https://sitvfolkmusic.wordpress.com/
Join us for an informal evening of traditional folk tunes and songs. Come and play, sing, join in with the choruses and or listen and soak up the atmosphere - you're all welcome. This session runs on the 2nd Thursday of the month. We feature tunes and songs from our area and further afield.
Tune of the month - we’ve picked a Swedish tune for August's Tune of the Month. It’s a polska called Grind Hans Jässpôdspolska by Petters Erik Eriksson. Almost certainly made popular over here by Andy Cutting, who recorded it on his solo album as ‘C.E.G’. The name Andy was told when he learnt it (I can’t recall who from) - as they ‘learnt it in C but play it in G’.
If you are playing this and don’t know about polskas, the most important thing to remember is that the emphasis is on beats 1 and 3. It is not a waltz!! If you are playing an instrument with chords, the best thing to do is to leave out beat 2!
You can download the dots from our website here
https://sitvfolkmusic.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ceg-4.pdf
These don’t really tell the full story of how to play the tune!
Sharon has also done a quick recording which you can listen to here
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*What's a folk session like?*
The music is mostly traditional folk tunes and songs, or music written in that style. The format is fairly informal. People sit in the restaurant part of the Horse & Jockey - the room at the back of the pub, visible when you come through the front door. They will play tunes, sing songs, tell stories, recite a poem or just listen. There are natural pauses between the music etc and people can jump in and start a tune, sing a song etc. Or if you'd prefer, find Jane who is hosting the session, and she'll make sure you get a chance to take your turn.
*FAQs*
*What kind of music is it?*
Tunes and songs mostly from England but also further afield. Here's an idea of what kind music you might hear:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4rGlUmThS7mqopZuqbdwLl
Exactly what the session sounds like depends on who is there and what music they're sharing.
*I'd like to learn some tunes before I come. Where can I find the music?*
In addition to the tune of the month, we're going to make sure that we play these tunes:
- Three Around Three in G
- The Moon and Seven Stars in D
- The Man in the Moon in G
- Princess Royal in G
and there are links to written music and ABC:
https://sitvfolkmusic.wordpress.com/tunes-a-z/
We will also play other tunes, but we won't know exactly which ones until we know who is playing and which tunes they want to play. It's fair to say that most tunes will be in G, D, C or the relative minor keys.
Most folk musicians don't use sheet music when they play in sessions as it is common for tunes to be played from memory, but you are welcome to bring sheet music if you find that helpful.
*What instruments can join in?*
There aren’t hard and fast rules, but it’s about what blends well with the other instruments. You will find a variety of instruments at a folk session, for instance violin, tin whistle, melodeon or accordion, flute, mandolin, concertina, clarinet, guitar, spoons, bones and bodhran. We welcome any non-amplified instruments.
*I don't know the words to the songs*
Some songs are for listening to. Some songs have an easy chorus, that you can pick up as we go along. We're going to print the words to some of the songs, so that people can join in more easily.
*Do I have to join in?*
Just by listening and enjoying the evening, you'll be taking part. You don't have to sing or play, but if you'd like to that would be great.
*If you have any other questions, please ask. Hope to see you at the session!*
Also check out other Music events in Faringdon, Entertainment events in Faringdon.
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