English folk clubs & pub singing

Subject: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: Dave Ruch
Date: 30 Nov 05 - 08:29 PM

I'll be travelling to England from the US in April 2006 for vacation with my family (roughly April 14-21), and would love to take in some traditional singing - concerts, folk clubs, pub sessions, etc. The itinerary is pretty wide open at this point. I'd appreciate any recommendations people have, and perhaps I can route the family travel plans accordingly.

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: Chris Amos
Date: 01 Dec 05 - 01:38 AM

Dave

If your'e not sure where you will be going then Martin Nail's site "English Folk & Traditional Music on the Internet" will be useful, if you go to the Regional Resources part it gives links to various areas. Site here Let us know how you get on.

Chris

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 01 Dec 05 - 04:10 AM

Hi Dave

Which part of England are you visiting, there are various regional resources which you can be directed to, which will help you find clubs in a particular locale

Cheers

Raggy

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: treewind
Date: 01 Dec 05 - 04:14 AM

Folk and Roots is another resource with a good set of regional listings.

If you're going to be anywhere near East Anglia, drop me a PM

Anahata

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: webfolk
Date: 01 Dec 05 - 06:37 AM

You could try the North Staffs Folk Diary on my website at
http://www.webfolk.net

Geoff - bit on the side

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: The Shambles
Date: 01 Dec 05 - 06:48 AM

Perhaps you should write to The Department Of Culture, Media and Sport
and ask them?

http://www.culture.gov.uk/global/press_notices/archive_2005/dcms166_05.htm?month=November&properties=archive%5F2005%2C%2Fglobal%2Fpress%5Fnotices%2F%2C

I am perfectly serious, it would be useful for them to receive such a request and interesting to read their reply.

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: GUEST,Dave T.
Date: 01 Dec 05 - 06:55 AM

If you are coming to North Devon you may want to try the Torridge Inn at Black Torrington (near Hatherleigh) on Monday nights. Quite a good mixture.

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: Dave Earl
Date: 01 Dec 05 - 06:58 AM

And if you should find yourself in the South East you may find something to your liking at:-

SUSSEX FOLK GUIDE WEBSITE:-
http://whatson.brighton.co.uk/folk

Sorry havn't worked out the blue clickie thing yet.

Dave Earl

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: Hopfolk
Date: 01 Dec 05 - 07:09 AM

In my area (Central: Oxford 30 miles, London 45 miles)

Regular and reliable:
Late session in Oxford every Thursday and Sunday. (Pub)
Lunchtime (mainly music) session in Stony Stratford every Sunday (Pub)

It's probably best if you wait until 2-3 weeks before you come and then post this message again so it's fresh in everyone's memory.

Good luck

CamoJohn.

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: IanC
Date: 01 Dec 05 - 07:17 AM

Dave

Where are you likely to be?

England is small but distances are relative and it's unusual to travel more than about 20 miles to go to all but the larger events. We're also pretty regional in our outlook.

:-)
Ian

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: Splott Man
Date: 01 Dec 05 - 07:35 AM

www.folkwales.org for God's own country

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: Essex Girl
Date: 01 Dec 05 - 08:31 AM

As Easter is 13th - 17th April, why not try Gosport & Fareham Festival, if you are near the south coast, or Miskin in Wales for excellent singing and folk club atmosphere.

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: Snuffy
Date: 01 Dec 05 - 08:44 AM

Between 15th and 21st April 2006 Ben Dauncey will attempt to dance from Tunbridge Wells to Worcester, a distance of over 210 miles to establish a new world record for Morris Dancing and to raise £100,000 for two national charities Next Foot Up.

There will undoubtedly be singing and music at each of the overnight stops as local morris sides and folkies turn out to welcome Ben. If you can make one of them you'd get a real taste of England.

WassaiL! V

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: greg stephens
Date: 01 Dec 05 - 10:29 AM

Congratulations to the Shambles for a brilliant suggestion. The Department bloody well should be able to deal with a query like, and it would be fascinating to read what they replies.
Dave Ruch: could you perhaps find a couple of minutes to follow that idea, and report back on this thread(or start a new one) when you gewt a new one. About your original request: are you purely chasing music, or is there some other agenda to your trip? It would be helpful to know if you want castles, beefeaters, Shakespeare, Comstable or Wordsworth included, and whether you have relatives to visit in specific places. Also, does the rest of your family share your musical enthusiasms? That will determine where and to what we direct you!

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: MuddleC
Date: 01 Dec 05 - 08:47 PM

To be brutally honest, a week isn't that long, and the jet lag is in the wrong direction, (hence 'wiped out day 1) plus the 'historic' sites will have to be 'done'...i.e.London, forget Stratford upon Avon unless you want to see Willie's and Anne's 'cribs'(houses)...... the Globe theatre in London would be a better thing to see, plus all those palaces/castles/thames attractions. So best have a look at easy places to get to in London.

Now you may well be doing 'a-city-a-day' tour, so give us an idea what you might like to see as 'normal' tourists, then other catters can help with realistic suggestions..

PS. if you happen to wander by the armed stockade that is Downing St., home of our beloved P.M. , please wave a large 'old glory' and shout loudly, 'you sure screwed up in 1775'...
thank you and good nite (2am in morning actually)

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: The Shambles
Date: 02 Dec 05 - 07:11 AM

http://www.folkmap.co.uk/

Perhaps this site should be available on the DCMS website?

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 02 Dec 05 - 07:15 AM

I would thoroughly recommend "Tyne Folk", formerly the Ryton Folk Club, which meets on THursday evenings at the Black Bull pub in Blaydon, near Newcastle upon Tyne, 8pm onwards. THis club has some really excellent residents and has been described as one of the best singing clubs in the country (by Sara Grey) Also during University term times often has singers from the Folk music degree course at Newcastle university. There are also many other good clubs in the area.

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: The Shambles
Date: 02 Dec 05 - 07:27 AM

Minister say jamming OK

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: GUEST,Miskin Man
Date: 02 Dec 05 - 07:38 AM

Re Ben Dauncey and Kemp's Jig
Have a look at Chris Harris's site for his story of Kemp's Jig.
http://www.chrisharrisproductions.btinternet.co.uk/

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: GUEST,Dave Ruch (away from my own computer)
Date: 02 Dec 05 - 11:55 AM

Thanks everyone for the bounty of resources! I'll have a chance to look them all over this weekend when I'm home. To answer those who asked where I/we will be, that's all kind of up in the air right now, hence the open-ended question. One scenario that looks good, at least on a map, would be London, then up through Sherwood Forest and on to York. However, this can and probably will change. My family consists of two young boys (ages 4 & 7), my wife and myself. They do share my enthusiasm for the old songs to some extent, but our trip is much more tourist-oriented and not purely a music chase (which, by the way, sounds luxurious). So, what I was envisioning was sneaking off to a session by myself one night after the kids are in bed.

I'll be glad to contact the Dept of Culture, etc. over the weekend and report back on what they say.

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: Nick
Date: 02 Dec 05 - 12:24 PM

If you come to York you'd be welcome to visit us in Flaxton which is about 10 miles north - small pub, hopefully a big welcome. There are details on folkmap.co.uk as mentioned further up the thread of some things round York.

Let us know nearer the time if you decide to venture up here.

Beverley and Whitby are both within striking distance and have lots going on

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: Paul Burke
Date: 02 Dec 05 - 12:33 PM

If the kids are into old things, the tramway museum at Crich isn't a billion miles from Sherwood Forest (where there's actually not much):
Crich museum

Free entry for kids with teddy bears on the 16th/ 17th.

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: Joules
Date: 02 Dec 05 - 02:09 PM

Hi Dave
The Brown Cow in Mansfield is a brill folk club and is literally on the doorstep of Sherwood Forest. You and your family are more than welcome to stay with us while you sample the delights of the local area. The club is on a Tuesday night by the way

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 02 Dec 05 - 02:32 PM

Manchester has much to recommend it, not least:

Chorlton Folk Club
Thursday Nights
Southwest Manchester Cricket Club
Ellesmere Road
Off Wilbraham Road
Chorlton
Manchester

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 03 Dec 05 - 09:53 AM

I'm sure you will be made welcome everywhere.

When you say traditional - it opens a can of worms in England. Some of us have traditions that go back to great grandparents, some of us have traditions that go back to first Bob Dylan or Martin carthy LP.

If you tell us what you like to sing. we can maybe help you make up a plan of things to do and places to go that won't disappoint.

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: Leadfingers
Date: 03 Dec 05 - 11:30 AM

Dave - A good scheme is to get some idea of itinery , then PM the catters who have put forward suggestions if you are going to be in their area ! I am West London (near Heathrow) and would suggest Sharps
on a Tuesday (Near Regents Park) as a good place to hear a good variety of traditionalist stuff , both British and American !
Oxford has a heap of good session stuff , Maidenhead is a nice friendly little club (Leaning towards the tradition) so you will have plenty of choice !

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 03 Dec 05 - 02:20 PM

yes good idea Leadf. - I am near Nottingham.

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: Dave Ruch
Date: 04 Dec 05 - 08:43 PM

Thanks again all...I've had a great time looking over the various folk clubs' websites, etc. I did email the Department of Culture this evening asking about folk clubs and pub singing, and I'll happily report back on what they tell me.

Weelittledrummer, my tastes run to both of the genres you describe; that is, I like the old songs, whether made popular during the folk revival and sung by "interpreters" of the tradition (i.e. Carthy, early Dylan), or sung by actual source singers and coming from regional traditions. Old ballads, local/regional ditties, sea songs and chanties, drinking songs, etc. The more English/UK and less American, the better (when in Rome...).

Leadfingers, great idea. I will do that.

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 05 Dec 05 - 07:18 PM

So the kind of thing you would appear to be looking for, is known in common parlance as a traddy club.

Okay so is there any area that you definitely want to go? then all we have to do is draw on local expertise and try and fit you up with 7 nights of folk music.

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: Dave Ruch
Date: 06 Dec 05 - 01:42 PM

Thanks weelittledrummer. I'll revive this thread once our plans are more definite. You guys are great!

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: breezy
Date: 06 Dec 05 - 01:48 PM

meanwhile ,tonight the 1st tuesday of the month. the Blue Anchor, Fishpool street St albans herts for a singaround

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 07 Dec 05 - 04:04 AM

I have to plug Chester for folk music or any other kind come to that. Lots of good venues, session and clubs within 15 mins drive of the centre. One on every night of the week if you know where to look . To find out what is happening search on the Folk Orbit site which lists just about everything within 50 miles of Chester.

On the tourist bit Chester is realy nice as well. Lots of Roman stuff to look at. Also close enough to go to Manchester, Liverpool, North Wales or even the Lake District for a day out and get back for a session in the evening.

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: Ian
Date: 07 Dec 05 - 11:07 AM

The tram museum is the resting place of THE RED LION pub.
the ancesteral home of the Potteries Folk club. Until it was removed and rebuilt at Crich.

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: Dave Ruch
Date: 09 Dec 05 - 10:26 PM

Just a quick update - so far, no response from the Department of Culture on my query of December 4.

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 10 Dec 05 - 04:23 AM

I'm not sure we've actually got a department of culture and anyway, in the case of English folk music the actual validity of any one group to call itself English folk music would be strongly challenged, if it were spoken too loud.

There are various august bodies like the world council (search me guv who they are) and they occasionally send The Yetties to the Himalayas, Martin Carthy to Patagonia and performance poets to Australia - these places being sorely in need of such attractions. However nobody I know has a handle on the whys and wherefores of how these things operate. I think they just happily coincided with Martin's desire to see every country in the world, and the general state of other artists not having a pot to piss in - so they might as well take the gig.

What exactly is it you were hoping to find out from the government?

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: The Shambles
Date: 10 Dec 05 - 06:29 AM

If you or I were to visit another country especially to sample and take part in its national cultural activities like folk music or dance - we may think to contact the official goverment body for advice. In some countries I suspect, such an approach may prove to be very fruitful.

You may not expect them to know all the answers but perhaps may expect them to be in close contact with bodies equivalent to our English Folk Dance and Song Society. Making such request to them may finally wake the DCMS up to the fact that this country does have cultural folk activities that are atractive to overseas visitors.

It would certainly be interesting to know what the response would be to such a request made here by Dave to our Dept of Culture, Media and Sport. Whose idea of encouraging our national culture would appear to be the recorded music industry and large screen pub TVs.

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: DMcG
Date: 10 Dec 05 - 02:28 PM

Hands up everyone who is surprised the DCMS has failed to respond ...

The DCMS Website has a search box on it. You can depress yourself by searching for terms like 'folk' and 'traditional' to gauge the depth of the Department's interest in these topics.

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: Les from Hull
Date: 10 Dec 05 - 06:00 PM

wld - I think you mean the British Council

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: Dave Ruch
Date: 04 Jan 06 - 10:29 AM

Incredibly, I received the response from the DCMS just today - here's what it said:


Thank you for your email of 5 December 2005, regarding your visit to England in April. Sorry for the delay in replying.

You may like to visit VisitBritain's web site for the information you require. VisitBritain are sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport   to promote and market Britain internationally and domestically as a tourist destination. Their website contains information on where to stay, venues to visit, events, flights and transport, practical information and alot more. Their website is www.visitbritain.com.

I hope you enjoy your visit to England.

Yours sincerely,


Holly Shine
Team Support Officer
MPST - Ministerial and Programme Support Team
Tourism Division

Subject: RE: English folk clubs & pub singing
From: LesB
Date: 04 Jan 06 - 11:58 AM

Hi Dave, If you find yourself in the North West of England, we have a thriving folk club (in it's 40th yr) in Southport.Bothy Folk Club
By the way I looked at www.visitbritain.com . What a wast of time very general & non specific. Whilst a search for folk clubs did have a couple of references to festivals it also got Newcastle nightlife, gay Manchester, Rock Sailing & Camel Ski Club!
Cheers
Les