Re: Sit-Ins (sessions)/MORE

[WolfSA@xxxxxxx]

Gordon writes about the prevailing atmosphere of folk music in Britain (Too
much text to rewrite).  However, there are many of the same aspects shared
here in the States, at least here in Texas.

Much of the folk music, or songwriters sessions are delegated to the back
rooms.  Here it is the outside section or off area room of a restaurant/pub.
 We have a few venues that have once a week open mic nights that are
relegated to the exterior areas of the establishment.

Folk music is a large part of the Texas heritage and many writers and
musicians I know are trying to keep that spirit alive.

Yes, most of our populace, at least in San Antonio, is ignorant of our folk
heritage.  Commercialism and the the attempts at attracting the tourist
dollar keep such venues and music in the back of one's consideration.  We
have also desperately tried to obtain better support from the many Arts funds
and organizations and have gone the path of establishing our own
organizations that attempt to find funding and preserving our music, such as
the Texas Music Heritage Foundation , in Kerrville, TX.  So the situation
over on the other side is not so differant than what I experience.

It is relative to the harp topic, because as a harp player, performing with
many of the gifted songwriters in this area, it is a concern.  I, as much as
the rest of the group here, want more recognition and respect for the efforts
we put into our music.  Harp players are, after all, musicians too, and we
feel the brunt of social attitudes as others.   
I like this topic, since it strikes close to home.  Thanks for reading this.

Jim Smorto