What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??

Subject: Folklore: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: MickyMan
Date: 19 Jun 18 - 10:52 AM

Here in New England USA, the term used is most often used these days is, "Pub Sing", which just seems a little too drunk and disorderly for what is happening.
What do you use where you are?????

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 19 Jun 18 - 04:50 PM

Uk 'Singaround'

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: MickyMan
Date: 19 Jun 18 - 04:58 PM

I really like that "Singaround"!   Describes what's happening without being too specific.   Many years ago they used to call them "a capella sings" here, but then the whole non-folk "Acapella group" thing rose up and took that term away.

Any others?

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: Tony Phillips
Date: 19 Jun 18 - 05:07 PM

We use 'acoustic night' as the general public wording here at the Plough and Fleece near Cambridge UK as we get a mix of tunes and songs. On the folk websites we always refer to it as a 'singaround' as that is the best description for people who know the jargon, For some reason we refer to it amongst ourselves as the 'session' despite knowing full well that would usually mean a tunes dominated night. However, we also use the general expression 'fancy a session at the pub?' meaning a chat and a few beers. Horses for Courses, as we say over here.

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Jun 18 - 05:13 PM

'Session' abbreviated to "a sesh" by some cool dudes.

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: Joe Offer
Date: 19 Jun 18 - 05:35 PM

"Song Circle" seems to be what's used here in California, but sometimes "singaround."

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: Bob TB
Date: 19 Jun 18 - 05:44 PM

Sometimes "song session" in the UK, as well as singaround as already mentioned.

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Jun 18 - 05:49 PM

"Pub sing" isn't a term normally used in the UK but if anything it conjours an image of people singing along to popular songs played on a slightly out of tune piano.

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 19 Jun 18 - 07:23 PM

One of ours in Edinburgh is the "Traditional Song and Tunes session". Most sessions include more songs than tunes, and many of both are not actually traditional. Most people who come like both songs and tunes, and a fair proportion both sing and play an instrument or three. And we do get the occasional recitation or story-telling too. But it's a great session.

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: RTim
Date: 19 Jun 18 - 09:08 PM

Here on Cape Cod, around Woods Hole - we sing in 3 different houses in rotation, and called them our - Sea Pub Sessions. This is because they started life as singing Sea Songs, and now they have opened up to any song but probably more sea songs that any other.........

Tim Radford

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: Cap't Bob
Date: 19 Jun 18 - 10:23 PM

The session is called an "Irish Session". Any Celtic songs and tunes seem to fit into our group.

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: medievallassie
Date: 19 Jun 18 - 10:54 PM

Okay...I'm going with the obvious. We always call it a singing session.

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: GUEST,Observer
Date: 20 Jun 18 - 01:42 AM

Wonder why "sing-song" went out of fashion? Possibly because at a sing-song the material played and sung was the sort of stuff everybody could join in on. A "session" to me has always meant tunes that allow all those present to join in.

"ours in Edinburgh is the "Traditional Song and Tunes session". Most sessions include more songs than tunes, and many of both are not actually traditional." - If that is the case it sort of begs the question why call it something that it patently is not?

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: GUEST,Jon Bartlett
Date: 20 Jun 18 - 01:56 AM

Two different creatures: one, a song circle - sedate, circular, lots of Blue Book of Death aficionados. Two, a raucous, booze-inspired mass singing of the "big" songs - choruses absolutely required, shanties, hunting songs, no creeping Jesus songs. We call these "porch songs" because they happen on our porch at the Princeton Traditional Music Festival, 17-19 August this year, in BC, Canada. www.princetontraditional.org.

Jon

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: Bob TB
Date: 20 Jun 18 - 02:38 AM

The important thing is to have a name that it describes what is going to happen so people know what to expect - and if it is for them. Is it just song, a specific type of song (shanty, ballad) or a mixed session?

I would not expect a UK "Irish session" to include songs. "Acoustic night" is vague and extends includes any genre. More "open mic" than "song session". It is usually a series of performances on a "stage" rather than a collective sing. And rarely genuinely acoustic.

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: Will Fly
Date: 20 Jun 18 - 03:42 AM

In our area (Sussex, UK), "Acoustic night" or "Acoustic session" means what it says - acoustic, i.e. no amps, mics or PAs. And no stage.

We use the term "Open mic" to include all the above paraphernalia.

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: GUEST,David Nuttall, Wakefield
Date: 20 Jun 18 - 04:06 AM

We hold 2 sessions each month in 2 different Wakefield pubs on Sunday afternoons. We refer to these as SONGS AND TUNES SESSIONS because there is a mixture of songs and tunes in an informal setting. The term SINGAROUND usually seems to suggest moving formally around the room to each person in turn . Our sessions require little organising and seem to be self - regulatory. I cannot pretend that some do not prefer the singaround format as they are sometimes more reluctant to 'jump in ' with a song or tune of their own. Participants normally tend to alternate a song followed by a tune etc to strike a balance to the afternoon.There is also a balance struck between chorus and more individual songs and a solo or ' joining in ' tune. Everyone seems to respect the music of others and it seems to work well for us. I hope you continue to enjoy your music....no matter what it is called !!

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Jun 18 - 04:31 AM

"The circle of death"

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 20 Jun 18 - 05:11 AM

Singing circles are popular throughout Ireland
They vary in attendence, largely because many organisers assume, often wrongly, that Sean Nós enthusiasts are happy to sit through an evening of badly sung Buddy Holly - or vice versa!
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: Mysha
Date: 20 Jun 18 - 05:13 AM

Hi,

A session is called a "sessy" over here, and that's what we call it. Otherwise, like Tattie said.

Bye,
                                                                  Mysha

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: vectis
Date: 20 Jun 18 - 05:40 AM

In England I went to a lot of 'sessions' and 'singarounds' and 'song and ales' (these mainly lasted for a weekend.

Here in New Zealand there are çome all ye's', ópen mics' which are not acoustic, acoustic sessions which usually have a plethora of mics and 'blackboard concerts'which, again, is usually amped. I run a session called an ácoustic music night 'which is mainly acapella singing and bush poems AND NOT A BLOODY MIC IN SIGHT. When trying to think of a name for a get together of singers, bush poets and musicians we ended up calling it a 'folk gathering'.

I reckon you can call it whatever you like , people will come once they know what is going on if it suits their wants.

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: Johnny J
Date: 20 Jun 18 - 06:01 AM

Generally, I tend to avoid them.

However, the term "Singaround" is probably best and it suggests that everyone gets an equal and fair chance to sing if they wish to do so.

Sometimes, if there are a few singers in a busy large room and no single singer "hogs" things, this can be OK too. However, this can often be abused and listeners can also be less attentive.

Anything which is described as an "Open Stage" or "open Mic" should be avoided like the plague. It's just a "show off" scenario and, invariably the paticipants are not interested in anyone elese except themselves.

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: Mr Happy
Date: 20 Jun 18 - 10:24 AM

Mr Happy & the Gloom Band run two weakly events.

Monday afternoon is called 'Monday afternoon Music & Songs'

Wednesday evening is called 'Mr Happy's Come All Ye'

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: GUEST,Jim Knowledge
Date: 20 Jun 18 - 11:35 AM

I `ad that Mo Archer in my cab the other day, `im as runs "The Blacksmiths" down Gatwick way. `e`s never been known as a lover of the tradition but puts up with it `cos when they top up at `is pub with their music and songs it`s a nice little earner.
I said, "Morning Mo. I hear your monthly musical night is on this week. Do you want my lot to come down and guest for you?"
`e said, "Not this month Jim, it`s just a get together of the usual suspects."
I said , "`ow do you advertise it then? as a Session?, Singaround?, Open Mike? or whatever"
`e said, "No. We put notices that call it the "The Catterwalling"


Whaddam I Like??

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: Vic Smith
Date: 20 Jun 18 - 11:43 AM

Amberley Acoustic Music club in Sussex has guest nights and nights without anyone booked. The latter they call Convivium Musicale
Oh! They are all well-educated in Amberley, don't ye know!

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: GUEST,Seonaid
Date: 20 Jun 18 - 02:23 PM

This is the best part of the best get-togethers:
"Everyone seems to respect the music of others "

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: GUEST,Seonaid
Date: 20 Jun 18 - 02:24 PM

Although the singing together is really what I go to these things for....

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: GUEST,vectis
Date: 21 Jun 18 - 02:41 AM

The late night , beer induced Home Brew, lots of choruses, singing session at one local festival, because of licencing issues, has been re-named and is now a 'symposium'

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 21 Jun 18 - 09:05 AM

Ours was the Leitrim singers'Circle- no exclusion of music but no musician turned away- just an indication of the main purpose of the event- it discontinued last December.

I didn't ever treat them to my accordion backed Buddy Holly selection so that wasn't the reason for its demise- as for badly sung 'sean-nos'?? hmmmm....

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 21 Jun 18 - 09:44 AM

My weekly session (started by Mudcat's Curmudgeon -- Tom Hall -- in 1982 at The Press Room in Portsmouth, NH) has always been both vocal and instrumental. On songs, one person leads, but everyone joins in the chorus and I try to keep instrumentalists involved and interested by choosing songs with room for instrumental breaks.

My other session, monthly and posted here, is officially Shanty, Forebitter & Foc's'l Ballad Session or Singaround.

For a couple years I led a circle gathering that included songs, tunes, stories, poetry, interesting passages from books -- a little bit of everything. I called it a Voicearound.

At the Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival we call our two singarounds open sings...even though they ARE held in pubs.

Linn

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 21 Jun 18 - 05:37 PM

In answer to Observer, the Edinburgh session started some 5 years or more ago, and was then hosted by a lady who was very much a traditional singer, and brought in friends who also were, as well as some fine instrumentalists. But there has never been an ethos of "it HAS to be traditional": there have been contemporary songs in the folk idiom, singer-songwriters, all sorts really. The original host has moved away, and there have been a couple of changes of venue, but the session had continued: those who come know it will be welcoming, whatever we call it, ad the name has stuck, not least because we have a Facebook group and don't particularly want to change the name of that. The current host usually tried to post a list of songs sung, tunes played,stories told after each session, to give any new people an idea of what they might be in for.

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: Gurney
Date: 21 Jun 18 - 07:23 PM

Our regular session in a private house is called 'the session' by the owners. I've been calling it a Soirée because that is the dictionary definition of a private gathering with music.

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: Johnny J
Date: 22 Jun 18 - 01:53 AM

"Traditional Song and Tunes session"

Is this the old Wally Dug session?

I'll keep it mind but I don't want to be mentioned on Facebook. They even film you at Edinburgh Folk Club these days. :-((

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: Johnny J
Date: 22 Jun 18 - 03:45 AM

No harm meant to FB users, BTW. It's just not for me.
:-))

Somebody mentioned "Sing Song" earlier.

That's quite a good term but, arguably, too all encompassing to describe a gathering for "our kind of music" whether traditional or more contemporary.

In my younger days, "sing songs" were quite common particularly in some of the pubs and clubs where older people gathered. Even on the last bus home.

However, the participants weren't usually folkies and you might hear anything from current hits to old standards including Sinatra, Bing crosby, old music hall songs, musical songs, even hymns!
If there was the occasional folk song, it wouldn't be thought of such or even occur to people there that it might be one.

Of course, that was before the days of background music, juke boxes, TVs etc in pubs when people just liked to relax. There wasn't even fruit machines, pool tables etc back then although you might get darts and dominoes in public bars.
You also had these old lovely "snugs" and nooks and crannies in pubs which you no longer see as the tendency is to knock everything into one big barn or use the lounge as a restaurant.

So these days, people are far less likely to to want to sing or play music of any description just for enjoyment and when it happens, it usually needs to be "organised" or "advertised" in some way.

There are usually expectations about what is or isn't welcome or acceptable in a session whether this is strictly enforced or not and people make choices accordingly. That's not necessarily a bad thing, of course. At least, not always.

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 22 Jun 18 - 07:37 AM

Yes, Johnny Jay, the session I was referring to started in The Wally Dug. Now in The Canons' Gait. If you don't want to be photographed or named as being present, this would be respected: just tell the host.

Live streaming of folk club events could be a double-edged sword. On the one hand it allows people who could not possibly get there to enjoy the gig, and might conceivably encourage them to attend in future, but on the other it could see live attendances and therefore income falling, if folk opt to save themselves the journey and entrance money. AFAIK it's only been done 3 times so far at EFC, and us not a weekly occurrence.

"Sing-song" has other connotations as in talking about some accents being "very sing-song". I'll not quote any examples, though I can think of a few, for fear of retribution from those who speak in that way! ;-)

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: GUEST,Observer
Date: 22 Jun 18 - 09:52 AM

"the participants weren't usually folkies and you might hear anything from current hits to old standards including Sinatra, Bing Crosby, old music hall songs, musical songs, even hymns!" - or in other words what one now normally hears at most "Folk Clubs" that put on what they call a "session" or a "singer's night".

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: Roz
Date: 22 Jun 18 - 04:46 PM

Myself and some other young people say 'hey, wanna swap tunes?'

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: Johnny J
Date: 22 Jun 18 - 05:33 PM

TB, Re "double-edged sword"...

I think people will always want to go there if the artist is someone they really want to see but, I agree, if he/she/they are an unknown quantity it's possible that they might just decide to stay at home rather than make a special trip to check out the gig. That's not ideal as it's hard enough, especially in Edinburgh, to encourage folkies to try something new.

As for encouraging new attendees, I'm afraid that the broadcasts so far are highly unlikely to entice many new people along especially the younger generation. The whole thing comes across as very amateurish and the venue appears to lack atmosphere. Of course, it IS better when you are actually there and you can see the whole picture. Also, the informality and rough edges are part of the charm when visiting a folk club but this just doesn't come over very well on the live recordings.

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 23 Jun 18 - 05:42 AM

2 out of 3 of the live streams so far featured very well-known artists: the third was new to me. The first did allow me to see at least part of an evening which I would otherwise have had to miss.

But we are straying from the topic in hand! All other sessions I go to are just called.........sessions. If they are part of a club, or have an email list or Facebook page, there will usually be some sort of description of what you can expect: e.g. singing only, unaccompanied or not, mixed songs and tunes, tunes only. Some run "theme nights" where you try to find something that fits the nominated theme: very tenuous connections are acceptable!

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: Marje
Date: 23 Jun 18 - 08:14 AM

Our local one is usually called a singing session. The (unwritten) rules are that it's entirely unaccompanied, and - more controversially- that no song sheets or books are allowed. Since a recent change of leader, the second rule has been somewhat relaxed, but that is a whole nother argument I don't wish to get into here. There is also a preference for traditional songs. It does take the form of a singaround, but "singing session" or "song session" is usually what we call it.

Marje

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: Mr Red
Date: 24 Jun 18 - 03:58 PM

sort of begs the question why call it something that it patently is not?

Because peeps come with expectations and become dismissive if it fails them. Then they bad mouth it.
So, hang a label on it and THEN be eclectic - works. It is a publicity thang, y'all. Some folks get it, some are pedantic.

Anyway call it something it is and you have to have a bigger label, and you get "karaoke krowd" coming along, and they need music and words and technology. And you get no session, eventually.

In my mind, the first rule should be "folks entertaining folks". As long as they can get through a song you have enough. Trad songs fine, and singer wrongciter fine, pop errrrrrrrrrrrr depends on its value ................... (discuss).

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 24 Jun 18 - 04:06 PM

Eric!

Subject: RE: What Do You Call Your Singing Session ??
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 25 Jun 18 - 08:02 PM

Another "patently it is not" is the monthly session in our local pub, which is still known by the name of the former landlady, who retired well over 20 years ago. The pub has had various proprietors since, and even been through a couple of periods of closure between landlords, but the name has stuck, in respect for the good lady who was there when the session first started, maybe 40 years ago now.