Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010

Subject: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: broadstairs-jen
Date: 21 Jun 10 - 08:42 AM

Well, it's nearly that time again.


I know there are some mudcatters with gripes about Broadstairs, but there are also those that love it. This'll be my first Folk Week in 6 years that I haven't worked so I am really looking forward to it.

Who's going to be here?

Broadstairs Folk Week Web Site
MySpace Facebook

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Mitch the Bass
Date: 21 Jun 10 - 11:56 AM

I'll be there with a number of friends in http://www.broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk/events/artist/The_Ram_Company_-_Waltzers_%257E_Wonders_Show

Mitch

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: melodeonboy
Date: 21 Jun 10 - 12:00 PM

I'll be there with Jumbo Gumbo!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: romanyman
Date: 21 Jun 10 - 02:57 PM

Cant keep me away, even with me bagpipes

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: broadstairs-jen
Date: 21 Jun 10 - 03:32 PM

excellent stuff, counting the days ;)

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: banjoman
Date: 22 Jun 10 - 05:19 AM

The Old Trout Band will be there again - celebrating 21 years of playing for the Hobby Horse Club/Celidhs/singarounds and anything else thrown at us. We love this festival and despite some of the gripes that materialise every year its still streets ahead of other festivals for its friendliness and range of activities and the way in which the whole town is involved. Hope to see lots of old (and new) friends there
Pete

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Leraud
Date: 22 Jun 10 - 06:22 AM

We (Lynne Heraud & Pat Turner) will be there until the Tuesday.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: GUEST,FloraG
Date: 23 Jun 10 - 03:57 AM

Andy and I are looking forward to being there Pete. We should be getting the caravan back today in working order today - main dealer repair - ouch. I think weve learned all the tunes we need to - but I expect youll surprise us.

Most festivals have their own unique feel. Were off to Ely soon and its very different in that there is very litle involvement from the town. I've always felt that as long as there is not too much under your nose collecting, the Broadstairs residents welcome the festival as part of the summer season.

See you all on a school field soon

Flora.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 23 Jun 10 - 09:18 AM

By this time last year there were over 200 posts on the BFW thread and heated debates were taking place

This year there are 8 (OK 9 with this one)

Does this mean that the controversy has gone away, everything is fine and we're in for a good Broadstairs or does it mean that people don't care any more and won't be bothering with it?

Myself, I won't be there and I know a couple of others who have called time on it.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: broadstairs-jen
Date: 23 Jun 10 - 02:04 PM

thats what you said this time last year raffles...that you wont be here...

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 23 Jun 10 - 03:05 PM

:-)

guilty as charged!!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 23 Jun 10 - 03:41 PM

Hey RM are the gonksters there? I thought they were not. Where you going to camp?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: broadstairs-jen
Date: 23 Jun 10 - 03:45 PM

lol raffles - sorry to not be seeing you this year, hope to catch up with you again soon
j x

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 23 Jun 10 - 03:52 PM

I am not so far planning to attend, but might day-trip. It's only an hour away so long as PC Plod does not see me doing warp 8 down the M2.   Is there a scheme for a decent fringe this year?   

I know a number of others are doing Sidders instead, since there are no rock bands in the pubs and the indigenes I met at Sidders last year were positively amiable beside the Ramstairs chavs.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: broadstairs-jen
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 04:40 AM

am assuming you are looking for fringe sessions richard.

the usual folk week sessions are scheduled including singing at the neptune, sessions at the nelson (shortened this year due to the pub making no money from them), the woodsheds at the wrotham, and campsite sessions.

a plea to everyone: please remember that a full pub is not necessarily a pub making money and the sessions are notoriously weak on the takings front. please support the sessions by buying your food and drink at the venues.

heard that dizzylisa was trying to get something going at the little albion near the campsite, but dont know if she was successful. the pub is reopening this week.

as for other fringe activities i will keep you informed if i hear of any - they tend to be more impromptu by nature.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 05:10 AM

Personally I've always considered the drinks to be the admission cost and tried to support the pub that I'm in.

It worries me to see people sitting there with a pint for a whole evening's entertainment then moaning about the prices, it's just not sustainable.

Of course that doesn't just go for Broadstairs but any pub sessions where the landlord doesn't charge and even more so where a paid artist has been booked

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: broadstairs-jen
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 07:30 AM

well said that bear!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: The Barden of England
Date: 24 Jun 10 - 12:35 PM

Jen - Your knowledge of the monetary angle of these things is far superior to mine so I won't disagree with you, except in that all the sessions you have mentioned have a limited time span. It's been my experience at other festivals that if the session is allowed to continue for far more than 2 hours then it's not the players that are the ones that will be spending the money, but the people that come in and listen to them. And the more the players, singers et all that are encouraged to keep playing, singing etc. the more people will pass through, each buying their share.
I must agree though, that it takes a brave host to try this out, especially when other establishments offer free amplified music. I can only go by one particular place at another week long festival that I won't mention that openly encourages musicians all day long (and into the early hours of the morning too) by supplying said musicians, singers et all with jugs of beer and plates of food 3 or 4 times a day, and happily says 'if I keep the musicdians, I keep the crowds'. He's been doing it for the last 20 years to my knowledge, and I respect his judgement too.
I will say though, it will take a brave host to take that plunge at Broadstairs.
John barden

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: broadstairs-jen
Date: 05 Jul 10 - 06:51 AM

i hear ya john...we could talk for hours about this! but...

one month to go to broadstairs folk week! tickets selling fast

j

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Girl Friday
Date: 05 Jul 10 - 07:34 AM

Hi. As Jen is already aware, I'm one of those not going to Broadstairs this year. I don't know, if it is still the case, but the pubs pay the festival organisation to have bands play in the pub. Some of them go their own way, and book rock bands, but, as they are paying anyway, that's their choice. No doubt they can make that money back from the drinkers that they attract. So they aren't making a fortune, but doing ok thanks. It's very hard, (for me, anyway) to drink , and play in a session. Only having one pair of hands - he he. Remember too, that the people who like to listen to session music, are often the ones who want to be playing. If there's going to be campsite sessions - good. We've been offering to run them for about three years with no take-up.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 05 Jul 10 - 09:02 AM

That's sounding a bit as if the climate is going against what I want - and of course if there are to be campsite sessions (as well as the attempts to do things in the school, an unattractive room) then those with no season ticket can't get in to them.

It's beginning to sound as if I might as well save my petrol money!

Incidentally, the only times you'll see me stretch one or two pints out for a whole session is if I'm driving, otherwise I will put away about four in an evening and maybe more on a noon-to-midnight type session. So the incumbent licensee is pocketing his share of about twelve quid (say six quid) for something on which his only cost is overhead.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: broadstairs-jen
Date: 05 Jul 10 - 01:58 PM

ye olde crown has done its usual change of landlord right before folk week, but the good news is the new landlord is leaving the pub open to anyone that wants to go in and play, as last year.

there is also a (new to BFW 2010) toddlers singaround at helter skelter on york street on the tuesday at 10am...a fantastic idea for young singers and their grown-up friends!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: GUEST,rod the red
Date: 05 Jul 10 - 02:02 PM

just checked my prog and there is a daily open session at the crown all day until someone comes along and joins in at night.
the thing that gets me about bfw is that at any1 time there is always loads of events on, so if u do happen to be in a pub when a band starts that isnt to your fancy move move move if there isnt free music to your liking pay a bit of money and see a world class concert in the park.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: GUEST,Mary Queen of Snails
Date: 05 Jul 10 - 02:46 PM

I'm really happy to see a lot less moany posts about Broadstairs this year. I love the festival and reading the negative heavy threads of the last few years has always saddened me. I've been attending & contributing for many years now and believe it to be one of the most forward thinking, musically diverse and friendliest festivals around. I appreciate that the over exuberant joyous croud of locals ( young& old, not just chavs!) that party between the three pubs can be a bit crazy & over bearing at times but it can be avoided. Backways to the Pavilion & the Neps are always an option or even the zillion other gigs, sessions & concerts going on elsewhere in town. It's not the festival's fault and it's sad that people would find that a reason not to come. Surely it's just people having fun... and what else would you expect from a folk festival? There are so many GOOD things going on at the festival. The Workforce - Friendly, fun and countless life long friends made. The atmosphere at the campsite is lovely. The music in the pubs (BFW gigs!!) is a wonderful musical mix, something to suit everyone and the late nights at the Pav are are another cocktail of funky, folky & interesting music. The best thing is that it gets better and better every year.... see you all there.....

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: romanyman
Date: 06 Jul 10 - 04:26 AM

RB I will be on site as usual, gongs will be only down on saturday ho hum

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: romanyman
Date: 10 Jul 10 - 02:13 PM

this thread is mighty quiet, is it time to worry ? or as previously said like rafflesbear im not sure if its a good or a bad thing, what does broadstairs clash with, ? or is it the price ? i know one person who is taking his partner to turkey for two weeks for the same money, bet he had to think long and hard where to go, ?????

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 10 Jul 10 - 02:24 PM

Owing to some changes I will now be present for the opening weekend - maybe you and I can make some mayhem Ken!

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: romanyman
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 01:50 PM

Thats a deal, im sure we get up to all sorts of noise and mayhem

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 03:48 PM

How do you make the squash balls stick on you sticks?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: romanyman
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 05:16 AM

Good old super glue

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: synbyn
Date: 16 Jul 10 - 05:27 AM

Yes, Roger & I will be there in the Wrotham- Woodshed session every day from 3pm onwards- for those who are thinking of trying it, the Woodshed is a session where you bring your tunes and songs along for everyone to join in- and popular it's been, a real mixture of styles and the opportunity to try out your own skills at harmonising and accompanying others.

The Woodshed is definitely an all-in session- where everyone feels part of the action and we all play together... memorable moments all along where 30+ pperformers are all in sympathy with the song... Lynne & Pat on Sat... best to be there early! 3pm every day...

seee you there

Bob

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 16 Jul 10 - 07:21 AM

Talking of the Woodshed sessions, could broadstairs-jen pop over to the Seven Stars thread to answer a question from Girl Friday please, thanks

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: broadstairs-jen
Date: 16 Jul 10 - 07:33 AM

okey dokey

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: GUEST,FloraG
Date: 17 Jul 10 - 06:13 AM

Whats the parking like round your old pub jen. My friend can't walk very far.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: broadstairs-jen
Date: 18 Jul 10 - 04:08 PM

flora, its busy...your best bet is king edward avenue (runs down the hill to the front of the pub). you might want to google map ct10 1qq. king edward is not timed, most of the other streets close by have 1 hour limits. hope that helps.
j

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: GUEST,FloraG
Date: 19 Jul 10 - 03:45 AM

Thanks Jen. Local knowlegde is invaluable.

The Woodshed sessions sound ideal. I've always thought of English folk music more than irish or Scottish as the forerunner of Jazz - in the sense that each rendition can be different from the one before, rather than set pieces. This sort of session allows you that experimentation.

I'm not that brave when wired up. Does PA reduce creativity?

Flora.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: synbyn
Date: 19 Jul 10 - 11:07 AM

er... um... not sure, I've got my plug in... yes, I think it does, and it imposes a barrier between performers and listeners or other more nervous performers. The whole thing about the Woodshed has always been maximum participation, everyone going away having played , sung & expanded their boundaries for a couple of hours....look forward to seeing you there
Bob

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: GUEST, Fido
Date: 26 Jul 10 - 03:57 PM

In some cases error or inability is the root of such variation, but only the most ignorant could describe any sort of British folk music as a forerunner of jazz.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: GUEST, Fido
Date: 27 Jul 10 - 03:25 AM

Refresh, rope, enough, etc...

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: GUEST, Fido
Date: 28 Jul 10 - 03:11 AM

Refresh. There must be SOMETHING worth doing at Broadstairs this year, preferably without significant disadvantage, isn't there?

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: romanyman
Date: 28 Jul 10 - 12:48 PM

hmmm hows about hunt the fido, that seems a good idea, apart from that kick back and enjuy what ever you want to

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: stormalong
Date: 02 Aug 10 - 02:34 AM

Has the Neptune singalong been dropped? It's still mentioned in the venues section of the website, but not in the 'What's On' section. The shanties on the jetty session also seems to be missing.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Aug 10 - 03:15 AM

stormalong...both of these are still on. the neps singalong is daily with pete collins and guests. the shanties on the pier are sunday afternoon.
jen

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: broadstairs-jen
Date: 02 Aug 10 - 03:17 AM

probably guessed, but that was me

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: GUEST,FloraG
Date: 02 Aug 10 - 05:21 AM

Don't forget the ice cream parlour Fido. Thats well worth going for.

I think you misunderstood my comment on jazz. When I'm playing with PA I tend to be less experimental than in a session - so when you hear me with the PA at Broadstairs I shall be atempting to play all the set notes in the right order and even in the same key as the others in the band. However, thats not my idea of the essence of English folk music.

More than Scottish or Irish, English music lends itself to more experimentation and when I have lead workshops I have tended to encourage the idea that each time through, the tune should sound a bit different from the time before. It is the experimentation that is common in jazz as well as bluegrass.

I hope that sort of makes sense.

Flora.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 02 Aug 10 - 06:09 AM

When English folk music starts sounding even remotely like jazz I'm off to Country and Western

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: GUEST,FloraG
Date: 02 Aug 10 - 10:38 AM

I don't believe you Mr Bear. Slidey notes and whiney songs.

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: romanyman
Date: 02 Aug 10 - 12:41 PM

me to even me bagpipes is better than jazz an i only know a few tunes and they aint great , but to me better than jazz

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Rafflesbear
Date: 02 Aug 10 - 01:13 PM

You are right Flora, I just popped into the Emmylou Harris thread here on Mudcat (I like to live dangerously)

Bring on John Coltrane !!!   :-)

Subject: RE: Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 03 Aug 10 - 09:22 AM

I've just had a bit of a look at the camping terms and conditions and am, frankly, gobsmacked:

No daily seasons (including camping) for either Friday.

The campsite is a no smoking zone! (What, the entire campsite? Are the wardens going to poke into campers' tents at 3 am to check?)

Oh yes, and in the spirit of live and let live: -

" The general spirit of Folk Week is one of consideration for others ... Although we appreciate some people's need to showcase their prowess on the 3 string guitar at half-past two in the morning - unacceptable levels of noise will not be tolerated on either field. Please be aware that if we consider your behaviour is threatening the future of the festival at this site – we will ask you to leave. The campsite is not on a green field site away from everyone, it is in a residential area and we like to have happy neighbours."

Oh, and Mr Google he say that nowhere on the official website is there a mention of buses.