sessions in Baku

Subject: sessions in Baku
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Aug 12 - 05:24 AM

I'm going to Baku, Azerbaijan, for a few weeks in Sept/Oct. I can't believe that a place with that many expats, for that long, doesn't have a session or two, somewhere... anyone?

Subject: RE: sessions in Baku
From: Betsy
Date: 18 Aug 12 - 06:16 AM

There wasn't when I was there , but check out a boozer called the Garage.
Also be very very careful as to which bottled water to drink.
Ask guys working for BP as they get proper guidance.Some bottled water contains colliforms . I found out THAT after I was taken very ill.
Otherwise I wish you luck.

Subject: RE: sessions in Baku
From: Musket
Date: 18 Aug 12 - 07:11 AM

I was there in 2005. There is a bar just next door to the Chinese restaurant near the British Embassy (can't be more specific, sorry!) that has open mic sessions, mainly for the FO staff and those who go there. Fun if a little liquorice allsorts. Used to be an Irish pub (of course) too, and they advertised singers' nights, though I never made it.

Yeah, the water... The Russian plumbing techniques, even in the newer post Soviet era, tend to run fresh water pipes inside the sewage pipes, and the compression joints sometimes allow a little "osmosis" as it were. In short, unless you are there a long time and wish to get acclimatised, even use bottled water for cleaning your teeth and shower with your mouth shut...

That said, the brutal regime there cannot kill of the optimism of the people and I had a wonderful time that I will never forget. Ask to go to Clangerland and the eternal flame, (now supplied via a gas coin meter...)

Enjoy.

Subject: RE: sessions in Baku
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Aug 12 - 08:14 AM

I was in Baku in 2006 so I know about the water... :P

I remember the open mic sessions near the British Embassy. The Irish pub advertised singers' nights but I only ever saw local jazz and rock groups actually play there.

I also got a gold tooth for $100 which I still have!

Subject: RE: sessions in Baku
From: Betsy
Date: 18 Aug 12 - 08:56 PM

To JOE OFFER .......................
Hi Joe, how the fuck can we stop this invasion of "Guests" .
Mudcatters are tolerant about people who wish to find out information - but when the situataion moves on , we would like a hang a handle onto individuals, for possible future reference .

Subject: RE: sessions in Baku
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 18 Aug 12 - 09:24 PM

Betsy: This seems to be one of the attitudes that is responsible of some people feeling unwelconme at "live" folky events.

It shouldn't be "how can we stop this invasion of Guests" but "how can we ensure that people who come in as Guests return, join and eventually contribute? I hung around here as a "Guest" for a while before joining, but if I'd read that on one of my early posts I'd have buggered off damn quick and never darkened the door again of somewhere where I was so obviously unwelcome.

Make Guests welcome, and before you know it they've joined up and are contributing. Post stuff like this and they'll be off PDQ.

Subject: RE: sessions in Baku
From: CET
Date: 19 Aug 12 - 10:10 AM

Here, here Rob. The guests who posted evidently have some interest in music or they wouldn't be on this site. Also they have provided useful information. More power to them, and hopefully they will join up later. Now, the troll guests who infest the political threads are another matter (although it has to be said that they are no nastier and stupider than some of the resident Catters).