What's it all about, Alfie? For those who are new to the folk club experience, here's a general guide to how it all works.
Folk music has never gone away; it's always been a very strong presence. However, since the great folk "boom" of the 60's, it has not had a very high profile. But we're still here, still making the music that filled our hearts and souls. There's been a bit of a re-awakening for the general public in recent times. I suppose some of it is a reaction to the "empty calorie" musical content of the disco years (and dark times they were, too). The joyful discovery of the charms and vitality of Celtic music has also fueled the revival.
As an audience, you will be exposed to a wide variety of music. There will be performers devoted to the oldest traditional song forms, such as the Childe ballads, as well as those whose choices run to the more recent music of Tom Paxton and Phil Ochs and even more contemporary singer songwriters like Jewel, Bill Morrissey and John Gorka.
So what is folk music, you say? Sorry, but there's no one definition that will satisfy everyone. (Besides, that's a debate best indulged in with at least 6 participants at a pizza parlour with a reasonable quantity of cold beer at hand. Expect no resolution.)
As an audience, we ask only that you be respectful of the performers. Some will be of professional calibre; some will be first timers who are scared out of their wits; all are there because they love the music and want to share it with you. Please listen.
One of the most satisfying aspects
of the folk clubs is the opportunity to see new performers trying out their
wings for the first time. That may be our greatest value; that there is
a venue for musicians ready to bring their instruments and their songs
out of their basements and in front of the public. Playing in bars may
pay (although usually poorly), but the audience is generally far more intent
on their conversations and rowdiness. Here, performers are listened to;
we think that's one of the greatest attractions.
© Jeremiah McCaw (may be reprinted for non-commercial use without permission. Please apply appropriate credit)