I thought I would start this thread again because I think us young folkies ie. under 25's should be recognised. It seems to be a cliche that the tradition isn't carried on. I play in fairly large gigs at folk festivals all over the uk, and every time I play a gig, the introduction from the mc always includes "who said the tradition wasn't carrying on, eh!". I beleive that the main reason for this opinion (carried by what seems like everyone except the youngsters themselves)is that young people playing in the folk festivals have yet to be represented, supported by festival organisers, or promoted. For example. I have played in folk festivals all year and NOT ONCE has my band been payed a penny from the organisers other than free tickets. I know this is the case across the board of young performers, and the opinion that we can use it as an "opportunity" to promrote ourselves, and to get "seen" is ridiculous. We might seem to be happy with meer free tickets, but it is a slogg for us to get transported to festivals, and we don't even get basic expenses. The one time we got money this year was at Holmfirth festival, where we arranged sponsorship from langley farm dairies .
Opinions, Support?
Spread the word that the tradition is here to stay.
Ian Stephenson (17)