It would be awfully easy to write a cliché-filled Christmas column, but instead, I'd like to ruminate on a recent experience at the Folk School of Chattanooga.
First off, I'm a huge fan of traditional Irish music, as I'm bound to tell anyone willing to talk to me for longer than it takes to ask the time. Since Irish uilleann piper Cillian Vallely is a member of Lunasa, one of the genre's preeminent groups, I was more than willing to trudge up Forest Avenue when I heard he was playing at the school Saturday with guitarist Ryan McGiver.
Part of my interest, however, was in seeing public response to a concert hosted at a nontraditional location because, literally and figuratively, the Folk School faces an uphill battle as a music venue.
First, its location off the beaten path on the North Shore means it's not likely to attract random passersby the way Rhythm & Brews or JJ's Bohemia do. Second, the school is first and foremost, well ... a school, which doesn't automatically translate to "live music" for many people.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the school focuses on traditional folk styles such as old-time and Irish, subgenres that, while near and dear to a select few, lack wider appeal.
What I saw Saturday was a holiday miracle of sorts. (I never promised to avoid the clichés entirely.)
Despite the school's inherent weaknesses as a venue, Vallely and McGiver packed the house. Granted, standing room can be achieved there with just 30 people, which is about how many came, but the room definitely seemed full, which added to the sense of energy on both sides of the stage.
Regardless of why it happened, the enthusiastic response was striking, so I contacted school co-founder Christie Burns to get some insight into her philosophy when it comes to hosting concerts and other events.
As has been the case since its foundation almost three years ago, the Folk School is all about exposing people to new musical styles they wouldn't otherwise encounter.
Simply hosting concerts isn't good enough, though. Burns said she was happy with Saturday's turnout, but she is proudest of the times when the school has put artists such as Deirdre Ní Chonghaile in front of more eyes and ears through workshops, school programs and other ancillary activities.
"I don't know if anyone has any expectations that exceed [concerts], but I do," she said. "We're blurring that line and thinking outside the box a little and making a real community event out of it."
To that end, Burns said she has been investigating possible sites to relocate the school that would allow her to present artists in a freeform way that encourages greater crowd participation.
As a traditional folk musician and a huge proponent of the Folk School's mission, I hope they find just such a place. And if I have to use up a Christmas wish this year to make that happen ... well, I can think of worse things to ask for.
Contact Casey Phillips at cphillips@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6205. Follow him on Twitter at @Phillips@CTFP.