The Mostly Mountain Boys North Carolina USA

THE ONLY UK PUBLICATION DEDICATED TO AMERICAN OLD TIME MUSIC AND DANCE
NO 64 WINTER 2011
The Mostly Mountain Boys
News
North Carolina USA
Headline band at this years Gainsborough Oldtime Festival (see back page)
2
Oldtime News Winter issue no 64 2011
New Friends...
962 Robert Prosser
Worcester
963 Brian McGarvey
Shropshire
964 Christopher Hall
Putney
965 Jacques Desrosiers
Cranbrook
Kent
966 Myles O'Reilly
Chertsey
Surrey
A word or two from the Editor…
This quarter, Old Time News is slimmer than previous
editions. I have been trying to get the publication
dates back on track and as the Winter edition copy
date is publicised as 1st December, I have decided to
run with the contributions I have so far, in an effort
to do so.
Nevertheless, it is still late and for this I apologise, yet
again.
I have decided not to stand for re-election as Editor
at the AGM at Gainsborough next February, so this is
the last Old Time News that I will be editing. I am
letting this be known now to give everyone a chance
to consider if they would like to take over the job, so
they can put their name forward.
Andy Imms
SNIPPETS...
My thanks to John
Messenger for his
article describing
his use of lighter
fluid to clean his
instruments. I'll
have to make a
note not to sit
next to him at the
Sacrewell camp
fire!
Dave Marshall
THE OLD TIME NEWS
is published quarterly and sent to FOAOTMAD members, free.
This document will be made available on the internet for future use.
LAST COPY DATES ARE: .1st March, June, September and December
SUBMISSIONS: . . . . . . . . . . .By email, to [email protected]; or on any storage medium or hard
copy by post to the address shown below
The Editor is not responsible for, nor necessarily agrees with contributors’ comments or claims.
All material is copyright © the writer, photographer, or artist and may only be reproduced with prior permission
This issue edited by Andy Imms, Graphic design and production by Mo Jackson.
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Old Time Music gatherings or events for which there is no admission charge may take out a 1/4 page advertisement
in Old Time News, for which there will be no charge. Advertisements for gatherings or events for which there is an
admission charge will be charged at the rates shown above.
PRESIDENT:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tom Paley
CHAIRMAN: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Keith Parrott (caretaker)
TREASURER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Claire Rudd
SECRETARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Christine Bell, 23 Halifax Street, Sydenham, London, SE26 6JA
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]
DANCE
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sara Marshall and Josie Anstee
PUBLICITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vacant
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ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
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www.foaotmad.org.uk
Printed by Zetacolour, East Sussex 01323 490085
Gollywhoppers
in Taunton
For the past 3 years the
Tacchi Morris Arts Centre
near Taunton has been the
venue for Somerset based
Thunderbridge Bluegrass
Boys’ annual concert.
On this 4th year their guests were the
Gollywhoppers, a.k.a. Emily Poole and
Andrew Henley.
Opening the show was Nick GironeMaddocks on guitar with a couple of
his own compositions, followed by
Emily and Andrew looking very sharp
in 1920’s period attire.
Their first numbers were ‘Bowling
Green’, ‘Sugar in the Gourd’ and an
evocative vocal rendition of ‘Silver
Dagger’. An amusing take on ‘Wild
Horses at Stony Point’ lightened the set
which included a good spread of tunes
and songs.
There were lots of instrument changes
throughout their 25 minutes - banjo,
guitar, fiddles etc. all effortlessly, and
coupled with a few general words
about Old Time music and material
sources. After an encore and an
interval, the Thunderbridge Boys
presented their driving bluegrass,
acknowledging both old and
contemporary influences in their
programme.
See the Gollywhoppers and buy their
CD at the Gainsborough festival in
February.
YOUNG
PEOPLES’
TUITION
BURSARIES
Do you know of a
young person inclined
towards playing Old
Time music on acoustic
instrument(s) who
would benefit from
some expert tuition..?
How does a person qualify
for a bursary?
Simply they need to be in full
time education and not in
permanent employment.
What would the bursary
cover?
The tuition fees for the course
and, if residential, the
accommodation cost (or a
contribution towards the cost)
for the candidate.
An example of the type of
tuition that would receive
sponsorship is the “Sore Fingers”
week which has been reported
upon in this journal. But this is
not the only event; other
workshops are run and
advertised in this and other
publications. Also there is no
reason why assistance should not
be requested for a series of
lessons from an established
tutor. FOAOTMAD is committed
to encouraging and promoting
the playing of Old Time music.
To request consideration for a
bursary, either to nominate a
person or as a candidate, just
get in touch with one of the
FOAOTMAD committee. Let
them know the name and age
of the candidate, what type of
instrument they play, what
event / tuition you wish to seek
sponsorship for and the cost.
The committee will then
consider the request and, if
agreed, make the necessary
financial bursary.
Nick Pilley added some
thoughts of his own...
Although titled for young
people, the comment about full
time education and
employment could relate to
many other members. Should
there be an upper age limit?
Say 21 or 25?
Regarding the bit about
‘contribution to cost’ of
accommodation. What if the
course was to cost £400 and the
accommodation another £400
(quite feasible)? Do we really
want to pay all £800 without
careful consideration? If we
were to refuse to pay all for
whatever reason, as previously
worded we would not be
following our ‘rules’. By all
means pay all the tuition but I
think the committee may want
to have a little more control
over anything else.
I think Claire has also
commented about needing
some kind of application from
the youngster or
parent/guardian as well as a
recommendation from a
member. Also some kind of
written permission from
parents/guardian if under a
certain age (18?).
Finally, if FOAOTMAD are
paying for all this, would there
be any insurance liability?
Unlikely, I know, but it might be
worth keeping in mind.
4
Oldtime News Winter issue no 64 2011
EVENTS & TOURS
2011
Gainsborough Festival 2011
Friday 18th Feb through to Sunday
20th Feb. The venue will be the same
as last year. That's a few days later
than normal due to the school term.
Bands booked for the 2011
Gainsborough Festival:
From America
The Mostly Mountain Boys
Paul Brown fiddle,
Terri McMurray banjo and uke,
John Schwab guitar.
oldtownschool.org/connect/fiddleclu
b/2010/05/31/tunes-from-paul-brownmostly-mountain-boys
Bluegrass Banjo - Tony Trischka,
Mandolin - Matt Flinner
Old Time Banjo - Bob Carlin
Old Time Fiddle - Jock Tildesley,
BEGINNERS
Fiddle - Eleanor Cross
Mandolin - Dan Norton
Banjo - Guy Rogers
and an additional beginners tutor
for guitar.
We will certainly repeat the basic
music theory classes which were a
great success and Peter Earle will
be perfecting the content and
presentation for next year.
Do make a note, Sore Fingers Week
2011 runs the week BEFORE Easter
this time as it falls so late in the
month of April. Don’t get caught
out!
Fiddle n Feet, dancer Tamara
Loewenthal and Jamie Gans, fiddler
www.fiddlenfeet.com
More news as soon as we have it.
Information and booking forms at
www.sorefingers.co.uk
From the UK, Jock Tyldesley and Vera
Van Heeringen of the New Rope
String Band fame (plus more UK
artists to be announced)
The Wilders
JAN
Workshops and Competitions
Concerts and more.
Sore Fingers Week
18th - 22nd April
We are pleased to announce those
already confirmed and their biogs
will be posted up on the website
shortly.
OFF KEY...
Wed 26: Glasgow Celtic
Connections Festival (The Old
Fruitmarket) with Furnace
Mountain
www.celticconnections.com
Fri 28: Kendal, Brewery Arts Centre
www.breweryarts.co.uk
Sat 29: Newcastle, Jumpin Hot
Club, Cluny 2 (5 - 7.30pm show)
www.jumpinhot.com/club
Sun 30: Sheffield, Green Room
www.myspace.com/whippoorwil
sheffield
FEB
Tues 1: London, The Slaughtered
Lamb www.pulluptheroots.co.uk
Wed 2: Chichester, The Chichester Inn
www.rootsaroundtheworld.info
Thurs 3: Bristol, St Bonaventure's
www.crhmusic.com
Fri 4: Great Torrington, Plough Arts
Centre
www.theploughartscentre.org.uk
Sat 5: Worthing, Grand Victorian
Hotel www.jookmedia.co.uk
Sun 6: Brighton, Prince Albert
www.myspace.com/theprincealbert
Tues 8: Norwich Arts Centre
www.norwichartscentre.co.uk
Wed 9: Spalding, South Holland
Centre
www.southhollandcentre.co.uk
Thurs 10: Shaw (Oldham), Barrie
Cottam Playhouse 2
www.playhouse2.com
Fri 11: Barton on Humber, The
Ropewalk
www.thropewalk.co.uk/roperyhall/
music.htm
Sat 12: Selby Town Hall
www.selbytownhall.co.uk
Sun 13: Saltburn-by-Sea, Community
Theatre www.saltburnarts.co.uk
www.wilderscountry.com
Down Trodden String Band
Sat 9 April - Cancer Research UK
Charity Ceilidh, Town Hall
Wirksworth, DE4 4EU
http://www.downtrodden.org.uk
John Hill
Old Time News Winter issue no 64 2011
Please make sure you check the details in
your listing and notify the Editor as soon
as possible if there are any changes to be
made
WHERE CAN I FIND SOME CLOGGING?
AVON
Bristol -Applejacks
BUCKS/OXON border
Haddenham - Haddenham Hoofers
Haddenham - Boots 'n' Banjos
CHESHIRE
Tabley - Mind The Step
CLEVELAND
Saltburn by the Sea - Jump Back Georgia
CORNWALL
Liskeard - Kickin Chicken
Penzance - Shindig Cloggers
CUMBRIA
Levens, Kendal - Legs Levens
DERBYSHIRE
Chesterfield - Feet First
Buxton - Wicked Soles
Bakewell - Well Heeled
Derby - Restless Soles
DEVON
Exeter - Alive And Kicking
Exeter - Firestone
Axminster - Rough Diamonds
Totnes - Shuffle The Deck
DORSET
Christchurch - Spank The Planks
Dorchester - Stampede
ESSEX
Colchester - Platypus Appalachian
Benfleet - Scrambled Leggs
GLAMORGAN, SOUTH WALES
Cardiff - Tiger Feet
GWENT, SOUTH WALES
Cwmbran, Newport - Brandywine
Newport - Shoostring
HAMPSHIRE
Alton - Knickerbocker Glory
Portsmouth - Chequered Flag
New Milton - AppalTappers (Contemporary)
HEREFORDSHIRE
Bromyard - Kickin' Alice
HERTFORDSHIRE
St.Albans - Tappalachian
KENT
Ash - Tanglefoot Appalachian
Rochester - TapRoots
Faversham - Creek Side Cloggers
LANCASHIRE
Bolton - Leap To Your Feet
LINCOLNSHIRE
Spalding - Slapdash
Scunthorpe - Bootleggers
MIDLOTHIAN, SCOTLAND
Edinburgh - Kick The Cat
NORFOLK
Norwich - Ebekneezer
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
Nottingham - Touchwood
OXON/BUCKS border
Haddenham - Haddenham Hoofers
Haddenham = Boots 'n' Banjos
OXFORDSHIRE
Wantage - Cornucopia
POWYS, WALES
Bedstone, Ludlow - Raise The Dust
Llandrindod Wells - Something's Afoot
SOMERSET
West Chinnock - No Mean Feet
Burnham on Sea - Coastal Cloggers
Martock - Moonshine Appalachian
SURREY
Charlwood - Anocalypse Now
SUSSEX
Crawley - Hi Jinx
Brighton - Brighton Appalachian
TYNE AND WEAR
Newcastle -Pass The Buck
Nettlesworth - Step This Way
Durham City - Just Us
WARWICKSHIRE
Leamington Spa - Kick Start
Nuneaton - First Class Stamp
WEST MIDLANDS
Stourbridge - Itchy Feet
Birmingham - Step On Board
WILTSHIRE
Chippenham - Footnotes
Swindon - Off The Rails
WORCESTERSHIRE
Worcester - Soft Option
Bromsgrove - One Step Beyond
Chipping Camden - Kick The Bucket
YORKSHIRE (NORTH)
Harrogate - Cricket On The Hearth
YORKSHIRE (WEST)
Shipley - Fiddle n' Feet
Shipley - Roll Back The Carpet
Otley - Kitchen Taps
Ripponden - Ryburn Three-Step
WHERE CAN I FIND AN OLDTIME BAND?
For further details, please email: [email protected]
BERKSHIRE - The Illbillies Tel: 01189 677408
email: [email protected]
CORNWALL - The Boardbeaters Tel: 07817 460351
[email protected]
DERBYSHIRE - Down Trodden String Band
Tel: 01629 812092 E: [email protected]
HAMPSHIRE (Hants/Wilts) Old Yeller Dog. Contact: Dave Marshall.
[email protected]
LONDON - Lost Marble String Band Tel: 01462 683074
[email protected]
IRELAND (EIRE) - Rough Deal String Band
Tel: 00 353 1 8331920 E: [email protected] www.roughdeal.com
KENT - Rattle On The Stovepipe Tel: 07765 377441
[email protected] www.davearthur.net
The Kent Carters 07951 571198 www.myspace.com/kentcarters
TYNE & WEAR - Old Fiddley String Band
Tel: 07817 460351 E: [email protected]
WEST MIDLANDS
New Corona String Band
Tel: 01902 340844 [email protected]
SOMERSET/AVON - Buffalo Gals T: 01373 474110
[email protected] www.buffalogals.co.uk
SUSSEX - Old Faded Glory String Band
Tel: 01323 832388 [email protected]
WHERE CAN I FIND A TEACHER?
CAITHNESS - Stuart Tod
Oldtime clawhammer banjo Tel: 01847 821602
CENTRAL SCOTLAND- Iain Watt
banjo, guitar, bass, accompaniment and group skills.
[email protected]; tel. 0789 109 6757
DERBYSHIRE - Helmut Rheingans,
Banjo in Oldtime frailing style. www.orbmusic.co.uk Tel: 01433 631907
DORSET: Dave Allen (Stompin' Dave) Banjo, fiddle, guitar, flatfooting.
Email [email protected] or call 01308 488387
EAST SUSSEX - Barry M. Murphy
Oldtime banjo basics to advanced and basic flatpick guitar for Oldtime.
Email: [email protected] Tel: 01 323 83 2388
EAST SUSSEX - Colin Meadows
Oldtime clawhammer banjo Tel: 01424 714065 E: [email protected]
ESSEX/SUFFOLK BORDER - Richard Partridge
Fiddle, double bass, mandolin and ukulele. Specialist in old-time, bluegrass
and British traditional music; will also teach classical grades. All ages and
levels taught. E: [email protected] Tel: 01440 731936
HAMPSHIRE - Dave Marshall
Oldtime Clawhammer banjo, Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01252 657609
HAMPSHIRE / BERKSHIRE / SURREY - Colin Thompson:
Fiddle, Tel: 01252 850670
e-mail: [email protected]
KENT - Graham Anstee
Rainham ME8 0DB Banjo (frailing/clawhammer) beginners/intermediate
Tel: 01634 260281 e-mail: [email protected]
Rick Townend Fiddle, banjo (old-time & bluegrass), guitar, mandolin,
autoharp Tel: 07951 571198 www.ricktownend.co.uk
LONDON - Simon Watson
"Inspirational clawhammer banjo lessons £20.00 for a generous hour. First
lesson free. Simon 020 8469 2901 [email protected]
TENBURY WELLS, WORCS. - Jim Allen
Guitar and banjo tuition, beginners welcome. Tel: 01568 750546.
REDCAR, CLEVELAND - Stan Gee teaches all styles on all stringed/fretted
instruments, and harmonica. Song accompaniment and playing with a
band is my Speciality. See my website for full details:
http://picknstrum.com or Tel: 01642 478859.
SOUTH YORKSHIRE - Ray Banks, Clawhammer banjo
Tel: 01302 811984 (Doncaster) [email protected]
WEST MIDLANDS - Y. Parkes. Banjo lessons. Oldtime, Bluegrass and
Tenor contact Yvonne, Tel: 01902570285
WHERE CAN I FIND A STAND IN MUSICIAN?
HANTS/BERKS/SURRY
Colin Thompson, fiddle; 01252 850670 or [email protected]
WHERE CAN I FIND A SESSION?
Please contact [email protected] with any
amendments or new entries.
BERKSHIRE
Reading: 1st Sunday 12 noon - The Retreat. Colm Daly Tel: 0118 9677408
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
Aylesbury: alternate Wednesdays - The Hop Pole. Mark Wallace
[email protected]
CLEVELAND
Saltburn-by-Sea: Wednesday - Spa Hotel: ‘Pickin’ Parlour - open mike’ £1
cover charge. Occasional Friday guest artists. Stan Gee Tel: 01642 478859
[email protected]
CAMBRIDGESHIRE
Cambridge: 2nd Tuesday - at The Zebra, Maids Causeway.
oldtime/bluegrass. Michelina Craft Tel: 01223 897840
5
Cambridge Bluegrass and Old Time Session, 2nd or 3rd Wed of month at Six
Bells, Covent Garden, off Mill Rd, Cambridge.
Contact Julie Watson at [email protected].
CORNWALL
Bodmin: 2nd Thursday. Tony Taylor Tel: 01208 872252
CORNWALL
Penzance, New Old Time Session
At the Union Hotel, Chapel Street, Penzance. Contact Bob and Sibs on
01736 332 821 for dates, and/or to be put on the mailing list.
CUMBRIA
Middleton-in-Lonsdale: Friday 9pm - The Head: old-time (dancers
welcome). Hugh Connor or Chris Riley Tel: 01539 560534
Free food for all performers
DERBYSHIRE
Bakewell: Thursday - Queen’s Arms, Bridge St. DE45 1DS.
E: [email protected] Tel: 07986 903409
DEVON
Teignmouth: 1st Thursday - Devon Arms: USA roots.
Bob Matthews 01626 352007 or Howard Morton Tel: 01803 329734
DORSET
Weymouth: Victoria Inn ('Knights in the Bottom') B3157 Bridport Road out
of Weymouth, a mile outside the main village of Chickerell. Contact Lynn
01258 880039, [email protected]
EAST SUSSEX 2nd Wednesday of the month. The Black Horse, High Street,
Lewes. Tel: Michi Mathias Tel: 01273 471431
HEREFORDSHIRE
Kington: monthly - The Royal Oak. Jim Allen Tel: 01568 750546
HERTS
Hemel Hempstead, Laverstock Cricket Club Ist Tues @ 8pm Chris Lawrence
KENT
Rainham: 1st & 3rd Wednesday Oast Community Centre: oldtime/bluegrass. Graham Anstey Tel: 01634 260281
Tunbridge Wells: Last Wednesday, 8 pm Beacon Hotel, Tea Garden Lane:
bluegrass/old-time. Mick Allchorne 01892 833057 www.kentfolkmusic.co.uk
LANCASHIRE
The Flowers, Todmorden Rd. Bacup. Clive Green Tel: 01706 814682
LONDON Sunday. The Shakespeare, 1 Arlington Way, Finsbury.
[email protected]
East London - Old time, Last Tuesday of the month, 8pm Birkbeck Tavern,
Langthorne Road E11 Paul: [email protected]
0799 0737 539
Bluegrass and Old Time at the Blue Lion pub, 133 Gray's Inn Road, London,
every other Wednesday from 7pm for 8pm. To get on mailing list, email [email protected] See also
www. bluelionsession.wordpress.com
MANCHESTER
Bluegrass/Old Time session is held at the The Frigate in Whitefield,
Manchester, 9-11pm every Tuesday. [email protected]
Cajun session, where old time is often featured, at The Lounge Bar,
Chorlton, Manchester, 9-11pm on the last Tues of the month.
[email protected]
NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE
The Gathering American Old-Time Music Session
The Fusilier, off Victoria Ave, off Station Road, Forest Hall
Newcastle upon Tyne NE12 0JB. Thursday evenings from 8.30pm
contact: [email protected]
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
Blisworth: 3rd Monday -The Walnut Tree Inn: old-time/bluegrass. Andrew
Metcalfe Tel: 01604 862256 [email protected]
OXFORDSHIRE
Oxford: The Duke of Monmouth, 260 Abingdon Road, Oxford. Last
Thursday of each month. Taube Marks 01865 552111
Wallingford: 2nd Tuesday - Cross Keys: bluegrass/oldtime. Lucy Quinn:
[email protected]
SCOTLAND
Dunblane, ʼTappit Henʼ nr Stirling, Tuesdays. Tel: Iain Watt, 0789 109 6757
SPAIN
Badalona, nr Barcelona, Pub 4 Pedres, C/Lleo 33. Thursday, twice monthly
SOMERSET
Taunton: Tuesday - The Lamb and Flag, Bladon Hill, alternate Tuesdays.
Derek Parsons Tel: 01823 442713 or Nick Pilley
Tel: 01278 450780
SUFFOLK
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. Mermaid Folk @ Rose & Crown,
The Bull, Woolpit and The Dove, Contact: B.New 01284 717199
SURREY
Ewshot: 1st Friday. Tel: 01276 609954
WORCESTERSHIRE
Tenbury: 2nd Friday - St. Michael’s Village Hall. ‘The Floor’ regular concerts
(not session), pre-book a ‘spot’ if you wish to perform. Jim Allen 01568
750546
YORKSHIRE
Ripponden: last Tuesday - Royal Hotel. Rishworth: Ryburn 3 Step Folk Club.
Pete Coe Tel: 01422 822569
Sheffield: 3rd Monday - Kelham Ireland Tavern, Russell Street. Dave Young
Tel: 0114 2330596
York: Sunday - Golden Ball. Mike Tavener Tel: 01904 798738
York: Tuesday - The Maltings, Lendal Bridge. Mike Tavener
Tel: 01904 798738
Hebden Bridge: Wednesday The Fox and Goose.
Tel: Clive Green 01706 814682
EAST YORKSHIRE, The Tiger, Market Place, Driffield. First Thursday of each
month. American tunes and songs. All welcome. Contact Stewart Tindale
01377 240324 or [email protected]
NORTH CAROLINA
Brevard: Tuesday Celestial Mountain Music
16 West Main St.
Tel: 828-884-3575 [email protected]
Lancing: Friday - Phipps Country Store.
Tel 336-384-2382 [email protected]
6
Oldtime News Winter issue no 64 2011
Beginners Banjo Tab
Old Time News Winter issue no 64 2011
Where have all the Old
Young Folk gone? Grumpy
Writes…
No, this is not a title for a
new song, although you
could say it is a lament.
Wasn’t it great to read in the
last issue of OTN about the
success of young Edward
Bennett with his banjo
playing competitions in the
USA. He must be
congratulated; I know from
personal experience what a
high standard of playing is
the norm at Clifftop.
Sadly there are too few young people
taking up any sort of practical hobby or
interest these days. If it cannot be
bought off the shelf and plugged into
a PC, most young folk don’t seem to
want to know.
When I was a lad there were clubs that
supported all sorts of activities run by
enthusiastic adults and the members of
these clubs and organisations were, in
the main, teenagers.
I still belong to clubs to join up with
people with similar interests to myself.
But the membership demographics are
such that the clubs are populated by
mature, mostly retired folk. Young
members are few and far between and
although they are made very welcome
when they do appear, without some
contemporaries around they rarely stay
long.
What started me off on this was
thinking about how can we get more
youngsters interested in playing
acoustic music, particularly “Old Time”
of course! And why this year
FOAOTMAD only received one request
for a young person’s bursary to attend
workshops or teaching sessions.
One club that I know of put on an
event for grandparents and
grandchildren, the idea being that the
older generation introduce the
youngsters in their families to a hobby.
This cuts out the mums and dads who
may not have time for these things. As
far as I am aware it was a great
success. So can we do something
similar for Old Time?
My suggestion is for us older folk to
miss out a generation and try to
encourage the youngsters in our
families, the grandchildren, and those
of a similar age, particularly the preteen agers, to listen to and take up
playing a musical instrument. Most of
the music young people listen to is
pre-recorded and they tend not get
exposed to live music and what’s more,
perhaps rarely get to handle a real
musical instrument.
What can we do about it? Well, the
family situation is often quite simple,
just play to the children especially at
party times. Mums and Dads are only
too pleased for the kids to have a little
distraction, while they get on with
other domestic chores. You could be
even more proactive and offer to go
along to your local junior school and
offer to play for a class during one of
their music lessons. Many a teacher
would be glad to have some outside
help.
I know we are quite precious about
our instruments at times and don’t
relish having a load of sticky
fingerprints all over them. But if this
idea of taking our music to schools
took off, I am sure that FOAOTMAD
could be persuaded to sponsor a set of
instruments to be made available for
the children to be able to handle.
So my challenges to you all for 2011 is
- play your instrument to as many
young folk as possible, and let them
have a go on it.
Keith Parrott
I think the idea of contacting the
music teacher at a local school is
particularly interesting and I plan to
take this further at a personal level. Do
dance sides ever think of doing this
too? Ed.
A load of rubbish...
Yes, I expect that’s what a lot of
you think. But my moan this
time is about litter and in
particular, smokers’ rubbish.
Last time I went to Sacrewell,
having selected the place
where I wanted to pitch my
tent, I was upset to have to
clear away a lot of cigarette
ends discarded on the grass
before laying out my ground
sheet.
I must say that in this case it
was not the Old Timers, it was
those who had gone before.
Nevertheless…….
Another thing - why because
we are out in the open
air do smokers think it
is acceptable to come
into my tent puffing
away? This is my
home for the
duration. I don’t
expect to have to put
up a “no smoking”
sign.
Well I’m signing off
now, got a good few
grumps off my chest
over the past
year. But
have no
fear, I’ll be
back
sometime.
Grumpy
7
8
Oldtime News Winter issue no 64 2011
Notes from the
Stand in Chair
These notes should really be
headed “What does
FOAOTMAD do for you?” or
“What have you got to offer
FOAOTMAD?”
What do you want from your
society? Does it give you value
for your membership
subscription? How could it be
improved? Are you prepared to
help?
The answers to these, and more
questions, need to be fed back to the
committee.
But why do I pose these questions?
At the moment the committee
members are lucky if they get the odd
comment from members when they
meet up at Gainsborough or the
Sacrewell camps. The OTN Editor tells
me he has only ever received feedback
from three or four people during his
tenure. The fact that it was positive
was gratifying but that there is so little
of it, encouraging or otherwise, is not!
We have a web site and a blog for up
to date information but it would be
foolhardy to assume everybody has
access to a computer. However, the one
medium that we know goes to all of
the members is the Old Time News. It is
therefore the main communication link
with all our members, so why does it
receive so few contributions?
If my knowledge of the membership
numbers and event attendances is
anywhere near accurate, nearly half of
our membership must be in the same
position. So what do they want from
FOATMAD?
(I was recently made aware of a (now
ex) member who demanded his
subscription back because he was dissatisfied with FOAOTMAD and he
particularly complained about the
lateness of OTN hitting the streets. He
was right; it has been late. But did he
ask why and try to understand the
reasons, or did he offer his time and
energy freely to help improve the
organisation? No – he simply walked
away. Words fail me (for once!!!) Ed.)
The End of an Era
wife Brenda, has committed to
organising these events. Everything
from booking the artists, the venues
to even arranging the on-site
catering, have all been the result of
Keith’s planning and organisation
skills.
Over the past 15 years Keith Johnson, a
founder member of FOAOTMAD, has
been the driving force behind the
Gainsborough Old Time Festivals and
organisation of workshops supported
by top quality American artists.
Not all of those who have attended
the Festivals and workshops have
appreciated just how much personal
time and effort Keith, supported by his
This is the last issue of OTN you will
receive before the AGM which will be
held on the Sunday morning at the
Gainsborough Festival.
At the AGM, the essential task of
electing the committee for the coming
year will take place. At present it is
known that nominations for the
following posts will be required:
Chairman, Public Relations Officer, Old
Time News Editor.
Are you prepared to stand for one of
these posts or do you know a member
who would be suitable and might be
persuaded to stand?
As a start to make sure you know who
the committee members are, so they
can be buttonholed when you see
them out and about, photographs
were published in the last issue of the
magazine.
It all started with a “Banjo Fry Up”
over 15 years ago. From that, the
formation of FOAOTMAD and the
Gainsborough Festivals that we all
know and love, originated.
Why FOAOTMAD Needs You
One of our members who also teaches
his instrument recently took on a new,
mature student. As usual, the teacher
asked the student if he had heard of
FOAOTMAD and showed him a
membership form. To his surprise the
student said he was already a member
but all he got for his membership was a
magazine four times a year. He had
never been to Gainsborough or
Sacrewell!
Quite simply, without constructive
input, the committee does not know if
it is doing the right things to satisfy the
majority of the members. I am too long
in the tooth to think we could please
everybody but the committee would
certainly like to try.
Keith Johnson retires
The next part is where you, the
members, come in. In this issue is a
questionnaire which we would like you
to fill in and return. Even if you are
happy with things as they are, we need
to know.
Now Keith has decided that the 2011
Gainsborough Old Time Festival will
be the last he will organise under
the FOAOTMAD banner. At the age
of 70 he has decided to retire and
hang up his organisation shoes.
We Old Time music lovers have much
to thank Keith and Brenda for.
We wish them good health and
every happiness for the future. May
the music be with you wherever you
go.
Keith Parrott
Don’t leave it until the morning of the
AGM to make a nomination. Put a
name in the box in the questionnaire,
or let one of the committee know.
Keith Parrott - Stand In Chairman
Old Time News Winter issue no 64 2011
2010
The Mostly
Mountain
Boys North Carolina USA
Headline band at this years
Gainsborough Oldtime Festival
Paul Brown is one of today's most
sought after banjo players, a fine fiddler
and a singer. He started playing banjo at
age ten, and has spent years learning
music from some of the last fiddle,
banjo, and guitar players to emerge
before the age of radio and recordings
in Virginia and North Carolina. Among
his big banjo influences are Tommy
Jarrell, Benton Flippen, Fred Cockerham
and Kyle Creed. He's played with a long
list of outstanding musicians, recording
and producing highly acclaimed albums.
Paul has appeared at festivals
nationwide and taught at music camps
since the 1970s.
John Schwab has been playing guitar
since he was 13 but in the early 1970s
he got bitten by the old-time music bug
and he’s been hooked ever since. Over
the years, he’s been a member of the
Hoover Uprights, the Mostly Mountain
Boys, the Wabash Cannibals, the Old-
Time Wall of Sound, and the City Ducks
String Band. In recent years he’s taught
backup guitar at Fiddle Tunes, Augusta,
and Mars Hill.
Terri McMurray studied banjo with
Round Peak icon Tommy Jarrell and has
played with many other great
traditional players, such as Benton
Flippen, Paul Sutphin, Fields Ward,
Luther Davis, Verlen Clifton, and Kyle
Creed. Terri has played banjo uke since
childhood and has developed a driving,
upbeat backup style for dance music.
She has taught at numerous music
camps including the Swannanoa
Gathering, American Fiddle Tunes,
Augusta Old-Time Week, Pinewoods
and the Ashokan Fiddle & Dance Camp
10
Oldtime News Winter issue no 64 2011
The Trading Post
FREE TO MEMBERS
Maximum of 50 words plus
contact details.
Adverts will appear in one issue only. If
you want your advert to appear in the
next issue, please notify the Editor
NYLGUT STRINGS now cheaper - standard scale five
string £7.25; minstrel scale for low E or D tuning
£7.75. Prices include P&P
Cheque to Barry M Murphy, Dormers Farmhouse,
Windmill Hill, East Sussex, BN27 4RY Tel. 01323
832388.
OLD-TIME RECORDINGS - major and obscure
American label CDs. Also, videos and tune books.
SAE to: Eve Morris: 67 Greenway, Bishops Lydeard,
Taunton TA4 3DA. Download a full catalogue of all
items by clicking on Eve’s advert at the bottom of
the www.foaotmad.org.uk page
GRIFFIN OPEN BACK BANJO: new, mahogany,
bracket tube, Whyte Laydie tone ring in pure
titanium. Lovely tone, response, sustain and harp
like clarity up to fret 22. Play and hear hammered
triplets and reverse slides as never before. Beautiful,
unique instrument; an investment at £1,899
[email protected] or telephone 01588
680666
VEGA ‘LITTLE WONDER’ 5 string openback banjo.
Excellent condition, as new, including all paperwork,
maintenance manual etc. Also Deering embroidered
soft bag. £495.00. Tel 01909 732504 Worksop/Doncaster area
SIMON & PATRICK LUTHER DREADNOUGHT 6
string acoustic guitar in gig bag. Only 4 months old,
as new. £250.00. Tel 01909 732504
Worksop/Doncaster area
TWO BEDROOM TENT with ample space between
rooms for undercover picking during Sacrewell's
famous gales. Includes groundsheets, pegs, mallet
etc., all packed in bags for easy transportation. Tel
01189 701202
• Fairbanks/Vega repros
• Custom Built Specials
• Old Time Sodbusters (right)
• Repairs and Restorations
• Top Quality Craftsmanship
For the Banjo of your Dreams,
please contact:Dave Stacey
19 Field Lane
Letchworth
Herts. SG6 3LF.
01462 683074
[email protected]
Old Time News Winter issue no 64 2011
FOAOTMAD COMMITTEE
needs your input...
The committee needs to know if you are happy with the society and if it
can do more for you the members.
At the present your £20 membership fee gives you:- the Old Time News 4 times a year, subsidised camping
at Sacrewell, subsidised entry to the Gainsborough Festival, a website, tuition bursaries for young players
and the offer of financial support for local events.
We know that not every member takes advantage of all of the above.
Our questions are:-
Do you think the subscription fee is:-
Ì
b) about right Ì
c) too much Ì
a) too little
d) or what do you think the fee should be…………........................................................................................…
.................................................................................................................................................................................
What else would you like FOAOTMAD to offer.
eg. another festival? If so,where? Localised events? If so,what type? Etc.
.................................................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................................................................
FOAOTMAD is in a position to invest some funds on equipment. At the present the possibility of
purchasing a gazebo for use at the camp site meetings is under consideration. Are there any other items
you would like to see as a capital investment for the society?
Any other comments
.................................................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................................................................
Your committee really does need your input to know if they are doing the best for you the FOAOTMAD
membership. Please send your responses to the editor by email or post. email: [email protected]
Post:
The Editor,
19 Springfield Road,
Pamber Heath,
Tadley,
Hampshire, RG26 3DL
As you will see, you are not being asked to give your name; it is opinions that we want, not names.
However, if you wish to say who you are, please feel free to do so.
11