Back in April 2010 we were invited to play a showcase for the Friends Music Society in Welwyn Garden City. That evening proved to be a most enjoyable experience and, having been invited this time by the Society to perform a full two times 40-minute set, we were really looking forward to going back.
The Society runs a regular programme of well attended music concerts throughout the year. Classical music tends to dominate with jazz probably the next most common genre. Folk music appears reasonably rarely in their schedule and, as such, it was both an honour and a pleasure to be invited to perform. Having had the pleasure once before, we also knew that the Society is an excellent listening audience.
With renovation happening in its regular performance venue, the Society is currently holding its events in the Free Church in central Welwyn Garden City. The hall is both spacious and, like many places of worship, has excellent acoustics. As is our preference, we arrived early, unpacked and tested these out. As 6.00pm approached, the hall filled up and it was heart-warming to see some friends’ faces amongst the growing audience.
Some in the audience were familiar with our music - either from local folk clubs or from our concert for the Hertfordshire Spanish Circle in the summer. However, for many, this was something of an exploration and they were curious to see what we would perform.
Given the shocking dearth of folk music on mainstream English (rather than British) media, there is little chance for most to get a clear idea of what the genre might consist of these days. However, it certainly seemed that our mixture of gritty modern and traditional tales, mixed with beautiful melodies and lively tunes from around Europe, struck a chord with many in the audience. The result was a great deal of enthusiasm shown towards it in the room and some excellent feedback at the break and after the show. It was particular highly pleasing to be complimented by audience members on our musicality – something we work hard at and take pride in.
This was an early evening concert and, being over by 8.00pm, it allowed us to take up the invitation of a drink in the pub next door. With glass in hand, it was very nice to spend time with members of the Society and hear something of their musical activities, both here and abroad. Both the beer and the company were good and, given the shortness of the hop home, we were still back in time to have a drink and some supper with our loved ones.
Thanks to the Friends Music Society for the invitation to perform for them again, for providing such a warm welcome and for listening so carefully and being so welcoming and generous to us. We look forward to performing for the Society again at some time in the future and, until then, we wish its members and musicians well.