Folk events connected with Olympics

Subject: RE: Folk events connected with Olympics
From: ChrisJBrady
Date: 20 Apr 12 - 09:59 AM

The same silliness was perpetrated a few years ago by the American Sail Training Association (ASTA) which promoted - and still promotes - tall ship events at various American ports. The 'tall ships are coming'(r) was a registered trade mark (probably still in) and even the term 'tall ships'(c) was copyrighted by them. On my website I use the term 'tall ships' in the generic sense 'cos I sailed - and still sail - on them. However I was asked to remove the term 'tall ships' from my web pages. I declined to do so. So if the Olympics want to complain about the use of the copyrighted / registered term 'Olympics' then tough - sue me. CJB.

Subject: RE: Folk events connected with Olympics
From: Mayet
Date: 20 Apr 12 - 09:30 AM

"use of 'Olympic' could be barred under copyright law. And maybe even '2012' "

A butcher in Dorset has already fallen foul of the statutes passed in 1995 and 2006, which in effect turn ALL the elements of the Olympic London 2012 title into a trademark or 'ownable brand'
Presumably this is not to confuse his fresh, locally produced meat with the 'health food' sponsors of the O word like Cadbury, McDonald's and Coca-Cola.

Sausages!

It's hardly surprising that a recent survey found that
"35% of Brits said they associated the Games with 'money', putting it second behind 'achievement' in a ranking of key statements associated with the Olympic brand."

But, to return to music, widely discussed amongst my musician friends on Facebook is report by the Musicians' Union that it has been contacted by many concerned members who have received requests to work as 'volunteers' i.e. unpaid as they will receive 'great exposure' while staff such as security and stage crews will receive their usual fees.
This apparently includes performances connected with the celebrations for the Olympic torch relay and concerts being organised by the Greater London Authority and promoter Live Nation.

It also has been reported that the 'live' headline acts at the games will be pre recorded!

Subject: RE: Folk events connected with Olympics
From: ChrisJBrady
Date: 20 Apr 12 - 05:22 AM

The BBC is planning six new Radio Ballads for the Olympics. These are being produced by Smooth Operations - but I emailed them and they deigned to reply.

Anyway FWIW see:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/mediapacks/olympiad/other/ballads.html

Subject: RE: Folk events connected with Olympics
From: Paul Burke
Date: 20 Apr 12 - 01:55 AM

Be very careful about associating events with the Olympics unless they (and you) have official permission. Special legislation has been introduced which provides the Olympic committee with draconian powers over the word, and a breach of these acts will not only give rise to a civil grievance, but is a criminal offence.

Market them as "Titanic" games events.

Subject: RE: Folk events connected with Olympics
From: Gurney
Date: 20 Apr 12 - 01:19 AM

Not completely pertinent, but the 'official' song to encourage our Kiwi team was written by a busker. Haven't heard much of it yet, there's some controversy, and I didn't catch her name.
I suppose buskers are professionals, not strictly folk, though.

Subject: Folk events connected with Olympics
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 19 Apr 12 - 10:14 AM

I realise that some people don't like the Olympics, so if you are in this category, there is no need for you to read on....

In the next issue of English Dance & Song magazine (which I edit), I want to include events where folk music and dance are in any way connected to the Olympics. That could be Cultural Olympics events, special Olympic-themed events (before, during or after the event), and any involvement of morris, sword, folk dance displays in the celebrations surrounding the Torch Relay. I already know about morris dancer Keith Leech carrying the torch in Hastings - but are any other folk enthusiasts doing the same? Are you dancing in the Torch Relay celebrations? Are you putting on a special event? Are you adapting an existing event to give it an Olympic twist?

Event, date, time, place and contact details where appropriate - would all be appreciated. Please reply off list before the end of April. eds.editor "at" efdss.org

I look forward to hearing from people.

Thanks

Derek Schofield