Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?

Subject: RE: Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 27 Nov 10 - 10:25 PM

The thing is of course that much 'folk' music and folksong has beards and sandals.

You know how the guy who wrote A Man For All seasons - Robert Something said he wanted to avoid 'gadzookery' in the language. In folksong - even modern songs written 'in the tradition' - there is often a certain reaching out to archaicism in the language.

The garb is really just showing a unified approach. I was watching O'Hooley and Tidow the other night - I was thinking the collarless shirts and waistcoats were a sort of nod in the direction 19th century artisans.

Subject: RE: Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?
From: Don Firth
Date: 26 Nov 10 - 11:23 PM

No, best bet, it's just you.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 26 Nov 10 - 08:05 PM

"From: Hesk - PM
Date: 25 Nov 10 - 09:37 AM

Bearded, sandals, pewter tankard."
Fa la la la la la la la la.
Folk-fest pass on day-glo lanyard
Fa la la la la la la la la.
See the beer 'pot' over belt sag!
Fa la la la la la la la la.
'Rise up singing' in your book bag
Fa la la la la la la la la.

Subject: RE: Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?
From: GUEST,best bet
Date: 26 Nov 10 - 07:46 PM

Is it just me or have folkies never got past the beards,sandles and not forgiving Dylan for going electric?

Subject: RE: Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?
From: GUEST,LDT
Date: 26 Nov 10 - 10:47 AM

If they *have* to use auto tune...then they must be out of tune. ;)

Subject: RE: Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?
From: GUEST,Ripov
Date: 25 Nov 10 - 12:00 PM

How do you know x-factor contestants sing out of tune - isn't their pitch adjusted by an "auto-tune" so you don't know what note they're singing?

Subject: RE: Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?
From: Hesk
Date: 25 Nov 10 - 09:37 AM

Bearded, sandals, pewter tankard.

Beard and sandals from Art College days, tankard from folk influences, much better than plastic glasses at festivals.
I,m glad the folk fashion for Horn tankards has died out though.

Subject: RE: Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?
From: Folkiedave
Date: 25 Nov 10 - 09:20 AM

I think I will just claim that 100 if I may.

"Folk music is music that accompanies a raffle".

Martin Simpson

Subject: RE: Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?
From: GUEST,LDT
Date: 25 Nov 10 - 08:40 AM

"slightly nasal and slightly off key"
I thought that was x-factor contestants. :P

Subject: RE: Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 25 Nov 10 - 08:34 AM

Dead sailors and dead miners slightly nasal and slightly off key, that's proper folk that is.

Dave H

Subject: RE: Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 25 Nov 10 - 08:32 AM

I opened my Pottery shop at age 21 and runing a business and getting people I hired to do what was asked of them seemed easier if I "Looked " old enough to be requesting anything .I had hair on my face from 18 till around 34 . Really I was happier with bare feet but playing square dances and bars that wouldnt do .It was bib & brace or overalls and a good pair of red wings . Oh yes and from 28 onwards; always a bandana to keep the sweat out of my face since I was balding at 20 . You cant wipe your face with clay on your hands or a banjo so something clean to wick the sweat . (Much cleaner then a hat but) still people thought I was a dope dealer . I have always been pretty strongly anti medication of any kind so that was the misconception that I got .. The good news is arty types can ware anything to a gallery opening !! All the best , Guy .

Subject: RE: Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?
From: Green Man
Date: 25 Nov 10 - 07:51 AM

Ah, the finger in the ear, do we not all miss it.

The sight of a bearded person wearing sandles, with a tankard in hand and a finger in the ear, singing songs about dead sailors (in a slightly nasal tone).

This is what folk is all about.

:)

The problem is holding a tankard and using the same hand inserting a finger in the ear is extremely risky and may result in beer loss.

Subject: RE: Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?
From: GUEST,Desi C
Date: 17 Nov 10 - 08:08 AM

yup I'm a beardy Folk Singer. But not worn sandals since I was a kid. When I first got into Folk Music properly around 33 years ago, beards, lumberjack shirts, courdory trousers, even sandals were rather proficient in Folk clubs. but now it's all kinds of mainly casual fashions, and I haven't seen a finger in the ear for some time. I wear boots by the way! ;)

Subject: RE: Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?
From: JHW
Date: 17 Nov 10 - 06:58 AM

Count me in. I grew a beard form age 19 cos I thought I looked to young. (Maybe it has outlived that usefulness)
I also have from donkeys ago several pairs of handmade sandals from Terry Brown nr York and in summer if I don't have walking boots on its usually the all terrain Merrels.
And I've been going to Folk Clubs since I was 19, perhaps there is a mutual disposition to these traits. I'm also a veggie and you might expect veggies to wear sandals.
I get to fewer Folk Clubs but Beard and Sandals will still be there when I give up on it altogether.
Only ever had one White Arran Jumper but that WAS a Folk Accessory.

Subject: RE: Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?
From: GUEST,Patsy
Date: 17 Nov 10 - 05:49 AM

Yes he is my best soulmate and friend and I love him for it.

Subject: RE: Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 17 Nov 10 - 05:46 AM

I am long retired [apart from very occasional theatre reviewing], but still wear my Clark's sandals without socks, which I agree with you mattkeen is how they MUST be worn.

~Michael~

Subject: RE: Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?
From: mattkeen
Date: 17 Nov 10 - 05:38 AM

Much to my annoyance my facial hair has never been profuse enough tohave a full beard - I never wanted one but did wish for the manly optiion of having one.

I did sport a Los Lobos style goatee for a while but developed the irritating habit of flicking my tongue at the bits round the corner of my mouth, so it had to go

I do own and love sandals but they must be work without socks (this may change in retirement though that is still 12 years off)

Subject: RE: Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?
From: Green Man
Date: 16 Nov 10 - 06:42 AM

BUMP!

Subject: RE: Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?
From: Green Man
Date: 15 Nov 10 - 10:44 AM

I been a wild folkie for many a year,
I do cut my toenails but don't cut my hair,
I drink from a tankard along with the best
And these stuck-up non folkies are an in yer arse pest

And its Aren't folkies nice folk
They play music by ear
They wear such strange clothing
Dictated by year.

I went to a folk club I used to frequent
But I sat on my tankard and I got it all bent
I looked for a hammer for fixing you see
then the beer it caught up and I went for a wee.

And its aren't folkies nice folk
They Play music by ear
They use their bent tankards
To not drink the beer.

Im told I look wierd with my beard and my socks
I shouldn't wear sandles and the kilt it just shocks
I cant give a reason for liking my style
I won't wear a suit, rather I'd run a mile

And its Arent Folkies nice Folk
You know its been said
That wearing smart clothing
Would make them reviled

Why does a label make us stand apart
My socks and my kilt dont make me a tart.
I love to go singing and have a few beers
We're harmless I say so ally all your fears.

And its aren't Folkies Nice folk
Along with the rest
Except for this one
Who's a squeezeboxing pest.

Dad daaaaa

Written entirely by ear and on the spur of the moment to the tune of the wild rover.

Subject: RE: Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 15 Nov 10 - 09:17 AM

I have a beard, and my first beard had a folk music connection in that it was inspired by Peter, Paul and Mary; although, if my memory serves me correctly, I don't think Mary ever sported a beard!

Subject: RE: Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 15 Nov 10 - 08:44 AM

As we swing our sticks of briar
Fa la la la la la la la la.
Catch my nuts & sing much higher
Fa la la la la la la la la.
Side supporters are our choir
Fa la la la la la la la la.
(they)Rush the bar, then hog the fire.
Fa la la la la la la la la.

Subject: RE: Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 15 Nov 10 - 05:45 AM

Fiddler's ready, elbow slanted
Fa la la la la la la la la.
On the tables tankards (are) planted
Fa la la la la la la la la.
Squire in waistcoat goes before us
Fa la la la la la la la la.
Dancers leap then join the chorus
Fa la la la la la la la la.

Subject: RE: Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?
From: Dave MacKenzie
Date: 15 Nov 10 - 04:24 AM

I used to work in IT where beards and sandals were the norm. I don't remember anybody in a spotty kerchief and pewter tankard, but they wouldn't have been out of place. Anybody in a suit and tie was either a sales rep or worked for a bank.

Subject: RE: Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?
From: Phil Edwards
Date: 15 Nov 10 - 03:52 AM

At their belts hang pewter tankards
Fa la la la la la la la la.
They are dancers, not just drunkards

Thankyou for your restraint.

I used to go off on one quite regularly about how I'd Never In My Life seen folkies sporting flowery waistcoats, spotty kerchiefs, pewter tankards, sandals with socks, multi-coloured trousers ect ect. Then I went to my first folk festival. Oh.

I think we're describing the display plumage of Homo Festivalensis rather than everyday wear (if anyone reading this goes to work in the morning wearing a spotty kerchief and a pewter tankard... um, what job is that, then?) But on the matter of beards, which clearly are a bit more permanent, if I mentally look round the male regulars at the local singaround I can only see one or two.

Subject: RE: Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?
From: pictii
Date: 15 Nov 10 - 01:33 AM

I've worn sandals for most of my lyfe.....without socks !!

and my beard is now a whyter shade of whyte than what it was afore I once wore sandals..
and the traditional songs that my grannies once sang to me\
did not require the wearing of sandals nor the sprouting of facial hair..

Subject: RE: Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 14 Nov 10 - 07:46 PM

In the forecourt gaily prancing
Fa la la la la la la la la.
Some may claim they're "Morris dancing"
Fa la la la la la la la la.
At their belts hang pewter tankards
Fa la la la la la la la la.
They are dancers, not just drunkards
Fa la la la la la la la la.

Subject: RE: Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?
From: stallion
Date: 14 Nov 10 - 01:55 PM

but what about the pewter tankards?

Subject: RE: Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?
From: Marje
Date: 14 Nov 10 - 11:26 AM

Shirts without collars were very common in the days when the collars were detached for washing or cleaning. I don't know that anyone still does this? I can remember my Dad sending his collars off by post every week, and they'd be returned to him all clean and starched.

So I suppose the easy-care shirts with permanent collars have largely pushed the collarless type out of the market.

Marje

Subject: RE: Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?
From: olddude
Date: 14 Nov 10 - 11:25 AM

Heck ya can even paint on a tie for the Sunday going to meetin

Subject: RE: Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?
From: olddude
Date: 14 Nov 10 - 11:24 AM

easier thing is just paint your body whatever color ya want for the shirt. Then ya don't need to worry about no collars ..

Subject: RE: Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?
From: GUEST,PeterC
Date: 14 Nov 10 - 11:15 AM

how come shirts without collars are so hard to come by?
No problem in London, most tailors around the law courts sell them. I have a couple that are very handy for going out after work as I can take off both collar and tie.

Subject: RE: Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?
From: Darowyn
Date: 14 Nov 10 - 03:54 AM

There have been lots of people posting to say whether or not they are bearded, sandal-shod or whatever, but nobody seems to have discussed the connection so far.
As I see it there are many youth cults based around music genres, where the music style of choice leads into a series of connected lifestyle choices.
So Punks are spiky, Goths are pale and wear black clothes and eyeliner, Metallers have long hair, skinheads go bald at 18 etc.
The object is twofold. Firstly it is to express rebellion against 'convention'- a necessary part of adolescence. Secondly it is to demonstrate group membership and be able to be recognised as a sub-cultural group by other members of it.
It often goes a long with a feeling of being a culturally superior, but persecuted minority.
As far as I know, there are only three adult music cults which involve 'dressing the part.'
There are Country Music/line dancing, Jazz (particularly Trad), and Folk. All of these are pariah genres, looked down upon and derided by the general public.
So the question is, if you look like a folkie, is that because you are a Peter Pan, perpetually adolescent, or because you are a genre snob, dressing as a persecuted but secretly superior minority, or just a wierdo?
Answers on a posting please?
Cheers
Dave.
(With no indication of how I look, or whether I'm a wierdo)
P.S.
A sense of humour will be appreciated, this is intended to amuse, not to cause apoplexy! (Whatever happened to apoplexy?)
D

Subject: RE: Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?
From: GUEST,glueman
Date: 13 Nov 10 - 03:29 PM

Alan Bennett said he almost became a vicar because whenever he looked in the mirror he saw the face of a cleric looking back. Many of us are victims of genre physiognomy.
For years I had close cropped hair and dressed casually, now I'm wild and bearded it's important to dress immaculately, tweed, silk, good shoes. My wife wouldn't endure hairyness and sloppy clothing.

Subject: RE: Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 13 Nov 10 - 12:45 PM

Aran sweaters? Haven't seen one in years. And in fact I can't remember them being a common item. Maybe it's different in the States,what with the Clancy Brothers influence.

As has been pointed out, the typical wear for folk-males tends to include a waistcoat.   And the collarless shirt, if he can find one. (Drift - since ties have more or less vanished, apart from funerals, court appearances, job interviews and the House of Commons and other places frequented by Suits, how come shirts without collars are so hard to come by?)

Subject: RE: Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?
From: GUEST,Mr Red
Date: 13 Nov 10 - 09:53 AM

never worn sandals since I wuz at skool

And WON'T never niever!

Beard? Yea because I am lazy.

Subject: RE: Folkies 'n' beards 'n' sandals. Connection?
From: MikeL2
Date: 12 Nov 10 - 03:19 PM

hi

I hope you don't mind if I go off the thread topic briefly.

I used to play rugby ( which does have some connections with folk clubs) and during my captaincy we were playing away in Liverpool and as we were warming up we noticed that nearly every player in the opposition sported a beard.

Our then Chairman who never missed a game was as usual sitting on his shooting stick ( !!!!) and as we ran on to the pitch to play he stopped me and said.....who are we playing today ??? The 12 Apostles ?? None of them played in sandals !!!! lol

I don't know if any of them were folkies but one guy was apparently a poet and was wont occasionally during the game to go wandering around quoting verses from his own poetry.

Ah those were the days....

Cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: Folkies'n'beards,'n'sandals. Connection?
From: GUEST,cs
Date: 12 Nov 10 - 12:58 PM

Oops, LDT - sorry to mix you up with that hairy old DJ! Must be summat to do with this thread and beards!

Subject: RE: Folkies'n'beards,'n'sandals. Connection?
From: GUEST,crowsister
Date: 12 Nov 10 - 12:47 PM

"but they are out of my price range. *sigh*"

Heh! Ditch the Laura Ashley DLT and go for the real thing - lots of vintage shops popping up all over the place now. Or you could always hit the charity shops, I've found oodles of LauraA gems among the racks of pastel Nanna jumpers. In fact I've even found some really neat vintage. Pity I'm too fat to fit any of it now. All bagged up waiting for me to, ahem, regain my figure...

Subject: RE: Folkies'n'beards,'n'sandals. Connection?
From: GUEST,LDT
Date: 12 Nov 10 - 12:37 PM

I'd love a laura ashley dress but they are out of my price range. *sigh*

Subject: RE: Folkies'n'beards,'n'sandals. Connection?
From: Folknacious
Date: 12 Nov 10 - 12:08 PM

From this thread so far, I think the connection is overwhelmingly and irrevocably proven.

Now, shall we move on to Aran sweaters and/or Laura Ashley dresses?

Subject: RE: Folkies'n'beards,'n'sandals. Connection?
From: GUEST,Steamin' Willie
Date: 12 Nov 10 - 10:52 AM

Yeah, actually I do own a pair of sandals. I wear them on the beach.

At this time, I also have a small beard, just around the chops though, ala Mike Gatting but younger and far better looking.

However... Some mates heard I was playing at a venue recently and although knew I was a musician, (of sorts, occasionally....) had only heard me on albums, never live. So a few turned up. Took the piss for months afterwards as the "compere" managed the full monty. Beard, lumpy pullover, beige shorts, socks and sandals.

Bless the old bugger.......

Subject: RE: Folkies'n'beards,'n'sandals. Connection?
From: Van
Date: 12 Nov 10 - 10:33 AM

Just heading off to my local in the pissing rain but still in my sandals. A man must retain his folkie credentials!

Subject: RE: Folkies'n'beards,'n'sandals. Connection?
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 12 Nov 10 - 10:12 AM

After 4 years in the British Army, shaving every day, I grew a beard when I was discharged in 1968 and have had one ever since, I drink malt whisky and real ale but I have never worn sandals in my life, flip flops mind when I was in a hot country.

I suppose I'm just a scruffy drunk, proper folkie that is.

Dave H

Subject: RE: Folkies'n'beards,'n'sandals. Connection?
From: Marje
Date: 12 Nov 10 - 10:01 AM

You're right, of course, Alan, about the flat shoes. Indeed, on more than one occasion I've met a folky male acqaintance accompanied by a new female, wearing high heels, and I've thought to myself, "That'll never last, her shoes are wrong", and I've been right, it didn't last.

Floaty skirts and dresses are common at dances but less so at concerts, clubs or sessions, where there may be nothing much to distinguish the female folkie from the general public. A general hippiness of attire (bright colours, velvet, patchwork, "ethnic" styles, etc) is acceptable but by no means the norm.

Long hair for folkie women is a lot less common than it used to be, possibly because the girls who wore it like this in the 1970s (as I did) are now getting grey, and long grey hair can look a bit scary and witch-like. Of course lots of women dye their hair, but long dyed hair can look a lot more artificial than a shorter style.

At a folk club last night, I had a quick glance around the room, and more than half the men had facial hair of some sort. That's very different from the wider population, and I'd say it's the most distinctive thing about the appearance of the folky community. That and the flat shoes.

But these observations come from inside the folk scene. What I'd like to know is how the lazy journalist who's never been near a folk event would try to typify the female folkie.

Marje

Subject: RE: Folkies'n'beards,'n'sandals. Connection?
From: Mooh
Date: 12 Nov 10 - 10:01 AM

Beard and sandals most of my adult life. Both are more comfortable than the alternatives. No connection to folkie-ism whatsover.

I also wear socks with the sandals, except in summer.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Folkies'n'beards,'n'sandals. Connection?
From: stallion
Date: 12 Nov 10 - 10:00 AM

No ones mentioned the Pewter tankard hanging from the belt? Is it just the beards and sandals that have survived? I have a beard 'cos I am an idle sod and wear sandals in summer (Nike). Pewter tankard is in the back yard full of mouldy stuff (told you I was an idle sod)although I only use it at home, when someone cleans it for me.

Subject: RE: Folkies'n'beards,'n'sandals. Connection?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 12 Nov 10 - 09:47 AM

Deck the Hall revisited, I take it Nigel. Very singable.

Beards and sandals, boots of leather
Fa la la la la la la la la.
Same old tune goes on for ever
Fa la la la la la la la la.
Squeeze that box and scrape the fiddle
Fa la la la la la la la la.
Down the side and up the middle
Fa la la la la la la la la.

Subject: RE: Folkies'n'beards,'n'sandals. Connection?
From: olddude
Date: 12 Nov 10 - 09:11 AM

Someone forgot to mention shaws on the women folkies ... no coats a Shaw only

Subject: RE: Folkies'n'beards,'n'sandals. Connection?
From: Alan Day
Date: 12 Nov 10 - 09:09 AM

I went to a Barn Dance in the seventies and every male had a beard, the next day I shaved mine off.
Sorry but have a close look at women the next time you go folking, long dresses or skirts, flat shoes (mostly multi coloured).You can recognise a folkie male or female a mile off.
Al

Subject: RE: Folkies'n'beards,'n'sandals. Connection?
From: olddude
Date: 12 Nov 10 - 09:01 AM

A woman with a pocket watch on a necklace ... I am in love