Callers - emergency stand ins.

Subject: Callers - emergency stand ins.
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Nov 11 - 04:31 AM

Does anybody have a list of callers ( and ideally musicians too ) who can stand in in an emergency?

I did a barn dance on Saturday evening having been phoned up by an organiser on Saturday morning in a state of panic as their caller was in hospital; all the tickets had been sold and the food organised. We agreed to do it for the price negotiated - somewhat less than we usually charge but we usually go out with a full band. They raised a goodly amount for their charity.

It made me think that our band would have problems if I lost my voice as none of the others in the band call. I have only ever called for my band and we get most of our work by word of mouth, so I don't really know other callers.

I'm in Kent and we only do North Kent. Does anybody have such a list already? What do other bands do in such circumstances?
FloraG.

Subject: RE: Callers - emergency stand ins.
From: Will Fly
Date: 14 Nov 11 - 04:54 AM

Well, there's a little confraternity of bands and callers in our part of Sussex. We (Unreel) have our own caller. As she's married to our melodeon/sax player, if one can't do a gig then the other can't.

However, if she had a throat problem, we know of at least 2 or 3 other callers in our area who we could contact and see if they could do the gig. And vice versa. If we get asked for a gig and we can't do it, we often pass on the names of the other local bands so as not to let the punter down - and vice versa. The same applies for deps should we be without, say, our fiddle player.

So, my advice would be to build up a local network of contacts - bands and callers - who can help each other out in times of emergencies.

Subject: RE: Callers - emergency stand ins.
From: Vic Smith
Date: 14 Nov 11 - 04:58 AM

Next Saturday is one of these rare Saturdays when my own band, The Sussex Pistols, does not have a gig - [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Callers - emergency stand ins.
From: Sarah the flute
Date: 14 Nov 11 - 05:07 AM

I'm in Epsom Surrey and although usually busy most Saturdays I do have occasional cancellations. Happy to do North Kent or anywhere else within reason (although I'm not a fan of central London gigs travelling on my own). Feel free to contact me - I also know other callers in the area who may be free too.

Sarah

Subject: RE: Callers - emergency stand ins.
From: GUEST,BobL
Date: 14 Nov 11 - 05:16 AM

Well, besides being a caller I arrange bookings for my own dance club, so I have a list of contact numbers for bands and callers. If something crops up to prevent me fulfilling a booking - and it has happened - then it's up to me to find a cover. Emergencies when I'm already on my way are another matter of course.

Subject: RE: Callers - emergency stand ins.
From: TheSnail
Date: 14 Nov 11 - 05:51 AM

Peopel often put out calls like this on the South East Folk Arts Network. You probably have to be a member but there are lots of benefits.

Subject: RE: Callers - emergency stand ins.
From: Bert
Date: 14 Nov 11 - 10:09 AM

Try These guys

Subject: RE: Callers - emergency stand ins.
From: Mo the caller
Date: 14 Nov 11 - 01:10 PM

They may be rather specialist. One branch of Square dance has gone down the route of " you go to class and learn the moves first", and each call has a specific definition - a short phrase tells you what you do, who you do it with, and which way you'll be facing when you finish. Not your average Barn Dance. And they may not match well with your band, in fact some prefer to use recorded songs.

Subject: RE: Callers - emergency stand ins.
From: Mo the caller
Date: 14 Nov 11 - 01:20 PM

Set & Turn Single lists club callers but many of them will also call for Barn Dances and Ceilidhs.
Then there is Web feet ,
and if you have a name you can look here at what they say about themselves.

It's worth building up a list of contacts and passing gigs on if you can't do the date.

Subject: RE: Callers - emergency stand ins.
From: Mo the caller
Date: 14 Nov 11 - 01:30 PM

One way of getting to know people, and getting yourself know is to join the ECeilidh list.
If you need someone in a hurry you may find someone to help, and if you've read their posts the names in the lists above mean a bit more (though nothing beats personal experience or recommendation).

Subject: RE: Callers - emergency stand ins.
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Nov 11 - 01:42 PM

We do what Will suggests - we have a network of callers and musicians and can mix and match if need be. It's very useful, but also very interesting to play with different musicians, often under strange aliases.........

Subject: RE: Callers - emergency stand ins.
From: Bert
Date: 14 Nov 11 - 03:44 PM

Mo, Yes they are specialized, but many of them still do one night stands for complete beginners. And if you are desperate for a fill in they are another resource.

I used to do American Square Dancing and Calling myself when I was in England. It works fine by sticking to traditional dances, dances from the Fifties, and very simple modern dances. These, along with Round (couple) Dances and singing calls can make up a very enjoyable evening.

Also, I never had any problems working with any band. They use recorded music for economy and to keep up with the latest dances.

Then those who are interested can learn more and dance at any level they choose.

Subject: RE: Callers - emergency stand ins.
From: GUEST,FloraG
Date: 15 Nov 11 - 05:21 AM

Thanks. I've got some very good musicians I can rely on - and a folder with the most likely tunes and chords written out - although mostly not needed. Just no reserve callers.

I shall make an effort to get a list of reserve callers. You never know when you might need them.

Thanks for the web site adresses. Set and turn single looks the most prommising.
FloraG