[Ansteorra] why bardic at feast?

[Bree Flowers]

There are a few options actually.

One is the "wandering bard" model. A performer comes to your table and
asks if you would like a song. They must be gracious if you decline of
course. And they must keep their performance to a single (brief) piece
unless you beg for an encore. Alternatively, if no bards are wandering
you can always seek out and request a bard for your table.

Second option is the "planned entertainment" option where someone is
put in charge of the performances. This ensures screening for quality,
and a good balance of "chatting time" and "entertainment time". If
people feel like they have enough time to chat they're usually pretty
good about staying quiet for a few numbers. And before anyone gets on
me about the "screening for quality" issue, a captive audience at
feast is not the right venue for an untrained or unskilled bard as it
simply isn't fair to the audience. There are many other venues
(circles, hanging around during the day, "how to be a bard" classes)
for people to get their feet wet.

Third option is the "background music" option which is best
accomplished with only instrumental performers. Harps, lutes,
harpsichords and the like lend themselves well to this format. The
only issue here is that the performer must put their ego aside and
acknowledge that they are background and "flavor" not the main
attraction. Kind of like a music act at an upscale restaurant. Singers
are not great for this because you get into the issue of people
wanting to hear the lyrics and then we get back to that socializing vs
being entertained conflict.

Just some ideas to float out there.

~Eve

On Thu, Mar 24, 2011 at 6:58 PM, willowdewisp at juno.com
<willowdewisp at juno.com> wrote:
> Dear Arthur
> I go to the SCA to experience the Majesty of the Medieval time. I want the show and it is why I have stayed in the  SCA. I like background music and singing and I like someone who do something to make a feast feel like a feast. I could always go to town and eat there.
> the problem is that I feel the need to portray a Medieval Lady at events. I suppose that is why I got a lion. It is just a lot easier for me to maintain "the Duchess" if there is some entertainment during feast.
> Now I would be happy with musician behind a screen and people coming in with torches and flaming rabbits. I liked that a lot when it was done in Outlands. Or a Mermaid on a divan-- that happened at Steppes. That was fun.
> For entertainment I will be happy with most anything. I am Easy.
> I have noticed that lot of people have been working a lot. I know the work crew doesn't want to play any silly games. to them this isn't some beautiful magical moment. It has been hard work and they are proud of that work and now they want to sit and talk and wind down.
> For the rest of us you have made us feel like we are in Camelot. and we are truly Lords and Ladies in a great hall. it is like we are in two different worlds.
> what can we do to compromise??
> willow
> willow
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