Red Maria

I play fiddle. When New Providence started back in February our musical director demanded that *everyone* in the group play and instrument and not just sing vocals AND not everyone play the tambourine! So I was trying to think of an instrument to play that wasn’t a tambourine when she brought in a violin. It was something she had bought years ago to learn to play but discovered a deformity of one of her fingers prevented her from holding the bow properly. She wanted to see if anyone one knew how to play or wanted to learn. She showed it me and I was immediately harkening back to when my brother David tried to teach me to play when I was 10 and he was 12. Not a good experience to say the least. So I was hesitant to try. I picked up an instrument at a folk music store called a strumstick that was very easy to learn too easy as matter of fact. My mind kept on going back to that fiddle and I decide I needed to get over my childhood trauma and give it a go. I made a deal with Amy that she would loan me the fiddle, I would find a teacher, give it a try and if I took too it she would sell the fiddle to me at a reasonable price. I had the bow rehaired because it was a mess and infested with bow bugs. I’ve also had the bridge replaced as it was a piece of crap that didn’t align the strings right so they kept falling out of tune and breaking. Afterall that She just gave me the violin. Now a strange thing happened. One day one of my old co-workers stopped by to see our new office in the old rare book reading room. Her name is Becky and I knew she played violin in an orchestra and also Scottish fiddle in a duo. I figured she know a good teacher so I asked her if she knew of a teacher and she said that she did and that she had started teaching herself. I asked the price and she said $20.00 per hr. So since the begining of March I have been going every Tuesday evening to class from 6:30-7:30 pm. I practice everyday from ½ hour to 2 hours depending on my schedule. I’m finally getting to the point where the cat doesn’t hide under the bed when I play. I can play the Derelict pretty well now and I am working on Krushkin Lan and a tune called Nancy Dawson (used in the RN to announce the grog ration). I'm trying to do research on what a fiddler would have played during the GAoP. Then build a repertoire besides anything I may one day do with the band. Afterall there were fiddlers aboard pirate ships often pressed into service cause pirates like music! :)

Youre in easy bus and metroline distance to go to Chinatown (many good restaurants Ocean Seafood, Samm Woo's Barbque ...), Olvera Street,(place or two with good food) Disney Concert Center, the Music Center, MOCA (Museum of Contemorary Art) and many other places. One of my favorite places is inbetween Olver Street, Chinatown and Union Station there is a place called Philllpe's. It been there since at least 1916 and claims to have invented the French dip sandwich. The ambience is 1930's the food prices are very inexpensive. Coffee is still only 9 cents! The sandwiches are great and they have beef, turkey, lamb and ham. You can get it single dip (one side of the bread or double dip (both sides dipped). The side sladsa are great and for what the place looks like they have an incredible wine list! Here a downtown L.A. guide: http://www.downtownnews.com/dtvg/index1.html If you have the time come and see me at the Huntington. www.huntington.org You can get there easiliy by taking the Gold Line from Union Station to and I'll pick you upthe Allen Ave. station. Then you can walk down about a mile or call me. PM me and let me know if and when you want to visit.

Seafaring and civilization : maritime perspectives on world history / .Philip De Souza. London : Profile, 2002 ISBN 1861973624

Nelson'r Victory: 101 Questions & Answers About HMS Victory Neslon's Flagship at Trafalgar 1805 / by Peter Goodwin Naval Institute Press , 2005 1591146151

Even better the notation fron Digital Tradition! http://www.8notes.com/scores/5512.asp?ftype=midi

I think you mean sheet music. Or maybe tab sheet. You might try a search on the Mudcat Cafe http://www.mudcat.org/ Good luck!

I had a a roommate who use to be a zoolologist/primatelogist and kept 13 monkeys as pets (not when I roomed with her). She said capuchin monkeys (like the monkey Jack in the film) are very birght, in your face monkeys. There not necessairaly afraid but they will challenge you. She was not surprised to hear the monkey was a pain in the a*&. :)

Not pirates but a a major figure in maritime history> During the month of October, there is an exhibit on Admiral Horatio Nelson in the Trustees Room. On October 21, 1805, Nelson was killed at the Battle of Trafalgar, his greatest victory. His death immortalized him as the great naval hero of British history. The exhibit displays items from the Huntington’s collections relating to Trafalgar. But there was another Nelson, the man who was in love with one of the great beauties of his time – Emma Hamilton. Their affair – each was married to another person – was notorious and caused them both much heartache. The exhibit illuminates Nelson’s passion for Emma through the extensive collection of his letters at the Huntington. Robert C. Ritchie Director of Research The Huntington 1151 Oxford Rd. San Marino, CA 91108 Come on by if you're in the nieghborhood!

Yeah well, I think MRS. Disney will take care of that in short order. His wife dresses him in ugly Hawaiian shirts! Usually it's the wife who trys and dissaudes the husband from dressing in them. Must be a very tolerant woman. :)

Yes he is... I was coming back from the Disney University this morning and passed by two gents talking in the rotunda. This voice says: "What? No hug??" I turn back and there is Roy with a really boring golf shirt on and his arms open wide. After my sudden shock wore off it was back to normal and I said: "Roy! Oh my Lord! I didn't recognize you without one of those really ugly Hawaiian shirts on!" (A running thing with us) We talked a little and I can tell you, the place already feels differnt. Yeah, it's good to have him home. :) Now if you can get him back in those Hawaiian shirts all will be trully well. :)

Yeah sure is. It looks like the one you picked up a couple of years ago at Fireblood.

Who's a pain? The monkey, the parrot or both. BB Try a little ginger beer for the seasickness. You're in the Caribbean you should be able to get some.

Sorry I missed you Redd! But with that was going on I barely saw anyone. Glad you had a good time though. :)

Oh I did see that. It's just that Iron Bess hated that monkey. It was a pain in the a**.

Hmmm! Is that what happened to that blasted monkey?! Haven't seen any photos of it from POTC II or III.

Ace I just heard about this. If I had known about this I would have found something to donate to the auction. I hope your wife is better. My thoughts and prayers to all your loved ones.

What he said :)

Zorg you're back! Drinks all around! Great stuff :)

Capt. William This just came into the Library and I agree with Capt. Syn it is a definate must. I wouldn't mind trying these recipies on PRP at an encampment sometime. Also just good information on the food, diet, victulling cooking etc. of the period.

I guess that makes 2 real Black Pearls. This one and the tall ship by that name. :)

That's right BHP

Fiddle definately. I've seen illustrations of a fiddler standing on top of the capstan fiddling, while other seamen pushed the capstan. A little late for the period I saw in the periodical Martime Life and Traditions a fiddle from a 19th c. whaler whose tailpiece, neck and pegs were all scrimshaw whalebone. I've been researching what tunes a GAoP fiddler would play. I've been studying fiddle for about six months now. I'm actually beginning not to frighten the cat when I play. I forgot to add that at least one fiddle has been found aborad the Mary Rose. If you want to see a picture of said fiddle go to your local library and see if it has the New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians (usually in Ready Reference). It's in v.8 pf 771

I second that! I thank Capt. Gary ang his lady for welcoming me aborad his ship. Also thank you Gary for the book. I've been going through the pages looking up info on tall ship after tall ship including the Royaliste. I look forawrd to seeing bot of you (one each day of course) at Oaji. :)

What wonderful pictures Rummy! Especially the ones of New Providence. I forgot to get someone to take pictures od us performing and Sunday's performance had to be cancelled. Is it possible to get copies? Or put them on a CD so they can be shared with the rest of NP? Thank you very much :)

Nope. I'm going to be in Dana Point for the Tall Ships Festival. New Providence will be playing on the Royaliste at 2pm Saturday and Sunday. Another miserable hot weekend in Corona?! Are you mad?! I'd rather have cool breezes and ocean. :) Aren't you coming to Tall Ships Petee?