Best cities in USA for folk music

Subject: RE: Best cities in USA for folk music
From: GUEST,sorefingers
Date: 17 Sep 02 - 08:31 PM

Shepherdstown here 'aigh come' -- but be ready! I love to jam on the street so if arrested I know who to call for bail!

In the mean time yall phoakies who tire of the Mountain snows should hurry on down to the great city of San Antonio Texas where, I am informed, there are more great jams, bring yer hat and mug you'll need both.

Subject: RE: Best cities in USA for folk music
From: Janice in NJ
Date: 17 Sep 02 - 08:42 PM

I spent many a pleasant night in San Antonny in Dick's Last Resort. Kind of reminded me of the country music place in The Blues Brothers. I mean people were tossing all sorts of things at the performers: coins, napkins, balloons, dollar bills, blouses, you nmae it. No beer bottles, though, or anything else dangerous. If you go, try the fried catfish.

Subject: RE: Best cities in USA for folk music
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 17 Sep 02 - 08:59 PM

"Here a person is in more danger of phyical from a family member than a stranger." Actually the statistics seem to show that this is generally the case in most places, in spite of the impression you get from the media.

But that's drift - not as intersting as these little places coming to light here. I mean cities are all right, but...

Subject: RE: Best cities in USA for folk music
From: GUEST,Claymore
Date: 18 Sep 02 - 06:01 PM

A couple things about Shepherdstown are unique, which help to support the arts and folk music in our town. We have a large number of retired senior government and company executives who are determined to support the arts as a quality of life issue. They provide much in the way of grant writing and organizational skills which allow the musicians and artists to focus on their skills and expertise. We have a college in the center of town which has an amazing theater and music arts program, including BS degrees in production, music (including jazz), dance, and ethnomusicology. Each of the students in the arts program must take part in some way in 25 events a year, whether performing or producing, etc. And finally, you have an extremely strong volunteer ethic in the town, which actually mandates your standing within the town.

Within a year of arriving, most new people are approached to serve in some capacity in an arts organization. It may be the only dark side of Shepherdstown, but if you refuse to volunteer to assist in a dance, theater, music, production or grant writing entity, absent some disability or family obligation, your circle of friends gets rather small. People move here to do this, and you are catagorized or characterized by your arts group.

You're a morris dancer, contra dancer, clogger, modern dancer, or a folk, blues, rock, or symphonic musician. You're watercolor, oil, or mixed media artist. You're an Appalachian, rock, folk, gospel, or blues singer. If you own a restarant, you cater backstage. If you are a poet you are expected to provide one for special occasions, and you practice your art at the Mechlenburg Inn every Sunday afternoon. There is a drummers circle at the train station Saturday afternoon, and you are expected to lead the May Day parade. If you aren't particularly talented, you collect tickets, bring water to the performers or assist the handicapped. You pick up musicians at the airport or work traffic around the Morris dancers in the street. There is a job for everyone of all ages and you must volunteer.

Interestingly enough, the most prized job for a young male is to be the town crier, who is carefully selected by the town council, and who proceeds all parades. For the young ladies, it is to be a Mini Morris dancer, who dance with flower garlands during our two day Mayday celebration, and march with the Green Man, the Unicorn and the Mayor (who carries a ancient gnarled staff with twisted bands of fresh lilac as his badge of office).

I myself am an Old Time and Celtic musician and the town sound guy. You call O'Hurleys General Store and they will connect you to me. If you have a problem with an amp, mixer, speaker or mike, I will lend you something until you get yours fixed, and if you need it late, I will leave it on my front porch for you to pick it up. I've never been burned and always respected. But this town is serious about it's arts, it's dances, it's festivals and it's culture. It demands your commitment, but once you do, after the show, you'll be jamming with people you have only read about.

To close, I was once quoted in an article about Shepherdstown that, "This town is like Peter Pan's Island of Lost Boys. If you never leave, you never have to grow up".

Subject: RE: Best cities in USA for folk music
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 18 Sep 02 - 07:02 PM

Well, if the Atlantic ocean wasn't in the way I think I'd be heading out to Shepherdstown - looks good.

That Mountain View in Arkansas sounded OK too - but that "Stone County is dry!" sounded a bit off-putting.

And Portsmouth New Hampshire too.

Any more? Yere muist be - that's a big country, and most of it isn't cities.

Subject: RE: Best cities in USA for folk music
From: Suffet
Date: 18 Sep 02 - 09:00 PM

Huntington, New York. That's on Long Island.

Subject: RE: Best cities in USA for folk music
From: GUEST,sorefingers
Date: 19 Sep 02 - 02:13 PM

Dear Mr Mc Grath you'd be very cheated if after making the trip into the interior you missed Mtn View!. I declare there is no place in the World like it!

I did not expect a big deal when first I chose it on a trip, but was so amazed that I came back several times! There is no charge for listening - sometimes to National Stars who turn up there! - you can pick till your fingers are stubs and if you really want to get a shant anyone there will gladly take you over the County Line for the goods.

The Dry County adds to the character of it and if you liked the Beverly Hill Billies or Dukes of Hazard you'd love the place. It is very special today in a rapidly changing United States!

Subject: Looking for a Central Florida Auto Harp Clubs
From: GUEST,MBeth
Date: 29 Dec 06 - 08:31 PM

I am new to the area and would like to join an Auto Harp Club in the Sandford Deland Orange City or Deltona Florida Area does any one have any ideas where I might find a group or club?

Subject: RE: Best cities in USA for folk music
From: Bill D
Date: 29 Dec 06 - 09:05 PM

this really ought to have a new thread started in order to attract the 'right' notice..

Subject: RE: Best cities in USA for folk music
From: Bert
Date: 30 Dec 06 - 01:30 AM

As Mike says the Philadelphia area has a good folk scene. PFSS is not the only game in town (Mike can tell you all about them). There's Fortissimo and the Bucks CountyFolk Song Society (one of my favourites) and Mudcat itself is just up the road in West Chester.

There's also the First Saturday of the Month Club.

Subject: RE: Best cities in USA for folk music
From: GUEST,musicmic
Date: 30 Dec 06 - 01:49 AM

Yes, indeed, Bert, Philadelphia is cornocopious with folksinging as well as folk listening. Fortissimo and the Bucks County Society are, both, providers of sings, sessions and performances as are Folksong Societies in nearby locales like Princeton. And let us not forget the wonderful open jams at the Mermaid Inn in Chestnut Hill and that ain't the half of it. Whether you sing, dance or just listen, Philadelphia is your kind of town. We may have lost Alan Iverson, but we still have a song in our heart.

                Mike

Subject: RE: Best cities in USA for folk music
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 30 Dec 06 - 02:15 AM

Godfrey Daniels in Bethlehem, PA is a great folk club.

Seamus

Subject: RE: Best cities in USA for folk music
From: GUEST,kfog in Va.
Date: 30 Dec 06 - 06:57 PM

Gosh,

I remember when Norfolk Virginia was one of the best places to play or hear music at a place called Ramblin' Conrad's, unfortunately the shop closed in 1995. The Tidewater Friends of Folk Music still keep a concert series going...I saw Old Blind Dogs a few years back, and the selection of artists is varied and strong.

I also appluad the town of Camden Maine..as well as Rockport, where they have a great Folk Festival in the summer.

And I still drive to Charlottesville VA evry so often- they have good taste in music in Thomas Jefferson's town.

Subject: RE: Best cities in USA for folk music
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 30 Dec 06 - 10:12 PM

Since this good thread began some years ago, I must take note of the actual fact that folksingers are lucky in that they can not only travel from here to there and back again geographically, but they are time travelers as well. An example: When we sing "Barbara Allen" we are, AT LEAST, going back to Samuel Pepys on January 2nd, 1666---when he reported hearing it sung in London. (Over 300 years ago!)

Along that same line of thinking, I submit that CHICAGO, ILLINOIS was at least as "good" as any folk scene noted here today ---- but back in the 1960s and the 1970s--and half way through the '80s! It was a marvelous span of years--.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Best cities in USA for folk music
From: GUEST,Musicmic
Date: 30 Dec 06 - 10:15 PM

Yes, Seamus, Godfrey Daniels is a fine venue, located about an hour from Philadelphia, sort of on the way to the Pocono Mountains. It is, also, about an hour from The Minstral Show in Jersey. perhaps, Seamus might have added that, when he plays Philly, he appears at an Irish Music mecca called Brittingham's. They feature such fine Irish performers as himself and Paddy Riley. ( I've sung there, occasionally. This may be because I have lived and performed in Ireland or because I have them convinced that the 33rd county is Tel Aviv). Seamus might, also, have told us about the annual Irish Festival, the busy Irish Bar scene (with live music) and the active Irish community that seems to sponser, at least, one special event per week at the Commodore Barry Club.
Seamus Kennedy, who packs Brittingham's for every show, can, honestly, attest to the fervor and loyalty of the Philly folk audience. They seem to drink a bit, too.
He is, of course, at liberty to rebut.

                Mike

Subject: RE: Best cities in USA for folk music
From: GUEST,Guest, pmcd
Date: 16 Sep 09 - 02:47 PM

I live in Philly and there is a great deal of live singing - one of the main reasons I stay in the area. The Spring Thing and Fall Fling previously mentioned are all-singing-all-playing-up all night events that devotees wouldn't miss. There are numerous jam groups, some of which has been going on for over 15 years. The Folk Song Society has house sings, and there are lots of house concerts that typically end in a jam session for attendees.

Also a very active Sacred Harp community if you're into that kind of folk singing

In other words, lots of opportunities to sing and play, if you prefer participating over just listening.

Patti D

Subject: RE: Best cities in USA for folk music
From: GUEST,Branford Folk
Date: 16 Sep 09 - 10:23 PM

Branford, CT of course!

Branford Folk Music Society - Traditionally, the Best Folk Music in
southern Connecticut since 1973.

http://folknotes.org/branfordfolk/

Subject: RE: Best cities in USA for folk music
From: GUEST,Rick
Date: 17 Jan 12 - 03:28 PM

Pump House Concerts, Great Lakes Fol Festival, Ten Pound Fiddle Concert Series, and the Michigan Mosaic Festival, all contribute to making Greater Lansing a terrific folk music location.

Subject: RE: Best cities in USA for folk music
From: Elmore
Date: 18 Jan 12 - 02:02 PM

Boston has been mentioned many times, but the towns surrounding Boston;Cambridge, Watertown, Marblehead, Haverhill, Somerville etc. where folk music is really happening.