I've been reading for months and finally got up the nerve to jump in and say hi.

Been a fan since 2002 but I only discovered the website last year. Why write now? It's been fun following so many conversations among people who love this band like I do. Yes my husband and kids *enjoy* GBS and can sing most of the songs because that's all they hear in my car. (I even had an older gentleman ask me at the Burlington concert in 2006 if we were from Newfoundland because my two girls aged 8 and 10 at the time were dancing and singing at the tops of their lungs to the Hard and the Easy tour songs.)

But I've yet to know someone in person who connects with Great Big Sea like I do. We saw them last in NH in November (although we live close to Burlington, Vt., we couldn't tear our kids away from trick-or-treating to go to the Halloween show). It was such a treat to see the band at the Lebanon Opera House - a 19th century meeting house with wooden seats and not a bad spot in the whole place. We were in about the 8th or 10th row and I swear Alan winked at us as our two red-headed daughters danced like demons to the new tunes.

I just love what these guys do. The fact that they share these age-old tunes with us now in so many places is truly remarkable. And that they make their own music in the same fashion is a salute to their traditions and testament to their talent. And they look like they're having a ball while they do it. They're artists and poets.

It was hearing "Consequence Free" on the radio one day that caught my attention and changed my music collection forever. Today, I'm waiting for our tickets to the Toronto show to arrive in the mail. And in the meantime, I've decided to go back and get those early records I never bought (Great Big Sea, Up, and Play). I was surprised at the political messages in the first one - I'd love to see more of that now. And it's neat now to go back and connect the dots to where they are now.  

A few quick things:

• The Junos were a bummer but wouldn't it be priceless for them to finally get the nod next year in Newfoundland? Isn't there a "people's choice" award and can't start a campaign now?
• I think I've seen Alan write "lucky me" commenting on his adventures at least two or three times of late. Could someone please add the song to the set list for Toronto? It's one of my favorites ... "blessings can hide in the strangest disguise..."
• I love reading the letters from Alan and Sean and Bob to get inside their heads. But I can't stop thinking about Alan's wife being home while he's off slaying dragons or whatever he's doing for this movie role. Does she get to go along? Will he get breaks to go home to visit? I have a little one a few months younger than little Henry and I know what it's like when my husband travels. I can only imagine such a long stint away. Does she read this stuff? Can we make a place to send her messages to get through this? I'm assuming she has friends and family nearby for support and company and a break but still ...

Finally, any others in Vermont these days?

Here goes ... hitting the "post" button!

Cheers,  

Welcome, Lisa!

I also lurked a long time before jumping in, way back in 1999. My teenage daughter got me online and the rest is history. Welcome to the OKP. You will find hundreds, if not thousands, of like-minded fans here. Keep going to shows and you're bound to find others in your area who really enjoy the b'ys.

Now that you're here, don't be a stranger!

Anne

Hello Lisa.  I'm not from Vermont, but have been there many times and love it.

I also saw Great Big Sea in Lebanon, NH.  Not their last apperance there, but the one before.  Yes, it was a wonderful place.

Welcome Aboard, Lisa!

Glad you've decided to join the party! 

My kids sound a lot like yours... (they were 10 and 8 at the Denver show) and have been listening to GBS their whole lives - they know every song too - and finally went to their first show in October (Mom's 20-something-th show).  It was such a JOY for me to have them share MY joy!

Gotta love a band that crosses generations!

Helen - Thanks for the nice reply. I haven't checked back on this in awhile. Life's been crazy with school winding down and just juggling three kids and a dog and everything else. I love that my kids are into GBS right along with the Jonas Brothers or Mylie Cyrus or whomever the tweens are into for the moment. I just chuckle when I hear my 12-year-old singing "Patty Murphy" in the shower. I recently bought some of the old GBS records to fill out our collection and enjoyed listening to the first couple cds. I think I appreciate them more knowing how far they've come in 15 years. Anyway, my 10 and 12 year old perked up when they would hear a tune for the first time and ask me to play it again. Who would've thought they'd take to "The Chemical Worker's Song" from UP? After a few days, they and a couple of their friends were belting it out in the car and then giggling saying it reminded them of the 6th grade!

"And every day you’re in this place
you’re two days nearer death
But you go "

I think this is what Alan means when he talks about singing songs that have been around for generations. They're still around for a reason. Somehow, people just connect with them. I think it's truly awesome that the guys do what they do and share this music with all of us.

We can't wait to see them in Toronto and our fingers are crossed that they'll come through New England again soon too.

Cheers,

Hi Lisa

I'm also not from VT but until a year ago enjoyed GBS on my own.  This is a great place to visit.  If you want to meet any of us, check the upcoming shows thread for any shows you'll be attending.  There's usually some kind of pre- and/or post- show meet up to join. Maybe we'll see you in TO.

I'm glad I'm not the only one worried about the children and wives that get left behind.  From the little they boys post, they seem to be faring well enough, but I know it's something I'd find difficult.

The chemical workers song and River Driver were the first two songs my boy (now 5) latched onto.  A bit creepy hearing those lyrics from a (then) two year old but still...

Glad you're here!

Carol

When my youngest was about 3 or 4 he had a thing for the Chemical Worker's Song too! 

oh, and I am coming up for the Toronto show...see you there!