Sunday 15th July 2006

Interesting Times.

Have you ever found that politics and personalities get in the way of your music? Well it's happened to us. Every year, a bunch of well known and not-so-well-known musicians form into the Faversham Hops Festival Band to play for the enjoyment and celebration of the town. Giving their time largely for free, getting up early on both days of the weekend to start things off, they have become an established part of the proceedings. Well this year, for whatever reason, they are probably not playing. The reason? Well, several have been mooted, and it would not be right to repeat them here. Maybe the Hops committee just felt like a change in emphasis. Many of the musicians have their own bands like Ralph Jordan, some have their own Barn Dance Bands like Mike & Ruth Wheeler and Barbara Kelly, some are very well known on the folk scene like Bob Kenward and some are very well known session (that's serious professional session) musicians like Felix Krish. All-in-all an array of talent that would normally cost a fortune to get together for a gig. The rest of us? Itinerant session (that's playing in a pub for fun) musicians.

Anyway, Wednesday's Irish was one of the quietest for a long time with only 4 musicians - and that after the stunning fiddle-fest of the previous week. Thursday though brought out a wonderful gathering of the usual session, plus Bob Kenward, Keith Kendrick and Chris Cair so a good night was had by all. And not a thumper in sight.

Last night I joined Watershed, as I occassionally do, for a barn dance at Littlebourne Barn which is a fantastic venue if you need to hold an event. Everyone danced and it was a really good evening.

Tonight is Stelling Minnis (The Rose and Crown) - Irish session. Let's hope we get more than Wednesday.

Oh and just before I go, Adrian O' rang to let me know that the launch of his CD, 'The Weaving' is at the Alma in Deal on August 6th at 7:45.