CVFolk offer a double dose of music workshops
Take your pick at guitar playing and singing Welsh folksongs at CVFolk’s double-dose of music workshops. Saturday 1 March from 11am at the Albany Theatre.
Preview by Pete Willow
Music campaige group, CVFolk is offering opportunities not only to spectate at a folk performance but also to be part of the show. Its monthly ‘Folk Freshers Workshops’ provide a chance to meet and share in the expertise of leading musicians and performers from the local folk circuit. Saturday, 1 March has two of these lively and popular interactive events lined up in Coventry’s Albany Theatre.
Starting at 11am, the morning session features celebrated multi-instrumentalist, folksinger and experienced music tutor, Mick Bisiker, sharing his skills on flatpick guitar. And from 2pm – as it’s St. David's day, there's a rare chance to try singing traditional Welsh songs – in Welsh! Coventry singer, musician and choir leader, Andy Jones hosts this fascinating session and promises to guide you through any tricky pronunciation!
Founder of the popular concert and celidh band, Rack and Ruin, Mick Bisiker’s wide repertoire ranges from traditional to self-penned songs and tunes, and he is especially noted for his fast arrangements of traditional session tunes played on acoustic guitar, mandola and bouzouki. The workshop enables you to tap in on his vast experience in this exciting and foot-tapping style of guitarwork. Some basic guitar experience is needed and you’ll be amazed at how much you can learn in a fun and friendly environment.
Organiser of Welsh choir and music events, Côr Cymraeg Coventry, Andy Jones will supervise two hours of singing and music as a celebration of the national saint’s day. You don’t have to be Welsh – or even an experienced singer – to have a go at performing a few straightforward folk songs. Andy will provide the words and you can learn the tunes by ear.
Harmonies are encouraged and musicians are also welcome to bring instruments to play along as well as sing. If there’s time, he may also teach one or two session tunes (again by ear) if enough participants bring instruments.
Established a year ago, CVFolk’s workshops are proving very popular for boosting performance skills and confidence in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Taking place in one of the Theatre’s recently refurbished studios, they are designed to help people at different levels of musical experience to try out various aspects of folk music-making and singing. Past events so far have included Slide Guitar techniques with Bob Powell, Harmony Singing with Katherine Fearm and Whistle-Playing with Ewan Cameron.
Later this year sees the return of Coventry’s master guitarist, Kevin Dempsey running his Guitar for Improvers session (12 April), and widely acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, Lauren South hosts another session on playing the fiddle, this time for beginners and improvers (4 May).
All age groups are welcome, especially younger, future star performers of folk and acoustic music! Admission is £8 or £5 concessions, including students and pensioners. Book in advance on 02476 998964 or pay on arrival – and bring an instrument if you have one!
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