Comments for cleve callison’s blog

Comment on Blasted hemlocks by Cleve

Cleve — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:47:28 +0000

Stephen, thanks. Nice to hear from you. As far as I know we’re not related to any Vassys in the Athens area. But there are a bunch of them around Gaffney, plus Chesnee, SC & Rutherford Co. NC. Some of them spell it Vassey. There is a Vassy in Normandy, France, which I’ve been to, and a Wassy in France near the German border (both are pronounced VOSS-EE). My uncle Tom Vassy thinks one of them is where they came from, but we’re not sure.
I was in Gaffney for a reunion two years ago. I graduated early, skipping 10th grade, but for some reason never go back for reunions of my former class. Glad you’re singing in Collinsville. There are no Sacred Harp singers in Wilmington, NC, where I now live.

Comment on Blasted hemlocks by Stephen Fox

Stephen Fox — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 20:29:29 +0000

Cleve: Kinda off topic, but I was in Gaffney last Friday for my 40th HS Reunion.
And I remember from couple years ago exchanges with you a blog you did on HWY 29.
On returning to Bama I came across a memoir about Statham, Ga, just a few miles below Athens, on HWY 29. Click over to my blog for more thoughts on that charming book.
I remember the Vassy’s had family in the Athens Ga area, but not sure if that is your side of the family or not.
And briefly on another note, I hear there is a Gaffneyite facebook page now that covers topics and random discussions from 40′s to the present.
Thought would pass that along.
Had great two days sacred Harp singing fourth Sunday in August at the Pine Grove Singing here in Collinsville.
Hope you are well.
If you or your sister blogged any thoughts on their Homecomings inlast few years at Gaffney, please point me to them with a reply. I would love to read the take.
Stephen Fox, GHS ’75

Comment on Man, technology is everywhere by Cleve

Cleve — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 16:23:00 +0000

Oops! Thanks for letting me know. I’ve updated my profile.

Comment on Man, technology is everywhere by RichC (@RichC)

RichC (@RichC) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 16:15:54 +0000

I’m amazed at just how many places I’m starting to see credit card through a cellphone portable scanners being used. Sort of makes me question the security for those of us not in the practice of “really” doing a close watch of our statements. Need to beef it up to more than just monthly statement time perhaps?

Also “accidentally” let my mouse pointer wander over the top of you blog avatar photo … enjoyed seeing the pop-up text!

Comment on Last day in Cincinnati by Sheryl P.

Sheryl P. — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 11:31:10 +0000

the food at least, you can have in Wilmington — even Graeter’s if you want it shipped there in dry ice! But Cinti chili mix — just stock up on that as you leave town!

Best wishes in your new endeavors.

Sheryl P.

Comment on Sacred Harp at Piccolo Spoleto by nbmandel

nbmandel — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 13:35:11 +0000

Thanks for replying! I heard great things about last year’s Spoleto singing, by the way.

My comment about Shawmut was a little bit actual criticism, a little bit comico-stereotypical grousing, and a little bit more, I hope, about using the very little time there was to listen to music on this piece. Actually, I think it speaks to the best of the sometimes dogmatic SH community that it makes a place for the work of one of its harshest critics.

If you’re ever up in New York, there’s a lot of chances to sing . . .

Comment on Sacred Harp at Piccolo Spoleto by Cleve

Cleve — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 13:15:02 +0000

nbmandel: I enjoyed the singing on May 28th very much. It’s always great to have a large house, even if many are beginners. There were several Northeastern singers there, and a number from Savannah who often sing with the Charleston folks. The food was excellent, and as usual, the hour of singing after lunch was the most spirited. The organizers told me the crowd was smaller than last year’s, which I missed. But still powerful.
As for Shawmut — well, I suppose some folks don’t like it, or don’t like Lowell Mason or whatever. When I first produced my documentary I didn’t know about the negative feelings some have about his trying to “dignify” the older style. But it’s a great tune and the poetry is some of Wesley’s most inspired (which is saying a lot). Our group in Winston-Salem loved to sing it, especially in performances.

Comment on Sacred Harp at Piccolo Spoleto by nbmandel

nbmandel — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 02:59:30 +0000

Very engaging; great that you could spend so much time talking about Sacred Harp. How was the singing on the 28th? (But did you HAVE to play SHAWMUT?)

Comment on Cleve by RichC

RichC — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 14:07:39 +0000

Time for me to add a “we miss you in SW Ohio” too … but I also was hoping that due to your location you might find an NPR-like audio project in the return of Mark and Judy Handley to the US after their 6 year circumnavigation. (handleysail.com) Their “log” is terrific and detailed with photo archive … and Mark’s connection to the NPR family a plus. They happened to currently be just a few miles down I-95 and with your audio expertise might make for a very interesting radio or at least audio blog story. Again, you are missed here in SW Ohio, but I still enjoy occasionally reading your blog (I do miss the Helpdesk)..

Comment on Three songs by John Elliott Callison by Jean Callison

Jean Callison — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 18:07:01 +0000

Amazing! Having seen John in musicals, unfortunately I have never been to a formal recital of his.My God, this sample of 3 pieces is stunning! John, it’s difficult to believe you were that blonde kittle kid playing with my Devin! As your God- Mother and aunt, I’m so very impressed, and proud. What a gift you have. I know how hard you have worked also. Congrats. I can’t wait for the next thing!