After having a really good time playing at a session on Sunday I decided to give it another shot. The Antiquary pub is within walking distance from our flat and it has a session on a Thursday night. It’s listed in the Edinburgh Gig Guide as an “informal session” so I thought I’d give it a try.
I packed up my banjo and uke and headed off to the pub and ordered up a pint before sitting down to where I assumed the session would be happening. I tried to introduce myself and make small talk (which is really hard for me as I’m not very outgoing). Most folks just kind of ignored me and carried on in their conversations so I sat in silence for for around twenty minutes occasionally nodding to the other “new guy” in the bar who looked equally uncomfortable. This guy had his wife sitting next to him and she didn’t look best pleased to be there.
Folks start getting their instruments out of bags and next thing an Antipodean woman supervised the lifting of a rather large harp to the corner of the table. She rudely banished the people who were already sitting at the table who were “not musicians” and then instructed New Guy’s wife to move. At this point New Guy’s wife storms out of the pub. New Guy follows behind. Oh joy!
I start to notice that I am the only person around the table who doesn’t have a beard. I was the only one not wearing a chunky knit jumper. “It’s like the effing Wicker Man!” – I thought to myself
After another ten minutes of feeling about as welcome as a lion at a zebra convention, I decided this wasn’t the place for me. ” Bugger this” – I thought. I didn’t want to be made to feel crap sharing something I enjoy. I grabbed my bags and snuck out.
Maybe next time I should scope places out first before rocking up to a folk-session.
Still, I’m looking forward to my next adventure. Gives me more time to practise.
If you’re around the Antiquary on a Thursday night and you start to hear songs about the “Landlord’s daughter” – Get the Hell out of there!
