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Finding Other Musicians To Play With
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Subject: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Little Neophyte Date: 25 Nov 99 - 05:05 PM I would love to play with other musicians yet I am new to the music world. How do you find others to play with when you are so new? It reminds me of tennis. I don't really want to play with someone less skilled than I yet someone more skilled won't want to play with me. How do you find the right person to 'fit the shoe'? Kind of like Goldie Locks challenged by the three beds. The worst part is, I know so few musicians. I would love to plays with others and at the same time develop my skills. I feel frustrated. Much of the time I play by myself because I don't know what else to do. Does anyone have advice? I would really appreciate it. Bonnie |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Liz the Squeak Date: 25 Nov 99 - 05:12 PM Of course you don't know any musicians, you're a banjo player!!! Sorry, couldn't resist. It was rather open to temptation, though, wasn't it.... Finding other musicians is strange. Sometimes they are open about it, advertise in the local bar about sessions, and then are never seen again. In my experience, the best sessions are never advertised, never start before 9.00pm and have always been going for years before you found them.... SO was looking for a morris dance team, and found that one had been practicing just down the road for 20 years and more, and he never knew! Good luck, whatever you find will be a challenge, to bring yourself to their standards, or to help them achieve greater things. LTS |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Magpie Date: 25 Nov 99 - 05:42 PM I accidentally happened to find a session in a pub nearby. After a while I sort of got to know some of the musicians, and was encouraged to join in. I wasn't mainly interested in a band as such, I just wanted to play music with other people, learn a bit, share a bit, talk about it - just being part of a music scene. Then I was asked to do a "stunt" gig with some of them, and the snowball just started rolling. See if you can find a session nearby, or something like it, and ease your way in. You'll probably find someone wanting to play with you. Don't worry that you're not too skilled or experienced, playing music with other people, whether it be a band or whatever, isn't a competition. It isn't always about being so damned good either. It's more about "chemistry", matching each other, sharing the same taste for music, wanting to be part of something. Good luck!! Magpie |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Jon Freeman Date: 25 Nov 99 - 05:42 PM Banjo Bonnie you could always post a message here and/ or in appropriate nesgroups asking about sessions and or folkclubs in your area. Round here, as a general rule, you won't find anybody to play with until you start seeking out those sort of venues and getting to know people. Liz, what's this I see? You don't like banjos or melodeons? Jon (proud owner of 2 tenor banjos, 1 5 string - wherever it is, mandolin-banjo and a G/D melodeon and with an intention of learning B/C or C#D one day). |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Bryant Date: 25 Nov 99 - 05:49 PM Hi BB, I'm not sure what size city (town, village, hamlet) you live in, but I had some luck once back in Albuquerque by placing an ad in the free weekly. Mention the instrument(s) you play, what sort of music interests you, your level of experience, what goals you have music-wise (weekly jam session? or non-stop airplay and 6 million in worldwide sales?) and whatever else seems relevant. So long as your town has at least a 5 digit population, chances are you'll find someone with similar tastes and talents before too long. Parenthetically, if you're near Portland, OR, I'm new here and looking for someone to sing/play with. If not, I'll probably be placing an ad soon. :) (Margarita, Blessings Barbara, and other Portlanders -- I'll be posting soon; once I'm not living in friends' spare bedrooms and rummaging through boxes all the time. Bryant
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Tony Burns Date: 25 Nov 99 - 06:03 PM Bonnie, Come out to the monthly jam session at The Greenbank Folkmusic Society. We cater to newbies. The next jam will be January 2nd. (Things always get messed up in December and our jam is a victim this year.) Do you sing? There is the Toronto Song Circle that meets every Friday night. There are always musicians there and I've seen as many as 5 banjos. There's always one or two. Lots of people have gotten together as a result of meeting at song circle. You should consider attending The Woods Music and Dance camp next summer. Ask Rick about it. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Rick Fielding Date: 25 Nov 99 - 06:21 PM Tony Burns speaks the TRUTH on both counts! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Little Neophyte Date: 25 Nov 99 - 06:51 PM Boy, I never expected such a response. Thanks everyone For those who don't know, I live in the Toronto area. I guess it is best to let others know I'm looking Kind of nervous because this is all so new to me. Tony, thanks for the suggestions. As a newbie do I watch sessions to begin with or how does it work? I would love to attend The Woods Music & Dance Camp this summer. Rick had mentioned it to me. How do I get in contact with The Wood co-ordinators? Bonnie
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Liz the Squeak Date: 25 Nov 99 - 07:08 PM If you're in 'Tranto', look out for the Toronto Morris men, and associated loonies, they might be up for a bit of a session, will try and get SO to post an addy for you to try. Don't tell them who sent you..... LTS And I don't mind the odd banjo - the favourite Christmas Muzak last year was a CD entitled 'A Box and A Banjo', Christmas type tunes on the squeezebox and banjo -worth listening to, if only for the experience, but some dem fine tunes, don't ye know....
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Jon Freeman Date: 25 Nov 99 - 07:15 PM Banjo Bonnie, it is no surprise to me that you had a few quick replies. It is something that I'd guess that many of us have had to go through (and BTW I don't consider to be a BS question). I'll have to leave it to others to advise you of the best approach to meeting others in your area as each club or session everywhere I go has it's own slightly different "rules", personalities, etc... Where I live (North Wales), I would suggest that the best approach is often to turn up with an instrument. In the sessions, there will always be somebody who will try to help you along and encourage you. The formal folk clubs are harder as somebody bringing an instrument on a singers night is often expected (or feels under pressure) to stand up in front of others and play. The nearest one to me does have a jam session before it starts and during the half time beer break which provides a good opertunity for new people to join in if they wish but this approach seems to be pretty rare in my area and overall for our type of formal club scene, it is probably easier just to start talking to some of the players to begin with. Most of them are very keen to welcome new players... and a lot of us remember how we found it (nerves etc.) when we started. Jon |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Jeri Date: 25 Nov 99 - 07:19 PM Bonnie, bring the banjo to the session! Pay attention to the way people play along to get a feel of what's right, but play! You can play quietly at first until you get the hang of it, but play! If you think you'll improve faster if you play with others, you're right. Well, that's what happened to me anyway. I hope I get the chance to play with you when I come up there! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 25 Nov 99 - 07:54 PM There ought to be at least someone around Toronto who's set up a website with details of local sessions etc, as I have for my area, which is a great long way from Toronto (www.bigfoot.com/~kevin.mcgrath. And there ought to be someone on the west Coast who has set up a page listing all the local session guides that exist like Martin Nail's pages in England (http://web.ukonline.co.uk/martin.nail/Folkmus.htm
When I say therer ought to be I mean there probably is already. And if there isn't there ought to be soon. (You could probably do it yourself) |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Gary T Date: 25 Nov 99 - 10:53 PM It was once pointed out to me that optimum improvement comes from both playing with those better than you (to STRETCH your skills and knowledge) and playing with those not so good as you (to SOLIDIFY your skills and knowledge). I think most folks have some appreciation of this, and are therefore willing to "put up with" playing with someone less skilled than they part of the time, so long as the gap in ability isn't too great. Conversely, it would behoove you to be ready to tolerate some amount of playing with those below your skill level. I also agree with Magpie's comment about chemistry, taste, and motive. So in the beginning, as you meet other musicians, you may need to be ready to give it a try with anyone you get a chance to play with. In time, you'll be able to gravitate toward those who provide the best "match" for your style, ability, repertoire, goals, etc. One thing you could try is to ask anyone you meet if they play, and if appropriate mention that you're interested in meeting other players. The circle I've come to know in my area includes carpenters, mechanics, programmers, librarians, accountants, disc jockeys, bakers--anyone you run into in daily life might be a link to fellow musicians. Open mike nights at clubs would tend to attract other players, and some music stores probably have some info on where to look or whom to contact. Hope this helps. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: WyoWoman Date: 25 Nov 99 - 11:11 PM When I first moved here I put an ad in the newspaper that said "Folk, traditional, bluegrass, ??? New to town and interested in meeting other singers/musicians for song circle." Not much more than that and I got more than a dozen calls. A couple of the people I met during the first two or three getogethers have become some of my best friends here. Others came and we played/sang for a couple of nights together but soon saw that our interests and tastes were very different. I do think you have to reconnoiter a bit before you jump in and start playing, but most people are very generous about sharing their music and being willing to hear what you bring to the party. WyoWoman |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Jeremiah McCaw Date: 26 Nov 99 - 02:23 AM Greetings Banjo Bonnie, Toronto area, you say? Here's some stuff in and around Toronto, depending on how far afield you might wish to go.
The Acoustic Harvest Folk Club
Free Times Cafe |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Little Neophyte Date: 26 Nov 99 - 07:58 AM Jeremiah, thank you very much for taking the time to write all that out. I will definately pursue this list of yours. Were you once a bull frog before some gorgeous knock-out princess turned you into a Folk musician? Just Wondering thanks again, Bonnie |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Pete Peterson Date: 26 Nov 99 - 08:51 AM I don't suppose you would be coming down to annap's Gathering early next year? there will be LOTS of good musicians there. I will be there too. PETE |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Toronto LT Date: 26 Nov 99 - 09:00 AM Hi Bonnie, My name is Laura Thomas. I've just been introduced to Mudcat by Rick Fielding. This is the first time I've ever 'chatted' here! Anyways, I am a Toronto musician and gave up my day job 10 years ago to play music. Although I had always been a singer I was a rookie instrumentalist. I had a tough time getting started but had great luck here in Toronto. I ended up being a cohost of 6-9 year long running Jam Nights. Anyways, I agree that jam nights or open stages always attract players and singers of all levels. In Toronto you can find many of these listed in a publication called T.O. Nites. I'll have to look up contact info and get back to you. It's a good idea to check these events out .....you'll almost always find beginners in the circle somewhere. Also, I know that The Country Music Store in Toronto has had a very informal long-running jam at the back of it's store on Saturday afternoons. I'm sure you can find their number in the Toronto phone book. This is a great place to play banjo. I know also that Toronto music stores have boards where you can post messages. All calibres of musicians put up notices. You can also put a small add in The Toronto Now Magazine under musicians wanted....a small add only costs around $10.00 and most Toronto musicians read this often. I always found that festivals were a great opportunity to jam. Generally after the mainstage performances have finished little pockets of jam sessions emmerge....the best players generally step up first but as the night wears on there are more and more opportunities for the shy and beginning players to play. Something that I've always found important is that beginners take to the time to learn chords and have chops but also to learn complete songs. Even if you learned only 3 or 4 complete songs, when you were playing with other players it gives you a chance to contribute. If 2 or 3 beginners get together and each of them knows 3 or 4 complete songs you've already got a good start! It's better too to keep it simple. The point of jamming is never to wow the other players but to keep things manageable for everyone. This way everyone gets a chance to fit in and accomplish something. Hope this info helps! I know I've rambled a bit! If you need any more help you can stop by my site in Toronto at http://www.laurathomas.net and leave me an e-mail. I know many players in the area and maybe can introduce you to some other players. Best of Luck Bonnie, Sincerely, Laura Thomas P.S. Thanks Jeremiah McCaw for listing all the info....I'm sure many of us will benefit from it! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Jeremiah McCaw Date: 26 Nov 99 - 10:40 AM Bonnie, Laura ... You're most welcome. Bullfrog? Yep. Jeremiah is actually a nickname and it did derive from the Hoyt Axton song. 'Twas even a princess what give it to me (well, I thought so). |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Willie-O Date: 26 Nov 99 - 11:52 AM Hey, a new Canuck on the Cat! Welcome Laura! Bonnie, last year the folks in Heartbreak Hill were telling me about some Wednesday night bluegrass session in some Toronto pub that they frequent--sounds like your kind of scene if its still going on. Sorry don't have the name of the pub. Ask Dan or Jenny Whitely if you have a chance. Bill C |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: stupidbodhranplayerthatdoesn'tknowanybetter Date: 26 Nov 99 - 12:47 PM Bonnie, That's a tough one. Usually you can find an open session in a pub somewhere. Eventually, someone will pull you aside and tell you about the not-so-open sessions. Check out the local folk music society, if there is one. Also, hit the festivals, where the best music is in the parking lot, around the campfires, or at the hotels afterwards. Remember, if people pick on you, it probably means they like you so don't take it to heart. At least it seems to work that way in Irish music. Finally, playing with people of all different skill levels is a must. Not only is it only fair to accept newer people than you if you expect the same, but playing with stonger musicians will bring you to a new level, and playing with weaker ones will force you to play stronger to keep the tunes together. Rich |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Rick Fielding Date: 26 Nov 99 - 01:37 PM Yah Liz, you DO have to watch out for those Morris Dancers! Banjo Bonnie, head down to the Tranzac on a Monday night and start Morris dancing. They've even asked ME if I wanted to learn!!! P.S. The answer was NO! NO! NO! Rick (who became a musician cause he couldn't dance....and doesn't want to learn!) |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: WyoWoman Date: 26 Nov 99 - 01:47 PM OK, OK. You've all done it now! To immigrate to Toronto, do I have to have an actual JOB? Or maybe some nice Canadian would like to marry me, strictly as a matter of convenience, and make me legal?
But seriously, folks, it does sound as though you have some true musical riches there. Hope you have the good sense to be grateful! ;-} WW |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Rick Fielding Date: 26 Nov 99 - 01:52 PM Wyo, I haven't had a job in 30 years, and I'd marry you in an instant....except for the presence of the beautiful Duckboots who has put up with me through fair and fowl. On the other hand, I know a couple of eligible Mudcatters around here. You DO sing blues, don't you? Rick |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: WyoWoman Date: 26 Nov 99 - 02:09 PM Oh, absolutely. Sometimes more than others... AND I cook. (I mean that in the best possible way...)
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Willie-O Date: 26 Nov 99 - 02:25 PM Sorry, WW, I did that once, (married an American, with whom I had a genuine relationship because it would be "convenient"...fifteen years later, its still convenient but not very flexible.) Immigrating to Toronto is a kind of popular misconception. You have to immigrate to Canada actually, then you can live anywhere you want... But the actual answer to your question, (do you need a job offer or anything) is "depends on the flavour of the month". Right now if you're a techie, they're dying to bring you here. Course, you have an advantage of already being used to the climate...
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Little Neophyte Date: 26 Nov 99 - 02:26 PM Thanks guys, I've got a load of direction now. Rick, why is it important to watch out for the Morris Dancers? WyoWoman, us Northern Women do have our challenges. For instance, try looking sexy in a snowsuit. Many thanks everyone Bonnie |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: WyoWoman Date: 26 Nov 99 - 02:30 PM Ah, yes, but I'd have to learn to live without the wind, wouldn't I? SUCH a dilemma! (The wind is now in its fourth straight day of steady 40 mph blowing with gusts up to 70 mph. I forget from winter to winter just how deeply annoying this is...) Oh, all right then. I'll just come to Toronto to visit, being as I'm not a techie and writers are always in plentiful supply. Besides, as I told a friend recently, I'd rather eat a bowl of hair than ever get married again. Convenience or no convenience. WW |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Toronto LT Date: 26 Nov 99 - 02:39 PM Hi Bonnie, Jeremiah, Wyo Woman & Rick Fielding! .....Hi Rick...Just wanted to thank you for introducing me to mudcat! Bonnie....I'm playing duo tonight in Toronto at a club called The Red Lantern at 228 Merton ST. (South of Davisville / east of Yonge)...come by for a drink if you're in that area! Jeremiah.....I was wondering if you play in a band in the Toronto area and what instrument(s) you might play? Wyo.....Good luck! Sincerely, Laura Thomas |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Toronto LT Date: 26 Nov 99 - 02:41 PM P.S. Willie O......thanks for the welcome to Mudcat! Where are you from? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: WyoWoman Date: 26 Nov 99 - 02:42 PM I think we need to start giving Rick Fielding bonus coupons for the number of new 'Catters he's introduced. Redeemable for a slightly used tipple or something... ww |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Little Neophyte Date: 26 Nov 99 - 02:49 PM Thanks for letting me know Laura. Good timing, I think I just might do that. See ya later, Bonnie |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Toronto LT Date: 26 Nov 99 - 02:55 PM Bonnie, That's just great. I was thinking of going off line for a while because I'm trying to put my office back together after my CD release party this past Tuesday. I'm glad I hung in there a few more minutes. I'm looking forward to meeting you later! Laura
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Arnie Date: 26 Nov 99 - 02:56 PM There is an informal old time music jam at Rowers Pub (on Harbord ) coming up I think next Sunday evening. (Give them a call to find out). There will be fiddles and banjos and various friendly folks playing old time tunes. It may be a great chance to meet others who are all excited about learning to play - take your banjo, (small tape recorder perhaps) hang out, listen, try to play some - see if you like that kind of music and the scene. There is a lot of interest in this stuff right now - the time is ripe! If you like this stuff, you will have a lot of informal opportunities to play with this small community of pickers. The bluegrass jam previously talked about is at The Silver Dollar on Wednesday nights. I wouldn't call it a jam - it's a performance where various folks who pop in can play with the band - so it is not a good atmosphere to just goof around with your banjo - unless you think you can handle it up onstage. If you like smoke and loud and want to check out some fine bluegrass pickers go there at about 10:30 for start time. Chris Coole, Joey Wright, Andrew ?, Dan Whiteley (Crazy Strings) play - and they are getting unbelievably HOT! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: lamarca Date: 26 Nov 99 - 04:01 PM Lil Neo/Banjo, for your own safety, you should always beware of half a dozen (or more, depending on how involved the melodeon player gets) drunken people waving hankies and sticks about. After two practices with the Rock Creek Morris Women, I saw shin splints and hangovers in my future, and decided being a Morris spectator was more my style. Don't know if there are too many 5-string banjo players for Morris sides; they'd probably get drowned out by the squeezeboxes and bells! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: sophocleese Date: 26 Nov 99 - 04:01 PM Heading north from Toronto you come to the lovely town of Newmarket, just follow Yonge Street. There they have a neat place called the Corner Coffeehouse. Every weekend some good stuff going on there, (for instance I will be part of the duo playing there Dec. 10) (was that crass or what?). For news of other events and groups north of Toronto you can try this site. http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Coffeehouse/3165/calend.html |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Tony Burns Date: 26 Nov 99 - 06:39 PM Looks like you've got lots of good information here Bonnie. To find The Woods web site and more information on what happens at Greenbank visit my web site and follow the links. If you have any questions send me email at ynot@globalserve.net. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Willie-O Date: 26 Nov 99 - 08:59 PM WW--thats about the wind we're getting, but not quite as intense or steady. Our neighbours at the top of the hill get it like that. (hate to have their power flickers.) LT--I'm in scenic Lanark County, one hour west of Ottawa which is where I go for bright lights if I feel the need...regrettably I rarely get to To. but perhaps my annual or bi-annual weekender is coming soon. By the way I book occasional mini-concerts --in a small coffee-house size hall right here in McDonalds Corners. (Bonnie: this is one way to get people to play with you--its the musicians equivalent of 'that kids so ugly we have to hang a porkchop around his neck so the dog will play with him') Not sure of the future of this endeavour but interested performers are welcome to contact me, Bill Cameron--have a look at the web page first Bill C. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: WyoWoman Date: 26 Nov 99 - 11:18 PM Bill -- I couldn't open that link. Says the browser couldn't find that domain name... And still the wind blows. All this talk of Morris dancing has me very curious. I haven't a clue what this looks like. It sounds like slam dancing and hockey all thrown together. Could someone 'splain? WyoWoman |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Liz the Squeak Date: 26 Nov 99 - 11:38 PM WyoWoman: - About Morris dancing, refresh the threads of that name that were going around earlier this month - there are some pretty inaccurate descriptions, but then again, there are some pretty inaccurate morris teams! If you can imagine a set dance, 6 or 8, all male, all dressed alike (like prawns that is.... shut up, I've sewed enough morris britches together to be able to say that!) all wearing little bells, not unlike those on cat collars, but bigger, then you probably have a) a good idea, b) LMAOROTF, or c) a weirder imagination than I do.... IF you really want to get into it, there is a morris dance discussion list, just search for morris dance. And baldricks are not what you are thinking - or you 'Spaw, baldricks are strips of cloth that are worn across the chest in a sort of 'cross your heart' style, usually with rosettes placed in strategic positions. A Baldrick is one single piece, baldricks are two. Any combination can be worn. Never wear a morris mans' hat.... they have strange properties (and are usually very sweaty). There are different types of morris, depending on the tradition learnt, but that is getting too far too soon. Then comes the sword and rapper dancers - same sort of thing but with swords (one handle) and rappers (two handles). Don't go down there!!! LTS - whose SO and BOTS are dancers, was once a dancer herself and PSO's included several of that ilk..... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: WyoWoman Date: 26 Nov 99 - 11:52 PM So it's a guy thing? It IS slam dancing, in bells, with sticks... (no wonder it's a guy thing)
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Rick Fielding Date: 27 Nov 99 - 12:07 AM No it's not WYO, it's a "weird" thing. On the other hand, I have to admit I've thought of being a Morris button-box player, but Heather hates accordions so much I never get a chance to practice. Seriously though, I know most of them and they're a hell of a nice group. You can still move to Toronto. Rick
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: WyoWoman Date: 27 Nov 99 - 12:15 AM I just went to the Morris Dancing foundation website or some such. I've seen pictures and I'm not feeling especially illuminated. But it does look goofy and fun, which are two of MY favorite adjectives. Do they have Morris dancing in Toronto or is it strictly a U.K. kind of thaing? (Actually, is it just England? I didn't see other countries on that website...)
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Little Neophyte Date: 27 Nov 99 - 09:08 AM I went to The Red Lantern last night to see Laura Thomas perform. She was wonderful! What a beautiful voice she has and I just finished listening to her new CD 'Simple Things' which I truly enjoyed. Thank you Laura for taking the time to chat with me. Bonnie |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Midchuck Date: 27 Nov 99 - 09:41 AM "Do they have Morris dancing in Toronto or is it strictly a U.K. kind of thaing? (Actually, is it just England? I didn't see other countries on that website...)" They certainly have it in the U. S. In the northeast, at least, "rapper" can mean two entirely different things, and it's hard to say which is worse. Favorite line at NEFFA or NOMAD: "Did you find any good jams going?" "No, not now. Let's go laugh at the Morris dancers." |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Rick Fielding Date: 27 Nov 99 - 01:20 PM Morris dancing is HUGE in Toronto. Way to go Bonnie. Them Mudcatters is plumb helpful at times! Rick |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: bseed(charleskratz) Date: 27 Nov 99 - 03:14 PM If only I knew as much about the San Francisco Bay Area folk scene as I now know about Toronto...I think you guys must have the highest concentration of Mudcat members of any place on earth--and the most active folk music scene. In my next life I wanna be born in Toronto. --seed |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Liz the Squeak Date: 27 Nov 99 - 03:32 PM There are morris teams in Tranto, and they have their own site, but can't do cut and paste for the address. Try putting in morris dancing and then Toronto. It isn't just a guy thang, I think I mentioned that I used to do it.... and ain't no guy!!! There are various womens teams around, some are girly and frilly, have lots of flowers and ribbons, others are more like mens' sides in dress and are a bit more energetic. Again, refresh the original Morris Dancing threads of earlier this month or late last month.... LTS |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Toronto LT Date: 27 Nov 99 - 05:08 PM Bonnie.... Thanks so much for coming out to my gig last night. It was really great to meet you. I think I have a gig already for you! I teach music at Toronto City Hall once a week to 2 1/2 to 4 year olds. ( 5 classes of 8 children each) I like to take different instruments in to show them. Maybe one morning you'd like to come by and play for them. I play fiddle, guitar and often mandolin for them. I'm sure none of them have ever seen a banjo before! By the way I noticed you were up at 9am this morning. I sure wasn't. Thanks too for buying a CD of Simple Things. Let me know what your favourite track is. Bye For Now, Laura Thomas |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: BK Date: 27 Nov 99 - 07:59 PM I, too have often gotten the impression from here & much more from the e-mail Canadian folk list I'm on that the folk scene up there must be to-die-for... OTOH, the grass is always greener..... isn't it?? Cheers, BK.. ps WW & Magpie; the GOOD jams, circles, etc, welcome folks of various abilities & song preferences.... the GOOD ones... NOT ALL... (?life in the big city..?) |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Date: 27 Nov 99 - 09:20 PM morris dancing is mighty in the home counties but i bet those torontonians could dance a merry jig if pressed LOL |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: WyoWoman Date: 27 Nov 99 - 09:24 PM TorontoLT and Bonnie -- a collaboration is born! We'll wait for updates. Yes, the grass is greener. For those of us in the provinces, however, it honestly does seem very brown sometimes. (Of course, I'm skipping a jam this very evening to stay home and work, so I've brought some of this isolation on myself. It's just that it's almost exclusively bluegrass and that isn't my most favorite.) WW |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Toronto LT Date: 27 Nov 99 - 11:08 PM Hi WW! So where are you from and what do you play? Are you a singer? Just wondering..... I'm staying in tonight too. Although I make my living playing all different kinds of music I am a huge folk fan and always have been. I always think simple and good is the best choice in any music but the folkies really usually get the idea! Anyways, part of the reason that I'm in tonight is that I have a 19month old baby. I did take a break from music but am back at it full swing again. Since I usually work in a smokey bar I am enjoying this Saturday evening folding laundry, coloring and generally getting things together! I must say I'm enjoying this mudcat thing. How am I ever going to get my work done now??##!! I'm looking forward to meeting lots of new friends. I do travel quite a bit too as my husband is also a full time player. I was wondering if anyone knows much about live music in Atlantic City. I'll be there for a couple of weeks in January and would love to meet some players there. Laura Thomas Laura Thomas |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: WyoWoman Date: 27 Nov 99 - 11:30 PM Hi there, Toronto, Yes, I sing. All different kinds of music from bluegrasss and old-time country to chorale music. Living in Wyoming, where the antelope out-number the people and they don't sing so well. Welcome to the Mudcat -- it can be very time-consuming, but generally is pretty fun. (Almost everyone who posts seems terrific. As a warning, however, you should know that not EVERYone is, so you should be a bit cautious about posting too much identifiable personal information online. Go to personal messages if you want to talk about anything you don't want a bazillion people all over the planet reading. An odd thing to consider, isn't it?) Someday I think I have to make a trip to Toronto to visit the Mudcat coven up there. Sounds like a terrific community. Best, WW |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Toronto LT Date: 27 Nov 99 - 11:35 PM Thanks WW Laura |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: WyoWoman Date: 28 Nov 99 - 12:00 AM No problem. I tried to send you a personal message, but didn't find you there. Have you registered? It's not necessary, but that way you can go off the threads and "converse." WW |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Toronto LT Date: 28 Nov 99 - 02:42 AM WW I don't really know how that works. I have a personal home page but I've never sent or received any messages. LT |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Willie-O Date: 28 Nov 99 - 12:47 PM oh duh, there's only two t's in Ottawa, which is about to be reinvented as a new medium-sized megacity. So the link I posted yesterday should be: e-mail address right Bill |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: MandolinPaul Date: 28 Nov 99 - 01:38 PM Hey Willie I've been thinking that I need to find some other musicians. I live in Nepean, and don't really know where to go. I take mandolin lessons at The Ottawa Folklore Centre, but haven't made any connections yet. Unfortunately I have a very busy schedule, and doubt I could make the trip to your McDonald's Corner's 'do's; they sound great. Feel free to email me. I'd appreciate any information I can get. That goes for anyone else in the Ottawa area. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Toronto LT Date: 30 Nov 99 - 07:56 AM Looking for Banjo Bonnie, Hi Bonnie.....it's Laura. I wonder if you could drop me a line at SimpleThings@laurathomas.net I don't have a phone number or e-mail for you and would like to let you know about some stuff. Do you know that Norm Hacking hosts a Songwriter's night at The Tranzac on Tuesday evenings? I think I'll be dropping by there for a bit around 10pm tonight. I'll be in later today. Laura |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Little Neophyte Date: 30 Nov 99 - 08:15 AM Hi Laura, Nice to see other early bird Mudcatters. Love your CD Simple Things. I admire your efforts to support Covenant House. I've been working with a place called Street Haven located on Pembroke St. I'll drop you a note through email. Take care Bonnie |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Toronto LT Date: 30 Nov 99 - 06:42 PM Hi Bonnie, Thanks for the mail. I'll reply as soon as I can. What kind of work do you do with Street Haven? Where is Pembroke Street? Laura |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Davey Date: 07 Dec 99 - 08:42 AM Great thread, lots of interesting information.... TorontoLT and Banjo Bonnie, you might be interested in the weekly, Friday night Song Circle. It takes place in people's homes, starting at 8:30 - 8:45, general format is: Once around the room, each person can pick (request a song), play (sing or lead a song)or pass. This usually lasts until 10:30 (we get 20-25 people each week), when there is a break for food and conversation (everyone generally brings a small food or beverage contribution). After the break the format is much less formal, with no set pattern and usually more instrumental accompaniment. Finishing time is generally 1:00 -1:30 AM.... If you want more specific information or locations, send a note to my ID on the mudcat. To reply to a few of your comments, Toronto does indeed have a wealth of folk venues and jam sessions. It's possible to get involved with jams, sessions, sing arounds, open stages and concerts nearly every night of the week. We love our communities. sophocleese, from your post I think you must be CT from the Woods. Am I close? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Richard Bridge Date: 07 Dec 99 - 02:40 PM Would it be a good idea to have a searchable list of open sessions, singarounds, folk clubs and the like? CLub organisers could submit detials to be posted like songs in the digitrad. Perhaps there sould be separate ones for areas of a reasonalble size, etc. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Frank Hamilton Date: 07 Dec 99 - 04:37 PM BB, Don't know how it works in Toronto but here's an idea. Hold a weekly or monthly sing-along jam at your place. Invite anyone you think might be interested. If you are consistently meeting, you are bound to find musicians who want to check it out. When you find out who you like jamming with, then you can keep running your session or go to theirs. The point is to cultivate those who are on your musical wavelength and you'll find out who there are if you run the sessions. Frank |
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Subject: RE: BS: Finding Other Musicians To Play With From: Little Neophyte Date: 07 Dec 99 - 05:53 PM Hi Frank Your suggestion makes sense. At this point, I'm so new, I have to get myself out there to other's song circles and attend folk music events. I'm working on that now. Eventually, I hope to meet enough people to feel comfortable holding my own session and at the same time develop relationships with those I relate to musically. I'm so new to folk music and playing an instrument that I sense this will eventually all fall into place as long as I continue to put the effort into it. Thanks Bonnie |
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