R&R for the AudeShantyMen

Season Comes to an End

After a busy few months of concerts, individual work and domestic commitments the AudeShantyMen have decided to pull up the gangplank and sail away into calmer waters for the foreseeable future.

Before they return to the stage they will be working hard behind the scenes to compile a new programme and perhaps to devise some different formats to entertain their growing number of fans and followers.

The whole Crew would like to express their enormous gratitude to the venues which have so warmly received them this year as well as to all those who have contributed so generously to the RNLI and SNSM during performances.

Please keep an eye on this Blog, on their Facebook page too, to see the Donations they make to their two chosen charities and to learn when next you can hear the AudeShantyMen in concert. 

Keep a sharp lookout!

Magellan

Crew open Cailhau Fete entertainment

Depleted but not despondent

The four AudeShantyMen still standing on Friday night did a grand job in singing for a large and festive crowd gathered outside "A'Kotee" in Cailhau - the first time the village festivities had kicked off on anything but a Saturday.  Audience and stallholders alike put their hands in their pockets to send our brave boys home with a generous contribution of €118.18 for SNSM and RNLI.  Merci!

Simply Superb!

A fantastic fundraiser last Sunday chez Glasson to celebrate Col's special day resulted in the staggering sum of €648.93 being collected for SNSM and RNLI. Many thanks for this outstanding generosity - not least on the part of our hosts - on a beautiful summer's afternoon in the south of France. If, by any chance, you have still to contribute .....

Magellan

The AudeShantyMen return to Cailhau

Hear them at the Fete du Village

The AudeShantyMen are delighted to be heading back to this pleasant village - noted for its musical and artistic links - the scene of one of their earliest public performances just a month after their formation.

So "venez nombreux" at 20H00 next Friday, 26th July outside the new bar-bistro-épicerie "A'Kotee".

Bumpy Landing for Albatross

Our thoughts and best wishes for a speedy recovery go to the unfortunate Albatross who has suffered a fall at home and broken his leg. And just when he had started to sing again with the AudeShantyMen after an extended period of duty overseas.

The Albatross lands at Le Moulin de L'Evèque

Welcome return for the globetrotter

The AudeShantyMen welcomed home an old friend when Ron Young joined them for his first warble since November last year. As if in homage to the Albatross for his work on all five continents a truly international audience gave a fine reception to the Crew. Amongst the countries represented were Australia and the United States of America, while nearer to home came folk from Poland, Sweden, France, the Republic of Ireland, Wales and Scotland.

The efforts of hosts Dorothy and André were greatly appreciated. This lovely venue is one which the AudeShantyMen would be delighted to revisit. The enthusiasm of the audience was reflected in the worthy sum of €101.93 which was collected for their twin lifeboat charities. Many thanks from the Crew to everyone who helped to make this performance one that will live long in the memory.

If anyone has any photos, please send them!

"Bastille Day" weekend concert for the AUDESHANTYMEN

Join the AudeShantyMen at Le Moulin de L'Evèque

Dine in style and hear the AudeShantyMen in concert at this prestigious restaurant just outside Rivel on Friday 12th July from 20H00. To make your reservation call 04 68 69 22 30. Start your Bastille Day weekend with a bang!

Poor weather fails to dampen spirits at Villelongue

The AudeShantyMen pierce the gloom at Le Verre à Soif

The Crew thank all those who assembled on a blustery night to hear them conquer the elements. Many new faces took their places amongst the "old faithfuls", singing along in the choruses and generally refusing to go quietly as our brave boys mastered their chattering teeth to give an entertaining account of themselves. Thanks to Bart for his fine hospitality, the "paella lady", and to all those who dipped into their pockets to raise a hearty €150 for RNLI and SNSM. Will summer ever arrive in the south of France?!

The AudeShantyMen a-roving the Razès

Busy weekend ahead for the Crew

On Friday evening, 28th June, the AudeShantyMen will be slaking their thirst at the appropriately named "Verre à Soif" in the lee of the impressive church at Villelongue D'Aude. Owner Bart has promised the Crew a typically warm welcome in their home port and a good crowd is expected to share in the music-making and the giant paella. No reservations are necessary but you are advised not to leave it too late to arrive if you want a grandstand view! Parking near the church is limited so it is best to park by the Mairie and head up the short distance to the bar on foot. 

Those who are supporting the Troubadours de Limoux at their garden party in Alaigne on Sunday afternoon will be treated to a guest appearance by the AudeShantyMen during the course of the festivities. The Crew are pleased to be doing their bit to help the Troubadours raise funds for the mystery Pantomime they are planning to put on later this year, especially as their very own Greybeard is at the helm of the production! It is still not too late to buy tickets for the garden party. Go to the Troubadours' website for details.

The AUDESHANTYMEN ignore storm warning at Léran

Crew create sparks at Le Rendezvous

It was the harmonies of the AudeShantyMen which created the electrical charge on Saturday night. Although thunderstorms had been forecast it was our gallant lads who made the lightning strike, running through their repertoire with aplomb before a large and appreciative audience. As ever at this "home port" the band were well catered for by their hosts, Shirley and Marek, to whom they are most grateful. A vote of thanks also to all those who gave so generously to support RNLI and SNSM by raising a total of €142.50. A fantastic result on the night!

Lively Night at the Galloise

The AudeShantyMen raise the roof at La Galloise!

Friday night's gig at the Café in Alaigne started somewhat disappointingly for the Crew. Greybeard et. al. were hoping for a balmy early summer's evening so as to be able to sing outdoors : alas the cold, rainy weather put paid to that! However the atmosphere in the bar was as warm as ever and our gallant Shipmates responded by giving a rousing performance and by encouraging the appreciative crowd to sing heartily in the choruses of the songs they knew and requested - which they did with gusto! Well done, everyone! A healthy total of  €105.00 was raised for our Lifeboat charities, for which the AudeShantyMen are truly grateful. Likewise a massive vote of thanks to Lin and Les for looking after the band so very well. Always a pleasure to be berthed once again in one of our "home" ports!

Next up for the AudeShantyMen

Two gigs back to back for the Crew

Make a note in your diaries as the AudeShantymen prepare to entertain you in two of their "home ports" in the next couple of weeks.

First up is the bustling Café de la Galloise in Alaigne where the Crew will be singing during the evening of Friday 31st May. Les and Lin will be happy to take table reservations on 04 68 69 35 77.

Seven days later, on Friday 6th June, the AudeShantyMen are due to moor alongside the popular Le Rendezvous in Léran. To book your table for the evening phone Shirley and Marek on 09 51 42 47 91.

We look forward to seeing you! 

Night out at Trèbes for the AudeShantyMen

Crew bid "au revoir" to Mutineer

In the five months he has been singing with us, Tony (Mutineer) Fletcher has very much earned his  red duster as an AudeShantyMan. Last night, at a Mess Dinner held in the quayside restaurant "La Poissonnerie Moderne" by the Canal du Midi, he was paid off in style. He and his wife, Ann, are hoping to return to the Razès before too long and we shall all welcome him warmly back. 

The Crew had long wanted to sing at this venue and kept their fellow diners and passers-by hugely entertained throughout the evening, even singing informally for the residents of the boats moored alongside. A grand night  all round!

Dog Watch for the AudeShantyMen

Charity Appearance for the Crew

Five of the Crew accepted an invitation to sing at the SPA charity Spring Fayre at Berriac on Sunday afternoon, the 5th May. Their contribution was much appreciated by the organisers of this association which provides support for unwanted and abandoned dogs. Indeed, one of our canine friends joined the AudeShantyMen in the chorus of "Whip Jamboree" - a fact noted with hilarity by those singing and listening! Thanks to the efforts of Julie Christian and the volunteers just under €1000.00 was raised on the day. Well done, everyone. 

AudeShantyMen fizz in the capital of La Blanquette

For a selection of photos of the evening follow the link to our Facebook page.

Alive, Alive-o at Kat McGee's

No Matchsticks-Under-Eyes for the AudeShantyMen

                                                                                

The Crew were in relaxed mood and fine voice as they took the Irish Bar in Limoux by storm on Saturday evening. A lively and attentive crowd contributed hugely to the ambiance of the night - joining in the choruses, making requests for shanties and even joining our heroes onstage for the encores. Following the standing ovation accorded to the AudeShantyMen it was announced that €80.00 had been raised "au chapeau" for SNSM and RNLI, for which many thanks to those present.

The Fletcher clan was fittingly there in force to support the Mutineer, whose last concert this will be for a spell as he and Ann are due shortly to sail back into home waters. The Crew have thoroughly enjoyed his company as well as singing with him these past five months  and hope it will not be long before he is able to sign on again. All best wishes to him and Ann for a calm sea and a prosperous voyage. All that we lack are some photos to record this event, so, daughter Kate, please oblige!

Thanks to all at Kat McGee's for looking after the singers so hospitably. 

Late Night Ahead for the AudeShantyMen

Crew ashore in Limoux

Hear the AudeShantyMen this Saturday evening, 27th April, when they make a rare appearance in the capital of Blanquette. They will be performing at Kat McGee's Irish Bar from 9pm. This is a later than usual starting time for the Crew (normally they are supping their cocoa by this time and getting ready to hit their hammocks!) but Greybeard et al have pledged to be wide awake once the notes of their first chorus ring out! Come on out, you night owls!

It's good to be back !

The AudeShantyMen as you've never seen them before !!

In front of a full house at Jo and Christopher's splendid restaurant L'Anais in Ginestas on Friday evening the Crew entertained many new friends and some old faithfuls to a lively repertoire of shanties. Amongst the French, Dutch, Greek and British audience were  the two new fans pictured below.

They produced the remarkable freehand sketch of the Crew in full voice (see above) from which it is possible clearly to identify (left to right) the Pirate, the Mutineer, Magellan, Columbus, Powder Monkey and Greybeard. Quite a feat, so very well done, the two of you. You are now the official artists for the AudeShantyMen!

Thanks to the generosity of those present the princely sum of €181.77 was raised "au chapeau" for the Crew's two chosen charities, for which many thanks. And a great time was had by all!

Magellan

One Week To Go ... !!

The AudeShantyMen are back !

The Crew will be on deck for their first concert of 2013 at the restaurant L'Anais in Ginestas at 19H30 on Friday 5th April. After last year's sell-out, Jo and Christopher are strongly advising diners to call to reserve a table on 04 68 40 64 47. No doubt their themed menu will be delicious!

Joining the old-stagers Greybeard, the Pirate, Magellan and Powder Monkey will be Columbus and the Mutineer, whose first concert this will be at L'Anais. Last year's warble was a very jolly affair and Friday's programme promises to be just as memorable with songs from all four corners of the globe.

Calling all Men of the Minervois! Doxies welcome, too!

Magellan

AudeShantyMen gearing up

New Season Looms

The AudeShantyMen are back on board and are readying the ship for her next series of voyages. Keep a sharp lookout for the signals which will tell you when and where you can see them in concert. The spring and summer are going to be busier than ever : several performances have already been confirmed - and more are in the pipeline. 

Chattering Teeth and Numb Bums in Carcassonne

AudeShantyMen caught in bitter northerly

The Crew, wrapped in as many layers as possible, braved the chill and wind on Friday evening when they assembled at the Stade Albert Domec.

The "Canaries", and their English visitors from Whitehaven, lined up for the National Anthems of both countries. The Crew sang the opening lines of "God Save The Queen" with some unaccustomed hesitancy but then managed to get their frozen jaws working so as to finish strongly! It was rather like what happened later on the pitch. The Cumbrians started slowly but came back with vigour to push ASC XIII, the Champions of France, very hard indeed before the hosts ran out victorious by 40 points to 30.

During the half-time interval the AudeShantyMen emerged from the warmth of their eyrie at the top of the main grandstand to entertain the crowd to a short but rousing medley of their shanties. Something of a novelty to French ears but well received, as can be seen from the photo above.

Making his début with the Crew that night was Tony ("Mutineer") Fletcher, pictured third from the left. Well done on your first warble. We promise you that most of our singing takes place in more hospitable surroundings!!

NEW YEAR'S HONOUR for the AUDESHANTYMEN

Her Majesty to receive homage from the Crew

 AudeShantyMen hugely proud to be invited to sing the National Anthem

Mme Magali Bardou, the President of AS Carcassonne XIII, whose Équipe Élite were crowned Champions of France 2012, has asked the AudeShantyMen to sing "God Save The Queen" before kick-off at the match between ASC XIII and their British opponents Whitehaven RLFC.

This friendly international match will be played at the Stade Albert Domec, Avenue Général Sarrail, in Carcassonne next Friday, 25th January with kick-off scheduled for 18H00.  In addition to their pre-match duty, at half-time the Crew will be performing (after the routine of the USC Pomponettes!) a short medley of their favourite crowd-pleasing shanties. Admission is free at the gate. Three great reasons to be there!

AudeShantyMen once again at muster stations!

Crew News

The festive period proved an active one for members of the AudeShantyMen. There were numerous comings and goings to and from loved ones on foreign shores. And much fun!

Greybeard, the Pirate, Columbus and Magellan helped form a mixed ten strong Christmas choir under the baton of Tony Bathurst. They gave a carol concert to a standing-room only audience in the beautiful church at Villelong d'Aude as a result of which €450.00 was raised for the charity Resto du Coeur.

The Crew reconvened for the first time in 2013 on the 9th January, followed by the AGM of the Association ASM on the 16th where Officers were re-elected, the accounts presented and objectives for the forthcoming year established.

Disappointingly it has become evident that two of our colleagues, Albatross and Gangplank, will no longer be able to figure in our concert line-up. Their long and continuing absence on business overseas has made it impossible for them to keep abreast of developments on home shores. They will, however, be welcomed back whenever they are visiting on extended shore leave, or indeed when they retire!

Meanwhile the Crew is delighted to welcome on board a new "recruit" in the person of Tony (Mutineer) Fletcher. Recently arrived in the Aude, he was drawn into conversation over a glass of grog by Magellan. Unaware that the Press Gang was lurking, the unfortunate Mutineer was dragged on board and has been released from his chains now that land is out of sight. We wish him well! His clear voice will be of great value to Pirate Pete in the upper register and a welcome addition to the rest of the Crew, too.