More gigs in schools, libraries, museums

Subject: More gigs in schools, libraries, museums
From: Dave Ruch
Date: 10 Jan 16 - 10:29 AM

Thought this might be of interest to some mudcatters...I've started a new blog for musicians and other performers interested in doing more work in schools, museums, libraries and other non-strictly-folk venues.

I've been taking folk and traditional music into these kinds of places (mainly in the USA) for the last 20 years and have discovered, among other things, what a wonderful career can be made by "packaging" our programs around specific themes and doing a bit of educating as we entertain (something that many here are already so good at).

Anyways, I welcome one and all to the discussion.

Blog homepage is here

Subject: RE: More gigs in schools, libraries, museums
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 10 Jan 16 - 11:23 AM

The National Library of Ireland has sponsored a series of concerts of Child Ballads over the he last couple of years entitled 'Man, Woman and Child' inspired and organised by an enterprising Wexford couple, Aileen Lambert and Mick Fortune - these included a team of singers, some of whom had never sung and were unaware of the Child Ballads before this project in venues throughout Ireland, culminating in a day dedicated to the subject, a CD launch (Early Ballads in Ireland) and a highly enjoyable evening at the Goilín Club in Dublin.
The end result was excellent - now it it possible to sing and hear Child Ballads without being self-conscious about "long, narrative songs".
Hopefully, there will be similar projects in the not-too-distant future.
MAN, WOMAN and CHILD
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: More gigs in schools, libraries, museums
From: Dave Ruch
Date: 11 Jan 16 - 01:58 PM

That looks like a great project Jim, and interesting that you've seen an uptick in the performance of Child Ballads around Ireland.

In many ways, I find libraries to be a perfect venue (minus the beer, unfortunately) for the performance of material with some historical or traditional context. It fits perfectly with the mission of the organization, and people are there to learn as much as they are to be entertained.

Subject: RE: More gigs in schools, libraries, museums
From: GUEST,David Nuttall, Wakefield
Date: 12 Jan 16 - 07:01 AM

The YORKSHIRE GARLAND group do outstanding work in bringing Folk Music to the community AND to schools as well as researching songs etc . They further serve many other objectives....albeit with the focus on Yorkshire songs and tunes. Please see their excellent web site for more information.

David

Subject: RE: More gigs in schools, libraries, museums
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 12 Jan 16 - 07:24 AM

Very gratifying that it seems to have had a nationwide effect - just goes to show what can be achieved if you catch the ear of the right people.
"(minus the beer, unfortunately)"
We're working on that!!
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: More gigs in schools, libraries, museums
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 12 Jan 16 - 07:54 AM

Can I make a plug for our own work here?
Back in the early seventies we began recording the older generation in West Clare.
A few years ago we approached our local County Library, which already had an impressive website of traditional music, but no songs, despite the fact that the County was rich in traditional song
They jumped at the idea, and set two librarians to work preparing over five hundred of our songs.
They gave us carte blanche to annotate the songs – the whole project took over two years and the end result was something to be proud of
CLARE SONGS
Our good friend, Len Graham, has suggested thgat "Every County should have one" and there is no reason why they shouldn't.
They are now preparing ours and a friends recordings of local musicians and Clare musicians we recorded in London playing and talking about the old music in its natural environment .
Recently, The World Music Centre at Limerick University have agreed to take our collection for their students and, on the strength of our thirty-odd years work with Irish Travellers in London, are now considering a Travellers website.
Just goes to show what can be done if you push the right buttons
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: More gigs in schools, libraries, museums
From: bbc
Date: 12 Jan 16 - 08:54 AM

I think what you're doing is great, Dave! I've seen other folk musicians, such as Lui Collins, successfully go the same direction, as their careers develop. The kids need to hear, if we're to have a future for folk music. I, also, applaud your use of technology! Having been an educator for 20 years, I know the ins & outs of scheduling enrichment programs for schools. I loved your world-wide concert & I appreciate your use of Concert Window!

Best always,

Barbara