Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: GUEST,Banjiman
Date: 18 Jul 12 - 03:50 PM

"Keep an eye out for a youngish lady Wendy Arrowsmith who I admire - for only not having a great performance, but she has had no influential strings to pull, and has consequently spent a good many hours doing floor spots ,which have turned into gigs,and has spent a lot of time on motorways putting in the hard miles."

"Oh, and as for Wendy, Betsy - we had her guesting at Herga recently and she knocked our socks off (OK, we had to slip off our sandals first). She gave the definitive rendition of a traditional ballad in my book, it was almost folk opera, storytelling at its best. And her self-penned "Isaac" - what a song!"

That's all very well guys...... but remember the more gigs she gets, the more housework and childcare her poor husband has to do :-)

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: GUEST,Peter
Date: 18 Jul 12 - 08:59 AM

It seems to me that in general terms that London regards Cambridge Festival as its' Folk Festival
Really? I must be imagining all the London folkies at Sidmouth.

but the London scene has (if I can put it rather clumsily) seems to cater for a more cosmoplolitan audience
Considering how Anglo (or at least Anglo / Irish) centric London folk clubs are I hate to think what the provincial folk scene is like. Maybe that explains all the "I only go to sessions" comments we see on Mudcat.

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: My guru always said
Date: 18 Jul 12 - 08:28 AM

These Regional Folk Days sound excellent from all angles & I wish everone involved in them success in their endeavours. Well done you lot!

Alas, I think I live too close to the M25 to be considered for the showcase or I'd definitely apply!

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 18 Jul 12 - 04:34 AM

Oh, and as for Wendy, Betsy - we had her guesting at Herga recently and she knocked our socks off (OK, we had to slip off our sandals first). She gave the definitive rendition of a traditional ballad in my book, it was almost folk opera, storytelling at its best. And her self-penned "Isaac" - what a song!

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 18 Jul 12 - 04:26 AM

I've timed Vin, Richard, on several occasions. He will do 6 songs in a 40-minute set, pretty much every time. That means on average a 3-minute patter interval, or roughly as much talking as singing. But then, his patter is part and parcel of the performance. Lots of people would miss it if it wasn't there, myself included. The other extreme - that of simply saying "this is a song about x" and nothing more - can be pretty dry. In fact I know two great singers, for whose singing I have the greatest love and respect, who unfortunately fall in the second category and as a result have a smaller following than their abilities deserve. It's perhaps unfortunate, but in any case inevitable, that in the world of gigging/concerts (as opposed to sessions/singarounds) the entertainment factor comes more strongly into play.

And talking about factors, no, Betsy, please don't worry, Simon the Cow is safe from me. I have no ambitions to become a folk impressario or hairy-chested botoxed-to-an-inch-of-my-life Lothario like Simon the C. But I do have a love of folk clubs, it's where I come from musically, and I saw Folk21 and the organisation of the Regional Day and showcase as a good way to try and repay back some of my debt. If it sounds too syrupy or smarmy I don't give a toss, it's still the truth.

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 17 Jul 12 - 07:37 PM

I think I have a fair grip of the English language - but the only time I've seen Vin Garbutt in concert (it was at Ely) there was a huge amount of talking and only about 3 songs or tunes. I was very disappointed.

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: Betsy
Date: 17 Jul 12 - 07:00 PM

Strange one this .............
George I hope you're not turning into a sort of Folkie Simon Cowell!!!!!
Seriously though - I've discussed "London" with Vin many times. It's its' own clique. When you think of how many top accolades and performances that Vin has put in over these many years - London's doors have remained if not locked , then not warmly open - which (for me) partly reflects the way London organisers think about things. Of course there are knowledgable clubs like Herga and the Cabbage Patch at Twickenham for example and there's one or two more , who understand what most of us mean by Folk ( don't go there !!) but the London scene has (if I can put it rather clumsily) seems to cater for a more cosmoplolitan audience in that humour and humourus verbal interludes are not part of the parcel due to many attendees not understanding the English tongue and slang. When I mention Vin I must also include people like Jez Lowe , Tom McConville and their respective bands ,the Wilsons, the Doonans, etc etc., and it's excellent to see that Bob Fox didn't have to go through the type of showcase that you envisage - as his already recognised qualities (i.e. outside London) took him straight the to the West End in War Horse where he is a big success.
Keep an eye out for a youngish lady Wendy Arrowsmith who I admire - for only not having a great performance, but she has had no influential strings to pull, and has consequently spent a good many hours doing floor spots ,which have turned into gigs,and has spent a lot of time on motorways putting in the hard miles.
It seems to me that in general terms that London regards Cambridge Festival as its' Folk Festival whereas the rest of the country prefers smaller Folk Festivals albiet slightly more parochial in that we all know each other to some sort of degree or other.
Good luck George with your endeavours , some shiny-eyed individuals will apply and maybe you'll get a jewel - and I look forward to having a pint with you again as you are undoubtedly the best thing that has come out of the London Scene for many a year - in fact I can't think of any others .
Thank God for this Greek.
Regards
Betsy

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 16 Jul 12 - 07:19 PM

Come one, come all... twenty applications so far...

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: Spleen Cringe
Date: 16 Jul 12 - 12:56 PM

I was going to respond to Al and Richard but I started a new thread so as not to distract from the purpose of this one: Grumpy British Folkies

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: GUEST,Banjiman
Date: 16 Jul 12 - 12:43 PM

..... is one way of looking at it Al. The other is that it is far cheaper and easier to get in front of a number of organisers and promoters this way than having to leg it around a large number of clubs at the other end of the country.

As the husband of a performer there is no attempt to rip anyone off......just provide opportunities. As an organiser I already feel feed quite a number of other performers each year.

Any way Al...... I'm all ears for better ideas?

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 16 Jul 12 - 12:20 PM

So these Apsilie people will be volunteering their services for free to support this initiative.....ho hum!

I'm sure you and your mates from immemorial(Nic Jones, Shirley Collins and the Oyster Band - went out on limb there, eh?)will continue to live apsilie ever after.........

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 16 Jul 12 - 12:16 PM

North Yorks/Teeside, eh? Get yer passports out!

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: GUEST,Banjiman
Date: 16 Jul 12 - 11:54 AM

Just to cheer up the London contingent..... there will also now be a North Yorks/ Teesside Regional Day and Showcase next year for them (and anyone from other heathen lands) to get involved with/ apply for.

I'll make sure details of this are posted on Mudcat (and probably fRoots message board) when confirmed.

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: GUEST,pete from seven stars link
Date: 16 Jul 12 - 11:53 AM

apologies to the organizers if my previous post seemed critical.
the set up will ensure a lot of good music; though not of presumably well and widely known acts .if promoters and suchlike are in attendance it might well be worth artists applying.
i wish it well . pete.

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 16 Jul 12 - 10:54 AM

Just a minor point on Al's excellent analysis. Surely fRoots are on one flank among the leading protagonists of the "don't call it folk" army but on the other mainstream horse definitioners.

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: Spleen Cringe
Date: 16 Jul 12 - 08:11 AM

"Be interesting though to see how many Mongolian nose flute players, etc. - the sort of thing Froots has so selflessly devoted its pages to advancing the caree s of, whilst the people who have made the Englsih folkscene work have seen their life's work relegated to the 'and the rest' column - support this initiative."

Off topic, but do get with the programme, Al! fRoots have noted Mongolian nose flautist Nic Jones on this month's cover. Last month they had nose flautist Shirley Collins. The month before that, nose flautists The Oyster Band. Every month there are leading reviews and features about British folk artists, new and old, nose flautists all. That they also champion folk music from other places is surely a good thing? This month I'm particularly taken by rembetika group, Apsilies. Were it not for fRoots, I'd never have heard of them. No nose flutes, though...

Apsilies

Now back to the excellent Folk21 initiative.

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 16 Jul 12 - 06:45 AM

I have free audioconference facilities for up to 10 participants Mo, and I do use them for other virtual gatherings, but sometimes a physical meeting is needed too, to pass boxes of newly printed cards around, sign odd bits and pieces, and for the fuller communication including body language, seeing who's bored and about to fall off their chair, who nicks the chocolate biscuits etc...

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 16 Jul 12 - 06:42 AM

Damn, I forgot to send the invitation to the Nose Flute Players Association, thanks for reminding me Al! Do you know, is Colonel Bogey still their chairperson? :-)

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 16 Jul 12 - 06:42 AM

Damn, I forgot to send the invitation to the Nose Flute Players Association, thanks for reminding me Al! Do you know, is Colonel Bogey still their chairperson? :-)

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 16 Jul 12 - 06:37 AM

be interesting though to see how many Mongolian nose flute players, etc. - the sort of thing Froots has so selflessly devoted its pages to advancing the caree s of, whilst the people who have made the Englsih folkscene work have seen their life's work relegated to the 'and the rest' column - support this initiative.

be unrealistic not to let a few atoms of cynicism into the rosy world view, of the garlic munching lentil eaters as they clear their chakras for another attempt to define and contain folk music.

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: Mo the caller
Date: 16 Jul 12 - 06:37 AM

Why the M1.
Couldn't you arrange conference call or some sort of internet chat?
As we are in the 21st century.

Good luck to it anyway.

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: Spleen Cringe
Date: 16 Jul 12 - 06:14 AM

Excellent, George. I have some friends who I will point this way.

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 16 Jul 12 - 06:03 AM

Yes, SC, of course they can. It's what they play rather than where they play it that matters.

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: Spleen Cringe
Date: 16 Jul 12 - 05:56 AM

I'll second what Banjiman said! There are some weird and twisted agendas out there that have little to do with the actual music... best not to go there!

Good luck with this, though. Sounds like a great idea. What's the score for people who play folk music but due to circumstances/quirks of fate tend to largely play at non-folk/quasi-folk venues? Can they throw their hats in the ring?

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: GUEST,Banjiman
Date: 15 Jul 12 - 05:55 PM

Don't do it Nygel..... it's not worth it!

But I'll hold your coat if you insist on getting involved......

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: Continuity Jones
Date: 15 Jul 12 - 05:52 PM

Well, he half speaks for me as I find it very unlikely I'd go there if I were dead. I'll continue to pop by on occasion whilst alive though. Not as busy as here - more like a snug than a bar.

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: GUEST,Nygel Goose Is Out!
Date: 15 Jul 12 - 05:46 PM

"I should point out that quite a few people would not go to the fRoots board dead or alive."

who do you speak for Richard,? I've always found the fRoots forums interesting and very informative.

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: GUEST,Banjiman
Date: 15 Jul 12 - 05:41 PM

Yeah,

I trudged along the motorways for the meeting today as well. Our reward was biscuits!

There has been some good stuff achieved....... and lots more to come.

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: GUEST,Nygel Goose Is Out!
Date: 15 Jul 12 - 05:40 PM

Hi Anne, facebook event here


http://www.facebook.com/events/158929277575786/

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: GUEST,Anne Lister, mysteriously sans cookie
Date: 15 Jul 12 - 05:22 PM

All suggestions for how to get the word about Folk21 out further will be gratefully received. I was with George at the meeting today and the hardest battle is to work out how to communicate with people most effectively, especially when time and money are both in short supply. So if it means the fRoots message board as well as Mudcat and Facebook ...whatever it takes!

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 15 Jul 12 - 04:54 PM

I should point out that quite a few people would not go to the fRoots board dead or alive.

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: matt milton
Date: 15 Jul 12 - 04:18 PM

Thanks for posting this Nyge. I saw Nyge's post on the fRoots message board, and it was the first I'd heard of Folk 21. Can I respectfully and politely suggest that any other important Folk 21 bulletins also get posted there? Quite often posts on Mudcat get lost quite easily - there are of course a lot of them!

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 15 Jul 12 - 02:54 PM

We will take a weighted average of the distances - no, I am joking! We'll have to take a view on this depending on how many live in or out of the M25, or more importantly where their "base"/home club/centre of operations is.

It is not exclusively relevant to young artists either. The average age of the first 10 applications already received is around 30-35. The question is who would benefit the most from exposure to the London clubs, in other words they must intend to take up any opportunities generated - this is not simply so that they can put Cecil Sharp House on their CV! And we need to balance this with putting together a balanced three-hour concert that is as inclusive of different styles, genres etc as possible.

As for this being a cheap way to stage a concert of big names - think again. These names will not be big, not in London; if they were they would not need the exposure. And furthermore, the Regional Day delegates (club organisers etc) will be attending as part of the day's events (free). Count the tickets we are likely to sell and see if you can come with a big fortune in the offing - I can't, indeed I have already committed some of my personal money to go into this.

Let me reiterate something I just posted on Facebook:

We (the Folk21 Focus Group and anyone else helping out regionally) are all volunteers. I just spent £60 in petrol and my Sunday including 6 hours on the motorway, to attend the Focus Group meeting in Staffordshire. I did not do it to promote myself (I will get no paid gigs out of the whole business). I did not do it for the feeling of "importance" some people may get from involvement in community projects. I did not do it to promote my friends and acquaintances. I did not do it for recognition and anyone's thanks. I think I perceive a problematic situation and I propose to try and do something about it. I am indeed a committed activist. Anyone who wants to join me on the M1 to help out is welcome. Anyone who does not see the situation through my own prism is welcome to his/her perspective too. Anyone who just wants to sit on the side of the road and watch me, fine by me. But anyone who wants to stop me and question my motives or actions every step of the way, I hope will be understanding if I don't always have the time to answer.

Those who know me will understand. Those who don't should ask those who do.

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 15 Jul 12 - 09:10 AM

Ah. Relevant to a younger generation. That's buggered that then.

And anyway, what about bands some of whom live inside the M25 and some outside?

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: GUEST,Archie
Date: 15 Jul 12 - 08:16 AM

Might help the sceptics to have a look at http://folktwentyone.wordpress.com/
It is all about keeping small guest booking folk clubs alive and relevant to a younger generation, while trying to provide exposure to good regional acts that are not well known elsewhere. It is not a bad idea and think it deserves the support of any gigging act as well as the club organisers

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 15 Jul 12 - 05:22 AM

Bugger! just as I'd perfected sounding like an 18th century shepherd! (including realistic 18th century sheep noises)

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: GUEST,Banjiman
Date: 15 Jul 12 - 04:32 AM

Folk in the 21st Century........

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 14 Jul 12 - 09:27 PM

why is it called folk21?

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: GUEST,Joe G
Date: 14 Jul 12 - 07:39 PM

I was at the Folk 21 Yorkshire conference (though I missed the concert) and can assure everyone that this is a genuine attempt at helping musicians who may be unfamiliar to local clubs to have a showcase to a number of organisers - don't knock it - this is a very positive effort made by people who have a real love for the music!!

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: GUEST,Banjiman
Date: 14 Jul 12 - 06:37 PM

For the London Folkies........ there are showcases all over the country that you can apply for. Yorkshire has had their first one (but there will be more). East Anglia and East Midlands are planned (with the artists selected) but Southwest is in the planning....... I'll make sure it gets posted on Mudcat when applications are open.

I can also assure people that there are no Cowell characters behind this...... just normal folk club organisers (like me!) doing what we can to further the cause of folk clubs and helping to put up and coming artists (from distant parts) in front of organisers/ promoters.

Folk21 is open to all who want to get involved....... artists, organiser or audience.

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: GUEST,pete from seven stars link
Date: 14 Jul 12 - 04:12 PM

sounds like a novel way to get a day of top talent music at minimal cost!?but nothing ventured;nothing gained i suppose.

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: GUEST,PeterC
Date: 14 Jul 12 - 11:47 AM

A more effective use of time for an out of town artist than trailing around for a couple of months asking for floor spots.

A local would have a better idea of the metoropolitan folk scene would know roughly which clubs were likely to be interested in his/her particular style.

Getting all the club organisers to turn out and support the event will be the tricky bit.

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: GUEST,Paranoid Pete
Date: 14 Jul 12 - 11:39 AM

Hmmmmmm.. alarm bells are ringing, this sounds far too suspicious ???

I wouldn't be at all surprised if Simon Cowell and Ant & Dec
are conspiring away behind all this !!!!!?????

Beware, first it was a complete ruthless takeover of "Pop"

next the unholy trinity have set their satanic eyes set on "Folk"

Mark my words, it's 2112 - the end of the world is nigh........

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: DebC
Date: 14 Jul 12 - 11:37 AM

I am applying (and will be at Folk21) and I don't live any where near London. In fact, I live 3000 miles away!

But seriously, I think that what Folk21 is doing is fantastic. They deserve support.

Deb Cowan

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 14 Jul 12 - 11:18 AM

well I think its a nice idea. Give people the benefit of the doubt LF. Not for me - but for youngsters , it sounds all right.

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Jul 12 - 11:13 AM

the point is to raise the profile and create wider opportunities for artists outside the london area.

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 14 Jul 12 - 10:54 AM

It's still excluding certain people.

Dave H

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Jul 12 - 10:31 AM

you're missing the point Leadfingers, There will be many London promoters at the showcase who will be actively looking to book artists that they wouldnt usually get to see... there is a reason for it.

Subject: RE: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 14 Jul 12 - 09:14 AM

So if you are a gigging Folkie inside the M25 , dont even bother looking !
I DONT go along with so many things being London Orientated , but this is excluding all London based entertainers .

Subject: Want to sing or play at Folk21 showcase?
From: GUEST,Nygel Goose Is Out!
Date: 14 Jul 12 - 08:48 AM

CALLING ALL FOLK SONG/MUSIC ARTISTS

LONDON REGIONAL SHOWCASE

ARTIST APPLICATIONS OPEN

All folk song/music artists are invited to submit an application to perform a thirty minute acoustic set at the Folk21 London Regional Day, hosted by Folk21 and the English Folk Dance and Song Society at Cecil Sharp House, London on Saturday 23rd February 2013. The day will conclude with an evening Showcase concert, headlined by Robb Johnson, which will provide an opportunity for artists to perform in front of both folk club/venue organisers and a public audience from Greater London.

To be eligible you must be based outside the Greater London region and to be already performing at folk venues.

To apply please email [e-mail] with a dated list of six recent or future folk club gigs (or equivalent) as well as a link to your website and links to YouTube or other video/audio clips, if available.

We hope that by asking artists to apply outside of their own regions it will help them to expand their reach and promote their work to areas where they may not be established or well known, equally providing a chance for London's club organisers/promoters/audience present to hear artists that they may currently be unfamiliar with.
Applications will be accepted until Friday 10th August. Please note that any applications received after this date will not be considered.

On behalf of Folk21:
George Papavgeris (Herga)
Sue Whitehead &
Nygel Packett (The Goose Is Out!)
Archie Macaulay (Uxbridge folk