The genesis of the song circles was our group that hung out at Irish Eyes Pub, mostly to see performances by Bob Burger and Tom & Chris Kastle (as Privateer). Somehow, David and Carol Rogan (known for hosting lavish con suite parties) thought they’d host Bob Burger to perform a house concert, with singing along by the attendees. I think there were one or two of these. [I might be able to find the dates in my old Journals, if the mice and mildew haven’t gotten to them.]
In this time frame, I attended a “sing-around” hosted by Aural Tradition (who published a monthly listing of folk events in the Chicago area). I had just started to play hammered dulcimer, and took it to the event. It was there that I was introduced to the “Play, Pick, or Pass” song circle format.
At the next Bob Burger house concert, I brought my dulcimer and suggested we try the “Play, Pick, or Pass” song circle format instead of putting all the burden of entertaining on Bob. He agreed, and that was the start of the Song Circles as we know them. I think it was also at this time that Rich and Mary Sue Price took up hosting the get-togethers, because they had more room.
I briefly printed up a little guide of our favorite songs, and people would bring in copies of music they would like to try singing. I’m attaching a separate document with a copy of this; it’s dated 11/8/1986 and notes that it is the 6th Songfest we have held. We eventually settled on the RISE UP SINGING song book (the “Blue Book”) as a common source for songs and keys.
The song circles were held several times a year. I mailed out invitations (this was long before email), and people attending would check off their names on the mailing list and filled out “Hello My Name Is…” tags. I may have these sign-in sheets in the barn (again, mice and mildew permitting).
My musical influences at the time were:
- Bob Burger: traditional Irish / pub tunes
- Tom & Chris Kastle (AKA Privateer): maritime
- Schooner Fare: maritime
- John McCutcheon: traditional American folk & hammered dulcimer
- Gordon Bok, Anne Mayo Muir, and Ed Trickett: maritime & hammered dulcimer
- Malcolm Dalglish & Grey Larson: traditional folk & hammered dulcimer
- Tony Elman – hammered dulcimer
- Jerry Read Smith – hammered dulcimer
Other material submitted by Gary