new venue.. who would you book?(UK)

Subject: new venue.. who would you book?
From: billybob
Date: 15 Oct 06 - 06:00 PM

A new venue in Suffolk UK opened recently.The Poozies were in concert on Saturday and all seats sold ( 120 seats)The venue is superb, a restoration Theatre.
A monthly folk event is possible. Who would you recommend to book?

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?
From: nutty
Date: 15 Oct 06 - 06:14 PM

Seize the Day

Waterson Carthy

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?
From: GUEST,Ian Pittaway
Date: 15 Oct 06 - 06:22 PM

Any of the combinations of Carthys or Watersons; Martin Simpson; The Devil's Interval; Nancy Kerr and James Fagan.

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?
From: Chris Green
Date: 15 Oct 06 - 07:19 PM

Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer are just down the road from you and they're bloody good. A little further down the road is George Papavgeris and he's bloody good too!

Chris

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?
From: Chris Green
Date: 15 Oct 06 - 07:21 PM

And while we're in that area, Mawkin are bloody good too!

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 15 Oct 06 - 08:59 PM

Some Werzels from Yeovil - they ain't many but they will travel many a mile.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

How kind you to solicitate a Yank's opinion...considering few of us will be attending.

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?
From: Effsee
Date: 15 Oct 06 - 09:15 PM

How much are you willing to pay 'em?

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 16 Oct 06 - 03:50 AM

Its hard to say without seeing the venue - composition of the audience etc.

Neil Dalton and Rob Henry have within the last year opened a similar sized venue at a brick kiln that has been converted to an auditorium in Swadlincote and not had a single empty seat.

It might be an idea to check their guest list - they seem to be establishing themselves very quickly.

Neil is a very nice guy and I am sure will give you some tips. people were starting to despair of ever getting a really good acoustic venue in the area.
I'll just pop down the relevant contact paragraph from their e-mail circular. Hope this helps.
'The doors open at 7.30 pm and tickets are £8.00 and are available on the door on the night or, beforehand, from Sharpe's Pottery Museum during their opening hours (10 am to 4 pm) or can be reserved by telephoning either the museum on 01283 222600 or the Real-Music Club on 01283 701656 or online at www.wegottickets.com/evenue/525.

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Oct 06 - 04:11 AM

That would be the Fisher Theatre at Bungay.

I'd suggest CHARM but we're doing one next March at the Halesworth Cut which is only a few miles away from the Bungay venue. The two appear to be in direct competition and will need to make sure they don't put on similar programmes on the same night or both will lose audience. (The Cut is much bigger at 250 seats)

Anahata

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Oct 06 - 04:16 AM

Saw Jim Morays new band a few weeks ago in Lincoln - with Jamie Delarre from Mawkin on fiddle and Nick Cooke on Melodeon. By far the best I've ever seen him and went down a storm here in Lincoln.

His sister Jackie Oates aint bad either.

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?
From: GUEST,miskin man
Date: 16 Oct 06 - 07:59 AM

Mary and Anahata!!!
Two of the nicest people

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?
From: cptsnapper
Date: 16 Oct 06 - 08:34 AM

Eddie Walker, Wizz Jones, Maggie Boyle, Judy Cook

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?
From: jojofolkagogo
Date: 16 Oct 06 - 09:16 AM

Alan Neville, GREAT singer/songwriter from Essex
(contact phone number 0208 550 3397)

Dennis Homes - GREAT singer/songwriter from Essex
(contact [e-mail])

Vicky and Johnny are good too !!! (Essex)

Good luck to the new club !

Jojofolkagogo

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?
From: Folkiedave
Date: 16 Oct 06 - 09:29 AM

Last Night´s Fun

Vin Garbutt.

John Kirkpatrick

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?
From: breezy
Date: 16 Oct 06 - 12:00 PM

The residents of the Windward Folk Club St Albans.

Ask a retiring folk club organiser.

my choice would be

The New Rope String Band

as long as its entertainment you want.

'Dont let the traddies kill it off' as one of the Old Pros whiose still at it and in his 70s would say !!!

Harvey Andrews , Vin Garbutt.

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?(UK)
From: Ernest
Date: 16 Oct 06 - 01:38 PM

The Sands Family... or one of them as solo-acts

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?(UK)
From: cptsnapper
Date: 16 Oct 06 - 09:50 PM

If she's still around Melanie Harrold

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?(UK)
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 17 Oct 06 - 03:43 AM

T.Rex

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?(UK)
From: Betsy
Date: 17 Oct 06 - 03:56 AM

Well done Breezy - I would have added Bob Fox and the Doonan Family and June Tabor.

Cheers
Betsy

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?(UK)
From: The Sandman
Date: 17 Oct 06 - 04:08 AM

I wouldnt book anyone.I would try and build up a good nucleus of singers and musicians, so that singers nights were as strong as guest nights, then I would consider a guest ,
your suggestion, epitomises where many organisations have gone wrong, in relying solely upon guests to attract audiences,
The best venues shouldnt have to rely on guests, but should have a community of singers, musicians and others who will go to the venue regardless of whether a guest is booked.
No offence intended WENDY,.
but I suppose if you dont have that NUCLEUS, i would do this, contact the local [ Ipswich comhaltas society] IRISH MUSIC AND DANCE[ You would fill your venue with performers, have a good night at little cost. then I would contact John Howson[ old hat concert party]
east anglian music, likely to bring families etc AGAIN A FULL NIGHT GUARANTEED.you would also by doing this, spreading the news of your club within the local community.

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?(UK)
From: Andy Jackson
Date: 17 Oct 06 - 05:28 AM

Well said CB, my thoughts exactly.
Any Arts Centre or commercial enterprise can book most of the guests suggested above, but no-one can buy a CLUB.
A club is somewhere your regulars turn up to not even knowing if there is a guest, come rain, snow, or the call of the hot beach. When you have this, you have a Club!! Make sure you have a membership system, people then feel they belong. It also lets you inform members of forthcoming specials or even, heaven forbid, cancellations.
From the start, establish the idea that everyone pays, even a £1-00 entry soon mounts up and hurts no-one.

We will be in Suffolk next week, will you be up and running or even having a pre-session. If so do let me know details.

It seems you have passed the first obstacle to running a Club, sufficient enthusiasm tinged with a degree if insanity!
Good luck,

Andy

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?(UK)
From: Capo da Monty
Date: 17 Oct 06 - 06:50 AM

Jack Hudson (Derbyshire's Finest)

            Mike Silver & Johnny Coppin (Individually or as a duo)
            

...would be on my list. Guess I'm just a old contemporary folkie

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?(UK)
From: GUEST,SJ at the Mill
Date: 17 Oct 06 - 07:20 AM

DEFINITELY Jack Hudson. Opinionated, ascerbic between-songs patter, great guitar-playing, fantastic gravelly/velvet voice, wonderful self-written songs (plus a few 'oldies' from the 'greats' - Paxton, Lightfoot et al) - Americana at its ABSOLUTE best! None of us last forever - for God's sake book him!

John Connolly - No comments required!

John Breeze - just the dog's bolleaux!

George Papavgeris - Greek magic!

Sarah Matthews and Doug Eunson (from Derby) - fiddle, melodeon and voices in perfect harmony.

IMNSHO!
S:0)

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?(UK)
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 17 Oct 06 - 07:26 AM

Without being discouraging, I think you would be best to go out and see some of these acts and decide how hard you want to work to promote their work.

When you actually feel these people are doing something worthwhile and enjoyable, it puts a sort of missionary spring in your step - and you feel better able to embrace the workload.

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?(UK)
From: Tim theTwangler
Date: 17 Oct 06 - 07:33 AM

Hey no one mentioned Big Al whittle He is brilliant.

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?(UK)
From: Grab
Date: 17 Oct 06 - 08:58 AM

Abbie Lathe and her band are fantastic. And I'd second Vicki Swann and Jonny Dyer too.

It might be unlikely, but if Thomas Leeb ever comes across here, grab the opportunity with both hands - you won't see a better acoustic guitarist than TL.

Just a thought, billybob - it's all very well asking who you'd book, but it might be an idea to let us know where you are? I'm sure there's a few of us who might want to come over if you're booking someone worth the trip, depending on how long the trip is of course...

Graham.

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?(UK)
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 17 Oct 06 - 09:10 AM

Isambarde. Me. Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer. Me. Cloudstreet. Me. Devil's Interval.

Did I mention that I am also available?

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?(UK)
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 17 Oct 06 - 10:22 AM

I missed Nancy Kerr & James Fagan; and Chris While/Julie Maththews. Also, Kate Burke & Ruth Hazleton (Australia) who will be touring the UK mid-July to end September. Martin Pearson (Australia) who will be here in June.

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?(UK)
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 17 Oct 06 - 10:59 AM

The Boat Band, Duncan McFarlane, 422, Whapweasel. All of whom probably live too far away, oh and Bellowhead

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?(UK)
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Oct 06 - 02:01 PM

Jim Mageean? Bob fox?

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?(UK)
From: Rasener
Date: 17 Oct 06 - 02:13 PM

For the most beautiful voice, you couldn't go much wrong with Eileen McGann from Canada. That is when she is over in the UK touring.

Eileen McGann

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?(UK)
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 17 Oct 06 - 02:28 PM

Second Duncan McFarland with his electric band. And Jim Mageean, indeed - but with Johnny Collins as a duo.

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?(UK)
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 17 Oct 06 - 02:28 PM

To be perfectly frank....there are many a good performers(s) out there and it may be good to get tapes or C/D's to test them out before any booking.
Best wishes, Mike.

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?(UK)
From: Greg B
Date: 17 Oct 06 - 02:42 PM

In no particular order...

Brian Peters, Martin Ellison, Tony Hall, Bernard Wrigley,
John Connolly, Lou Killen... (oh I'll think of more)

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?(UK)
From: greg stephens
Date: 17 Oct 06 - 02:55 PM

The Boat Band. Defintely. Our sort of place. 120 seater. You take £960 @£8, for example. That's about our scale of operation for that sort of gig. Pay us a set fee, or negotiate a percentage and guarantee arrangement.
    But seriously, I would echo Weelittledrummer's point earlier: put on acts you really care about, that will put the spring in your step when you are hustling for an audience. They always need chasing up, and you need to have faith in what your selling.
   We'd love to come, anyway.

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?(UK)
From: My guru always said
Date: 17 Oct 06 - 03:04 PM

Err, did anyone mention George Papavgeris would just hit the spot? Watch out, his soul is showing....

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?(UK)
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Oct 06 - 03:20 PM

Benny Graham

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?(UK)
From: GUEST,officianado
Date: 17 Oct 06 - 04:30 PM

If you do book Jim and Johnny make sure you don't have that pr*k graham knight whojust hangs onto there shirt tails in the hope he might get some glory at a few festivals i've seen them invite him up(he probly can't get his own gigs) and he ruins there seteverytime. he thinks he is funny he isnt his repetoire is limited bottom line is he is shit i wouldn't book him if he was the last folksinger.

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?(UK)
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 17 Oct 06 - 05:29 PM

Well, I beg do differ on Graeme, GUEST, officianado (sic), and mainly on two points: a) Graeme does not sing in a trio with Jim and Johnny, J&J have their harmonies worked out over the years and Graeme would only join in a singaround (as indeed would I and many others); and b) Graeme's material overlaps a little, but is mostly quite different to J&J's, having a much higher music hall and contemporary content.

Graemes material or characteristically jokey delivery may be not your cup of tea, and I have no issue with that - though personally I do like him. But he and J&J have been good mates for years (Graeme and Johnny are both residents at Herga, remember, and they live a stone's throw from each other) - nobody's hanging onto anyone's shirt tails there, just good mates and they help each other at gigs sometimes. But they mostly get their own separate gigs; and they both get plenty.

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?(UK)
From: Greg B
Date: 17 Oct 06 - 11:44 PM

officianado, I believe the question was 'who would you book?' not
'who wouldn't you book?'

Ergo, your petty little personal assault is entirely misplaced.

So, either you're an a**h***, or you're in fact Graham Knight
and having us all on, in which latter case, congratulations,
good job, and do carry on.

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?(UK)
From: The Sandman
Date: 18 Oct 06 - 06:48 AM

Yes Greg, The same thought had occurred to me, it,s a bit like Graemes sense of humour.
If its not its yet another example of guests bad behaviour, you wish they would just go home, and indulge in self abuse.

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?(UK)
From: muppitz
Date: 18 Oct 06 - 07:55 AM

I have to say I'm a recent Spiers & Boden convert so i think they would go down rather well.
Another one who seems to fill a place is Dougie McLean but he doesn't venture to England all that often!

muppitz x

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?(UK)
From: GUEST,Ian Pittaway
Date: 18 Oct 06 - 02:31 PM

GUEST of 16 Oct 06 - 04:16 AM: I know Jackie Oates. She is not Jim Moray's sister. Unless her dad and mom (who I also know) are hiding some terrible secret.

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?(UK)
From: GUEST,cardboard cutout
Date: 18 Oct 06 - 05:55 PM

Are you being ironic, Ian? "I am not Jim Moray" and have the badge to prove it.
However I am also the only one who can tell you unequivocally, and I assure you they are brother and sister. Most people now know that they're siblings - is that a terrible secret then?
Jane

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?(UK)
From: greg stephens
Date: 18 Oct 06 - 06:12 PM

She certainly used to be his sister. Still, a lot of performers reinvent themselves from time to time, like Bob Dylan and so on. Perhaps she isnt any more.

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?(UK)
From: GUEST,Graeme Knights
Date: 18 Oct 06 - 06:26 PM

Hi, Greg B, Captain Birdseye and George P,
Just to clear things up, when I post on Mudcat I use my own name.

As Guest Officianado has put my name in this thread; I am available for bookings.


Bye for now,

Grae

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?(UK)
From: billybob
Date: 18 Oct 06 - 06:31 PM

Crickey folks, thanks for all that.
Have to come clean, yes it is the wonderful Fisher Theatre in Bungay, and while I have sung for 40 years run folk clubs and ran the Walton on Naze Folk Festival for umpteen years, I put this post out on behalf of my son who is the manager of the Fisher Theatre. We went to the Poozies concert last week (brilliant). The Theatre is run by trustees and Christopher asked me for any thoughts I had to promote the venue. I am overwhelmed with your sugestions and will get him to look at all your ideas,
Mind you I think I could put on a few things myself, so look out George,John Breeze , Dick Miles, et al. I will be in touch. ( here I go again!)
love to all Wendy.

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?(UK)
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Oct 06 - 05:04 AM

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?(UK)
From: Kara
Date: 19 Oct 06 - 05:08 AM

THE EASY

Subject: RE: new venue.. who would you book?(UK)
From: Ross
Date: 19 Oct 06 - 05:23 AM

The Pope, Pele (erection theme night) and Shirley Bassey

Chris Flegg is good