Faye

My time as a folk club organiser was long ago, but while methods of communication have changed, the principles probably haven't.

Best of all would be to get around whatever clubs there are in your area and volunteer to do floor spots. If it goes well, then leave a card or contact details with the organiser. Also, there used to be an annual Folk Directory - other Mudcat folk will know if it still exists - and I imagine quite a few clubs are listed.

Cold calling probably not a good idea unless you're super confident and/or would be a familiar voice/name.

If you make the personal contact described above, make sure you're both sober when you exchange info, especially if the conversation leads to an instant booking. The only time I was bothered on a Sunday afternoon was when Christy Moore rang from the bus station at Darlington to say he'd arrived for that night's folk club meeting at Bishop Auckland and would I come to pick him up. The one snag was that he'd been due the week before, according to my diary (his diary inevitably told a different story - the booking had been made when we met at another club and had both had a bit to drink).

We came to a deal: I'd double the entrance price and anything after the brilliant Tony Capstick's fee would be his. Best night the club ever had and he got all his money (plus the contents of my dad's drinks cabinet, which he and Tony drank dry).

Colin Randall

Salut! Live