Pub Sing

[Queen Maggie]

My friends, I'm doing some research, and I was wondering if you could all help? I'll be posting this same question over on the "Performers" section, so here, I'd prefer if only patrons answered (that includes performers talking about faires at which they are patrons)
What do you expect from a Pubsing?
I have recently become aware that even though I'm using the same term, having moved to a new home faire, they have a very different attitude as to what it's actually meant to be...So I want to know what your baseline thoughts are: Do you expect everyone to join in? Or is it simply another show, and the performers do all the work? Should it be rehearsed, or is it meant to be spontaneous? Should there be an MC? Should it be the same folks or change from week to week? Does it need to be in a Pub? Does it need a stage? Which one have you attended that you like the best?Least? Should the final song be the same every week, or should it change? Maybe to fit the theme? Should that song be a performance, or should it be a community sing? Do you like having other acts join in, like comedians, bits from acrobats, or magic workers? What part should the monarch(s) be taking? Do you like having a procession to the gates?
Please note, I'm asking for opinions here, and no doubt there'll be lots of contrasts...but I hope we can stay civil.

[Dinobabe]

I love a good Pub Sing.  I think it should definitely include the patrons (sing along).  But solo songs are great, too.  And it shouldn't be scripted, though some rehearsal/planning is always a good idea.  It should change week to week but have a familiar flow each time.  Everyone at the faire should have an opportunity to join in (merchants, performers, cast, royalty, etc.  Let's perpetuate that community feeling!) and it can change all of the time.  Sometimes it could reflect a theme weekend and be more specific.  An MC is a good idea, more to let the patrons know what is going on but also to direct timing, flow, songs, etc.

[Bob of the Lake]

I enjoy pub sings and think they are a great way to finish out a day. Since it's a "sing," I prefer that the only performers be musical groups (or solo performers). I like an MC to keep things rolling along and to introduce the performers but beyond that, unstructured and spontaneous is fine. I definitely think the songs should change regularly and it's not necessary to end the sing with the same song each day. (My home faire does have a traditional closing song for the last pub sing of the season, but that's okay.) I like the idea of a monarch being present and giving his/her blessing to the proceedings--it helps to cement the "one big family" feeling that pub sings generate.

As a patron, the pub sing is a time for me to join in the songs I love and not feel like I'm interrupting the performers. It's also a time to feel more connected with the cast and musicians so I like the idea of the entire group hanging out on stage or among the patrons, and just being called up (or to center stage) to perform. It makes it seem more informal and fun. Everyone has their preferences, but those are mine.   

[Lady Kett]

Bob very eloquently has stated my own opinions too, so I'll just say, DITTO to his post!

I love to sing along. If I couldn't sing along a a pubsing it would just be another show!

[Delireus]

I, sadly, have never been to one, partly because I've been too young to drink and therefore just stick to booth vendors for food. However, I would love to join in on one. I think everyone above me said it very well, it's a great time for patrons to be able to join in and feel relaxed. I fully intend on joining one and singing along! Hopefully all the other voices can mask mine

[SirRichardBear]

While the performers singing is great for me the true fun of pub sing is the group singing of old favorites.  The fact that everyone is free to join in even if like me they have no real talent for singing.  I also love doing a dance or two at the pub sing.  Having an MC move things along and pick out people is good.

[Butch]

I agree with what Bob wrote for the most part.  I like them to be mostly musical, but do enjoy seeing a performance/demo as well (juggler?  fire?  whip?).  Mostly musical though.  I prefer it unscripted with an MC. 

[Lupa]

I think the point of Pub Sing is to be inclusive (performers and patrons)... I find it brings everyone closer together.