Well I'm going to the Ennis fest in Nov and I never played at a session before. That's because I live in Clacton-on-Sea essex and there aren't any near me that I've found. I only been playing tenor banjo for a few months, but I am a good musician ( no kiddin - I have a degree and work in music) I wouldn't play anything which I consider to be done badly, but I'm feeling afraid after all the session etiquette I read here as to whether I should take my banjo. I know my limitations are lack of tunes rather than lack of musicianship. I play for local rapper dancers and Morris dancers so the stuff I know i done in public already. My question is - is it ok to turn up at a festival session where people are more thrown together more than a regular pub do and play the songs I know - or should I just watch first time ? I went to the banjo fest in Sept at Longford and only dared to play at a workshop. That said i learnt a lot and was a better player than many there even though i missed the beginnners and ended up at the advanced - don't mean to sound pompous but I guess musicianship is musicainship whatever the instrument or tradition
Take your banjo because you'll be inspired and want to play (back at your room, say), even if all the sessions are above your level. And if they're not above your level--if you can play comfortably at the given speed, and you know the tunes--then you can join in.
Since you're fairly new to this music and this instrument, you will likely find that you'll be more welcomed by the people around you if you extend a few courtesies to the other players at the sesisons:
- Keep your ears open. Listen.
- Be happy with a seat at the circle even if it's on the outer edge. Sessions tend to work better if the center is filled by players who know lots of tunes and can keep the pulse going.
- Don't play if you don't know the tune. If you just can't resist trying to learn a tune on the fly (and you're actually capable of doing this), play softly--not easily done on a banjo. (I sometimes put the pick down and pluck the strings softly with my fingers as I suss out the notes. But only once I have the tune in my head. And it took me many, many years to know this music well enough to be able to pick up tunes on the fly.) If someone asks/tells you to stop or shoots you a dirty look, stop playing and wait for a tune you already know.
- Follow the tempo and pulse set by whoever starts the set. Don't speed up (or slow down). If you can't do this, stop playing.
- Relax. Smile a lot. Keep your sense of humor awake and ready. Enjoy your new friends.
I agree that you should play along. I've wondered about etiquette at festival sessions versus your "home session" I've been to very few festivals, but fortunately there are always multiple sessions to pick from to find one I am comfortable playing in. There are sessions including teachers and performers, beginners sessions, sessions ith 30 fiddlers and me on the button accordion, etc.
Hi Lapso. You have a music degree. You have been playing the banjo for a few months. You have never played in a session before. I'm sorry, but it doesn't bode well.
And you wouldn't play anything which you consider to be done badly. The problem is, with such little experience, how would you know?
However, I do like the Bliss approach:
Certainly, play along. You cannot learn to swim standing at the side of the pool.
With the caveat that, if the water is too deep, one of two things is gonna happen. Either you'll drown, or everyone else who's merry swimming about will have to stop for a bit and save you.
Stick to the shallow end, but by all means try and lift your feet off the bottom
While you're in Ennis, see if you can arrive a bit early enough at one of the sessions the night before the "official" start of the festival - I think that would be the Thursday, maybe even Friday, I forget.
Anyway, ask around Eoin O'Neilll, at the places like Brogan's , for one, or perhaps at Custy's - - see if you can find out where he'll be in a session. He's a great guy, very knowledgable, and I've little doubt that he can give you a lifetime of good advice re: sessions in a matter of 5 or 10 minutes.
Good on you, Michael, for coming back with some words of encouragement. Your initial assessment is probably not far off the mark, but there's no harm (to you or me, since we won't be in Ennis ) in helping lapso toward that first dip in the pool, eh?
But there is one more caveat to wading in. Sessions aren't swimming pools. They can be more like the open ocean. Lots of poisonous sea snakes, sharp coral reefs, and toothy, baleful sharks about. Drowning may be the last of it--newcomers sometimes find themselves bloodying the water a bit first....
Ennis November is not like English festivals in that it doesn't have beginners' sessions. It's not just that the standard is high, it's that there is a much higher percentage of melody instruments - flute, fiddle, concertina, box etc - and you can be very exposed with a banjo. Also the repertoire and style are different to what you would find in most Irish sessions in England. The festival sessions generally have 3 excellent players paid to play in each session, and anyone can join in if they don't mess it up (but sometimes it's advisable not to as sheer numbers can overwhelm the sound you've gone to hear). There are also regular sessions around town, not listed in the programme, and impromptu sessions where you might get chance to play.
It would certainly be worth taking your banjo - you will be inspired as c p t says above. But it's a good idea to do some listening beforehand if you haven't played in a session. Clare FM website has downloadable mp3s of four excellent trad music programmes a week which give an idea of some of the local music. Here's a link to a Youtube of a session set at the festival a couple of years ago - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5q2EUUwELv4
Hope to see you there - you'll enjoy it!
Watching that clip of a session at the festival brings back fond memories. There are something like 15 sessions going simultaneously all within walking distance of each other. I think that one was at a cafe on Parnell. All you need to do is walk down the street and listen to the different sessions as you go by each pub, or if it's during the day, some of the cafes as well, and you're bound to find one that suits your fancy. Great festival!
On that clip they're playing a set from one of the tracks off Crawford's "In Good Company" CD. I originally learned the Long Drop off the Pigtown CD, and I put the Galtee Rangers (Callahan's on Crawford's CD) before it instead of after as Crawford has it. Now sometimes when I play the tunes the way I used to prefer it people will say, "Why did you reverse the order like that?" Oy-vey!
i went to ennis tradfest in 2004. by the time the fest begins, the skedded sessions will be printed up on a flier or brochure you can grab at various points around town, including custy's music shop. in terms of getting to see many incredible local players, it is an embarrassment of riches to a dizzying degree. i actually had more interest in being an audience member at those then at the marquee-name late-night concerts.
but here is what i was told and saw on the joining-in front: the manager at custys said that, contrary to the fest site, which says something about "sessions for everyone," to the skedded musicos at this fest, these printed-up "sessions" are pro gigs, not open, join-in-y'all-sessions. then he seemed to feel bad on and tried to say, oh, go for it. but he was telling the real story the first time. i took this to heart and didn't take my instrument to the skedded sessions, though a couple of times, familiar faces asked where it was. but in point of fact, i saw very few travelers joining in at these sessions. it was indeed pro gigs by the skedded name players "and friends," as in, THEIR friends. on the other hand, i did see a couple of very proficient and very self-effacing travelers joining in and getting along great. i think the poster above was probably right---if you are quite proficient both at technique and in the headline players' repertoire, and also quite polite, probably no one is gonna bat an eye and you may even be welcomed. if you join in, be advised that these are for sure not open sessions in the sense of, you start one of your tune sets without being given the nod by somebody. i saw marked annoyance by some east clare aces (who were definitely doing a pro gig) when a stranger took a lull in their show as an invitation to launch into cliched green linnet greatest-hits set #17.
also--there are genuinely open sessions in ennis that week that the custys folks can fill you in on. plus, some of the brochured daytime sessions on saturday and sunday were less "pro performance"-ish, and more open-ish. a slew of wonderful local people played almost all day saturday at queens hotel and it was anybody-welcome. this is a wonderful fest, wish i was going.
ceemonster is absolutely right there - a very good summary of how it is, I thought! It's not so much "rules" as being aware of what other people are there for - there are usually a lot of listeners (including the players) and they have gone to hear the repertoire and style of the headline players, not beginners playing standard sets. Luckily there are many other opportunities to get a tune in over the weekend. Some sessions are more welcoming than others, just listen first and you will soon get to know what's what. You can always get together with a few others and start your own!
Grab a quite corner in a pub, start off by a few melodies and you'll soon see if there's interest in your level, if so take it from there and just remember even the best of players Fart just like you and I !!
I was also in Ennis in 2004 and cee has it right, if you don't know the tunes being played or you wouldn't be able to keep up with the pace there's no sense in getting out your instrument. Since there were so many sessions going at once you could walk from pub to pub and enjoy the music regardless of whether you join in or not. I would walk in and listen, get a pint, chat with folks for a bit and if I didn't recognize at least half of the tunes as ones I could play I'd just continue enjoying the music. Sometimes I knew most of the tunes but there was no room to sit and join in. The sessions I ended up joining in with were usually just a matter of luck and good timing. The bottom line is to go for the purpose of enjoying the music and leave your expectations at home.
In my case I was in Ennis for the whole month and went to the sessions and got to know people beforehand. I also knew a few people from previous visits. This helped a lot because if you’re known and you haven’t wrecked your reputation by making the mistake of overstepping the local session protocols; people will welcome you and make room. It’s the same with any place where people gather this way and has more to do with common sense and good manners than it does with ITM.
One of the friendliest sessions at the festival is at Brogan’s with Eoin and Quintin. But there were plenty of other informal and friendly sessions that were a little more open than the high-powered sessions you’d want to just listen to. You really can’t miss regardless of your level of playing at that festival. Even if you never take your instrument out of its case you’ll still have the time of your life.
Well thanks for the advice, and only one really negative comment. of course I'm going to listen and to learn but maybe i'll have the nerve to play should the occasion present itself. I ask if ur always put off how r u supposed to ever join in anything ??
lapso, if you mean lligs comment then it was pretty positive really!
Honestly though, I think you should play the tunes for the sake of playing the tunes, not for any other reason. In my opinion its not about 'joining in', but about learning to play. when youve been playing for a few years you will have a bunch of tunes, you can find people to play with at your level,after a few months what can you know? not a lot.
There are loads of archive material on the internet radio e.g. ceili house, bloom of youth etc. as well as regular clarefm weekly archive and house-sessions. Have a listen to some of those first - if you can't play along with recorded sessions at their speed, you know what to expect over there.
Unless you can start your own session (without any morris/rapper repertoire), you might be better listening.
Do not under any circumstances talk over the players to tell a particular player how much you admire they way the play and try and engage them into conversation about their albums. This is especially true when the participants of the session are feeling their way through free improvisation jazz/itm/bluegrass/scottish/whatever.
Next time someone disrupts a session like that I will not try and ignore them, I will be rude and tell them to feck off. I have just come back from a festival and one lady who should know better did this constantly, to the point where people would see her coming and the session would abruptly end with the speed of a salesman on a street corner.
My advice would be dive in, smile, if you dont know the tune quietly feel your way into it, do not take over the tunes or the speed. Dont be afraid to just listen. If asked to lead play at a speed everyone can follow. Say thank you, when you leave.
In my experience there are often sessions at all levels, just wander about till you find one that suits you. But these things can get pretty crowded. I might suggest actively going out to listen, take in the 'vibe' and meet some folk first, if there are lessons, enroll. This will give you opportunity's to session away from the maddening crowd. Just getting in the door with a banjo can be an issue, let alone getting up to the bar for a pint. And finding somewhere to sit! ....near the musicians!!.....sometimes the only chance can be guessing where a good sesh is gonna be, getting there early , and sitting it out till it kicks off... have fun.
Sessions at festivals - ok to play ??
Sessions at festivals - ok to play ??
Well I'm going to the Ennis fest in Nov and I never played at a session before. That's because I live in Clacton-on-Sea essex and there aren't any near me that I've found. I only been playing tenor banjo for a few months, but I am a good musician ( no kiddin - I have a degree and work in music) I wouldn't play anything which I consider to be done badly, but I'm feeling afraid after all the session etiquette I read here as to whether I should take my banjo. I know my limitations are lack of tunes rather than lack of musicianship. I play for local rapper dancers and Morris dancers so the stuff I know i done in public already. My question is - is it ok to turn up at a festival session where people are more thrown together more than a regular pub do and play the songs I know - or should I just watch first time ? I went to the banjo fest in Sept at Longford and only dared to play at a workshop. That said i learnt a lot and was a better player than many there even though i missed the beginnners and ended up at the advanced - don't mean to sound pompous but I guess musicianship is musicainship whatever the instrument or tradition
# Posted on October 20th 2007 by lapso77
Re: Sessions at festivals - ok to play ??
Certainly, play along. You cannot learn to swim standing at the side of the pool.
# Posted on October 20th 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: Sessions at festivals - ok to play ??
Take your banjo because you'll be inspired and want to play (back at your room, say), even if all the sessions are above your level. And if they're not above your level--if you can play comfortably at the given speed, and you know the tunes--then you can join in.
Since you're fairly new to this music and this instrument, you will likely find that you'll be more welcomed by the people around you if you extend a few courtesies to the other players at the sesisons:
- Keep your ears open. Listen.
- Be happy with a seat at the circle even if it's on the outer edge. Sessions tend to work better if the center is filled by players who know lots of tunes and can keep the pulse going.
- Don't play if you don't know the tune. If you just can't resist trying to learn a tune on the fly (and you're actually capable of doing this), play softly--not easily done on a banjo. (I sometimes put the pick down and pluck the strings softly with my fingers as I suss out the notes. But only once I have the tune in my head. And it took me many, many years to know this music well enough to be able to pick up tunes on the fly.) If someone asks/tells you to stop or shoots you a dirty look, stop playing and wait for a tune you already know.
- Follow the tempo and pulse set by whoever starts the set. Don't speed up (or slow down). If you can't do this, stop playing.
- Relax. Smile a lot. Keep your sense of humor awake and ready. Enjoy your new friends.
# Posted on October 20th 2007 by Will Harmon
Re: Sessions at festivals - ok to play ??
I agree that you should play along. I've wondered about etiquette at festival sessions versus your "home session" I've been to very few festivals, but fortunately there are always multiple sessions to pick from to find one I am comfortable playing in. There are sessions including teachers and performers, beginners sessions, sessions ith 30 fiddlers and me on the button accordion, etc.
Rob
# Posted on October 20th 2007 by mellow_bellows
Re: Sessions at festivals - ok to play ??
Hi Lapso. You have a music degree. You have been playing the banjo for a few months. You have never played in a session before. I'm sorry, but it doesn't bode well.
And you wouldn't play anything which you consider to be done badly. The problem is, with such little experience, how would you know?
# Posted on October 20th 2007 by ...
Re: Sessions at festivals - ok to play ??
However, I do like the Bliss approach:
Certainly, play along. You cannot learn to swim standing at the side of the pool.
With the caveat that, if the water is too deep, one of two things is gonna happen. Either you'll drown, or everyone else who's merry swimming about will have to stop for a bit and save you.
Stick to the shallow end, but by all means try and lift your feet off the bottom
# Posted on October 20th 2007 by ...
Re: Sessions at festivals - ok to play ??
While you're in Ennis, see if you can arrive a bit early enough at one of the sessions the night before the "official" start of the festival - I think that would be the Thursday, maybe even Friday, I forget.
Anyway, ask around Eoin O'Neilll, at the places like Brogan's , for one, or perhaps at Custy's - - see if you can find out where he'll be in a session. He's a great guy, very knowledgable, and I've little doubt that he can give you a lifetime of good advice re: sessions in a matter of 5 or 10 minutes.
Have fun - it's a great festival.
# Posted on October 20th 2007 by brianc
Re: Sessions at festivals - ok to play ??
Good on you, Michael, for coming back with some words of encouragement. Your initial assessment is probably not far off the mark, but there's no harm (to you or me, since we won't be in Ennis
) in helping lapso toward that first dip in the pool, eh?
But there is one more caveat to wading in. Sessions aren't swimming pools. They can be more like the open ocean. Lots of poisonous sea snakes, sharp coral reefs, and toothy, baleful sharks about. Drowning may be the last of it--newcomers sometimes find themselves bloodying the water a bit first....
# Posted on October 20th 2007 by Will Harmon
Re: Sessions at festivals - ok to play ??
Ennis November is not like English festivals in that it doesn't have beginners' sessions. It's not just that the standard is high, it's that there is a much higher percentage of melody instruments - flute, fiddle, concertina, box etc - and you can be very exposed with a banjo. Also the repertoire and style are different to what you would find in most Irish sessions in England. The festival sessions generally have 3 excellent players paid to play in each session, and anyone can join in if they don't mess it up (but sometimes it's advisable not to as sheer numbers can overwhelm the sound you've gone to hear). There are also regular sessions around town, not listed in the programme, and impromptu sessions where you might get chance to play.
It would certainly be worth taking your banjo - you will be inspired as c p t says above. But it's a good idea to do some listening beforehand if you haven't played in a session. Clare FM website has downloadable mp3s of four excellent trad music programmes a week which give an idea of some of the local music. Here's a link to a Youtube of a session set at the festival a couple of years ago -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5q2EUUwELv4
Hope to see you there - you'll enjoy it!
# Posted on October 20th 2007 by Lynn W
Re: Sessions at festivals - ok to play ??
Good stuff, Lynn!
Never underestimate the power of ***not playing*** at a session and just listening. The higher caliber of session, the more true this is.
# Posted on October 20th 2007 by Will Harmon
Re: Sessions at festivals - ok to play ??
Watching that clip of a session at the festival brings back fond memories. There are something like 15 sessions going simultaneously all within walking distance of each other. I think that one was at a cafe on Parnell. All you need to do is walk down the street and listen to the different sessions as you go by each pub, or if it's during the day, some of the cafes as well, and you're bound to find one that suits your fancy. Great festival!
On that clip they're playing a set from one of the tracks off Crawford's "In Good Company" CD. I originally learned the Long Drop off the Pigtown CD, and I put the Galtee Rangers (Callahan's on Crawford's CD) before it instead of after as Crawford has it. Now sometimes when I play the tunes the way I used to prefer it people will say, "Why did you reverse the order like that?" Oy-vey!
# Posted on October 20th 2007 by Phantom Button
Re: Sessions at festivals - ok to play ??
Definitely take a recording device with you. That way you can join in when you get home on the parts you couldn't do when you were there.
Wish I were going!
# Posted on October 20th 2007 by kennedy
Re: Sessions at festivals - ok to play ??
There will always be causalities. Wounded and stragglers to be left behind.
# Posted on October 20th 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: Sessions at festivals - ok to play ??
Even as a lousy beginner who has to sit out much I have never regretted bringing an instrument along. Only leaving it home.
# Posted on October 21st 2007 by sbhikes
Re: Sessions at festivals - ok to play ??
I think you mean casualties, or are we getting deep here?
# Posted on October 21st 2007 by piobagusfidil
Re: Sessions at festivals - ok to play ??
That's that lousy American automatic spell check. I didn't think there was anything wrong with the original, and didn't check the alternative.
# Posted on October 21st 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: Sessions at festivals - ok to play ??
i went to ennis tradfest in 2004. by the time the fest begins, the skedded sessions will be printed up on a flier or brochure you can grab at various points around town, including custy's music shop. in terms of getting to see many incredible local players, it is an embarrassment of riches to a dizzying degree. i actually had more interest in being an audience member at those then at the marquee-name late-night concerts.
but here is what i was told and saw on the joining-in front: the manager at custys said that, contrary to the fest site, which says something about "sessions for everyone," to the skedded musicos at this fest, these printed-up "sessions" are pro gigs, not open, join-in-y'all-sessions. then he seemed to feel bad on and tried to say, oh, go for it. but he was telling the real story the first time. i took this to heart and didn't take my instrument to the skedded sessions, though a couple of times, familiar faces asked where it was. but in point of fact, i saw very few travelers joining in at these sessions. it was indeed pro gigs by the skedded name players "and friends," as in, THEIR friends. on the other hand, i did see a couple of very proficient and very self-effacing travelers joining in and getting along great. i think the poster above was probably right---if you are quite proficient both at technique and in the headline players' repertoire, and also quite polite, probably no one is gonna bat an eye and you may even be welcomed. if you join in, be advised that these are for sure not open sessions in the sense of, you start one of your tune sets without being given the nod by somebody. i saw marked annoyance by some east clare aces (who were definitely doing a pro gig) when a stranger took a lull in their show as an invitation to launch into cliched green linnet greatest-hits set #17.
also--there are genuinely open sessions in ennis that week that the custys folks can fill you in on. plus, some of the brochured daytime sessions on saturday and sunday were less "pro performance"-ish, and more open-ish. a slew of wonderful local people played almost all day saturday at queens hotel and it was anybody-welcome. this is a wonderful fest, wish i was going.
# Posted on October 21st 2007 by ceemonster
Re: Sessions at festivals - ok to play ??
I never noticed any of these rules, over 40 years. Is it just that I am that good that I never worried or even thought that there may be rules?
# Posted on October 21st 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: Sessions at festivals - ok to play ??
ceemonster is absolutely right there - a very good summary of how it is, I thought! It's not so much "rules" as being aware of what other people are there for - there are usually a lot of listeners (including the players) and they have gone to hear the repertoire and style of the headline players, not beginners playing standard sets. Luckily there are many other opportunities to get a tune in over the weekend. Some sessions are more welcoming than others, just listen first and you will soon get to know what's what. You can always get together with a few others and start your own!
# Posted on October 21st 2007 by Lynn W
Re: Sessions at festivals - ok to play ??
Grab a quite corner in a pub, start off by a few melodies and you'll soon see if there's interest in your level, if so take it from there and just remember even the best of players Fart just like you and I !!
# Posted on October 21st 2007 by Enigma
Re: Sessions at festivals - ok to play ??
Ha! a quite corner in a pub! at a trad fest! Methinketh not sire.
# Posted on October 21st 2007 by piobagusfidil
Re: Sessions at festivals - ok to play ??
Hi! come over France (near Amiens) Sept 08 week-end and be cool!
# Posted on October 21st 2007 by jipivi2
Re: Sessions at festivals - ok to play ??
I was also in Ennis in 2004 and cee has it right, if you don't know the tunes being played or you wouldn't be able to keep up with the pace there's no sense in getting out your instrument. Since there were so many sessions going at once you could walk from pub to pub and enjoy the music regardless of whether you join in or not. I would walk in and listen, get a pint, chat with folks for a bit and if I didn't recognize at least half of the tunes as ones I could play I'd just continue enjoying the music. Sometimes I knew most of the tunes but there was no room to sit and join in. The sessions I ended up joining in with were usually just a matter of luck and good timing. The bottom line is to go for the purpose of enjoying the music and leave your expectations at home.
In my case I was in Ennis for the whole month and went to the sessions and got to know people beforehand. I also knew a few people from previous visits. This helped a lot because if you’re known and you haven’t wrecked your reputation by making the mistake of overstepping the local session protocols; people will welcome you and make room. It’s the same with any place where people gather this way and has more to do with common sense and good manners than it does with ITM.
One of the friendliest sessions at the festival is at Brogan’s with Eoin and Quintin. But there were plenty of other informal and friendly sessions that were a little more open than the high-powered sessions you’d want to just listen to. You really can’t miss regardless of your level of playing at that festival. Even if you never take your instrument out of its case you’ll still have the time of your life.
# Posted on October 21st 2007 by Phantom Button
Re: Sessions at festivals - ok to play ??
Well thanks for the advice, and only one really negative comment. of course I'm going to listen and to learn but maybe i'll have the nerve to play should the occasion present itself. I ask if ur always put off how r u supposed to ever join in anything ??
# Posted on October 21st 2007 by lapso77
Re: Sessions at festivals - ok to play ??
lapso, if you mean lligs comment then it was pretty positive really!
Honestly though, I think you should play the tunes for the sake of playing the tunes, not for any other reason. In my opinion its not about 'joining in', but about learning to play. when youve been playing for a few years you will have a bunch of tunes, you can find people to play with at your level,after a few months what can you know? not a lot.
# Posted on October 21st 2007 by piobagusfidil
Re: Sessions at festivals - ok to play ??
Truth be known, it was no doubt the Phantom that cee observed fitting into one of the pro-sessions.
# Posted on October 22nd 2007 by jtrout
Re: Sessions at festivals - ok to play ??
There are loads of archive material on the internet radio e.g. ceili house, bloom of youth etc. as well as regular clarefm weekly archive and house-sessions. Have a listen to some of those first - if you can't play along with recorded sessions at their speed, you know what to expect over there.
Unless you can start your own session (without any morris/rapper repertoire), you might be better listening.
# Posted on October 22nd 2007 by geoffwright
Re: Sessions at festivals - ok to play ??
And lapso, The banjo can be very loud, and not so popular, even in the hands of a master..... put a sock or two down the back, it may help!
# Posted on October 23rd 2007 by piobagusfidil
Re: Sessions at festivals - ok to play ??
Do not under any circumstances talk over the players to tell a particular player how much you admire they way the play and try and engage them into conversation about their albums. This is especially true when the participants of the session are feeling their way through free improvisation jazz/itm/bluegrass/scottish/whatever.
Next time someone disrupts a session like that I will not try and ignore them, I will be rude and tell them to feck off. I have just come back from a festival and one lady who should know better did this constantly, to the point where people would see her coming and the session would abruptly end with the speed of a salesman on a street corner.
My advice would be dive in, smile, if you dont know the tune quietly feel your way into it, do not take over the tunes or the speed. Dont be afraid to just listen. If asked to lead play at a speed everyone can follow. Say thank you, when you leave.
# Posted on October 23rd 2007 by Joze
Re: Sessions at festivals - ok to play ??
Bring some cookies.
Ahhhhhhhh. I promised to be good. One day and I can't resist.
"And I hate you one and all" (Sam Hall)
# Posted on October 23rd 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: Sessions at festivals - ok to play ??
In my experience there are often sessions at all levels, just wander about till you find one that suits you. But these things can get pretty crowded. I might suggest actively going out to listen, take in the 'vibe' and meet some folk first, if there are lessons, enroll. This will give you opportunity's to session away from the maddening crowd. Just getting in the door with a banjo can be an issue, let alone getting up to the bar for a pint. And finding somewhere to sit! ....near the musicians!!.....sometimes the only chance can be guessing where a good sesh is gonna be, getting there early , and sitting it out till it kicks off... have fun.
# Posted on October 24th 2007 by piobagusfidil