Westercon 55: Conagerie

Filksinging


The Music of SF


Yes there is music at this convention - and not just at the dances. Come join us at the Filksing.

You don't know what filksinging is? Join us and learn.

You think you know what filksinging is? Join us and find out what we think it is.

Hint #1: A lot of filksong is to original tunes.

Hint #2: Some of the filkers you'll hear have commercially recorded tapes and CDs.

You don't know any filksongs? Join us and borrow a filksong book.

Looking for late night entertainment? Join us.

Forgot to pack the bucket you carry a tune in? Join us (but don't sing louder than whoever's leading the song).

Wow, that's a Rule. Here are a few other, usually unwritten Filksong Circle Rules (adapted from Melinda Hunter's Rules).

Rule #0: Everyone who wants to participate gets a turn. Eventually.

Rule #1: No apologies before performing!

Rule #2A: If you're in a Bardic Filksong Circle, when it gets around to your turn, you can:

  • Play a tune, sing a song, tell a story,
  • Request that someone else play, sing or tell a story
  • Pick a subject and see if anyone's written a song about it
  • Postpone your turn till later, or
  • Buy a vowel for $50 (in which case we all get pizza which we'll eat during one of the longer songs).

    Rule #2B: If you're in a Chaos Filksong Circle, wait 3D6 microseconds after the last performer is done and then loudly strum your guitar or other instrument and start to play and/or sing. If you sing a capella, STAND UP and start to sing. (You can sit down once the room is obviously listening to you.)

    Rule #3: PLEASE, take conversation into the hall if someone is performing.

    Rule #4: No apologies after performing!!

    Rule #5: If you do NOT want accompaniment, say so. Otherwise we will join in at the darnedest times in the darnedest keys.

    Rule #7: Bawdy songs are traditionally sung after midnight.

    Rule #8: Traditional folksongs are welcome. So are pop songs that seem to have something to do with science fiction, fantasy, and high tech. Or cats, roleplaying, or Neopaganism.

    Rule #9: No apologies in the middle of performing.

    Rule #10: If someone asks people to turn off their recorders, please do so. Otherwise, feel free to record whatever you like.

    Rule #11: No apologies instead of performing. If you don't want to perform, say "Pass."

    Come to the Filksing and hear our fabulous songs .


    -- written by Lee Gold



    Filkers should let Lee know they're coming.
    Feel free to suggest filk program items you'd like to participate in.
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    last updated 05/30/01