In my mid-century Boy Scout experience, anyone bringing a guitar to a campfire and singing would’ve been so cheesy that the other boys would’ve.....I don’t know, but something terrible would’ve happened to him.

Now I see the Cool Kids on YouTube singing and playing all the time, and being appreciated. My only personal experience has been at last year’s Triple Tree, where they had Karaoke, of all things. (I sang Aimee, to a moderate response )

How do you feel about music at the campfire? If you like it, what songs do you like to hear or sing with? (I mean, if I’m building a repertoire, what should be in it?) Speaking of which, do you sing when someone else plays?

In short, what has been your experience with music at backcountry gatherings, large and small?

StuBob wrote: In my mid-century Boy Scout experience, anyone bringing a guitar to a campfire and singing would’ve been so cheesy that the other boys would’ve.....I don’t know, but something terrible would’ve happened to him......

John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmitt comes to mind.

I couldn't cary a tune in a bucket, so campfire sing-alongs have never been an issue. In a lifetime of sleeping under the stars and over a decade of safety boating on rafting expeditions, I can't recall a single incidence of someone breaking out a instrument or starting up a song around the fire. I've been to some parties where that happened, but they were parties hosted by musicians.

The one thing I'd like to point out is that other parties might not appreciate the music...make sure everyone is in agreement or no one else is around before proceeding. Backcountry karaoke would be enough to make me go postal if I was camped where I had to hear it...

hotrod180 wrote:

StuBob wrote: In my mid-century Boy Scout experience, anyone bringing a guitar to a campfire and singing would’ve been so cheesy that the other boys would’ve.....I don’t know, but something terrible would’ve happened to him......

John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmitt comes to mind.

My favorite was: Born in Arkansas, raised in a cave. Huntin and fisfinens, all I crave. Double set of jaw teeth, nine cote of hair. Ate a peck a dog $..t and whipped a grizzly bear.

I love Cher’s version. Listening to music in the evening to relax while traveling backcountry is great these day with an iPAD!

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gypsys,_Tramps_%26_Thieves

Come on sing along...

I'd never dream of subjecting a group larger than my family to my idea of music (and I am a somewhat experienced musician.) I'm comfortable torturing my kids with it, but for the most part I like to escape that stuff while camping. If you come to my fire with a guitar, I assume you're just seeking attention.

Happy to listen to propeller music though. And crackling campfire. Maybe decent farts, even.

Agreed, music is a personal activity. I always use headphones. I mostly am an electric musician which required major sound proofing in our recording studio. That was back when Jimi Hendrix lead the way. But, our neighbors may not share the same taste.

My recommendation, be courteous:

iPAD (or similar) only (with headphones) in public places i.e. campgrounds.

No surprises here. Pretty much what I expected, YouTube notwithstanding.


But I’m pretty shy, and I do better with people when I can hide behind my trombone.