Contemporary folk scene in Ireland?

Subject: Contemporary folk scene in Ireland?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 14 Apr 06 - 08:41 PM

I'm hoping to go Ireland for the first two weeks of June and have a poke round - see all the places I used to sing about when I was gigging the Irish theme bar circuit - see a few sights. The usual holiday sort of thing.

I hear a lot about trad music sessions - are there any places where I could slide in and do a quick floorspot. My style is I suppose sort of eclectic contemporary.
heres my website if you're interested enough to have a look.
http://bigalwhittle.co.uk/

Obviously it would be nice to meet up with one or two of you guys.

Subject: RE: Contemporary folk scene in Ireland?
From: Geoff Wallis
Date: 15 Apr 06 - 02:22 PM

No, absolutely none whatsoever, thank heavens.

Please learn more about sessions and session culture before suggesting such again.

Subject: RE: Contemporary folk scene in Ireland?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 15 Apr 06 - 03:57 PM

Are you sure?

Seems like there are a hell of a lot of students and universities over there, not to have a few open mic type evenings somewhere.

We get quite a few talented guys from over there. You are apparently missing out on a part of what your country is producing.

I've never really enquired, but they must have got their shit together somewhere over there.

as for session culture, I've been to more than a few and I know what's involved, and I didn't start this thread to initiate an argument - but its not for me.

Subject: RE: Contemporary folk scene in Ireland?
From: Declan
Date: 15 Apr 06 - 08:35 PM

I'm not fully up to speed with whats happening on the contemporary gig scene in Dublin but there are quite a few venues around.

Mr Wallis above seems to have a problem with the notion of such a thing but he hardly speaks for the whole of Ireland!

The Cobblestone (Smithfield Dublin) used to run contemporary gigs until fairly recently. May still do for all I know. Other likely venues are Mother Redcaps, Whelans and Vicar Street although these would tend to have well known artists mainly, there may be some support slots going. There are other spots in Dublin who run gigs The Green Room at the Holiday Inn is one that springs to mind.

I don't have any contacts in these venues these days but may be worth a google search. There are loads of traditional sessions in Dublin all the time. Do a search on Dublin Sessions and the main names will come up.

I don't tend to go into the city centre that much these days, but if you're around and you want to meet up for a pint and some pointers I'd have no problem meeting up with you for a chat and going to a session or two, if I'm in town at the time. PM me if you're intersted.

Subject: RE: Contemporary folk scene in Ireland?
From: Effsee
Date: 15 Apr 06 - 09:40 PM

Hook up with John Spillane of "Gaelic Hit Factory" fame, Mercury prize winner a couple of years ago, in Cork. He's just your sort of man Al. Great character, and wonderful entertainer. Did something happen to The Lobby Bar in Cork?
Mr Wallis, all I can suggest to you is, get a life!

Subject: RE: Contemporary folk scene in Ireland?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 16 Apr 06 - 02:42 AM

Terrific, I was hoping to go over by the Swansea/Cork ferry this time. Thanks for the tip.

Subject: RE: Contemporary folk scene in Ireland?
From: Roughyed
Date: 16 Apr 06 - 03:59 AM

I thought they were knocking down Mother Redcaps last year so you might have a bit of difficulty there.

Subject: RE: Contemporary folk scene in Ireland?
From: GUEST,thurg
Date: 16 Apr 06 - 12:47 PM

I think Geoff's point, delivered so bluntly, was not that there are no sessions going on, but that people who do not play Irish trad. music (up to speed) are not welcome to play at them. I've never been to Ireland, but from what I've seen on this side of the Atlantic, if you show up at an Irish session hoping to play some other type of music (and I'm not saying that's what you're doing), your're likely to get the sort of reception you got from Geoff here.

Enjoy your trip, anyway! I'm envious.

Subject: RE: Contemporary folk scene in Ireland?
From: GUEST,Bobcat
Date: 16 Apr 06 - 01:08 PM

Subject: RE: Contemporary folk scene in Ireland?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 16 Apr 06 - 01:16 PM

noooooooooo.........don't wannan play at an Irish trad session. I rather like Irish songs, but I'm not keen on the instrumental stuff.

Subject: RE: Contemporary folk scene in Ireland?
From: erinmaidin
Date: 17 Apr 06 - 05:54 AM

There's an "open mic" that I've visited a few times ...just started up several weeks ago, in DunLaoghaire,south Co.Dublin, easily accessible from points south and north by the DART train. The venue is Scott's on the main street across from the shopping center. Starts around 9 and is hosted by an incredibly talented singer/songwriter/performer by the name of Leo O'Kelly. oh! and it's on Mondays.

Subject: RE: Contemporary folk scene in Ireland?
From: Geoff Wallis
Date: 17 Apr 06 - 01:48 PM

Weelittledrummer, you wrote 'I hear a lot about trad music sessions - are there any places where I could slide in and do a quick floorspot.'

If you want to play at s/sw gigs you should have been more explicit.

Declan - he asked whether he could just turn up at a trad session and sing - I put him right.

Effsee - learn to read messages - it's a useful skill in the 21st century! And, if you don't know that The Lobby Bar closed down last year, then you clearly know nothing about music in Ireland and should keep your halfwitted comments to yourself.

Subject: RE: Contemporary folk scene in Ireland?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 17 Apr 06 - 02:48 PM

sorry my original message was so vague. no offence intended Geoff.

Subject: RE: Contemporary folk scene in Ireland?
From: Effsee
Date: 17 Apr 06 - 03:07 PM

Mr. Wallis, why my lack of knowledge of the fate of the Lobby Bar should reflect my depth of knowledge of Irish music is , I would suggest, a little illogical.
I don't live in Ireland, I don't read Irish newspapers, and I rather think it wouldn't have made National TV News here in Scotland.
I read a comment on Christy Moore's website which referred to no longer being able to visit the bar, but did not elucidate further.
My knowledge of Irish music is garnered by 45 years of listening to it and meeting musicians and singers at Festival & concerts, and indeed sessions.
You're reply to a request from WLD, whose talents are highly regarded by many on the Forum, struck me as condescending, arrogant and not a little sarcastic. Re-reading your comments has done nothing to change my opinion.

Subject: RE: Contemporary folk scene in Ireland?
From: Declan
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 05:12 AM

Mr Wallis,

Given that you seem to be such an expert on the trad music scene in Ireland and session culture, you might like to spend some time brushing up on two aspects of that culture in which you seem to be lacking.

These are good manners and common courtesy.

You should try them some time.

Subject: RE: Contemporary folk scene in Ireland?
From: GUEST,Banjoke
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 07:50 AM

From personal experience, the more tourist the area the more likely you are to find the live music being either country and western or Paddy McKintys goat. June 04 in County Kerry.

Subject: RE: Contemporary folk scene in Ireland?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 18 Apr 06 - 08:21 AM

Declan, me old flower, we seem to heading towards another grand old English/Irish tradition of arguing about sod all. I'm sure Mr Wallis meant no offence, and I took none.

So no harm done - looking forward to meeting in friendship when i get over there, and evry day on Mudcat!

all the best

al