No Gandalf Murphy in the dance tent this year?

[ckocher]

Went to the Night Eagle Cafe the other night, where I found official fliers/pamphlets for this year's FRFF.

All performers are listed, including those in the dance tent ... but Gandalf is not among them.

I'm disappointed, but I've heard rumblings that the "real" dance fans weren't happy when Gandalf took over Friday night. That'd be a shame if it's true, because the folks that were there had a hell of a good time - and might be encouraged to check out other dance tent offerings later in the weekend.


Chris

[thelastkodama]

That is quite disappointing... I loved their dance tent set.
But as last year was my first time, I don't have other acts to compare them to. So how would a "real" dance tent group differ?

[ckocher]

That is quite disappointing... I loved their dance tent set.
But as last year was my first time, I don't have other acts to compare them to. So how would a "real" dance tent group differ?

I'm guessing it'd be the more "traditional" dance sets: contradance, folk dancing, swing, etc. You know, the kinds of people who put their hands over their ears when they hear an electric guitar.

Gandalf, of course, doesn't fit any of these - and I've heard there was grumbling.

[Notlob]

and I've heard there was grumbling

All I know is what I witnessed. The crowd under the tent definitely changed during the Circus' set, many of the "traditional" dancers appearing disappointed or displaced. But the number of people who came for the Circus greatly outnumbered the "traditional" dancers.

As "traditional" dancers are welcome at the family, workshop, or main stages, "non-traditional" festival goers should be welcome under the big top.

[john r]

i never go to the dance tent - not a traditional dancer at all. but i can understand why the traditional dancers grumbled at being displaced. when a folk-rock band plays the mainstage - people get up and dance. if you want to dance to gandalph - go right ahead. (a few years ago thaere was even a designated place for dancers to the left of the stage - perhaps that shoud be done again). but there is no traditonal dancing at the mainstage. so if i were a traditonal dancer, i probably would grumble, too.

[PaulC]

I used to go to the dance tent when they had the English country dances, but they haven't had that for a few years.
I wasn't aware of grumbling about a non traditional act appearing at the dance tent but it probably happened. It still was great fun having Gandalf play there and I wish it was happening again this year. When they played Alice in Space it was an amazing experience. Everyone was on their feet and dancing.
Running this festival must be a challenge, everything you do regarding performers and scheduling is done under a microscope and always make someone unhappy.

[Old Fart From Hellsdale]

Anyway, I never could get that "Dance Tent" to work right for me ..... I've been there many times and still couldn't dance .... I thought it was broken or something. Seriously though, as a loyal Slambovian, I apologize to those who may have taken exception with our non-traditional gyrations last year but geez! ..... we sure did have a festive time .... isn't that what a festival's about?

[rebeccapea]

If I was a "traditional" dancer and bought a day pass just to come and dance on Friday night, I would probably be pretty dissapointed to find myself in the middle of a rock concert for a good portion of that time. However, for everyone else it seems like the dance tent is pretty much hopping from 10am to 3am Thurs-Sat and a good part of the day Sunday. To have an hour or so set aside for a non-conventional Dance Tent act doesn't seem too much of an imposition. I thought it was a very creative choice of venue having Gandalf Murphy in the Dance Tent and I do think the overall effect there was fantastic and different than anything you'd experience near the Mainstage. It would be a real shame if other acts were discouraged from performing there.

[Notlob]

where I found official fliers/pamphlets for this year's FRFF.

I live outside of Boston, have yet to see any fliers. Is there a street team? How does one get the material to distribute?

[ckocher]

I live outside of Boston, have yet to see any fliers. Is there a street team? How does one get the material to distribute?

I have no idea - sorry. Ken Millett at the Night Eagle probably got them in the mail for the FRFF preview tour (which is almost here now) and to hand out to patrons at other shows.


Chris

[ckocher]

If I was a "traditional" dancer and bought a day pass just to come and dance on Friday night, I would probably be pretty dissapointed to find myself in the middle of a rock concert for a good portion of that time.

I guess people who are only there for the day could check the schedule and see what's there before they pay their money to go ...

Just a thought.


Chris

[AnneS]

Gandalf Murphy and Guy Mendilow Band will both do one dance set this year. Artists listed in the Dance section of the flyer are primarily Dance Bands, some of whom may do an addl concert set, along with callers & instructors.

[Old Fart From Hellsdale]

Thanks AnneS ......... now I can get my Slambovian Clogs all sanded down and varnished for another go at it.

[Notlob]

That's fantastic! Dancing to a berimbau may be foreign to some, but a fun challenge!

[ckocher]

Gandalf Murphy and Guy Mendilow Band will both do one dance set this year. Artists listed in the Dance section of the flyer are primarily Dance Bands, some of whom may do an addl concert set, along with callers & instructors.

Hooray! Thanks for the info ... as they say, that's what I get when I assume.


Chris