The Top End Folk Club holds its fortnightly gatherings in a fuel tank close to the beach. That probably sounds strange, but previously (and famously) it was held in a naval gun turret. "The tank" is an ex WWII fuel tank about 30 metres in diameter, with a dance floor in the middle, toilets, drinks fridges, and set up as a rock climbing gymnasium.Occasionally there are still climbers going up and down the courses when we arrive on Friday nights.
The format is very much sit around and sing to each other. There are quite a few regulars, and occasionally some amazing people walk in off the street. No alcohol is served, and smokers go outside during the intervals.
It is a very relaxed evening, and I enjoy the companionship, the new songs to learn, and yes, the opportunity to perform to a critical but very relaxed and sympathetic audience. Everyone is free to sing or play along where appropriate, and everyone is pretty sensitive to the performance.
Every Sunday afternoon we have a jam at one of the local Irish pubs, where 30-40 people gather around a couple of tables where the performers sit and sing. Again, very much a "jam" situation, with everyone joining in. A great afternoon, and the pub even pays the club.
I grew up in Melbourne, and was introduced to folk clubs in the 60s by "Frank Traynor's", a jazz club after 1am Fridays, but a folk club before then. People like Martin W-R, Gordon McIntyre, Danny Spooner, as well as a host of fine Aussie performers (including this new acoustic group who dropped in one day calling themselves the "Seekers". I remember those days with great fondness, despite no grog. I guess I have always thought of that setting as ideal, fully acoustic with candle lighting, but you don't any longer get crowds of 200 with a swag of wonderful performers who were introducing a whole new culture to a generation.
Like most clubs, Darwin works because of a small band of dedicated people who do the work, collect money, organise events, advertise, etc. But above all, the club has fun.
Regards
Chris