A Punter’s Perspective 11
Random observations on the wide, weird world of folk from the side of the stage

Kids in Folk I: The Bond Traps
First published in Trad and Now magazine, June 2008

The folk scene seems to be largely switched on to the fact that engaging with kids and getting them involved early is important.

This is neither startling news, nor is it in any way new news. If anything it borders on the screamingly self-evident.

It’s worth dwelling on for a while, nonetheless.

Festivals have for years been at least incorporating youth elements into their programs, or holding self-contained and separate kids’ festivals, sometimes devoting a discrete area specifically for the kiddies. Woodford boasts a kids’ program that’s as extensive and packed as some whole festivals.

I’ll spare you, dear reader, from further personal insights and observations on topic. Much more illuminating (and hopefully, more interesting) are the experiences and motivations of younger performers and the adults who help nurture the burgeoning young talents. Continue reading →