maryrrf - Performing at FC's in Scotland

Subject: RE: maryrrf - Performing at FC's in Scotland
From: Maryrrf
Date: 11 Jun 03 - 09:55 AM

Nynia thanks a million! I did contact Dick Glasgow and he listened to the sound clips on the website, liked the music, and booked me for November 10th at The Black Nun in Ballycastle!

Subject: RE: maryrrf - Performing at FC's in Scotland
From: Maryrrf
Date: 10 Jun 03 - 11:10 AM

Tried the Lomond Club but never got an answer. I've heard that's a great club though! If the Black Ness is anywhere near Glenfarg then it's probably not a good idea. Glenfarg asks that the performers they book not perform nearby for a month or so, which is reasonable, so I would certainly want to respect that.

By the way I have to say that I think that Scottish people, at least those involved in folk clubs, have got to be among the most gracious folks in the world. I canvassed the web and cold called folks to ask them to listen to my demo. People's friendliness and courtesy was amazing. In some cases I contacted people who hadn't run folk clubs for years (those names and numbers are still out there on the web) and they tracked down contacts, gave me advice and helped me out. I was completely overwhelmed

Subject: RE: maryrrf - Performing at FC's in Scotland
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 10 Jun 03 - 10:46 AM

the taybank on a friday is a singaround and is run by Nick Almark among others ,he also runs Aberfeldy and I still cannot find his details. I know I have them somewhere.
The Black Ness club might be interested but you are very close to Glenfarg and Dunfermline.

Subject: RE: maryrrf - Performing at FC's in Scotland
From: Maryrrf
Date: 10 Jun 03 - 09:23 AM

Nynia, yes of course you can use the info on my webpage but in a month or so I'll be sending photos, publicity etc. out to the clubs I'm playing at and I'll be happy to send you stuff too. Just PM me your address. I hadn't really thought about the Northern Ireland option but I will follow up on the contact. I've made that Troon-Belfast trip a couple of times and it's great - I love that ferry ride.

UB Ed, thanks for the well wishes. We'll have to get together at some point and jam, since we both live in Richmond. Maybe I'll drop by Rare Olde Times one of these Thursdays.

Regards,
Mary

Subject: RE: maryrrf - Performing at FC's in Scotland
From: Essex Girl
Date: 10 Jun 03 - 09:13 AM

Loch Lomond folk club runs their session in Balloch, I don't know which night, but they are a good bunch. We spent a wonderful weekend there last year with a folk boat trip on the loch followed by an evening session in a local lodge.

Subject: RE: maryrrf - Performing at FC's in Scotland
From: UB Ed
Date: 10 Jun 03 - 09:12 AM

Mary, congratulations to you! What a fantastic opportunity. I know you'll knock 'em dead.

Ed

Subject: RE: maryrrf - Performing at FC's in Scotland
From: Nynia
Date: 10 Jun 03 - 06:02 AM

Hi again Mary, not sure if you've looked at playing much in Northern Ireland when you're over. Dick Glasgow just contacted me re Galloway Folk and comtacting him through his website at Causeway Music would seem like a good starting point for ideas and options. I've not had a chance to explore the site fully yet but it seems like a great resource for anyone visiting/touring Northern Ireland.

Regards,

Nynia.

P.S. Can I use photo/info from your webpage to do a write-up on Galloway Folk nearer the time of your Dalbeattie FC booking?

Subject: RE: maryrrf - Performing at FC's in Scotland
From: Maryrrf
Date: 09 Jun 03 - 03:15 PM

Goodness, what a lot of support I'm getting! I've tried Taybank but didn't get a reply and frankly I didn't push it because it looked like they booked more well known performers and groups. I did find out that Dougie has sold it and there are new owners. I've spoken to Gerda who regrettably couldn't book me but I will pursue the Dalbeattie contact as long as it doesn't conflict with the folk club booking. Some folk clubs ask that you not perform for a month or so within a certain radius of their club, which is reasonable. If any Mudcatters do turn up at these gigs please identify yourselves and don't do what somebody did at Pat Troy's Ireland's own in Alexandria - left a note saying "A Mudcatter was here" with me wondering who it was....!

Subject: RE: maryrrf - Performing at FC's in Scotland
From: Nynia
Date: 09 Jun 03 - 02:43 PM

Mary have you tried contacting Suzie Kelly who is Traditional Music Officer with Dumfries & Galloway Arts Association. They have been running a series of artist led sessions over the winter period. If she gets funding you might get a couple of these around your Dalbeattie gig (hope to see you there by the way). Basically with these sessions an artist is paid to lead the session, if musicians turn up it is up to you to keep the kettle boiling as it were, but if no-one turns up it's up to you to play the night. It can be fun we did a few of these over the winter and had a good night each time. Also you could try contacting Gerda Pickin at Stranraer Folk Club, they don't often book people through lack of money but it's worth a try.

[e-mail]
[e-mail]

Galloway Folk

Regards,

Nynia.

Subject: RE: maryrrf - Performing at FC's in Scotland
From: smallpiper
Date: 09 Jun 03 - 12:36 PM

What about the Tay Bank Hotel in Dunkeld I understand they have a club on friday nights

Subject: RE: maryrrf - Performing at FC's in Scotland
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 09 Jun 03 - 12:06 PM

Have a look at the site for "Tarneybackle" a very good band based in Perthshire. They have a very busy gig list so some of their venues might pick you up. If not you can always go and see them.

Subject: RE: maryrrf - Performing at FC's in Scotland
From: Maryrrf
Date: 09 Jun 03 - 11:49 AM

Thanks - have tried Stirling and they're fully booked, also Pencuit and Stonehaven - haven't been able to get through by phone and e-mails aren't answered which may mean they're booked too. Will look into Aberfeldy. Thanks for the info! Most of these clubs seem to be pretty besieged with singers/bands looking for bookings!

Subject: RE: maryrrf - Performing at FC's in Scotland
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 09 Jun 03 - 11:45 AM

there is a small but friendly club in Aberfeldy, the Stirling F.C. and Peniuck which is south Edinbiurgh. Another somewhere near Galashiels .... search for big sky studios.
If you go north try Stonehaven just short of Aberdeen, very friendly bunch.
I wil no doubt think of others and post again.

Subject: RE: maryrrf - Performing at FC's in Scotland
From: Maryrrf
Date: 08 Jun 03 - 10:17 PM

Thanks for the kind words. The song clips on my website are a pretty good indication of the type of songs I play. I think I will give The Star in Glasgow another try - often persistance pays off.

Subject: RE: maryrrf - Performing at FC's in Scotland
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 08 Jun 03 - 07:54 PM

I have emailed you some other suggestions. Also liked the website and recordings.

Subject: RE: maryrrf - Performing at FC's in Scotland
From: GUEST,leo condie
Date: 08 Jun 03 - 07:32 PM

sorry, that was me as guest earlier. im usually logged in but im through in edinburgh. err, im jim condie's son and play guitar in his band occasionally (we only gig occasionally!). i can honestly promise you i'm not well known at all.

Subject: RE: maryrrf - Performing at FC's in Scotland
From: smallpiper
Date: 08 Jun 03 - 07:27 PM

I've just been and visited maryrrfs site and listened to some samples of her work. Well worth a listen I can tell you and if you are lucky enough to be able to go see her then do so!

Subject: RE: maryrrf - Performing at FC's in Scotland
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 08 Jun 03 - 06:25 PM

GUEST, Maryrrf is playing the Folk Club in the Glenfarg Hotel, different venue.

But, I am intrigued. If you played the Bein Inn, you must be reasonably well-known, as they only book "names" there. So, go on, don't be coy, tell us who you are. Please??

btw I am going there to see Roy Bookbinder on Wednesday. Should be a fabulous gig.

further btw, the "Wee Folk Club" meets in the Royal Oak in Infirmary Street Edinburgh every Sunday evening. £3.00 admittance, no matter who the performer is. Seats about 30-35 people.

Murray

Subject: RE: maryrrf - Performing at FC's in Scotland
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Jun 03 - 01:10 PM

where are you playing in glenfarg? ive done the bein inn there and its a great gig. definitely keep trying for the star, glesca audiences are always the best, and though its a rather odd venue these days (its in a huge church) it sounds beautiful if you're just doing solo stuff. a capella sounds even better! i did play it with a folk-blues band once and though it was a bit muddy in the beginning, they sorted it out eventually. good bunch of people. enjoy your tour, anyway. ive not heard of this "wee folk club", ill have to do some research!

Subject: RE: maryrrf - Performing at FC's in Scotland
From: Maryrrf
Date: 07 Jun 03 - 03:34 PM

Thanks - good advice! I am thinking up some good songs where people can join in on the choruses - I was told that they like that at Chapleton too so I'm just going to assume that would be the case at all the clubs. And yes, Steven, I've tried calling Tom at the Star and e-mailing him but he never answers the phone, I always get the answering machine and although I've left messages I can't reasonably expect him to call me back in the US and he doesn't answer the e-mails. He probably is innundated with performers looking for gigs. That was a great workshop with John Moran but I don't think I'll attempt "Jock o'the Side" or "Jamie Telfer" I like "big" ballads but these are enormous! I'm really looking forward to this tour - it will give me a chance to see a lot of Scotland and meet lots of other folkies.

Subject: RE: maryrrf - Performing at FC's in Scotland
From: GUEST,Scabby Doug (no coookie)
Date: 06 Jun 03 - 08:12 PM

Hi Mary...

we met at John Morran's workshop on the Border Ballads at Celtic Connections. I hope to catch up with you when you tour.
You could try contacting the Star Club in Glasgow.
Their site is here:
The Star Club in Glasgow

Cheers

Steven

Subject: RE: maryrrf - Performing at FC's in Scotland
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 06 Jun 03 - 08:01 PM

As far as the Wee Folk Club, Glenfarg, and Dunfermline are concerned, I can guarantee that a wholly traditional set will go down just fine. I would imagine the same goes for the other clubs too.

When you play Glenfarg, remember to include some songs for the audience to sing along with. They do pride themselves on their singing at Glenfarg.

Looking forward to hearing and meeting you during your tour.

Murray

Subject: maryrrf - Performing at FC's in Scotland
From: Maryrrf
Date: 06 Jun 03 - 09:50 AM

I saw the other posting about folk clubs in Scotland and thought I'd post this   I'm going to be touring in Scotland in October/November and I'm really excited about it. So far I've been booked for:

Dalbeattie Oct. 16
Wee Folk Club (Edinburgh) - Oct. 26
Dunfermline - Oct. 29
Falkirk - Oct. 30
Glenfarg - Nov.3
Chapelton - Nov. 11
Irvine - Nov. 12
Kelso - Nov. 14
Girvan - Nov. 21

Any Mudcatter's go to these clubs? I'm working now on developing some set lists and if anybody has suggestions as to the type of songs they like at these clubs it would be much appreciated. When they booked me I told them that my repertoire is heavily - almost exclusively traditional so they already know that. And I like to perform "big ballads" like Willy o'Winsbury and Andrew Lammie. I'm hoping things like that will be well received??

Also looking for some fill in gigs - hint...hint... If anybody knows of any likely venues in the area that I could approach.

Here's my website:
http://maryfsmith.freeservers.com

I've already met a couple of Scottish mudcatters but hope to meet more on this trip!