Over-organizing—over-planning—can kill an otherwise potentially good songfest.

The best, most enjoyable (by everyone) songfests I have ever been to—and I went to my first sometime in 1952—have been of the "no host," and definitely "no M.C." variety, where we gather in someone's living room, and when "critical mass" is achieved (most of those who are expected to show up), we tune up, then someone starts off. It bounces back and forth in no particular order. If someone sings a couple of songs in a row, no sweat. Often an exchange of songs will happen in the form of a sort of dialog. Someone sings a song, then someone else says, "That reminds me of—" or something like that. We may beat on a particular theme for awhile, then someone will hop in with something different.

No body is put on the spot and anyone is free to jump in when and if they are so moved.

Spontaneity.

The main thing to keep in mind is simple courtesy, which says, "Don't hog the show." Everyone should be cognizant of the other people in the room, and if someone is sitting there looking eager, a simple, "You got something, Helen?" is in order.

Don't tell me it doesn't work, because these are the ones I've seen work the best. If someone is monopolizing the show, someone should give them a discreet dig in the ribs. But a designated "Sergeant-At-Arms" is a bit over the top and shouldn't be necessary.

By the way, I never saw anyone singing out of books or off crib-sheets until very recent times.

Don Firth