A London Folk Event...C'mon!

Subject: A London Folk Event...opinions?
From: GUEST,Helen
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 07:35 PM

Hi all, just popping in with a cunning plan. If the idea was floated of a day of folk music at a certain chapel in London, featuring lots of wonderful artists (I mean people you might want to see and not just my mates from the pub), with mulled wine and mince pies (I'm thinking a December Sat or Sun), spots between the main acts for other folky musicians who have REAL jobs, profits to charity and a reasonable pre-pub/pre-kids' bedtime finish time (maybe 9pm?); what would be the general consensus? ie shall I really go for it, do you think people'd come, and do you think the Londoners'd sing along? Do you think I could get lots of South-East folk clubs involved? Opinions and ideas please, I just think winter's always a bit of a comedown after a summer of festivals... I have visions of a warm haven from the cold, with music and joy and foot-tapping!

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: GUEST,sorefingers
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 07:55 PM

I would love to be there, pies sound gureat, but I am too far away!

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: Bassic
Date: 24 Jul 03 - 08:43 PM

I will travel

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: Leadfingers
Date: 25 Jul 03 - 02:53 AM

Where do I book my spot ??

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 25 Jul 03 - 05:08 AM

Sounds good to me. Where were youthinking of holding it?

Have you thought about the charity which might benefit? I work as a volunteer for Victim Support, which hasn't got a very high profile and has just had government funding cut. If you haven't got a pet charity would you consider that one? Sorry to drop this in like this but I ain't got no shame where VS is concerned!

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 25 Jul 03 - 05:21 AM

It seems a good idea - but many of us would want some decent beer as well as mulled wine (terrible stuff to sing on). London folk events can be a bit variable (I was one of the organisers of the St Georges festivals at CSH in the 70/80s). I doubt if you'd get any "Londoners" there who aren't already members of the folk scene. One tip if you want to get london folk clubs involved, try and get some representatives from them onto the organising committee.

One other group of people who might be interested in supporting the event are the remnants of a now defunct club Capital Folk who still have regular get-togethers. Try talking to Dave West (usually at "Sharps" on Tuesday night, but I do have his phone number if you want it).

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: GUEST,Peter from Essex
Date: 25 Jul 03 - 07:13 AM

Remeber that there are actually very few people who will see a posting here, you still need old fashioned hard copy publicitly.

For a major event you will need to be in the Folk London autumn (October - November) edition as well as the December one. That means having copy to Sheila by 12 September.

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: GUEST,Helen
Date: 25 Jul 03 - 12:16 PM

Thank you all for feedback- we are currently sounding out venues but in my dreams it would be at Union Chapel because it's acoustics are just MMMM!
If it were to be there, charity-wise we'd like to help out their support for homeless people, but budget projections suggest we may well be able to "pet" a couple of worthy causes. I'd also be very interesting in helping out non-gov funded charities, as the government has seemed so intent on wiping out the spirit of live music. nb: that's me speaking, not this "event".
I'm hoping it will be more than just Islington foggy types who turn up, this is why i'd make it on a weekend and with decent finishing times so allowing for people to make it home from the region. I have no great "bringing folk to the ignorant masses" rubbish in my head, I'd just like a winter event in the city that's my home! As I say, it's a project for this month, so thanks for the tip P from E, and Dave B, when I have compiled an info dossier I will endeavour to contact folk clubs so that they can get involved too.

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: GUEST,Peter from Essex
Date: 25 Jul 03 - 12:43 PM

You have got a very tight window for staging the event before Christmas. Too close to the holiday and you loose custom. Too early and you will be competing with the all day commemeration of Fred Jordan on 22 November. Any Saturday will be head to head with Cellar Upstairs of course.

Early finish is best in central London - people start heading off for last trains, I have seen gigs where the encore is an embarassment as there is only about a quarter of the audience left.

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Jul 03 - 12:57 PM

This is a VERY GOOD IDEA. I hope it succeeds. I will be there. But why is it that Folkies (no disrespect intended) are obsessed with beer? I always thought it was the music and song and the event that was important. Can't anyone enjoy themselves and perform without being half-pissed? Is beer really the glue that holds it all together?
God knows we've all witnessd disgraceful performances from people who think they can hold their drink.

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: treewind
Date: 25 Jul 03 - 01:11 PM

Good luck with the plans - there hasn't been any kind of folk festival in London that I can remember except the year when the National had to be moved to C# house because of foot and mouth disease (the usual venue is an agricultural college...)

Don't have it on December 7th please - Martyn Wyndham Read's Maypoles to Mistletoe concert is on at C# house and I can't be at both!

Anahata

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: GUEST,Helen
Date: 25 Jul 03 - 01:55 PM

Saw Martyn last night at Watford Eric Bogle gig, not to worry I am aware of that date! Trying to squeeze it in and I realise that it doesn't want to be too close to Crimble cos everyone'll be otherwise engaged. Trying to time it just right!! D'argh!!

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: lady penelope
Date: 25 Jul 03 - 04:25 PM

Mmm, looking at the posts, is December a good idea? The pre Crimbo scramble may well put a crimp in your plans. But what ever you end up doing, it sounds great to me! If you need any volunteers I'd be happy to help.

Good luck

TTFN Lady P.

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 25 Jul 03 - 04:31 PM

Same here, good idea, it's got legs.... if you need help, let us know.

LTS

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: GUEST,John Walker
Date: 25 Jul 03 - 09:30 PM

I'm a Texas singer-songwriter.....would you be interested in bringing someone over? I can be contacted at:

[e-mail]


thanks

John Walker

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 26 Jul 03 - 09:03 AM

End of October is a time where there are precious few things happening in this area - the last weekend in Oct was the weekend for Saffron Walden Folk Festival, but that is now no more. It usually has the majority of schools in the area either just starting or just finishing half term, so people are a lot less worried about kids being out late, and most people will be thinking 'it's ages til Bedworth, but it's been so long since we had a good sing out....'. Your main problem is going to be a venue with enough space to do several things in simiar atmospheres, in premesis that are licensed for singing, dancing and partaking of alcoholic beverages.

LTS

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: Leadfingers
Date: 26 Jul 03 - 09:18 AM

OK I am sticking my neck out and making assumptions and replying to an Anonymous Guest posting.The first assumption is that GUEST is NOT
a singer,the second assumption is that GUEST is a Non Drinker.
What Dave said about singing on mulled wine is true,Lubrication is a
major consideration,and having a beer for lubrication is somewhat different to being 'quote'Half Pissed.If Guest wants to label most of us as drunkards anonimity is not going to go down very well.

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 26 Jul 03 - 09:30 AM

Yaaay! 2 days into a thread and a flame war already. Going to be a really friendly fessie then....

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 26 Jul 03 - 09:47 AM

Against my adopted practice , but here goes:

GUEST: There are folkies who do not need to drink alcohol to either lubricate, inebriate or make them feel they are having fun. Do not tar us all with the same brush. Similarly, there are people who DO need it but they are not all folkies.

There is a need for lubrication and sometimes, alcoholic beverages are the ideal thing, particularly a nice, rich warm red wine that serves as lubricant and guards against certain illnesses and diseases - medical research has proven, a regular, moderate intake of red wine can be beneficial. Alcohol relaxes certain muscles that can constrict the throat and cause the voice to tighten and become forced. I daresay vallium would have the same effect, but I prefer not to have my legs turn to boiled asparagus beneath me. Some people find singing in public a traumatic experience, so the odd sip of 'Dutch Courage' helps them that way.

I have very little desire to get stinking drunk myself - I'm far too responsible to let that happen, but I do not go around evangelising on the merits of drinking naught but water and orange juice.

Besides - drinking beer or wine for the evening usually ends up a bloody sight cheaper than drinking soft drinks!

LTS

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: GUEST,Helen
Date: 26 Jul 03 - 11:14 AM

Take it outside, folks.

Been thinking, and you're all right about dates. Oct/early Nov would be ok, but I don't know if I'm dynamic enough to organise it that early. January would be the slackers' choice but people generally seem to hate going out in January...
I'll keep you all posted, thank you for the encouragement and offers!
Helen

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Jul 03 - 11:18 AM

Okay, Okay, I really don't want to start a "flame War!" And I heartily concede that drinking and music can co-exist, especially at times of celebration. I made my point, and what worries me sometimes is that the cultue of drinking sometimes seems more important than the culture of the music, reading threads you will see that many people post about booze and boozing, often at some event that they have attended, and they never mention the artists or the music. I apologise to anyone that thought I was accusing them of being habitual drunks but lets be honest, we've all had a bit too much at times, me included. And yes, soft drinks are outrageously priced, and
no, I don't sing. Peace.

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: GUEST,Helen
Date: 26 Jul 03 - 11:44 AM

Folk me!
No more alcohol talk. This is about music. I drink. I like music. You can go drink anywhere, I do. There'll be a bar. You cannot hear darn fine music everywhere. I hope there'll be some of that too.
Soft drinks are outrageously priced, particularly tonic water which is my driving-nights tipple. Don't get me started!
I promise though, there won't just be mulled wine!

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 26 Jul 03 - 12:52 PM

Fire out? Good. But please Helen can you avoid 29 November 'cos Belshazzars Feast are at CSH? And if you can't get Union Chapel, would you consider Notting Hill Tabernacle? It has 2 large spaces, several small ones for workshops and a cafe and foyer for sessions. It was good enough for the Joe Strummer tribute and it's near my house. I don't remember a London festival since the one at City University campus. It's a brilliant idea. PM me if you are looking for help.

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 26 Jul 03 - 01:05 PM

Helen

Just a thought, but there is now a gap in March where Tony and Pearl's Dog Days charity festival used to be!

Kitty

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: vectis
Date: 26 Jul 03 - 07:06 PM

Good idea Kitty. Easier to get it into the diary and get there in March.


***No Dog Days BOO HOOO**

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: GUEST,Peter from Essex
Date: 26 Jul 03 - 07:37 PM

Early spring is a far more realistic timescale to book a major venue and some serious performers.

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 26 Jul 03 - 08:07 PM

Guest - just to point out that my comment about beer was based on the fact that I prefer to sing on something that will lubricate my throat without drying it out. I have sung oratoria and opera both as a soloist and chorus member, but would have avoided mulled wine like the plague. On the other hand I have enjoyed (and needed) the refreshment of a pint of ordinary draught bitter on many occasions in concert intervals. I would defy you to sing the first tenor line of the Lachrymosa from the Berlioz Requiem, without a pint first.

I would point out that I definately don't need alcohol to give me the confidence or courage to get up and sing - I'm sure that anyone who knows me would agree with that.

In the past most English Folk Music was performed in pubs and the singers enjoyed the odd pint or two - why should we argue with tradition ?

Anyway if the date is such that I have the time to brew it - I'll volunteer to donate 10 gals of homebrew {under 4% ABV) which if it is provided free (suggesting a donation might raise some cash for the event) will not contravene the licensing laws.

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: GUEST,Helen
Date: 27 Jul 03 - 08:00 AM

Oh, yes! March would be good actually cos I'm moving abroad shortly after so it would be kinda fun to leave with a bang. Dog Days was Maidenhead wasn't it? Did really want it to be in winter cos march is when better things start happening, but the constraints of putting something on so soon are indeed large.
Countess, I'm looking into venues and welcome any suggestions- I'll email you (tis THAT Helen!). Am hoping to have a look around some when I move into my new flat in St Johns Wood so I've got a more central base to work from. Have been lucky enough to find a venue booker/promoter who may well help me out.
Anyone going to C# house tonight? I am... maybe see you there!

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: Dipsodeb
Date: 27 Jul 03 - 11:20 AM

Great idea, i'm sure that some of the Tudor Barn lot would be interested and be prepared to help out. Maybe you could split the money raised and donate some to help out Mudcat I believe it could do with some financial assistance right now.
~Debs~

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: Leadfingers
Date: 27 Jul 03 - 12:12 PM

Provided I can stay sufficiently sober I do have a reasonable P A with a sixteen channell mixer should Amplification be neccessary.
And I would like to book spot any way.

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: Lanfranc
Date: 27 Jul 03 - 06:24 PM

I would like to be included as a possible performer and may be able to provide some assistance. I also have a somewhat underused website that could be made available here if wanted.

Alan

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 27 Jul 03 - 07:15 PM

Whatever date (and away from Christmas would be better - I'd advise some way into the New Year), it's essential to take note of "Early finish is best in central London - people start heading off for last trains"

It's no fun spending the night in Liverpool Street station because you've missed the last train at three minutes pas midnight. I'm not planning to risk that again, which means I haven't been to a Central London folk thing in years.

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: Hovering Bob
Date: 28 Jul 03 - 12:02 PM

Sounds like a nice idea. I'd go along with Kitty's suggestion of the old 'Dog Days' date and ask that you avoid clashing with 'The Flanders Experience' 31st October to 2nd November 2004. All the best with the project.

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: GUEST,Helen
Date: 28 Jul 03 - 03:00 PM

Alan- crumbs! You nabbed a really good URL there...
I've just heard from Union Chapel, dates in December are a bit tight so I'm beginning to favour an early Spring thing. No mulled wine... but my local brewery (popped in to see them this pm!) may be able to help out. Cost wise though, it sounds pretty reasonable.
What does everyone think of the following ideas:

Folk clubs to "sponsor" performers (not fully, and hopefully only as an investment, with the expenditure refunded after ticket sales).

We're hoping to invite some up n comings to play, and we intend to reward them by covering their travel costs and feeding them a big meal. Spot singers who apply would probably also be given "performer" access to the performers' bar/preparation space. They could probably nab some free grub too...

Saturday or Sunday? I think a Saturday'd be better because train services are better, and I do agree about the late night thing. I've lived in the London area all my life, but nothing will ever beat being stuck in Walthamstow in the middle of the night. I'd aim to finish up about 9pm... I'm also thinking family wise- I'd like to make this an "all-welcome" event.

My student loan should be a decent cover for pay outs before ticket sales (but I promise to be very honest and run all ins and outs through a designated bank account!). I'm also looking into a BBC Blast set up for it. Can anyone think of nice people who might loan us some money for a good cause?

Stewards to be volunteers, with paid security staff (but not a massive presence). Actually practically all staff to be volunteers. I guess I'll have to feed them too...

Thinking of calling it F**k London.With the tagline as "folk is a four letter word".

Er, and Alan, do you reckon we could use some of your hyperspace for info!?!

I'm not going to "audition" spot singers, cos that's not what it's about, really is it? So that'll be first come first served, but please send a tape kind of thing!

That's it for now.

Keep 'em coming. I'm feeling positive!
Helen

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 29 Jul 03 - 04:39 AM

Do remember that there is a publication called "Folk London" (which I edited for over 10 years). If you do wish to call the event "F**k London" you should ask Sheila Finn first.

I would definitely suggest that you advertise in "Folk London" and I expect Sheila would be willing to print some details of the suggested event, if you sent her the copy. Sheila is involved with "Sharps" folk club and works at CSH which should also provide a further place to advertise the event.

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: GUEST,Fat Tony
Date: 29 Jul 03 - 04:49 AM

I suppose hard drugs & sex are out of the question?

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: Kevin Sheils
Date: 29 Jul 03 - 06:13 AM

Helen

Been away for a long weekend so missed the start of this.

Any chance of you registering on mudcat so that people can PM you direct with ideas. You are probably reaching the stage now where more serious organising than can be done within the thread is required?

And there's nothing wrong with being stuck in Walthamstow you know and there are night buses ;-)

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 29 Jul 03 - 07:15 AM

Tony - perhaps your second requirement could be met by Linda (Essex Girl) performing "Joan the Leather Queen" in costume, as she did at the Stony Stratford Mudcat gathering.

The festival that we ran 20 odd years ago at CSH was called "The St. Georges' Folk Festival". If the date's likely to be near April 23rd, it could be a suitable title.

Subject: RE: A London Folk Event...C'mon!
From: Lanfranc
Date: 29 Jul 03 - 06:18 PM

Helen

I'm happy to help in any way I can. That there website has sbout 50Mb of spare space at the moment, and I could acquire more if needed.

I would echo the other comments about you registering on Mudcat. Not that we suspect you of a cruel "flame", but it does help to be able to use the Personal Messages here on Mudcat to communicate when we don't want the contents read generally.

A gig commemorating St George's Day would be appropriate!

"God for Harry, England and St George!" and all that ...

Alan (a scoundrel, still looking for that last refuge!)