I need some ideas!... I am hoping to eventually put on an Irish trad festival here in new orleans (all going well). we have a good group of people here and think we would get a good response.
So who do ye think would be the best bands to get. remember the budget will probably be quite small. if you think thats your own band thats ok too! of all the festivals you've been too who do you remember standing out. that kinda thing. I've only just moved here (u.s.) not too long ago and so don't know much about american irish bands.
has anyone got experience organising a festival and would love to give me some ideas and tips. cause i have never done this before but i am determined to make it work.
thanks in advance
I d stay away from the ever popular at USA fests bagpipe rocknrollers.... And the get drunk and yell like pirate with rythm guitar and half baked percussion groups that seem to pop up...
Good luck! No small task putting together a festival from scratch.
Based on some of my own (admittedly rather small) experience, and those I know with rather more, you need to consider a few things as you go out looking for acts:
*"Trad" can mean so many things to so many people, as you can see just by browsing through this forum. How do you see the festival as defining and expressing "trad"? For instance, would you go more heavily on ceilidh bands, or groups that tend to play with a minimum of arrangements? What about bands that mix in contemporary styles and/or instruments, e.g., electric bass, drum sets, modern compositions?
*Do you envision the festival as perhaps being a way for people to connect with the music, such as by through brief instructional workshops or jam sessions for all who will? For that, you'd want to find performers who are able, willing and _enthusiastic_ enough to lead them (not every performer is).
*Along similar lines, in addition to just having each band come up and do their thing, what about having special events or collaborations during the festival? Maybe, say, pull together a select group of fiddlers of different generations to do a tribute to Ed Reavy; or get some vocalists (male and female) for songs that deal with marital strife, for instance. So again, you'd want to think about having a certain diversity of bands and performers, and who are open to doing these kinds of "extras."
The main thing is, obvious as this may sound, what does your festival have to offer? Is there any kind of similar "competition" for people's entertainment dollars where you are? Is there a local/regional Irish music community of any kind you're reaching out to, or are you aiming more at a general public with -- at best -- casual knowledge of the tradition?
These kinds of factors should weigh into your decision on whom to book.
bohola and Gan Bua are two that come to mind. You might also consider individual musicians if you really want trad music. Solo performers or a solo musician with backup can be just as entertaining (and tend to be more traditional in general) as bands. If you really want a trad festival, stay away from anything that markets itself as new-age, celtic rock, that sort of thing. That's more along the lines of a pub-song band with a snare drum and electric guitar. However, you'll probably end up having to include some of that kind of stuff in order to make the festival pay for itself (and the good quality music). Unfortunately, that's what the general public here in the U.S. wants. Good luck!!!
If you looked real hard you could find quite a few Irish trad bands that weren't "Celtic Rock" or fusion bands and would make a nice festival. The problem would be in financing it to bring them all together. Most festivals are relying on touring bands to include them in their itinerary. Unfortunately the people who play trad aren't as likely to be on tour. The ones that are would be people like Randal Bays, Grey Larsen, and people that you've probably seen advertised coming through your area. The people that would be easiest to get would be the "Celtic Rock" fusion crowd, but then your festival would become a run-of-the-mill U.S. "Celtic Festival" sort of affair. Because many of the U.S. based bands have a web presence you could probably find quite a few to run your idea with, but you'll have to be very careful to listen to samples and make sure you aren't being sold the usual rock-fusion stuff... unless you're into that sort of thing.
Wow, maybe i haven't really thought about this enough.....
sts - you've kinda scared me! (for the good). all good info so far, and i'm still open for more.
another question now, being from ireland myself, if i wanted to go to a festival, i just went really. because even if i drove to the other side of the country it would only take about 5 hours at very most. how far would all ye americans (sorry people not in america) (wait, i guess people anywhere could answer this question) be willing to travel for a festival, big and small? just out of curiosity...
Randal Bays yes ... Teada is in the US alot... The advantage of getting someone like Kevin Burke is that you're not hiring a whole band, but the "name" power is there... and solo performers are often very flexible $ wise... even at his level... also he is very cordial and entertaining... a great solo/duo IMO. ALso look at who is touring and if there is a space open on a tour even well known acts are willing to give a break $$$ wise... because every dollar counts for a touring band. (now if youve gotr the $ dont short them, but it can be a mutual thing.)
I still say watch out for electric guitars with kilts...
Chulrua (Paddy O'Brien, Patrick Ourceau, Pat Egan)
The Hedge (Band Billy McComiskey, Laura Byrne, Donna Long, Pat Egan)
Matt & Shannon Heaton
No shortage of great U.S. based non-band Irish trad musicians, including:
Mike & Mary Rafferty
Joe Derrane
Seamus Connolly
Kevin Burke
James Kelly
Martin Hayes
Liz Carroll
Brian Conway
Rose Flanagan
Patty Furlong
Randal Bays
Willie Kelly
John Williams
Johnny B. Connolly
John Gannon
Gearoid Ohallmurhain
Tina Lech
Dana Lyn
Benedict Kohler
Jerry O'Sullivan
Paddy Keenan
and on and on and on
Well yeah, it _is_ rather scary. But it's also rather exciting to consider the possible scenarios and avenues. Just make sure you have a _lot_ of good, reliable, hard-working people around you to help in the brainstorming as well as the implementation.
Re your "how far would you go?" question, well, it depends. Is the festival in the city or the country? What choice (if any) of accommodations do I have? Is it a one-big-stage type of festival or are there are a lot of side events -- participatory even? -- going on?
Actually, those are the questions I tend to ask no matter how far away a festival is.
Also, New Orleans is a center for all kinds of music--maybe you could join forces with an established festival. A quick Google search turned up mentions of the following, in Lousiana:
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
Celtic Nations Heritage Festival
New Orleans Irish Festival
Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival
(Don't know anything about them--I live in the same country but thousands of miles away... just seemed worth mentioning.)
Yes!! to GaryAMartin's post. Also consider bringing in several musicians from say Chicago, NY, NJ, and having them form a ceili band-type group. (sts mentioned this type of thing above) It doesn't matter if it's spontaneous--that's what festivals are for. Any and all of these individual musicians are more than capable of forming a group and putting together sets last minute.Oftentimes, a spontaneous group has the effect of being more personable than a band, and allows the audience to really have a good time as well as enjoy some great music. Having individual musicians also allows for a workshop and session option as well, which might draw some people from out of town. You'd be surprised how far some people will travel for a workshop from a great teacher.
I second the suggestion of Gan Bua and Bohola. And GaryAMartin mentioned Liz Carroll who is also very good.
As for how far I'd travel to go see such a festival.... if there were workshops and at least some of the people I mentioned above (or a few great bands, groups or individuals in that style) 5 hours is not too far to travel. Actually, if it were in New Orleans I'd go the full 15 hours from Michigan, but that's only because I have a friend in New Orleans who I've been meaning to visit.
I went to college in Lousiana in mid '90's and spent most weekends in New Orleans when O'Flaherty's on Toulouse St was in full swing. I played regularly with Beth Patterson on bouzouki and Justin Murphy on flute, top notch trad musicians from the city who in my opinion are as good as any I heard here in Ireland. Beth has a myspace so you should contact her for advice. Winnie Horan and Mick Mc Cauley from Solas pass through Louisana a lot and put on a great show. Contact Culture Ireland the government arts export agency about funding.
As the person from Misla says, don't overlook the midwestern bands and duets and trios, there is a lot of talent in St. Louis, Chicago, Minneapolis/St. Paul! Don't let the East Coast centered list above (excepting two people!!?!?) mislead you!
Looks like it is going in a few directions here. Do you want a little, informal festival with some workshops, something a little bigger with some "names" (subject to opinion) or a Milwaukee Irish Fest style festival? Where and when would you be having it?
BTW, Georgi posted a link to a good article about bookings and who to have at a a festival like this. You also have the local Irish musicans to book as well. Let us know when you do this, I love New Orleans and would love to play there as well! I have played at O'Flaherty's Irish Channel (sadly, no more) for the Saturday Ceilis and would like a return visit!
thanks for all the info. hopefully i can get a commitee together soon and sort through alot of yer sugestions. i really dont know how big or small this will turn out to be but i'll keep ye all posted. i'm just about to go look at all the bands who emailed me so i'll be gettin back to ye's soon.
thanks again for the help! wish us luck, and hopefully we'll be seein ye,s down here.
American based Irish trad bands
American based Irish trad bands
I need some ideas!... I am hoping to eventually put on an Irish trad festival here in new orleans (all going well). we have a good group of people here and think we would get a good response.
So who do ye think would be the best bands to get. remember the budget will probably be quite small. if you think thats your own band thats ok too! of all the festivals you've been too who do you remember standing out. that kinda thing. I've only just moved here (u.s.) not too long ago and so don't know much about american irish bands.
has anyone got experience organising a festival and would love to give me some ideas and tips. cause i have never done this before but i am determined to make it work.
thanks in advance
# Posted on December 11th 2007 by lanefest rec.
Re: American based Irish trad bands
I d stay away from the ever popular at USA fests bagpipe rocknrollers.... And the get drunk and yell like pirate with rythm guitar and half baked percussion groups that seem to pop up...
# Posted on December 11th 2007 by The Merry Highlander
Re: American based Irish trad bands
Oh yeah, I should have mentioned, nothing that sounds like pirates yelling! Thanks Merry-Hielander
# Posted on December 11th 2007 by lanefest rec.
Re: American based Irish trad bands
I really like Molly's Revenge. They do a lot of Scottish music, though, and they have Scottish pipes. But they're really good. Lots of energy.
# Posted on December 11th 2007 by sbhikes
Re: American based Irish trad bands
Good luck! No small task putting together a festival from scratch.
Based on some of my own (admittedly rather small) experience, and those I know with rather more, you need to consider a few things as you go out looking for acts:
*"Trad" can mean so many things to so many people, as you can see just by browsing through this forum. How do you see the festival as defining and expressing "trad"? For instance, would you go more heavily on ceilidh bands, or groups that tend to play with a minimum of arrangements? What about bands that mix in contemporary styles and/or instruments, e.g., electric bass, drum sets, modern compositions?
*Do you envision the festival as perhaps being a way for people to connect with the music, such as by through brief instructional workshops or jam sessions for all who will? For that, you'd want to find performers who are able, willing and _enthusiastic_ enough to lead them (not every performer is).
*Along similar lines, in addition to just having each band come up and do their thing, what about having special events or collaborations during the festival? Maybe, say, pull together a select group of fiddlers of different generations to do a tribute to Ed Reavy; or get some vocalists (male and female) for songs that deal with marital strife, for instance. So again, you'd want to think about having a certain diversity of bands and performers, and who are open to doing these kinds of "extras."
The main thing is, obvious as this may sound, what does your festival have to offer? Is there any kind of similar "competition" for people's entertainment dollars where you are? Is there a local/regional Irish music community of any kind you're reaching out to, or are you aiming more at a general public with -- at best -- casual knowledge of the tradition?
These kinds of factors should weigh into your decision on whom to book.
One recourse is to just look up Web sites of other festivals that showcase or include Irish music, get in touch with the organizers and compile a list of "best practices." You might be able to get some leads here:http://www.frootsmag.com/content/festivals/
http://www.irishmusicmagazine.com/links/festivals/
# Posted on December 11th 2007 by sts
Re: American based Irish trad bands
bohola and Gan Bua are two that come to mind. You might also consider individual musicians if you really want trad music. Solo performers or a solo musician with backup can be just as entertaining (and tend to be more traditional in general) as bands. If you really want a trad festival, stay away from anything that markets itself as new-age, celtic rock, that sort of thing. That's more along the lines of a pub-song band with a snare drum and electric guitar. However, you'll probably end up having to include some of that kind of stuff in order to make the festival pay for itself (and the good quality music). Unfortunately, that's what the general public here in the U.S. wants. Good luck!!!
# Posted on December 11th 2007 by FidDLe01
Re: American based Irish trad bands
Kevin Burke and James Kelly would be good US based Irish musicians.
# Posted on December 11th 2007 by The Merry Highlander
Re: American based Irish trad bands
If you looked real hard you could find quite a few Irish trad bands that weren't "Celtic Rock" or fusion bands and would make a nice festival. The problem would be in financing it to bring them all together. Most festivals are relying on touring bands to include them in their itinerary. Unfortunately the people who play trad aren't as likely to be on tour. The ones that are would be people like Randal Bays, Grey Larsen, and people that you've probably seen advertised coming through your area. The people that would be easiest to get would be the "Celtic Rock" fusion crowd, but then your festival would become a run-of-the-mill U.S. "Celtic Festival" sort of affair. Because many of the U.S. based bands have a web presence you could probably find quite a few to run your idea with, but you'll have to be very careful to listen to samples and make sure you aren't being sold the usual rock-fusion stuff... unless you're into that sort of thing.
# Posted on December 11th 2007 by Phantom Button
Re: American based Irish trad bands
Wow, maybe i haven't really thought about this enough.....
sts - you've kinda scared me! (for the good). all good info so far, and i'm still open for more.
another question now, being from ireland myself, if i wanted to go to a festival, i just went really. because even if i drove to the other side of the country it would only take about 5 hours at very most. how far would all ye americans (sorry people not in america) (wait, i guess people anywhere could answer this question) be willing to travel for a festival, big and small? just out of curiosity...
# Posted on December 11th 2007 by lanefest rec.
Re: American based Irish trad bands
Randal Bays yes ... Teada is in the US alot... The advantage of getting someone like Kevin Burke is that you're not hiring a whole band, but the "name" power is there... and solo performers are often very flexible $ wise... even at his level... also he is very cordial and entertaining... a great solo/duo IMO. ALso look at who is touring and if there is a space open on a tour even well known acts are willing to give a break $$$ wise... because every dollar counts for a touring band. (now if youve gotr the $ dont short them, but it can be a mutual thing.)
I still say watch out for electric guitars with kilts...
# Posted on December 11th 2007 by The Merry Highlander
Re: American based Irish trad bands
Chulrua (Paddy O'Brien, Patrick Ourceau, Pat Egan)
The Hedge (Band Billy McComiskey, Laura Byrne, Donna Long, Pat Egan)
Matt & Shannon Heaton
No shortage of great U.S. based non-band Irish trad musicians, including:
Mike & Mary Rafferty
Joe Derrane
Seamus Connolly
Kevin Burke
James Kelly
Martin Hayes
Liz Carroll
Brian Conway
Rose Flanagan
Patty Furlong
Randal Bays
Willie Kelly
John Williams
Johnny B. Connolly
John Gannon
Gearoid Ohallmurhain
Tina Lech
Dana Lyn
Benedict Kohler
Jerry O'Sullivan
Paddy Keenan
and on and on and on
# Posted on December 11th 2007 by GaryAMartin
Re: American based Irish trad bands
>sts - you've kinda scared me! (for the good).
Well yeah, it _is_ rather scary. But it's also rather exciting to consider the possible scenarios and avenues. Just make sure you have a _lot_ of good, reliable, hard-working people around you to help in the brainstorming as well as the implementation.
Re your "how far would you go?" question, well, it depends. Is the festival in the city or the country? What choice (if any) of accommodations do I have? Is it a one-big-stage type of festival or are there are a lot of side events -- participatory even? -- going on?
Actually, those are the questions I tend to ask no matter how far away a festival is.
# Posted on December 11th 2007 by sts
Re: American based Irish trad bands
This article is a must-read for anyone planning a festival in this country:
http://liveireland.com/reviews_july07.shtml
# Posted on December 11th 2007 by Georgi
Re: American based Irish trad bands
Also, New Orleans is a center for all kinds of music--maybe you could join forces with an established festival. A quick Google search turned up mentions of the following, in Lousiana:
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
Celtic Nations Heritage Festival
New Orleans Irish Festival
Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival
(Don't know anything about them--I live in the same country but thousands of miles away... just seemed worth mentioning.)
# Posted on December 11th 2007 by mickray
Re: American based Irish trad bands
Isn't Frankie Gavin's wife from that area? Does that count in any way?
# Posted on December 12th 2007 by Bob himself
Re: American based Irish trad bands
http://lemccullough.com/management.php
He might know 1 or 2 musicians.
# Posted on December 12th 2007 by Random_notes
Re: American based Irish trad bands
Yes!! to GaryAMartin's post. Also consider bringing in several musicians from say Chicago, NY, NJ, and having them form a ceili band-type group. (sts mentioned this type of thing above) It doesn't matter if it's spontaneous--that's what festivals are for. Any and all of these individual musicians are more than capable of forming a group and putting together sets last minute.Oftentimes, a spontaneous group has the effect of being more personable than a band, and allows the audience to really have a good time as well as enjoy some great music. Having individual musicians also allows for a workshop and session option as well, which might draw some people from out of town. You'd be surprised how far some people will travel for a workshop from a great teacher.
# Posted on December 12th 2007 by FidDLe01
Re: American based Irish trad bands
I second the suggestion of Gan Bua and Bohola. And GaryAMartin mentioned Liz Carroll who is also very good.
As for how far I'd travel to go see such a festival.... if there were workshops and at least some of the people I mentioned above (or a few great bands, groups or individuals in that style) 5 hours is not too far to travel. Actually, if it were in New Orleans I'd go the full 15 hours from Michigan, but that's only because I have a friend in New Orleans who I've been meaning to visit.
# Posted on December 12th 2007 by fliedermaus
Re: American based Irish trad bands
Overseas acts are always a big thing. You could fly me over for a bodhran workshop.
# Posted on December 12th 2007 by mcknowall
Re: American based Irish trad bands
Or you could always send me to Donegal for a week, then "import" me back, "Live!! Direct From Ireland!!"
I always fancied myself the "Suntory" of ITM.
# Posted on December 12th 2007 by Rook
Re: American based Irish trad bands
I went to college in Lousiana in mid '90's and spent most weekends in New Orleans when O'Flaherty's on Toulouse St was in full swing. I played regularly with Beth Patterson on bouzouki and Justin Murphy on flute, top notch trad musicians from the city who in my opinion are as good as any I heard here in Ireland. Beth has a myspace so you should contact her for advice. Winnie Horan and Mick Mc Cauley from Solas pass through Louisana a lot and put on a great show. Contact Culture Ireland the government arts export agency about funding.
# Posted on December 12th 2007 by iwerzon
Re: American based Irish trad bands
http://www.myspace.com/mislatrad - we're just up the river from ya!
# Posted on December 12th 2007 by stlharp
Re: American based Irish trad bands
As the person from Misla says, don't overlook the midwestern bands and duets and trios, there is a lot of talent in St. Louis, Chicago, Minneapolis/St. Paul! Don't let the East Coast centered list above (excepting two people!!?!?) mislead you!
Looks like it is going in a few directions here. Do you want a little, informal festival with some workshops, something a little bigger with some "names" (subject to opinion) or a Milwaukee Irish Fest style festival? Where and when would you be having it?
BTW, Georgi posted a link to a good article about bookings and who to have at a a festival like this. You also have the local Irish musicans to book as well. Let us know when you do this, I love New Orleans and would love to play there as well! I have played at O'Flaherty's Irish Channel (sadly, no more) for the Saturday Ceilis and would like a return visit!
# Posted on December 12th 2007 by Aine Ni Scully
Re: American based Irish trad bands
Tim Britton is a fine piper, who used to play with Chulrua but is now on his own. And Chulrua are wonderful in their new lineup (mentioned above).
# Posted on December 12th 2007 by 'tinamatt
Re: American based Irish trad bands
http://www.ciunas.net/
Heckuva ITM band, based in Southern California.
# Posted on December 12th 2007 by bogmanoc
Re: American based Irish trad bands
I'll second Gan Bua, Chulrua and Misla... and the list GaryAMartin posted... and pretty much all the other suggestions above.
# Posted on December 12th 2007 by Nathan G
Re: American based Irish trad bands
There is a promising Irish Trad band in NO that I heard about. Not sure of the name but KT,NR are involved.
# Posted on December 13th 2007 by himself
Re: American based Irish trad bands
thanks for all the info. hopefully i can get a commitee together soon and sort through alot of yer sugestions. i really dont know how big or small this will turn out to be but i'll keep ye all posted. i'm just about to go look at all the bands who emailed me so i'll be gettin back to ye's soon.
thanks again for the help! wish us luck, and hopefully we'll be seein ye,s down here.
# Posted on December 13th 2007 by lanefest rec.
Re: American based Irish trad bands
Fait le bonne temp roulez - Ayeeeee
Ádh mór
# Posted on December 13th 2007 by iwerzon