Secrets of a good singaround?

Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround?
From: GUEST,Pete
Date: 09 Apr 10 - 05:30 AM

Drink!!!

Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround?
From: GUEST,MadauntieCat
Date: 09 Apr 10 - 05:23 AM

Pretty much what Rob just said.
A MC with a light touch does help, or there can be one or two either more experienced or over keen people who monopolise.
Also it's reassuring for novices like me to be able to ask to be passed over this round if you're feeling insecure (read 'havent drunk enough to overcome your inhibitions yet').

Whereas I love the organised sessions I attend, some of my favourites have been spontaneous sing-songs at re-enactment events after hours. The great thing about the organised sessions is that they can really bring your singing and playing standard up so that people enjoy what you do at the impromptu events!

Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround?
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 09 Apr 10 - 04:46 AM

I'm with VirginiaTam on this. The loosely organised ones seem to me to have the best chance of developing into a "special" evening.

No real MC, or at least an MC with a light touch, and a good mix of singers and instrumentalists. Circular seating and taking turns, with enough "standards" sung/played for people to join in with choruses, or pick up the accompaniment. Tolerance and respect for the version that the current singer/ player is doing, and inclusivity for people who might want to try singing or playing but are not as confident as the more experienced participants. Enough people present (and singing/ playing!)for your turn not to come around too often. Good banter as the circle progresses, and a few words from the current performer before or after each song/ tune giving some background or just a humerous story associated with it.

No "themeing"....I think that restricts the flexibility and sponteneity of what's happening. And certainly no "heavy-handed" MC-ing or taking over by a small group.

Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround?
From: John J
Date: 09 Apr 10 - 04:23 AM

The good company of like-minded people, a half-decent venue....and decent beer.

The Beech in Chorlton is a good example.

JJ

Subject: RE: Secrets of a good singaround?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 09 Apr 10 - 04:15 AM

The ones I attend are loosely organised, in that they are planned and we go around in a circle taking turns.

Nevertheless the ones I attend with the Kent crowd are top notch, probably because we have some very good musos who accompany us and because a fair number know and can harmonise to many of the songs.

Lots of laughter happens too, which is an important part of the feel good factor.

Subject: Secrets of a good singaround?
From: Soldier boy
Date: 08 Apr 10 - 09:22 PM

I love a good singaround where everyone has a go and gives it their best effort.
But it seems to me, in my experience, that you can't 'plan' for it to be a good singaround - it just kind of 'happens'!

It can depend on many factors - the people present/the chemistry or 'connection' between people present/the venue/the atmosphere/the ambience/the amount of drink consumed/the mix of singers and musicians/the mix of singers and the rest of the 'audience'/how long a session is allowed to simmer and come to the boil/if it has a 'theme'/if it is managed and controlled or one or a few people are allowed to take over/if it is part of 'the fringe' at a folk festival or just an impromptu outburst of singing with no planning or structure.

I don't know about you, but I have found that some of the best and most memorable singarounds I have had the privilege to be involved with have been those that just happen spontaneously with no planning or initial purpose/structure.

But I have also really enjoyed many singarounds with a M.C who controls the session and invites people to do a song as you go round the room (usually in a pub or club in the UK).

So what presses your buttons and turns you on?
What works for you and what are your 'secrets of a good singaround' and what makes or made it so special to you?

I'd love to know.

Many thanks.

Chris