workshops at Moseley Folk Festival 09

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1:00 to 1:30 - Folk and Ceilidh Dancing with Frances Richardson

Frances is an experienced workshop leader. She has run sessions for people wanting to know the basics of folk and ceilidh dancing at Sidmouth International Folk Festival, Great Alne and other major folk events, as well as locally in the Birmingham area. A long-time resident of Moseley, Frances' explanation of the moves is clear, her enthusiasm is infectious and she is keen for newcomers to discover the joy of dancing. Her session today will introduce new dancers to the variety of folk and ceilidh dance in England.

Frances Richardson

1:30 to 2:15 - Ceilidh with live music from Cuckoo's Nest,
caller Frances Richardson

Cuckoo’s Nest ceilidh band features fiddle, concertina, whistle, guitar and bassoon. Dance to the irresistible rhythms and haunting melodies of traditional music from all over Britain (and some further afield!). People of all generations and from all backgrounds will feel the lift of this music and enjoy this style of dancing! Frances is an experienced caller who will explain the dances so anyone can join in.

2:15 to 3pm - Tabla Workshop with Pritam Singh

An insight to the intricacies of the art of Tabla and North Indian drumming tradition dating back from the Ancient period to the present. Beginning with a demonstration on various drums including, Dhol, Dholak, Pakhavaj and Tabla. An explanation and demonstration of the different techniques and playing styles of prominent Tabla schools. An interactive workshop learning to recite and clap rhythmic cycles, Taal, and recognising various composition types. This includes using mathematics and counting techniques to develop improvisation. A fun, entertaining and informative workshop for all, a must for musicians from any genre of music to gain a better understanding of the art of Indian percussion.

5:30 to 6:30 - Rapper Dance Workshop with Demon Barber Rapper

The rapper dance is a fast traditional English dance whose origins lie in the mining villages of the Northumberland and Durham coalfields. It involves five people connected by short, two-handled, flexible swords (called rappers) forming a chain. Without breaking this chain the dancers weave in and out of one another twisting the swords to form locks and breastplates, sometimes even jumping or somersaulting over the swords. Demon Barber Rapper are recognised as one of the top rapper teams in the UK - the team is made up of members from two multi-award winning sides: Black Swan & The Newcastle Kingsmen.

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1:00 to 2:00 - Bones workshop with Louisa Davies
Louisa is the daughter of the late Len Davies, an amazing bones player who played from the age of 5 until he died, delighting folk festival audiences up and down the country. The bones are an ancient percussion instrument, similar to spoons. There are bones from Egypt in the British Museum dated 2000 BC. Louisa learnt to play from her father and is now keen to keep up this family tradition. This is a great workshop that anyone can try - whether you have prior experience of the bones or not! She will be teaching how to hold the bones, playing single beats and ornamentation, and playing to music. A limited number of sets of bones will be available for participants to use, but please bring your own if you have them.

Louisa Davies

2:00 to 3:00 - Penny whistle workshop for beginners, with Belinda Hutchings

Whistle a Happy Tune!

Learn basic fingering and a tune (or 2) by ear on a penny whistle, the most portable of musical instruments! Whistles provided. Minimum age 9

Belinda Hutchings plays for ceilidh dancing and at Irish sessions in Birmingham.
She teaches whistle at the Irish Centre in Birmingham.

Belinda Hutchings

4:30 to 6:00 - Klezmer dance with Judith Plowman and the Klatsh Band

Klezmer Dance was the folk dance for celebrations/weddings of the Eastern European Jews before c.1940. The dances, based on a walking step, need no partners, are easy, light-hearted and comfortably inclusive. Absolutely no previous experience is needed.
Judith Plowman, who has been running dance events for over 10 years, will teach and lead these simple Klezmer dances to the lively and invigorating music of the Klatsh Band.

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3:30 to 5pm - Guitar Workshop with Wizz Jones

As workshops go, Wizz’s one will probably be quite un-academic! Students won’t need to be able to read music or even know their scales (Wizz doesn’t!) - but some tablature might be used here and there. He will no doubt be demonstrating his famed Big Bill Broonzy “Thumb-thump” technique and explaining a few open tunings that he has discovered whilst composing the occasional song.

Guitarists familiar with Wizz’s repertoire will have the opportunity to question him on any aspects of his performance and even ask some probing questions about his illustrious musical career of more than 50 years!

Wizz Jones

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11:30 to 1:00 - Klezmer music with Sue Webb and Adrian Dobson

Bring your favourite instrument, and join in playing with some lively klezmer musicians. Explore the exciting rhythms of Eastern European Jewish folk dance and feel the haunting melodies of a bygone age.

Adrian Dobson has been playing klezmer accordion for dances and celebrations for over 10 years, whilst Sue Webb is a talented klezmer fiddler with considerable performance experience.

2:30 to 4:30 - Fiddle Workshop with Nancy Kerr

With over two decades as a fiddler, singer, performer and teacher, Nancy Kerr is a committed and passionate workshop leader who continues to be in demand worldwide. This two hour class for intermediate and experienced players will explore the art of dynamic fiddle playing, including the sensuous melodies from her native Northumberland and beyond.

Nancy Kerr