Sidmouth Concerts - why has it changed?

Subject: Sidmouth Concerts - why has it changed?
From: GUEST,Evensong
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 02:15 PM

I have noticed a change in the quality of the Ham concerts, both afternoon and evening at Sidmouth this year. Even with all the 'temptations' I am struggling to justify the expense of paying for 'on the whole' an average lineup. What has changed from last 2 years when I and many others thought it to be outstanding and absolutely stuffed with quality?

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Concerts - why has it changed?
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 02:42 PM

I have just run my eyes down the headliners at the Ham: Lau, Faustus, Waterson:Carthy, Oysterband. Genticorum, Jim Moray, Kerfuffle, Saul Rose, Simon Care, Fay Hield, Spooky Men's Chorale, Spiers & Boden, Steve Knightley, Mawkin Causley, Crucible, Meridian, Megan & Joe Henwood, Eric Bogle, Pete Coe, the Demon Barbers . . .

An "average" line-up? Good grief. I'd call that "overstuffed with quality".

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Concerts - why has it changed?
From: Rasener
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 02:44 PM

Too true TBE

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Concerts - why has it changed?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 03:04 PM

In 1974 at Falmouth it was decided that the BEST any folk performance could EVER be is 'Average' , so I suppose that IS an Average line up ! LOL

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Concerts - why has it changed?
From: The Barden of England
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 03:08 PM

I see that it's another 'GUEST' - Ignore the TROLLS. Any TROLL just doesn't need to go then - Q.E.D.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Concerts - why has it changed?
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 03:09 PM

I am afraid that although I accept that the performers are of good quality and worthy of their place at Sidmouth, I cannot agree that Fay, Pete Coe, Faustus, The Henwoods, Mawkin:Causley, Kerfuffle, Saul Rose (solo) or Crucible for example are of 'headline quality' for Sidmouth mainstage. I am a great fan of mawkin, crucible et al but they are not able to command double figure ticket prices at a major event.

Also, Spookies were there 2 years ago, the Barbers were at Sidmouth 2x last year etc etc .... Even Steve Knightley is no more than a 'local boy made good'. Show of Hands has so much profile that most people can see Steve umpteen times during the year. What I mean is where is the new / scarcity element to the Sidmouth lineup. 2 years ago it had Lau and Spookies when they were 'new' and Altan (where is the 'big' Irish band this year). Last year there was Martin Simpson & Andy Cutting, Karen Tweed with her roadshow and Timo from Finland, Demons, The Lal Waterson Tribute etc, lots of stuff you don't always have a chance to see. It's all looking a bit like standard festival lineup I'm afraid.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Concerts - why has it changed?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 05:25 PM

To put your observations into perspective, Guest: Fay, Pete Coe, Kerfuffle and Megan and Joe Henwood are all support acts, not headliners. Mawkin are doing the "lunchtime sessions", which are laid-back, informal hour-long opportunities to see festival artists in a different context, like Simon Care and some special surprise guests, kicking back and playing some tunes. The Lunchtime Sessions also contain the fabulous London Bulgarian Choir, and the Spookies will be doing the Big Spooky Thing, which is a massed event for up to 1000 people - which will end with a BIG surprise. It's something they've never done before.

I notice you didn't mention melodeon genius Riccardo Tesi and Banditaliana - we've had a lot of excitement over that booking. Nor Eric Bogle on his farewell UK tour. Nor the wonderful Quebecois trio Genticorum or Austrian instrumental powerhouses Hotel Palindrone. I'd also point out that the Ham represents only a fraction of the Sidmouth programme.

I'm pleased to say our ticket sales are currently ahead of both last year's figures and this year's targets.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Concerts - why has it changed?
From: Jane Bird
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 05:52 PM

Nobody's mentioned Pam Ayres yet...

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Concerts - why has it changed?
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 07:10 PM

The inclusion of Pam Ayres could be viewed as astute marketing.

She may draw a section of the local population to the festival (and it is to be hoped some net profit too) and including the types of people who wouldn't normally 'do' Sidmouth Folk Week. Ditto Rolf Harris and Lonnie Donnigan years ago in the Arena?

Sidmouth is not the only festival where ticket sales are higher than last year - apparently Towersey has the same issue (I'd hardly call it a problem!) except that there are no caravan spaces left at Sidmouth according to the ticket page on the website.

Latest snippets and views:

http://www.seered.co.uk/folk119.htm

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Concerts - why has it changed?
From: Tug the Cox
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 07:18 PM

Hmmmm, is Guest a Troll trying to spread disquiet, or a skilfully placed 'agent provacateur' allowing the organisers a ( well deserved) opportunity to peddle their wares? Either way, it looks like an impressive line-up, which,as Ruth says is only a small part of the Sidmouth experience. I rarely get beyond the 'fringe', and even then miss out on a lot that is happening there.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Concerts - why has it changed?
From: Folkiedave
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 07:25 PM

Kerfuffle - to name but one - outsold Richard Thompson at last year's Shrewsbury in terms of CD sales.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Concerts - why has it changed?
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 07:43 PM

Pam Ayres vs Rolf Harris.

Rolf Harris was a festival guest, appearing in the middle of the festival - you could use your festival ticket to see him.
Pam Ayres is not a festival guest. This is a pre-festival event, not included in the ticket, not really aimed at the folk enthusiasts, but rather aimed at a local/regional and tourist market, taking advantage of the fact that the marquee is up and available just before the festival starts.
As Steve in Sidmouth says, astute marketing!
Derek Schofield

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Concerts - why has it changed?
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 07:49 PM

Richard Bridge

You are surely aware (or perhaps not) that John Kirkpatrick, hacked off at those who assumed his working time consisted of 2 x 45 minute sets per night, wrote a song called What Do You Do In The Day?

One of those things he did, on moving to Shropshire, was to reinvent Border Morris.

******

And hey, Pete Coe is a headliner. He's been at Sidmouth every time I've been there (and more times besides) AND he's written a stadium rock song.

Me, I'd listen to Banditaliana and Genticorum all day long for the entire week, even if it has to be in a horrible tent with giant birds stomping all over the roof.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Concerts - why has it changed?
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 07:58 PM

Only the second part of the above post is relevant to this thread. The first comment (to R Bridge) is meant for the Border Morris one.
Must get some sleep . . .

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Concerts - why has it changed?
From: GUEST,Captain Jack Sparrow
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 03:35 AM

Nothing wrong with that selection. I've been to Sidmouths with considerably less lustrous line-ups. Not all treasure is silver and gold, mate. There's diamonds, rubies and them Black Pearls.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Concerts - why has it changed?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 04:12 AM

Genticorum alone would justify the ticket in my book. If Banditaliana and Hotel palindrone are as good (never heard of them till now but so what), then one'd be quids in. But more importantly:

Don't "label" acts audience-fodder/middle rank just because you saw them at a club or your local arts house. Mawkin-Causley are apt to surprise even those who have seen them before, and so are Crucible, and Pete Coe etc. Different occasion, different act. Give them a chance to grow themselves (OK, Pete doesn't really need that, but you know what I mean), to go up a level, to reinvent themselves, to surprise you.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Concerts - why has it changed?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 05:47 AM

Did I mention that we also have Tanec Bulgarian Dancers and the splendid berefoot Flamenco of Valerie Romanin? oh, and Bampton are paying us a visit at the weekend. Hurrah!

New to Sidmouth this year are also the Silent Disco on Sunday night (DJs include Eliza Carthy, Jon Boden, Jim Moray and Pete Lawrence from the Big Chill) and a DJeilidh on Friday night - that's a ceilidh, but with a mixture of live and recorded music. The caller is Gordon Potts.


I agree George. I am very excited about and proud of the whole lineup in the Ham this year - I've tried to include a good range of artists and focus on quality. (PS - go and see Riccardo Tesi - you'll thank me.)

I won't go on about the great artists at Bulverton, or John Howson's wonderful traditional programme, or Jim Causley's Devon-sent Evening of hand-picked guests, or Jim Moray and Jackie Oates's soiree, or the Peter Bellamy tribute concert, or the Dhol Foundation having Eliza Carthy as their special guest...this would start to sound like an advert. :)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Concerts - why has it changed?
From: Tug the Cox
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 06:51 AM

Asserwaytadoit Ruth.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Concerts - why has it changed?
From: Brian Peters
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 07:22 AM

Shame I won't be there this year, since I'd do a lot to see Banditaliana. Tesi is a genius of the diatonic accordion (can't really call it a melodeon since his is so heavily customized) and the band sounds fantastic on CD. A real coup for the management, I'd say!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Concerts - why has it changed?
From: manitas_at_work
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 07:23 AM

I fail to see how anyone can complain about the quality of a concert until it's at least started!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Concerts - why has it changed?
From: mandy
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 07:25 AM

i think that sometimes too it can feel like a festival has changed when really, its you... i skipped the national folk festival (canberra, Oz) for the first time this year (would have been 15 years for me) and while its hands down my festival highlight every year, missing one was a welcome change.

new acts are great and its important to have new acts in the mix every year... but its also nice to have a festival support your performances as you develop them.

most really great acts are really great because they had those environments to flourish in..

and i think we'll see nice full stages for the spookies again this year..

see you at Sidmouth:)

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Concerts - why has it changed?
From: The Sandman
Date: 30 Jun 09 - 01:45 PM

Subject: Sidmouth Concerts - why has it changed?
From: GUEST,Evensong - PM
Date: 29 Jun 09 - 02:15 PM

I have noticed a change in the quality of the Ham concerts, both afternoon and evening at Sidmouth this year. Even with all the 'temptations' I am struggling to justify the expense of paying for 'on the whole' an average lineup. What has changed from last 2 years when I and many others thought it to be outstanding and absolutely stuffed with quality?
END OF QUOTE .
Is not this just a question of taste.
I saw Mawkin Causley,recently,and I thought they were very competent,but I wouldnt bother to see them again.
it is impossible to please everyone,and we should not expect everybody to like the same artists,what is average to one person is fantastic to the next,some people may well have thought what the OP thought was fantastic last year was average.
if the folk industry says someone is fantastic,we do not have to believe it,we all have different likes and dislikes,and hopefully are not taken in by the hype that surrounds many folk performers these days,most folk consumers are a little more discerning and critical than pop audiences,and are not taken in by the folk hype,that is prevalent these days.

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Concerts - why has it changed?
From: steve_harris
Date: 04 Jul 09 - 04:09 AM

giant birds stomping all over the roof

if the folk industry says someone is fantastic,we do not have to believe it,we all have different likes and dislikes,and hopefully are not taken in by the hype that surrounds many folk performers these days

Absolutely! I refer you to the seagulls! No clever marketing, no hype but they are BIG!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Concerts - why has it changed?
From: steve_harris
Date: 04 Jul 09 - 04:34 AM

Nobody's mentioned Pam Ayres yet...
...They will quite soon, you can bet
With 'er rhymes , e'r so salty
Queued at Indian for 'er balti

Quoth she, I don't like this pasty
Indeed it is quite nasty
If you think I'm pome-ing on the beach
'Fraid I've been puttof, by this pastiche

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Concerts - why has it changed?
From: Mr Red
Date: 04 Jul 09 - 06:27 AM

Can't say I concert very often, but with the plethora of ceilidhs and free ceilidhs and their quality I might need to sit a bit. And looking at the programme I don't rate Eric Bogle as evidence of lack of quality. And our esteemed Greg Stephens' Boat Band - well - I don't think my standards and discrimination low? On the contrary.
Sidmouth is primarily about being there. Pace can be 100% or less. I never went until the management changed, as a deliberate choice.

Given the way it is organised, I appluad the results and will moan with the best of them if bands don't perform, but I will be there, and don't see that changing any year soon.
Pam Ayres? - she is as folkie as the Ducklington Folk Club. It is where she cut her teeth. There is still a monthly session there (Witney since you ask).

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Concerts - why has it changed?
From: Alan Day
Date: 04 Jul 09 - 07:25 AM

I agree with you Dick it is a matter of taste.
It looks like an attempt to include most of the groups that are doing well at this time. What else are organisers supposed to do?
Has this posting been submitted because a favourite has been left out?
Al

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Concerts - why has it changed?
From: Nic
Date: 04 Jul 09 - 04:19 PM

'Tis simple. Just approaching my 20th Sidmouth, which I agree hardly grants me amateur status. Yet to have encountered a lineup that I thought was better than any other. Different, yes. "Better", no. Might as well have a thread on "Best version of Wild Rover". Chacun a son etc!

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Concerts - why has it changed?
From: Steve in Sidmouth
Date: 04 Jul 09 - 08:29 PM

"Financial backing worries are a thing of the past" - Sidmouth Folk Week organisers, as quoted in the Sidmouth Herald this week.

So we can all relax - even when local government has to cut costs next year?

Press coverage on this link:

http://www.seered.co.uk/folk121.htm

Subject: RE: Sidmouth Concerts - why has it changed?
From: Shaw Farmer
Date: 13 Jul 09 - 11:18 AM

I saw Mawkin:Causley back in April, I thought they put on a fabulous performance, I noticed on their website they would not be playing in my area for sometime, so I got on a train and travelled 100+ miles to see them in Guildford. Everyone there was enjoying them too.

As Evensong said, this is just a question of taste, some people will not enjoy the headliners, but a lot of people will. I like to think of Sidmouth as a market stall of folk, plenty for everyone, local, international and all good value for money.