"Terrorist" harpist invited to play at big ferry meeting

[uppityperson]

For those who missed the background, David Michael has been playing his harp on the Washington State ferry for 17 years. He also has been selling his CD's ($15 for 1 or $20 for 2). A couple months ago there was a big hoohaw because a couple people requested he be removed since he was selling CDs, playing at the end of the ferry opposite the food service and, most scary of all, he got to leave his harp on the ferry when it arrived at its destination. He debarked with all the passengers, then got back on and road back (back and forth and back and forth). The ferry people said his playing was distracting people and and "taking away business" from the food service 30 ft away and people were concerned that his harp was left on the ferry in these post 9-11 times.

They told him he had to carry his harp off each time, and pay more than he made to be there. David has been working varied ways to be able to play, including being hired by the food service. Basically there IS no way for him to get a concession agreement, and the questions remain: who was doing the complaining, what politics were being played, etc WA ferries has had a big problem recently with old boats, andthe Port Townsend-Keystone ferry is out of service except for walk on passengers, perhaps for many months.



That's the background. Here's todays story:

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20071209/NEWS/712090302

Look who's playing the harp at site of big ferries meeting

BREMERTON - You could cut the irony with a harp string.

Port Townsend Celtic Harpist David Michael performed early Friday morning in the lobby of the Norm Dicks Government Center, while Washington State Ferries officials, lawmakers and other ferry system community advisers munched pastries and sipped coffee.

"It's all kind of funny," said Michael, speaking between lilting harp plucks at a reception for the Puget Sound Leadership Ferry Summit. "My situation is all kind of moot now, isn't it?"

Michael, 55, performed his last gig aboard the ferry Klickitat in mid-August after more than 17 years of playing Celtic music on the route between Port Townsend and Whidbey Island. Michael was notified he had to comply with both security and for-profit policies. Ferry passengers are required to take their baggage and personal items off the ferries, and remain with their personal items, such as backpacks and luggage. What that meant for Michael was lugging his 30-pound harp and packing CDs on and off each of eight departures and arrivals at the terminals.

(clip)

State ferries system officials appeared surprised to see Michael performing. Asked if she knew Michael was going to be there, Hadley Greene, state ferries system communications manager, just smiled. Michael was smiling, too.

[peacebird]

1. Any idea how I can order a copy of his CD?

[uppityperson]

2. He has a bunch of them, here's info

I have bought a bunch, use them at work for quiet music. Here's his website: http://purnimaproductions.com/biography.htm There is a link to all his CDs and I think most have clips online too.

They have an email list they send info to about what's going on with him, if you're interested let him know (stuff comes to "group", I haven't seen anyone else's email).

Bunch of nice harp stuff, some with other artists/instruments also.
THE CROCODILE AND THE CHIHUAHUA includes vocals, some songs are quite funny too, irreverant look at love.


http://www.purnimaproductions.com/ferryharp_ends.htm is the story about the recent ferry stuff, mentions DU too. He said they found it while searching online.

[peacebird]

3. thank you!!!

:hug:

I love Celtic harp music!

[uppityperson]

4. 1 kick for evening crew because I like David.