hi

This thread is an interesting one that shows the wide differences of opinion that occurs in the "folk" fraternity.

Long may it be the case that people can express differing opinions in a sensible way.

As a performer of more years than I care to think about I can feel for both sides of this particular discussion.

However my view is that the performers need to understand the audiences that they are playing to. They do vary from night to night and venue to venue.

I have played at places where it is absolutely forbidden to make any kind of noise what=so-ever during performances. Some places have the door-person to stand outside the room with the door closed and refuse entry until a song finishes. I have played at one place where the atmosphere was so quiet that the sound of the latch on the door being lifted made me jump as I was playing.

I would like to think that audiences and performers should be sympathetic to each others needs.

I once was singing at a venue ( no names ) when two women came and sat a a table near the stage. The started talking very loudly as soon as they sat down and continued through a couple of numbers. I tried eye contact and other warning looks without success so as they were right in the middle of what seemed to be a animated topic, I went down from the stage with the mike AND SAT NEXT TO THEM AT THE TABLE AND JUST PUT THE MIKE BETWEEN THEM.

They looked at me in amazement and as they did so I told them to carry on as their conversation was far more interesting than my song.

They laughed and apologised and I got back on with the performance. They didn't stop talking completely, occasionally launching into voice but I just laughed at them and motioned to join them again.

This went on most of the night but the audience enjoyed it and everything went well.

At the end of the night the women came and chatted with me and told me that they hadn't been upset by my interference and came to a few of my gigs at other venues. Also several of the audience that night complimented me on my handling of a difficult situation.

I hasten to add here that before acting I had weighed up the situation and considered in this particular venue that I would get away with it.

My main message however is that the performer should try to understand and cater for audiences not being silent. They are only human and in most cases they are paying your wages !!!

I will point out that when I am in the audience I do respect the performers. After all I have been there !!!!

I would never "shush" anyone from the stage. To me it is a matter of pride. Grin and bear it and get on the performance.

cheers

John