Sunday, April 19, 2015

After PeterFest



It will take some time to come down from the highs of yesterday's PeterFest.  It was a day of memories, music, meetings, and old friendships and new.  I met Peter when he was the director of Hassle House in 1980.  One former co-worker came all the way from Florida to be here.  

Family and friends came from afar, too, and so many people from all walks of Peter's life.  

In past years Peter would sometimes read the accomplishments of his peers in Duke Magazine and say, "I am such a slacker."  Yesterday, if anything, proved that Peter was anything but a slacker.  In fact, one acquaintance came up to me to say, "I can't believe all that Peter has done.  I am such a slacker."


PETERFEST PART 1
(Photos courtesy of Dan Way)

This was what we called "The Service," held at Peter's beloved Schley Grange Hall just 4.5 miles up Schley Road beyond the farm.  The hall was packed, "SRO," as Peter loved to say about music venues (standing room only).  

Peter's sister, Karen, thought to bring Peter's guitar to remind us that he would have been there, picking along with the others.  



Peter's college friend Marty Ellin was a most excellent emcee.  One of Peter's former band members told me today (they were practicing here) that he thinks Marty has another calling ahead of him when he gets tired of being a lawyer.



The Service alternated speakers and music.  Below is the Doc Branch Band doing one of their two songs.


 Peter's life-long friend Evan Rashkoff hit the perfect mix of who Peter was...caring and funny.  Evan's wife, Clare, and I talk about the times we've come into the room when these two were on the phone laughing so hard they might fall off of their sofas.


Other speakers for Part 1 included Julius Jenkins, from Peter's VA Writing Group, Taylor Ellerbee, family friend whose writing about the farm and the pond moved Peter deeply, Anne Montgomery, Peter's friend from the Schley Grange, Peggy Sexton, former co-worker, Mary Spradlin, from Peter's extensive volunteering with the Red Cross, David Ginzberg, Peter's uncle (also able to make us laugh),  Geoff Hathaway, music buddy and close friend, and Ebeth Scott-Sinclair, who had worked with Peter on many music and volunteer endeavors.

Besides the Doc Branch Band, playing "Yellow Rose of Texas" and "Sittin' on Top of the World," the other musical acts included Peter's former bands - Green River Band playing a song Clarence Clemmons taught them ("Savin' Up") and"The Flashbacks," playing "Knocking On Heaven's Door," and "Stella," a 7 woman acapella act with Jennifer Evans, singing a rousing "Up Above My Head."

Thanks to Sharon Van Horn who brought food and drink for the musicians, to Gayle Dauverd, Marty Ellin, and Jeremy Collins for set up and take-down (there may have been others I don't know about, so thank you, too).  Thanks to my daughters and sons-in-law, and to all of the speakers and performers who made this first portion of the day such a tribute to who Peter was in this world.


PETERFEST PART 2
(All but first and last two photos courtesy of Dan Way)


First-off, after much gnashing of teeth, the day turned out beautiful.  It was partly-cloudy, which shielded the musicians from the hot sun.  It was warm enough, and despite reports of heavy rain showers all around us, not a drop fell at Down Yonder Farm until after the guests left.  That's because there was an invisible dome over the farm, I am convinced.  Today, Sunday, has rained all day.  We hit it just right with the weather, as with everything else.



This is Red's Rhythm, the band Peter performed with until his death.  Stacey wrote a song for our 30th Anniversary and performed it (to my tears):

I know a place where we can meet, behind the barn where the air is sweet.
The bees go by, sing their lullaby for you and me, after all these years beneath the tree.
I’ll always be the one to love you.  I’ll always be the one to hold you.
Whether the sun comes up or the rain falls down on us, I am yours.

RR also performed a song Peter had requested, Tracy Chapman's "Say Hallelujah

Say Hallelujah
Throw up your hands
The bucket is kicked
The body is gone

Dry your eyes
And stand upright
Put a smile on your face
He wouldn't want us to cry

The sun will rise
The stars will shine
Turning day to dusk
And night to dawn
We'll pass on
But until that time

Say Hallelujah...


This was the scene taken from the porch of my writing studio.  We learned that we can hold a mini-music festival in the back yard.  What a scene!

Back at the farm the music unfolded more like a jam/festival though all the songs that Peter requested (and a few of mine) were sung.  These included Money Honey (Flashbacks/Billitones) , Stand by Lynn McGee and the Monarchs, Saw her Standing There and Stop Draggin' My Heart Around by Red's Rhythm, Savin' Up and Passionate Kisses, by Green River Band, No Woman No Cry by Rachel Stern Parting Glass by Stella, and Elija Rock by Jennifer Evans and Rick Keena.  Members of Mobile City Band jumped in for Money Honey, and Mary Rocap sang Save Somebody.  Look for some of Mary's writings about Peter in future posts.  These were among so many others!  Thank you all, and please send corrections or additions.

We missed having Harvey Arnold with us to perform Every Mornin' and Wish I Was a Catfish with Billy Stevens.  We also missed Bubba Norwood, who couldn't be with us.  We might have to have a PeterFest Part 3 to get those acts in.

Jessie and Amanda each sang a song , Guilty and Stand By Me respectively, and then they coaxed me up (before a much smaller crowd) to sing Late In The Day, which I'd practiced a bit with Jessie.  Like the Tom Paxton song I shared on the "Scattering" post, the words of this song have haunted me, and I've sung them nonstop since Peter died:


Late in the day when shadows start to play
On my backdoor and up and down this alleyway
I think back on the times with your hand in mine
We sat talking low...late in the day
It seems you never know a good thing till it goes
Slippin' through your fingers...that's just the price I pay
For being my own man and doin' the best I can
Now I'm alone without a plan...late in the day

Now I pour whiskey, break the ice
Put my feet up and close my eyes
I try hard to listen to what my heart might say
Try to find the rhyme to take me back in time
And be with you here...late in the day

...My life is still the same
My lips still call your name
And my heart can't hide the pain
Late in the day

Here's a version of a young Tim O'Brien performing his song: Late In The Day

I am going to attempt a few additional thank yous for now for those that made the time here on the farm possible, but I know that others pitched in that I didn't even know about, and of course there is a chance I'll overlook someone, but here goes.

First, every time I woke up in the wee hours of the night, frantic over PeterFest details, the following day I got a phone call or email from a very competent person who said, "I've cleared the day for you...what do you need?"  The first of these was Sharon Van Horn, who was mentioned above for her contribution at the Grange and here for stocking the "Green Room" with food and drink for out of town guests and musicians/speakers.  

The second was Meg Williamson, who has contributed heavily to the success of many of our family events (Amanda and Alejandro's wedding, Peter's and my 30th Anniversary party) and now this.  She and her mom, Sandy, coordinated the food for the participants.  Many, many of our guests brought something to share as well, and we thank you so much for your contributions.  

The third call came from Oriana Galardi-Este, dear friend who has helped with many other events including Jessie and Matt's wedding and "the Gathering" we held shortly after Peter's death.  Ori floated between Sharon and Meg's endeavors, and stayed late to clean up afterwards.  Rick Lonan, Gauld Dauverd, Marty Ellin, plus Taylor and Dylan Ellerbee were on clean-up crew as well.  Our audience was a tidy bunch and so helped make the job do-able.  I know there were others...

One of Peter's mottos in life was, "Always thank the sound man."  Well, usually the sound guy is a guy and that is true this time as well... I know that Geoff Hathaway, Jay Cunningham, Leon Patillo, and Scott More had a lot to do with the flawless sound we had at both events.  If there were others, please let me (and the world) know.

If Peter were able to witness the events yesterday he'd be so pleased.  If he were composing this post he'd tell you who wrote every song that was sung, when, and on what label it was recorded.  I'll spare you those details but if someone wants to compile them, I'll post them! 

 What I WILL compose and post, later, is a list of the musicians in each group.  Each person gave so much of him/herself to make this event what it was.

Late on Saturday morning I was alone at the farm, raking the last little bit of debris from a seating space, when the air got still for a moment, then picked up into a little swirling wind that brought down the maple tree seeds...



The seeds pinged off of the nearby tin roofs and for a moment I thought it was raining.  And then I felt, rather than heard, Peter say, "You're work is done, and this is going to be great."  

With that I went in to shower, get dressed, and head up to the Grange.  And it was... it all was great thanks to this incredible community that Peter created.

--Susan Gladin

Saturday, April 18, 2015

PeterFest - Day-of Details

PeterFest 2015

Memorial Service and Musical Celebration
of the life of Peter Kramer


1 p.m. Schley Grange Hall
3416 Schley Road, Hurdle Mills, NC

3 p.m. AT DOWN YONDER FARM!
811 Lipscomb Grove Church Road, Hillsborough, NC

The weather should be beautiful!  
BUT, the ground could be a little wet,
so plan accordingly for chairs and groundcloths

 
WHAT TO WEAR Since we'll be moving from the Service at the Grange Hall to an outdoor music festival back at the farm, please dress casually and comfortably for both occasions. Please wear "sensible shoes," as heels just don't work well on our lawn, and you might be walking some distance from your car.

WHAT TO BRING:  The Musical Celebration will be the equivalent of an outdoor concert, so bring folding chairs, blankets, and even a picnic meal if you plan to stay the duration.  Bring water bottles and your beverage(s) of choice. We will have snacks on hand along with iced tea and lemonade.  Remember sun block and bug spray.

NOTE:  We will have seating, extra food, and amenities for our out-of-town guests.

WHAT NOT TO BRING:  1. Children   2. Dogs or any other pets    3. Illicit substances. 
Thank you.

WHERE TO PARK:  There should be ample parking at the Grange, but very limited parking at Down Yonder Farm.  We ask visitors to carpool down to the farm from Lipscomb Grove Baptist Church, which is across the street from the entry to our driveway, and 4/10 of a mile from the farm.  We should have plenty of room if you'll ride down together from the church.  We'll also have a few people driving shuttles.

THE MUSIC:  Peter chose most of the music being played at PeterFest, but we're planning for some open mic time for others to play and sing.  If you'd like to participate,please send an email to downyonderfarm@gmail.com with "OPEN MIC" in the subject line and someone will be in touch to coordinate.

Please take time to sign the register at both places so we'll have a record of your time with us, and please write a card for the memory tree.

EMAIL LIST:  The Down Yonder Fund for the Arts (DYFA) will continue Peter's legacy of generosity and hospitality for musicians and artists.  If you want to receive (very occasional) news of events at the farm, send an email to downyonderfarm@gmail.com with "LIST" in the subject line.

And we are excited to launch downyonderfund.org where you can keep up with events at the farm.

Thank you to all of the generous donors who have made the Down Yonder Fund for the Arts possible, and to the Shared Visions Foundation for housing the fund.  Donations to keep the arts alive on the farm can be made at the blogsite:

Questions?  Email Downyonderfarm@gmail.com.
We look forward to seeing you all on the 18th!

Susan, Jessie, and Amanda


Friday, April 17, 2015

PARTLY SUNNY



THE WEATHER REPORT

3 p.m. at Down Yonder Farm

(1 p.m. still at the Grange as planned)

Weather news has become increasingly fickle it seems, but as of now we're calling it for the farm.  

JUST IN CASE, please check back here this evening or tomorrow morning in case things have changed.

What HAS changed is the chance of showers overnight, which means the grass could be wet, but it does dry quickly so by the afternoon should be ok.

Still, please bring your chairs and if you'd planned to sit on a blanket on the grass, you might want a sheet of plastic underneath.

We will have benches and chairs for our out-of-town guests.

We're working outside like mad to do everything that couldn't be done earlier, so that's where I am today and not taking calls except sporadically.

Thanks to all the helpers!

Susan




Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Raindrops are falling..


...on my head!

The weather does not look good for PeterFest at the farm on Saturday.  BUT, sitting here by the big front window I see sunshine where thunderstorms were predicted.  So we don't know, and we WON'T know until Friday.

The 1 p.m. portion of the service is at the Schley Grange Hall (see previous post).  If  the weather is rainy, we'll stay there for the duration.

But we will have to make a call on Friday.  With all the equipment to set up for the Celebration portion, we have to know where we are going.  And, the rain that is or is not falling from the sky is only one factor.  How much rain has fallen, and thus the wetness of the ground is another.

So please keep a look-out here for updates on Friday and Saturday.

Susan

Wednesday, April 8, 2015





PeterFest


April 18, 2015


1 p.m. Memorial Service at Schley Grange Hall, 3416 Schley Road, Hillsborough, NC   27278

3 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Musical Celebration at Down Yonder Farm, 811 Lipscomb Grove Church Road, Hillsborough, NC

NOTE - In case of rain the entirety of PeterFest will be held at Schley Grange Hall.  Check the blog at www.peterupdates.blogspot.com for news and information.
WHAT TO BRING:  The Musical Celebration will be the equivalent of an outdoor concert, so bring folding chairs, blankets, and even a picnic meal if you plan to stay the duration.  Bring water bottles and your beverage(s) of choice. We will have snacks on hand along with iced tea and lemonade.  Remember sun block and bug spray.

We will have seating and amenities for our out-of-town guests.

If you would like to bring some snacks to share with others (very helpful), please send an email to downyonderfarm@gmail.com with "SNACKS" in the subject line.  Our wonderful food coordinator will be in touch with you to plan.

WHAT NOT TO BRING:  1. Children   2. Dogs or any other pets    3. Illicit substances. Thank you.

WHERE TO PARK:  There should be ample parking at the Grange, but very limited parking at Down Yonder Farm.  We ask visitors to carpool and park at Lipscomb Grove Baptist Church, which is across the street from the entry to our driveway, and 4/10 of a mile from the farm.  If you need to drive down and park at the farm, please come with a full car.  You can pick up passengers at the church, and we'll have a few people driving shuttles.

THE MUSIC:  Peter chose most of the music being played at PeterFest, but we're planning for some open mic time for others to play and sing.  If you'd like to participate,please send an email to downyonderfarm@gmail.com with "OPEN MIC" in the subject line and someone will be in touch to coordinate.

WHO IS COMING:  We are expecting quite a crowd!  We are excited to have so many out of town guests coming.  This event will bring together family and friends from the many eras of Peter's life.

Please take time to sign the register at both places so we'll have a record of your time with us, and please write a card for the memory tree.

EMAIL LIST:  The Down Yonder Fund for the Arts (DYFA) will continue Peter's legacy of generosity and hospitality for musicians and artists.  If you want to receive (very occasional) news of events at the farm, send an email to downyonderfarm@gmail.com with "LIST" in the subject line.

And, very soon we will have our own DYFA website where you can keep up with events at the farm.

Thank you to all of the generous donors who have made the Down Yonder Fund for the Arts possible, and to the Shared Visions Foundation for housing the fund.  Donations to keep the arts alive on the farm can be made at the blogsite:

Questions?  Email Downyonderfarm@gmail.com.

We look forward to seeing you all on the 18th!

Susan, Jessie, and Amanda

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Blowing In The Wind

This post begins below the dotted line, but first this reminder:

PeterFest
Saturday April 18, 2015

1 p.m. Memorial Service
Schley Grange Hall

3 p.m. Musical Celebration
Down Yonder Farm

Details to follow here soon
===========================================

I am a little late posting these, in part because of the strange circumstances that, well, erupted as our family gathered and spread Peter's ashes.

But before I tell that tale, we spread the ashes on March 14 when Peter's sister, Karen, was down here from New York.  We chose three of Peter's favorite places on the farm:  The Music Building (outside...no pictures),

The pond...







...and out in the woods where Peter felled trees and split wood to heat our home.  I've mentioned several times how much I appreciate all the wood he left to keep me warm this winter, with some left over for next.




The scattering was deeply moving, and sadder than I had expected.  It felt like another loss...another letting go of the physicality of the man I loved so much.  

Each of us chose a song to say or sing...since Peter tended to philosophize about life in song lyrics.  

Jessie chose "Drift Away:" 

Oh, give me the beat boys and free my soul
I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away
Oh, give me the beat boys and free my soul
I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away


Amanda chose "Landslide:"

I take my love, take it down
I climb a mountain and turn around
And if you see my reflection in the snow-covered hills
Will the landslide bring you down


Karen chose "Oh Mary Don't You Weep Don't You Moan:"

Brothers and sisters don't you cry
There'll be good times by and by
Pharaoh's army got drownded
O Mary don't weep

Well oh Mary don't you weep, don't mourn
O Mary don't you weep, don't mourn
Pharaoh's army got drownded
O Mary don't you weep


Alejandro chose "The River of Dreams:"

I'm not sure about a life after this
God knows I've never been a spiritual man
Baptized by the fire, I wade into the river
That runs to the promised land
In the middle of the night
I go walking in my sleep
Through the desert of truth
To the river so deep
We all end in the ocean
We all start in the streams
We're all carried along
By the river of dreams
In the middle of the night


Matt chose "If I Had A Hammer," in part because Peter sang it to Levin:

Well I got a hammer,
And I got a bell,
And I got a song to sing, all over this land.

It's the hammer of Justice,
It's the bell of Freedom,
It's the song about Love between my brothers and my sisters,
All over this land.

And I chose a song that I've been singing softly to myself ever since Peter died.  If you've been through grief and mourning, you know that regret in intimately tied up with grief.  I have regretted so many opportunities and openings I didn't take; all the times I said "no," to an invitation when I could have said, "yes."  So my song was Tom Paxton's "The Last Thing On My Mind:"

As I lie in my bed in the mornin'
Without you, without you.
Every song in my breast lies a bornin'
Without you, without you.

Are you going away with no word of farewell
Will there be not a trace left behind
Well, I could've loved you better, didn't mean to be unkind
You know that was the last thing on my mind


Finally, what happened is that we were all felled by a stomach virus that hit the first of us during the scattering, had claimed three by the evening, and all but one by the following Monday.  I got the "lite" version of the acute phase, but the loss of energy following the bout lingered, and has made it harder than ever to get things done.  Fortunately we're all better now.

I'll be posting again soon with lots of details for PeterFest - the Memorial Service and Musical Celebration that is coming oh-so-soon.  Stay tuned.

Susan