Folk of Filk
Categories: Entertainment , Local Interest , Science Fiction & Fantasy
S. M. Stirling wrote a sequence of post-apocalyptic novels (Dies the Fire and The Protector's War) set in Oregon's Willamette Valley, in a world where all technology has been rendered suddenly useless. Out of savage chaos follows a struggle for survival, wherein those accomplished in the medieval skills of bow, spear, and sword tend to prevail. The farmer, the smithy, and the tanner are people of importance in this new order, which looks to the crafts, rituals, and mythology of the past for structure.
Stirling's bloody and exciting adventure follows two allied communities: the Bearkillers, led by a ex-Marine Mike Havel; and the Clan MacKenzie, under the guidance of Wiccan folksinger, Juniper MacKenzie. Music and song are central to the culture of the Wiccans. What would it sound like? After meeting Andrea and her friends, I have an idea. It would sound like Filk.
Filk musicians perform at science fiction and fantasy conventions and gatherings where the genres are celebrated. They also hold their own conventions. The Ohio Valley Filk Fest meets for the 22nd time in Columbus, Ohio, on October 20-22. I'm told that more than 300 people are expected.
Andrea Dale performs locally and did a program at the Clifton branch library a couple of years ago. Her music can be heard on two CDs: A Step Out of Time and Zen Cappucino (which is presently being cataloged for the Library's collection). If post-apocalyptic survival stories are for you, try S. M. Stirling's Dies the Fire. Light a candle. Get comfortable. Put on one of Andrea's CDs to experience the connection between speculative literature and musical artistry. Imagine what the Clan MacKenzie's players would sound like as they sit around the fire on a crisp, starlit Oregon night. You'll discover what filking is all about.
