President`s Message from Tom Mansell

Volume 29, Issue 12 - August 2006
A monthly publication of the Paint Creek Folklore Society, Rochester Hills, Michigan
President's Message from Tom Mansell
Ours is a simple faith
Life is a short embrace
Heaven is in this place
Everyday
-- David Tamulevich
As this is the last time my ramblings will adorn the cover of Keepin’ Tabs, I
am delighted to be able to use the opportunity to tell you about Summerfest,
a delightful International Folk Music and Arts Festival that was held July 1st
and 2nd in New Bedford, Massachusetts.
Beverly and I were charmed by this former whaling port with its well preserved
cobblestone streets and many historic buildings. These days, New Bedford is
home to hundreds of commercial fishing vessels. This fleet has consistently
made New Bedford the number one fishing port in the USA in terms of dollar
value of its catch.
This was the eleventh edition of the Greater New Bedford Summerfest and I
predict that there will be many more to follow. Headliners this year were David
Olney, April Verch, Livingston Taylor, Michelle Dominguez Greene, Ronny
Cox, Lori McKenna, Jeff Davis, and Eliza Gilkyson. Rounding out the roster of
performers were the likes of Cliff Eberhardt, John Gorka, Art Tebbetts, Steve
Tilston, Howie Bursen, John Roberts and Tony Barrand, Joe Crookston, Liz
Carlisle, Pat Wictor, Sloan Wainwright, Scott Alarik, The Kennedys, Anne Hills,
Pete Morton, Bob Franke, Karen Tweed, and our personal favorites, Mustard’s
Retreat.
Mustard’s Retreat
Photo by Chuck Morse
There were six venues, running from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm both days. The most
common performance setup involved four to six musicians doing a themed
workshop, song circle style. We did a lot of hopping from venue to venue, and
we got to see almost every performer. As well, there were many purveyors of
arts & crafts, and some extraordinarily beautiful jewelry for sale. Plenty of great
food was available at the festival and in the downtown New Bedford area.
Our traveling companions were our friends Marilyn Driggs and Linda Beech.
Linda suggested the trip to us a few months ago and, having lived in
Massachusetts for several years, was an invaluable guide and a treasure trove
of information, both historical and recreational. David Tamulevich and Michael
Hough (Mustard’s Retreat) were amazed and delighted to see the four of us.
Together we made up the Michigan contingent, and clapped and cheered for
every song MR played. The high point was singing harmony with the boys when
they performed Simple Faith. We got to see many of the singer/songwriters that
we had only heard on the radio.
David Olney
© 1997 Appel Farm Arts
and Music Center
Another thrill for me was meeting David Olney. I was listening to him perform
some of his songs and trying to figure out a way to ask him to play Jerusalem
Tomorrow, my favorite Olney composition. I’d made a small sign on the back of
a schedule and was biding my time. I couldn’t seem to catch his eye and as he
started his last song of the workshop, figured it just wasn’t gonna happen. But
then, about three words into that song, he stopped, having forgotten the words.
He turned away for a second and when he turned back to face the audience, I
was at the ready with my sign. He looked at it, said, “I have a request to do,” and
performed Jerusalem Tomorrow. What a rush!! Afterwards, I got to say some
appreciative words to David, and Beverly took a few photos of us. Very cool! a
Volume 29, Issue 12 - August 2006 – Page 2
Next Meeting
Announcements
September 2, 2006
Jamming from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Workshop starts at 7:30 pm
Followed by snacks, a song swap,
and more jamming until midnight!
Membership Renewal Time
Check out the enclosed membership form for
the 2006-2007 “folk year”! Get a single
membership for $35, or include the family for
just $50.
Lawnridge Hall
University Presbyterian Church
1385 South Adams Road
Rochester Hills, Michigan 48309
Lawnridge hall is on the east side of Adams
Road, between Hamlin and Avon.
PCFS Website Manager Needed!
After quite a long stint as PCFS Website
Manager, Cindy Simmons will be stepping
down this month. She leaves the position
with our deepest thanks for the great job she
has done. We are urgently looking for a
replacement so the PCFS website can
continue to be updated. Interested persons
should contact Tom Mansell at
[email protected]. To visit the PCFS
website, go to paintcreekfolkloresociety.org.
Creekers at the Folk Alliance Conference
Floyd King and the Bushwackers will one of
the juried showcase acts at the Folk Alliance
Region Midwest (FARM) Conference. The
Bushackers include PCFS members Denise
Marie Stein and Maggie Ferguson, as well as
local talents Jim Bizer and – of course Dennis Kingsbury (aka Floyd King). The
conference is being held in Hickory Corners,
Michigan from Friday, October 13 through
Sunday, October 15. Check out the whole
event at www.farmfolk.org/gathering.html.
Keepin’ Tabs is the monthly newsletter for, by, and about the Paint Creek Folklore Society. Paint Creek Folklore Society is a nonprofit
organization, a center for The Country Dance and Song Society of America (CDSS), a member of the North American Folk Alliance, and a
supporter of folklore, folksong and folkdance societies, groups and individuals whose interest is in the preservation of and education in
traditional music and dance.
A subscription to Keepin’ Tabs is included with membership in PCFS - please see the membership form included in this issue. A subscription
without membership is $15, and runs though through September 2007. Make your check or money order out to Paint Creek Folklore Society,
and mail to Caylynn Mather, PCFS Membership Chair, 46020 Spring Lane, #204, Shelby Twp., MI 48317-4863.
Deadline for the September issue is the August 15th. You can mail articles, gig schedules, announcements, reviews, pictures, illustrations,
corrections, comments, requests, and errata to Andy Mather, KT Editor, at the same address, or via email to [email protected].
Volume 29, Issue 12 - August 2006 – Page 3
The 2006 – 2007 PCFS Calendar
General meetings are open to the public, and
held the first Saturday of the month,
September through June. Folks of all ages are
welcome. Admission is just $7 for guests, and
includes a free copy of our next Keepin’ Tabs.
If you join, you get free admission to the
monthly meetings and a subscription to the
newsletter.
There is usually jamming in the afternoon, but
the official meeting starts with a workshop at
7:30 pm. In the past, workshops topics have
included storytelling, mini-concerts, instrument
making, instrumental and vocal styles from
other times or places (African, bamboo flute,
steel drum, blues, renaissance, and
barbershop to name a few), as well as hands
on how-to workshops on ukulele, harmonica,
songwriting, shape-note and harmony singing.
After the workshop we break for snacks and
talk, and then reconvene. After any
announcements, we hold a Song Swap. It’s
like an open mike, but the room has good
acoustics, so we don’t need a mike. Members
and guests alike are welcome to share a song
or tune. It’s a very warm, safe audience, so
we’ve had many public debuts. We also have
a lot of very talented musicians, and you never
know what you may hear. Then we break up
and do some more jamming until midnight. The
building has a lot of rooms, and there are
usually several groups of singers,
instrumentalists, and jammers to visit. Every
month is different, but it’s always fun.
In addition to the monthly meetings, we offer a
big concert in November called the Tin Whistle,
a dance in February (with AACTMAD) called A
Starry Night for a Ramble, and an all-day public
event; May Play Day. We even have an
affiliated house concert series called the Comfy
Concerts. Please note that the dates below are
preliminary, so stay tuned for additions and
updates!
September 2, 2006 – Regular meeting
October 7, 2006- Regular meeting
November 4, 2006 - Regular meeting
November 18, 2006 - Tin Whistle
December 2, 2006 - Holiday potluck
January 6, 2007 – Regular meeting
February 3, 2007 - Regular meeting
February 10, 2007 - Starry Night for a Ramble
March 3, 2007 - Regular meeting
April 7, 2007 - Regular meeting
May 5, 2007 - May Play Day
June 2, 2007 - Regular meeting
July 7, 2007 – Annual Picnic
Paint Creek Folklore Society Statement of Purpose
♫ To gather folk interested in folklore, song,
folkdance and the love of music and musical
instruments
♫ To provide a meeting place for folk to share
folklore, song, folkdance and the lore of music, and
play musical instruments in folk and traditional styles
♫ To search out the lore and legend of music and
musical instruments
♫ To encourage the exchange of publications and
recordings for use as teaching aids for playing and
singing enthusiasts
♫ To exchange styles and discoveries in
techniques of singing, dancing, and playing
musical instruments
♫ To develop and present workshops as aids
in furthering the understanding of instruments,
singing, dancing, and playing styles
♫ To provide the opportunity to perform before
an audience so as to enhance singing and
playing abilities
♫ To offer knowledge, abilities, and skills to all
ages and groups for education and entertainment
Volume 29, Issue 12 - August 2006 – Page 4
PCFS Board of Directors Transition
As reported last month, some key board members are stepping down after a great two-year run. Many
thanks again to President Tom Mansell, Vice President Maggie Ferguson, Secretary Cindy Feigel, and
Member-at-Large Charlie Feigel for the excellent service you have given to Paint Creek!
We are grateful also to our Treasurer, Barb Esler, who has agreed to stay on yet another term, as have
Members-at-Large Jack Ferguson, Denise Marie Stein, and Terry North (who occasionally doubles as
assistant treasurer). Also elected were Mary St. Clair as Secretary, and Mike Acosta as Member-atLarge, both of whom are former society Presidents. Their collective experience will be a great asset to
the new Board.
Congratulations especially to our newly elected President Jim Foley and Vice President Jere Stormer.
We are excited to have your enthusiasm and energy. Thank you to all who give so generously of your
time so that the group continues to run smoothly!
Board Members
September 2005 to August 2006
September 2006 to August 2007
President
Tom Mansell, (586) 286-2615
[email protected]
Jim Foley, (248) 879-6516
[email protected]
Vice President
Maggie Ferguson, (248) 338-9389
[email protected]
Jere Stormer, (248) 399-3486
[email protected]
Secretary
Cindy Feigel , (734) 913-9235
[email protected]
Mary St. Clair, (248) 363-2307
[email protected]
Treasurer
Barbara Esler, (248) 860-6883
[email protected]
Member-at-Large
Terry North, (586) 463-2649
[email protected]
Member-at-Large
Jack Ferguson, (248) 338-9389
[email protected]
Member-at-Large
Denise Marie Stein, (586) 778-9643
[email protected]
Member-at-Large
Charlie Feigel, (734) 913-9235
[email protected]
Mike Acosta, (248) 538-1275
[email protected]
Presidents Emeritus
Caylynn & Andy Mather
Tom Mansell, (586) 286-2615
[email protected]
Upcoming PCFS Board Meeting
The transitional PCFS Board meeting will be held at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, August 16th, at
the home of Mary St.Clair. Members are not required to attend board meetings but are always
welcome. Please pass on all suggestions for discussions through any board member.
Because there will be a lot of us at this meeting, Tom has requested that we each bring a
small dish of finger food to share, including veggies & dip, fruits, or sweets. a
Volume 29, Issue 12 - August 2006 – Page 5
No Direction Home – A Review
By Edna Garte
Bob Dylan’s television documentary No
Direction Home, produced by Martin
Scorsese, was wonderful in the way it
brought out music and life in the late ‘50s
and ‘60s, while allowing the musicians to
come through as people. Combined with
interviews, the film clips opened a window
into the social-political environment and a
subculture of artists and activists. Part I, in
particular, brought out the beauty of mature
musicians coming together to comment on
what they’d experienced as adolescents
and young adults.
At one point in Part II, Bob Johnson
commented on how you could hear the
‘holy spirit’ in Dylan’s music. Charlie Rose,
in an interview with Martin Scorsese
afterwards, expressed amazement that one
individual has had so much influence.
None of this can be denied, but it can, as
Dylan keeps pointing out, get overblown.
People expressed profound feelings in
music, and (I feel) they touched on
something beyond passing orientations of
the time. What amazed me in the midsixties was that people like Bob Dylan, Paul
Simon and Joan Baez could bring that
realness into the media.
The segment on Newport was an
enlightening expose of the dangers of
gossip, which quickly distorted an
overheard remark by Pete Seeger.
According to an Internet article by Bruce
Jackson, kids in the audience were
chanting “We want Bobby” because the act was
short, and the ‘No’s were about his leaving the
stage. The nature of the instruments had
nothing to do with it. (“The Myth of Newport ’65:
It Wasn’t Bob Dylan They Were Booing,”
buffaloreport.com/020826dylan.html).
The conflicts evoked by groups of ‘protesters’ at
later concerts distracted from what both the
‘protesters’ and
the musicians
valued most.
Film clips,
however, brought
out the reality of
the musicians’
experience.
They also
highlighted the
absurdity of
questions from
reporters who
hadn’t heard the
songs, and the way an artist can keep his
integrity by refusing to be grilled.
A television documentary is a wonderful thing,
but it’s not life. In life there’s an ability to
respond. I find I meet people who are making
music, or relate to music, or have other ways to
express the human spirit, almost everywhere I
go. I hope we can all come together enough to
make its voice heard.
Edna Garte is a singer, songwriter, and long-time
member of Paint Creek
Do you want to publish your review, article, photo, original artwork or other content related to, or of
interest to Pant Creekers? Send it in for consideration to [email protected], or mail it to
Andy Mather, KT Editor,. 46020 Spring Lane, #204, Shelby Twp., MI 48317-4863.
Volume 29, Issue 12 - August 2006 – Page 6
More Changes
Shirley Worth, our KT editor, has moved away.
The good news is that she has left her address
so you can all reminisce with her about what a
great publication this used to be, and
commiserate on the sad state to which it will
soon have fallen. Here’s how to reach her:
So now you get me as the editor. And yes, that’s
why the publication is so late this month. I
promise to have it a little more together for the
September issue. Until then please forgive the
font-pas and point out any errors, omissions, and
such. Many thanks in advance,
Shirley Worth and Peter Hiltz
2292 Elkhorn Court
San José, CA 95125
408.978.2406
248.231.0450 (cell)
Your humble editor,
Andy Mather
Thank you, Shirley, for your hard work and
great results! We will miss you!
Photo by Althea Doolittle
Some of Our Favorite Folk Websites
Ann Arbor Council for Traditional Music and Dance
(AACTMAD), listing of Michigan dance events
(734) 332-9024, www.aactmad.org
The Ark, 316 Main Street, Ann Arbor 734.761.1451,
www.a2ark.org
Blue Water Folk Society, www.bluewaterfolk.org
Country Dance and Song Society (CDSS),
www.cdss.org
Dirty Linen Magazine, www.dirtylinen.com
Dulcimers, www.dulcimers.com
Creole Gallery, 1218 Turner Street, Lansing
(517) 4487-9549
www.lansing.com/creolegallery
East River Folk Society, First Presbyterian Church,
2250 Oak Street, Wyandotte. Coffee House, Trenton
Theater, 2447 W. Jefferson, Trenton,
www.geocities.com/SoHo/Studios/9943
Elderly Instruments, 110 N. Washington, Lansing
517.372.7880 www.elderly.com
Flint Folk Music Society, Mott Mem. Auditorium,
Court St., Flint 810.238.0496, www.flintfolkmusic.org
Folk Alliance (North American Folk Music & Dance
Alliance) www.folk.org
Folk Alley www.folkalley.com
Live! from the Living Room, Blue Note Café,
7 Saginaw, Pontiac
groups.yahoo.com/group/livefromthelivingroom
Folks Like Us, Matt Watroba Folk Calendar
www.folkslikeus.org
Mama’s Coffeehouse, Birmingham UU Church,
651 N. Woodward, Bloom-field Hills 248.647.2380,
248.569.0965 www.mamascoffeehouse.org
Michigan Fingerstyle Guitar Society,
www.fingerstyle.org
No Depression Magazine, www.nodepression.net
Oakland County Traditional Dance Society (OCTDS),
listing of Detroit area dance events 248.968.3565
community.mlive.com/octds
Off-the-wall Acoustic Coffeehouse, St. William Parish,
531 Common St., Walled Lake, MI 48390, www.off-thewall.org
Paint Creek Folkore Society,
www.paintcreekfolkloresociety.org
Rochester Folk Workshop, www.rochesterfolk.com
Riverfolk Music & Arts Festival, Manchester,
www.riverfolkestival.org
Sing Out! www.singout.org
SLUMCity Coffee House, Seymour Lake United
Methodist Church, 3050 Sashabaw Rd, Oxford
www.seymorlakeumc.org/t/share/docs/slumcity.html
Ten Pound Fiddle, Unitarian Universalist Church, 855
Grove St., East Lansing 517.337.7744,
www.tenpoundfiddle.org
Trinity House, 38840 W. Six Mile, Livonia 734-464-6302
www.trinityhouse.org
The Full Circle Concert Series, Starlight Theatr, 315
Telegraph, Waterford 248.335.1788
www.starlighttheater.net
Who’s At First Coffeehouse, First United Methodist
Church, 320 West 7th Street, Royal Oak, MI
248.541.4100 www.whosatfirst.org
Windsor Folk Music Society, www.windsorfolk.org
Volume 29, Issue 12 - August 2006 – Page 7
Folk Calendar for August 2006
Sunday, July 30
♫ James Keelaghan (Contemporary Folk) at The Ark, 8pm $13.50
Tuesday, August 01
♫ Tarbox Ramblers (Blues/Country) at The Ark, 8pm $13.50
♫ Lee Murdock (Great Lakes Ballads) at the Lincoln Township Public Library, Stevensville, MI, 7pm $FREE,
Wednesday, August 02
♫ Paul Geremia (Blues) at The Ark, 8pm $15
Thursday, August 03
♫ Gaelic Storm (Celtic/British Isles) at The Ark, 8pm $35
♫ Matt Watroba with Theresa Smith and David Mosher at Irons Park in West Branch, MI, 7pm $FREE
♫ Trisha Yearwood (Country) at the Meadow Brook Music Festival in Rochester Hills, MI
Friday, August 04
♫ Slaid Cleaves & Greg Trooper (Contemporary Folk) at The Ark, 8pm $13.50
Saturday, August 05
♫ Livingston Taylor (Contemporary Folk) at The Ark, 8pm $20
♫ The Balduck Mountain Ramblers at SterlingFest, 12-3pm www.balduckmtnramblers.com
Sunday, August 06
♫ “Frigg” at The Ark, 8pm $20
♫ Matt Watroba at Greenfield Village “strolling around throughout the day”
Wednesday, August 09
♫ Dixie Power Trio (Cajun/Zydeco/Jazz) at The Ark, 8 pm $13.50
♫ String Fever at the Highland Township office (1 bl. S and W of M-59 & Milford) 7:30pm
Thursday, August 10
♫ Tinsley Ellis (Blues) at The Ark, 8 pm $15
1835 Guitar
Tuesday, August 08
♫ Del Castillo (World) at The Ark, 8pm $12.50
♫ John Sinclair and his Motor City Blues Band at the Creole Gallery, 7:30pm $15
Friday, August 11
♫ Great Lakes Folk Festival in East Lansing, www.greatlakesfolkfest.net $Free
♫ The Iguanas (Cajun/Zydeco/Dance Floor/Roots) at The Ark, 8 pm $17.50
Saturday, August 12
♫ Nomo (Jazz/Local/Regional/World) at The Ark, 8 pm $13.50
♫ Picks and Sticks Stringband at the Hillsdale Fiddlers Convention all day, concert at 5pm
Sunday, August 13
♫ Brooks & Dunn (Country) at the DTE Energy Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI
Monday, August 14
♫ Bob Schneider, (Contemporary Folk) at The Ark, 8pm $15
Tuesday, August 15
♫ Peter Yorn (Contemporary Folk) at The Ark, 8pm $20
Wednesday, August 16
♫ Matt Watroba with Jukebox Folk, at Music by the Mill, Linden, MI, 7pm
Thursday, August 17
♫ Ditty Bops (Contemporary Folk/Women’s) at The Ark, 8 pm $15
♫ Milwaukee Irish Fest, www.irishfest.com (Out of State)
Friday, August 18
♫ Kelly Joe Phelps (Contemporary Folk) at The Ark, 8 pm $15
Saturday, August 19
♫ Bruce Robison (Country) at The Ark, 8 pm $15
Continued…
Volume 29, Issue 12 - August 2006 – Page 8
Folk Calendar for August 2006, continued
Monday, August 21
♫ Little Feat (Rock) at The Ark, 8 pm $36
Wednesday, August 23
♫ Millish (Celtic/British Isles) at The Ark, 8 pm $13.50
Thursday, August 24
♫ Freebo & Photoglo (Contemporary Folk) at The Ark, 8 pm $15
♫ Loretta Lynn at the Meadow Brook Music Festival, Rochester Hills, MI
♫ Picks and Sticks at the Midland Dulcimer Festival, folkmusicsociety.org/festival.html
Friday, August 25
♫ Suzy Bogguss (Country) an up-close-and-personal evening at The Ark, 8 pm $25
♫ The Glengarry Bhoys, 4th Annual Harbor Celtic Festival in Harbor Springs, 7pm
Saturday, August 26
♫ Billy Joe Shaver (Country) at The Ark, 8 pm $20
Sunday, August 27
♫ Robbie Fulks (Country) at The Ark, 8 pm $13.50
Tuesday, August 29
♫ Forge Mountain Diggers (Traditional) Take a Chance Tuesday at The Ark, 8 pm $FREE
Wednesday, August 30
♫ Annie Capps at Zingerman's Roadhouse, Ann Arbor, MI, 5-8pm
August Festivals
August 3-6, 2006: Woodtick Music Festival in the U.P. www.woodtickfestival.com
August 4-6, 2006: Sleeping Bear Dunegrass & Blues Festival in Empire (east of Traverse City). www.leelanau.com/dunegrass/
August 4-6, 2006: Bluegrass In The Park 2006 in Atlanta, MI (east of Gaylord) www.atlantamichigan.com/bluegrass/index.html
August 5, 2006: Riverfolk Music & Arts Festival in Manchester (a little southwest of Ann Arbor). www.riverfolkfestival.org
August 11-13, 2006: Great Lakes Folk Festival in East Lansing. www.greatlakesfolkfest.net
August 11-13, 2006: Music at Milford Memories Summer Festival in Milford www.milfordmemories.com/1/mm/Entertainment.asp
August 17-19, 2006: Leslie Bluegrass Festival - 13th Annual in Leslie (south of Lansing). www.jerryyatesbluegrass.com
August 25-27, 2006: Blues by the Bay in East Tawas (on Lake Huron shoreline). www.bluesbythebaytawas.com
Folk Radio Calendar
Tuesdays
The Old Front Porch with Maggie Ferguson, 5 to 7 pm on 88.3 FM/www.oakland.edu/org/wxou
Saturdays
Folks Like Us with Matt Watroba, 11am to 2pm on 101.9 FM/www.wdetfm.org
Arkansas Traveler with Larry McDaniel, 2 to 4pm on 101.9 FM/www.wdetfm.org
Sundays
Deep River with Robert Jones, 1 to 3pm on 101.9 FM/www.wdetfm.org
A Prairie Home Companion, 1 to 3pm on 91.7 FM/www.michiganradio.org
Thistle and Shamrock, 8 to 9pm on 91.7 FM/www.michiganradio.org
Volume 29, Issue 12 - August 2006
46020 Spring Lane, #204
Shelby Twp., MI 48317-4863
Fold Here
p
i
h
ers
b
m
e
!
m
m
r
S
o
F
f
C
p
i
P
h
r
s
ou
er
y
b
m
w
e
e
n
m
e
r
e
o
th
t
n
e
i
l
i
tim
a
s
m
’
t
I
to
e
r
u
Be s