This may start off a bit parochial, but bear with me.
We talk here so much about what makes a session, or what wrecks it. And obviously, and rightly, we talk about abilities, styles, people's capacity to conduct themselves in a civilised manner and so on, All, obviously very important.
But as important in some senses, is the context in which it happens. I have found so often that the success of a session needs all the things listed above but also the support of the establishments where you are playing.
I am provoked to make this comment now because the session in Belfast I enjoy most, the John Hewitt, is facing a change in management. I hope he does not object to me using his name but the bar manager, Pedro, is going on to new challenges. He has been a real support and calm influence. His wry comments, his support and generosity have really helped this session work. His regular appearance within the circle to say "Excuse me gentlemen, may we offer you some refreshments?" was always welcome. His support for the dignity of musicians was highly valued. His swift and subtle solutions to potential difficulty always well judged.
There are faster, flasher, 'better' sessions in Belfast. But for those of us in our 40s/50s, this session has helped us maintain links with each other and the proud traditions of music in our city. The John Hewitt inherited the proud tradtion of The Liverpool, supported by one of the other great gentlemen of Belfast music Tom Kelly
People like these Pedro and Tom, and so many others, while they do not play, make such an important contriubution to the life of our city and to the music
Belfast is a great town, I hope all goes well for you up there. You are right, many pubs are themselves the key to a good night. I think some of the more famous "trad" pubs are run by people who took them over because they have a vision of plenty of pints sank and lots of yanks in to gawp at the natives and money galore. A good captain makes for a good crew.
What night is the session? The Hewitt is owned by the Belfast Centre for the Unemployed, and although full of trendy, old poseurs like me (I hope not you Pól, is a great pub.
A session will not work unless you have co-operation from the Landlord. He doesn't even have to be there, as long as he listens to those who know, the musicians. We know the best place to sit, get the staff and bouncers on our side, and stuff like that.
The last time I was in Madden's, with a visitor from this site from Sheffield, some young would be freedom fighter was completely out of order, and insulted Marie, flute player, used to come on here as wreckin' Rea. I would have inserted a whistle into his neck, the only reason I have a whistle, but the barman started taking his part, and in Belfast that's when you start thinking "Is this eejit connected". And no-one else was doing anything. At my session, a swift punishment beating, and out the door. Norn Irelanders will understand all of this.
Still, what night is the Hewitt, is it Wednesday. I might call down from the distant countryside, but don't worry, I might not bring the drum.
Pol, this is a so fundamental, essential yet often overlooked element to the success of a session, so thanks for reminding us. We are fortunate here in the vicinity of the Blythe Hill Tavern to have such a governor as Con who has supported Irish music in his pub, an oasis of The Music amidst vast swathes of South London geezerdom, off and on for something like sixteen years, although it has only been as a regular weekly session in its present incarnation for the last almost four years.
There are some other session pubs in this neck of the woods but none with quite the unique character of The Blythe. Three cheers to Con!
Here in the Irish music wasteland of Florida, a new local opened up and received our session with open arms. The proprietor is a dear gent from Boston who ran many a pub up there and had sessions at his places. He knows the deal, loves it, is highly respectful of the tradition, knows it draws folks into his pub, and is a great all around guy.
So three cheers for Christopher Lally from Boston, thanks for quasi-retiring to Florida and opening a great little pub right up the street from me, and especially for receiving our SWFL ITM community with such warmth and respect.
Sorry not to respond to your very positive post. mad few days at work. The session is in fact led by, gently guided, mentored, commented on, mediated, meditated, take your pick, by a bodhrán player, Paul Maguire. Though Paul, characteristically, says he doesn't run it. That is another aspect of the beauty of it
This is definitely essential. Here in SF we have a session that has been on going for decades and the only reason it continues is because the owner loves and respects the music. Other sessions have started up around town but their longevity always relies on the owner's attitude and preference. If the owner is sponsoring a session to attract business it usually doesn't last too long, or if the pub changes hands it will rarely carry through to the next owner.
Support for the music
Support for the music
This may start off a bit parochial, but bear with me.
We talk here so much about what makes a session, or what wrecks it. And obviously, and rightly, we talk about abilities, styles, people's capacity to conduct themselves in a civilised manner and so on, All, obviously very important.
But as important in some senses, is the context in which it happens. I have found so often that the success of a session needs all the things listed above but also the support of the establishments where you are playing.
I am provoked to make this comment now because the session in Belfast I enjoy most, the John Hewitt, is facing a change in management. I hope he does not object to me using his name but the bar manager, Pedro, is going on to new challenges. He has been a real support and calm influence. His wry comments, his support and generosity have really helped this session work. His regular appearance within the circle to say "Excuse me gentlemen, may we offer you some refreshments?" was always welcome. His support for the dignity of musicians was highly valued. His swift and subtle solutions to potential difficulty always well judged.
There are faster, flasher, 'better' sessions in Belfast. But for those of us in our 40s/50s, this session has helped us maintain links with each other and the proud traditions of music in our city. The John Hewitt inherited the proud tradtion of The Liverpool, supported by one of the other great gentlemen of Belfast music Tom Kelly
People like these Pedro and Tom, and so many others, while they do not play, make such an important contriubution to the life of our city and to the music
# Posted on July 18th 2007 by Pól
Re: Support for the music
Belfast is a great town, I hope all goes well for you up there. You are right, many pubs are themselves the key to a good night. I think some of the more famous "trad" pubs are run by people who took them over because they have a vision of plenty of pints sank and lots of yanks in to gawp at the natives and money galore. A good captain makes for a good crew.
# Posted on July 18th 2007 by stevecomputer
Re: Support for the music
What night is the session? The Hewitt is owned by the Belfast Centre for the Unemployed, and although full of trendy, old poseurs like me (I hope not you Pól, is a great pub.
A session will not work unless you have co-operation from the Landlord. He doesn't even have to be there, as long as he listens to those who know, the musicians. We know the best place to sit, get the staff and bouncers on our side, and stuff like that.
The last time I was in Madden's, with a visitor from this site from Sheffield, some young would be freedom fighter was completely out of order, and insulted Marie, flute player, used to come on here as wreckin' Rea. I would have inserted a whistle into his neck, the only reason I have a whistle, but the barman started taking his part, and in Belfast that's when you start thinking "Is this eejit connected". And no-one else was doing anything. At my session, a swift punishment beating, and out the door. Norn Irelanders will understand all of this.
Still, what night is the Hewitt, is it Wednesday. I might call down from the distant countryside, but don't worry, I might not bring the drum.
# Posted on July 18th 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: Support for the music
Pol, this is a so fundamental, essential yet often overlooked element to the success of a session, so thanks for reminding us. We are fortunate here in the vicinity of the Blythe Hill Tavern to have such a governor as Con who has supported Irish music in his pub, an oasis of The Music amidst vast swathes of South London geezerdom, off and on for something like sixteen years, although it has only been as a regular weekly session in its present incarnation for the last almost four years.
There are some other session pubs in this neck of the woods but none with quite the unique character of The Blythe. Three cheers to Con!
# Posted on July 18th 2007 by Nick Splease
Re: Support for the music
This is so correct and I'm glad to read about it.
Here in the Irish music wasteland of Florida, a new local opened up and received our session with open arms. The proprietor is a dear gent from Boston who ran many a pub up there and had sessions at his places. He knows the deal, loves it, is highly respectful of the tradition, knows it draws folks into his pub, and is a great all around guy.
So three cheers for Christopher Lally from Boston, thanks for quasi-retiring to Florida and opening a great little pub right up the street from me, and especially for receiving our SWFL ITM community with such warmth and respect.
# Posted on July 19th 2007 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: Support for the music
Obviously don't want any bodhran players at the Hewitt.
# Posted on July 20th 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: Support for the music
BB,
Sorry not to respond to your very positive post. mad few days at work. The session is in fact led by, gently guided, mentored, commented on, mediated, meditated, take your pick, by a bodhrán player, Paul Maguire. Though Paul, characteristically, says he doesn't run it. That is another aspect of the beauty of it
# Posted on July 20th 2007 by Pól
Re: Support for the music
This is definitely essential. Here in SF we have a session that has been on going for decades and the only reason it continues is because the owner loves and respects the music. Other sessions have started up around town but their longevity always relies on the owner's attitude and preference. If the owner is sponsoring a session to attract business it usually doesn't last too long, or if the pub changes hands it will rarely carry through to the next owner.
# Posted on July 20th 2007 by Phantom Button