PLAIN FOLK

by Les Pearson
Folk Club’s Concert Series: Who Gets to Choose?

Folk music is music of, by, and for the people. When the Medicine Hat Folk Music Club hosts a concert series or festival, serious questions always arise. Which people? Which performers have the greatest appeal? Which will stretch our audience’s appreciation of the music? And who will decide?

In his Letter to the Editor (15 May 2006), Dustin Alen assumes that I choose. This is simply wrong. But his letter gives wonderful occasion to clarify exactly how the choices are made. It is important for potential patrons to know!

After all, the “Pig in a Poke” series/festival pass is now on sale. The Club offers a special discount to those folks willing to trust our judgment in the selection of musicians. Last year, many of the 180 patrons who bought passes did not know the names of acts that would appear in the series. They purchased a pass before the line-up was announced.

More amazingly, they did not know even concert dates. The pass price was attractive or, more likely, they are strong Folk Club supporters. Regardless, they took a chance.

Last year’s Pig in a Poke passes nearly doubled from previous years. Our Club values this trust. But, in modesty, it is earned.

Consider that the Folk Club first introduced Medicine Hat to Harry Manx, Tiller’s Folly, and the Polyjesters. The popularity of these acts meant others booked them for repeat performances and, in Harry’s case, several times.

So who decides the line-up? The Booking Committee is comprised of six Board—or former Board—members. The Present Committee includes musicians, Ron Mason, Phyllis Sinclair and David Gue. David is current Committee Chair. Other members are informed fans of folk. Yes, I am one. Together, we compile a lengthy “wish list.” (I’m still pulling for Mary Gauthier.)

Several meetings into the process this list is narrowed to three or four choices within a folk genre. Yes, Celtic, blues, roots, and bluegrass figure prominently. But there is also consideration for an end-of-season “dance party” and a Celtic act in March. There is sensitivity to the demographics and tastes of our middle-aged audience.

Ultimately, Darla Sawatsky makes the bookings based on a short list that the Committee
selects matched against the availability of venues and performers. Darla’s juggling job is difficult but her work has been uniformly spectacular! If anyone is deserving of trust, it is Darla.

In past seasons, concert patrons were surveyed for their musical preferences. Not surprisingly, folks at a bluegrass concert like bluegrass. But blues consistently leads the list. This does not prevent the Committee from searching for great klezmer, reggae or world music acts. Every folk genre figures in the mix. But usually there is a blues act.

Dustin, you want a voice in shaping Medicine Hat’s cultural destiny? I have several suggestions. Buy a Club membership. Join our working Board. Even request Martha Wainwright. But be prepared to live with democracy. I’m still waiting for Mary.