Blackboard concerts, sing-arounds, festival choir, late-night singing session and even a slow instrumental session – there should be something for you here!
Blackboard Concerts
Saturday 9:30am, Maire Hall
Sunday 9:30am, Maire Hall
Put your name on the blackboard outside the venue before each concert. Just a few conventions: Two songs or tunes – maximum 10 minutes for each performance. Keep introductions within the 10-minute time allowed – if your 3-minute song needs a 6-minute introduction you’re only going to have time for one song. We want to give everyone a chance so if you’ve played at another blackboard concert, the host may ask you to give someone else a chance.
All Comers Sing-around – with Murray Kilpatrick
Saturday 11am, Nelson Lounge
Murray will lead an open and inclusive singaround. Everyone invited, but not obliged, to take a turn with whatever style and instrumentation they choose. This is your opportunity to share your stuff with others in a supportive environment without the pressure of a stage or sound system. Murray runs the Pukerua Bay Folk Club and has encouraged many musicians to enjoy playing.
Festival Choir – with Julie Lamb
Workshops: Saturday 11:45am, Sunday 4:15
Fletcher Hall Performance: Sunday 6:00pm, Balladeer
Come along and be part of the Festival Choir. The leaders will work with all comers to add harmony and fun to selected songs that you’ll learn in 2 workshops over the 2 days of the festival. You then get to perform them on the Balladeer Stage to close the Sunday afternoon session.
All Comer’s Slow Session- with Vicfolk
Sunday 10:30am, Nelson Lounge
The slow session workshop is for people who would like to get together to play Traditional Irish tunes (jigs, reels, polkas, etc) at a more relaxed pace than a “regular” Irish Trad session in a pub. We will be playing commonly played Irish tunes, just not too fast. We play the same tune several times in a row, so even if you don’t know many tunes but can pick things up by ear you’ll have a good time. If you have been curious about what an Irish session is all about, and can play an instrument, bring it along and have a go.
All Comers’ Spoken Word–Poetry and Storytelling.
Sunday 12:30pm, Balladeer
The Liars’ Lunch hosted by Janette Wallace-Gedge
Late Night Singing Session hosted by David Barnes (and several brewers)
Saturday 11:00pm, Fletcher Hall
Everyone is welcome to join in by leading a song or helping with the choruses. If you think you don’t know any choruses – you certainly will by the end of this session.
Wellington Folk Festival 