Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley

Subject: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: Switchbit
Date: 20 Jan 04 - 03:32 AM

I just thought I'd leave a note for any musicians out there who fancy performing in public. The auditions are to be held on the 5th of Feb 6:30pm upstairs at the Blah Bar and Grill.

The address is:

blah bar and grill
1 Market Hill
Barnsley
Sth Yorkshire
UK

01226 734195

If interested contact Tony Heald on 01226 200233

Tony was my head teacher at Junior school and he's asked me to publisize the audition wherever I think it might reach interested parties :)

I'll be there auditioning so if there are any South Yorkshire mudcatters out there that would like to meet up I'd be happy to!

Take care folks
Switchbit

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: nutty
Date: 20 Jan 04 - 03:54 AM

I wouldn't set foot in a folk club that had held auditions for its performers.

Do you intend paying these performers?

Do you intend charging at the door so that people can hear them?

Is it really a folk club you intend running or some kind of music extravaganza????

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: Zany Mouse
Date: 20 Jan 04 - 04:10 AM

Although not too keen on auditions, it is always good to see a new club starting.

I remember Tony Heald from "Room At The Top" days, way back in the 60s. He used to sing quite a lot with Dave Burland back then. Give him my regards when you see him. I lost touch with all my old buddies when I left Wombwell in 69/70. Moved back north a while ago so might look up the old crowd. Are you intending posting the club details on here?

Rhiannon

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: greg stephens
Date: 20 Jan 04 - 04:25 AM

Auditions?Folk club? Include me out.

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: clansfolk
Date: 20 Jan 04 - 04:35 AM

CV & CD required ?

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: GUEST,Hugh Jampton
Date: 20 Jan 04 - 04:40 AM

Looks to me as if Switchbit is seeking singers to be talking wallpaper in a place where customers prime concern is their meal and service. There is nothing wrong with that, if you fancy that sort of thing, but I feel the rate for the job should be advised as well. Then potential auditionees, (if that is the correct term) would know whether it is worth their time and effort applying.

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 20 Jan 04 - 05:12 AM

If it goes the way of most folk clubs they will be crying out for anybody to perform in 12 months time
eric

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 20 Jan 04 - 05:13 AM

In fact I can't think of a better way to discourage potential singers and musicians.
eric

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: Bobjack
Date: 20 Jan 04 - 05:17 AM

Calm down lads! switchbit is obviously a young chap if the club organiser was his head teacher. It might be that ''audition'' is the wrong word.It could just be an informal meeting.

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 20 Jan 04 - 05:24 AM

Mark my words - "Folk Idol" will be the next thing.

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: Leadfingers
Date: 20 Jan 04 - 05:33 AM

Dave - It seems that I have been Folk Idle for years !!

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: breezy
Date: 20 Jan 04 - 06:15 AM

A folk club organiser worth his or her salt will go out and about to find artistes to play at said 'Folk Club'
Then presents a programme.
Publicises it.
Promotes it.
Plans each evening.
Then , while chewing nails to the quick, sets up his venues and sweats it out.
and is ready to entertain one or a hundred or whoever comes through the door, starting on time.

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 20 Jan 04 - 06:26 AM

Yes Breezy, All Pigs fuelled up and ready for take-off.

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: GUEST,padgett
Date: 20 Jan 04 - 07:40 AM

As Chairman of the existing Folk Club in Barnsley, I feel that there are a number of questions to be asked!!
What a pity that some one of the undoubted credentials of Tony Heald who in my opinion was the prime mover in establishing the original folk club in Barnsley, has not seen fit to discuss the issue and the frequency, policy and motives with existing folkies is beyond belief

I have the most high regard for Tony Heald, I do hope his motives are not simply cash related

I also feel that there is in existence within Barnsley, Wombwell via Hedley Jones and Broadway via Carol Roberts, Birsedge via Artisan Wath and Rockingham Arms as well as Barnsley Folk Club which meets every Monday already a great deal of competition

What's going on?

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: GUEST,Curious
Date: 20 Jan 04 - 08:00 AM

Where/what is Barnsley ?

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Jan 04 - 08:06 AM

I dont know you but good luck Mr Tony Heald - sounds as if you are going to need it with all the venim in this thread.

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: GUEST,Strollin' Johnny
Date: 20 Jan 04 - 08:25 AM

Guest 'Curious' - you are indeed! Barnsley is a town in Yorkshire, UK, which, for it's size, has produced an unusually high number of excellent folk artists - Kate Rusby, Kathryn Roberts to name but two of its current crop.

Or maybe you were just joking!?

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 20 Jan 04 - 08:32 AM

I don't see any venom - there've been a few jokes about the idea of auditions, and one person querying why this seems to be the first time that the local folk club scene has heard anything about it.

Guest, curious - Barnsley is in in Yorkshire UK.

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: GUEST,Mike Harding
Date: 20 Jan 04 - 08:42 AM

I am not short............ Oh. Sorry. Wrong thread

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: GUEST,padgett
Date: 20 Jan 04 - 08:48 AM

Yes but I am Mike! Booker's just had his hernia op by the way!
Thank God for that
all the best

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: breezy
Date: 20 Jan 04 - 09:32 AM

Competition is important as it brings the best to the top.
If you feel threatened then ask yourself why.
Then
Answer the challenge.
I've got a club night when Julie Feelthis is in town.
They must be daft, did they just not look around, or, are they threatening me?
I dont care because I know that I've got a good show too that night and so far every night has been a good night.
Confidence in your product.

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: GUEST,padgett
Date: 21 Jan 04 - 04:06 AM

My concern is that some situations purporting to be a Folk Club isn't, A team of musicians having a session in a bar could be a Folk Club
A pub having a spare room and paying for musicians to entertain the public is money for the musicians (who are entitled) and beer sales for the pub is just that ~ pub and audience are entitled to good quality entertainment, but it brings up the question of audience behaviour/use of pa etc and a host of other things
Folk is to be listened to, pubs are where people go to talk and let off steam (hence folk clubs in quiet environments)

I would simply say watch what it is you are trying to do, enhance pub beer sales, give work for good musicians or run a folk club, and yes I know all three, but have a concern for the quality of material which is Folk Art

Not that you need it but you have my full support for your new club in Barnsley ~ but be careful what you are taking on!
Ray Padgett Barnsley Folk Club ~ Chairman

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: GUEST,Hugh Jampton
Date: 21 Jan 04 - 04:43 AM

Reviewing the initial post on this thread I see that Switchbit is auditioning for singers to perform in this Grill & Bar. Is Switchbit a performer himself/herself? Does anyone know the individual and their works? What are the parameters against which the potential performers are being judged?. I think we should be told. (Apologies to Auberon Waugh)

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 21 Jan 04 - 07:52 AM

Nearest things to auditions in the folk world is where organisers of festivals sometimes ask people, who'd like a boking for some slot, to send along a tape.

Do we take it that this auditions thing is an indication that Barnsley is bursting with people queueing up to be folk performers?

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: HipflaskAndy
Date: 21 Jan 04 - 08:35 AM

There's plenty of festivals that hold 'Hiring Fairs' too.
In concert form, an 'audition' by any other name.
Whitby, for example - where it is, quite often, the 'highlight' concert of the festival.
(And yes! You ARE short Mike! But cuddly with it.)

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: Switchbit
Date: 21 Jan 04 - 12:18 PM

Erm... I wasn't expecting to get this many responces.

First off I'm a she. A young she, all of 24. All I know about this audition is what I've already placed in the intial post in this thread. I was simply asked by my old head teacher to put up two or three posters about the auditions in the college I attend, as well as mentioning it anywhere that may have interested parties.

I know nothing of the politics involved. Tony mentioned something about there being payment for performances at the club but he really didn't go into details. The only advice I can give is to ring the number for Tony Heald himself, up in the above post, as I intend to, if you have questions about the auditions yourselves.

As to the kind of club it may be, I really don't have a clue. I have no connection with the audition apart from it being held by my ex-headteacher, who I ran into by chance a couple of days ago, and who asked me to do him a favour. I will be audtioning myself, if only because I enjoy singing in public for a interested audience :)

The reason I posted this here was because I thought Mudcat was the sort of place that performers and audiences who might be interested in this, could be found in abundance. I haven't been a regular on Mudcat for a few years now.. my studies and bringing up my son have taken up a great deal of my time. But it is nice to see the forum is even busier than before :)

I hope this clears up one or two things. I'm sorry if I have somehow antagonised anyone, as I really didn't have any intention of doing so.

Take care folks
Switchbit

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: GUEST,minkfish
Date: 21 Jan 04 - 12:32 PM

People antagonise themselves Switchbit - best of luck with the audition & the club.

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: GUEST,Spot the Dog
Date: 21 Jan 04 - 01:20 PM

I don't think you need to apologise Switchbit. I certainly wouldn't. You asked if people were interested in auditioning for a new folk club and got some grief about the politics and some unsolicited opinion.

If people don't want to audition I suggest they don't turn up , but to question the motives of another person who wants to start a new club without first getting information from the horses mouth is a bit forward.

Could be the guy wants to book some fresh local talent but wants to ensure standards or style. We should look for the positives before the negatives especially on this forum.

I personally have a problem with direct auditions but wouldn't criticise anyone for arranging or doing them. However , I don't mind doing a floor spot in the hope of a booking if they liked what I did.
It's a very fine dividing line between the two.!

Spot

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: breezy
Date: 21 Jan 04 - 01:23 PM

I'm sorry for rubbing leadfingers up the wrong way on another thread too.

Come and sing in St Albans, I've got 2 clubs and people listen. Friday and Sunday with even some Sats and Tuesdays

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 21 Jan 04 - 02:40 PM

Didn't seem like a lot of grief to me.

My impression is that folk clubs often seem to flourish best where there are a couple in the same locality, so long as they behave sensibly. Not so much competition, but rather, filling in the gaps.

There are so many different ways that folk clubs can follow, and so mnay different types of music around.

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Jan 04 - 05:18 PM

If the club is planning to put on a serious support act each week rather than fob the paying public off with whatever deadbeat is taking his guitar case for a walk then auditions are the way forward.

My experience of people who complain about club organisers insisting on a reasonable quality of floor singer are the ones who are bloody crap in the first place.

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: Ned Ludd
Date: 21 Jan 04 - 07:12 PM

While any new venture is encouraged,I understand Padgett's concern.
When there are directories and contact lists readily available, one questions an experienced folkies motives for running auditions. I've been burned, giving a free performance for the promise of a gig that didn't materialise, and it seems that this could be such a ploy.
However old mate, you could be fretting over nowt!

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: GUEST,Hugh Jampton
Date: 22 Jan 04 - 09:15 AM

To Tony Heald.
Is your proposed enterprise to be a Folk Music Club in the normally accepted sense of the term or is it to be performers singing and playing to folks taking a meal and drink, like a cabaret, for therein lies a deal of difference?

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: GUEST,obnig hrobdog
Date: 22 Jan 04 - 07:00 PM

A folk club ought not to be about exclusion, but inclusion.

And competition is not necessarily the bringer of the greatest good for the greatest number, only doctrinaire capitalists think that.

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Jan 04 - 08:41 PM

A folk club ought not to be about exclusion, but inclusion.

That like an excuse from somebody too fucking useless to get a spot at a decent club.

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: Santa
Date: 23 Jan 04 - 10:44 AM

All folk clubs shouldn't be the same. (Not that there's much chance of that.)

There are clubs for people who want a good night out with some competent performers. There are clubs for people who want a good singaround and think having fun is more important that professional standards. There are musical sessions for those who like playing. Most clubs manage some sort of mixture.

I don't see how someone suggesting auditions for floor spots is going to shake the folk world. Unless you have a very low opinion of the level of quality in folk circles.....

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: GUEST,Hugh Jampton
Date: 23 Jan 04 - 10:59 AM

Switchbit and Tony Heald,
                         I would still welcome a response to my previous post. Ta in expectation.

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: The Vulgar Boatman
Date: 23 Jan 04 - 06:12 PM

Ye Gods and small fishes, that stirred the gyppo didn't it?

I remember the sixties, and in Barnsley too...not exactly the highest point of a long and varied life. Trouble is, not a lot seems to have changed, except now they all seem to be full of miscellaneous bashers and twangers who've all learned from the same bloody video. Take the south east - where the main guests at a lot of clubs are consistently the organisers of other clubs. Anywhere else they'd call that incest. How many denizens of these places can remember ALL the words in the right order, play the instrument they're sitting behind (or even tune it), think percussion is OK for those who can't be bothered to learn to play anything, or have any respect for the people they are on their hind legs in front of? Or clubs with wonderful websites telling you how magic their residents are...mutter curse mumble groan...All we Mudcatters may think ourselves the mutt's nuts in performance, but I don't see an army of us raising the standard in clubs across the land.

Folk clubs always have been, and probably always will be a complete mixture of the talented and the dire and all stages in between. If you have a problem with that, find one you like, or one that likes you, and let the rest get on with their own thing; if you're pissed at not getting gigs/recognition/free ale or even a kind word, you're either not quite as good as you thought or you're moving in the wrong circles. Deal with it. At the end of the day, for most of us it's a leisure activity, undertaken voluntarily, and if we don't like a club we can vote with our feet. Or start our own and find out how much effort that takes.

Go forth and make music.

Banjo

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: GUEST,obnig hrobdog
Date: 23 Jan 04 - 06:13 PM

Hello moronguest.

I'm just about at the point where people are hinting that I might be able to get some paid slots if I showed out more.

I am definitely asked to host singarounds.

I've been asked to sit in on some recordings, and some paid sessions of other bands.

Last week a member of the public (a birthday party in a pub, not part of the session) came up to me unprompted and was very flattering about a bit of guitar stuff I'd done.

The week before a member of the public (non-folkie, but seemingly muso) at the bar at a session of mine said what a good combination of guitar sound and voice I'd got on a particular song.

I'm not boasting, but pointing out that the idea of inclusion is not necessarily self serving.

Personally, there's a whole lot of stuff I'd like to do better, but I think you called the wrong shot this time.

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: Leadfingers
Date: 23 Jan 04 - 07:00 PM

Now that there is NO variety Theatre, where else is there for someone who wants to perform ANYTHING to go other than Folk Clubs ? So the standard of performance is infinitley variable, though some audiences expectations are a bit high ( used to edited television shows) so IF you want to put a decent show on,you either only book people you have seen work, or you audition

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: GUEST,obnig hrobdog
Date: 24 Jan 04 - 04:38 PM

Hi Leadfingers.

We've played but you can't trace me on this computer.

Your proposition sounds a bit like Margaret Thatcher's insistence on management's right to manage.

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: treewind
Date: 24 Jan 04 - 05:19 PM

"A folk club ought not to be about exclusion, but inclusion"

The trouble with sweeping ideological axioms like that is it makes life difficult when you have to appear to break the rules. The truth is that a club organiser has conflicting requirements:
- to encourage new performers
- to keep the regulars coming back
- to keep standards of music or entertainment reasonably high, especially for those who come to listen but don't perform (and pay for it)

There's no simple rule for how to do that. Everyone has different solutions to the problem. It's often a case of simple common sense and thinking on your feet. It also depends on what sort of club it wants to be, from staged concert to informal singaround in a bar.

And all levels it is possible to be selective without being elitist.

Anahata

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: GUEST,MU man
Date: 24 Jan 04 - 05:21 PM

Are they going to play union rates???

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: The Vulgar Boatman
Date: 24 Jan 04 - 05:45 PM

Hey there MU Man - considering that a)my subscriptions are about to take another substantial hike, and b)the continuing saga of MU's management, maybe we should have run a few auditions for our glorious leaders. People in Glasshoughton shouldn't throw stones...

KYBTTS

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: GUEST,MUman
Date: 24 Jan 04 - 07:51 PM

KYBTTS

It's worth the subs for your Public Liability £10,000,000.00 cover alone - and you know it!

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: Switchbit
Date: 26 Jan 04 - 09:23 AM

Right.. there has been an article in our local paper about this up coming Folk Night. Below is a direct transcrip of it. I really hope this answers everyones queries.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Retired Head on song to unearth fresh folk talent

Retired headteacher Tony Heald wants to teach Barnsley people a lesson - about folk music.

He is trying to unearth the folk singers of the future and is holding an audtion night on february 5 at the Blah Bar on Market hill when the main guest is international singer and musician Dave Burland.

Tony said: "I want to find new musicians and singers in "The Folk Style". Not only am I hoping to recapture the audience of the seventies and eighties, but also a new, young audience and talent".

Tickets and information can be obtained on 07791 447406

Tony founded the first folk club at the Alhambra pub in 1962 which eventually moved to The King George, The Wheatsheaf and then the Civic Hall.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Hope that helps

Switchbit

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: John Robinson (aka Cittern)
Date: 18 Mar 04 - 10:23 AM

Whilst not wishing to get involved in any of the politics in this thread, I simply had to post a copy of a message I have posted elsewhere about these events:

I had the pleasure of being the sound man at the second event, which was headlined by my partner Julie Ellison.

We experience so many different venues across the UK - pubs, folk clubs, arts centres - but I can honestly say that this event is a breath of fresh air which promises a great deal for the folk/acoustic scene in South Yorkshire.

Much discussion has been had here and on other forums about the role of folk clubs in the current day. Whilst the established clubs (both the singers and concert variety) continue to have an important role to play, it is encouraging to see this music being showcased, in a concert setting, in the main space of a modern, town centre bar. The bar is glass walled, making the event highly visible to "Joe public" and several people commented that the whole event had a real "city feel" to it.

The diversity of audience members was especially encouraging, illustrated if nothing else by the presence of hairstyles which rarely make an appearance in folk clubs (unless John McCusker is playing that is!)

The event attracted interest from the local "idie-band" magazine who were extremely positive to the "virtuoso performance" (their words not mine) and the publishing of a review of the events in a magazine perhaps more usually associated with death metal and punk will further broaden the reach of the events.

Audience members included Dave Burland, the headline at the first event, who commented that the gigs could be seen as part of a worthwhile attempt to "reclaim" the town centre, and after the dispersing scenes of drunkenness shown in TV news programmes recently - amen to that

Barnsley is buzzing with folk activity at the moment, with a significant youth oriented event taking place this weekend.

I've never felt more positive about the future! To all the supporting performers and to Tony Heald, the man behind the initiative, a heartfelt thanks.


All the best
John Robinson
http://www.JulieEllison.co.uk

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: Rasener
Date: 18 Mar 04 - 11:33 AM

Blimey Anahata, I coudn't have put it better myself.
Quote
The truth is that a club organiser has conflicting requirements:
- to encourage new performers
- to keep the regulars coming back
- to keep standards of music or entertainment reasonably high, especially for those who come to listen but don't perform (and pay for it)
End Quote.

With setting up the Market Rasen Folk Club, that is exactly the criteria I am having to apply. I am a listener with dead enthusiastic desire to make a success of it. Its a chicken and egg situation.

I am not auditioning, but recomendations are critical for me. I don't want my listeners walking away after the first night. They are the people who will provide me with the extra money to bring in guests. I want them to have a nice experience and a desire to come back again and again.

Having said that, without the enthusiasm of the Artists supporting me, there woudn't be a club. That is one of the reasons I am allocating floor spots so that whoever performs knows where they stand and roughly how much time they will have. I am very grateful for such wonderful support.

At the same time I am involved in talking to music teachers in the hope that I can give a couple of floor spots each club meeting for youngsters to perform (under 21). This is at an advanced stage.

I am hoping that new talent will start to come through the door, and I will be the first to help and encourage them.

Finally, I still want to encourage people who are not able or don't want floor spots to have a jamming session with other same like musicians.

I will make mistakes and I will have artists possibly having a whinge at times, but I will always try to be honest and up front and always try to think of the artist and the listener.

I have listened to a lot of very helpful artists and listeners and have hopefully taken on board their ideas and recomendations.

At the end of the day, I know everybody will be giving their best shot to make it succesful. What more can I ask.

Les

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 18 Mar 04 - 12:56 PM

Sounds like Barnsley and Rasen are possibly the spearhead of a new folk-resurgence. Let's hope so anyway.

John - looking forward to seeing Julie again at the Gainsborough-Fest in October.

Les - looking equally forward to Rasen's opening neet on the 26th. Just announce me by my real name will you, don't refer to my Mudcat name - the death-threats are making me nervous about people finding out the true identity of that argumentative bastard 'SJ'!!   :0) :0)

Cheers guys,
SJ

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: GUEST,John (At Studio)
Date: 18 Mar 04 - 01:26 PM

SJ - I chased the BBC (via [e-mail]) about the fact that they omitted Gainsborough from their list of festivals. No change to the list as yet, maybe you want to send them a reminder too.

Cheers
John

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: Rasener
Date: 18 Mar 04 - 01:37 PM

Hey John, I just love Strollin' Johnny. It suits you so much. It will ruin my advertising splurges.

Ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, let me introduce you to that famously wonderful argumentative smooth talking bastard called Strollin' Johnny. he he

Don't worry, I will just introduce you as John. Is that OK

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: Banjo-Flower
Date: 18 Mar 04 - 05:08 PM

Hi Strollin' Johnny Les can call you what he wants but I still know who you are ;-)

Gerry

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: GUEST,Anne Croucher
Date: 18 Mar 04 - 05:39 PM

So where is the other folk club?

I left Barnsley in 69, but used to go to the King George folk club.

I do visit once in a blue moon, but the family back home are not into folk music - so where should I look for a club, and what night?

Anne

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 19 Mar 04 - 07:59 AM

Les, I'm just happy to perform, call me anything you like (incidentally, the name comes from my erstwhile R&R Band 'The Strollers', which I retired from a couple of years ago).

John, I'll have a look on there - Sooz may get working on it too, after I've spoken to her at the Club this evening.

Gerry - I know my secret's safe with you (and as far as I know, you've not made any death threats!)

Cheers guys
Johnny :0)

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: Rasener
Date: 19 Mar 04 - 08:39 AM

John, I appreciate that very much. The wife has said that she might let me out tonight, providing I am a good boy today. Just made her a cup of tea.
Have you and Sue got digital pictures I could have by e-mail, so that I can do a little poster, showing who's who on the night.
If so and they could be sent to me by e-mail, I would appreciate that very much.
Its all to do with the promotion of the club.

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 19 Mar 04 - 11:44 AM

I'm with Padgett on this - and in having to hold Auditions in his own area tells me he hasn't got a clue what's going on there.
Is he perhaps thinking of entering Artist Management - which is unfortunately but necessarily part of the Folk Scene - and making a few bob?
Good Folk Club Organisers know the score and what's going on both Nationally and in their own backyards, bad ones are generally meglomaniacs and cannot resist organising and manipulating people - making a few bob for themselves in the process ,in whatever type of club it is.
Padge - Good Luck to Booker - let's see if you can rally him up to Saltburn - he owes me some pints.

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: Rasener
Date: 19 Mar 04 - 12:22 PM

"Good Folk Club Organisers know the score and what's going on both Nationally and in their own backyards, bad ones are generally meglomaniacs and cannot resist organising and manipulating people - making a few bob for themselves in the process ,in whatever type of club it is."

Don't agree with you there guest.

I am starting Market Rasen Folk Club.

Until recently, the last time I went to a folk club was back in 1975 in Scotland. I am not an artist just a listener.

I have spent about six weeks trying to get to know the scene. I have had great support from Artists helping me to set the club up as well as input from Mudcatters. The resident group CARA will will be appearing on Radio Lincolnshire next Wednesday at 6:15 and information about the club will be given out then. I will have splurges in 2 of the local papers next week, and posters have been set up around the town. I would think all members on Mudcat will know about it by know.

Stitherum (who have given me brilliant support to set it up), Karen and Colin Thompson, John Blank, Mick Pearce, Liam Robinson, Diathi and Bloke in the Corner will all be supporting me next week out of the kindness of their heart. Bless them :-) I am also hoping to have some youngsters appearing as well.

I have booked two guests for June and July - Bill Whaley and Dave Fletcher and Touchwood from Australia. Somebody tell me these two bookings are crap! I don't think they are. It's a question of researching.

I have put a huge amount of effort into setting this club up and take a lot of pride in what I am doing, and what's more, I am doing it for nowt.

So don't tar everybody with the same brush.

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: Ben Dover
Date: 19 Mar 04 - 12:25 PM

Stick with it Villan. Bollocks to ALL guests. At least you are having a go.

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: GUEST,John/Cittern at the studio
Date: 19 Mar 04 - 02:40 PM

Best of luck villan.

There are good folk clubs and bad folk clubs.

Both types attract critics.

The only feedback you need to take seriously is:

1) How many people want to perform
2) How many people want to be an audient

Stick with what is right for you, your performers and your audience and ignore everyone else.

Regards
John R.
http://www.JulieEllison.co.uk

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: Rasener
Date: 19 Mar 04 - 08:06 PM

Cheers
Ben Dover & John

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 20 Mar 04 - 05:12 AM

Absolutely agree Villan. Take no notice of moaners, do it your way first and be prepared to learn, remember that performers and listeners alike have an investment, and be flexible. You'll succeed. And yes, you've put a huge effort in there, I'm seriously impressed.

Johnny :0)

Subject: RE: Auditions for new Folk club in Barnsley
From: Rasener
Date: 20 Mar 04 - 05:27 AM

And not to forget the little gem of young talent, who will be playing along as well.

Yes its Lucy and Paul.

We don't have to say any more do we. Its for us to enjoy, and not for the ones who don't come along.