Folk clubs in Kent

Subject: Folk clubs in Kent
From: growler
Date: 28 Jul 08 - 05:09 PM

Following a very succesfull visit to the Good Intent,by Quidnunk from Dover, it occured to me that a regular exchange of talent between clubs would not only be healthy, but cost effective. ( The landlord sold them cheap beer ),if any club is interested please contact me and if it takes off, I'll ask cathy, if she will give us a space in the Arround Kent Folk

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: Leadfingers
Date: 28 Jul 08 - 05:56 PM

Club Swaps used to be a regular feature back in the bad Old Days .

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: kerry and Mandy
Date: 29 Jul 08 - 04:26 AM

Quidnunc (Kerry, Mandy and Rambling Stuart) had a great time at the Good Intent, thanks for inviting us guys. We're all for a cultural exchange between clubs, it's a great way to meet new people, hear new songs and find out how other clubs run. It's also flippin' good fun, and the cheap beer was a real treat. Lets hope we can revive the bad Old Days.

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: growler
Date: 29 Jul 08 - 04:22 PM

Anyone interested please PM me.

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: growler
Date: 30 Jul 08 - 03:49 PM

I have had 3PMs, all expressing the difficulties involved. I think that this is a simple scheme, that will work, if clubs want to make it work
Simon

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: Dead Horse
Date: 30 Jul 08 - 04:58 PM

So. A sort of Folk-Swingers night is planned, huh?
Swapping is not just harmless fun you know, all sorts of problems may arise.
Next thing you know, swapping with other folk clubs will not be enough.
Blues or even Heavy Metal may get involved, then its only a slow downhill progression to.....................Rap !!!
I think a visit to your nearest confidential Folk Guidance Councillor would be your best and safest option.

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: GUEST,Andy Cakebread
Date: 31 Jul 08 - 04:55 AM

A couple of years ago, I suggested that the Friday Orpington club & Folkmob should try this, partly for variety & partly to provide both clubs with a cheap & easy guest night. All involved thought it was a good idea, but nothing happened, shame

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: growler
Date: 31 Jul 08 - 04:29 PM

Andy there is no reason why it shouldn't happen, give me a PM.   Dead Horse look at them colours, man, rap with a capital 'C' will allways be wellcome

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: Girl Friday
Date: 31 Jul 08 - 09:46 PM

Hi Andy. Shame, it didn't work in the way we envisaged. Even so, there is often a cross-over with our performers, which is what Growler is looking to do,rather than have audiences swapping. Robin for example, resident at Orpington Friday, regular at Orpington Thursday, and occasional performer at Folkmob.

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: growler
Date: 01 Aug 08 - 04:10 PM

This can work. Give it a chance

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 01 Aug 08 - 04:18 PM

Thus was a strategy we used a great deal when I was club organiser. It was a great deal too. We had a strong band of residents (who all now have successful solo and group careers) and many of the clubs we swopped with had the same. It was a win win situation.

Go for it!

Best wishes,

Peter

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 01 Aug 08 - 04:21 PM

Get two hats. Get the women to put their car-keys in one, and the men the other. That sort of club swapping?

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: melodeonboy
Date: 01 Aug 08 - 08:41 PM

Oooooh! This is sounding more exciting by the minute! My keys are ready!

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: Dead Horse
Date: 01 Aug 08 - 09:29 PM

Last time I went to one of THOSE, I ended up with a 3 wheeler!!!

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 01 Aug 08 - 11:26 PM

If I bring All my Volvos, should I also bring Cialis?

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 02 Aug 08 - 03:53 AM

Last time I went to one of those, I ended up with the WIFE.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: kerry and Mandy
Date: 02 Aug 08 - 04:40 AM

think yourself luck Don, I ended up with me own keys back.

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 Aug 08 - 07:32 AM

Hey Don, that might help you get rid of your Scorpio! (grin)

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: growler
Date: 02 Aug 08 - 05:23 PM

Richard if you bring all your Volvos, none of the performers would have room to park

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 Aug 08 - 06:11 PM

But they could perform in the back...

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: growler
Date: 03 Aug 08 - 04:18 PM

In the back of your Volvo ????

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 03 Aug 08 - 04:53 PM

Yep!

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: growler
Date: 04 Aug 08 - 04:24 PM

Seriously folks, if anyone would like to perform at another club in Kent, please PM me. Likewise, if any Folk Club, wants to join the merry-go- round, also PM me, ( this does not include Richards Volvos)

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: GUEST,synbyn
Date: 05 Aug 08 - 12:26 PM

yes. at nellies or tonbridge i remember going down to lewes and them coming to us, and more recently faversham sent a contingent over to appear for us... it's all very pally when this happens- q is it for the audience's benefit or the performers'? i think it's a good substitution for a singers' night myself, for guest nights i think i prefer a singer or group with a body of well-rehearsed material to choose from and to switch according to the audience, rather than a turn-by-turn approach- i throw that in for discussion!

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: GUEST,John from Elsie`s Band
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 11:12 AM

Dear Growler,
             We would be up for a booking after September when Iris returns from the U.S. Give David a call on 01732 862862.
                                              Regards,
                                                John

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: growler
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 03:42 PM

We are getting there. Please keep going. How about 'Sic Transit'

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: Dead Horse
Date: 06 Aug 08 - 07:52 PM

'Puke Volvo' ?

Sorry. Likewise - couldn't resist!

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 02:45 AM

I haven't got one that colour

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: growler
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 05:07 PM

Depends on what you've been eating

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 06:50 PM

Chilli and garlic, mostly...

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 07 Aug 08 - 06:56 PM

""We are getting there. Please keep going. How about 'Sic Transit'""


Just let us know when, Simon!!

Don T.

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 08 Aug 08 - 05:36 AM

Look for us at the "Music on the Marsh" festival next Saturday 16th August.

We're on from 12 noon - 1 pm. in the Star Inn.

We are always up for bookings for clubs, pubs, or private parties.

Don T

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: growler
Date: 11 Aug 08 - 04:34 PM

Richard, that could result in any colour. You must be able to match it to a Volvo

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: GUEST,bob
Date: 07 Sep 11 - 12:51 PM

blimey there are some dull performers around kent folk and they via sucking up to organisers get small time gigs!Same old stuff over and over,just come back from suffolk and good standard of music up there,yeah,tell me to go back im expecting but just had to say it,was at one this week and noticed several audience sneeking out at first oppurtunity,oh well thats kent folk for you!

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: GUEST,FloraG
Date: 07 Sep 11 - 02:16 PM

bob - don't go back to suffolk. Get involved in a club and help organise it. It is easy to critisise from the outside - but change happens from within.
Small time gigs! - a folk club gig should be the pinnicale of your career if you are a serious folk musician - playing in front of knowledgeable people who are often also performers in their own right. You won't ever get a better audience. Pubs and festivals mostly don't want clever - just the drum machine and well known songs. I know clubs often can not afford a lot - but it was never about the money.
I saw Isambard last night - and didn't see anyone sneaking out apart from regularly topping up on the fine selection of beers available.
FloraG.

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: breezy
Date: 07 Sep 11 - 03:25 PM

But then Isambard are quality.

Get along on Thursday 6th Oct to the Orpington club at the Change of Horses.

judge the main guest accordingly

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: growler
Date: 07 Sep 11 - 04:49 PM

Bob take your head out of your behind and come and see. 'The same old stuff' does not apply. Get a life and embrace Kent folk

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: GUEST,bob
Date: 08 Sep 11 - 02:05 AM

my point was not having a go at all performers,what gets me is there are some damm good players around these venues but get pushed back so the regulars can repeat the same stuff again and again,a while back at change of horses a little trio did a couple of great footapping songs and that was all they were allowed to make way for the "big boys" so to speak with their usual dreary repetetive stuff,one bragging about all the gigs he has done,dunno if it were true as he was so full of himself and.....boring!Im not a miserable old git (i do a good impression I told!)but bring back the good old days of folk and cheerfull upbeat songs,not repetetive sloggers,thats it had my two pennarth!

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: GUEST,bob
Date: 08 Sep 11 - 02:22 AM

sorry my other grumpy old man trait I meant to mention is the "self penned"offenders-yes great to hear a catchy new decent song im all for it but hate to say a lot just write not very good stuff -why is it bad songs have to be so long,where is the lift in them,some even seem contenders for bad eurovision song contest entrys,yes im moaning but where have all the audiences gone I ask,back in 1967 I first went to a folk club with mates,following week we all had roll neck jumpers on,wispy sort of beards,spoke to one another with a finger in the ear and breaking up the coversation with the odd"trirally la a rovin we will go",the clubs seemed full of listeners then,I hate to see people leaving but 4 unaccompanied songs at 6 minutes each dont get them wanting to stay-I know this for a fact as I asked some why they were leaving not so long ago and they admitted after making other feeble excuses it was so dull.We need audiences as well as players at singarounds and guest nights and if a floorsinger as they used to be knownis going down well,dont kick them off so the regulars can do their thing(like they did last week,the week or so before....."get my drift here or am I a wally?

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: melodeonboy
Date: 08 Sep 11 - 04:09 AM

I'm not trying to sound smug, Bob, but I don't think we have that kind of problem at The Good Intent (Rochester) singaround. Ask those who attend! Or even better, come and see (and listen!) for yourself!

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: GUEST,FloraG
Date: 08 Sep 11 - 05:11 AM

I think singing/ playing appropriate songs for the audience is one of those skills that is underated.

We were lucky at the Hop festival that on both days we had a really nice variety of songs/ tunes in the Bull session, and the performers were experienced enough to choose things that would go down well with a mixed general audience. I think most of us underestimate how little of the folk tradition the general public know, and people do like to hear familiar things as well as variety.
With the morris side I was in we used to do drunken sailor at most venues. The side got a bit bored with it but it always went down really well with the general pub audience, and most places asked us back.

The Good Intent is a different audience again - mostly people well vesed in the tradition - and I know Growler you make sure that most people who turn up and want to perform are given a chance to do so - so there is lots of variety.

Dartford has a great variety of paid performers, but less variety of floor singers. Not sure why that is as I know there are a lot of good performers in the audience who do not perform.

Horses for courses I think.
FloraG.

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: Arnie
Date: 08 Sep 11 - 05:26 AM

I seem to recall that the Deal folk club had an awayday to Faversham many years ago and it worked well. I think Faversham did a return visit. I'm not so sure if it would work now as the two dozen or so regulars would probably not wish to travel too far for their weekly folk session and Deal is handy for them. We usually have 3 singaround sessions a month so there is a bit of repetition but there is also a lot of variety which is why we've managed to keep audience figures up and keep going for the past 20yrs or so. What I like about the Deal singarounds is that you never know who is going to drop by and give us a few songs. If they've travelled far and are any good then we will usually let them finish off the evening which is a pretty good accolade.

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: The Barden of England
Date: 08 Sep 11 - 06:36 AM

I agree with you Arnie, Deal is a truly welcoming club. See you there next week, and melodeonboy and growler are spot on too regarding 'The Good Intent'. Kent, like everywhere else I believe, has it's good and bad so Guest-bob obviously managed to get to one of the bad. The good is still out there - honest.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: GUEST,pete from seven stars link
Date: 08 Sep 11 - 08:24 AM

i would think that what is dull or meaningful is in the conception of the listener ,though aiming to please all comers may well limit what is done.if the session is a genuine singaround everyone gets as fair a turn as possible.at times someone more talented/well known appears and the organizer may give them much more time.this is their perogative of course as being the ones getting it together each week.
some of the open mics i frequent tend to do this as well and so i frequent them less in favour of the even handed ones.
its not something thats wrong or right,but its nice if there are other places that suit the contributers ethos better.

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: GUEST,bob
Date: 08 Sep 11 - 10:23 AM

good to see a bit of debate,was a bit here when i look in from time to time!Pete from seven stars link-is that the crayside place or not connected?Remember going in there not so long back for a drink and bite to eat after helping a relation doing up a flat nearby,was a fair few rather vocal drunks I recall and no food available but a restaurant area!Has it improved since,by a river I recall.Someone commented a while ago if its same place the bouncers throw people in rather than out!Have been t good intent,one of the better ones I admit melodian boy,its the ones who never move on,same faces,same songs week in week out,on and on,repeat first verse for 5th time,come on boys and girls give us a good cheerfull lively night!Grumpy bob.

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: GUEST,FloraG
Date: 08 Sep 11 - 12:04 PM

The Cambridge club does 2 songs or 8 minuites, as some songs can go on for ever, on open mike nights.
Should duos get twice as long?
FloraG.

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: GUEST,bob
Date: 08 Sep 11 - 01:29 PM

duos (sticking my big nose in again)difficult to decide in my humble opinion,some seem to just work as duo and dont push their luck,some take the mickey and have twice as many songs often long winded.If they are good i as a listener and occasional player would mind but if they are not so hot then its that difficult bit.If I were a host id say as duo 3 songs or 12 minutes on your cambridge principle,then its fair.My pal was at one singsong and a group of morris men after leaping about hitting each other outside came in for singaround but had one song each-whole gaggle of em!Apparantly after 3 unaccompanied 20 verse renditions a lot of the pub needed a breath of fresh air outside or toilet visitations but they carried on regardless-now thats a bit out of order,come on morris men,defend your case!!!grumpy

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: GUEST,Folky johnson
Date: 08 Sep 11 - 02:42 PM

The Seven Stars hasn't changed Bob. Obnoxious drunks who stand a couple of feet away from performers yakking loudly and they won't move from the bar if you are trying to get served. Also a loud jukebox can be usually be heard over the performers. When food is served it is overpriced deep fried yuk ... If you are looking for a decent club in the Kent area try Sheppey!

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: growler
Date: 08 Sep 11 - 05:01 PM

The Good Intent at Rochester, if you come, you will be invited to play. When we run out of time, we stop. There are no resinents everybody has the same time, unless I've been drinking Summer Lightning.

Subject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: The Sandman
Date: 08 Sep 11 - 05:19 PM

ubject: RE: Folk clubs in Kent
From: Waddon Pete - PM
Date: 01 Aug 08 - 04:18 PM

Thus was a strategy we used a great deal when I was club organiser. It was a great deal too. We had a strong band of residents (who all now have successful solo and group careers) and many of the clubs we swopped with had the same. It was a win win situation.

Go for it!

Best wishes,

Peter
Peter, you were one of the best organisers that I have come across, I had many good gigs at the Waddon, your old pal Lance Corporal Schweik