Where to play at Sidmouth?

Subject: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Jul 11 - 11:24 AM

Poster appears to be Fyldeplayer

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As a Sidmouth first timer, can people suggest options for three piece wanting some fun and relaxed sessions and open slots. We do three - part + instruments, trad type, some Americana and some music hall. I have read here some bars are 'specialist' sessions like Olde Timey etc. Also which session does Leadfingers frequent as he owes me a pint!

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: Dave Earl
Date: 18 Jul 11 - 11:57 AM

Terry Leadfingers will undoubedly be in the New Tavern aka The Newt

Good luck with the claiming of pint

Also Choons only in the Radway and Singing only( no bloody instruments) in The Anchor and several other sessions are listed in the programme

Dave

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: Johnny J
Date: 18 Jul 11 - 12:06 PM

"Singing only( no bloody instruments) in The Anchor ..."

Is this the famous "middle bar"?

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 18 Jul 11 - 01:11 PM

Aye, but it's upstairs as of the last 3 years or so after a bit of a make-over of the Anchor, so it's not exactly in the middle any more.
The Old-Timey crowd usually play in the Bedford Hotel in the bit to the right of the sea-front entrance.
There are also some Open Mike slots, if you check out the working programme which is now downloadable from the Sidmouth Folk Week website.
Good mixed sessions at the Swan and in the other part of the Bedford (to left of the sea-front door). Radway mainly English tunes.

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: Johnny J
Date: 18 Jul 11 - 01:16 PM

Basically, a singers' festival then?

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 18 Jul 11 - 01:58 PM

Jonny J - Sidmouth is a mixe estival , with a WIDE variety of music and dance , quite a lot of it absolutely free .
Downstairs in the Anchor s usually an Irish Tunes session , with the Middle Bar upstairs now
Behind the Anchor is a Dance in the Car Park every afternoon
The Bedford has the Old Timey AND a mixed session as well as Ticketed festival events .
The Swan has a Mixed session , n several other pubs have various informal things happening
As stated above , The Radway has The English Tune all week .
There is usually an open session n the Sailing Club .
I will be in The Newt with Gerry Milne all week - Who is the GUEST who I owe a pint to ??

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: GUEST,PeterC
Date: 18 Jul 11 - 02:03 PM


Basically, a singers' festival then?
err .. have you actually read the posts?

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: GUEST, topsie
Date: 18 Jul 11 - 02:24 PM

err ... I think he may have been being sarcastic

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: Dave Earl
Date: 18 Jul 11 - 03:51 PM

*Is this the famous "middle bar"

Yes but infamous might be the word to use in some quarters.

As to not beingin the middle i take the view that althoug it's upstairs it is still between the front and back bars but on a different plane so can still be regarde as in the middle.

Just IMHO you understand

Dave

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: The Barden of England
Date: 18 Jul 11 - 04:52 PM

GUEST -
All venues are welcoming, however the Middle Bar is voices only (but what wonderful voices). the Bedford runs all day until the early hours - try either side, and the Newt (The New Tavern) has Leadfingers and Gerry Milne Lunchtimes and evenings, and the Swan until about 11pm. Get your names down at 'Dukes' where they do an open mike (Dukes is on the Esplanade as is The Bedford). Basically there's so much to do, and so little time - a week is not enough!!
John Barden

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Jul 11 - 04:15 AM

Why is the Volunteer not mentioned? Hope it is not closed and become another coffee house. Psychomorris

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 19 Jul 11 - 05:04 AM

Well I went opening weekend the last two years and basically it seemed to work if you went from pub to pub and stuck the nose in and joined in if it seemed a good plan. If it didn't then you could "refresh, pay up and journey on" - there were MANY pubs to go to, a number with spontaneous sessions and/or sings.

I heard rumours of playing on parts of the campsite too but did not go there.

I did see the noisier combines just starting where they felt like on the promenade if they could find space between tut stalls and amplified pan pipes - again worked well sometimes.

Keep an eye out for the mummers too.

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: Surreysinger
Date: 19 Jul 11 - 05:20 AM

"Why is the Volunteer not mentioned? Hope it is not closed and become another coffee house. Psychomorris "
Possibly because it isn't predominantly a music sessions venue of the sort that original guest asked for . The lunchtime "In the Tradition" is a singer's event (but is NOT a singaround - the Middle Bar is more likely to cater for that - but for unaccompanied singers only).

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 19 Jul 11 - 07:47 AM

I ALWAYS miss out the Vollie - Silly , because its one place to hear the better Traditional musicians and singers

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: The Barden of England
Date: 19 Jul 11 - 08:56 AM

Sorry - should have mentioned the Volunteer too, it's just that it's not on my well worn and beaten track. This year maybe.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: GUEST,George Frampton
Date: 19 Jul 11 - 09:35 AM

Yep! The 'In the Tradition' session at The Volly is as per usual. There is a band (from the Festival guest list where possible) booked to play music at the chairperson's request. After this, he/she will then invite individuals to sing. This is a structured session rather than come-all-ye or free-for-all. Yes, and the standard of chorus singing still astonishes me after nearly 20 years as a regular there!

As far as I'm aware, the public bar will be open for allcomers after the session finishes around 2.30 pm.

A more informal session is held during the evening in the saloon bar hosted by Roger Grimes, Bernie Cherry and the inimitable Ken Langsbury.

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Jul 11 - 12:43 PM

Poster appears to be Fyldeplayer

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Forgot to add Mudcat name Leadfingers, beware!! - I'll head for the Newt soon as guitar and bags are safe!

Thanks to all for info - I can now use the online working prog as well.

Is it bad luck to hope for good weather?

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: Girl Friday
Date: 19 Jul 11 - 01:58 PM

I've been tracking the weather from time to time. It has been better than the South East of England thus far.

BBC weather

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: JollieOllie
Date: 19 Jul 11 - 04:33 PM

Year before last we got wet. Last year, a tad damp. So this year we're packing suntan lotion! Obvious, innit?

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: Tug the Cox
Date: 20 Jul 11 - 11:59 AM

There are many paces where you can just set up. Some pubs , like the Black Horse, odten have signs saying music welcome. Also try Rosies Folk Club at the York and faulkner in the evening.Tudoe rose bar/cafe often has impromptu sessions.

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: GUEST,Fyldeplayer
Date: 20 Jul 11 - 12:31 PM

Have downloaded working prog but am indebted to replies from experienced Sidders! Will be checking map to figure 'walkable' venues (staying in town center).

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: Old Vermin
Date: 20 Jul 11 - 02:44 PM

Worth mentioning the Radway assuming it's still going. Trad English tunes, I think, but please correct me if need be.

And there tend to be sessions in the Swan.

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: Surreysinger
Date: 20 Jul 11 - 04:13 PM

Mr Vermin - Leadfingers had already highlighted the Radway! :-)

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 20 Jul 11 - 04:26 PM

I dont know wether The Newt will be open on Friday - It wasnt last year   , first session was Saturday midday so Friday I will be on the wander !!

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 20 Jul 11 - 05:41 PM

Must remember that. The New Tavern. Wasted too much time last year looking for a venue called the Newt.

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: GUEST,The man whose head expanded.
Date: 21 Jul 11 - 04:46 AM

Sidmouth is certainly not a "tune only" session. Your best bet is to have a wander round-it's actually difficult to find a pub that DOESN'T have a session. The festival was originally a dance festival, but now anything goes. Plenty of song sessions. I started off playing tunes, but actually do more songs these days.It may annoy some people but tune sessions bore the arse of people who aren't players themselves-ultimately, it's basically exclusive, elitist and esoteric.

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: JollieOllie
Date: 21 Jul 11 - 05:00 AM

Do they tend to be self opinionated as well?

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: Tug the Cox
Date: 21 Jul 11 - 10:18 AM

The balkanisation of folk is one of Sidmouth's weaknesses. Irish only her, English only there, unacompannied only elsewhere. Notable exceptions include the Bedford session and most impromptu sessions. The Dartmoor festival is such a refreshment immediately afterwards, song dandce and instrumentals all sharing the space with courtesy for each other.

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: Dave Earl
Date: 21 Jul 11 - 10:59 AM

"Irish only her(e)"?

Where's that Jeff ?

The Radway have elaswhere in Mudcat deny that they are Irish OR English only as I recall.

Dave

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 21 Jul 11 - 11:34 AM

The trouble with the Bedford on the first Friday and Saturday is that by about 11pm, you'd need a Marshall stack to be heard over the drinkers at the bar!

What's that pub near teh triangular car park on the left as you face the sea? They have had different things in the smoking shelter and in the snug bar any time I have popped in, mostly from the broad church of folk.

Likewise Sat eve in the Volly outside in the smoking shelter I have seen modern acoustic players and singers - young, pop-song-ish.

Of course I have little experience beside the regulars who have posted here but I found the town very welcoming and even the yoof good tempered.

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: GUEST, topsie
Date: 21 Jul 11 - 12:14 PM

"that pub near the triangular car park on the left as you face the sea"
Do you mean the Swan?

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 21 Jul 11 - 12:23 PM

The Irish tends to be downstairs in the Anchor, tucked in the corner near one of the front doors.
I did get away (alive!) with a Scottish slow air in the Radway last year.
The Swan, yes, I think that sounds like where RB means.

Sessions in smoking shelters? No thanks!

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: Girl Friday
Date: 21 Jul 11 - 12:54 PM

The Bedford is very welcoming, and has several rooms. R B is quite right about the noise in the bars. Tried to start a session in the lounge adjacent to the reception last year... during the week. Before it could get going, a group of singers turned up, and stood, singing in the reception. They, being by far the loudest, we moved on.

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 21 Jul 11 - 04:15 PM

Yes, the Swan

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 21 Jul 11 - 04:34 PM

GF - that group of singers might have been the Run Ashore for Sidmouth Life Boat. If so apologies for the noise but it was in a good cause and we moved on after a few songs.

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: Dave Earl
Date: 21 Jul 11 - 04:42 PM

And very late at night (midnight to just about time to get the last bus up to the campsite or even later)you will find very far back in the Bedford( the Breakfast room I think it's called you will find some of IMO the countrys best "serious" singers.

Do you follow I round there from the Middle Bar most nights for a couplew more hours of excellent singing - I don't always contribute a song myself you understand: I wouldn't presume to be among the "best" but In know a lot of 'em and they gives I a go now and then.

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: Tug the Cox
Date: 21 Jul 11 - 07:05 PM

VT, wasn't us, we were given room by appointment from the main bar residents led by John Barden, and it was our last stop before returning to the middle bar.

Dave, 2 years ago the Radway, where i have played my agony bag every year for the last 27, as well as reunions, had a sign saying 'Please don't play Dingles's Regatta,' or anything Irish.

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 21 Jul 11 - 08:30 PM

D'ye know, I'd been coming to Sidmouth - and the Bedford - for YEARS before I ever found that "inner sanctum" down the corridor! First song in there was really nerve-wracking!

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 21 Jul 11 - 09:13 PM

They ARE a lovely crowd though

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: GUEST,Sean O'Shea,
Date: 22 Jul 11 - 09:21 AM

Dartmoor festival is not,in any form,as the person wishing to be known as Tug The Cox describes it.The singer is marginalised when it comes to finding a venue for a singaround.Instrumentalists hold sway and often force singers out,seeing no scope for their contribution or enjoyment.It used to be as the correspondent describes,but hasn't been so for some years.Trades Description Act,Tony.

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: Girl Friday
Date: 07 Aug 11 - 02:03 PM

It ws the barber shop singers. They do a lot for charity so it's ok.

Have to say... Middle Bar was great... as was the Come All Ye at The Faulkner. Only got there on Friday . T D L got a great reception in both.

Rugby Club session was nearly all unaccompanied.. and fairly dire.

Went to The Newt once. Duke's didn't get the open mic. thing up and running until Friday, when it appeared to be full of "diary singers."

The Ham Stage was there, but not properly organised.

The Bedford seemed overrun with musicians... not much singing.

We need a really good fringe venue where we can hold a lively accompanied singing session. People are willing to run it.

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: GUEST,Fyldeplayer
Date: 08 Aug 11 - 06:54 AM

We three had a great time - sang only in middle bar, played at Dukes on Saturday then straight onto promenade, Rugby Club folk club enjoyable although would have liked more 'players', Royal York sessions in morn best for accomp playing.

Its a complicated map of venue types and we did a lot of walking to find what suited us, a lot of people seemed to be having a good time and we were made very welcome.

What are "diary singers."?

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: Girl Friday
Date: 08 Aug 11 - 08:11 AM

Hi Fydelplayer

We looked in at the morning session at the Royal York. Perhaps it was just the wrong time, but it seemed to be a bit "gloom and doom", and we didn't notice any instruments.

"Diary Singers" - outline description... Solo singer, often with piano, but also with guitar.... self-penned songs that detail their daily life.

Probably, the original of these - unfortunately - as she has a great voice is Joni Mitchell..... she has a lot to answer for.

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: GUEST,Fyldeplayer
Date: 08 Aug 11 - 11:52 AM

Joni Mitchell, great voice, plus musicality and an ability to expose her 'diary' with great skill, Coyote being a good example - but a hard act to follow.

What type of song would you like Girl Friday, and how would Sidmouth and others promote such a session?... we would have liked to see more accomp singing, I think most I saw was random groups on the promenade. We hope to visit Broadstairs next year, be interesting to see the balance of styles there.

We did however thoroughly enjoy the Royal York sessions, just great to hear new ( to me ) songs accomp or not. Looking back 20 years or so I say these sessions are like a box of chocolates...

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 08 Aug 11 - 12:02 PM

There was plenty of accompanied song in THe Newt over the week

Subject: RE: Where to play at Sidmouth?
From: Vic Smith
Date: 08 Aug 11 - 02:48 PM

Nearly 200 photos of the festival available by clicking here