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What's happened to Sidmouth?
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,Mark Stevens Date: 05 Mar 11 - 11:28 AM I can't be bothered with Sidmouth' anymore .. there's too many 'folkies' ... |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,mattkeen Date: 05 Mar 11 - 12:25 PM We have gone every year for the last few years but wont be going this year - just cancelled the holiday cottage let in Branscombe Just very underwhelmed by the line up |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: johnadams Date: 05 Mar 11 - 12:54 PM mattkeen wrote: Just very underwhelmed by the line up Wow! And there was me thinking what a great and diverse line up was being put together. Just goes to show .... er... something. Go for it Joanie! It's hard being an artistic director at the best of times and Sidmouth is a really difficult balancing act but I'm looking forward to my few days there (even if Old Swan can't hack it at the LNE!). I want to see Genticorum (love quebecois), Freya:Abbott:Ferguson (great new album), Show of Hands (if just to see what Ms Cornish is always on about), my old faves Home Service, - and Anxo Lorenzo sounds like an act to check out! |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: Steve in Sidmouth Date: 05 Mar 11 - 01:05 PM An alternative perspective: open for discussion! Discussion of folk dancing in the UK, including at Sidmouth. By the way, nice to hear from you again Lizzie! |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: Steve in Sidmouth Date: 05 Mar 11 - 01:11 PM By the way, if Tiger Moth are even half as danceable as they were in 2004 they will be worth waiting for. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: WalkaboutsVerse Date: 05 Mar 11 - 01:33 PM As I've suggested here, we need positive English (NOT British) nationalism - and the fact that the Welsh have just taken another step towards independence (re. setting laws, i.e.) may help a bit. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: BTNG Date: 05 Mar 11 - 03:06 PM "we need positive English (NOT British) nationalism" no you don't. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: Old Grizzly Date: 05 Mar 11 - 04:49 PM wonder if this has anything to do with it ?? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4I9kyJ6ZYHw&feature=player_embedded D |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,Ralphie Date: 05 Mar 11 - 04:55 PM Intrigued by the comment "The first Sidmouth festival in 2005" Well what the hell was I visiting since 1974? And I suppose all the photographs from the 50's and 60's are fakes too? |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: WalkaboutsVerse Date: 05 Mar 11 - 04:57 PM Oh, yes we do, BTNG: to help fight the good fight against the performance of Mowtown, disco, etc., at what was traditionally an English folk festival - with some guests performing the folk music and dance of their nations, as well...that's how it seemed when I enjoyed the BBC's (both radio and TV) 50th Sidmouth highlights, anyway. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: Jack Campin Date: 05 Mar 11 - 04:59 PM A few years ago at Sidmouth there was a mechanism for 'fast-tracking' Dukes open-mike artists onto a concert platform at the Bulverton each day during the week ... You mean something like the Danny Kyle open stage events at Celtic Connections? I liked that when Danny was alive (it worked thanks to his infectious unpredictablity), but it rapidly turned into a promotional scheme for the RSAMD's production line after he'd gone. Not a mechanism I'd like to see adopted elsewhere. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,Sorcha Date: 05 Mar 11 - 05:19 PM So, Mr Porter and Ms Lizzie, if Sidmouth doesns't suit you, how about step up to the plate and DO something? As in volunteer to deal with something real? Now, I know that as a Yank/Yooser, I shouldn't really comment, but this getting ridiculousl Seems to ME that Ruth Archer/Joanie is doing a fab job. Either support her or offer to take over. Like that will happen. Put up or shut up comes to mind. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: Jack Campin Date: 05 Mar 11 - 05:23 PM "West Country Cream-Guzzling Pasty Head" has potential as a t-shirt slogan. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,Sorcha Date: 05 Mar 11 - 05:29 PM You jack off jadrool mamaluke dick weed with your head in your behind...(oh, sorry, just channelling Spaw there) Go bug the BBC again whydontcha |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: s&r Date: 05 Mar 11 - 05:29 PM Here you go again WAV with another attempt to hijack a thread with your bizarre pronouncements about what should be allowed in England, the country of your birth if not your education. The attitudes that show in your posts are so negative as to beggar belief. For a number of years the Sidmouth Festival was named Sidmouth international Festival. I had hoped you had reformed. Stu |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: Surreysinger Date: 05 Mar 11 - 06:01 PM >>> to help fight the good fight against the performance of Mowtown (sic), disco, etc., at what was traditionally an English folk festival - with some guests performing the folk music and dance of their nations,>>>as well...that's how it seemed when I enjoyed the BBC's (both radio and TV) 50th Sidmouth highlights, anyway I hate to disillusion you WAV. The official title of the festival before the changes in 2005 (after the first 50 years)included the words "International Festival", if I recall and am correct. I only started attending in 1990 but to the best of my knowledge the content has never by any means been specifically and exclusively been English. Much as I love English traditional music and song, long may that remain so. As to the so-called "intrusion of Motown or disco" ... I think that may be precisely one event out of hundreds in a whole week - and it's for fun! @Ralphie - Judging from the photos of you in Mr Schofield's book, I rather think that you were attending Sidmouth Festival. Interestingly enough, although I recall quite a bit of discussion at the time that Mrs Casey Music took over the reins of the festival from the EFDSS, I don't recall that anyone considered that that change of management and organisation made it a different and "new" beast then, did they? I think it's called continuity .Sidmouth Festival is dead, long live Sidmouth Festival ??? |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: Surreysinger Date: 05 Mar 11 - 06:02 PM Stu - you just pipped me to the post while I was composing that!! LOL |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,Jon Date: 05 Mar 11 - 06:10 PM The official title of the festival before the changes in 2005 (after the first 50 years)included the words "International Festival", if I recall and am correct. I don't think that's right, Surreysinger. I believe "Sidmouth International Festival" was a renaming by Steve Heap/Mrs Casey in 1986. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: Surreysinger Date: 05 Mar 11 - 06:25 PM Errrmm ... ... yes? I think 1986 WAS before the changes in 2005 wasn't it? And it was the International Festival. I think that's what I said!! |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,Jon Date: 05 Mar 11 - 06:28 PM Not sure why you are getting snappy Surreysinger. And please note you had said 2005 (after the first 50 years). |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,Jon Date: 05 Mar 11 - 06:31 PM Ah. perhaps I can see the confusion now... I'd read it one way and you meant another.. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: Surreysinger Date: 05 Mar 11 - 06:34 PM Actually I wasn't being snappy - you really shouldn't read things into it which aren't there. I was actually mildly amused and bemused. And I was referring to the fact that the changes in the festival occurred in 2005 after the first 50 years of the festival's existence - a fact that is unrelated to the festival's change of name. You misread it I'm afraid, although I will admit it was slightly clumsily worded. :-) |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST Date: 05 Mar 11 - 06:37 PM By the way, if Tiger Moth are even half as danceable as they were in 2004 they will be worth waiting for. Tiger Moth at Sidmouth LNE 2004: the evidence for the prosecution or defence, depending. Can I be the first to say they're too loud?
Thanks. -Joe Offer- |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: s&r Date: 05 Mar 11 - 06:39 PM You're right about the dates Jon: the point I was making was that for many years it had made a virtue of its international character and appeal, with a wonderfully cosmopolitan programme in the Arena. To return to the original post I think that the organisers should be congratulated on taking on a mammoth task and responsibility. Joan has responded in a measured way to explain her take on the running of a festival. "In the Bulverton we have a programme that has tried to provide some of the international focus and flavour that the festival has become known for: hence Nidi d'Arac and Anxo Lorenzo. These are fantastic artists with international reputations. The Yiddish Twist Orchestra and Moishe's Bagel are great examples of what happens to international music when it comes to Britain and takes on new influences and styles." Well done for this Joan et al Stu |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: Surreysinger Date: 05 Mar 11 - 06:43 PM Jon - no problem! I see our posts crossed :-) |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,Ralphie Date: 05 Mar 11 - 06:55 PM Does it really matter when it might have changed it's name? It started as a mainly dance festival, in 1954, the year I was born. I remember hearing Packie Byrnes reminiscences of the first one (just a weekend IIRC) Over the next 53 years it has changed along with the world, and no doubt will continue to do so. I tend to agree with Sorcha. If people don't like it, get involved and change it, if you can. I know damn well that the planning for the next years festival starts on the monday morning after the last one finishes. From sorting out camp-site/lavatory problems, dealing with hiring marquees/PA requirements/dealing with the local council/Health and Safety concerns et al. It's like painting the bloody Forth Bridge....It never ends. Booking the artists is the least of the problems it seems to me. Providing the depth and variety of entertainment for 7 days in the height of summer is no easy task, and takes a lot of person hours to do. We as punters turn up with our own expectations, but, personally, I have never been dissapointed. For Gods sake, It'd Bloody Sidmouth! It's the same town as it was last year!!! Deal with it, or don't bother coming. I think it's just fine. And am looking forward to the events that will or maybe not! occur this August. Surely even the most sceptical of punter can find just 1 event out of over 600 to interest them? |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: johnadams Date: 05 Mar 11 - 08:08 PM wRalphie wRote: I know damn well that the planning for the next years festival starts on the monday morning after the last one finishes. Towards the end of his tenure, Steve Heap told me that the whole lead-in time for the festival was 18 months, presumably to get the big guests that he needed. Deal with it, or don't bother coming. I think it's just fine. Amen to that! See you there. My round I think.... |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,Jon Date: 05 Mar 11 - 10:40 PM As I was the only one that questioned the information. I'll assume you were addressing me. Does it really matter when it might have changed it's name? I had misread Surrey singer but with my reading, yes I thought was worth correcting rather than perhaps have incorrect information perpetuated. For Gods sake, It'd Bloody Sidmouth! It's the same town as it was last year!!! Deal with it, or don't bother coming. I think it's just fine. And am looking forward to the events that will or maybe not! occur this August. ???? Surely even the most sceptical of punter can find just 1 event out of over 600 to interest them? A pub with a reasonable session is all I need and I gather there are a few of them... I don't get on with crowds though and fear Sidmouth would be too busy for me. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,Ralphie Date: 06 Mar 11 - 01:24 AM Mr Adams. Look forward to a beer and a tune in The Radway, sometime during the week! GUEST Jon. There are quiet places in Sidmouth too. It's not all that frenetic really! Us old people like a nice quiet time. I tend to avoid the Bulverton/LNE scene nowadays myself. The knees don't work as well as they used to. For me, the two jewels in Sidmouths crown, are the Radway, and Volunteer sessions. For others it would be the Middle Bar, Bedford, Manor Pavilion. etc. Thats the beauty of Sidmouth. Room for every one. 2 years ago, went to see Kepa Junkera in the Ham. sublime. back in the late 80's, managed to get Filarfolket and Trio UGB (both Swedish) booked by Steve Heap. I actually think that Sidmouth is just as international as it always was. It's just dropped the name tag. Sidmouth is a nice little seaside town that hosts an interesting festival for one week a year. With a huge and diverse number of attractions for people of all ages....Looking forward to the next one! |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,c.g. Date: 06 Mar 11 - 03:28 AM Back in 1972, when I first went, there were foreign dance teams. The song side was so small there were only a couple of venues. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: Surreysinger Date: 06 Mar 11 - 06:08 AM Back in 1972 it was run by the EFDSS, wasn't it? I seem to recall that the Society's emphasis in those days (judging by the magazines) was heavily biassed in that direction. Things have changed over the years (even if they are no longer running the festival). |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: s&r Date: 06 Mar 11 - 06:30 AM Didn't financial problems with Sidmouth nearly bankrupt EFDSS?. Steve Heap and John Haden formed a company to run Sidmouth following that. Stu |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,c.g. Date: 06 Mar 11 - 07:20 AM Or EFDSS was nearly bankrupt because of C# House, so was going to dump the Festival. That's a can of worms someone else can explain. The Festival was very different by then anyway. It changes over time. The current management appear to be successful. Long may it continue. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,Ralphie Date: 06 Mar 11 - 07:23 AM Hi s&r. It's true that the Arena was the breaking point for the festival. If it was a sunny week, huge money could be made. (Day Trippers etc) If it rained the whole week, the losses could have been massive. And after a couple of inclement years, the Arena was decided to be too much of a risk, financially. And the cost of getting foreign artists over to the UK became untenable. Which is very sad. How deep are your pockets? It cost me 4 grand personally to bring Filarfolket to England for a week! Worth every penny, but........ Theres no such thing as a free gig. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,old git Date: 06 Mar 11 - 07:30 AM LNE? |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,johnadams sans cookie Date: 06 Mar 11 - 07:58 AM LNE? Late Night Extra - the after hours event of the festival for season ticket holders who don't think they've had enough partying. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,Ralphie Date: 06 Mar 11 - 08:53 AM Not a patch on the all nighters in the Balfour Arms though. If you could get a ticket! |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: WalkaboutsVerse Date: 06 Mar 11 - 09:35 AM S. and S&R: you ignored that I'd recognised how Sidmouth had "some guests performing the folk music and dance of their nations, as well...that's how it seemed when I enjoyed the BBC's (both radio and TV) 50th Sidmouth highlights, anyway."...but, it also seemed, the majority of music performed over those years was indeed English folk - whatever it's full title or changes thereof. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: johnadams Date: 06 Mar 11 - 10:59 AM Ralphie, All night sessions in the Balfour never happened - especially if enquired about by the local constabulary. (Remembers 200+ people sitting in complete silence behind closed curtains while knowing local plods watched new to the area inspector sniffing around, sure that he'd heard a massive chorus drifting through the wee small hours a few minutes earlier!). |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: s&r Date: 06 Mar 11 - 03:22 PM It's hard to ignore your posts David = they;re so repetitive and predictable I almost khow them by heart. "I know a song that'll get on your nerves..." Stu |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: Steve in Sidmouth Date: 06 Mar 11 - 04:20 PM I attend so many dance events that I get to hear a wide range of comments about Sidmouth (mainly how LUCKY I am to live here!) and these often influence my own views. For what it is worth, IVFDF was mentioned somewhere recently on this thread - it was indeed well worth attending. The ceilidh with The Molecatchers and Tony Slinger calling (both were new to me) was simply fabulous. Lots of young women to dance with (most of them superb dancers too), adequate space in which to dance, wonderful music (and not at all too loud, just perfect) and excellent calling. I made a point to go up to the band and caller and tell how fantastic I thought they had been - so I do give out praise when it is due! I thought on the long drive home - if only Sidmouth FolkWeek could host ceilidhs like that!! The Survivors' ceilidh at IVFDF was almost as good - great music, not too loud, good dancers, enough space, mainly good calling. I avoided the Tickled Pink event completely - they are always too loud. Mind you, they were in Exeter recently and the first half was really very good - and bearable without earplugs. But the second half was true TP - so bloody loud that you wanted to get away from the speakers even with ear plugs in. I asked some youngsters afterwards - do you like it so loud? Oh yes they said, it was GREAT but "my ears are ringing". So there you are - possible permanent hearing damage and all because ego-inflated nonentities are in charge of the sound desk. IS ANYONE LISTENING ABOUT THE SOUND LEVELS AT SIDMOUTH OR ARE YOU ALL DEAF?? A very interesting thread, so thank you to whoever started it. My detailed comments about dance at Sidmouth are all on my website - for when you have an hour or two to spare. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,mattkeen Date: 06 Mar 11 - 04:25 PM Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: johnadams Date: 05 Mar 11 - 12:54 PM mattkeen wrote: Just very underwhelmed by the line up Wow! And there was me thinking what a great and diverse line up was being put together. Just goes to show .... er... something. Go for it Joanie! It's hard being an artistic director at the best of times and Sidmouth is a really difficult balancing act but I'm looking forward to my few days there (even if Old Swan can't hack it at the LNE!). I want to see Genticorum (love quebecois), Freya:Abbott:Ferguson (great new album), Show of Hands (if just to see what Ms Cornish is always on about), my old faves Home Service, - and Anxo Lorenzo sounds like an act to check out! Thanks John but 5 possibles (well 3.5 really as am not interested in SOH again and not particularly Home Service) is not enough. Others should be fun though but not enough Towersey here we come |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,Ralphie Date: 06 Mar 11 - 04:55 PM Message to Steve in Sidmouth. As one of the "ego inflated non entities in charge of a sound desk" I would invite you to give it a try sometime. This "ego inflated non entity" has not only done 100s of gigs, but also spent over 30 years broadcasting on national radio. I think that your comment is not only misplaced. but downright insulting. So Steve. get yourself a PA rig....Spend hours rigging and de-rigging it, get a perfect sound, and get to bed at 4 in the morning, and then tell us "ego inflated non-entities" what we are doing wrong. Until then, your opinion is pointless. I would urge you to check the "Don't Piss Off the Sound Guy" group on Facebook. Some real truths on there |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: Herga Kitty Date: 06 Mar 11 - 05:18 PM Ralphie - I remember when good sound reinforcement was conspicuous by its apparent absence... and also when various friends of mine were scouring Sidmouth for Bose speakers to boost the sound reinforcement for the River Hymn in the arena.... Kitty xx |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: Ann N Date: 06 Mar 11 - 06:05 PM The last time I went to Sidmouth was in the 70's .... lots of Morris sides in the streets enjoying themselves and making everyone happy ... nuff said .. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: BTNG Date: 06 Mar 11 - 06:16 PM "It's hard to ignore your posts David = they're so repetitive and predictable I almost khow them by heart." I don't even know this Walkaboutsverse and already I find him dullingly repetitive. Let's just say this, England became multicutural a very long time ago and for all the whining to the contrary, it will always be so, David...and Motown at Sidmouth? I don't bloody think so, unless you call Bellowhead, Motown unplugged. Good Luck, Joanie and staff and volunteers, with this year's festival, and as Ralphie says, it's alot of hard work, and those that harp and criticize need to remember that. BTNG |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: Steve in Sidmouth Date: 06 Mar 11 - 06:22 PM How surprising that some sound engineers can do a wonderful job in a difficult venue and others (and some bands) can be relied on to produce sound that is quite simply TOO LOUD. Too difficult to understand? I do have a small PA rig by the way. I rescued it from a skip and mended the electronics! The point about competent sound engineering is that you don't notice it - the sound is just right, volume, mix of frequencies etc. I make a point of praising bands and engineers when I consider it is due and criticising when the dolts produce sound so loud it is painful and in halls where I know perfectly well that more competent people can get it just right. My comments stand. Sidmouth just seems to have a particlar problem. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: johnadams Date: 06 Mar 11 - 07:18 PM - @mattkeen Matt, I entirely understand if the whole programme doesn't float your boat enough to shell out the considerable brass - I feel the same about many festival bills that I see advertised. I just felt that this one showed some imagination while also appealing to the more conservative festival goers who like to see some acts they know (or even acts they used to know revived, instead of propped up in a bus queue somewhere). |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: GUEST,Ralphie Date: 06 Mar 11 - 08:03 PM Kitty, My point exactly. Transparency is all important in the PA Dept Sidmouth Steve. Off you go then, You go and try to do Live sound...Invest many thousands of pounds in equipment and the vehicles to get it to gigs, learn how to use it, spend most of your waking hours transporting/rigging/sound checking/de-rigging/driving home etc etc. Then you would have earned the right to criticise others. Until you do all those things. You have no right whatsoever to pour scorn on the endeavours of others. If you don't like something, do something else. It's really not that difficult. There are parts of Sidmouth (and other festivals) that don't float my boat. I just go to the bits that I enjoy! If it happens to be a loud band. Then I'll go along, Or an unnacompied singer, I will never criticise a sound crew though....It's a bloody difficult and thankless job. You should try it sometime, before you pontificate on here. |
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Subject: RE: What's happened to Sidmouth? From: Joe Offer Date: 07 Mar 11 - 12:58 AM It has come to my attention that "Steve Thomas" and "Chris Porter" appear to be the same person, and my data verifies this - or at least it's two people posting from the same location. Please remember that name-switching is not allowed at Mudcat, because it betrays the trust of the community. -Joe Offer- |
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