BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?

Subject: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 15 Jun 04 - 03:46 PM

I have in front of me a sticker for Zeke's on the Square. Mountain View, Arkansas, which states, in black and white (well, black and yellow bit who's counting) "Music shop for the Folk Capital of the world". Now, I know it must be true because they wouldn't ptint it otherwise, but I have my reservations...

Firstly, it is in a dry county. I think that would be a big drawback to many visitors.

Secondly, the music seemed very regional. How can it represent world music if all the songs are about pick up trucks, mamma's and prisons?

Finaly, it's a bugger to get to for most people in the world.

So, hows about nominations for where is the REAL Folk Capital?

I thought about Dingle, Ireland, but it is a bit too touristy and suffers from number 3 as above.

So Manchester was my next thought but I don't want all them tourists buggering up my pub so...

My nomination is - HULL!

Any seconders?

Cheers

DtG

In fairness btw the T-shirt I have from another music shop says Folk Music Capital of the USA. I'll let you guys argue that one out between you:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 15 Jun 04 - 03:49 PM

in this day and age you need a VIRTUAL capital.

I nominate...THE MUDCAT CAFE!

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Rasener
Date: 15 Jun 04 - 03:51 PM

Lincolnshire - the talent is unbelievable.

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Sooz
Date: 15 Jun 04 - 03:58 PM

I'm torn there, Les, but I think I'll go along with MMario. The virtual capital is a great idea.

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Rapparee
Date: 15 Jun 04 - 04:13 PM

Well. As much as I would like to say it's Pocatello, Idaho...I agree with MMario.

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Once Famous
Date: 15 Jun 04 - 04:15 PM

Chicago was at one time and may still be. The Old Town School of Folk Music is alive and well serving the community for decades. I do not believe there is any where else that does what it does on the level it does.

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Bill D
Date: 15 Jun 04 - 04:35 PM

I guess it depends on what you want and how you rate various services and venues. I moved to the Washington DC area 25 years ago because it had the largest folk club that seemed to exist anywhere, as well as the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian Folk Festival. Add to that being in the middle of the east coast of the US with reasonable access to Boston, New York, W. Virginia, N. Carolina...etc, and THEN when Mudcat started having the FSGW Getaway become the semi-official hangout for Mudcatters who could get here, and we are sure a prime nexus, if not the 'center'...I suppose you could define all of the UK as one kind of 'center', but if you want to live in one town/city with the quickest access to the greatest variety of folk music on a year-round basis, it would be hard to beat the small town where Max himself lives...2 hours from Wash DC and near Philadelphia, New York...etc.....

Yep...Chicago had a lot of great stuff, and I could live there if I had to, but I think I am pretty close to Heaven as it is.

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 15 Jun 04 - 05:14 PM

Well, they tell me the folk music ghetto is Takoma Park/Silver Spring, Maryland. Lots of nice people and nice music there.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Blackcatter
Date: 15 Jun 04 - 06:03 PM

folk and capital are pretty much oxymoronic.

To be the capital, you need organization. You get enough organization, you need professional organizers. Once you get professionals, out goes the folk.

Epicenter may be a better term, but it's silly because there are dozens of different folk styles that sould not be lumped together. Take celtic folk, for example - how do you mash all that is Irish, Scottish, Welsh, Mannish, Breton, Galatian, as well as neo-Celtic such as Australian, American, Canadian, British together? Where exactly in the spot that embraces all of that?

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 15 Jun 04 - 06:04 PM

Should it be like the centre of a hurricane - where nothing ever happens? If that's the case then it's Wool, Dorset. Nothing EVER happens there except once, they got a bicycle stuck in the level crossing.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 15 Jun 04 - 06:15 PM

DC is good for folk? Hmmm. I always heard that the Boston area and around there was good, but haven't been there. How about Austin, Texas and Taos, New Mexico? In Canada there's a strong folk community near Vancouver...Salt Spring Island has a lot of folksingers.

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Nick
Date: 15 Jun 04 - 06:48 PM

Somewhere on the A1 today (england/road/yorkshire for those non-UK people) I passed a sign which reads 'Earth Centre' so I guess everything must be there.

Next time I pass I'll take a picture and post it.

Bizarrely it points left and upwards but I think that's just to fool people. Presumably ALL centres would be there?

Hull's not a bad third option as they seem to get involved in a lot of threads. Meself I'd go for Farlington microcosmically and somewhere else macrocosmically.

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Miken
Date: 15 Jun 04 - 08:34 PM

LH, The Pacific Northwest as a whole, Especially Portland tp Vancouver, has a HUGE folk community!
Mike

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: artbrooks
Date: 15 Jun 04 - 08:45 PM

Seattle

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 15 Jun 04 - 09:30 PM

Since all the folkies I know live on planet earth, the I guess that's the universal centre of folk!

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Bill D
Date: 15 Jun 04 - 10:19 PM

There are large 'folk' communities in Boston, Seattle....even Denver has one...and lots of other places have small to moderate groups, but DC is a bit different in that there is still a core group which preserves and 'does' a lot of *traditional* music. (and most of them are more eclectic than yours truly..*grin*) You can find the more modern stuff, and plenty singer-songwriters here too, as well as Celtic and a very large Bluegrass community. This is why I say that 'ol Max, being close to both the DC area and the N.Y, N.J, Mass., Maine areas, may be closer to the center...even with no major events right down the street.

Our newsletter has page after page of listings for local venues and performers and dances, etc....The point being, that you can find almost any kind of 'folk-related' music & dance going on here, including music of many other cultures besides Anglo-Celtic. Why, there are even folks around here who know some Dylan! ;>)

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Metchosin
Date: 15 Jun 04 - 11:01 PM

China!! That's where the most folks are.

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: GUEST,Larry K
Date: 15 Jun 04 - 11:28 PM

I think Ann Arbor Michigan has to be right up there with any other place.   The Ark is one of the finest coffee houses anywhere with about 300 shows a year.

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Blackcatter
Date: 15 Jun 04 - 11:45 PM

And now a message from the folk musicians of Manchester: Fuck Hull.


hee hee.

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Jun 04 - 01:39 AM

Dolly Parson's show palace next to hill-billy ranch and amusement park in the Ozark Mountains.

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: InOBU
Date: 16 Jun 04 - 03:49 AM

I think Mmario is right about Mudcat... Dingle is close, Check out dinglerecordshop.com and say hello to Maz from me... but I KNOW that where ever the folk capital of the world is, it is as far from the frozen butt of the folk world, New York City.
Cheers and burrrr
Larry

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Hrothgar
Date: 16 Jun 04 - 04:09 AM

Maleny. If you don't believe me, ask rich-joy.

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: el ted
Date: 16 Jun 04 - 04:19 AM

Iceland.

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: 42
Date: 16 Jun 04 - 06:56 AM

There are as many 'capitals' as there are definitions of 'folk'. Anywhere people thrive on listening to, sharing or creating live music ...alcoves of original thought...bastions of harmony and melody...children (of any age) drumming and dancing and shrieking nonsense at the top of their lungs.

Kind of hard to pin down without getting mushy actually,(but you didn't notice right!)

j

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: GUEST,Cllr at work
Date: 16 Jun 04 - 07:30 AM

I think before we site the folk capital of the world we have to define what folk is...

Cllr**runs for cover*8

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 16 Jun 04 - 07:31 AM

oh oh ohh lisdoonvarnha.



according to Christy Moore

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Mr Red
Date: 16 Jun 04 - 07:36 AM

(ducks and runs for cover before lobbing :-)

The Folk capital is

F

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Jun 04 - 08:29 AM

Inverness county, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 16 Jun 04 - 08:51 AM

Perhaps if we are looking for the Capital of Folk..it should be where Folk music as we know it originated..but where is that???
All White American Folk music originated from England or the British Isles but we were invaded in long past history by Gauls/Saxons/vikings/other Norse tribes so where did the original singing come from......Best just forget it and enjoy what we have in our own areas....Here as Villan says....in Lincolnshire...we have real quality Folk music/songs.......I also think Mudcat would be a good capital!
Be Blessed.

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Mark Clark
Date: 16 Jun 04 - 09:54 AM

Folk capital of the world? I must have missed that part when I was visiting Mountain View. <g> It was a rainy weekend and we spent our time at the Ozark Folk Center listening to some of the best fingerepicking you'll find anywhere. Even though Mountain View has the Folk Center and is truly a wonderful place to find all sorts of American Southern traditional music, I'd have to say “Folk Capital of the World” is quite a stretch.

The lack of even one pub is certainly a big concern. One of the first things Jan likes to do when we travel somewhere is go through the local telephone directory. When she looked through Mountain View's directory we were astonished by the number of churches listed—I was guessing one church per family or close to that. I asked her how many pubs/taverns/saloons/bars they had. She looked through several catagories and replied “none.” I could see we were in trouble right from the start. <g> Luckily, we'd thought to carry some libation with us. From the pub standpoint, De Pere, Wisconsin (near Green Bay) is a better choice. I once estimated they had a tavern for every 13 inhabitants.

As a candidate for a US folk capital, I'm tempted to go along with Martin Gibson's nomination of Chicago. Not only does the Old Town School of Folk Music present and teach most of the world's traditional musical forms but Chicago is also home to the annual University of Chicago Folk Festival, arguably the world's premier folk festival from the standpoints of diversity, academic integrity and sheer entertainment.

But as Blackcatter noted, the notions of folk and capital don't really go well together so I think I'll have to go along with MMario, et al., and nominate the Mudcat Café. Not only is it accessible worldwide but there are participants from many countries as well. And where else will you find a world-wide song circle. Of course you still can't get a drink here. <g>

      - Mark

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Big Mick
Date: 16 Jun 04 - 10:54 AM

Not possible to name one. I think Toronto has one of the most vibrant folk communities I have ever seen. So does Vancouver, BC. But then again, just look at the English/Scottish scene. And, of course, my dear friends in Takoma Park/Silver Spring which boasts folkies of every type per square mile, including my dear friends, as well as one of the great Uillean Pipers/builders, Mark Hillman. Chicago's role in folk music is beyond question.

Yep, got to go with my buddy, MMario. It has to be the Mudcat.

Mick

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Blackcatter
Date: 16 Jun 04 - 11:32 AM

All White American Folk music originated from England or the British Isles

I'm sure the Jews, Italians, Greeks, Danes, Germans, French, Spanish, Finns, Poles, Swiss, Dutch, Basque, Swedes, Russians, etc, really appreciate that statement.

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Mark Clark
Date: 16 Jun 04 - 11:54 AM

Yeah, I was going to pass on that one, but since Blackcatter brought it up, even white southern American folk music owes more to African Americans than it does to the Britich Isles.

      - Mark

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 16 Jun 04 - 12:11 PM

Dunno how you missed it, Mark:-) Go to the link you provided and look about half way down the page to see Visit downtown Mountain View, Arkansas, the "Folk Music Capital of the World."

I know what you mean about the churches as well - I reckon them thar' Arkansas folk must be mighty sinful to warrant all them without even a pub for an excuse! Did you see all the bullet holes in the road signs there abouts btw?

Anyhow - I am sticking to Hull with Mudcat being a close second. Chicago was really great but they lost my luggage so I am deducting some points for that. It is still my kind of town, Chicago is, though;-)

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 16 Jun 04 - 01:50 PM

Downloaded the Ozark Folk Centre screen saver btw - It's good:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: GUEST,Arkie
Date: 16 Jun 04 - 03:27 PM

As we all know it does not take much effort to get a proclamation put together and a public declaration although I do not think Mtn. View's claim to be a "Folk Capital" ever had an official proclamation. There was never any consensus as to whether we were a world or U.S.A capital. So you are apt to see either. But that is a lot of progress for a little town with four roads into town and the last two were finally paved in 1978. It is certainly disturbing to think someone would challenge Mtn. View's Folk Capital claim and as word gets around it will no doubt be the topic for discussion on the Wal-Mart parking lot and the court square. Next thing you know the only thing we will have left is the World Championship Outhouse race.

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Sttaw Legend
Date: 16 Jun 04 - 03:44 PM

Sutton-upon-Hull

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: GUEST,Betsy
Date: 16 Jun 04 - 03:48 PM

From the River Tyne to the River Humber and every place place in between - the talent is unsurpassed for Traditional , Revivalist , Songwriting , Singing , and Musicianship of unbelieveable quality which has been proven over these last 45+ Years since the Revival.

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: GUEST,KateG with a lost cookie
Date: 16 Jun 04 - 05:58 PM

"But as Blackcatter noted, the notions of folk and capital don't really go well together so I think I'll have to go along with MMario, et al., and nominate the Mudcat Café. Not only is it accessible worldwide but there are participants from many countries as well. And where else will you find a world-wide song circle. Of course you still can't get a drink here.
                     ---Mark"

I'll chime in and endorse the Mudcat idea. And I disagree with Mark: nothing to stop you from sipping something potent while you're 'catting!

Kate

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Blackcatter
Date: 16 Jun 04 - 06:24 PM

But if we decide that the Mudcat is the capital, what are the other websites dedicated to folk music going to say? Why is the Mudcat more appropriate? I'm not trying to challenge this, I'm just curious. Really the Mudcat is about the only folk music website I visit on a regular basis other than those focused on imy chosen instruments: tin whistles and jews harps.

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 16 Jun 04 - 07:36 PM

I would nominate the Shetland Islands, on the simple basis that I can think of no other place on earth where folkies form the MAJORITY of the population.

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Blackcatter
Date: 16 Jun 04 - 07:43 PM

So would the Shetland Pony become the official animal of folk music?

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Amos
Date: 16 Jun 04 - 08:24 PM

Why not? They can be trained to lead the blind and wear clean underwear, both talents folkies need help with...

A

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Blackcatter
Date: 16 Jun 04 - 10:39 PM

ha!

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: GUEST,John (at studio)
Date: 17 Jun 04 - 01:00 PM

Barnsley - UK

Kate Rusby
Kathryn Roberts
Dave Burland
Blah Bar gigs
Barnsley Young Folkie events (sorry can't remember the name)

and a bright future !!

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

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Blackcatter
Date: 17 Jun 04 - 01:23 PM

You know, another tack to take is the way of such countries as the U.S., Australia, Brazil and Belize that have chosen to create their capitals out of whole cloth, as it were.

In that case - there would folkies like their capital?

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Sweetfia
Date: 18 Jun 04 - 05:04 AM

Hull!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: GUEST,Bex McK
Date: 18 Jun 04 - 08:01 AM

Lyons, Colorado!

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Sttaw Legend
Date: 18 Jun 04 - 08:40 AM

This weekend it will be at Beverley Folk Festival.

harriWattsband will be @ Oddfellows Arms 8.30'ish kick off to-night

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 18 Jun 04 - 03:59 PM

Twillingsgate.

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Blackcatter
Date: 19 Jun 04 - 01:55 AM

Should a place/event named Beverly ever be taken seriously?

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: matai
Date: 19 Jun 04 - 08:03 AM

Here

Subject: RE: BS: Where is the folk capital of the world?
From: Mooh
Date: 19 Jun 04 - 11:01 AM

For a few fleeting hours at our local festival I'd swear it was there, but the day after the whole county becomes a folk wasteland. There are some pretty fine players about, and lots of fans, but few employers and fewer public places to play, especially in winter. We try though, in spite of the odds, and that contributes to our brand of "folk".

But, isn't the whole point of folk that there isn't a capital?

Peace, Mooh.