From: Folk in the Barn [debs_at_folkinthebarn_dot_co_dot_uk]
Sent: 12 January 2009 17:45
Subject: Happy musical New Year

Hello! Happy New Year!
Congratulations for surviving the ‘festive’ season. Should we rename it the virus season? It seems most people I know succumbed. Hope you’re all healthy and happy again now though.
It’s been great fun reading the survey results. So much so that I’ve decided to give up promoting and go into market research instead! - No just kidding of course. Thanks to all of you who participated, over 100 responses so it’s been very very useful and motivating as well. I’ll give a summary of the results below.
Over 40% of responders have been to five or more concerts which is fantastic and proof that most of you are having a good time so far.
18% were ‘dragged’ along probably thanks to Steve Knightly as he always suggests it at Show of Hands concerts. 35% came from my own publicity, which is good news, makes it worth while slicing up all those flyers. 27% from the artists’ own websites

Venue preference was interesting. 38% prefer the ISC, 20% Gulbenkian, 16% The Barn. The Whitstable Playhouse and Tower Theatre, Folkestone 10% each generally because those people live there! but only 6% put the Steiner Theatre as their preference, mainly due to the location which is a pity as its great in other ways, also probably because we’ve only used it the once so it is not yet familiar to the majority.
Most important criteria was choice of Artist, followed by ease of parking / sound quality and ambience equal second. Third was proximity/day of week/seating and price. Least important factor were the Bar facilities also very interesting to learn. Not such a hardened beer swilling audience as I’d imagined then :o)
55% would come to more gigs if they were held every month. Does that mean I'd only sell half the tickets??
60% said they’d like to see more of the same, with preferences more Folk Rock, followed by more Traditional Folk, with the other options receiving pretty equal votes. Just goes to show you’re a diverse lot! Good to see there are comedians amongst you - you know who you are I can only guess! But whoever said they wanted to see more of me singing clearly needs to get their ears syringed! (sorry to prompt such an image on a Monday) (yes - of both me singing and ears being syringed) And whoever said ‘no folk music please’ - remind me why are you here?? ha ha!! :o)
Overall it was really helpful, and shows you’re a well balanced, loyal and discerning bunch, and I’m encouraged to keep going along the same vein. I will be having a meeting at the ISC next week to see if we can continue to use it wish me luck, cross your fingers etc etc.
In the meantime bookings are now open for the next concert, which is a double header with Jenna and Megson. For those who haven’t heard of either ..... This will be Jenna’s third visit to Folk in the Barn having been spotted at the tender age of 15 by Steve Knightley, who saw what amazing talent and star quality she had even then.
He subsequently took her under his wing, taught her to play guitar, invited her to perform at ‘Abbotsbury Festival’ and co-write a song, the haunting 'Seven Days' - one of the highlights of 'Show of Hands' 'Country Life' CD.
In 2004, with Steve and Mercury prize nominee, Seth Lakeman, she recorded 'Western Approaches'- a unique collaboration of the three West country songwriters. This led to a successful nation wide tour. Jenna's original songs are very much inspired by the sea and landscape of her native North Devon and accompanying herself on piano and guitar, she possesses an astonishingly mature voice and stage presence. last year Jenna recorded her debut album *Barefoot and Eager*. A 10 track album produced by Steve Knightley and recorded by Phil Beer. 7 of these songs she wrote herself. 2 of them were written by Steve Knightley and 1 of them is an acoustic version of Pink Floyd's "Wish you were here". Now 20, she will be coming back to Canterbury to perform for us along with Megson.
Megson second visit for them after their incredible last minute ‘stand-in’ performance when Dave Swarbrick was unable to come due to illness. They were booked as support act to ‘Lazarus’ and at 3pm on the day of the concert were suddenly upgraded to ‘main act’! They didn’t disappoint and I have been asked ever since, when they would be coming back to Canterbury. Well now is your chance to see them here again. Megson are Debs and Stu Hanna and they are amazing. This is what others are saying...
“Megson have steadily established their reputation as two of the freshest, most original performers in the latest folk revival, and this album places them in the major league...a subtle and intriguing set" **** - THE GUARDIAN - Sept 08

“This is first rate - if you don’t like this music you have a problem! Megson are a couple of potential stars, peaches and cream harmonies, melodic roots consciousness and a huge sense of individuality. ” fRoots Oct 07
“ this hits all the targets ****”. ROCK’N’REEL Nov 07

"Megson's harmonisation and the purity of Debbie's voice make compelling listening" FOSSE WAY MAGAZINE
You can hear both artists on their myspace pages

www.myspace.com/jennadwitts
www.myspace.com/megsonmusic

The concert will be at another new (to us) but equally attractive venue St Gregory’s Church, Canterbury at Christchurch University - click here for a Map. It has its own car park and is another warm , attractive and intimate venue for our music. You can see it is very central and easy to get to.
Date Saturday March 7th Tickets £12. Please email me to book in the usual way. For those new to the list email the quantity you require, I will confirm - then post a cheque payable to D Earl and send to 18 Derringstone Downs, Barham, Canterbury, Kent CT4 6QE with a SAE.
Other Music
Jan 17th Spyboy Promotions Hailsham Pavilion Paul Jones and Dave Kelly Jan 21st Faversham Folk Club The Blackhearts Jan 30th Orange Street Music Club Robb Johnson supported by Relig Oran and Drohne Feb 1st - Marlowe Theatre - Richard Thompson Feb 5th Whitstable Folk Club Roy Bailey ....Check out their new website - www.whitstablefolk.co.uk/
Got to go and peel the lettuce yes nearly half a stone to lose well you have to eat the chocolate you’re given don’t you, it would be rude not to. Back soon

Debs

Debs Earl
www.folkinthebarn.co.uk (website will be updated tomorrow)
01227 831493


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