Who should I be booking?

Subject: Who should I be booking?
From: Banjiman
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 10:24 AM

OK, so assuming I don't lose all of the folk club funds on the KFFC Big Birthday Bash this weekend (numbers are looking OKish but not stunning), who should I be booking for next year?

I have nothing against singer/songwriters but do tend to prefer them to at least sound a bit traddy (pianos are a big turn off for instance and there are only so many greying men with Martin's you can put on, and we have/ had our quota!) but prefer people who do a mix of their own/ other peoples /trad (I always think it is a bit presumptious to do only your own material when there is so much other great stuff out there....though some people can get a way with it- Eric Bogle maybe!).

The current bookings I have are; Vicki Swan & Johnny Dyer, Brother Crow (with Kat Davidson & Dan Walsh suppoting), The Young'uns and Anna Shannon. (plus Sara Grey, Sarah McQuaid, Zoox and Edwina Hayes + more for February's Winter Warmer. Birthday Bash this weekend includes Duncan McFarlane, Wendy Arrowsmith, Marie Little, Mary Humpheys & Anahata, Hamish Currie, Bill Lloyd, Jim Potter etc).

I include this list so you get some idea where I am coming from.

So.... who have you seen recently who is/are not stupidly expensive (well quite cheap actually!)ticks some of the boxes listed above and has blown your socks off. Links to where I can hear/ see them are encouraged.

Thanks

Paul

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: GUEST,No Fixed Abode
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 10:36 AM

Hi Paul,
       Here is a link to see video footage, more info at www.freewebs.com/musicnfa


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPJCHrHAwlM

Thanks

Una

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: Sttaw Legend
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 10:51 AM

Hi Paul

Have a listen see what you think harriWattsband
We like ticking boxes......and are not stupidly expensive

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: Chris Green
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 10:54 AM

Hi Paul

At the risk of putting myself forward, I'm trying to put together a Northern mini-tour (which is a kind of man with a bull's head) for my band Isambarde. We play largely trad English stuff and we're going to be around in the last week of May 2009. We're pretty reasonable in that we'd be looking for a small minimum against a percentage. If you're interested pm me and I'll give you my contact details.

Chris

PS - If you want a character reference, we're good mates with Vicki and Jonny!

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 10:56 AM

I would suggest Megson at the moment although how much they cost I dont know ...

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: GUEST,John from Elsie`s Band
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 11:02 AM

Read us up on www.elsiesband.com and hear some of our "Rough Tracks" on the MySpace site.
Regards,
John

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: Banjiman
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 11:03 AM

duellingbouzoukis.... nice website, but where can I hear you?

Thanks

Paul

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: Chris Green
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 11:06 AM

Ah! Touche! Try www.myspace.com/isambarde There are six full track from our three albums on there.

NB - 'Mary and the Soldier' features our 'big band' Isambarde Electric. We wouldn't normally play a folk club with bass and drums!

Cheers

Chris

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: nutty
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 11:29 AM

Hissyfit always go down well ... Booked at Saddleworth and Warwick 2009 - get them before they become horribly expensive.

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: olddude
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 11:36 AM

Bruce Murdoch and Ron Bankley
doesn't get better than that I think

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 11:41 AM

Dave Goulder

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: theleveller
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 12:11 PM

Reg Meuross would be brilliant and, even though there's a piano (I suppose even a banjo players must have prejudices), I'd say Landermason are a must!

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: Anne Lister
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 12:14 PM

Me? I'm certainly not a greying man with a Martin and a lot of my songs are based on traditional stories ....listen to some of them on www.myspace.com/annelister or here

Bet you wished you hadn't asked now!

Anne

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 12:15 PM

You can't go wrong booking George Papavgeris

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 12:16 PM

The above was a guest with my cookie!

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: olddude
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 12:16 PM

George
I have to agree with you my friend

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: greg stephens
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 12:18 PM

You can't go wrong booking the fantastic Boat Band

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 12:20 PM

El Greko

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: theleveller
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 12:32 PM

Oh, and Tom Bliss, of course. I suppose Dougie Maclean is out of the question.

And get hold of Lucy Ward while you still can (if you can).

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: alex s
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 12:36 PM

Brian Peters Brian Peters Brian Peters Brian Peters Brian Peters..........

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: GUEST,Faye
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 12:48 PM

Well, apart from me, of course, there's:

Belshazzar's Feast
Landermason
George Papavgeris
Isambarde
Tom Bliss
The Askew Sisters
Maggie Sand
The London Bulgarian Choir
The Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain (if you can afford them)

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: GUEST,Faye
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 12:49 PM

...and not forgetting (as I almost did) the wonderful Tone-Deaf Leopard!

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: Terry McDonald
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 12:55 PM

George Papavgeris, of course (and you could try asking the Warwick Slade Collective to be the support act.....)

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: The Sandman
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 01:02 PM

http://www.dickmiles.com
Dick miles will be touring april,july. oct /nov 2009

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: Banjiman
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 01:04 PM

Faye.... why don't you post a link to where we can hear you.

Leveller... we did try Dougie McLean believe it or not but we calculated that we would need to get 200 people in KF Village Hall to make him affordable (even if he did us a favour!).....you've been there, what do you reckon?

Re Pianos, it's bad enough that Brother Crow are suggesting they might bring their's without booking more known penists......

We've had TB, we will have him again at some point.

Cheers

Paul

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: Singing Referee
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 01:27 PM

Well, what a brave person!

I am a grey haired man with guitar, but to compensate there's also the loverly Christine. We sing close harmony, mainly accompanied, some a capella. A little traditinal material, a little self-penned (Christine's; one has been recorded by Anthony John Clarke, one won the last Maidenhead folk song competition) and lots of what I care to call classic contemporary, but avoiding the over-worked and abused. Booked at this year's Alcester and Bedworth festivals.

"Moses and The Ref shone once more with them beautiful harmonies. I could listen to them all evening." said George Papavgeris!

www.mosesandtheref.org.uk where you can hear clips of us singing. Live - no recording tricks, so pretty much what you'ld get should you be gracious enough to book us.

And we'll listen to any sensible offers on fees.

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: GUEST,David
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 01:31 PM

David Franks

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: peregrina
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 01:38 PM

In your territory, Mick Sheehan; he did a terrific gig in York a while back.

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: Banjiman
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 01:46 PM

Singingref....... you don't have to whisper about banjos at KFFC, strangely we welcome them!

This is great, getting to hear lots of things that I wouldn't usually come across. Unfortunately I won't be able book you all (about 20 acts per year) but it is reinforcing my belief that there is a real depth of talent out there.

BTW PMing me won't make any difference, I will over time listen to all the links on here and get back to anyone who fits the bill.

Cheers

Paul

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: Fidjit
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 01:48 PM

His Worship & the Pig

Really entertaining.

Chas

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: Banjiman
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 01:50 PM

Anyone got a Hissyfit link? (or can you bring something this weekend for me to listen to Nutty?)

Thanks

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: mandotim
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 01:57 PM

The Slippery Hill Boys? Link here
Plenty of banjo action...
Tim

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: GUEST,Warwick Slade
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 02:22 PM

Somebody said George Papavgerie supported by The Warwick Slade Collective. What a dream ticket for a great night.
How about that greying man with a Gibson, Terry Mcdonald www.myspace.com/terrymcdonalddorset
Worth a listen

There is no nepotism in folk music

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 02:23 PM

Hissyfit are wonderful and you'll draw a bunch of new people - I have two Cds of them and also a CD of their music when they played at Flaxton (we booked them VERY early)

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: GUEST,Faye
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 02:39 PM

Banjiman- I'll let you all know when I have a MySpace site (yes, I'm the only one here who doesn't have one yet...)

The reason is I haven't yet recorded anything to put on it. I'm crap with technology so I'll have to get someone to do it for me and I don't think I'm ready yet; want to finish breaking the songs in first.

Thanks for the interest though!!!

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: GUEST,Faye
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 02:40 PM

...oh and can you afford Bellowhead?????

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: breezy
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 02:56 PM

George Papavgeris has Tom Bliss staying with him after the Monday gig at Herga, I claim the prize please

I will recommend them both

I would also say that you should ask those you have already booked for suggestions

In the meantime ask Hamish about yt,

Tom Bliss called me 'Professional'

Hey Villan give us a plug.

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: Nick
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 02:58 PM

Hissyfit

Kieran Halpin was reasonable for us to put him on too.

We have never booked many people so not much help! Last Nights Fun came and played twice and were great. Marie Little came too.

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: Crane Driver
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 03:44 PM

Andrew McKay & Carole Etherton - our website is here. I'm a greying (OK - grey) man but I don't play any sort of guitar. Carole isn't.

There are music samples on the site, and a diary of where we've been in 2008 - both UK and abroad.

Some trad, some recently-written to sound like trad, including some by us, and anything else we enjoy singing.

Always happy to discuss a sensible approach to fees.

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: My guru always said
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 03:46 PM

What a fab thread to get links to my favourite people, good idea!
Here's my page....

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: GUEST,Surreysinger (sans cookie)
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 04:49 PM

If it would be suitable for your club/venue, Ralphie and I could offer you a show (mixed narrative, and songs and tunes) about the life and work of Lucy Broadwood, folksong collector and researcher, and mentor to the likes of Ralph Vaughan Williams and Percy Grainger. Further details on our MySpace page

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: Acorn4
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 05:02 PM

Can I recommend the evergreen Pete Morton.

Great songs and tremendous rapport with an audience.

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: Acorn4
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 05:03 PM

oh, and Lynn Heraud/Pat Turner - once again, great music and very entertaining!

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: GUEST,Rafflesbear
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 05:12 PM

something lively

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 05:29 PM

Kris Akabusi has an infectious laugh. I'm sure he would raise a few chuckles.

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: GUEST,Joe G
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 06:15 PM

Hi Paul

I'd recommend

Midnight Special
http://www.myspace.com/midnightspecialtrio


Roger Davies

Gerry Mc Neice

Sorry link mker blobbed on last two but they're on MySpace

And of course I'd second / third Tom Bliss - Crucible & Skyhook from Sheffield are superb too

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 06:33 PM

this maybe

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: GUEST,Joe G
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 06:36 PM

Mmmm - perhaps not - though I have heard worse at some folk clubs! (Fortunately very rarely!)

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 06:56 PM

Hmm. Cost is always relative. Here are some thoughts.



Pint and Dale (might be expensive, some trad, some US, some own stuff, lovely sound with Hurdy Gurdy and make him bring his mandolin - oh, and his Goodall is the best guitar I have ever played)

Jon Loomes (lovely Nic Jones/Carthyesque guitar, and also plays hurdy gurdy and almost anything else that will play a tune I hate people like that, and almost entirely English traditional arranged with verve)

I see MGAS has put in her bid above. I suggest you accept.

If you can pry her loose from the bowels of Kent, possibly the best (other than fully-pro) female renderer of unaccompanied English song, Marian Button - former winner of the Nats - get her NOW as (sorry Marian, I know I am not a gentleman) she gets no younger. A voice you will never forget. Also you will not forget the death toll and you may not smile or laugh until a year and a day have passed - many great tragedies in her repertoire.

Ingrid and Barrie Temple. Probably need no introduction.

Dame Patti Smith EPNS

That wonderful young girl at the last Miskin - unaccompanied song made me cry 4 times in 20 minutes - Tori something (if Tori Amos is the famous one she was Tori Lang - or maybe vice versa). From Wales I think.

Capella. From Kent. She a lady baritone, he a male tenor/countertenor, harmonies and countermelodies to DIE for. Unccompanied, some trad-ish some a bit jazz-ish or music hall-ish. For a small amount extra, get them with Kick the Cat (combined band called Catapella) and die laughing at some of the comedy songs.

Deadly Lampshade - female-led singer-songwriter tribe got boosted from club tent to main stage at Ely a couple of years ago. She has a nice guitar she plays in Open G a lot.

Our own Barden of England. Singer Songwriter, and greying, but plays a Fylde not a Martin. Wonderful alcohol-fuelled tenor voice, rich ringing and full.

Mike Nicholson. A melodic baritone full of spice and chocolate (the voice, I mean) and a Collings short-scale (12-fret) dreadnaught that sings the harmonies at you.

Peter Collins. Unaccompanied. Quite a lot of shanties and forebitters. A bass-baritone or bass. If Mike Nicholson is spice and chocolate, Peter is Death By Chocolate Pudding. If he asks for an alcohol rider, decline, he drinks wine by the pint (and knows a good one from a bad one).

Dangerous Curves (but you know them).

Pete Coe - I have no idea what he now costs but he is SO underrated. Nothing he can't do.

No Worries do do some trad. He is a VERY good finger-style guitarist with a range of Martins that will buy most retirement bungalows, and a worthwhile singer, she sings harmony arranged or on the fly and plays a very useful bodhran (egg, etc).

Subject: RE: Who should I be booking?
From: Effsee
Date: 19 Nov 08 - 10:39 PM

Michael Marra...you won't mind his keyboard, but you will remember his songs...and his keyboard support!