Tramway Folk (UK) May 28-29, 2006

Subject: RE: Tramway Folk (UK) May 28-29, 2006
From: Rasener
Date: 06 Jul 06 - 03:18 PM

Sensible Al. You just look after yourself M8 and a very very big thankyou for supporting me at Market Rasen Folk Club. You have been a diamond.

Subject: RE: Tramway Folk (UK) May 28-29, 2006
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 06 Jul 06 - 03:07 PM

just don't fancy doing a Tommy Cooper. If I get better I can come out of retirement, Frank Sinatra did.

Subject: RE: Tramway Folk (UK) May 28-29, 2006
From: Rasener
Date: 05 Jul 06 - 06:02 PM

Why ?

Subject: RE: Tramway Folk (UK) May 28-29, 2006
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 05 Jul 06 - 05:50 PM

well maybe the odd floorspot, but no more schlepping about the country. no great loss. I was nobody's sweetheart on the folk or the country scene. The old ladies used to,like me in residential homes - I only found those gigs in my late forties.

anyway I have to behave myself from now on.

Subject: RE: Tramway Folk (UK) May 28-29, 2006
From: Rasener
Date: 05 Jul 06 - 04:10 PM

You not hangin your singing boots up are you Al?

Subject: RE: Tramway Folk (UK) May 28-29, 2006
From: danensis
Date: 05 Jul 06 - 02:28 PM

Personally I'd like to see more news of events on here. If people want to talk about events in America then I can ignore them just as they can ignore the ones about events in the UK. I don't think its compulsory to read every thread is it?

John

Subject: RE: Tramway Folk (UK) May 28-29, 2006
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 05 Jul 06 - 09:24 AM

Radio Nottibngham have written a bit about me on a website

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nottingham/content/articles/2006/07/04/big_al_whittle_feature.shtml

Subject: RE: Tramway Folk (UK) May 28-29, 2006
From: GUEST
Date: 31 May 06 - 06:52 PM

First off I should point out that my previous posting was written in a hurry and while I was in the middle of sorting a problem with the PA. Part of it seems to imply that some of the "offensive 'stick'" I referred to came from Max, which it hasn't. However, Max has stated that he was fed up with people posting about local events on a worldwide forum and it was this comment that finally convinced me to go elsewhere.

Anyway, thanks for the positive comments. It is kind of difficult when some seem to want the news and some see it as being pushy and irritating.

We do have a permathread but that didn't seem to solve the problem and I got fed up with deleting comments, which at one stage became extremely personal.

Interestingly we are just coming to the end of a little experiment that is kind of a real world version of our web newsletters. We've been distributing flyers for Saturday's events door to door. Now that COULD be seen as being REALLY pushy! Posting an accurately titled promotional thread on a forum seems very small beer compared to actually opening a gate and physically walking onto a person's property, uninvited, to promote an event. I was expecting to find a real world equivalent of the mudcat nasties - imagine the scene - me running out of someone's drive with an Alsatian clamped to my left buttock and a colonel blimp type running after me with a blunderbuss ...

Didn't happen I'm pleased to say. In fact people have been amazingly welcoming, in many cases seeming to be very grateful that I've taken the trouble to find them and hand over a leaflet. It's restored my faith in human nature!

And to minimise thread hijacking …. I've always liked trams. In fact my parents have a collection of model trams ...

Subject: RE: Tramway Folk (UK) May 28-29, 2006
From: My guru always said
Date: 31 May 06 - 09:40 AM

Hey John, it's a shame you've felt like that as I'm sure UK Catters would want to know where Julie will be playing. Could I suggest you PM Joe Offer & request a Permathread for Julie's events. Or perhaps you could check out the 'Who's performing where' thread which may be useful. Good luck!

Subject: RE: Tramway Folk (UK) May 28-29, 2006
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 31 May 06 - 06:48 AM

well I would be interested to know what an artist like Julie is up to, and so would anyone with an IQ above the level of shite.

Don't worry about detractors - no one ever kicked a dead dog.

Subject: RE: Tramway Folk (UK) May 28-29, 2006
From: GUEST
Date: 31 May 06 - 05:43 AM

Thanks Al. It was kind of the marketing people at the museum to do this for us, especially since the gig isn't at the museum. Julie's gig is in Matlock on Saturday 3rd June, with workshops in the afternoon. The venue is The Imperial Rooms in Imperial Road, Matlock.

Full details are at http://www.julieellison.co.uk/gigs.php.

I hadn't posted details on mudcat because the amount of offensive "stick" I'd been receiving for doing so convinced me that information like this wasn't what folks wanted here (especially Max) so I went elsewhere. Still pop in from time to time to keep up with the more interesting threads though.

Pleased to see you getting some gigs. Hope you're enjoying it all.

Regards
John Robinson

Subject: RE: Tramway Folk (UK) May 28-29, 2006
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 30 May 06 - 03:44 PM

Yes there were flyers for Julie in the souvenir shop and the exhibition area. theres probably scope for a poster on the shop doors I should have thought as the posters for the folk festival are now over - and it would be much more prominent.

where is Julie playing on the site?

Why not post details of the concert here as some Derbyshire folk will be checking out this thread?

Subject: RE: Tramway Folk (UK) May 28-29, 2006
From: GUEST
Date: 30 May 06 - 02:22 PM

Glad you had a good weekend Al.

Don't suppose you noticed any postcards for Matlock Live and Julie Ellison's gig there this Saturday? We did a publicity swap with the tramway museum!

Regards
John Robinson

Subject: RE: Tramway Folk (UK) May 28-29, 2006
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 30 May 06 - 12:04 PM

yeh sunday was great, monday it pissed down.

Kirsty was ill and cancelled.
Another duo took their place Roger Wilson and Karen Tweed - Ithink it was. I was really tired having had a ride on a tram and carted round my guitars to do three sets by that time, and I missed the BIG act.

However there were some great musicians there.   the Down trodden string Band complete with Apalachian style step dancers; a very young lady from Buxton who sang her own songs with a very mature voice and played a pink guitar very well, Lucy Spraggans - her Mum runs the music shop in the square at Buxton - she tells me; the very accomplished Martin Hall, and Derby folksinger Pete Castle , and Manchester funnyman Dominic Collins. Oh yeh and Chris Rockcliff's duo aussi.

Could have done with a few more dance teams for the atmosphere, could have done with a small PA in the pub - however for a first attempt it was very creditable. I hope they do it all again next year.

Subject: RE: Tramway Folk (UK) May 28-29, 2006
From: GUEST
Date: 30 May 06 - 10:03 AM

Anyone go?

Subject: RE: Tramway Folk (UK) May 28-29, 2006
From: My guru always said
Date: 27 May 06 - 05:06 AM

Very interesting, wish I'd seen this a while back.... Here's a link!

Subject: RE: Tramway Folk
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 26 May 06 - 08:19 AM

refresh as its this monday and sunday

Subject: RE: Tramway Folk
From: danensis
Date: 13 May 06 - 11:42 AM

As operations are about to cease in the adjacent quarry it would be nice if the Tramway Museum could buy that as well. Anyone feeling rich?

John

Subject: RE: Tramway Folk
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 13 May 06 - 08:47 AM

Not quite on that scale, then, Al... a much smaller plot of land to start with...

Subject: RE: Tramway Folk
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 13 May 06 - 12:16 AM

It was started by enthusiasts way back. They have trams from all over the world, all period pieces. They have stuck them all togther and reconstructed them themselves. Of course its DH Lawrence country and he wrote about trams in his short stories and novels.
Ithink the continental ones from Germany and France are my favourites.

You're only about twelve miles away from DHL's birthplace heritage museum in Eastwood. Derby's old town hall is reconsructed in this sort of disused (landscaped) quarry, that's the building we were rioting in front of!. And inside there's all exhibitions and background information. Thr tram journey takes you out of the quarry to the top of a hill with this great view of the Derbyshire countryside. Of course there restaurants, tearooms, souvenir shops and all that stuff.

I'd check it out before starting one yourself, FT.

Big al whittle

Subject: RE: Tramway Folk
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 12 May 06 - 11:13 PM

Sigh! I love trams too - we have a working tram museum here in Brisbane since we stoped ours - wonder if we could get something similar going here?

Subject: RE: Tramway Folk
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 12 May 06 - 06:40 PM

well I'll look forward to it. the last time I performed there was as an extra in tv serial called Grey Granite - I was a rioter, and the vicar from Dad's army (Frank Williams)was under a wagon with plastic bottles being thrown at him.

It was done by a Scottish tv company. jack denman the commissioning agent had been principal comedian himself, and had a great fondness for comedians. there was every comedian in the midlands and a few from the north in the crowd of rioters, we were all supposed to be starving victims of wicked capitalism - I don't think there was anybody much less than twenty stone.

Still by the time the police horses had charged amongst us a few times, everybody apart from Scottish tv guys (who one suspects were enjoying it sticking it to load of sassenachs) were past caring. Jack Denman who was carrying a drum(special skills!) was covered in blood.

anyway Crich Tram Museum is a great setting, and I have visited it quite a few times just for fun. there are trams from all over the world and you can take a tram ride to see a dazzling view of the Derbyshire countryside in Old Fashioned San Francisco street car. Its very enterprising of someone to think of it, and it deserves all our support.

I've never sung on a tram before. I will have to dust off my my Julie Andrews videos. Altogether children, We're going on a tuppeny bus ride...!

best wishes

Big Al Whittle (American influenced folksinger)

Subject: RE: Tramway Folk
From: Paul Burke
Date: 12 May 06 - 03:24 AM

Jok's rending of Duelling Trombones has to be seen to be observed.

Subject: Tramway Folk
From: GUEST
Date: 11 May 06 - 03:42 PM

ALL ABOARD THE FOLK TRAM

Over twenty musicians are due to perform at Crich Tramway Village in what organisers are calling the first folk festival of its kind, on Sunday 28 and bank holiday Monday 29 May.

Derbyshire based folk musicians The Down Trodden Swing Band from Bakewell, Big Al Whittle from Alfreton, Pete Castle from Belper and a number of acts from Buxton, will perform alongside artistes from Manchester and Lancashire.

"This is a Folk Festival with a difference," says Chris Rockcliffe who has booked the musicians for the event. "We are breaking the mould by bringing together a wide range of musical styles in this unique location. Performances will be kept relatively short and repeated throughout the day on different stages, including on the trams themselves."

Festival goers can expect the unexpected; Celtic jigs to lively American folk tunes to contemporary love songs; from hilarious comic songs and music hall ditties, to classic old-timey songs; from traditional English ballads to worksongs, blues, bluegrass, ragtime, swing, acoustic pop and a lot more besides. There will even be the opportunity to listen to the sounds of a didgeridoo.

"This is an ideal opportunity to enjoy a day out at the Tramway Village and discover the wonderful range of musical styles that are loosely grouped under the term folk music, " says Chris Rockcliffe. "You may be surprised, you certainly won't be disappointed."

The trams will play a key part in the event, enabling people to travel between the three live music stages; the Red Lion pub, the Tramshed stage, and the Victorian bandstand. The trams themselves will also become venues for impromptu performances.

Crich Tramway Village event organiser Christine Brown said, "To our knowledge this will be the first time that folk music has been played on board trams. The Peak District has folk trains so we thought why not folk trams!

"The variety of locations within the Tramway Village means we can have different acts on stage at the same time, giving visitors the opportunity to ride the trams, explore the Village and see a great range of live music. The Red Lion pub with real ale on tap is sure to be a popular venue.

"This is also a family event. Children will love the entertaining style and humour of Jolly Jok, there will be children's entertainers, and of course the Tramway Village's play areas, exhibitions and tram rides will be open as usual."

The youngest performer at the festival is 14-year-old Lucy Spraggan from Buxton, who has been playing guitar and writing her own songs for the past four years. Although she performs regularly in Buxton, Crich Tramway Village is her folk festival debut. Observers say she possesses musical talents way beyond her years and is tipped to go a long way.

Headlining the two-day festival at a special evening concert on Sunday 28 May at 7.30pm will be Manchester folk singer and performer Kirsty McGee. Kirsty has teamed up with Mat Martin and the pair have created quite a stir in the UK acoustic music scene with Kirsty fast establishing herself as a singer songwriter of immense talent.

"The lass has a wonderful voice, and is causing quite a stir". Mike Harding BBC Radio 2, Oct 2002

The support act for Sunday night will be Martin Hall. The Tramway Village will be open until 11pm, there will be live music in the Red Lion pub and trams running until late.

All daytime Folk Festival events are included in the normal Crich Tramway Village admission prices: Adult £9.00. Senior £8.00. Child (3-15) £4.50. Family (2 adults, 3 children) £24.00. Tickets for Kirsty McGee on Sunday evening 28 May are an additional £5 and can be booked in advance by calling Crich Tramway Village on 01773 854321.

Artistes performing each day and brief biographies

Sunday 28 May: Big Al Whittle, Dominic Collins, The Down Trodden Swing Band, Lucy Spraggan, Martin Hall, Pelican Babies, Pete Castle.

Sunday 28 May 7.30pm: Kirsty McGee and Mat Martin with support Martin Hall (tickets an additional £5.00).

Monday 29 May: Gentleman George, Jolly Jok, Jon Brindley, Last Call, Lucy Spraggan, Snakey Terrain

Kirsty McGee and Mat Martin

Kirsty McGee first came to prominence on the Manchester music scene. Her high quality songs led to awards and her charming stage presence brought her to the attention of various festivals where her appearances led quickly to a record deal.

In 2003 Kirsty was nominated for the prestigious BBC Radio 2 'Horizon Award' for best newcomer and in the year that followed played many of the UK's major festivals including Cambridge, Sidmouth and Glasgow's Celtic Connections.

Kirsty secured a PRS foundation grant to tour as a trio with double bassist Miranda Sykes and multi-instrumentalist Mat Martin in February of 2004. This was to be the start of a long-term collaboration with Mat, who has gone on to accompany Kirsty on fretted strings at all her live appearances and to co-arrange material with her.

In 2005 her song Coffee Coloured Strings was nominated for 'Best Original Song' at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards (televised by BBC4).

"Absolutely superb. Memorable. I love her songs. I love her way" Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2

"...her sound verges on Folk but her voice would fit nicely on a classic pop song.... she could pick up a fantastic fanbase" Paul Heaton of The Beautiful South (ex-The Housemartins) in Q Magazine, Dec '04

"The lass has a wonderful voice, and is causing quite a stir." Mike Harding BBC Radio 2

Big Al Whittle

Deep-voiced singer of self-penned songs with a distinctly American flavour. Recently won the Musicians Union best performer award at BBC Radio Lincolnshire's annual 'write a folksong' competition. Lives near Alfreton in Derbyshire.

Dominic Collins

Manchester postman by day, singer/songwriter and guitarist by night (and weekend) who writes all his own excellent comic song material - a sort of 21st century Mike Harding with bits of Northern humour.

The Down Trodden String Band

Quartet from Bakewell, the DTSB perform Appalachian dance music and songs on fiddle, bouzouki, guitar, banjo and mandolin.

Lucy Spraggan

Young talented performer and prolific songwriter from Buxton who writes all her own songs and plays guitar very well too. At just 14 Lucy is the youngest person on the Crich Tramway Village Folk Festival bill.

Martin Hall

Buxton based guitarist /singer of mostly contemporary singer/songwriter material - superb voice and top guitarist who is well known in the North West and Derbyshire circles

Pelican Babies

A duo from Lancashire currently making waves with some great self-penned songs and crowd pleasing covers - think Simon & Garfunkel and Everly Brothers harmonies with superb twin guitars. They also play a didgeridoo - and very well as it happens.

Pete Castle

Well-known local Derbyshire based singer and guitarist, originally from the south of England and now living in Belper. A fine purveyor of traditional English folk songs for many years.

Gentleman George

High Peak based songsmith/guitarist who spent many years in the USA where he had the opportunity to jam with some very good musician's such as, Kenny Rogers, Barry Manilow, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Supertramp and many others. Powerful voice and crowd pleasing popular contemporary acoustic style songs.

Jolly Jok

Hilarious frontman for the Biggles Wartime Band (they play Glastonbury every year) and a completely off the wall performer of songs - traditional, modern, old and new - various instruments played and others attempted! If you haven't been entertained by Jolly Jok's solo act - you haven't really discovered all the facial muscles that make you laugh. Your jaw will ache – guaranteed!

Jon Brindley

Jon Brindley (34) hails from Wigan and likes to take his audience on a lively journey, bringing passion and humour to music. Playing guitar and a fiddle handed down from his Grandma, his range includes Celtic fiddle tunes, blues, contemporary folk, country, rock, popular songs and traditional ballads, all with his own unique interpretation - expect the unexpected!

Last Call

Buxton based Keith Smith & Ric Bateman have had this blues to rags and pop song thing going for ages and always good listening - guitar, slide guitar and harmonica.

Snakey Terrain

Duo Chris Rockcliffe, guitar/vocals, and Bernie Dart, 5-string banjo and guitar/vocals, play a real mixture of roots music from Britain, Ireland and the USA including bluegrass, Old timey, western swing, jazz, blues traditional folk and pop songs.