Sunday 12 June 2011

He's been a Busy Bee - But so Has Everyone Else - and more to come


This week’s outing was to The Three Tuns at Stainton, a great little Folk Club that meets monthly in what seems to be the middle of nowhere, in rural Maltby. 

What got me there?   Well, here’s a tip for all you Folk Club Organisers out there complaining of falling numbers, “Cold Call” telephone sales!   Yes, with John and Eyvon sunning themselves somewhere exotic it was down to Sue and Barry to keep the Club ticking over, and with Barry calling all and sundry making dark blackmailing threats it was little wonder that for much of the time the Club was packed, with standing room only.

I have to admit it was my first visit for getting on for twelve months so it was great to see the Club seemingly thriving, with some great contributions to the evening.  Good to see the Davenports again and my old mucker Keith Nicklin, along with Paul Pearson, Scottish John and many more Club main stays.   And yes, Roy Blackman lives, good to see him in fine fettle as he missed the last Nellie Folk.

A couple of songs all round and good company made for a great evening.   Sad news though, no guest beer.  

It does one good to get out and sing a couple of old songs to relatively fresh ears. 

So well done Sue and Barry, a great evening.   Pictures from the Club have been added to the Club slide show that you can find on the Club Picture page HERE

Meanwhile I’ve been immersing myself in the conversation going on under UKFCN banner.  This is a new Focus Group of interested Parties looking to encourage greater communication between Folk Clubs and Artists.  

Initial discussion has concerned the creation of a Data Base of Clubs and artists providing an easy reference for Clubs and artists alike to ease booking guests into Clubs, and avoid time wasting by Artists contacting non Guest Clubs or Singer Clubs for Gigs. 

I’d be interested to know if you have any views on this, e.g.  if your Club organiser what resource information would you find useful to be able access about other Clubs and artists; and if you’re an artist what information about Clubs would aid you in putting Tours together or assessing your requirements.

In my view anything that provides Clubs with an opportunity of co-ordinating activities has to be good, and of course more importantly in my view anything that might encourage Club members to sample the delights that other local Clubs might have to offer has to be good.   Cross fertilisation!.  

Which is why the development of The Myke Barritt Music Trust Wandering Minstrel Folk Club is such a great idea for encouraging people to visit new places, to share their songs with new audiences.  A concept Myke would have been well in tune with. 

I’ll keep you in touch with developments within the UKFCN as they happen.  Meanwhile if you’re interested in what is going on take a look at the Facebook Page HERE

There’s also quite an interesting discussion about how to involve young people more in the Organisation of Clubs and Festivals.

Some of you may also be interested in the Bog Hill Traditional Irish Summer Schools, you can find out more by following the link I’ve put on the News Page. HERE

I think that I’ve at last got the Diary listings as comprehensive as we need to be.  If your Club / Open Mic / or Concert is not listed then get in touch by Emailing me HERE  I think it’s now a really useful resource for local artists and Clubs as to what is going on in the South Yorkshire area and some points beyond.   Where available I’ve also linked the listings to Web Sites.
And dare I say that there are some really great music being made over the coming weeks, so head off HERE and find out where and when.  

And if you head HERE you’ll find the special page that lists all of South Yorkshire Folk's going ons at Hillsborough and Crookes.  Pete has been so busy recently that it’s been a hard job catching up.

For this week I’d just draw your attention to the first Worcester Literary Festival that starts on 17th June in, yes you guessed it, Worcester.  For those of a literary incline I would really suggest that you take a look at their Web Site, the link you’ll find on the June Page HERE – there’s some really interesting events going on for readers and writers of all ages.

One or two folks have asked what the current play chart of the Acoustic Rotherham Player are looking like.  There’s now over  95 tracks on the Player, which you can find HERE    So for those interested I list the top 10 plays since 2008. 

1.        Sian Simmonds     Oh
2.       Phillip Hartley        Folk Song Prima Donna
3.       The Troubadors     Broken Bridge
4.       Rebekah Findlay    Viking Blood
5.       Paul Pearson           Down The Road and Gone
6.       Acoustica                 Medley
7.       Folk On Fire             Frosty Morning
8.       Jack’s Rake              Blackthorn Stick
9.       The Backyard Buskers   Little Sadie
10.   Rachael Barley        Kiss Goodnight

In percentage terms there’s very little in it right up to sixtieth position. 

Remember the next Acoustic Rotherham is on 31st July, with what I hope will be a special third birthday Party on the 30th October.  Details of Acoustic Rotherham 12 are HERE.  There is space for a couple of additions if you fancy a spot Email me HERE

Because of work commitments I didn’t get out and about this weekend.  I did though spend some brain numbing time watching the five hours of television hailed as “Great Drama” “Injustice”.   Oh dear, is all I can say, a more contrived plot one would be hard pressed to find, it even included the Copper who had sussed it all out breaking his neck having been pushed down the stairs by his Wife, and he left any notes about who the murderer was – of course not.  Although the concept of an avenging Lawyer was quite good.  And of course it’s open for a second instalment of five hours at sometime.

But coming up this week, the monthly singers Clubs at Tickhill on Tuesday and Burton Street Foundation on Wednesday.  The Beverley Folk Festival gets underway on Friday, and of course The Wortley Folk Club with a special guest is on Saturday night. 

Anyone heading to any of these events or one that I haven’t seen please feel free to send in a review which we’ll publish within the Blog.   Email Reviews HERE

So whatever you’re doing this week have fun and keep it LIVE. 

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