festivals with Unaccompanied singing

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: The Sandman
Date: 05 Nov 21 - 04:00 PM

yes, i think you are right Manitas

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Manitas_at_home
Date: 05 Nov 21 - 04:58 AM

I'm not sure about the last paragraph. I'm sure I've seen church organs that require the use of knees to effect register changes and the feet are used to operate bass pedals.

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: The Sandman
Date: 05 Nov 21 - 04:35 AM

there are six counties in the geographical island of ireland that are in the UK.
IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO HAVE PEDAL STEEL FOR COUNTRY MUSIC.BONZO some INFOThe pedal steel guitar is a console-type of steel guitar with pedals and knee levers that change the pitch of certain strings to enable playing more varied and complex music than any previous steel guitar design. Like all steel guitars, it can play unlimited glissandi (sliding notes) and deep vibrati—characteristics it shares with the human voice. Pedal steel is most commonly associated with American country music and Hawaiian music.

Pedals were added to a lap steel guitar in 1940, allowing the performer to play a major scale without moving the bar and also to push the pedals while striking a chord, making passing notes slur or bend up into harmony with existing notes. The latter creates a unique sound that has been popular in country and western music— a sound not previously possible on steel guitars before pedals were added.

From its first use in Hawaii in the 19th century, the steel guitar sound became popular in the United States in the first half of the 20th century and spawned a family of instruments designed specifically to be played with the guitar in a horizontal position, also known as "Hawaiian-style". The first instrument in this chronology was the Hawaiian guitar also called a lap steel; next was a lap steel with a resonator to make it louder, first made by National and Dobro Corporation. The electric guitar pickup was invented in 1934, allowing steel guitars to be heard equally with other instruments. Electronic amplification enabled subsequent development of the electrified lap steel, then the console steel, and finally the pedal steel guitar.

Playing the pedal steel has unusual physical requirements in requiring simultaneous coordination of both hands, both feet and both knees (knees operate levers on medial and lateral sides of each knee); the only other instrument with similar requirements is the American reed organ. Pioneers in development of the instrument include Buddy Emmons, Jimmy Day, Bud Isaacs, Zane Beck, and Paul Bigsby. In addition to American country music, the instrument is used in sacred music in the eastern and southern United States (called Sacred Steel), jazz, and Nigerian Music.

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 05 Nov 21 - 03:35 AM

Must have pedal steel for country music!!

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: GUEST,Malcolm Storey
Date: 04 Nov 21 - 08:49 PM

The request was for JUNE.
Just to clarify - the Towerfest at Drax is predominently Country and Western with - as far as I know - no unaccompanied singing.

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Shezinaussie
Date: 04 Nov 21 - 12:54 AM

well....maybe 2022.....just read my last comment in March 2020 - and here we are just over 18 mths later saying 'maybe 2022' - just shook the dust off the 2020 spreadsheet, spent an hour on the net, filled in the potential dates for 2022 - our borders in Aussie have opened, well nearly, and provided the airfares are not horrendous, 2022 is the UK year - SOOOO looking forward to having a sing with you all, as sadly, unaccompanied singing is definitely hard to find in Aussie now - it is still happening, but definitely NOT on the main stages, and to quote Annie Fentiman a few years back, 'we are even scratching to find it in the village hall'! looking forward to 4 mths of singing!

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Shezinaussie
Date: 15 Mar 20 - 09:25 AM

thanks for all your help - it was all in hand, everything on track.....but, blindsided by a stoke of medical reality - 'the virus' - so, sadly, we have cancelled our trip for 2020 - but, we'll be back.....2021 will be the year it seems !

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 10 Mar 20 - 10:38 AM

Hi Shez, in case you miss it on the Coronavirus thread, I'm sorry to say that the Fifesing weekend in mid-May has been cancelled owing to concerns re possible spread of the virus among not-so- young singers. Just heard this morning. Hope your trip is not hampered in any way.

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Shezinaussie
Date: 11 Feb 20 - 03:01 PM

Thanks Vectis - I googled and found a ph number for Clare Penny - she is passing info on to whoever is running it - sounds perfect actually!!!
Hi Herga Kitty - It was 25 yrs since I lived in UK, but I did come back in 2009 & 2010 I think it was, and probably came to Herga then! (can't remember ....CRAFT :))
I have applied to steward at Chippenham!

Still looking for a camper van though, if anyone knows of one; or can recommend a dealer - budget is 10000 pounds; bed above the cab, and bed at the back; toilet/shower - everything else is a bonus but not essential!

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 09 Feb 20 - 04:04 PM

Hi Shez - I think we'll be running some singarounds at Chippenham, so hope to see you there..... is it really 25 years.....?!!!

Kitty

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: vectis
Date: 08 Feb 20 - 10:24 PM

I would highly commend

Pennymoor Song and Ale - First weekend in June. Friday 5 to Sunday 7 June 2020. Google for it and the contact details.

A wonderful weekend of local and outside singers held in Devon a few instruments but mainly unaccompanied, lusty, singing by a really friendly crowd. Camping available. One of the festivals I really miss now I am living down under.

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 06 Feb 20 - 07:33 PM

Sounds like a great itinerary, Shez: hope we may see you at Fifesing, but just go with whatever works best for you. I just had a Fifesing email today, so there may now be more detail of the programme on the website.

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 06 Feb 20 - 05:00 AM

This funding distortion is serious. No problem about musicians making a living out of the music, but funders who have a set amount for 'folk and traditional music often take the easy & safe route.

I recall a few years ago when my local authority had a set amount for traditional music, but had no background or knowledge of this kind of music & gave 100pc to a locally thriving country music festival!    yeeha.
Easy and safe but not very helpful to the grassroots!

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 05 Feb 20 - 05:55 PM

Hull Folk & Maritime.
Free festival apart from a couple of concerts. Last year due to lack of funding we had a grass roots festival based on local singers/musicians with lots of singarounds and sessions, concerts on boats. The way funding is currently going it's looking like same again. If we get any substantial funding it will go on a few big names for paid concerts but the basic grass roots will always be there.

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: r.padgett
Date: 05 Feb 20 - 02:55 AM

I will certainly see you at some of these! god willing

Ray

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Shezinaussie
Date: 04 Feb 20 - 09:04 PM

I have the Falmouth International Shanty Festival on my list - definitely going to that -
looked at DORSET TRADITIONAL SONG WEEKEND        5/6/20        7/6/20 - but only 35 tickets so decided too small
for the weekend 26th to 28th:
choice of St Albans Festival or Hull Folk and Maritime Festival or West Sommerset Folk - which has the most singing is the question ???
Gap on 19th to 21st June????
Someone mentioned: Fifesing - that is in May - we are tossing up between Fifesing & Shepley Spring Festival - same weekend!
May is sorted, apart from that question: Upton Festival, then Holmfirth Festival then Fifesing
or Shepley Spring Festival, then Chippenham festival then an extra one at Doncaster Folk Festival!
July is: Cleackheaton, Warwick Festival
August - Whitby & Shrewsbury - still a work in progress
September is one only, Bromyard, as leaving the country then!
Might be shattered if we do them all :(
Yes Brian Peters, it is me!!
Thanks everyone for your input :)

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 04 Feb 20 - 10:27 AM

Wow! Presumably not all singers then.

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 04 Feb 20 - 10:14 AM

According to the website of the Paimpol Festival of "Chants de Marins" in Brittany, 130,000 people go!

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 03 Feb 20 - 12:07 PM

>>>>>listening to a full weekend of shanties would be MY idea of hell<<<<< Fair dos, but not many people go to listen, they go to sing and participate!

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 03 Feb 20 - 10:50 AM

I think they still have diddling competitions at some of the TMSA festivals.

Worth saying too, that both Fifesing and Cullerlie, though happening in Scotland (and not in June!), don't confine themselves to Scots songs: there are usually guests from Scotland, England and Ireland (N and S), and sometimes from N America, as well as loads of enthusiastic singers among the general attenders. And they both have facilities for camping, whether tents or motorhomes/caravans.

Cornwall or Keith for that weekend of June 12th-14th? What a choice - and a distance between them!
You may need the wellies at Cullerlie!

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Jack Campin
Date: 03 Feb 20 - 10:30 AM

Can you still hear diddling anywhere? Last heard it at Muchty, years ago.

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: GUEST,crumbly
Date: 03 Feb 20 - 07:11 AM

Shanty festivals are very popular & great for participation, but not comparable to some of the generally solo singing at many festivals' - they tend to be very different animals...

Shez may be aware of this- matter of taste really- listening to a full weekend of shanties would be MY idea of hell, but heyho

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: GUEST,Guest Tim
Date: 03 Feb 20 - 05:58 AM

Falmouth International Shanty Festival

June 12th to June 14th inclusive

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Brian Peters
Date: 03 Feb 20 - 05:23 AM

H Shez, thought it might be you, but didn't want to assume. So I guess good singaround sessions are the priority? Possibly Moor & Coast, though I really don't know what it's like these days.

Others will have suggestions now we've refined the search!

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Shezinaussie
Date: 02 Feb 20 - 10:14 PM

and I am NOT a choir singer - I am talking good sing around stuff - 'give it Wellie' was a good description for a great sing!

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Shezinaussie
Date: 02 Feb 20 - 09:40 PM

and yes, I do exist - I was in UK 25 yrs ago, worked on The Widows Uniform - Brian Peters can vouch that I am real! so could have Johnny Collins, but sadly no more! I was also around 10 & 9 yrs ago - did 3 mth stints over there.....Mr Red may remember me also - I am there from May till mid September - already locked in about 10 festivals as a steward!
Looking for a van still - under 10,000 pounds - bed above the cabin & one or two in the back - filling it up with Aussie for 3 of the months; and with my dear UK mate the other 2 mths - so beware, we are real, and we are coming to create havoc.....sorry, I mean coming to SING!
and I didn't know there had been any responses till I came and looked today - so need to check how I can be advised when there have been responses ......

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Shezinaussie
Date: 02 Feb 20 - 09:29 PM

Hi Brian - singing in general - session singing, including chorus & leading a song!

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Shezinaussie
Date: 02 Feb 20 - 09:24 PM

Thank you all
Yes, I did mean England & Scotland & Wales - did not mean to include Ireland (sorry)
Yes, I am aware of the 'lists of festivals' but I don't know which ones are predominately unaccompanied English, which is my love - so that was what I was looking for - recommendations of festivals that focused 'A LOT' on that genre!
If I could figure out how, I would have responded to a few of you directly.
Yes, MR RED - I will recognise you :)

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 02 Feb 20 - 04:18 PM

Pax then, Steve: I was also trying to be helpful, and of course I had had read the word JUNE! But not knowing when Shez's 4 months starts and ends, it still seemed worthwhile to highlight other festivals within that period. (And the first 2 I mentioned really do specialise almost exclusively in unaccompanied singing.)
Agree with Johnny J that Keith is a nice festival, and IS in June!

And Guest Tim, when is that Falmouth Festival?

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: GUEST,Guest Tim
Date: 02 Feb 20 - 04:03 PM

You could do a lot worse than Falmouth International Shanty Festival, a cracking weekend of mainly unaccompanied singing, fantastic atmosphere and Cornwall, what more could you want?.

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Feb 20 - 08:34 AM

Maybe Sheezinaussie doesn't exist?- no response anyway, although some useful info here

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Johnny J
Date: 02 Feb 20 - 04:42 AM

There's Keith Festival on 12 June - 14 June.

Most of the singing there is of the unaccompanied variety(and there's lots) although there is also a musical(These days, dominated by SDBs unfortunately) side as well.

It's friendly and welcoming though.

The website seems to have gone as it used to be linked to the TMSA site which has now ben revamped.

Ah, I found something.... http://tmsakeithfestival.blogspot.com/

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 02 Feb 20 - 03:50 AM

TB, humble apologies! I was only trying to be helpful and others have also pointed out that JUNE was being emphasised.

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 01 Feb 20 - 08:12 PM

And FOUR MONTHS! Shez may not have already filled every waking minute of the other three months with festivals, and/or might be able to take in some of those in other months, plan a route around those that sound as if they fit the bill the most closely. I know I would if someone told me about something really good.
Why so critical of people trying to provide helpful advice, Steve? It took me a while to get all the info/create the blickies. Please don't be so patronising or apologise for me!! Preferably apologise TO me!
And other people read the posts and might be interested too: we're not using private messaging!

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 01 Feb 20 - 06:17 PM

Wonder why Shez specifically mentions JUNE then.

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 01 Feb 20 - 04:10 PM

JUNE is a four-letter word, but Shez said he/she was coming for four months (unspecified which months and has not replied to request to be more specific)), so not unreasonable to mention other good festivals any time between March and September - 4 months before and after, but including JUNE! I kept my list to those that I know do have a large proportion of UNACCOMPANIED singing!! (Which was also requested).
Or did you have some other 4-letter word in mind, Steve?

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 01 Feb 20 - 03:19 PM

Shez, apologies on behalf of Catters who cannot read four-letter words!

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 01 Feb 20 - 02:00 PM

The three Scottish ones where you will find the most unaccompanied singing are as follows:

Fifesing Traditional Singing Festival - May 15th-17th 2020 - based in Freuchie and Falkland (in Fife, of course!)
Fifesing Traditional Singing Festival

Cullerlie Traditional Singing Weekend: July 24th-26th 2020 - at Cullerlie Farm park - a few miles west of Aberdeen. Apart from teh singing there is a chance to learn rural crafts!
No other details of this year's event yet, but worth bookmarking the website:
Cullerlie Traditional Singing Weekend

Then there's Falkland Traditional Music Festival (also in Falkland, Fife, which took a break last year, but is up and running again this year: it has gone back from June to August to the same weekend that used to be the one for the long-running Auchtermuchty Festival, 7th-9th August:
Falkland Traditional Music Festival

And if you like a bit of Scottish history, no better place to be than in Falkland: see the Palace, including Real tennis court where Maty Queen of Scots might have played!

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Feb 20 - 08:21 AM

"it's good to agree with you about SOMETHING anyway!"
It is indeed Jim
For me, the limit of ignorance of all things foreign was reached by a customer who told me, "we have Irish neigbours so we always check under the car before we drive off in the morning"
Jim

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 01 Feb 20 - 08:07 AM

It might help if the originator identified the four months he will be right way up.

Or, as I learned only today, the antipodes (they are for someone in Oz)

cheers or good on yer mate

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 01 Feb 20 - 06:50 AM

Dead right John- back to the subject- there have been a few mentions of specific festivals & sessions - there have been a few useful suggestions, yours among them.
You know as well as I do that many listed UK festivals would be a bit short on unaccompanied singing?

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 01 Feb 20 - 06:27 AM

Just a wee reminder of the OP, as we seem to have got sidetracked into semantics, and struggles with the calendar.


"Subject: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Shezinaussie - PM
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 01:57 AM

advice please - we are coming for 4 mths - struggling for JUNE festivals that focus on Unaccompanied singing sessions?
We want to steward if possible; but not a deal breaker.
Anywhere in UK - so suggestions please?"

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 01 Feb 20 - 05:42 AM

Jim C- you're dead right about the terminology, but I'll have one more go- it's good to agree with you about SOMETHING anyway!!
Ignorance of anything outside England (or part of it?) has been well demonstrated for many years & especially today
When we did B&B in West Cork, we had English visitors who brought their own stamps for their postcards. And quite annoyed to be told they'd need to buy Irish ones!- how long has Ireland been independent?

Originator of the thread hasn't clarified what he/she really wants and Aussies are probably better probably better informed, but hopefully someone can give more specific advice to make the best of the trip...

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 05:39 PM

Any folk festival has unaccompanied singing if I go to it.

Tradsinger

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 03:13 PM

"Jim C, the English call it the English Channel- the French call it La Manche."
By the French - the English tend not to foul their mouths with foreign-speak
The Irish Sea is also referred to as the Celtic Sea, of course

It doesn't matter, of course - I rased the question because I felt that visitors should be forewarned of the prevailing 'Little England-ism' on the rise at present
I think that's about enough, don't you ?
Jim

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: WalkaboutsVerse
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 02:49 PM

Most/all of the festivals in Durham and Northumberland, including "The...Morpeth Northumbrian Gathering"

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 01:25 PM

I think we're mostly agreed about geographical terms- a real minefield.

Jim C, the English call it the English Channel- the French call it La Manche.

My Grandad didn't talk about the North Sea- he called it the German Ocean!
Shez- a few festivals DO describe themselves as Singing Festivals- look out for them rather than just folk festivals- or you could be very disappointed- inly there are plenty of singing events (mainly informal sessions) in Ireland as well....you have 4 months

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: GUEST,Modette
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 12:36 PM

Yeah, Jim,

I know that.

But Clonmany (where the Inishowen event's held) is less than thirty miles from Derry.

Some of us tend to regard a lot of Norn Iron (and parts of Glasgow) as Greater Donegal.

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 12:34 PM

June 26th-28th is Hull Folk and Maritime Festival. The weekend before already posted is Beverley Fringe (8 miles away). Both have ample opportunities for unaccompanied singing, but not exclusively of course.
Both are mainly free events and the singarounds certainly are free.

Subject: RE: festivals with Unaccompanied singing
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Jan 20 - 11:49 AM

Whitby Folk Week is mainly traditional, so plenty of unaccompanied singing there.
I hope that you are wrong Michael, my B&B is booked for August.

(The thread is about festivals in JUNE)