KentFolk News April 2004

March and April have been bad months for the the world of Folk Music - we have lost three well loved people who have been highly significant in both the national and local folk scenes :

Subject: 2004-03-31: Bob Copper Sad news in from Malcolm Smale that Bob Copper died on Monday... From: Jill Rowan and/or Malcolm Smale [mailto:rowansmale_at_btinternet_dot_com] Sent: 31 March 2004 21:47 John Copper just rang to tell Jill the funeral will be on Saturday 17th April in Rottingdean. There will be a procession starting at 11am from the Slipway ( on the seafront ) to St. Margarets church, where the ceremony will take place at 11:30. Stringers of Rottingdean are the undetakers, and can give more details about the arrangements. No flowers, please - donations to a specific charity ( the Vaughan Williams Trust ? ). Bob was stronger last week than he was at Christmas, and was well enough last week to go to Buckingham Palace to collect his MBE ( although he had to be in a wheelchair ). He had a good day on Sunday - but on Monday he was taken ill with stomach problems. He was taken to hospital but the doctors said there was nothing they could do. Losing Bob Copper and Alistair Cooke in one week makes my world feel diminished. Two humane, intelligent, very experienced and lively men have passed. At least we've still got recordings of their voices, and their writings. I'm lucky to have known Bob Copper - and have lived when Alistair was broadcasting. At least with the Coppers, the Family will continue singing. Malcolm Smale Subject: Bob Copper For those of you who weren't able to attend Bob Copper's memorial service on Saturday, here are some details. Bob's ashes were taken from the slipway at Rottingdean up the village street and round by the pond to the church on a horse-drawn cart strewn with daffodils. John Copper led the way, followed by the rest of Bob's family and a couple of hundred people. More people were waiting at the church, which was filled to capacity, and some people braved the chilly northerly wind to stand outside and listen through the speakers which had been put up for their benefit. The service, which lasted a leg-aching two and a half hours was a real celebration of Bob's life with much good humour and many a mention of his favourite tipple, Harvey's beer! Reminiscences and tributes came from radio and theatre colleagues as well as the folk world, and included messages from Billy Bragg and Prince Charles, who had presented Bob with his MBE only four days before Bob's death. Musical items included contributions from the family themselves and friends from the USA. Bob's love of the Blues was delightfully illustrated by Ian Anderson, and tribute was paid to his talents as a writer, naturalist, raconteur, historian and artist by a varety of people. Dave Arthur delivered a beautifully composed eulogy, and Shirley Collins and Malcolm Taylor also spoke very movingly. Afterwards Bob's memory was toasted with a glass of Harvey's beer. A very emotional day. However, someone (I think it was Ian Anderson) commented that at one of Bob's birthday parties hosted by the Royal Oak folk club in Lewes, the YOUNGEST people in the room were members of the Copper Family, and in Bob's six grandchildren there is already a fine group of singers taking up his legacy along with their parents John, Jill and Jon. Cheers, Bob. Katie Howson East Anglian Traditional Music Trust info_at_eatmt_dot_fsnet_dot_co_dot_uk

Subject: 2004-04-01: Keith Summers has died. What a sad week. Not only will everyone on the folk-scene miss the presence of Bob Copper, but on Tuesday folk-song collector Keith Summers also died, after a protracted battle with cancer. Both men have had a profound influence on the shape of traditional song and music in the late twentieth century, which will, without a doubt, continue to be felt in years to come. Like Bob, Keith was also active, and indeed pro-active, until very shortly before his death: Musical Traditions released recordings made by Keith in Fermanagh only two weeks ago. Contact me if you would like to know details about Keith's funeral, which is on Thursday 8th April. Katie Howson East Anglian Traditional Music Trust info_at_eatmt_dot_fsnet_dot_co_dot_uk

Subject: 2004-04-17: John Smedley - Saddest news Dear Members, Cliff Baylis rang me this morning to say that John Smedley was snatched from us by a heart-attack yesterday. this made even sadder as the "minor plumbing" operation John was awaiting was, in fact, a heart by-pass. John Smedley was on of the best movers and shakers in the region, a fine musician and a lovely, lovely person. The words "sorely missed" seem trite - but are completely accurate. luv 1d x Penny Allen / Anthony John Allen From: FolknetCoUK_at_aol_dot_com Subject: John Smedley - funeral Further to my email of 17 April, I have now heard that John Smedley's funeral is to take place on Friday 30 April, 2:30 pm at Tunbridge Wells Crematorium. A small gathering afterwards is necessarily restricted to family and invited close friends, who are being contacted directly by the family . It is intended however that a larger "wake" will be arranged in the near future for a wider community to pay their respects. John's daughter Cathy tells me that she would like to split donations between the British Heart Foundation and a musical cause. Nominations for the latter would be welcome as John did not specify. John leaves a widow, Barabara, daughter Cathy and sons Kevin Paul and Andrew. Cards can be sent to the Smedley family at 24 Lower Green Road, Tunbridge Wells TN4 8TE Many thanks, Cliff Baylis

Other earlier bad news :
From: FolknetCoUK_at_aol_dot_com
Subject: Folk South-East News

SAD NEWS: Last week a favourite Folk South-East venue went into liquidation. Chequer Mead Theatre in East Grinstead has been a mainstay of our programme for over 10 years. We currently have 6 shows booked there and are hoping that we might be able to re-arrange some at alternative venues. Please watch our website at www.folksoutheast.org.uk for any news. Our thanks and commisserations go to the theatre manager, Annie Carpenter, and her staff. We understand that a creditors meeting is to take place next week, from which one decision may be whether any of the current shows are to be fulfilled or whether the theatre is to be closed immediately.
As mentioned in an earlier email newsletter, new Folk South-East bookings are being put on hold pending the hospitalisation sometime in June of our chief executive and entire management team, John Smedley. John is hoping to be back in circulation by August (after a short spell of maternity leave?) but in the meantime I'm sure you'll join me in wishing him all the best.
Cliff Baylis
Head of Technology Division,
Folk South-East Inc. UK

I wonder how much worry about the loss of the Chequer Mead Theatre contributed to our loss of John. - beau

Some brighter news, Ramona of Camine tells that the new Whitstable Arts Centre has opened - I am afraid I heard about it to late to list the three gig opening evening that included Camine.

Kim from Broadstairs emails about the re-opening of the old Broadstairs Museum, with a cracker gig : From: kim_at_broadstairsfolkweek_dot_org_dot_uk
Subject: PRESS RELEASE edey sanders

BROADSTAIRS CULTURAL CENTRE REOPENS

EVENTS VENUE REOPENS

Broadstairs Cultural Centre, previously known as Broadstairs Museum, Arts & Media Centre, in Crow Hill, reopens its doors with a superb musical evening on Sunday 9th May.

Local folk superstar TIM EDEY will be joined by guitarist JON SANDERS from Dingle in Ireland and the two will perform an evening of Celtic music with tinges of flamenco, jazz and world music. Jon, whose playing has been described as "quantum leaping" by the Irish Times, has developed his own unique approach to music, developing a modal acoustic style of recording and playing guitar. He has toured Ireland, Europe and the US extensively, performing with some of the greats in Irish Traditional Music. He has recorded with Sessions From The Hearth, Geantraí and has featured on several movie sound tracks.

Tim and John will be fresh from an undoubted success at the prestigious Folk on the Pier Festival in Cromer, providing us with a rare opportunity to hear these two leading Celtic guitarists play together, and early booking is advised.

Tickets cost £5 and can be booked on 01843 860246. New proprietors of the venue, Peter and Francis Shaw, promise that this will be the first of many high quality events at the Cultural Centre, and hope to attract back the audiences who enjoyed many memorable evenings put on by the previous owners.

ENDS

More details PETER & FRANCIS SHAW 01843 860246

KIM HEADLEY 01843 604080/861020

Celtic

Celtic Sessions
If you have been looking for the Wednesday Celtic session at the George Inn, Stone St. this has now terminated again - the session is back in the Anchor Inn in Wingham, until further notice. However there are also now sessions in a number of pubs on different days of the week:

Wednesday:
at the Anchor Inn, Wingham, on the A257 near Canterbury.

Thurday:
This has now moved to the Three Tuns, 16 Tannery St., Faversham;
There is also a mixed session/folk evening in the Kings Head, Hythe.

On the 1st Sunday and 3rd Sunday there is a Celtic session in the Compasses, Sole Street, Crundale. CT4 7ES
However in May on the first Sunday the players will all be at the Sweeps Celtic session in Rochester.
On the 2nd Sunday there is the White Horse, Chilham, which is a mixed Blues / Celtic / Country evening;
The last Sunday Celtic session at Deal has no home at the moment.

Cajun

Cajun Dances The next Cajun dance with Cajunologie will be on the 8th May, in the Littlebourne Barn - contact: beau_at_kentfolk_dot_com_dot_ Follow this link for more details and to get your tickets on the web via secure PayPal. Tickets are also now available from Siesta, 1 Palace St., Canterbury. Kay Anderson will be at the Littlebourne dance to lead a short dance workshop from 7:30pm, but do go to some of the workshops below if you wish to learn more about Cajun dance. There is a further dance at St. Peters Church House, Cromwell Road, Whitstable, on the 5th June 2004.

Cajun Dance Workshops

These workshops are led by Kay Anderson, with Wild Turkey (Yves and Chris from Cajunologie) providing the live music.

2:30pm - 4:30pm at St. Peters Church House, Cromwell Road, Whitstable; £3.50, ring 01227 779 178 :
25th April, 2004,
23rd May, 2004.

Also 2:30pm - 4:30pm at Star Hill Function Rooms, Star Hill, Rochester. £3.50, ring Ann on 01634 405 840.

Satu has started an excellent Cajun event email list - contact the email address below to be emailed with news on forthcoming Cajun events, so that you never miss them :

From: Cajun In Kent kent_cajun_at_hotmail_dot_com
Subject: Forthcoming cajun events

Hello there,

More dates for your cajun diaries:

Friday 9th April
The Whitstabillies (Yves Langlois & Chris Saddler) at Wrotham Arms (9 Ramsgate Road, Broadstairs) at 9pm

Sunday 25th April
Cajun dance workshop with live music by Wild Turkey at St Peter's Hall (Cromwell Road, Whitstable) 2.30 - 4.30pm, cost £3.50. For more details ring Karin on 01227 779178.

Friday 30th April
Wild Turkey at Prince of Wales (9 High Street, Strood) at 9pm
Sunday 2nd May
Rochester Sweeps Festival: Wild Turkey at The Crown (2 High St, Rochester) _at_ 12.30pm and at The Kings Head (58 High St, Rochester) at 20.30pm
Saturday 8th May
A cajun dance (including a workshop!) by Cajunologie at the atmospheric setting of the Littlebourne Barn. Workshop 7.30 to 8pm, dance 8.30 to 11pm. Tickets £6.50, available from beau_at_kentfolk_dot_com / 01227-721736. For more details and to buy your tickets online see www.kentfolk.com (follow links under March Gig News) Also available from Siesta in Canterbury

Let the good times roll!

Satu

Jazz

Folk

Local Hero Records are long overdue a place on Kent Folk - They are supporting Kent arts and music in a big way, by being both a music and arts venue and a record company for local artists. This month I have had a series of emails both from them, about events, and from artists who are doing gigs at LHR.

From: Local Hero Records localherorecords_at_btconnect_dot_com
Subject: Folk Venue

Hello,

I own Local Hero Records at 15 Orange Street Canterbury and would like to see our venue listed on your site, with a link to our site.

Because of the nature of our space, the majority of our performances are acoustic and would be of great interest to you and your contacts etc.
Please view our site at www.localherorecords.co.uk for more info.
I look forward to hearing from you
Chris Hahn

From: Chrisblunkell_at_aol_dot_com
Subject: Waspjuice and Jack Pound


Hi Beau,

I wonder whether you would help us publicise a gig coming up in Canterbury in a couple of weeks. Details are:

Sunday 2nd May, 1pm
Local Hero Records, Orange Street, 01227 760801
Waspjuice + Jack Pound
£3 in advance, £5 on door
Licensed bar and food

Happy to supply more info if required.

Thanks

Chris Blunkell

From: Iain Spink i_dot_spink_at_cant-col_dot_ac_dot_uk
Subject: Gig dates
Dear Beau

My name is Iain Spink and i'm a Canterbury based singer/songwriter.
I am currently playing with Faversham singer/songwriter and whistle player, Heather Grabham, as "The Grabham Spink Band". Heather plays with folk trio Tan Tethra. The band also features Chris Taylor from Cajunologie on harmonica, guitar and bazouki.

We play original music, with folk and country influences.

We have some gigs coming up and it would be great if you could include them on the gig calender listings for your site. You already have the first one at the Wholefoods listed, the venue must have let you know:

Saturday 24th April: Canterbury Wholefoods
Doors open 7:30
Support from Megan Fulton
£5 in advance or on the door

Saturday May 1st: Local Hero Records, Orange St, Canterbury.
Doors Open: 8:00
£3 in advance/£5 on th door.
(Members only, free to join, in advance at the venue.

Monday May 3rd: St Dunstan's Street Festival, Canterbury.
Time tba.
Grabham Spink (playing as a duo)

If you need any additional info, please let me know.

You can also reach me on: 07866 182576

Thanks for a great website!

Thanks in advance.
Regards

Iain

National Release for Jim Laslett's 'Elysian Fields'

Canterbury, Kent, UK, April 2004 - Canterbury based label, Chaucer Records Ltd, announces the nationwide release of Singer/Songwriter Jim Laslett's debut album, Elysian Fields, from Monday 12th April.
Following the success of a recent tour of Dublin, where Jim played the legendary acoustic, Ruby Sessions, The Sugar Club and an in-store performance at Tower Records, Elysian Fields looks set to win over the audiences across the nation. The release is being strongly supported in the region with a live session and interview on BBC Radio Kent's Simon Evans show (Sunday 11th April, 9-10pm, 96.7, 104.2 & 97.6 FM) and key gigs including a special guest appearance alongside Rosalie Deighton at London's 12 Bar Club on Wednesday 21st April. The album is also being brought to the attention of music lovers across the UK through a television ad campaign on E4 throughout April.
Jim's music exudes a confident everyman charm and captures the nation's overwhelming appetite for a more relaxed, lo-fi approach that has become the hallmark for recent successes such as Katie Melua, Damien Rice and Joss Stone. Elysian Fields bears testament to Jim's ability to combine a sensitive and honest portrayal of reflections on a whole range of human emotions without ever digressing from his fresh, uplifting and seemingly effortless guitar style. The narrative approach to songwriting throughout the album suggests Jim is a modern day storyteller; he is heavily influenced by the realities of everyday first hand experiences and is compelled to share them with us through his music. It's this quality that brings an authenticity to his work and immediately connects him to his audience. These are ordinary tales that resonate long after the music stops.
A sneak preview of the tracks from Elysian Fields can be heard on Jim's website www.jimlaslett.com and copies of the album can be purchased with debit or credit cards in the merchandise section of the site. Alternatively, for customers without access to the web, Elysian Fields can be ordered directly from all good record shops.
For more information on Jim Laslett and his music please visit www.jimlaslett.com For more information about this press release please contact Greer Hahn: localherorecords_at_btconnect_dot_com
Local Hero Records Ltd
15 Orange Street
Canterbury
Kent CT1 2JA

Tel: 01227 760 801

Sorry, was out of time in March to get this up on the calendar, but do support them, it sounds like they are doing good things :

From: Don Thompson don_dot_t_at_blueyonder_dot_co_dot_uk
Subject: Old House Acoustic Music Club

Hi Beau,

I've just found out about your website, thanks to a friend pointing me in the right direction, and found that you have been listing my club, for which many thanks. It's very late, I know, but this Thursday 11th March is the club's 1st birthday, and we have a concert night starring "Perfect Strangers", the new Ron Trueman - Border band (with Les Elvin, Clive Lever, and others). They are a truly class act, and worth the trip. Admission is £5, with food and a raffle. Doors open at 8pm. There are no floor spots on concert nights, just an invited warm - up act. If you can get any of this on the site in time, we would be chuffed.

Advance news! Maidstone will have it's own folk festival this year, with the enthusiastic support of Maidstone Borough Council (other councils please note). It will be on the 11th, 12th, and 13th of June, and to date we have booked Seize the Day, and the Acoustic Strawbs. More info to follow as it happens. The event will be called the Wat Tyler Festival.
When I have conferred with my committee, we will probably want to make a small donation to help with the upkeep of this site, so could you let me know how to do this please.

Very Best Wishes
Don Thompson (Chairman - Old House Acoustic Music)

Deal Folk Club
The Friday Folk Club in Deal have found a new home, and will be moving at the end of March to the Royal Marines Old Comrades Association (RMA Club) opposite the bandstand on Walmer Green. Our first night will be a Singer's Night on Friday 26th March followed by Guest Davey Slater on 2nd April. The Folk Club would like to thank the staff at the Star and Garter for their help and friendship over the years.

Our programme is as follows:

April
2 Guest Davey Slater (RMA Club)
9 Singers Night (RMA Club)
16 Singers Night (RMA Club)
23 Guests Quicksilver (RMA Club)
30 Singers Night (RMA Club)

From: Ray Newsam R_dot_J_dot_Newsam_at_kent_dot_ac_dot_uk

Hi Beau,

If you're interested!

The Cowpats - 'They do to country what BSE did to cows'

Folk, country, etc, sometimes with a ska beat, usually loud and often weirdly spontaneous - good drinking music.

www.cowpats.moonfruit.com

Ray

aka Scrumpy Pat

Happy Trails

He and friends are exploring and developing old and new music of America - they have done a rough cut of a CD and have passed a copy to KentFolk to check out. KentFolk turned up at a gig at the Fox in Ashford, on the 12th of December, to record some more, and take video clips and pictures.

Trevor on an traditional zinc washboard.

Here is a brief taster - if it whets your appetite, the CD launch is on March 13th in the Cafe Venue above the Canterbury Whole Food Shop. - I can not wait !
It was a total sell-out I hear, but here is a map to the venue if you need it

MP3 tasters from the first 2 tracks of the Happy Trails rough cut disk :

	- Happy Trails - Track 1 - "A man who .." start : 17sec, 0.3 MBytes.
	- Happy Trails - Track 2 - "Jenny Mule" 1st half : 1min 46 sec, 1.7 MBytes.

This is a long video clip of Happy Trails - "Jenny Mule" - click on it and it should down-load and play. It is 7.3 MBytes, so unless you have broadband there will be a very long delay.

This is a shorter video clip of Happy Trails - "Jenny Mule" - click on it and it should down-load and play. It is 1.8 MBytes

Video clips from the live gig - the sound has been dubbed in from a separate live recording in the pub - listen to the second MP3 track above to get the a better idea of the quality of the sound on the rough cut CD.

From info_at_canterbury-wholefoods_dot_co_dot_uk
From: roger info_at_canterbury-wholefoods_dot_co_dot_uk
Subject: events 2003
UPSTAIRS_at_……CANTERBURY WHOLEFOODS
NEXT EVENTS-

SAT 24th APRIL

THE GRABHAM SPINK BAND

This will the second performance of IAN SPINK and HEATHER GRABHAM at the café, who will be joined by the usual backing band of local musicians. Extremely popular locally, Ians band will be performing their usual mix of“ Original Roots Music“ , and anyone who has seen them before, will know the high quality of their musicianship/songwriting, as well as Heathers superb vocals.
Ians gigs have always sold out-please book in advance if possible. Tickets £5 in advance/on door-
doors open 8.00, w/bar/food.

TUESDAY 11TH MAY

TIM EDEY AND JON SAUNDERS

TIN EDEY is a member of the MIKE MCGOLDRICK BAND, SESSION A9, and the SHARON SHANNON BAND. He is also an ex member of ANAM, and WOLFSTONE. Jon is regarded as one of the best guitarists in Ireland. He plays regularly with fiddler MARK CRICKARD, with whom he has just returned with from a tour of New Zealand. He has also recorded with SEAMUS BEGLEY, and MARY BLACK, featuring on her new DVD and video.

Together, they are widely regarded as two of the leading guitarists in Celtic music.

Tickets £6, or from ILONA 01227 453228.Doors open 8.00, bar and food available.

(EVENTS 2004)

April
Fri 2nd - Quadlibet - Vocal Harmony/classical/folk.
Sat 10th - Sea Change - Rootsy Acoustic 3 Piece.
Sat 24th - Ian Spink Band - Country Blues/folk.

May
Sat 8th - Mykl - Classical Guitar.
Tuesday 11th May - Tim Edey And Jon Saunders
Fri 14th - Hook - (Jo Hooks New Band).
Fri 21st - Red Wedding - Joseph Porter (Blyth Power)/Steve Cooper (ex The Macabees).
Sat 22nd - Atilla The Stockbroker / Support
28th - Longstone. - not July

June
Sat 19th - Katie Bradley.
24th - Ian Spink Band.

July
2nd - Camine.
7th - Burning Cow - Local Indie Band.
Sat 17th - King David (local Blues Feat. Katie Bradley).
28th - Longstone. - no, May
1 - 2 Jewry Lane, Canterbury. (01227) 464623

Date: Wed, 31 Dec 2003 13:29:44 -0000
From: Damien Aked damien_at_aked_dot_freeserve_dot_co_dot_uk

(of Dammit!!!)

“ Wanted. Female singer / fiddler / keyboard player to join Damien Aked playing original / contemporary music and songs. Tel: 01634
378800.”

“ Damien is available to‘ Call’, play rhythm guitar and sing songs at ceilidhs, Barn dances etc. tel: 01634 378800.”


Thanks Beau.

Damien

From: Folk Spots folkspots_at_btinternet_dot_com
Subject: Tenterden Folk Festival News - The Kentish connections
Tenterden Folk Festival; The Kentish connections

One of the best known barn dance bands on the Kentish folk scene for many years has been Jezreels. The band, which was formed in the 1980s has been playing ever since and will be playing for the English barn dance at Tenterden Folk Festival. The line up will comprise four musicians who are all well known in their own right; Steve Moreham on fiddle and vocals, former Fiddlers Dram member Chris' Taylor on melodeon, banjo, guitar and harmonica, Doug Hudson on electro-acoustic vocals and guitar and Mike Peters on bass and vocals. Doug also calls the dances. Their powerful musical attack is complemented by Doug's individual calling style which never fails to get people up and dancing. Steve also played fiddle on the "Keys of Canterbury" CD which was
launched at one of the early Tenterden Folk Festivals.

Jezreels are the resident band for Kentish Evenings at Leeds Castle where they have played to royalty and have played for the British Grand Prix, the Kazakhstan Ambassador and at many corporate functions. They have also played in the British Embassy in Brussels and in festivals in Hungary, France and Belgium. Between dances, the band provides a strong song base to entertain so that an evening with Jezreels is a night of non-stop entertainment.

This year's English Barn Dance takes place in Tenterden Leisure Centre on Saturday 2nd October. Tenterden Folk Day Trust will be providing the real ale bar and food will be available from the Leisure Centre.

We are also pleased to have Ian Kearey on this year's guest list. Ian now lives in Sussex but was a founder member and the bass, and sometime guitar player, for The Oyster Band (as they were then known) in their Canterbury days. He appeared on all The Oyster Band albums until 'Wide Blue Yonder'. Ian has more recently worked as producer with Michelle Shocked and Sheffield band Boot Fare, while recording and playing live with, among others, John Fahey, Texas fiddler Erik Hokkanen, Billy Bragg and Leon Rosselson, Sandra Kerr, Ivor Cutler, Anne Lister and singer/songwriters Heidi Berry, Pete Astor and Caroline Trettine; not to mention street-corner busking in LA with Ry Cooder. He is a member of The Sussex Pistols who have played Tenterden on several occasions, and also plays for country dancing with Used Notes alongside Dan Quinn, Chris Taylor from Jezreels and Jim Younger. Ian has been a constant on albums by Bristol poetry/rock legends The Blue Aeroplanes, and in 1987 released a guitar/vocal album, 'Siamese Boyfriends' with Aeroplanes leader Gerard Langley, which was described in the NME as 'joining up the dots between Martin Carthy and Ry Cooder brilliantly'. A solo album, Preaching to the Convertible, received very good reviews on its release in 2001, and a new album of instrumentals is in production. His latest project is a piece for a concept album of a James Joyce set of poems. Ian's repertoire includes traditional and self-penned guitar tunes, traditional songs from the USA and UK, plus songs by himself and other people that he just feels like doing. As well as plating solo at Tenterden Folk Festival, Ian will also be in charge of music and sound for Shirley Collins'; talk on "America over the Water".

The latest details of the Festival and the full guest list will be posted on our web site at www.folkspots.btinternet.co.uk

From: Allen/SEFAN/Stepback/BA admin_at_sefan_dot_org_dot_uk
Subject: SEFAN:2004-04-01:01.Folk in Education Conference

Dear All,

We are still working towards hosting a conference on Folk in Education in the South East, and I'd like this to be more than just a talking shop.
Quite a few people expressed interest in this topic when I first raised it
and we are now funded to take it forward.

In order to achieve a real outcome we need to do some advance preparation,
so if you are interested in this topic, or are involved in education work (in any
context) I'd appreciate your thoughts on the following questions ( please use them
as an aid to thinking about what we need to address rather than a rigid questionnaire)...

1. What settings do you (or would you like to) work in e.g. school, college, pre-school,
prisons, with senior citizens etc.

2. How is this work funded, and what other sources of funding would you like to tap into.

3. What is the biggest hindrance to you working in education settings
4. How can your work be made more effective in terms of results for those you
are teaching

5. Does your work continue beyond a single project, and if so how (do teachers
take over or do you keep contact, and who pays for it).

6. Are there any ways that central support and/or working in
partnership can help you.

7. What message would you like to go out to education and arts officers
8. What message would you like to go out to funders.

9. Most professional arts performance companies do teaching and outreach work
in order to stay solvent. If the funding system enabled you to earn an adequate living as
an artist, would you still want to work in education. (please be honest!)

10. In what ways does the system get in the way of you inspiring your students to
get involved and continue in Folk/World/Roots arts.

11. Are there any special requirements for your genre (dance, music, voice, theatre,
etc) that are not always recognized by the system?

12. Do you have any other ideas on this topic we can
develop/investigate?

There is a possibility we can turn this into a high profile event with National visibility to
use the SE as a way of exploring how to improve folk penetration into education, so any
constructive input here could eventually make a real difference.
Thanks,

Anthony


------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------
Penny Allen / Anthony John Allen

South East Folk Arts Network:
admin_at_sefan_dot_org_dot_uk www.sefan.org.uk Stepback Project & Broken Ankles:
admin_at_brokenankles_dot_org_dot_uk www.brokenankles.org.uk Meltdown eCeilidh:
admin_at_meltdownec_dot_org_dot_uk www.meltdownec.org.uk
89 Hollingbury Park Avenue, Brighton, BN1 7JQ
Tel. +44 (0)1273 541453
Fax. +44 (0)1273 554189

From: Vic & Tina Smith tinvic_at_globalnet_dot_co_dot_uk
Subject: 8 Items of Folk Music News from Sussex and 2 from The Gambia
1] FOLK AT THE ROYAL OAK, LEWES EAST SUSSEX.
Thursdays at 8.00 pm
Contact tinvic_at_globalnet_dot_co_dot_uk
Website www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~tinvic

Our programme for the next two months is as follows:-
Apl 29th * £5.00 * BAYOU SECO
We are delighted that we have been included in another European tour by the fine band from Silver City, New Mexico. They feature a range of American traditional musics.
May 6th * £4.00 * BING LYLE
A fine singer of traditional songs, a great songwriter and an outstanding musician on accordion and guitar.
May 13th * £4.00 * MICHAEL MARRA
The outstanding singer/pianist/guitarist from the Dundee area brings us a range of his utterly engaging songs.
May 20th * £4.00 * JIM & LYNETTE ELDON
The Bridlington fiddler brings his own songs, and traditional songs and tunes. Lynette is a champion clog dancer.
May 27th * £4.00 * SHIRLEY COLLINS BOOK LAUNCH
Shirley will be on hand to provide an illustrated introduction to "America Over The Water" covering her collecting work in the Southern States, readings from the book and a multimedia presentation of the illustrations in the book, plus a range of songs and tunes. (Anyone purchasing the book on the evening will have his or her entrance fee refunded.)
Jun 3rd * £4.00 * SARA GREY & KIERON MEANS
Both have appeared successfully on their own for us in the past, but there is something very special about the mother and son performing together. Jun 10th * £6.00 * DICK GAUGHAN
We are delighted to have a return visit from one of the most vibrant, engaging and committed performers on the scene.
Jun 17th * £4.00 * OLIVER MULLIGAN & BRENDAN McGLINCHEY Brendan is an all-Ireland champion fiddler from Co. Armagh, a master of decorative style. Oliver, originally from Co. Monaghan, is a much-respected singer of Irish traditional songs, both in English and in Irish. Jun 24th * £4.00 * BOB LEWIS
The finest English traditional singer just happens to live in our area. Bob will be singing in the first half and previewing the show that he will be ta king around this summer's folk festivals in the second half.

Future Guests include:- Andy Irvine (Sept 16th), Karine Polwart (Sept 23rd), Jim Woodland (Oct 7th), Roisin White (Oct 28th ) Rattle On The Stovepipe [Dave Arthur, Pete Cooper & Chris Moreton] (Nov 18th)
Those of you with listings/ gig guides etc. are asked kindly to include these dates amongst them.
**********
2] SUSSEX FOLK GUIDE WEBSITE UPDATED
The Sussex Folk Guide Website has been updated with listings of many folk song and dance events in and around Sussex between now and the end of May. There are around 100 folk song and dance events listed on the site. You can find it at whatson.brighton.co.uk/folk
**********
3] THE FOLK DIARY
Most of the listings on the Sussex Folk Guide website are taken from the paper magazine, THE FOLK DIARY Issue no 206 covers the months of April and May. It also has adverts for various folk festivals, folk music record companies, specialist shops, instrument makers and other services. There are also reviews of recent folk music CDs and books. To obtain copies of this free magazine as it is published, please send SAE's to Vic Smith at the
address below. It is also the address to send review copies to. The copy date for the June/July issue will be April 30th. Potential advertisers are also asked to contact Vic for a statement of our advertising rates. ********
5] INSTRUMENTAL & VOCAL WORKSHOPS IN LEWES
The Saturday daytime instrumental workshops in Lewes organised by Valmai Goodyear - valmaigoodyear_at_aol_dot_com - go from strength to strength. The next is a long series of attractive learning opportunites will be:-
Saturday 5th June, Gina Le Faux, fiddle
Saturday 26th. June, Coope, Boyes & Simpson. Vocal harmony workshop Saturday 26th. June, Georgina Boyes, Summer Calendar Customs: A talk with participation
Saturday 3rd July, Frances Wilkins (Solan) concertina
Saturday 4th December. Tom McConville, fiddle
**********
6] BOB COPPER
You will all have heard the sad news of the death of Bob Copper on 29th March. The memorial service for him in Rottingdean was held on Saturday 17th April. It was an occasion that was worthy of the great man with a huge turnout of people and the service was a joyful celebration of his very full life. Whether you were there or not, you will probably want to see the large selection of photographs of the occasion that Tim Kent has put on his website at
www.hatmusic.co.uk/thumbnails_music_events/bobcopper/index.htm Jill. Jon and John have said that we should go ahead and celebrate what would have been Bob's 90th birthday next January and we think that is an excellent idea.
**********
7] SHIRLEY COLLINS' FIRST BOOK
Published in May, look out for:-
"America Over the Water"
Shirley Collins
ISBN: 0 946719 66 7 Publication: May 2004
192 pages (illustrated). Hardback
Price UK £20 US $30
A fascinating journey into the cultural roots of traditional American Music accompanying legendary music archivist Alan Lomax
"Shirley Collins is without doubt one of England's greatest cultural treasures." - Billy Bragg
*********
8] ALAN MARS WORKSHOPS
Alan Mars (mstat) qualified as a teacher of the Alexander Technique in 1982. He studied singing and voicework as an integral part of his training. Alan has taught at some of London's top drama and music schools. He has also taught Alexander and singing at Cecil Sharp House - home of the English Folk Dance and Song Society.
Alan has written several articles on singing for a number of publications - some of which are reproduced on his website. His book "Presenter", on public speaking and presentation skills, was published by Hodder and Stoughton this summer. Alan is a performing singer in his own right and sings traditional Scottish songs while accompanying himself on the Celtic harp. VOICE, SINGING & ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE
Saturday 15th May from 2 - 6 pm. Cost £25.
Freeing your voice, body and confidence using the Alexander Technique, centering exercises and breathing awareness. Songs, rounds & fun! "Non-singers" especially welcome!
Venue: Planet Janet, 86 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2EB. 01273 738 389 Booking & Info: See bottom of page for booking details for all courses SPEAKING WITH CONFIDENCE!
Sunday 16th May from 2 - 6 pm
_at_ Planet Janet, Hove. Cost £30.
Freeing your voice, body & confidence using the Alexander Technique, centering exercises & breathing awareness. Developing personal presence. Structuring your thoughts.
"Novice" presenters/performers especially welcome!
Venue: Planet Janet, 86 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2EB. 01273 738 389 SINGING & SPEAKING WITH CONFIDENCE
A Two Day Intensive Alexander & Voice Course
Saturday 10th from 11am - 5pm & Sunday 11th July from 10am - 3pm _at_ Planet Janet, Hove. Cost £70.
A chance to work on presentation skills & singing. A potent combination! Freeing your voice, body & confidence using the Alexander Technique, centering exercises & breathing awareness. Developing personal presence. Structuring your thoughts.
Songs, rounds & good cheer!
"Novice" presenters/performers especially welcome!
Venue: Planet Janet, 86 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2EB. 01273 738 389 **********
And two from The Gambia:-
1] JALI SHERRIFO KONTEH
We will be bringing our great friend, the master kora player and singer, JALI SHERRIFO KONTEH to England and the end of September for a month's tour and we are currently setting up dates for him to appear in concerts, clubs, festivals and schools. Look out for details of the tour in this newsletter and on his website at www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~tinvic/sherrifo.htm In the meantime, any suggestions, help, advice etc. on where he could appear would be most welcome by Vic & Tina at the address below. We have a recent demo CD and a publicity document available.
*********
2] BUBA DRAMMEH BATIKS.
For a few years now we have been selling in Britain some of the wonderful batiks made by our friend, Buba to help him support his family. We returned from The Gambia with a batch of individually designed batik tee-shirts and these are now for sale, along with the batiks on the website that we maintain for him at www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~tinvic/buba.htm
+++++++++++++++++++++++
...And if you are ever looking for a good barn dance band, look no further than THE SUSSEX PISTOLS - though you should get in quickly - available dates for 2004 are being snapped up quickly.
Website at
www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~tinvic/pistols.htm

Vic Smith
26 Ferrers Road
LEWES
East Sussex
BN7 1PZ
England

Tel & Fax:- 01273 478124
Email:-
tinvic_at_globalnet_dot_co_dot_uk
folk_at_brighton_dot_co_dot_uk

ROYAL OAK WEBSITE:-
www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~tinvic

SUSSEX FOLK GUIDE WEBSITE:-
whatson.brighton.co.uk/folk

SUSSEX PISTOLS BARN DANCE BAND WEBSITE:-
www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~tinvic/pistols.htm

Blues

Morris

Links

From: Monga Family mongafamily_at_libero_dot_it
Subject: Links / banners exchange

Dear Sirs, good evening. We organize in Italy a biennial celtic festival which is named Trigallia and we are also the publisher house of the most important italian bimonthly magazine concerning celtic culture and music; we'd like to ask you if you can to link to oure websites and if you agree we can to reciprocate the link to your site. We'd like the following description for each of our item:

* TRIGALLIA: The main door to celtic festivals and it
would have to be linked to the address www.trigallia.com * CELTICA MAGAZINE: The 1st and the most important Italian
magazine concerning celtic culture and music and it would have to be linked to the address www.celtica.it

Finally, please find here enclosed the banners of both our items and a short presentation of them.

I wait for your reply and I wish you all the best.
Federico Mongardi

From: Ian Andrews ian_dot_andrews_at_proper_dot_uk_dot_com
Subject: Link Exchange?

Dear Sir/Madam,

My name is Ian Andrews from Proper Records website, propermusic.com. The website specialises in selling mainly Jazz, Folk, Country and Blues CD^Òs and we ship to customers worldwide.

I^Òm not sure if you are familiar with Proper Records Properbox series. If not, they are 4CD Box Sets for a bargain price of £14.99. There is also a Proper Pairs series which are 2CD sets for just £8.99.

We have been working a lot on our website recently and we are looking to exchange links with various Jazz, Folk, Country and Blues clubs over the world as we have recently set up a new Links page.

Would you be interested in a link swap?

Best Regards

Ian Andrews
www.propermusic.com

done

From: Beth Perry beth_at_bethperry_dot_com
Subject: kentfolkmp3.supanet.com ranked # 43 in Google for mp3 folk music
I'm a web master, and I was just searching Google for mp3 folk music. I found your domain, kentfolkmp3.supanet.com ranked 43, which is pretty cool.
My site is all about Entertainment - Music, too . Maybe we should link up? I wouldn't be stealing any of your sales, because all I do is write informational articles...not selling anything on my site at all. And most of my visitors write back to say that they love the fact that I only write good, quality info. As a matter of fact, I've got a pretty loyal following of people that come back over and over again (they use the site as a reference), so if you link to me, you should get some pretty good traffic from it -- which is always nice.
Anyway, let me know if you'd like to swap links. I've already linked to you, and will keep it up there for a few days until I hear back. Hope to hear from you soon!
Beth Perry
RAC IM: 1223822.

From: Beth Perry beth_at_bethperry_dot_com Subject: RE: Re: kentfolkmp3.supanet.com ranked # 43 in Google for mp3 folk music Hey -- it's Beth. Thanks for the reply. Like I said before, I'm already linked to you. You can link to me here with this code: Folk Music
I added you into this directory of hand reviewed sites called High Index. I submit things to them as an editor, and got you up as a featured listing in the following category: www.highindex.com/Arts/Performing_Arts/Dance/Folk_Dancing/Eastern_European/
You can click on that link if you want to check it out.

Thought you might like that. Anyway, I'll leave you up there for a few days until i hear from you. If i don't hear back, I will have to take the link down. Thanks again. I look forward to swapping links with you soon!
Beth