's better to let us know sooner
rather than later.
WOODY REDISCOVERED
an Exploration of Woody Guthrie's Less Known Songs
with Anne Price and Steve Suffet
Sunday . December 17, 2006 . 4:30 to 6:30 PM
Park Slope location . Brooklyn, NY
Sponsored by the Folk Music Society of New York, Inc.
(New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club)
with kind support and encouragement from the Woody Guthrie Foundation.
For reservations, location, and directions, please call Steve at
718-786-1533 or Anne at 718-543-4971.
WOODY REDISCOVERED will take place at a private residence on 8th Avenue,
near Carroll Street & Garfield Place, Brooklyn, NY. The hosts have asked
us not to put their address out on the Internet, but their building is
easily reached by public transportation (Grand Army Plaza subway
station) and by car.
WOODY REDISCOVERED is an exploration of some of Woody Guthrie's less
known songs. There are more than 3,000 songs in the Woody Guthrie
Archives, and Woody recorded well over 300 of them. However, only about
30 are well known today. In this house concert style workshop we will
introduce you to a few of Woody Guthrie's other 2,970+ songs. Some were
recorded or published in Woody's own lifetime; others were discovered
among his effects after his death. All deserve to be recognized as the
gems that they are. We will have song sheets available, so come prepared
to sing along and learn some new old songs. For example:
Dance Around My Atom Fire
Ticky Tock
Peace Call
Two Good Men ( a Sacco and Vanzetti song)
Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key
Arthritis Blues
This Morning I Am Born Again.
Peace Pin Boogie
Tin Horn Taxi
Why Do You Stand There in the Rain?
When the Curfew Blows
Mr. Tom Mooney Is Free
What Are We Waiting On?
Blow, Big Wind, Blow
Sixty-Six Highway Blues
.... and as many more as time permits!
The suggested donation is $12. FMSNY members: $10.
Anne and Steve presented WOODY REDISCOVERED for the Folklore Society of
Greater Washington this past September 30, and here is what two people
had to say:
"It was a pleasure hosting an informative evening like that. As I listed
to the songs combined with the show-and-tell of songbooks and albums, I
realized that it was precisely the sort of evening that makes the
Folklore Society unique as a presenter of more than just concerts for
mere entertainment." -- Charlie Baum, FSGW vice president
"I was very happy to be able to provide hospitality to you, as well as a
venue for your house concert -- which I enjoyed very much and where I
learned a great deal about Woody Guthrie that I hadn't known before. A
good sign about how much the rest of the audience also enjoyed your
concert is the fact that two people who had been there came up to me at
an old-time CD release party last night to talk with me about YOUR house
concert!" -- Kathie Mack, FSGW member and concert host
So please come to Brooklyn on December 17 and find out for yourself!
Website links:
Anne Price: http://www.anneprice.com/
Steve Suffet: http://suffet.home.att.net/
Folk Music Society of New York, Inc.: http://www.folkmusicny.org/
Woody Guthrie Foundation & Archives: http://www.woodyguthrie.org/
--- Steve Suffet & Anne Price
Historic Music Concert
Performer and teaching artist Dave Ruch will be giving a special concert of rare regional folksongs this Thursday evening at the Andes Public Library in Andes NY.
DATE: Thursday, November 2, 2006
TIME: 6:30-7:30pm
LOCATION: Andes Public Library, 242 Main Street, Andes NY 13731
PHONE: 845-676-3333 for directions
ADMISSION: Free
PERFORMER WEBSITE: www.daveruch.com Dave Ruch is a dedicated performer, interpreter and collector of traditional New York State (and regional American) songs. In his very special concert programs, Dave presents, and tells the stories behind, the songs of real people from days gone by - - farmers, lumbermen, children, immigrants, native americans, canallers, hops pickers, lake sailors and more - - songs from the people who settled and built our region.Dave is also a strong instrumentalist who was for many years a highly sought-after instructor of guitar and mandolin in the Buffalo NY area. He has taught hundreds of beginning through advanced music students, and has performed with numerous regionally- and nationally-known folk, rock and bluegrass artists."Fierce mandolin picker, and hero of the tour" -Carol A. Wade, Duprees Diamond News Magazine, Northhampton MA "It was great hearing your show. Very nice performance!" -Lynn Arthur Koch, Author, "Folk Songs of Upstate New York"
Dave Ruch has researched regional folklore and song traditions at Cornell University and the New York State Historical Association, and using materials from Smithsonian Folkways, New York Folklore Society, Harold Thompson Folklore Archives, Ivan Walton Great Lakes folklore collection, Anne & Frank Warner collections, Stevens-Douglass manuscript, John & Alan Lomax archives, Buffalo & Erie County Library's Grosvenor Room, Helen Hartness Flanders Ballad Collection, Shoemaker Pennsylvania resources, Eddy Ballads of Ohio collection, Anne Grimes, Library of Congress, Edith Fowke & Helen Creighton Canadian collections and more.This is program is made possible by the New York Council for the Humanities Speakers in the Humanities program. More information here: http://www.nyhumanities.org/speakers/lectures/lecture.php?lecture_id=1179
DATE: Thursday, November 2, 2006
TIME: 6:30-7:30pm
LOCATION: Andes Public Library, 242 Main Street, Andes NY 13731
PHONE: 845-676-3333 for directions
ADMISSION: Free
PERFORMER WEBSITE: www.daveruch.com Dave Ruch is a dedicated performer, interpreter and collector of traditional New York State (and regional American) songs. In his very special concert programs, Dave presents, and tells the stories behind, the songs of real people from days gone by - - farmers, lumbermen, children, immigrants, native americans, canallers, hops pickers, lake sailors and more - - songs from the people who settled and built our region.Dave is also a strong instrumentalist who was for many years a highly sought-after instructor of guitar and mandolin in the Buffalo NY area. He has taught hundreds of beginning through advanced music students, and has performed with numerous regionally- and nationally-known folk, rock and bluegrass artists."Fierce mandolin picker, and hero of the tour" -Carol A. Wade, Duprees Diamond News Magazine, Northhampton MA "It was great hearing your show. Very nice performance!" -Lynn Arthur Koch, Author, "Folk Songs of Upstate New York"
Dave Ruch has researched regional folklore and song traditions at Cornell University and the New York State Historical Association, and using materials from Smithsonian Folkways, New York Folklore Society, Harold Thompson Folklore Archives, Ivan Walton Great Lakes folklore collection, Anne & Frank Warner collections, Stevens-Douglass manuscript, John & Alan Lomax archives, Buffalo & Erie County Library's Grosvenor Room, Helen Hartness Flanders Ballad Collection, Shoemaker Pennsylvania resources, Eddy Ballads of Ohio collection, Anne Grimes, Library of Congress, Edith Fowke & Helen Creighton Canadian collections and more.This is program is made possible by the New York Council for the Humanities Speakers in the Humanities program. More information here: http://www.nyhumanities.org/speakers/lectures/lecture.php?lecture_id=1179
Video
Just watched a video of my performance at the Heritage Concert in Saugerties this September. On the whole I liked it, but was struck at how much I reminded myself of my brother Richard. Thanks to Ernie Morduzans for taping it.
*
Ed Pell has offerred to video the Kirtan (Hindu chant) next Monday, November 6th at Namaste Yoga in Woodstock. It should be a wonderful evening. Marty Klein will be accompanying me on tabla and I'm hoping to see a lot of old and new friends there. It runs from 5:30 to 7:00 and is free.
*
Ed Pell has offerred to video the Kirtan (Hindu chant) next Monday, November 6th at Namaste Yoga in Woodstock. It should be a wonderful evening. Marty Klein will be accompanying me on tabla and I'm hoping to see a lot of old and new friends there. It runs from 5:30 to 7:00 and is free.
Fw: [RickNestlerInfo] Digest Number 29
Sat Nov 18, 2006
2:00pm Rick Nestler
Warwick Valley Winery & Orchards
114 Little York Road
Warwick, NY
For directions call: (845)258-4858
email: wvwinery@warwick.net
website: www.wvwinery.com
Rich Bala
Just a note to let all of you in the greater Poughkeepsie area know that Rich Bala's 2 solo recordings,
Hudson Valley Traditions and Home for the Harvest are now available at the Barnes & Noble Bookstore on Rt. 9 in Poughkeepsie! They are located in the folk music section (duh!) with his very own divider that says "Regional Artist - Rich Bala", which is right behind Joan Baez's CD's. For directions and more info, their phone number is 845-485-2224.
Hudson Valley Traditions and Home for the Harvest are now available at the Barnes & Noble Bookstore on Rt. 9 in Poughkeepsie! They are located in the folk music section (duh!) with his very own divider that says "Regional Artist - Rich Bala", which is right behind Joan Baez's CD's. For directions and more info, their phone number is 845-485-2224.
Cycles
It's funny how my music seems to go in cycles. The past month was Animal Songs month with several gigs at zoos and animal sanctuary's. Now for the next two weeks I'm working on the Hindustani violin and the harmonium for a Kirtan in Woodstock 11/6. Then it will be Christmas songs - I'm almost too late this year to start rehearsing for the Christmas season! No Celtic New Year gigs this Halloween. (sob!).
I've been lucky lately to have my 15 year old son as "roady", hauling the big speakers and amplifiers. My back has been very grateful!
I've been lucky lately to have my 15 year old son as "roady", hauling the big speakers and amplifiers. My back has been very grateful!
A Message from Pete Seeger
Protest music has been around for thousands of years. It just leaks out every so often and helps make history.
A group of young people and not-so-young people have gotten together to sing one of my songs that I wrote around 1965 about the Vietnam War. And they've done what I did a few years ago; they're singing it about the situation in Iraq. "Bring 'em Home!"
You can watch them singing and share it with your friends right here: http://www.workingfamiliesparty.org/bringthemhome/
What they are saying is we need to send the politicians a message in a language they understand: election day votes. Here in New York, voting on the Working Families line is the best way to tell the politicians, bring them home, bring them home.
We're in a very dangerous situation. The problems in the Middle East are not going away — they're getting worse. Churchill said, anybody who thinks, when they get into a war, that they know what's going to happen, is fooling themselves. With all the power that the American military establishment has, they still cannot predict all the things that are going to happen.
To quote Martin Luther King, the weakness of violence is that it always creates more violence. Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that.
That's the message at the end of the song, "the world needs teachers, books and schools . . . And learning a few universal rules." I'm glad they left that verse in.
Watch the video and then pass it on: http://www.workingfamiliesparty.org/bringthemhome/
There's a saying from William James a young friend painted on my barn. It goes: "I am done with great things and big things, great institutions and big success, and I am for all those tiny invisible molecular moral forces that work from individual to individual . . . like so many rootlets, or like the capillary oozing of water, which, if given time, will rend the hardest monuments of pride."
Apply this to the current situation: Take this email and forward it to your friends and family. Technology will save us if it doesn't wipe us out first.
We need to spread this message. Back in the sixties, I'd go from college to college to college singing songs. That's how folk songs were shared. Sure, some person who thought it was an unpatriotic song might boo, but a few seconds later he'd be drowned out by a few thousands voices who started cheering enthusiastically. Made the poor guy start thinking.
Change comes through small organizations. You divide up the jobs: Some people sing bass, some sing soprano. Some copy the sheet music, others drive and pick up those who ride the subway. You take small steps. They all add up.
Take a small step today. Here's your part: Tell your family and your friends about what we can do to send a message to the politicians to bring our troops home. And then vote on election day.
The very worst thing is for people to say: "My vote doesn't count. So why bother to vote at all?" Our votes do count. And if we vote to bring the troops home, they count even more.
Let's bring them home: http://www.workingfamiliesparty.org/bringthemhome/
In solidarity,
Pete Seeger
Watch the VideoYou can send a message to the politicians to bring the troops home from Iraq. Take action and spread the word.
A group of young people and not-so-young people have gotten together to sing one of my songs that I wrote around 1965 about the Vietnam War. And they've done what I did a few years ago; they're singing it about the situation in Iraq. "Bring 'em Home!"
You can watch them singing and share it with your friends right here: http://www.workingfamiliesparty.org/bringthemhome/
What they are saying is we need to send the politicians a message in a language they understand: election day votes. Here in New York, voting on the Working Families line is the best way to tell the politicians, bring them home, bring them home.
We're in a very dangerous situation. The problems in the Middle East are not going away — they're getting worse. Churchill said, anybody who thinks, when they get into a war, that they know what's going to happen, is fooling themselves. With all the power that the American military establishment has, they still cannot predict all the things that are going to happen.
To quote Martin Luther King, the weakness of violence is that it always creates more violence. Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that.
That's the message at the end of the song, "the world needs teachers, books and schools . . . And learning a few universal rules." I'm glad they left that verse in.
Watch the video and then pass it on: http://www.workingfamiliesparty.org/bringthemhome/
There's a saying from William James a young friend painted on my barn. It goes: "I am done with great things and big things, great institutions and big success, and I am for all those tiny invisible molecular moral forces that work from individual to individual . . . like so many rootlets, or like the capillary oozing of water, which, if given time, will rend the hardest monuments of pride."
Apply this to the current situation: Take this email and forward it to your friends and family. Technology will save us if it doesn't wipe us out first.
We need to spread this message. Back in the sixties, I'd go from college to college to college singing songs. That's how folk songs were shared. Sure, some person who thought it was an unpatriotic song might boo, but a few seconds later he'd be drowned out by a few thousands voices who started cheering enthusiastically. Made the poor guy start thinking.
Change comes through small organizations. You divide up the jobs: Some people sing bass, some sing soprano. Some copy the sheet music, others drive and pick up those who ride the subway. You take small steps. They all add up.
Take a small step today. Here's your part: Tell your family and your friends about what we can do to send a message to the politicians to bring our troops home. And then vote on election day.
The very worst thing is for people to say: "My vote doesn't count. So why bother to vote at all?" Our votes do count. And if we vote to bring the troops home, they count even more.
Let's bring them home: http://www.workingfamiliesparty.org/bringthemhome/
In solidarity,
Pete Seeger
Watch the VideoYou can send a message to the politicians to bring the troops home from Iraq. Take action and spread the word.
Henry Baccus - the Saugerties Bard
Rich Bala and I are working on the songs of the 19th Century songwriter, Henry Backus, who was called "The Saugerties Bard". If anyone has any information to pass along on the subject, please do so. Concert is set for Sunday afternoon at 3:00 on 4/29/07 at the Dutch Arms Chapel in Saugerties.
Bluestone and Old Friends
A wonderful time yesterday at the Kingston Bluestone Festival on the Strand. Good friends Dr. Romo (accordion and fiddle), Jim Donnelly (guitar and vocals) and Irish tenor Warren Kelder all showed up and played music. Also on hand was Steven James'es Old Tyme String Band, Danile Woerners' Voices for Peace, Adam Snyder and a banjo blayer from Palenville named Kit. The weather was great, the people were friendly and we all had fun (:>) trying to play along in time to the hammers on the bluestone.
The ego problem in this business is a constant battle. One minute everyone loves you, the next you can't get a gig. I had one of the biggest ego boosters of my life at the festival. At the very end, when we were packing up, one of the bluestone workers came up to me and said "Hey, you didn't sing "Dirty Little Town!" It took me a minute to figure out what song he was talking about. At first I thought it was the Irish song "Dirty Old Town" - "I left my love by the gas yard wall, dreamed a dream by the old canal..." But after a few questions I realized he was talking about "Kingston is a Dirty Old Town, streets roll up when the sun goes down", which is a song I've been singing for 30 years. It was a Woody Guthrie song about Pitsburgh that I had heard done in Greenwich Village 40 years ago by a great guitar picker that I don't remember. It's a real picker's song, but as far as I know I'm the only one who sings it about Kingston. The bluestone worker said that he and the people at the bluestone company sing it while they're working all the time. I don't think I've ever received a better compliment!
And of course I have to do the song next year.
(Complete words are at Song Lyrics link on the right hand side of this page)
The ego problem in this business is a constant battle. One minute everyone loves you, the next you can't get a gig. I had one of the biggest ego boosters of my life at the festival. At the very end, when we were packing up, one of the bluestone workers came up to me and said "Hey, you didn't sing "Dirty Little Town!" It took me a minute to figure out what song he was talking about. At first I thought it was the Irish song "Dirty Old Town" - "I left my love by the gas yard wall, dreamed a dream by the old canal..." But after a few questions I realized he was talking about "Kingston is a Dirty Old Town, streets roll up when the sun goes down", which is a song I've been singing for 30 years. It was a Woody Guthrie song about Pitsburgh that I had heard done in Greenwich Village 40 years ago by a great guitar picker that I don't remember. It's a real picker's song, but as far as I know I'm the only one who sings it about Kingston. The bluestone worker said that he and the people at the bluestone company sing it while they're working all the time. I don't think I've ever received a better compliment!
And of course I have to do the song next year.
(Complete words are at Song Lyrics link on the right hand side of this page)
Mark Rust - Prairie Home Companion
Mark Rust appearances in your region!
Mark Rust will be in New York City this week performing several shows to promote the DVD release of the film 'A Prairie Home Companion' with Robin Greenstein & Barry Wiesenfeld. Some of the information is still approximate. If you'd like more specific info, send me an email.
è Tuesday, October 10th, 11am-2pm
'Shake Shack', Madison Square Park (23rd & 5th)
è Thursday, October 12th, sometime between 7am-12:30pm
Grand Central Station
è Friday, October 13th, sometime between 2:30pm-6pm
'Museum Mile'
Yours,
Mark Rust
Mark Rust
PO Box 551, Woodstock, NY, 12498
markrust@markrust.com
markrust@markrust.com
Links of Interest
I've updated the "Links of Interest Site". I added a FUN section and another section for Luthiers and instrument repair people. The link is on the right of this page.
Heritage Concerts
There has been such a great reaction from the Heritage Concert that we are planning two next year. Rich Bala will do one in the spring and Kevin and Carol Becker will do one next fall. More details to follow of course.
Folk Festivals in Kingston on Saturday!
OK, I won't be part of the big folk festival in Cornell Park this weekend -10/8/06. It's sponsored by the Mezzanine Cafe and will have a lot of good name acts.
I will be part of the Bluestone Festival a few blocks away at TR Gallo Park down at the Strand. It runs from 12-5. I open the show at noon as usual! Jim Donnelly and a bunch of other musical groups should be there. Both festivals are free, so people will be able to wander from one to the other.
Bob
I will be part of the Bluestone Festival a few blocks away at TR Gallo Park down at the Strand. It runs from 12-5. I open the show at noon as usual! Jim Donnelly and a bunch of other musical groups should be there. Both festivals are free, so people will be able to wander from one to the other.
Bob
Update on Mall Rats
As I mentioned before, I've been "OMing" in support of the vigil outside the Army recruitment station in King's Mall in Kingston as Jay Wenk and Joan Keefe recite the names of the American soldiers who have died in Iraq. On 9/8 I, along with others, were given "John Doe" papers accusing us of trespassing and alleging $50,000 in damages.
The lawyers have conferred with Judge Bradley in Ulster County Supreme Court and he will be taking a month to make a decision. In the meantime we are holding off on the vigil and marshalling our forces. Letters in support of the vigil to the Kingston Daily Freeman would be much appreciated. e-mail letters@freemanonline.com. Per their guidlines, please include your name, hometown and phone number. Letters should be fewer than 400 words.
Also feel free to let the businesses in King's Mall know how you feel about this. Note - the Mother Earth store has been supportive of us and submitted an affidavit on our behalf.
The lawyers have conferred with Judge Bradley in Ulster County Supreme Court and he will be taking a month to make a decision. In the meantime we are holding off on the vigil and marshalling our forces. Letters in support of the vigil to the Kingston Daily Freeman would be much appreciated. e-mail letters@freemanonline.com. Per their guidlines, please include your name, hometown and phone number. Letters should be fewer than 400 words.
Also feel free to let the businesses in King's Mall know how you feel about this. Note - the Mother Earth store has been supportive of us and submitted an affidavit on our behalf.
Heritage Concerts
It was a great time at the Dutch Arms Chapel in Saugerties yesterday with Regina Scheff. Wife Penny and son Roberto helped out with refreshments and ticket sales. Ernie Mortizance did a great job of video taping. Hopefully this will spark a concert series of historic music starting next year.
Folk Jam.Org!
OK, bookmark this one forever! http://www.folkjam.org/ is a way to find acoustic folk jams wherever you live. Very user friendly. Right now all they have are the Woodstock and Poughkeepsie Bluegrass Jams, but spread the word! I'm going to send this one to every jam in the Hudson Valley!
Bob
Bob
Big News!
Two big newes.
First, please come to my concert on 9/24/06 at the Dutch Arms Chapel in Saugerties, NY. It's called "Heritage Music from the Mountains to the Valley. Historic and Regional music of the Catskills and Hudson Valley." It will be from 3-5 pm and Regina Scheff will be on fiddle. Cost $10.
Second, I've been "OMing" in support of the vigil outside the Army recruitment station in King's Mall in Kingston as they recite the names of the dead in Iraq. On 9/8 I, along with others, were given "John Doe" papers accusing us of trespassing and alleging $50,000 in damages. Stay tuned for details here and in your local newspapers. Also feel free to let the businesses in King's Mall know how you feel about this.
Thanks, - Bob
First, please come to my concert on 9/24/06 at the Dutch Arms Chapel in Saugerties, NY. It's called "Heritage Music from the Mountains to the Valley. Historic and Regional music of the Catskills and Hudson Valley." It will be from 3-5 pm and Regina Scheff will be on fiddle. Cost $10.
Second, I've been "OMing" in support of the vigil outside the Army recruitment station in King's Mall in Kingston as they recite the names of the dead in Iraq. On 9/8 I, along with others, were given "John Doe" papers accusing us of trespassing and alleging $50,000 in damages. Stay tuned for details here and in your local newspapers. Also feel free to let the businesses in King's Mall know how you feel about this.
Thanks, - Bob
Performance Schedule Change
I will be leading Kirtan on Monday, November 6th at Namaste Yoga in Woodstock, NY. Kirtan is Hindu sacred chant. I will probably be playing harmonium, guitar and fiddle, accompanied by drums. This is a change from the previously announced date of October 2nd. It starts at 5:30 and runs 1 1/2 hours. Please come if you can. For more on Kirtan, go to
http://journeytokirtan.blogspot.com/
http://journeytokirtan.blogspot.com/
Pete Seeger MP3 - free download!
Boy are we getting high tech.
Here's Pete's latest recording! Just click
on http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/downloads/seeger.mp3.
Bob
Here's Pete's latest recording! Just click
on http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/downloads/seeger.mp3.
Bob
Matchstick Man
Years ago, I used to pass time trying to design unusual instruments in my mind. I was never a good enough carpenter to put them into practice, but I made a few interesting attempts. One project I worked on circa 1972 was to make a guitar out of wooden matchsticks. I figured matchsticks were a type of spruce, and spruce is used for the face of guitars and violins, therefore...ergo..... Well, I never did complete the job. I made a face out of matchsticks, attached it to a small guitar, but I never made a bridge for it or strung it up. I sold it with some other junk at a yard sale in the 1980's.
But though I never realized my dream someone else did. Go to "Jack Hall"
and meet a man who made guitars, violins, banjos, recorders, etc., all out of matchsticks. Follow the links to the photos. It was some very good work!
But though I never realized my dream someone else did. Go to "Jack Hall"
and meet a man who made guitars, violins, banjos, recorders, etc., all out of matchsticks. Follow the links to the photos. It was some very good work!
Fw: John St. Jam this Saturday!
Subject: John St. Jam this Saturday!
A reminder that the September edition of the John St. Jam takes place this Saturday, the 9th, at 7:30. Featured this month are:
Kurt Henry (lite)
Terri/Steve Massardo
Michelle Palimidy
Carl Bethge
Skip Arthur
RV Henninger and Andy Bing
Joe Tobin
...and a musician to be named later.
The Jam is located in the Dutch Arms Chapel, 16 John St., Saugerties.
Admission is still only $3. Refreshments are available. Doors open at 7:00.
For directions or more info, call (845) 943-6720
Round the Roundabout!
I had an interesting public appearance last night at the Town of Ulster Board Meeting. They were having a public meeting about the proposed new Roundabout next to the present Roundabout in Kingston. I contributed my "Roundabout" song during their public comment portion of the meeting. I wrote the 3rd verse for the occasion.
For me the change in energy in the room was amazing after I sang the song. Most of the people were not there for the Roundabout issue at all, but just playing the banjo and singing seemed to make a big difference.
Round the Roundabout
Tune: Old Joe Clark
Words: c. 2003 Bob Lusk
I went to Kingston town
To dance and sing and play
But I couldn't find uptown
Cause every streets one way
Chorus:
Roundabout Kingston town
Roundabout I say
Roundabout Kingston town
You can't get there today
I went down to Kingston town
To see my baby mine
Went round and round the Roundabout
She's nowhere to be found
Wash Ave, cut to Sawkill
Merge into the lane
Left or right, we’re out of sight
This traffic is insane
City life is full of strife
Country life is fine
Ride on down to Kingston town
Go round and round and round and round ………
Washington Ave and Chandler Drive
28 and 209
Hop on the Thruway, head back home
Relax we're doing fine
For me the change in energy in the room was amazing after I sang the song. Most of the people were not there for the Roundabout issue at all, but just playing the banjo and singing seemed to make a big difference.
Round the Roundabout
Tune: Old Joe Clark
Words: c. 2003 Bob Lusk
I went to Kingston town
To dance and sing and play
But I couldn't find uptown
Cause every streets one way
Chorus:
Roundabout Kingston town
Roundabout I say
Roundabout Kingston town
You can't get there today
I went down to Kingston town
To see my baby mine
Went round and round the Roundabout
She's nowhere to be found
Wash Ave, cut to Sawkill
Merge into the lane
Left or right, we’re out of sight
This traffic is insane
City life is full of strife
Country life is fine
Ride on down to Kingston town
Go round and round and round and round ………
Washington Ave and Chandler Drive
28 and 209
Hop on the Thruway, head back home
Relax we're doing fine
Rosendale Folk Festival Postponed 2 days!
The Rosendale Street Festival will be postponed until Monday 9/4/06.
Podcast? Rosendale Folk Festival
OK, the technology is really getting ahead of the music here. You can go to http://www.tinpennywhistlecast.com/
and be part of an Irish tin whistle podcast. I, myself may have the technology to do it, I'm not sure, I imagine my son does, what I don't have is the inclination. If I was more physically isolated I imagine I might do it. Occasionally I will play along with the radio, but would much rather play when I can see other people's fingers, faces, smell their sweat, knock over their beer, check out their girlfriends.
Oh and I'm going to be away this weekend (burglarers take note, I'll have my instruments with me), but if I were here, I would be at the Rosedale Folk Festival Saturday, September 2 -- Noon to 8pm (rain date: Monday, September 4) Willow Kiln Park, Rosendale, NY http://www.hvmusic.com/folkfest/rosendale/index.shtml
and be part of an Irish tin whistle podcast. I, myself may have the technology to do it, I'm not sure, I imagine my son does, what I don't have is the inclination. If I was more physically isolated I imagine I might do it. Occasionally I will play along with the radio, but would much rather play when I can see other people's fingers, faces, smell their sweat, knock over their beer, check out their girlfriends.
Oh and I'm going to be away this weekend (burglarers take note, I'll have my instruments with me), but if I were here, I would be at the Rosedale Folk Festival Saturday, September 2 -- Noon to 8pm (rain date: Monday, September 4) Willow Kiln Park, Rosendale, NY http://www.hvmusic.com/folkfest/rosendale/index.shtml
From Freddy Blue Fox
These guys are good! - Bob
The bad news is that The Flying Fox String Band Free Concert at Rosendale's Willow Kiln Park was rained out August 27th. The good news is that the Concert has been rescheduled to Sunday, September 17th at 3PM.
So if you were intending to attend on the 27th and just couldn't make it, you still have a chance to see one of the better Bluegrass/Traditional ensembles in the Hudson Valley in a beautiful and intimate setting, Rosendale's Willow Kiln Park (located behind the theater).
The FLYING FOX STRING BAND is Michael Hunold, Guitar and Lead Vocals, Gail Whistance, Fiddle and Vocals, Bruce Whistance, Guitar, Freddie Blue Fox, 5-String Banjo and Percussion, Ed Seliger, Mandolin, Tin Whistle, Harmonica, Andy Bing, Dobro and Mandolin and Frank Stettner, String Bass.
We will be recording the concert for use on a future CD entitled, "Hot from the Kiln." We hope to see you all there!
Support Bluegrass and Traditional Music in the Hudson Valley!
Freddie Blue Fox
The bad news is that The Flying Fox String Band Free Concert at Rosendale's Willow Kiln Park was rained out August 27th. The good news is that the Concert has been rescheduled to Sunday, September 17th at 3PM.
So if you were intending to attend on the 27th and just couldn't make it, you still have a chance to see one of the better Bluegrass/Traditional ensembles in the Hudson Valley in a beautiful and intimate setting, Rosendale's Willow Kiln Park (located behind the theater).
The FLYING FOX STRING BAND is Michael Hunold, Guitar and Lead Vocals, Gail Whistance, Fiddle and Vocals, Bruce Whistance, Guitar, Freddie Blue Fox, 5-String Banjo and Percussion, Ed Seliger, Mandolin, Tin Whistle, Harmonica, Andy Bing, Dobro and Mandolin and Frank Stettner, String Bass.
We will be recording the concert for use on a future CD entitled, "Hot from the Kiln." We hope to see you all there!
Support Bluegrass and Traditional Music in the Hudson Valley!
Freddie Blue Fox
James Krueger performances
Go and catch James if you can - I'm afraid I'll be in Canada this weekend. - Bob
Hello all - hope you're well. Just a quick note to let you know about the Rosendale Homegrown Folk Festival, happening on Saturday September 2nd with a rain date of Monday the 4th. Location and info to be found here: http://www.hvmusic.com/folkfest/rosendale/
I'll be MCing at the Open Mic stage at 11:00 AM; then performing a 45 minute set on the Canal Stage at 12:30 PM, followed by a workshop which I'll co-teach called "Alt Folk, Garage Folk, New Folk, Whatever Folk", also at the Canal Stage. There are a ton of great performers throughout the day, so come on out if you can.
Other up-coming performances: Saturday September 16: Catskill Heritage Alliance Fall Music and Family Fun Festival: 1 - 5 PM, I'll be performing at 4:00.
Info here: http://www.catskillheritage.org//.
And please mark your calendars for Saturday October 14, which is my birthday. I'll be performing a concert at the Old School Baptist Church, a little country church turned performance space in the Denver-Vega Valley near Roxbury, one of the prettiest valley's in the Catskills. I'll go on at 7:30, and we'll have a little celebration party after, so bring instruments. I'll also be recording this performance. Info on the Old School Baptist Church here: http://www.roxburyny.com/visit/history/first_old_school_baptist_church.html.
More performances found at my website, listed below.
Peace,
James Krueger
www.jameskrueger.com
Hello all - hope you're well. Just a quick note to let you know about the Rosendale Homegrown Folk Festival, happening on Saturday September 2nd with a rain date of Monday the 4th. Location and info to be found here: http://www.hvmusic.com/folkfest/rosendale/
I'll be MCing at the Open Mic stage at 11:00 AM; then performing a 45 minute set on the Canal Stage at 12:30 PM, followed by a workshop which I'll co-teach called "Alt Folk, Garage Folk, New Folk, Whatever Folk", also at the Canal Stage. There are a ton of great performers throughout the day, so come on out if you can.
Other up-coming performances: Saturday September 16: Catskill Heritage Alliance Fall Music and Family Fun Festival: 1 - 5 PM, I'll be performing at 4:00.
Info here: http://www.catskillheritage.org//.
And please mark your calendars for Saturday October 14, which is my birthday. I'll be performing a concert at the Old School Baptist Church, a little country church turned performance space in the Denver-Vega Valley near Roxbury, one of the prettiest valley's in the Catskills. I'll go on at 7:30, and we'll have a little celebration party after, so bring instruments. I'll also be recording this performance. Info on the Old School Baptist Church here: http://www.roxburyny.com/visit/history/first_old_school_baptist_church.html.
More performances found at my website, listed below.
Peace,
James Krueger
www.jameskrueger.com
The Perfect Song
(Cross Posted at
http://bhaavram.blogspot.com/)
As a singer, I have been intrigued by the difference between "good" and "bad" performances. The ideas of "good" and "bad" in bad in this context are both internal and external experinces. I may feel that I have done a wonderful job of singing a song, but the listener may not have enjoyed it. The listener may have negative association with the song, my voice, the physical space that they are listening to it in or there may be countless other reasons that they had a negative (or a positve experience). My experience likewise will be based on how it sounds to me, how I percieve the listener reaction, what my mood is on the day of performance and what my expectations are. As the singer, I also hear the song internally while I'm singing it. the sound resonates incide of me and adds to the harmonic overtones and undertones that are projected, but there is also a feedback loop to my ear that causes me to hear the sound differently than an outside observer. This is one reason it is hard to get the sound of a recording to be like the sound that you think of as "your voice". And then of course is the question of what is a "performance". I have heard people say that Kirtan and other religous music should not be a "performance", but then heard people criticise the singer for bad technique. In that context I believe that you are performing for your God and question of technique....... sorry, this probably needs another 20 pages........
I could go on and on with what causes the subtle philisophical experience of good" and "bad" performances, and I may expand on this elsewhere sometime, but I actually started this post for a different reason - to mention a couple of times when I really nailed the song to the wall, did what I thought was my personal best. They have been few and far between, but one has been on my mind lately and I thought I would mention it.
In May of 2006 I played at a memorial service for a close friend and coworker, Ellen Asher. I sang “Danny Boy”. Now I have sung DB about a hundred times. A lot of people think of it as a corny song. Actually there are a lot of people who think of all Irish Amercan songs of that genre as "corny", ie., not capable of being artistic, having no legitamacy. Well I've always liked cornball stuff and think that it is legitamate in it's own right. Ellen was Irish American and an intelligent, poplitical, modern gay woman. She had mixed feelings about her roots, which is normal and natural, but she had a great sense of humor and I think she would have laughed at the idea of me singing DB at her funeral.
I didn't do it for laughs though. I sang it straight, from the heart, with every nuance of emotion I could get out of it. I have heard people do it as a light hearted song, but I've usually tried to do it as a full voice, emotional ballad. In consequece, if I am singing with other people, if it's appropriate to do it as a throwaway song, I will usually let somebody else do it. At Ellen's memorial service, it was a perfect opportunity for me to give it my all. I gave an apology to the group, saying that I knew some people thought it was corny, but that (true), it had been going through my head ever since Ellen died and it was a song I needed to do. I did it at the beginning of the program, when people were still having trouble acknowledging their grief.
Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling
From glen to glen, and down the mountain side
The summer's gone, and all the flowers are dying
'Tis you, 'tis you must go and I must bide
I had my eyees closed at the beginning of the song, but opened them at this point, just to check out people's reactions. They had obviously all conncected with me.
But come ye back when summer's in the meadow
Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow
It's I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow
Oh Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so
At this point most people think the song is finished and are suprised when I start the second verse.
And if you come, when all the flowers are dying
And I am dead, as dead I well may be
You'll come and find the place where I am lying
And kneel and say an "Ave" there for me
Here I had a slight brain fog and was congradulating myself on how well I was doing, which of course made me lose the emotional thread of the song for a minute. (This happens to performers a lot more than people realize.)
And I shall hear, tho' soft you tread above me
And all my dreams will warmer, sweeter be
If you will bend and tell me that you love me
Then I will sleep in peace until you come to me
By the end I knew I had done a good job and I modestly excused myself and sat down. The afterglow when you've know you've done a good job of singing is a very heady thing and I spent some time trying to focus on the service and thinking what else I could do. The organizers had asked me to do a song at the end. About halfway through the service I remembered a funny song written by a man named Tony Herbert circa 1965. I was only able to do a few verses, but it fit. Ellen was known for her sense of humor and love of word games.
I’m playing scrabble and I’m feeling so depressed
And the cause of my depression is one you might have guessed
I’ve got most of the letters except perhaps a few
And I know I’ll never find another U
I tried writing a verse during the service, but I couldn'tget the words out right. I la, la'd and said something about "dropping by your office". People were emotionally right with me and were able to excuse my lack of ability to remember words with emotion, which perhaps it was. The second verse was funny enough to end on.
I don’t know the reason I find this game so hard
I should have stuck to Ma Jong or perhaps a game of cards
The creators of this board game are making me feel blue
Cause I know I’ll never find another U
Although I’ll probably be asked to sing Danny Boy again at some point in my life, I doubt if I will ever do it as well as I did for Ellen. This is my subjective feeling. Someone who was there may have had a totally different experience. And of course I would want to know that, but the p-ersonal subjective experience is on some level enough. I sang to Ellen and I think she may have heard me - and loved me - and laughed.
http://bhaavram.blogspot.com/)
As a singer, I have been intrigued by the difference between "good" and "bad" performances. The ideas of "good" and "bad" in bad in this context are both internal and external experinces. I may feel that I have done a wonderful job of singing a song, but the listener may not have enjoyed it. The listener may have negative association with the song, my voice, the physical space that they are listening to it in or there may be countless other reasons that they had a negative (or a positve experience). My experience likewise will be based on how it sounds to me, how I percieve the listener reaction, what my mood is on the day of performance and what my expectations are. As the singer, I also hear the song internally while I'm singing it. the sound resonates incide of me and adds to the harmonic overtones and undertones that are projected, but there is also a feedback loop to my ear that causes me to hear the sound differently than an outside observer. This is one reason it is hard to get the sound of a recording to be like the sound that you think of as "your voice". And then of course is the question of what is a "performance". I have heard people say that Kirtan and other religous music should not be a "performance", but then heard people criticise the singer for bad technique. In that context I believe that you are performing for your God and question of technique....... sorry, this probably needs another 20 pages........
I could go on and on with what causes the subtle philisophical experience of good" and "bad" performances, and I may expand on this elsewhere sometime, but I actually started this post for a different reason - to mention a couple of times when I really nailed the song to the wall, did what I thought was my personal best. They have been few and far between, but one has been on my mind lately and I thought I would mention it.
In May of 2006 I played at a memorial service for a close friend and coworker, Ellen Asher. I sang “Danny Boy”. Now I have sung DB about a hundred times. A lot of people think of it as a corny song. Actually there are a lot of people who think of all Irish Amercan songs of that genre as "corny", ie., not capable of being artistic, having no legitamacy. Well I've always liked cornball stuff and think that it is legitamate in it's own right. Ellen was Irish American and an intelligent, poplitical, modern gay woman. She had mixed feelings about her roots, which is normal and natural, but she had a great sense of humor and I think she would have laughed at the idea of me singing DB at her funeral.
I didn't do it for laughs though. I sang it straight, from the heart, with every nuance of emotion I could get out of it. I have heard people do it as a light hearted song, but I've usually tried to do it as a full voice, emotional ballad. In consequece, if I am singing with other people, if it's appropriate to do it as a throwaway song, I will usually let somebody else do it. At Ellen's memorial service, it was a perfect opportunity for me to give it my all. I gave an apology to the group, saying that I knew some people thought it was corny, but that (true), it had been going through my head ever since Ellen died and it was a song I needed to do. I did it at the beginning of the program, when people were still having trouble acknowledging their grief.
Oh Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling
From glen to glen, and down the mountain side
The summer's gone, and all the flowers are dying
'Tis you, 'tis you must go and I must bide
I had my eyees closed at the beginning of the song, but opened them at this point, just to check out people's reactions. They had obviously all conncected with me.
But come ye back when summer's in the meadow
Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow
It's I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow
Oh Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so
At this point most people think the song is finished and are suprised when I start the second verse.
And if you come, when all the flowers are dying
And I am dead, as dead I well may be
You'll come and find the place where I am lying
And kneel and say an "Ave" there for me
Here I had a slight brain fog and was congradulating myself on how well I was doing, which of course made me lose the emotional thread of the song for a minute. (This happens to performers a lot more than people realize.)
And I shall hear, tho' soft you tread above me
And all my dreams will warmer, sweeter be
If you will bend and tell me that you love me
Then I will sleep in peace until you come to me
By the end I knew I had done a good job and I modestly excused myself and sat down. The afterglow when you've know you've done a good job of singing is a very heady thing and I spent some time trying to focus on the service and thinking what else I could do. The organizers had asked me to do a song at the end. About halfway through the service I remembered a funny song written by a man named Tony Herbert circa 1965. I was only able to do a few verses, but it fit. Ellen was known for her sense of humor and love of word games.
I’m playing scrabble and I’m feeling so depressed
And the cause of my depression is one you might have guessed
I’ve got most of the letters except perhaps a few
And I know I’ll never find another U
I tried writing a verse during the service, but I couldn'tget the words out right. I la, la'd and said something about "dropping by your office". People were emotionally right with me and were able to excuse my lack of ability to remember words with emotion, which perhaps it was. The second verse was funny enough to end on.
I don’t know the reason I find this game so hard
I should have stuck to Ma Jong or perhaps a game of cards
The creators of this board game are making me feel blue
Cause I know I’ll never find another U
Although I’ll probably be asked to sing Danny Boy again at some point in my life, I doubt if I will ever do it as well as I did for Ellen. This is my subjective feeling. Someone who was there may have had a totally different experience. And of course I would want to know that, but the p-ersonal subjective experience is on some level enough. I sang to Ellen and I think she may have heard me - and loved me - and laughed.
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