Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: Big Bird
Date: 25 Jul 03 - 01:21 PM

Red and White Rabbit - looks like husband no.4 isn't taking up the challenge - what has happened to him? Maybe he's not suitable husband material..... Calling all Kampervans!
Who are the most eloquent Bassic and Hodgsons?? Isn't it against the law to non-participate in pre-duel banter?
Oh, and I only put my best duelling low cut top and shorts on for proper duels, and then only once a year - it takes the locals a while to recover. But, without casting aspersions on your stamina, MC Phat, I think that with so many duels to take up you'll have run out of steam by the time you get to faversham........!

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: Red and White Rabbit
Date: 25 Jul 03 - 12:09 PM

the duel is on Deanmeister - I have just heard from the very wet won in warwick (ha ha - cos I cant go) that he intends to be there to ensure that Dumbarton wins at least once this season - I reckon thats fighting talk DeanMeister!

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: The DeanMeister
Date: 25 Jul 03 - 09:46 AM

Will have to give this some thought.....!

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: Red and White Rabbit
Date: 25 Jul 03 - 08:16 AM

well that might be cos he can only access mudcat from work and he doesnt believe in work these days - gone for a very long weekend to Warwick - I believe he is going to make an appearance at the Sun Inn on said date though - it was a strange phone call but he fancied the duel - providing his chauffeuse can pick him up and drop him off!!!

DeanMeister what is your chosen song category MCFAT will of course do Burns - I expect Lord Raggy will act as his second - who wll be yours? Old Git can you persuade your second to leave his Mistress to be by your side and will The Marquis de Stainsby be there to judge - if not who will take on the challenge of facing bribary and corruption and nobbling?

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: The DeanMeister
Date: 25 Jul 03 - 05:29 AM

No, even!

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: The DeanMeister
Date: 25 Jul 03 - 05:16 AM

Still now word from the defendant....

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: old git
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 01:39 PM

maybe I ought to come up on the 3 AUG for the rematch
then he'll have 3 duels to fight

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: Bassic
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 01:11 PM

You been sampling the stock again Hodgsons?? :-)

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: GUEST,hodgsons
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 12:46 PM

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: Red and White Rabbit
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 12:25 PM

hey - I just changed Auf. to Aug. and it has still appeared as AUF. Is there a gremlin in the mudcat?

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: Red and White Rabbit
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 12:23 PM

Hey Big Bird - you should come up to Beverley for that session on Sunday Auf. 3rd - bring my prosective husband number 4 with you (dadio) and I will bring current husband number 3 ( MCFAT ) and then he will have two duels to fight -

The same rules apply

3 rounds each

1 specialist round - songs of a specific genre MCFAT favours Burns
1 away round - a song in the genre of your oponent
1 free style round - song of your choice (watch out for for sneakiness here)
bathing suits and evening wear optional

Big Bird you will have to dress in low cut top and shorts to carry the numbers round in full view of everyone ( well that was what MCFAT said)

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: GUEST,The DeanMeister
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 11:41 AM

I have refined the art of optimism, young lady. See, Phat Boy, told you she was mine....

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: GUEST,The DeanMeister
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 11:39 AM

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: Big Bird
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 04:53 PM

Well, ain't life grand - a duel on my behalf (giggle).

Sir Phat - you play into our hands - the dual must surely be held at Ye Olde Chimney Boye in deepest darkest Faversham - beware the locals that lurke! Think you can handle it? I think not!

DeanMeister - 83? So Young? You are an optimistic soul!

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: The DeanMeister
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 11:27 AM

Don't worry Rabbit, there's no chance of him running off with this one. Although it may take until I'm 83 until I sign the deal. (thank the lord for Viagra....)

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: The DeanMeister
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 06:19 AM

Incidentally, as always the Session will commence at 2pm and run till we run out of steam, usually about 6/7pm. Hope you can come.

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: The DeanMeister
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 06:17 AM

For anybody who's interested, Sunday 3rd of August will be the 60th First Sunday of the Month Session/Singaround at the Sun Inn in Beverley. I started this session five years ago at Nellies following the Festival, with a view to continuing the Festival feel once a month throughout the year. It is, I believe, the best attended afternoon of song, music, and beer for many miles around, and has been visited by people from all over the UK.

It has been successful in it's aim, and I have thoroughly enjoyed it, indeed I'm very proud of it. I have decided that after the next one, I am retiring as m/c, to hand the mantle over to somebody else to keep it live for the next five years. I have suggested ossonflags, and he would be proud to, though we will discuss this with everybody who attends the next session.

I would be extremely happy and chuffed if my last afternoon as the gaffer could be attended by as many of you as possible to make it a memorable occasion. I have met many fine singers and musicians in the past at this session, indeed made many long lasting friends. I hope to see you there. Perhaps the McPhat Boy himself may fancy an appearance?

Keep the Music playing, my friends.

Pete.

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: The DeanMeister
Date: 23 Jul 03 - 06:03 AM

I have a trick or two up my sleeve, Old Git, don't you worry. He'll never recover from "Billy don't you Weep For Me"....

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: Red and White Rabbit
Date: 22 Jul 03 - 10:56 PM

Hey MCfat - whats this about you running off with another woman - are two wives not enough for you - by the way they were interested in booking 'us' down in Faversham - you have to get this right you dont only sing alone now!!!

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: Willa
Date: 22 Jul 03 - 03:12 PM

Hi and welcome, madwaff
Sadly, prospecte for the Playhouse don't look promising, as all but one of the shortlisted bidders want to make it a pub.

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: old git
Date: 22 Jul 03 - 03:03 PM

DeanMeister
beware!! they don't fight fair!
watch out for nobbling
and don't eat the olives!!!

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: GUEST,madwaff at work
Date: 22 Jul 03 - 12:11 PM

Thoroughly enjoyed Beverley! First time - (which is practically criminal as I was born there!) Agree with comments re food tent - all we were looking for was a burger or like, but full cooked lunch- no ta! Enjoyed concerts - Saturday 'main event' didn't appeal, but 'Comedy Club' was BRILLIANT - pity about the hot&crowded conditions - my mum had to go out when she couldn't get a seat and missed Barachois. Reckon this would have filled the main hall. NB - Sound engineers at the Playhouse particularly good - and let's keep the venue alive. Main gripe is that I can't split myself into several people so I can go to afternoon concerts AND the sessions AND wander around the town!
Well done to all involved, hope to be back next year!

madwaff

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: MC Fat
Date: 22 Jul 03 - 08:44 AM

The Marquis De Fat Bastard is no stranger to danger, he laps up duels like a cat laps up milk he and twusty second Lord Ragtash de Bulstrode of Glocar will challenge thee anytime, anywhere well as long as it's where beer is involved. ONe for All and All for Fat

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: The DeanMeister
Date: 22 Jul 03 - 08:37 AM

Keep your mits off, Phat Boy. She's mine. The gauntlet is down for another duel. You have a habit of stepping on peoples toes, young man!

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: MC Fat
Date: 22 Jul 03 - 07:29 AM

Eeh up lass Big Bird indeedy. Duel's are ten a penny for moi. Just done two this weekend one against the 'old git' which was a draw (we wuz robbed) and sang for Yorkshire v Lancashire and that was a draw. We'll see if we can fit it in. T'other piece of news for you and daddy. Faversham Folk Club are intertested in booking me. So watch this space. Love and kisses tfrom the Fat One

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: The DeanMeister
Date: 21 Jul 03 - 08:32 AM

Hey, its the lovely Big Bird! Many thanks for your help at the Sun Inn, my friend. You were an invaluable assistant, and fine company, to boot.

Pete.

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: Big Bird
Date: 19 Jul 03 - 03:35 AM

Morning!
Daughter of Kampervan here. Just got my act together to look at the conversation on Beverley. MC Fat - I thought you'd challenged my esteemed father to a duel - but can't find any sign of it! About time someone cut him down to size - are you the man for the job?

All sessions were great. For the people who felt left out - chill out, take your time and turn up a few years, once your face is recognised a couple of times it's easier for people to strike up conversations. People at Beverley are really friendly, I've been to far worse, cliquey festivals. Give them a chance - they really try hard to include people in singarounds (cheers to Jim, Pete and Les and Maggie) and are as welcoming as you get within the constraints of singaround etiquette and copious pint drinking. I only see these guys once a year, and its taken a couple of years to get talking to people but its worth it!

Blimey - thats far too much for a saturday morning! See ya!

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: smallpiper
Date: 05 Jul 03 - 02:27 PM

No you are wrong SF. It happens accidentally along with the music but if it was a theme it would have to be planned with very serious attention to detail and done intentionally!

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: sweetfire
Date: 05 Jul 03 - 12:44 PM

No No Osson, that theme won't do....because that already happens anyway!!!!! (except for little me...)

Well put it this way, i think we now know one thing not to do at a folk session...

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: GUEST,ossonflags
Date: 05 Jul 03 - 06:18 AM

Smallpipes,I think it is a case of bad manners when singers or musicians talk through someone performing.These people above all should have an understanding of the behaviore expected.I also find it hard to understand how singers ,who must have some knowledge of traditional music,can fail to keep quite when some one is playing a slow air.Take your point Linda,I have had the same annoying experiance of musicians trying to talk/ play over me.



Here's an idea for a theme for the fringe,
LOTS OF HEAVY DRINKING!!!!!!.

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: BanjoRay
Date: 04 Jul 03 - 07:20 AM

Everybody's attitude to music has totally changed since piped music crept in everywhere. Music, whether live or piped, is now assumed to be spontaneously generated by the wallpaper, and the converation volume increases automatically when it starts. It's not for listening to, it's to provide an underscore for your speaking voice. Amplification makes it worse, but the unplugged variety is far from immune.
I really enjoyed the sessions at Nellies, especially Sunday, when I got to play with a fine didgeridoo-ist for the first time. Oombanjo did a great job of sorting it out. However I had to pack up my instruments and abandon ship for safety purposes about 9 pm on Saturday when they started dancing on the table.
.
Cheers
Ray

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: smallpiper
Date: 04 Jul 03 - 04:37 AM

not at all Pete I'm mildly curious - When I play something slow and interesting on the smallpipes it would be nice to think that people were listening (they are a quiet instrument) where as with the border monsters people will have to shout to be heard!

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: The DeanMeister
Date: 04 Jul 03 - 04:12 AM

Is this getting heated? See y'all Sunday, Dudes.

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: smallpiper
Date: 03 Jul 03 - 07:17 PM

Points taken and acknowledged. Linda I am aware that not every singer does this but it still puzzels me. The particular session I am talking about consisted of myself, KJ and Colin, my mate Pete a couple of punters and the three ladies. so there were 4 singers and three musicians (I'm not saying that singers arn't musicians I'm making the distinction for the sake of clarity).Yet three of the singers insisted on holding loud conversations during both my own and solo colins slow airs. I am realy don't think that it is just a case of bad manners because I and many other musicians have experienced the same thing. I am wondering if it is the case that (some) singers just don't value musicians. We are all born with a voice but playing an instument does not come naturally. I don't know what do others think?

As for a theme for the fringe I don't think that is a good idea, it will polarise and seperate the events. However, I see nowt wrong with having a few themed events.

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: Les from Hull
Date: 03 Jul 03 - 06:45 PM

When we talk about sessions in the Sun, we are talking about a very rare thing. We have singers and tune players in the same room!

This very seldom happens. Much more often they choose to stay apart. Fortunately we have a number of participants who do both, and there's plenty of accompanied song that the 'tunists' can join in with. And we have some very skilled joiners-in! Some tune players will 'accompany' a song by playing the melody a bit louder than the singer.

We also have to remember that it's a pub, it's open to all, and some people are only there for the beer.

But it's right what has been said. We do owe it to each other to support each others' spots by listening, or at least not talking loudly. We also owe it to each other by being helpful to the MC, pointing out who might do something, or if anyone's getting missed out.

Les

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: oombanjo
Date: 03 Jul 03 - 05:04 PM

Sorry to do this to you all, and bring you back to one or two of the objectives of the thread but,as Sir Roger wrote, we have spoken to, and received support from most of the pubs to support the Fringe, and advertise in the main programme next year. It was also agreed that the Fringe places on the fields were secured for next year. I like the idea of an 'Organised Mudcat' gathering (upstairs at Nellies maybe or in its courtyard if the sun is shining) and/or maybe have a different theme for the Fringe each year(SUGGESTIONS WELCOME).

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: old git
Date: 03 Jul 03 - 04:45 PM

I'll drink to that Linda   ...QUIETLY!!!

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 03 Jul 03 - 04:02 PM

Smallpiper, I have been thinking about your comments regarding singers talking through tunes and whilst I dont accept it to be true of all singers I do agree that it does happen (and visa versa I might add espcially a certain fiddle player who stood between me and Hazel once and had a conversation with someone behind us midsong) the only reasonable explanation I can think of is numbers- if you get a lot of musicians playing together people tend to talk assuming the volume will drown them out. equally if you have a number of singers singing you are more likely to hear people speaking. I think we have to live with it -it is particularly ignorant when there is solo work going on either a tune or a song but frankly we perform in public bars and I guess we have to accept it.

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: Red and White Rabbit
Date: 03 Jul 03 - 01:04 PM

DM - well you managed to let me sing as I was disappearing back to reality and we had never met before - so I think you managed to run the sesh okay even if you did spoil my honeymoon by making MCFAT do the first part of your sesh so you could supposedly go to a workshop!!!!!!

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: sweetfire
Date: 03 Jul 03 - 12:52 PM

Yeah i thought you would give that responce DM....

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: The DeanMeister
Date: 03 Jul 03 - 11:35 AM

b**stard

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: Sir Roger de Beverley
Date: 03 Jul 03 - 10:30 AM

Yes, I can just fit in a sesh in the Sun on Sunday before setting off on Monday for a week in the sun (Mallorca, where it is currently 32 degrees!)

Rog

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: The DeanMeister
Date: 03 Jul 03 - 10:19 AM

No probs, Rog. Our pleasure. Sort of! See ya Sunday.

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: Sir Roger de Beverley
Date: 03 Jul 03 - 08:03 AM

Running sessions/singarounds (particularly at festivals) is a pretty thankless task - why do you think I avoid doing it. Anyway, I would like to formally thank MCFat(Sun on Sat, Oddies most of the time), Deanmeister(Sun on Sun), Les & Maggie (Hodgson's on Fri, Sat and Sun), John & Christine(Oddies) and Tim(Oddies) for their sterling efforts in that department.

Also Ossonflags and Linda & Hazel for similar work in the folk club on the Saturday afternoon.

I do hope that they will all be willing to put their heads on the block again for us next year. If not, we are in deep trouble.

Rog

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: GUEST,ossonflags
Date: 03 Jul 03 - 06:37 AM

Peter, you asked for sume support (or otherwise) here it is.

My views on singarounds/playarounds are well known.Having loads of experiance both as a performer/participator and as some one who has had the pleasure of running a few singarounds/playarounds I know how very difficult it is to satisfy everyone who wants a "go".At festivals you have an even harder task as there are more people there and amongst them will be people who you are not aware can do anything.When you have a large gathering of people there will always be some people who feel that they are being excluded.Yes, I have heard the critism at the festival levelled at certain MCs.My answer to those people always is,if you feel you are being left out have a quiet word with the MC when he or she goes to the bar, or for a comfort break and say you would like to sing/play.Trust me it works!!!

Another idea is,why leave everthing to the poor old MC?It is your session,whats wrong with giving the poor person a drag out now and again by reminding him/her that some one hasnt been given a chance? That is something I do on a regular basis.And yes,that works as well!!

So I say poo to the begrudgers and lets have a little positive support for the vollunteers who make an excellant job of KEEPING MUSIC LIVE!!!!

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: The DeanMeister
Date: 03 Jul 03 - 06:21 AM

Thanks guys. I certainly learned a few lessons, and look forward to applying them in future. I think a mixture of both methods is probably the answer...?

Will be at said venue this Sunday for my regular session if anyone fancies a sing or play.

Cheers, Pete.

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: MC Fat
Date: 03 Jul 03 - 04:55 AM

Sunday afternoon sesh was great Pete. You ran it well. There are a number of schools of thought on ways of running a sin a round. Round the room in order certainly works and stops people being miffed at being left out the down side is sometimes you'll get a run on unacoompanied male shanty singers (or the like) and as well people arriving late. The method you used of 'cherrypicking' is betterer but harder to administer. One year at whitby I did the evenibg session that way for the first time round then reverted to the old method and I think it worked really well that time. You will Pete regardless always have miffed folks ,but hey being in charge means you can be a Benevolant Despot asort of nice Il Duce or Furher !!

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: smallpiper
Date: 03 Jul 03 - 04:41 AM

I don't think you would leave anyone out, intentionally, Pete but then I wasn't there and don't sing anyway. If you did then it would have to have been down to the singers not identifying themselves as such.( but since you can read minds anyway that should not have been too much of a hinderence and you should have known better!).

I was in Nellies (small back room) on sunday afernoon with one or two others and I noticed something which always pisses me off. We were joined by 3 very tallented lady singers and we gave them time to sing and listened quietly and appreciativly to their singing. But both Colin Thompson and I (on seperate occasions) played solo slow airs during which these very tallented ladies talked loudly. So (and yes I know this has been discussed on other threads but I have as yet to recieve an understandable explaination)can somebody please tell me why singers (not all Ossonflags) expect silence yet don't give the same curtesy to musicians?

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: The DeanMeister
Date: 03 Jul 03 - 04:21 AM

Thank you for your comments, Bassic and Raggytash.

I'm speaking as somebody who runs regular sessions in this area, and had the honour of hosting the singaround on Sunday afternoon in the Sun Inn. As the first time I have done this, I must say I found it a very difficult task, as anybody else who has run a festival singaround will know. It's not as easy as it looks.

Anyone who was there will know I spent the afternoon scanning the extremely busy pub to see who may want to sing, and even approaching and asking people. Its not so easy when you don't know most of the people in the room, and I am thankful to those people who helped me by pointing out known singers.

I tried extremely hard to ensure that nobody was left out, and everyone who wanted to sing got the chance, to the point where I became a little unpopular with some of my regular singers by making them wait too long.....(sorry Maggie!)

I certainly would hate to think that anybody felt left out, and if they did, perhaps it would help if in future they identified themselves as singers rather than hovering in the background hoping to be noticed. The accusation that people seemed to be in exclusive little cliques, I sincerely hope, did not apply at my Session?? I hope to be backed up on this one.

Comments Jim? From an expert in this field?

Subject: RE: Review: beverley fest did you enjoy?
From: KJ
Date: 03 Jul 03 - 04:14 AM

Thoroughly enjoyed it, even the thunder & lightening Sunday a.m. The session in the food tent Sat night was not dominated by anyone, there was a nice mix of songs & tunes unlike Friday night when it appeared to be an impromptu concert given by some YOUNG (we like to see that) very able musicians to the exclusion of everyone else!! The guitar thrashers were just being given a chance to see if they were going to do anything coherent! Mrs Duck, Noreen, Willa & Hazel? (scottish lady) were in very fine voice, there were some good fiddle players, nice dulcimer & box & lots of other nice people we didn't know. Unfortunately one can't please all of the people all of the time, but I very much enjoyed Sat night/Sun morning food tenting.
I agree with Noreen about Cara, such a shame this excellent band who write lovely tunes weren't appreciated in the Moulder's.