FORK Gala 2009
I have just seen our Gala figures and I am delighted! Not only was it 
a lovely day from all points of view but we did not do badly financially either. We are paying £869 into the bank, which is net of the floats. I must congratulate Cliff Giddings especially on the canoes, which made £297. Quite extraordinary!
A few things that have come up from comments made to me about the Gala: The people who provide the bouncy castle, slide and roundabout told me they could not come on Friday afternoon because himself had a bad back. As a fellow occasional sufferer, he had my sympathy, but I heard no criticisms but only delight because of the absence of the noise which otherwise would have competed with the beautiful live music. Some dads thanked me because they did not have to pay out so much! It is decided not to ask them again.
The Food for Thought people who fed us, or whoever feeds us next year, will be asked to provide tea and coffee. They did not bring sufficient hamburgers, so ran out of them, obviously. Do any of you have comments about any of this? It has been suggested that the bar should remain open for another hour or two in order to supply the people sitting on the grass listening to the perfectly wonderful music – and that the music should also go on for more time. This assumes a lot – first that our licence would allow this and the music makers would not mind. Free drink for them perhaps?
Any comments? We had five new households of new members (or seven new FORKs) plus one complimentary one. This last was Nicola MacArthur, from Cardonald College, who won the design competition, of which we have written before. Nicola also brought a large box of delicious home-made fairy cakes for us to sell, which we did without too much problem at 30p each.
Summer 2009 edition of FORK News
Original Notice
FORK GALA
Saturday 13 June
from 11am
STALLS … LIVE MUSIC … BAR … FOOD … FUN FOR KIDS … PHOTO COMPETITION … CANOE TRIPS
WANTED
BRIC-A-BRAC FOR THE GALA
China, costume jewellery, games and toys (in working order), pictures, ornaments, small household goods etc. (No clothes please.)
Bring it along to Hapenny Bridge House between 10.30 and 12 on Saturday 2 May or 6 June. Or arrange collection by phoning Ann (334 2889, ask for Ann) or Susan (334 2807).
Live Music
This year’s live music looks set to be even better than previous years. We have some wonderful artists lined up, with a mixture of jazz and folk which should provide the perfect soundtrack to a summer’s afternoon down by the river.
Confirmed so far are:
Alasdair Roberts
We are delighted that critically acclaimed folk-singer/songwriter Alasdair Roberts has agreed to play for us. He is one of the most original and distinctive songwriters and singers around today, as well as being a fantastic fingerstyle guitar player. He performs a mixture of traditional and original material and has a knack of making traditional songs sound contemporary, while his own compositions sounds like they could have been written centuries ago. Or last week. His songs are dark, comic, poetic, and complex with lyrics drawing on mythology, history, nature and philosophy.
His latest album, ‘Spoils’ is out now on Drag City records,
http://www.alasdairroberts.com/
http://www.myspace.com/alasdairrobertsofficial
Katie Stewart
Katie will be making a return to the Gala following her well received appearance two years ago. A mixture of 60s chanteuse, singer-songwriter and indie popster, Katie’s songs are perfectly realised vignettes of bohemian life. She is currently writing, performing and recording towards a forthcoming release.
http://www.myspace.com/katiejenniferstewart
The Last Ones Left
The last one left came to the attention of the organisers when they replied to our advert for performers on the FORK website. They are a Glasgow based acoustic duo, Craig Whitehill and Jo Anthony, who met back in 2003 and have been singing, strumming and picking in a variety of folk and acoustic venues across Glasgow and beyond ever since. They mostly play original material as well as some traditional songs and covers. Both Jo and Craig play guitar and Jo sings and does most of the writing.
http://www.myspace.com/thelastonesleftinglasgow
http://www.thelastonesleft.co.uk/
Swing Guitars
We heard Swing Guitars playing a live session on Sunny Govan FM recently and immediately knew that we had to have them to play at the Gala. Luckily, they agreed to perform. The duo play fantastic swinging jazz guitar (as the name suggests) inspired by a mutual appreciation of Django Reinhardt, but with their own highly spirited personal style.
http://www.myspace.com/swingguitars
http://www.swing-guitars.co.uk/
Nick Milligan
FORK’s own multi-talented Nick Milligan will be entertaining us with his classical and jazz guitar playing.
.
John Guliak
Originally from Canada, now resident in Glasgow, alt-Country Singer-songwriter John Guliak has just been added to the Gala line-up. John has released two albums on Mint records (home to The Handsome Family, Lou Barlow and The New Pornographers amongst others). John’s music comes from a unique place, both physical and psychological. His songs reflect the poetic and political observations John has made while living in various locales across Canada. His influences include Johnny cash, Van Morrison, Gram Parsons and Uncle Tupelo.
http://radio3.cbc.ca/nmc/artist.aspx?name=JOHN-GULIAK
http://www.mintrecs.com/index.php?component=artists&action=profile&tag=johnguliak
http://www.myspace.com/johnguliakandthelouganbro
Watch this space for more acts to be announced over the next few weeks. We still have one or two slots available, so if you would like to play, please contact:
WANTED: musicians or singers to perform at the Gala on 13 June.
If you are interested in playing, please contact [Click to reveal Email address]. We are particularly keen to hear from any FORKs who are musicians.