Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?

Subject: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 11:16 AM

From Will Fly on Bellowhead thread 5th Oct 2010

"As it happens I almost never attend folk festivals, preferring on the whole to get my fix of traditional tunes from sessions which, because of the different people who attend, are each unique in flavour. "

*********

Meself & the chums do attend FF's but more on the fringes, attending sessions rather than the more formal concerts & scheduled events of the festival proper.

We also attend session only events in which there's no invited paid guests, just people who want to play music & sing together.


As Will intimates, we feel there's far more diversity of musics to be heard & enjoyed, especially in an active rather than passive 'being entertained on a plate' sort of way.


What think you?

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 11:19 AM

Not an either, or. They are very different and serve different functions. Different strokes for different folks. I like a mix of the two.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 11:28 AM

I agree with Mr Happy - except that I like a mixed participative song session and rapidly get bored with tunes.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 11:34 AM

We were at Ingleton FF last w/end & its a good example of the kind of fest format we prefer.

Lots of seshes in about 3 different venues.

Pay on door concerts for those who like that sort of stuff.

All other events, workshops, displys etc free.

I wish more fests followed this recipe!

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: GUEST,Silas
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 11:38 AM

I agree with annonymous guest - sessions are good and are the 'staple' for most of the year, but a good FF is a real treat - I also agree wth Richard, even though I am a tune person, they can get a bit much without a bit of good singing. There is a superb Irish session in Lichfield - but no songs and some sets can run for 20 min or more. You have to REALLY like Irish music to last all night!

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 11:46 AM

When I'm referring to 'sessions' - I don't mean just tunes only, what we prefer's a mix of songs & tunes.

In music only events, there's usually a good variety of tunes, not just Irish ones but if the sesh is mainlining on 'Oirish diddly diddly' we'll intro some melodies from elsewhere.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: theleveller
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 11:51 AM

I mainly go to local festivals where there's a good mix of artists, some of whom I know and some who are new to me - and there's also good, well-organised singarounds and maybe the odd impromptu one. Plus plenty of beer and time to chat to friends.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: GUEST,LDT
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 11:51 AM

I like festivals...just can't afford to go to many. Although they work out better value for money than going to the gigs I want to but can't get to coz they are over other side of country etc.
Plus its interesting to see different sessions and different festivals.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: theleveller
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 11:55 AM

Oh, and are child-friendly.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: GUEST,LDT
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 11:56 AM

Plus festival sessions stop my ego getting too big.
Going to the same session every month I think I'm improving and getting good. Then I go to a festival session and realize....I've got a long way to go. Last time it give me the nudge to try not to look at the written music.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: The Sandman
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 01:17 PM

Tenterden is excellent, Ryedale is good too, and not just because they booked me.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 02:49 PM

I just love all of it.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Aeola
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 03:36 PM

Some of the bigger Fests are becoming concerts and in doing so lose that little bit of intimacy, but overall a mix of the concerts & sessions is good.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Hesk
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 03:51 PM

There is nothing like the atmosphere of an old fashioned pub and lots of great singing and/or music.
Sitting on an uncomfortable seat, with little room to move, in a cold marquee listening to amplified music, comes a very poor second, as far as I am concerned.
Nevertheless huge amounts of planning and financial risk go into making a festival, and without it there wouldn't be a fringe to enjoy in the first place.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Hamish
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 04:00 PM

I'm with you, Steve Gardham: I love it all. The small, intimate, friendly, highly participative ones; the big ones with a mix of huge "names" and smaller sessions; mooching around with mates, bumping into more pals; ceilidhs.

Who needs real life, eh?

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 04:16 PM

I'm with Hamish and Steve G...a good mix does it for me.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Tootler
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 04:54 PM

I mostly look for sessions and singarounds but I also enjoy w

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 05:17 PM

I used to enjoy the National at Sutton Bonnington. It was always an interesting and enjoyable mix. I haven't been to many others - but those that I have been to I haven't enjoyed very much.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Tootler
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 05:47 PM

Oh dear! My recent post seems to have got truncated somehow.

I have had quite a bit of trouble with this recently and it seems to be related to my new laptop and me inadvertently hitting key combinations which do things that I don't want.

I was saying that:

"I mostly look for sessions and singarounds but I also enjoy workshops. Workshops give you a chance to improve technique or to try something new."

Now to try again.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Tootler
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 05:49 PM

Went OK that time,

Lesson: Compose in text editor and copy & paste to Mudcat, especially for long messages.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 12 Oct 10 - 06:23 PM

Miskin used to be magic!
Good Intent at Sweeps is lots of fun.
Tenterden was rain stopped play this year and it really needs more space in the Woolpack - the old venue (was it the 8 Bells?) now alas a poncey restaurant (but not as poncey as the Vine) was better but still very cramped.
Piggy is great.
About 30 years ago there used to be a range of unofficial "stages" in the campsite at Cambridge and they were great too. You could sing all night if you had the energy. But it was a folk festival then.
I've usually enjoyed Deal, at the Bohemian.
One of these years I will get a full week at Sidders - the bits I have been to are mostly excellent apart from the pissheads who ruin the Bedford and the Americana and the ARSS at the pub closer to the river the name of which eludes me.
Ely could do with more participation.
Wheaton Aston I dropped in on once and liked a fair bit.
Broadstairs till needs better to provide for participative music.
I am likely to be looking for an alternative the weekend of Chaversham.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: LadyJean
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 12:13 AM

I miss the Smoky City Folk Festival, two solid days of folk bliss, including an all day concert on Flagstaff Hill.
Then they did things with it, like moving it to Point Park, where there is no shade. Then it died.

The city's ethnic folk festival was wonderful too, once upon a time, now it's much smaller, more commercial, and a lot less fun.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Tim Chesterton
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 02:30 AM

The Edmonton Folk Music Festival is the highlight of my musical year. But our musical culture os different here in Canada and a lot of what Brits describe on Mudcat doesn't happen where I live.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: banjoman
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 07:00 AM

I always felt that Broadstairs was one of the better organised festivals until this year, when despite filling in forms advising the band's PA needs on the bandstand, the PA guys couldn't even provide enough DI's for the instruments claiming that they were needed at other gigs.
After 21 years of playing, mainly on the bandstand,and generally supporting the festival through thick and thin, and even going so far as to donate our fee back on one occasion, we were all a bit upset to be told we were no longer needed in a brief email.
No way to treat anyone so I would never recomend Broadstairs to anyone. We will be looking elsewhere next year.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: GUEST,Desi C
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 08:17 AM

I agree. The big Folk Festivals are I believe getting far too expensive e.g Moseley Folk Fest with a mostly local and vague line up on the sunday and no open mic sessions £40 for the day! While I've been to quite a few small free fests and found much more entertainments.
Some I feel are beccoming too big business, and refreshments and stalls at very unflated prices, many grass roots folk fans like myself feel priced out of the whole thing. One exception I'd make is Wickham Folk fest in Wilt's, the very best quality line ups and so well run, with good free sessions and other folk arts in the v illage. New smaller festivals are needed

Desi C
The Circle Folk Club
Coseley WV14 9JH

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: GUEST,Silas
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 08:52 AM

I don't think many FFs are profit making concerns and if you look at value for money, you can have a whole weekends quality entertainment including camping and showers etc for about £80.00 - that is bloody good value in anyones book!

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: GUEST,Captain Farrell
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 10:03 AM

The one big thing I dislike is when the sound is cranked up so loud that it kicks you in the chest.Folk is really acoustic that sometimes needs a hand because of venue size or background noise.I have been to see some of the biggest names in Rock and Roll that was loud but under control.I don`t want to name names but you Know who you are think of bands that have played in the last few years at Fylde and Shrewsbury when a good percent of the audience walked out not the Quality but the Quantity.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: GUEST,AUNTY MAY
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 11:18 AM

Broadstairs I am afraid is slowly killing itself, it still has the "oh look at me Im important" organisation, this is still alive and well among certain "friends" of the organisers.
Many of the regular attendees both performers and general public especially those on camp site B, are treated as second class, while those on site A are the "important" people, well sorry, my partner and myself having supported the so called festival from year one wont be back. I feel for the pub performers who try to sing or play, when the chavs hit town, blocking the lower road, my partner who is in his eighties was abused jostled, generally insulted, by these yobs, in full sight of so called stewards who refused to help him , and in one case, the steward pointed and laughed at our plight, also in one pub I cant remember which, the landlord put the juke box on whilst people were trying to sing.
Broadstairs to my thinking has become a giant money machine despite the many claims to the opposite.
I hope more people vote with their feet next year.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Mr Red
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 11:49 AM

Most of my FF attendances are as a steward, a ceilidhnaut, and sessionist.
If there were ceilidhs I would be a sessionista

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 01:16 PM

I am with Steve Gardham on this. All of it. No exceptions.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 01:25 PM

From the various descriptions I see on here the big festivals seem more of a punishment than a pleasure.
I like my music close up personal and not second hand through a P.A.
Been looking at photos from mates who went to various big fests and they mostly show huge crowd tiny stage in the distance.
For me there would be no point to going.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Mrs Scarecrow
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 01:27 PM

I love festivals on the whole. I go to them and then miss all the booked acts to spend my time in the singarounds and sessions. I dont enjoy big festivals except for Sidmouth where the fringe has a life of its own. For my taste Shrewsbury is a very inadequate replacement for Bridgnorth but it seems to sell tickets so there must be some call for it.
I agree with Richard Bridges Miskin was wonderful, but I enjoy Crediton, Bromyard, Banbury, Upton, Bude and this year Folk Station on the Isle of Wight was one of the highlights.
I think really among the huge number of festivals available there is something for everyone.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Santa
Date: 14 Oct 10 - 05:49 AM

I'm not a singer nor any kind of musician, so my perspective is different from that of many posters above. I go to a couple of festivals a year in order to see the best performers in the folk field. I prefer the more intimate sets but if the concert hall is required then so be it. Without the festivals it would be much more difficult to see such people, and certainly much more expensive.

I've walked out of Fylde final concerts before because of the volume, or just avoided them, but in the past two years the noise levels have been brought under control.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: GUEST,MC Fat (at work)
Date: 14 Oct 10 - 06:02 AM

I suppose I get the best of both world's. By compering at Festivals I like i get a chance to see some of the main acts and still have time for the fringe and sessions. This year I have been to Doncaster,Beverley,Holmfirth,Lomond,Saddleworth,Warwick,Whitby, Shrewsbury and Bromyard. I've enjoyed them all in different ways It was 'interesting' being at a Scottish Festival for the first time in umpty years. Saddleworth is great for the singarounds and Shrewsbury for the concerts. Warwick is a good all rounder and still my number 1 but it's followed very closely by Bromyard and Shrewsbury

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: I don't know
Date: 14 Oct 10 - 06:07 AM

Prefer smaller festivals, go mainly for the concerts in the hopes of seeing somebody new. Used to love Bridgenorth but attended three Shrewsbury Festivals & have given up as it is to big & impersonal now. I try & support as much as funds will allow in the hopes the music survives for future generations.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Fran
Date: 14 Oct 10 - 06:55 AM

I too loved Bridgnorth, have struggled to like Shrewsbury but have given up now.

Have discovered loads of new artists at some of the smaller festivals this year, Roger Davies at Hardraw and David Gibb come to mind, brilliant young singer songwriters, making a nice change from all the new young instrumental trio's

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: GUEST,Banjiman
Date: 14 Oct 10 - 07:28 AM

"David Gibb come to mind, brilliant young singer songwriters"

I agree Dave is brilliant..... but he's in his late '50s. I'm sure he'll be flattered though!!!

I tend to like smaller festivals..... but with quality (IMHO)guests.

I do quite enjoy singarounds but soon get bored if they are too big or with too much desperation/ hogging from some attendees to get their turn.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Betsy
Date: 14 Oct 10 - 08:38 AM

Like many occasions of its' type in the warmer months, a lot of people get to meet old friends who they wouldn't normally see. Also, performers rarely get to see each other perform so its a chance for them to get together . If you like the fringes - great so do I. The the only drawback for me would be,is, being in a massive / pop festival type crowd which I hope I never am.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Fran
Date: 14 Oct 10 - 09:50 AM

Banjiman

The David Gibb I saw this year was not yet 20, he has made the semi finals of the BBC young folk awards and has worked with Lucy Ward

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Fran
Date: 14 Oct 10 - 09:51 AM

I have seen the older Dave Gibb but David is worth investigating too.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: OlgaJ
Date: 14 Oct 10 - 09:57 AM

Saw David Gibb with Ellie Lucas a little while back. Nice to see young Derbyshire being represented.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: acegardener
Date: 14 Oct 10 - 11:04 AM

I used to do Bromyard and other paying festivals, then found I spent so much time with the fringe I sort of stopped doing the full festival. I feel I have to pay to see a concert, after all it does cost the organisers to put the festival on. But once my 'dues' are paid I'm into as many pub sessions as I can fit in. But like Happy I also went to Ingleton as it is so laid back and also advertised as free. (paid to se Mike Harding) I would like to attend a few more that are in the same format.

I never saw any dwarfs about but I think I caught a glimps of Snow White.:)

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 14 Oct 10 - 12:25 PM

Well it's that time of year again in Scotland when we have the nominations for the MG ALBA Scottish Trad Awards open until 22nd October, and this includes a category for Event of the Year - which could well be your favourite Scottish festivals - up to 4 nominations allowed. See here how to nominate: http://www.handsupfortrad.co.uk/tradmusicawards/index.htm
My favourite Scottish festivals include Celtic Connections (Glasgow Jan-Feb), Girvan, Glenfarg, Stonehaven, Innerleithen, Auchtermuchty and Dougie Maclean's Perthshire Amber (Oct - Nov) and of course top of the list is LINLITHGOW (which I help to organise - not in the least biased, of course!!)
See here for some of the fun we had this year: http://www.linlithgowfolk.com/festival.htm
and the pics and videos:

http://linlithgowfolkfestivalphotos.shutterfly.com/2010folkfestival

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: GUEST,Banjiman
Date: 14 Oct 10 - 12:29 PM

"The David Gibb I saw this year was not yet 20, he has made the semi finals of the BBC young folk awards and has worked with Lucy Ward"

Apologies, I didn't know there was another!

The older Dave Gibb will be upset that it is not he who you were describing as young!

I'll check out the younger one.

Lucy Ward is OK.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: GUEST,Desi C
Date: 14 Oct 10 - 12:48 PM

I think when good small festivals get popular, committees and sub committees get formed, and the only good thing a committee ever did was..nothing, but then 'events companies' come in and it's n o longer the event that made it popular in the first place.

And if 'green' and 'healthy eating' people etc really want to convert us, why do their stalls at festivals charge such high prices, £6 at one fest for a rather small 'veggie' burger. £12 for a little enamel thing on the end of a piece of string!

At Moseley Fest recently I had my wristband checked every time I moved a few feet, going to the toilet, coming out of the toilet, Leaving the ground, and coming back in one time, guy at the gate checks my wrist, 5 yards further on another guy actually snatches my wrist without even asking, I glared at him and said "let go or I'll have you for assault. All bags searched for booze, I just thought "mothing really festive about this.

Finally I must mention A festival in Southern Ireland, The Kilkenny Rythym & Roots Festival eary May each year, 3 days of 90% free shows in lots of little and big venues throughout the town, very friendly people and not a veggie burger in sight

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: selby
Date: 14 Oct 10 - 01:30 PM

Im with Mr Gardham, enjoy all of it
surely without a festival be it good or bad the frings cannot excist
as it becomes a session or a festival.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Mo the caller
Date: 15 Oct 10 - 06:38 AM

How can we say like/dislike when they are so different.
There's Whitby - such good value for money if you buy a ticket, with loads of official free stuff and unofficial fringe all through the town. And the emphasis on participation and improving what you do, rather that on 'big names' or loud concerts.
Chippenham - whether you dance, play, sing, watch displays or listen to concerts theres loads of traditional stuff. Another good value festival.
Bromyard where you need a season ticket as it's mostly on site. We go there to catch up on some of the act we would otherwise be too busy dancing and playing to see.
Some local festivals seem like a concert series in the main marquee, with some free fringe stuff - no point buying a ticket for that, we'll join the fringe.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Fidjit
Date: 15 Oct 10 - 04:18 PM

Not been to that many.
Did Cambridge in '72 when it was a Folk Festival and got to sing in the club tent. Also joined in on some sessions.

Performed at the first Skagen, Denmark'72. When it was small. Been back several times lately. To big now and getting samey. Although there is a lot going on. Best to do all the free stuff.

It depends on what you like. For me there have to be fringe events.
I don't do many concerts as I want to take part myself. So mostly do the fringe events.

I'll follow the Morris sides. Join in the Music and song sessions. Do the sing around even though I might only get to sing one song throughout the whole evening.

Towersy three years ago was Ok, as once you'd paid the £80 ticket you could wander and enjoy everything. Concerts all day long. Dancing all night long. And even join in. Which I did.

Broadstairs I liked at the same time. With all the, "meet the artists gigs" during the daytime. Got close and intimate. Been back twice since, again just doing the fringe. (cheaper)

Did Sidmouth two years ago which I enjoyed immensely. Getting involved with Herbaceous Border. Again I only did the fringe.

Did a wet Dartmoor at the same time. Bought a ticket £30. Small and good but the barn dance on grass was a No, No. Again the fringe and Morris was good.

Have been to Cheltenham and enjoyed that. Enough of everything.

I think we are mostly participants than just listeners. Therefore we like the Miskin style of FF.

White Horse is a good little one. Enough of everything for a weekend.

Folk Station is on my list as I know Andy does a good job. (Re Miskin)

Was at a wet Tenteden for the first time. Good enough, but as Richard says above, Woolpack too small. Music session in the Lion bit better.

Plan to be at Chippenham next year 2011. And hopefully many others. Like Upton and Bampton, where I've heard good reports.

But You'll see me mostly at the fringe events.

I'll get me coat.

Chas

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 15 Oct 10 - 04:28 PM

I like the festivals who ask me to pay 10-15% of my takings. I dislike greedy festival who ask extortionate pitch fees up front and don't spend the money wisely on advertising. It's the 'we've got your money, we don't care now' attitude.
I vote for festivals in back gardens; small, intimate and back to their roots. To quote the Aviva advert 'you need to take out a mortgage to buy tickets there days'
Sal

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 16 Oct 10 - 02:22 PM

Up one more time I think!

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 16 Oct 10 - 02:37 PM

I must sort myself for the Isle of Wight next year - sort out small tent, maybe just one guitar and the mandolin: getting the trailer and Volvo over by ferry needs not only mortgage but also second mortgage.

If it's Miskin Man I'm sure to like it.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Crow Sister (off with the fairies)
Date: 17 Oct 10 - 03:09 AM

"At Moseley Fest recently .. All bags searched for booze,"

Did you get stopped to search your bag for smuggled in sandwiches too? Tbh I wouldn't think much of taking a bottle of wine along to a day fest (unless it was being hosted by a pub) and having a picnic for lunch, certainly done it at free festivals in the past anyway.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 08 Aug 13 - 01:31 PM

We're away to Shrewsbury FF from next Saturday as we're on the ground staff again.

When the festival proper is on there's scarcely any sesshes but as we'll be around both before and after for a few days, then there's plenty scope for sessioning with the other staff & Stewards.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Larry The Radio Guy
Date: 08 Aug 13 - 03:25 PM

A unique festival is the Princeton Traditional Music Festival in Princeton, B.C.    It's free, and on the Saturday night everybody (performers, audience, etc.) is invited to a big house party....in doors and outdoors....where various sing songs and jams take place.

It's on next weekend (Aug. 16-18)

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: GUEST,eldergirl
Date: 09 Aug 13 - 01:55 PM

Like those with scope for participation, as well as concerts. Happiest with chance to join in. Singing choruses with over-amplified headline acts doesn't count.
Garway only ran for 2 yrs but was a delight both times. White Horse has a nice balance. Bude is lovely! And Forest Folk/N.Boarhunt is cosy, villagey and welcoming, very much a participation event, with special guest included.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Joe_F
Date: 09 Aug 13 - 06:24 PM

I have been to the New England Folk Festival (NEFFA) a few times. It wouldn't do for every day, but as an occasional spectacle I find it charming. I usually run into some people I haven't seen in a while, and a lot of people who are easy to look at. There are enough performances I like to keep me entertained, tho my tastes are deviant.

The abbreviation FF always gives me a start. In certain subcultures -- well, never mind.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Don Firth
Date: 09 Aug 13 - 08:07 PM

Like or dislike?

That depends on the festival.

The first folk festival I ever attended was the Berkeley Folk Festival in 1960. It began at noon on the Wednesday before Memorial Day (the last Sunday in May) and lasted through 'til Sunday. There were workshops and discussion groups at 10:00 a.m, a lunch break, then more workshops and discussion groups at 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. Then, a multi-performer concert in the evening (8:00 p.m.) in a large auditorium. All of these events were held on the University of California at Berkeley campus.

The first festival I attended featured Peggy Seeger and Ewan McColl, Sandy Paton (a friend of mine from the early Fifties, before he went East, then to England and back), John Lomax, Jr., The New Lost City Ramblers, Lightnin' Hopkins, one or two others (memory fails me), and one concert segment by Sam Hinton, who MCed the whole event and moderated many of the workshops.

It was a tremendous learning experience! And for all that, registration fee, as I recall, was a puny $15.00! Workshops, concerts, and all!

And there were "extracurricular" activities as well. After one of the concerts, Sandy buttonholed me and invited me to a private, late night party. Fifteen minutes or so after we got there, in walked Peggy Seeger and Ewan MacColl, so I got a chance to chat with them—and others.

I attended two more Berkeley Festivals, in 1961 and 1964, listening to and meeting people like Charles Seeger, Archie Green, Joan Baez, Doc and Merle Watson, Marais and Miranda, Mance Lipscomb, Mississippi John Hurt, Almeda Riddle, a young singer named Merritt Herring—and of course Barry Olivier, who masterminded the Berkeley Festivals.

As I said, these were tremendously enjoyable learning experiences.

Seattle had no such festivals (save the East 42 nd Street Arts Festivals, which featured concerts by local folk singers, including me, but no workshops) until after the Seattle Folklore Society was formed in the 1960s, and I believe it was in the 1970s that the first Seattle Folklife Festival occurred.

The first Seattle Folklife Festival I was able to attend was in the late 70s (my "day job" prevented my attending before that), and by prior arrangement, I was scheduled to sing.

But compared to the Berkeley Festivals, which had a specific number of featured performers and concerts, the Seattle Folklife Festival was a cacophonous mob-scene. I think they had some 6,000 performers on different stages all over the Seattle Center grounds (74 acres), and the din from other stages (like amplified rock groups and Taiko drummers!) was unbelieveable!!

I sang at about four or five of these mob scenes, then said, "To Hell with it!"

One good experience was when I was included in a special indoor concert in the Seattle Opera House 3,100 seat capacity), which, I think, was being broadcast over the local PBS affiliate. Elizabeth Cotton had been invited to sing, and I wound up being schedule after her!

Tough act to follow!

But she was very charming.

I've since participated in a couple of the workshops and sang at the "Coffee House Reunion [geezers'] Concert," but as a spectator, I have pretty much stopped going, unless there is someone participating that I particularly want to hear. The incredible noise level and the size of the crowd—a couple of hundred thousand people jammed into 74 acres gets to be a bit much to handle!

But—the Berkeley Festivals were a marvelous experience!

Don Firth

P. S. The Pacific Northwest Folklore Society, which was organized in 1954 by a half-dozen people, including Walt Robertson and myself, got off to a great start, but was shot down early on. The first nationally known folk singer we sponsored in concert was Pete Seeger. We didn't care that he'd been blacklisted by McCarthy, et al, we just wanted to hear him and meet him. But the backlash pretty much killed the organization almost before it got started.

The Pacific Northwest Folklore Society has since been reorganized and is in operation, due to the interest and energy of Stewart Hendrickson, with advice and assistance from Bob (Deckman) Nelson and myself. Stewart (and others) got upset with the Seattle Folklore Society because of some of their policies, such as refusing to sponsor a concert by Jeff Warner, the son of folk song collectors Frank and Anne Warner, because he doesn't write his own songs, he just sings traditional material.

Folklore society!??

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 09 Aug 13 - 08:43 PM

could we call them something else,,,,?

Festivals ...somehow one thinks of Mexicans waving marraccas and shouting aribba! arriba!

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: GUEST,eldergirl
Date: 09 Aug 13 - 09:04 PM

No Al me dear that's Fiestas, and no, not the Ford kind, before anyone else reminds me. Sounds like the start of a joke: how many folk singers can you fit in a Ford Fiesta?

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: LadyJean
Date: 09 Aug 13 - 10:48 PM

The late lamented Smokey City Folk Festival had a day of "workshops" that were, in fact, sessions. It was wonderful! Jean Ritchie lead a workshop there one year.

The only fly in the ointment was a woman who brought two obnoxious children whom she had named Rueben and Rachel, really! She would sit there, oblivious while they created disturbances. I don't think there was a person there who didn't want to boot those two brats.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Aug 13 - 01:51 AM

Southwell folk festivsl just gets better year on year.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 10 Aug 13 - 01:49 PM

Just on the way back from Sidmouth which was another good 'un. Bought a full season ticket, and attended most, if not quite all, of the Main stage evening concerts, some of the afternoon ones, 2 excellent daily morning workshops, but still time for some of the fringe stuff and sessions. Lots of very good younger artists getting heard, impressively composed even when al alone on that huge marquee stage.
I'm afraid some of the pub sessions have become so rabblish (people talking and screaming at each other over the music, so you can't even hear what the person right next to you is singing or playing) that I no longer go there.
And some people who think it's OK to talk loudly to each other during concerts even.

Elsewhere one of my pet hates is when the host of a "singaround" picks out all his or her mates, and if your face/ voice isn't known to them, you don't get a look-in.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: GUEST,eldergirl
Date: 11 Aug 13 - 09:01 AM

Ms Bogle, I do so agree with your last remarks; if you need to rabbit on about your washing machine repairs, or your relationship troubles, don't do it in a concert or a singaround...   
And for fair play in a singaround you can't beat Kitty and Derek.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 11 Aug 13 - 10:26 AM

Re some comments above concerning seshes & sinarounds being 'hosted' or 'led'

Yes I've also experienced that behaviour & really don't understand why these events need leading, as they often just happen spontaneously

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: GUEST,eldergirl
Date: 11 Aug 13 - 09:18 PM

SIN a rounds.. A Freudian slip perhaps!
Depends on who's at the event really. If it's an even mix of singers and instrumentalists, the latter might win hands down. A friendly overseer to ensure we all get a fair crack of the whip. Oh bother, is that Freudian as well?
Meant to say on that other thread, Mr H, I did like your "Bri'ish" comment. :^)

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: GUEST,Peter
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 05:16 AM

[quote]

Yes I've also experienced that behaviour & really don't understand why these events need leading, as they often just happen spontaneously
[/quote]

The festival organisers would get a lot of stick if they left programmed events to happen spontaneously.

Of course you have to know (by osmosis I think) which events are intended to be open sessions and which are actually planned to be a sort of informal concert in a bar.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: GUEST,SteveT
Date: 12 Aug 13 - 07:45 AM

"Elsewhere one of my pet hates is when the host of a "singaround" picks out all his or her mates, and if your face/ voice isn't known to them, you don't get a look-in."
"Of course you have to know (by osmosis I think) which events are intended to be open sessions and which are actually planned to be a sort of informal concert in a bar"

My personal impressions of Sidmouth singarounds (for any intending attendees next year) are:

Kitty & Dereks – a quietish venue where people will listen to you. You'll always be made welcome and asked if you want to sing/play (but sorry K&D I never get up to make the trek to Sidmouth that early now!)

Middle Bar – "the twig rules" everyone gets a chance to sing but it's mainly for chorus songs (there used to be a NFD rule [and no, I won't translate that])

"Rosie's" (ably hosted by Dave (Acorn4) & Julia this year) – like Kitty and Derek's, you'll always be made welcome and asked if you want to sing/play.

The "Newt" (Leadfingers & Gerry) – again friendly and inclusive.

The Bedford – no "host" and you can perform if you can (a) get in through the door,(b) jump in fast enough and loud enough and (c) don't mind the noise.

The Volunteer (lunchtimes) – you'll only get a song if you are well known as one of the regulars or a festival guest BUT this event isn't really a singaround – it's an informal "showcase" event. (I don't know about the evening sessions there.)

The Ballad session (for traditional ballads, mainly Child, bothy & a few broadsides) – put your name down on the list at the door. If Sheila can't fit you in that day she'll call on you the next day if you're back and sign up.

Colin's @ the Rugby Club - put your name down on the list at the door.

Art Centre "Folk Club" – I only got to this once but they also seem to operate a "sign up" system.

All the above are singarounds that are regular events at the festival. The first five are fringe, the others are on the main programme. There are also plenty of other sessions and spontaneous singarounds which tend to be "jump in" events.

If I've missed any singarounds out, perhaps others could comment and if I've misrepresented any event, it may be a mistake but, at worst, it's just one person's personal impression – feel free to disagree and correct me. I'll leave it to others to comment on the music sessions.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: bubblyrat
Date: 13 Aug 13 - 07:21 AM

I love them, having been introduced to Sidmouth in 1965 . Since then , I have been to a lot ,and stewarded at many , and I have say that there have been changes for the worse over the years.I used to look forward to Towersey , but I deplore the disgusting behaviour of the hordes of badly behaved "yoof" that infest the place now .Similarly , I got sick of the crowds of drunken screaming "fans" in the "Mosh pit" at Warwick blocking my view.Audience behaviour is becoming a big problem.
               Moira Furnace is a nice friendly little festival , as is the ever-reliable Wallingford Bunkfest ( not long to go now !) , and "Wittfest" at Long Wittenham (The Plough) was really lovely this year ! I didn't make Sidmouth this year, but last year I managed to get some "Old Time" sessions going , (with Colin's help ) in the Bedford downstairs bar ; also a "shanty" session.Now that I live in Tewkesbury ,I might even make it to that festival I've never been to in Herefordshire !

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: bubblyrat
Date: 13 Aug 13 - 07:22 AM

And Whittlesea is much too cold for the over-sixties , of course !

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 13 Aug 13 - 04:53 PM

When I say we (Gerry and I) 'Run' the Newt session , all we do is try and stop two performers doing different things at the same time and try to NOT let one performer take over the show , as well as filling any gaps .

And dont forget its WHFF this coming weekend

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: GUEST,eldergirl
Date: 13 Aug 13 - 08:33 PM

Yaaaaay! And don't forget to prepare your Wagnerian aria for the What The Folk session.. ;)

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 14 Aug 13 - 04:18 AM

Just happened to drop into this thread and found the very nice comment from Eldergirl on the 11th (9.01) about our singarounds - thank you! Derek and I will be running the Friday night singaround at White Horse this coming Friday, then at the Wail, 30 August-1 September and Swanage Festival 6-8 September.

Steve T, if you got up early enough you'd discover that the morning fringe singarounds in the Faulkner at Sidmouth are hosted on alternate days by myself and Tim Edwards - as the successor sessions to the previous programmed singarounds in the cafe bar at the Manor Pavilion. This year we just managed to get around all the performers in each session, as we allow for people to come and go from and to other events or festival duties.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Murpholly
Date: 14 Aug 13 - 01:29 PM

Generally speaking we don't go to Folk Festivals - unless they are entirely free and fairly small. We do go to lots of different folk sessions within a wide radius of where we live and intend to carry on doing so as long as we can. We have done lots of freebie gigs for care homes of one sort or another and play carols in pubs and for lights being switched on at Christmas. And long may it continue. There is a great deal of talent out there unpaid, unheard but we enjoy listening, joining in and encouraging where we can. Who needs Festivals when you can make music everyday of the week on your own doorstep.

Subject: RE: Folk Festivals: Like/ Dislike?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 15 Aug 13 - 07:55 AM

'Who needs Festivals when you can make music everyday of the week on your own doorstep. '

I agree wholeheartedly!