This is a course to explore all things queer and folk, in collaboration with Queer Folk! Through workshops and discussions you’ll be making new music, learning old songs and having the opportunity to share music and stories that are important to you.
There’ll be chances to meet new musicians, create new ensembles, take part in sessions, delve into archives and perform. You’ll gain research skills and get tips about finding interesting resources online and in print. The course will be a mixture of guided and self-led learning, as a whole group and in small ensembles.
There will be sessions and an informal sharing for members of the group.
The team will also be guiding you through the process of queering folk song, discussing what it means to be LGBTQIA+ in the folk scene, and establishing ways in which queer history can be discovered. They’ll also be introducing you to (potentially) new repertoire. Come and join the LGBTQIA+ folk community!
Who is it for?
All instrumentalists and singers are welcome, though this is not a course for complete beginners. You don’t need to be able to read music but some playing by ear will be required.
The tutors plan to supply a list of songs and tunes that you can explore in advance, and audio recordings for those who need a little longer to learn by ear. Sheet music will be available on arrival.
We are pleased to offer a special rate for those aged 35 and under for the Queer Folk Weekend. Let us know at the time of booking if you fall into this category.
Anyone with an open mind and an interest in LGBTQIA+ history in traditional culture is welcome.
The Team
Sophie Crawford is a folk musician and performer from London. Her debut album ‘Silver Pin’ was released in 2018 and was Mainly Norfolk’s 2018 album of the year. As a performer she has worked on the West End (War Horse, Amelie the Musical) and toured internationally (Translunar Paradise).
She is the co-founder of Queer Folk, which promotes awareness of LGBTQIA+ history in traditional culture. Queer Folk has received support and is undertaking residencies with The Alan Surtees Trust, the EFDSS, Britten Pears Foundation and The Sage Gateshead. She hosts the Queer Folk radio show every month on Voices Radio.
She is interested in women’s history, queer history, traditional music, dance, drag and the way all of these things intersect.
With a passion for storytelling and a gift for tapping into the human experience, George Sansome is a singer who gets right to the roots of what traditional music is all about. Refreshingly open, expressive and engaging, his performances place a spotlight on human stories, with masterful guitar arrangements that showcase impressive skills whilst allowing the songs themselves the space to shine. Taking inspiration from the likes of Nic Jones and Martin Carthy, he delivers a sound that appears stripped back and effortless, yet brimming with hidden complexities.
Focusing on archive material, George seeks out songs that strike a chord at a personal level, before bringing them vividly to life for today’s audiences. Whether he’s reviving long-lost rarities or approaching well-known favourites, he looks to subvert expectations and offer new perspectives. Ultimately, his work is focused on emotional connection, providing a moving experience that will stay with you long after a gig has ended.