singers/musicians wanted...(UK)

Subject: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 05 May 06 - 06:07 PM

Every year I sell lemonade at the reenactment of the Battle of Blore Heath in South Staffordshire. This year it's 23-24th September.

The re-enactment is a weekend festival of Medieval history and heritage, focusing on the history of the battle of Blore Heath.

I have been asked by the organisers to introduce something folkie on the Friday night of this event. Is there anyone out there who would like to come along? Mando Tim (Bit on the Side) helped me out for the last two years. I thought maybe have a session/singaround? There's loads of ale and lots of interesting people who don't realise that folk music and re-enactments should go hand in hand. Are there and re-enacters out there who'd come along to entertain? This is held on a lovely little farm near Market Drayton and is an ideal spot to have a festival.

Sal

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: SussexCarole
Date: 05 May 06 - 08:03 PM

Sounds like fun Sal....see pm

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 06 May 06 - 12:37 PM

Battle of Blore Heath, 1459

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: mandotim
Date: 06 May 06 - 01:08 PM

I'll talk to Geoff, see if he can make it. I'd love to come along again! Hell of an audience though; don't upset them, they have armour, pikes and longbows!
Tim from Bit on the Side

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: Louisey
Date: 07 May 06 - 03:53 AM

My sister and I play and sing, and would be up for a session/singaround, as South Staffs is not too far from us.

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: Lancashire Lad
Date: 07 May 06 - 10:58 AM

Isnt this just the sought of event that Strawhead seem to like to play?

LL

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: Mr Happy
Date: 07 May 06 - 11:32 AM

any camping?

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 07 May 06 - 04:22 PM

Loads of camping Mr Happy. And it's not at all expensive. An amazing w/e, honestly..Devil stick Pete, Battle horses and wonderful trade stalls and brilliant costumes. All very authentic.

Strawhead are too expensive and there isn't much money to be spent. Thanks Louisey we will value your imput. Sussex Carole you are a gem. We could book this venue and have a really good folk fest sometime. Actually, if I was lucky enough to Fast my Hand to anyone, I'd like it to be in Blore Heath. Trouble is no one will have me :(

Sal

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: muppitz
Date: 07 May 06 - 05:41 PM

Ah Sal, anything for you. I'd love to come, if you'll have me!

Tim, even if Geoff doesn't go, I'll be your friend! (But I will not be your bit on the side, I don't luv you that much!)

muppitz x

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: mandotim
Date: 08 May 06 - 01:18 PM

Geoff says provisionally 'yes', depending on where he is then. Muppitz; my mum warned me about girls like you...I didn't take any notice then, either!
Tim from Bit on the Side

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: webfolk
Date: 08 May 06 - 01:43 PM

Geoff has his internet conection back and is no-ones 'bit on the side', and if you think he is then look elsewhere.

Geoff Rodgers & Tim Mundy are 'bit on the side'
new album - running through the heart now available

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: mandotim
Date: 08 May 06 - 02:45 PM

Er..you might appear a touch over-sensitive there, mate!
Tim

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: webfolk
Date: 08 May 06 - 02:59 PM

'bit on the side' are now 'main stream'

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: GUEST,Rob the Roadie
Date: 09 May 06 - 04:09 AM

I will try and twist the arms of Taggart and Wright. They are always good for a laugh and great singers.
Check their web site www.sky-web.net/taggartandwright/

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: Mr Happy
Date: 09 May 06 - 10:36 AM

but Mrs Taggart doesn't like camping!

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: webfolk
Date: 09 May 06 - 12:33 PM

does that mean there's going to be a "moyda"
to be read with a Glaswegian accent?
Geoff - bit on the side

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: GUEST,Green Man
Date: 10 May 06 - 09:26 AM

Hi Ms. Lemon, If you need an HP and HPS for Handfasting Eve and I come as a set ;-)

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 11 May 06 - 03:23 PM

This is looking really promising. Thanks you guys, I'll phone the organiser and tell him all about us. A Mudcat gathering at Blore Heath will be great fun.

Sal

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: Mr Happy
Date: 11 May 06 - 08:07 PM

yes, do Sal!

then I can invite the Audlem & Nantwich crowd down- its almost on their doorstep!!

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: Mr Happy
Date: 11 May 06 - 08:09 PM

.....& maybe Jon Raven- he's based in Mkt Drayton [is 'e still alive?- anyone kno?]

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: Lancashire Lad
Date: 13 May 06 - 05:16 AM

Not sure about Jon Raven. I believe he has been quite unwell recently. Apologies if wrong on this.

Cheers
LL

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: GUEST,frog
Date: 13 May 06 - 05:29 AM

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 16 May 06 - 05:40 PM

thank you so much... spread the word e need all e can get.

sal

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: Mr Happy
Date: 16 May 06 - 08:32 PM

apologies, my post above should read:


.....& maybe Mike Raven- he's based in Mkt Drayton [is 'e still alive?- anyone kno?]

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 19 May 06 - 07:11 AM

I think so.

Sal

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: MuddleC
Date: 19 May 06 - 03:03 PM

do us have to be in period regalia?

I have a 'round head' helmet, but that's civil war period

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 23 May 06 - 06:02 AM

No just soak up what the others are wearing. Actually there are stalls at this event selling wonderful re-enactment stuff. The battle is brilliant with cannon and horses and blood, sometimes real blood! Fashion shows for the ladies and fighting for the chaps. Sexist? Moi?

Sal

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 30 May 06 - 11:08 AM

Just a little reminderf.

Sal

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: SussexCarole
Date: 30 May 06 - 06:06 PM

It's in our diary Sal

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 01 Jun 06 - 11:49 AM

Yahoo, keep it up guys this could be the start of something big!

Sal

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 05 Jun 06 - 09:45 AM

Anyone for a bit of blood and gore? It's not real, honest!

sal

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 16 Jun 06 - 04:54 AM

to the top again

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: SussexCarole
Date: 16 Jun 06 - 07:50 PM

...up she rises

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: webfolk
Date: 03 Sep 06 - 05:06 AM

Sal (Ms Lemon) has asked me to refresh this thread, so I have.
Singers and musicians wanted for the Bloore Heath re-enactment on Friday 22nd September.

Geoff

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 03 Sep 06 - 02:35 PM

Thaks mate. ;)

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 03 Sep 06 - 02:36 PM

That, of course, should read "Thanks".

Sal

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 07 Sep 06 - 05:40 PM

Please come, I don't want to have to entertain all by my self. Actually my boy Joe'll be there with his uni-cycle and Geoff's bringing his kids too so that's ok.

Sal

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 14 Sep 06 - 09:47 AM

Just a little reminder...

Friday 22nd Sept, Near Market Drayton - 7.30-8.00ish? Blore Heath is about 3 miles north of Market Drayton on the A53, the Loggerheads Road. Try this if it works in your browser

http://www.bloreheath.org/reenactment.php

How much does it cost to get in?
Adults: £6.00; Children (6-16): £3.00. (children aged 5 and under free). Price includes entry fee and parking. If you tell the gate keepers that you're musical entertainers for the Friday evening and ask them about camping for the wkend.

Mention the lemonade lady has organised the musical entertainment for the Friday evening, that should be ok. It's just a session, I'm trying to introduce some interesting folkie thing to the re-enactment world.

Looking forward to seeing you.
Sal

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: mandotim
Date: 14 Sep 06 - 11:49 AM

Hoping to be there; is there space for the giant non-period caravan?
Tim

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: Liath
Date: 15 Sep 06 - 04:02 AM

Sounds great - I have to be elsewhere, but if you do the same thing next year...

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: webfolk
Date: 15 Sep 06 - 05:24 AM

They do it every year

Geoff

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: mandotim
Date: 15 Sep 06 - 05:49 AM

Correction...the survivors do it the following year....;)
Tim

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: Louisey
Date: 15 Sep 06 - 06:58 AM

Will it be obvious where to go for music once we arrive onsite?

"tell the gate keepers that you're musical entertainers" - it is still an informal sessions/singaround isn't it?!

I worry too much...

Louise

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: webfolk
Date: 15 Sep 06 - 11:26 AM

One day, after many years of succesive battles, there will only be the folk singers left, to sing about the battle, those who died, the widows left behind and the horrors of war.
Geoff

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 20 Sep 06 - 04:07 PM

Tee hee!

The sesh will be in the cowshed/bar. It's a converted farm with most of its features still intact. Loads of food, beer and authentic clothing! IT IS AN INFORMAL SESSION/SINGAROUND honest!

Spread the word, I'm hoping some of the Boat Band will be coming.
Tim, phone the telephone number on their web site and ask about your caravan. I think it'll be ok, but I'm not the land owner/organiser. (x)

Sal

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: GUEST,pudlover
Date: 20 Sep 06 - 05:24 PM

Sorry we can't attend, but just out of nosiness, is this a Sealed Knot event?
We attended a local Sealed Knot event in the summer and found it fascinating. We commented at the time that a folk session would not go amiss at these events.
Missing your lemonade already - wish the weather was as hot as when we were sipping them at Sidmouth

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: webfolk
Date: 21 Sep 06 - 02:50 AM

It is also great fun, the beer is good, the facilities basic but excellent and the battle, the stalls and the general ambiance is wonderful.
Hopefully a crowd of musicians getting together to sing and play on the friday evening will add to the atmosphere.
There was a little talk at one time that this place might be a good venue for a new folk festival.
Any one interested?

Geoff

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 21 Sep 06 - 09:54 AM

It's not Sealed Knot. Mostly every other group tho. And Devilstick Peat.

I agree it would be an absolutely great place to have a folk festival and I know the owners of the farm, who are also the organisers of this event, are up for it.

Sal

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: webfolk
Date: 21 Sep 06 - 10:31 AM

What about that weekend that used to clash with the Bishop's Castle Folk Weekend?
Geoff

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: MuddleC
Date: 22 Sep 06 - 06:07 AM

Any update on this?
Bloor Farm around 7-730 ish Friday night, in some byre or marquee/tent or is the singeing taking place in a pub?


Hell, I could camp!??! see the next days silliness

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: webfolk
Date: 22 Sep 06 - 07:45 AM

it takes place in the farm buildings, so its a sweater needed, but al civilised, toilets, etc, and a proper bar etc.
Geoff

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: MuddleC
Date: 25 Sep 06 - 12:59 PM

What a weekend, I only intended staying there the Friday night, but didn't leave till 5PM on sunday!!! arrived about 8PM fri, traffic on motorway terrible, find site, and wander around, one medieval tented encampment, one farmhouse and converted outbuildings (bar, toilets,basic chairs and tables), and a 'normal' type campsite. The bar/long room has sixty od people in it, and I find someone carrying a guitar, a girl with an accordian, and a banjo player, and Ms Lemon.
The noise level was high, chatter and laughter, the instruments almost made it, I tried a couple of loud ones... v.difficult crowd...the noise level went down just a tinge when we did a spot. We were only sitting around a table at the bar end of the room, and soon decided to sing to ourselves... after a few drinks we finally tried 'Wild Rover'.... amazing.. they joined in up to 2 tables away!!

Finished the evening chatting with Ms Lemon,and a couple of renactor types, decided that it had been wise of me to put the tent up when I arrived... well, at least I could stay to see the battle!
Next day spent the morning chasing up the people I'd met the night before, walking around the encampmemt (battle wasn't until 3)asking questions, looking at equipment, watching horse display, archery and so on. Well, watched the battle re-enactment... they were going for it! Beautiful hot sun too!
some heavy action and odd moments... two groups locke in bitter hand-to-hand, well, long pole with pointy steel thing against other pointy steel things..... then someone drops his sword. and 'enemy' guy , stops, picks it up, and hands it back,,, fight resumes!!

As they come off the field of battle, I wander around asking more questions about their armour, why they do it, how they got started,where are they from..etc... talked to pikemen, mounted horse, armoured swordsmwn, archers... even the 'wimmen' left back in camp.

Find two other people idley visiting, they were WW2 renactors , talk of machinery and bang-sticks and stuff, and decide to stay over another night and see it all again.
That night in the long bar it is 'after WW2 war film night', so basically there were 'yanks' , a guy in white dinner jacket and flippers. 15 'vietcong', an arab terrorist , Cpl. Klinger resplendent in white feather boa, helmet and rifle, several female 'mash' doctors and nurses, and even I took part, wore my black USArmy trousers & flying boots(normal attire), a USArmy camo shirt and bean-can hat, (stuff I had in my boot!).. everyone thought I had come as Castro!!! -lots of drinking, there was a blues band playing, talking about battle earlier, some people had played 'too hard', mistakes made..etc. Go back to someones tent for a cuppa tea with a german paratrooper his mate , and a mash doctor and a bottle of schnapps....... about 3AM I am wandering back thru the medieval camp, odd fires, lamps and things burning,no people.... very errie.... and I hear a girl singing...folk songs!!!!....... track her down to the last group of tents, and find four people around a fire. ask if they mind me joining them, and me and the singer try to remember the words to songs!! Around dawn we break up...

Up with the lark at 11, it had been chucking it down for at least 3 hours, really heavy, didn't rain for the rest of the day.. watched the battle again, talked to other renactors some more, swapped names, contacts, bought a nice lidded pewter tankard... and finally went home!!
So, you didn't miss anything !!!
washael

Subject: RE: singers/musicians wanted...(UK)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 27 Sep 06 - 01:45 PM

Wow you really DID have a good time MuddleC, good for you. I was a great wkend and always is. Good venue for a folk fest do you think?

Thanks for the write-up. I shall be there again next year, hope you are too, and others might join us maybe.

Sal