Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: r.padgett
Date: 12 Apr 12 - 02:02 PM

No fish, well we were close tut t'canal! and t'river

Any angling songs from Sheffield?

Ray

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 12 Apr 12 - 12:13 PM

There was no pish in them pots Padge

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: r.padgett
Date: 12 Apr 12 - 09:25 AM

Be good if we can pay for the Sheffield sessions Website (leg pull Jim ~ honest)now that the pink piddle pot has been emptied!

Nah odd on!!

Ray

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 12 Apr 12 - 07:20 AM

Gosh that's all a bit to 'techy'for an auld fart like me.

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: GUEST,Ed
Date: 11 Apr 12 - 05:32 PM

Great idea, Paul.

Why not volunteer to do it yourself? After all, it's fairly easy.

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: Paul Burke
Date: 11 Apr 12 - 05:14 PM

As well as making arrangements a bit more securely with "independent" operators, and providing a map, how about arranging a live sound feed to some website - should be fairly easy in these days of cheap Androids and the like- that punters could connect to on their own mobile interweb thingies, and check if something is happening without having to trail halfway across the city to find out?

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 11 Apr 12 - 01:41 PM

Never really thought of it as a lucky dip but I suppose it is. I think the main idea is provide a venue or stage for as many of folk music's styles as possible and we may have to provide more as people seem as people seem to want a 'dedicated' Irish session. Glad the trip was worth it.

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: GUEST,vanman
Date: 11 Apr 12 - 12:49 PM

It was difficult deciding which venue trot along to next but I think the lucky dip aspect made it more interesting, not quite knowing what to expect every time. Still, I guess I was lucky as five out of the six sessions I attended were outstanding! Well worth the long trip from Suffolk. Looking forward to next year's. Thanks to Jim & all those involved in making happen.

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Apr 12 - 11:29 AM

I know the blind pianist, whose name is Chris, from way back. He's an old friend of mine. He's an excellent musician with a wide repertoire. He could easily have done Irish music for an afternoon, if he'd been asked. Did anyone ask him?

I missed the 'seldom heard' concert, because it was my partner's birthday. If it had been any other day I'd have gone. Still, the Friday Fagan's session was really good. Saturday evening's Fagan's session was also good, if a bit rammed. Wooden spoon to the guy who plonked himself right in the middle. Not only did he not play or sing, but he didn't put his phone on silent. – as we all discovered when his stupid ringtone piped up in the middle of someone's song. Tch.

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 10 Apr 12 - 07:06 AM

The printed programme did mention existing sessions but idn't identify them. It's a little complicated for example Fagans has existing Fri and Sat night sessions but the Sat afternoon sing is a Festival special event. Working on a map idea for next year already but 'we' need to be aware of costs as publicity is the Festival's only expense.

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: r.padgett
Date: 10 Apr 12 - 07:01 AM

I was well gone and emotional, sorry to anyone I upset again. Poor beggars getting on a bit (me I mean not Jimmy McD)

LOL I think I enjoyed myself too much and thanks to Whispering Chris for putting up with me (putting me up)

Fagan's went well and with earlier ads I am sure we (Sheff sessions) will be even more well attended and popular

More dedicated pubs for different tastes I think! Musos, singers, dancing spots, concerts keep it basic

Shakespeares nice venue and acoustics ~ dont set traps!

Gardeners session for Shanties went well too

Well done to all and I hope I still have one or two friends!!

Some decent eating spots but beware lurking chillis that nearly did for me!!

Ray

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: GUEST,Chris Neale
Date: 09 Apr 12 - 04:51 PM

Foggers' suggestion sounds good. Something like that would have been useful to me.
(I hope that my feedback was constructive BTW - it was certainly meant to be!)

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: foggers
Date: 09 Apr 12 - 03:21 PM

Hi - I appreciate the points being made that where the festival takes in "regular" sessions there is no way (and probably no desire) for the festival organisers to exert control over the session.

If that is combined with the suggestion of a map of the venues, then would it possible next year to produce a map with cross references to the programmed sessions, using some kind of key to differentiate those sessions that are specially put on as part of the festival, from the "regular" sessions are publicised by the festival but not run by festival staff. A note to explain the differences between the two kinds would also help visitors to make informed choices.

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 09 Apr 12 - 02:10 PM

Constructive critism please.

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: Jack's Rake
Date: 09 Apr 12 - 01:08 PM

Paul Davenport wrote:

"Its not very helpful to tell someone who doesn't know the town that that they should have been somewhere else guys."

Ouch!

Point taken, I guess, though his question was "was I at the wrong sessions?"

Still, since we didn't organise it I don't suppose we should be sticking our oars in so: sorry.

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 09 Apr 12 - 12:30 PM

Again the Sunday Kelham Island Tavern is a regular Sunday session. It varies weekly from an Unnacompanied session to a melodeon musicians session and an acoustic night. We (the festival) have no real control over it. The staff and landlord at Kelham are supportive to music and the festival, they do try and help re the noisey element but it's a busy popular pub and was busier because of the bank Holiday

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: GUEST,Chris Neale
Date: 09 Apr 12 - 12:17 PM

Hi chaps, here's my feedback, for what it's worth - maybe not a lot because it's I don't have much to compare it with. However...

I was at the ballads session at the KIT on Saturday afternoon, which I enjoyed because it was different to the usual free for all and I had to think carefully about what to sing. I liked the idea of picking up the thread from the previous singer - it made for some interesting song choices I thought. But it turns out I don't know many ballads (now that I know what the rules are!) so I moved up to:

Fagan's. I only caught the end of that session but what I heard was good. Saw two sets of dancers there - which made for an interesting interlude in the session.

On Saturday evening I went up to the University Arms where I had a good time, well organised and hosted by Jim, a nice mix of songs.

The blackboard session on Sunday afternoon at the Shakespeare was the highlight of the weekend for us. A cracking room to sing in and some great performances. It was lovely to see the young children that came with the Melrose quartet singing along and dancing to their parents' music.

On Sunday evening I went back to KIT for the mixed session. It was very noisy when I got there, with the room full of non-singers who seemed to have no respect for the performers. I didn't much enjoy my first couple of songs, having to shout rather than sing. Eventually more singers arrived, most of the non-singers left and the session improved greatly for an hour or so (with some interesting arrangements that were definitely not traditional folk!) Sadly when we left at around 10:45 it was starting to get noisy again. I think it really needed a host there to say "Singer on!"

All in all though we (myself, my wife and other family members that came along to various events) enjoyed the experience and were made to feel welcome at all the venues. We hope to come again next year.

Now, I wonder if anyone on this forum caught my Whit Friday song and would be willing to give any feedback on that?

Cheers, Chris

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 09 Apr 12 - 09:59 AM

We will take on board any comments about events that didn't work. The Grapes host 'existing' regular sessions, we include them in the programme because they already happen and have no control over them (or want to have control) The Grapes is the successor to the Dog as a real Irish pub. I do believe we need a dedicated Irish session and have already had a preliminary talk to a well known Irish musician so lets just say 'work in progress' but thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to what was a memorable weekend

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: Paul Davenport
Date: 09 Apr 12 - 08:50 AM

Its not very helpful to tell someone who doesn't know the town that that they should have been somewhere else guys. Flaj, please let us know what you felt that we had missed doing, for example, several people commented on the absence of a map. This is easily rectified but as I was in Australia last year I din't realise the need to include one on the flier until it was too late.
Yes, the Sunday night Big Sing was a bit special and a real highlight. In fact the Bard's Bar at Shakespeares is a really great singing venue. We started there on Friday night and ended there on Sunday and so we set it out twice in very different configurations. Great place.
Many thanks to all who attended. We'll try to do better next year - see you there.
Paul

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: Willa
Date: 09 Apr 12 - 08:18 AM

My thanks to everyone involved in organisingit.
Was only able to make Saturday afternoon, but it was well worth the effort!

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: Jack's Rake
Date: 09 Apr 12 - 07:30 AM

Sorry to hear of your disappointment, flaj. You should have gone to the Saturday night jobby at the Hillsborough Hotel!

Sean Finn was there singing his usual powerful songs, as were Simon Keegan Phipps (playing killer English concertina) one of the accordion players from the Well Dressed Band (sorry, I can't remember your name!) and Chris(?) a mudcatter, on anglo andsinging plus, of course, Jack's Rake.

The room was full to bursting and between us we had a great old evening! Thanks to Jim & the rest for organising this again - let's hope it continues to grow!

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: foggers
Date: 09 Apr 12 - 07:29 AM

Maybe the organisers can take up any feedback on what has worked and what did not amongst the sessions that happened over the weekend. I was at the Shakespeare on Sunday night and it was truly a fantastic night of singing at its best (we do that quite well in Sheffield!)

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: Paul Burke
Date: 09 Apr 12 - 06:10 AM

Yes, the Saturday afternoon Grapes session never took off. Was someone supposed to lead it?

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: flaj
Date: 09 Apr 12 - 06:01 AM

Have I been to the wrong sessions? Friday night at Hillsborough Hotel was very enjoyable but 3pm to 6pm Irish Session at the Grapes on the Saturday with a blind pianist playing anything but Irish was not what I expected, then 8pm to 11pm session at the Shakespeasre with no room for a session anywhere and no other musicians by 8.20pm, I and 2 friends who'd driven to Sheffield for an enjoyable Saturday then drove home having had very little enjoyment I'm afraid.

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: r.padgett
Date: 09 Apr 12 - 05:48 AM

I was there! from Sat pm

Ray

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: foggers
Date: 08 Apr 12 - 07:44 PM

Superb night of singing at The Shakespeare. Many heartfelt thanks to all who have made this weekend of events happen!

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: Paul Davenport
Date: 08 Apr 12 - 08:57 AM

The concert on Friday exceeded our expectations. If you missed it, well, you'd not have got in as we were standing, sitting, squatting and lying down to hear a line-up most of whom haven't been seen in a festival line-up for twenty years! More's the shame!

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 08 Apr 12 - 06:41 AM

2nd day just as good. Nice LNE with Pat Walker in good form

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 07 Apr 12 - 07:34 AM

Really good start to the Festival. Welcome session was superb really good quality do. The concert 'Rarely Heard' was absolutely bloody double fantastic. More goodies today.

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: Paul Davenport
Date: 06 Apr 12 - 10:56 AM

And we're off!
Hope to see loads of you there on what threatens to be a brilliant Easter weekend in Sheffield!

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 06 Apr 12 - 08:33 AM

Starts this afternoon folks. Hope to see and hear you later

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: Paul Davenport
Date: 05 Apr 12 - 03:06 PM

Change flagged up on Website.

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 05 Apr 12 - 07:16 AM

Only 1 change to the programme Sunday Musicians session 3pm-6pm moved from Hillsborough Hotel to Shakespeares.

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: Carol
Date: 05 Apr 12 - 06:17 AM

Soon be happening

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 04 Apr 12 - 08:05 AM

Hamish's first gig what a scoop

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: Paul Davenport
Date: 03 Apr 12 - 04:37 PM

Stop Press! Sheffield Sessions Folk Festival scores a first!! The children's and young people's session will be led by the Hamish Fagan band! This morris dancing phenomenon will be supported by his Mum and Dad so it should be an amazing session. Get your kids down there with their fiddles, squeezy boxes or twangy things and enjoy a memorable exchange of tunes and techniques!

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: r.padgett
Date: 03 Apr 12 - 10:06 AM

11th hour Jimmy!

Ray

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 02 Apr 12 - 01:06 PM

Posters should be up at venues soon

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 02 Apr 12 - 06:49 AM

Starts Friday

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 01 Apr 12 - 06:59 AM

bounce to the top

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: GUEST,Paul Davenport
Date: 31 Mar 12 - 02:35 AM

That's a good plan Jim. There 's no image of the festival without them.
Cheers, Paul

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 30 Mar 12 - 07:58 AM

Nice one Ray

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: r.padgett
Date: 30 Mar 12 - 07:06 AM

I picked a handful up from Fagan's Wednesday night by the way! By the counter near the door

Ray

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 30 Mar 12 - 06:40 AM

Uni Arms were supposed to be getting them done will find out what has happened today I am hoping they haven't become a product of my e-mail 'problem'

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: Paul Davenport
Date: 30 Mar 12 - 05:16 AM

Has anyone seen any of the posters around? I note a singular absence of them around the town.

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: Willa
Date: 30 Mar 12 - 05:15 AM

Up

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: Paul Davenport
Date: 29 Mar 12 - 12:18 PM

And we seem to be a blackboard short?

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 29 Mar 12 - 06:24 AM

Just over a week to go

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: Paul Davenport
Date: 28 Mar 12 - 09:56 AM

If anyone else needs fliers/programmes in a hurry, the Kelham Island Tavern has plenty space to judge by the stuff there on Sunday night. We'll also leave some at the Riverside tonight at the Brightfurnace traipse event.

Subject: RE: Sheffield Folk Sessions Festival 2012
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 28 Mar 12 - 06:11 AM

We're loking forward to hearing you