semi-hypothetical question (about trad music on TV

Subject: RE: semi-hypothetical question (about trad music on TV
From: Chris Green
Date: 12 Jul 04 - 01:22 PM

Given his appearance at the Radio 2 Folk Awards recently Stephen Fry seems like a pretty good candidate. He's articulate enough to make it interesting but witty enough to stop it from being too serious and he's quite well-known for things other than his penchant for trad music. I think the idea needs be not so much to preach to the converted but to win new converts to what is a rather misunderstood and misrepresented music scene.

Subject: RE: A semi-hypothetical question
From: Jeri
Date: 12 Jul 04 - 11:06 AM

If we're talking a program on traditional American music [guessing, from the spelling of 'program(me)]', I'd nominate local boy, Jeff Warner.
He knows an awful lot about all sorts of traditional American music and dance, he's charismatic, has a great speaking voice and presence, and people respect him.

I'd watch it. I think a lot of folkies would. If the mood of the program fits, viewers could included kids in school, people in college classes, teachers, people with relatives and friends who're into trad music.

Another idea, for whatever country's music the program would be about, is to have one main narrator who ties things together, and different ones for sub-genres. I'd recommend a series of programs or focusing on some aspect of traditional music, as WYS said. The field is huge, and skimming the surface is the standard. If you're only doing one program, you really have to narrow the focus. The focus may, indeed, be an overview, or it may be on a specific influence, type of music, historical event, etc.

It's difficult to talk about a presenter when I don't know what the focus of the show would be. He or she should command respect, preferably in the field. I'd rather not see someone there simply because they're already well-known. Well-known AND respected is another story, but that 'respected' bit is highly subjective.

Subject: RE: A semi-hypothetical question
From: Blackcatter
Date: 12 Jul 04 - 10:24 AM

Would this be a one of or a series? There's been hundreds of trad. music/dance documentary or concert tv shows in the U.S. If asked, I'm sure that Mudcatters could come up with a long list of shows that they remember over the years.

Why not pitch your basic idea to us (as long as you're willing to spill you idea).

Subject: RE: A semi-hypothetical question
From: Mr Happy
Date: 12 Jul 04 - 10:17 AM

& presented by Dr Michael O'Sullivan, see here:http://www.rte.ie/tv/ancientireland/mosuilleabhain.html

Subject: RE: A semi-hypothetical question
From: GUEST,Crystal
Date: 12 Jul 04 - 10:17 AM

It would be a UK program, I'm hoping to pitch the idea to the BBC (it might have a chance with the charter renewal thing soon!) but it currently depends on my producer being available to help me with the pitch.

Subject: RE: A semi-hypothetical question
From: Mr Happy
Date: 12 Jul 04 - 10:11 AM

BBC made such a programme circa 1996. Me & lots of folkie chums watched it.

See here:


http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00008T6D6/onthewebcom-21/202-8901975-5732643

Subject: RE: A semi-hypothetical question
From: GUEST,Lindsay
Date: 12 Jul 04 - 09:59 AM

so no-one saw the one on Sunday afternoons on HTV West recently, about Cecil Sharp collecting folk songs in Somerset, all the "greats" were involved!!!!

Subject: RE: A semi-hypothetical question
From: GUEST,Pete Peterson
Date: 12 Jul 04 - 09:46 AM

I have found Riley Baugus' great quote to be true: "Most people like old time music. They just don't know it."

Who should present it? (Gosh, I miss Rick F!) Of Mudcatters, Art Thieme, present at the creation, might be a good choice. . .so would the Patons, who were not only present but helped create!

Subject: RE: A semi-hypothetical question
From: GUEST,Val
Date: 12 Jul 04 - 09:39 AM

Hi Crystal - would the programme be made in the US or the UK (I realise it is not necessarily either of these two places, but one or the other seems a likely guess). If it was shown in the UK I would definitely be interested. I suppose I'd want to know a bit more about the proposed format before making suggestions about who would be a good presenter. Not necessarily someone from the folk music world but someone who is an intelligent but accessible figure (much as I love Tony Robinson - even I think he is a teeny bit over-exposed these days).

Subject: RE: A semi-hypothetical question
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 Jul 04 - 09:14 AM

So many cliques/camps/levels of purism. Suggest you read old threads here about such shows that members here have seen, that purported to cover your topic.

Also maybe the best place is not regular TV but teaching documentaries for education? Your local public TV station might have some leads.

Or focus on a region-- I just watched a video for example about urbanized Appalachians in Ohio cities. There are several urban areas like that, where large numbers migrated for jobs. The video I saw was not JUST about culture, but included it, and it was produced by indie filmmakers for the area's Urban Appalachian Council. Others are produced by or for Appalshop-- look around online for these and you might get some clues, whatever your topical focus was, about advancing your ideas.

I can give you a lead if you would want to focus on Alabama rural gospel music! :~)

~Susan

Subject: RE: A semi-hypothetical question
From: Amos
Date: 12 Jul 04 - 09:09 AM

Kenny ROgers? Willie? A Lomax descendant? Hell, I'll do it! Or Max, he'd be good. Or for that matter, Kendall would be a hoot.


A

Subject: RE: A semi-hypothetical question
From: jacqui.c
Date: 12 Jul 04 - 09:00 AM

Could be interesting. No idea who might present it.

Subject: A semi-hypothetical question
From: GUEST,Crystal
Date: 12 Jul 04 - 08:56 AM

If a TV program about traditional music/dance was to be made would people watch it?
Also who should present said program?
This is just a tentitive feeler to find out how people feel.