Dates For Your Diary Folk News Folk Federation of New South Wales Inc Dance News Issue 406 CD Reviews MAY 2009

Black Joak Morris Dancers at The National Folk Festival

♫ ♫ dance ♫ festivals ♫ reviews ♫ profiles ♫ diary dates ♫ sessions ♫ teachers ♫ opportunities The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette APRIL 2009 1 Advertising Rates Size mm Members Non-mem MAY 2009 Folk Federation of New South Wales Inc Full page 180x250 $80 $120 In this issue Post Office Box A182 1/2 page 180x125 $40 $70 Sydney South NSW 1235 Dates for your diary p4 ISSN 0818 7339 ABN9411575922 1/4 page 90x60 $25 $50 Festivals, workshops, schools p6 jam.org.au 1/8 page 45 x 30 $15 $35 Folk news p7 Cornstalk Editor - Coral Vorbach Back cover 180x250 $100 $150 Post Office Box 5195. Cobargo NSW 2550 Dance news p7 Tel/Fax: 02 6493 6758 2 + issues per mth $90 $130 Folk contacts p10 Email: [email protected] Advertising artwork required by 5th of each month. Advertisements can be produced by Cornstalk if re- CD Review p14 Cornstalk is the official publication of the Folk quired. Please contact the editor for enquiries about Federation of NSW. Contributions, news, reviews, advertising Tel: 6493 6758 Deadline for June 2009 ssue - poems, photographs most welcome. Inserts for Cornstalk 5th May for adverts, 12th May copy Photographs and Artwork [email protected] Photographs - high resolution JPG or TIFF files. Insert Rates: 300 dpi images cropped at correct size. Single-sheet DL size or A5. Members $70 Non- Folk Biz Conference We use Adobe In-Design, Photoshop 6, Microsoft Word. Members $130 PLEASE do not send photographs as part of a Word A4, folded to DL size or A5. Members $90 Non- 19th -21st June 2009 Document . Members $160 www.folkalliance.org.au No part of Cornstalk may be reproduced without permis- A4 should be folded. The number of inserts per issue sion of the publishers. All care but no responsibility taken is limited. for omissions or errors. Please contact Dallas and Jim Baxter, 9810 4131. Wrap Co-ordinator James Baxter 02 9810 4131 Offers of help for the wrap are appreciated. - [email protected] All cheques for advertisements and inserts to be made payable to the Folk Federation of NSW Inc If your important item misses Cornstalk, COMMITTEE 2008 other options are: FFNSW Folkmail President, Anthony Woolcott Email: [email protected] (members’ email list), contact Julie Bishop Vice President: Kate Delaney 02 9524 0247, [email protected] OR Secretary: Pam Davis 02 9955 3677 jam.org.au, the Folk Fed website where Email: [email protected] Treasurer: Bruce Cameron 02 6331 1129 members can post articles etc. Email: [email protected] Committee: Dallas Baxter, James Baxter, Terry Clinton, Mary-Jane Field, Wayne Richmond, Peter Miller Robinson Ecopella In The Park Membership Secretary Wayne Richmond Listserv/ Jam/Membership 9939 8802 (not after 8.00pm please.)

2 The CORNSTALK Gazette APRIL 09 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette APRIL 2009 3 dates for your diary May 2009 Maurie Mulheron. City Diggers District Trade Union Club (Tradies), Metropolitan Wollongong, cnr Church and Burelli Kingsway, Gymea (short walk from Sts. 7.30pm. $15, $12. 1300 887 station). 7.30pm. Floor spots welcome. 034, [email protected] $15, $10. Maeve 9520 5628 Sunday 3rd Pete Seeger Friday 15th ►Tribute Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Folk Club. to Pete Seeger. Jason & Chloe Roweth. Guest artists, Musical tribute to honour the great floor spots, bush yarns, poetry. Candle Friday 1st humanitarian and folk singer Pete lit venue, tea and coffee provided. Beer and Cheese Night. Seeger. Everyone is invited and BYOG and nibbles. Beatrice Taylor ‘The Iron Gang/s’. From cliched especially those who can lead Hall, Rear Willow Park Community images of convicts in road gangs, to the crowd in one of Pete’s songs. Centre, Edgeworth David Ave, the ploughing of untilled soil, to our Kings Cross, on the same day as Hornsby. 8pm (doors 7.30pm). essential daily toil. Bring songs on the Kings Cross Food & Wine Enq, table bookings, Barry Parks the theme; and food, drinks. Bush Festival. 2pm. Warren Fahey 0418 9807 9497, [email protected] 423 050, [email protected] Music Club, Hut 44, Addison Rd Saturday 16th Community Centre, 142 Addison ►Wongawilli Band. Mount Kembla Balmain Bush Dance with Hut 44 Rd, Marrickville. 8-10pm. $5. 9569 Pub, in the beautiful environment Mob, caller Don Richmond. All 7244, [email protected] of Mt Kembla village. 3-6pm. dances taught. Rozelle Campus, Saturday 2nd Free entry. David De Santi, 0409 Sydney College, 25 Terry St. ►The Shack. Mothers of Intention, 57 1788, [email protected] 8pm-12. $17, $14, $12. Don 9642 7950, www.bushmusic.org.au winners of 2007 MusicOz, dynamic ►Illawarra Folk Club. Pete Seeger’s four piece acoustic band. Originals, 90th Birthday Tribute Concert - Friday 22nd classic Celtic, modern folk songs various artists sing the old favourites. Wongawilli Band. Playing at the and tunes. Lush three part harmony, City Diggers Wollongong, cnr Church fantastic Beer and Tucker Night driving rhythm , fiery yet soulful & Burelli Sts. 7.30pm. $12, $8. (Outdoor Camp Kitchen Challenge), fiddle, lilting whistles, steady bodhran Albion Park Centenary Hall. 8pm. 5 beat. + Choir on a Wire. Part choir part Saturday 9th beers and 5 courses, $55. Bookings joyous singalong that pays homage Fairlight Folk Acoustic Lounge. essential, Peter 4256 0158 to the songs of Leonard Cohen; Buck and Deanne www.myspace. began as a course led by Christina com/buckdeanne have performed Saturday 23rd Mimmocchi. Lyrics provided, singing together for two years but share 30 ►Troubadour Central Coast. along encouraged! + Fergusson Elliott, years of musical experience. Unique, Duncan Chalmers has one of those former member of The Creel, has funny, often thought-provoking; voices that hits you like a freight train new album ,’Sam’. Acclaimed for eclectic repertoire, traditional roots to but also tugs on the heart strings. Huge prowess on Irish bouzouki. Unique Buck’s original ditties. + Jodi Martin repertoire of rich and diverse songs, blend of folk and contemporary + Kim Sanders William St Studios, and two in different tunings. acoustic. Tramshed Community 3 William St, Fairlight. BYO drinks, Duncan holds the record for the Arts Centre, 1395a Pittwater Rd, nibbles. Free coffee, tea, biscuits. longest second half at The Troubadour. Narrabeen (between. car park and 7.30pm (doors 7pm). $15, $10, $35 He performed for 90 minutes and the Ambulance Station). Free tea, coffee. family. Lainey 0419 607 486. www. audience just would not let him go. CWA Hall (opp. Fisherman’s Wharf), BYO drinks, nibbles. 7.30-11pm. $15. fairlightfolk.com.au 0413 635 856, [email protected] The Boulevarde, Woy Woy. 7pm. $10, Thursday 14th $8, $7, incl light supper. 4341 4060, ►Beecroft Bush Dance with Sutherland Acoustic. 0417 456 929, www.troubadour.org.au Heritage Band, caller Don Richmond. Lyrebird - duo Kate Henshaw and Pete ►Wongawilli Band, Albion Park All dances taught. Beecroft Doherty - talented songwriters and Showground. Come along and enjoy Community Centre, Beecroft Rd. performers of lyrical, heartfelt, original an evening of music, camp oven 8pm-12. $17, $14, $12. Helen 9626 songs that are superb storytelling. food and fun. David De Santi, 0409 7816, www.bushmusic.org.au Instruments include electric piano, 57 1788, [email protected] ►Illawarra Folk Club. guitar, recorder, . + Tomas Pete Seeger’s 90th Birthday Tribute Hamilton, Dublin-born singer and Concert - the old favourites, sung by prolific songwriter, raised in Australia, various artists, incl. Duncan Chalmers, with a strong Celtic influence in his Denis McKay, John Broomhall and music. A genuine talent, he has just personal friend of Pete Seeger’s, produced his 6th album. Sutherland

4 The CORNSTALK Gazette APRIL 09 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 May 2009 Wednesday 27th of genres, appealing to folk fans but Italian National Day Folka Danza. also to a new generation intrigued Novice dancers and musicians by the Irish bouzouki. (1 hour each.) invited to participate. Sheet music Upstairs Annandale Neighbourhood Merry Muse IN MAY provided. Wongawilli Community Centre, 79 Johnston St. 8pm. $14, Friday 1st Bluegrass Parkway. Hall, West Dapto Road, Wongawilli. $12. BYO, supper available. Sandra Special presentation - starts 8pm. 8-10.30pm. $3, children free; includes 9358 4886, www.theloadeddog.org.au Bluegrass doesn’t come better. light supper. David De Santi, 0409 Bluegrass Parkway, from WA, 57 1788, [email protected] are currently celebrating their Saturday 30th 21st anniversary and are the Regional and ACT longest continuously performing ►Heritage Ball, with the Heritage Friday 1st bluegrass band in Australia. Ensemble. Dress in colonial splendour. Yuin Folk Club (Cobargo) Friday 15th Frank Burkitt, with Parramatta Town Hall. 7.30pm. May Day Concert with The Song Chris Stone and Holly Downes Tickets limited: $55, $50; all $60after Catchers (Bob McInnes and John Friday 22nd Fergusson, Tiger Bones 18th May. Sets of four couples, $3 Hall) Plus a Pete Seeger Singalong. & The Feralblu-zers discount per person. Pay at BMC SOA Hall Cobargo. 02 6493 6758 th dances or dance workshop, or by Friday 29th 20 Birthday Party Saturday 16th cheque, with details, to Bush Music Lots of surprises!!!! Yuin Folk Club House Concert with Club, GPO Box 433, Sydney 2001. Friday 30th The Wedded Bliss Andrew Clermont & Josh Bennett. 9642 7950, www.bushmusic.org.au CD Launch Lyrebird Ridge Rd, Cobargo. 2.30pm. Polish-Australian White Eagle Club, ►Grand Ceilidh, with Scots on The Bookings Essential. 02 6493 6758 38 David Street, Turner. ACT Rocks, and Chris Duncan and Catherine ACT www.merrymuse.org.au Strutt. Energetic dances (walked through), Enq. 0412 127 882 plus short interludes of music, song Canberra Contra Club, Fall Ball, and dance demonstrations. Paddington with Contratemps. All welcome. St Town Hall, cnr Oxford St and Oatley Rd. Margaret’s Uniting Church Hall, cnr 7.30pm. Bookings open – $95, or tables of Antill St and Phillip Ave, Hackett. 8- ten $900, incl. entertainment, food, wine, 11.30pm. $14, $10. Rob 02 6251 1287 beer, non-alcoholic drinks. www.sotr.org.au

Saturday 23rd Andrew Clermont Loaded Dog. Folkus Room - may The Roaring Forties, renowned Friday 1st Special Jazz night for the powerful impact they make Friday 8th Trouble In The Kitchen. th singing traditional songs, mostly Friday 15 Craig Dawson + Divided unaccompanied. Songs as robust as By Three - what 10 years in the the voices - telling of real people, business can do to you their lives and work - whether about Friday 22nd Folkus on The ... an industrial accident or a waltzing DJ Gosper’s CD launch ‘Out of The bear. Material honed by generations Blue’...* of singers; and contemporary songs Friday 29th Great Big Squiddy Fun with respect for tradition. + Fergusson - Baterz... a memoir ...* Elliott, with acoustic original music The Folkus Room. Enq. 6262 7265, The Italo-Australian Club heavily influenced by folk. Former Danny Spooner, Nancy Kerr, Margaret, 78 Franklin Street FORREST ACT member of The Creel; veteran of major Kate, Bob, James Fagan, Margaret folk festivals. Unique style, with blend Walters, John Warner raising the banners Australiathefolkus.org.

Duncan & Smith

Roaring Forties

Trouble In The Kitchen Bob McInnes Duncan Chalmers Wongawilli Jason and

The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette APRIL 2009 5 2nd - 5th October, 2009 31st Dec 09 - 3rd Jan 2010 Uranquinty Folk Festival Gulgong Festival Festivals, Workshops, www.uranquintyfolk.com www.gulgongfolkfestival.com 18 October 2009 7th - 10th January 2010 Schools Folk In The Foothills Boite Singers’ Festival www.illawarrafolkclub.org.au www.boite.com 1st - 10th May 2009 16-18th October 8th - 10th January 2010 Forbes Cultural Festival National Windjam Festival, Westbury, Tas. Cygnet Folk Festival forbes.nsw.gov.au Mike Watts (03) 63973427, www.celt. www.cygnetfolkfestival.com com.au/wind/2009windjam.html 14th - 17th January 2010 22nd-24th May 2009 Illawarra Folk Festival A Celtic Cultural Experience 23rd - 25th October 2009 Bulli NSW Enq. 4943 3436 or [email protected] Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Festival www.dorrigo.com www.illawarrafolkfestival.com.au 5th-8th June 2009 23rd - 25th October 2009 26th - 28th February 2010 Bundanoon Bush Dancing Festival. 15th Cobargo Folk Festival www.bushtraditions.org/ Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival www.kangaroovalleyfolkfestival.com.au www.cobargofolkfestival.com 5th-8th June 2009 30th Oct - 2nd Nov 2009 12th - 10th March 2010 Snowy Mountains of Music Maldon Folk Festival Blue Mountains Festival of Folk Roots & Festival. Perisher Valley etc. www.maldonfolkfestival.com Blues www.snowymountainsofmusic.com.au 20th - 22nd November 2009 www.bmff.org.au 12th - 14th June 2009 Harrietville Bluegrass & Traditional 11th - 21st March 2010 Maleny Celtic Winter School Country Music Convention Brunswick Music Festival www.malenyceltic.org or email www.bluegrass.org.au/Harrietville www.brunswickmusicfestival.com [email protected] 13th - 15th November 2009 19th - 21st June 2009 19th - 21st March 2010 Music At The Creek Yackendandah Folk Festival Folkbiz 09 www.musicatthecreek.com www.folkfestival.yackandandah.com www.folkalliance.org.au 27th Dec - 1 Jan 2010 1st - 5th April 2010 16th - 20th September 2009 Woodford Folk Festival National Folk Festival The Turning Wave Festival, www.woodfordfolkfestival.com www.folkfestival.asn.au Gundagai, www.turningwave.org.au 2009 In Teralba, Lake Macquarie, NSW The Combined Enjoy a weekend filled with Celtic experiences and an evening of entertainment with Celtic Groups of The Ragged Band and other artists. Activities from the Celtic lands include dance for all grades, strange customs, poetry, stories and song and an illustrated journey through Cornwall looking at Celtic the Hunter crosses. Learn how to make genuine Cornish pasties and other Cornish delicacies. ‘A Celtic Instrumental sessions include harp, fiddle and tin whistle. Participate in some arts and crafts - eg tartan rug making and Celtic borders. In the evening book for a Cultural Ceilidh at Club Macquarie with items and dance. Add a lovely Celtic service in St Experience’ David’s Church on Sunday in addition to more activities. Teralba can be reached by train from Sydney and then a three minute walk to the 22nd, 23rd, 24th May venue! Weekend, day or single session tickets available. Send for your application to: A Celtic Cultural Experience, PO Box 90, Kotara NSW 2289 Phone/Fax: Elma 02 4943 3436 Email: Margaret, [email protected]

6 The CORNSTALK Gazette APRIL 09 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 Maleny Celtic Winter folk news dance news School - June 2009 June will see the inaugural Maleny Celtic ‘One Word ... We!’ Bush Dance as Ball Winter School in the beautiful mountain The Central Coast Bush Dance and Music town of Maleny, just an hour or so north of Returns Association, Inc, will hold its second Returning by popular demand to Brisbane - a weekend of sessions, classes Formal Colonial Themed Bush Dance celebrate Pete Seeger’s 90th birthday, this and craic. Ado Barker from Trouble in (Ball) on Saturday 11th July, at the East musical biography by Maurie Mulheron the Kitchen will be heading the team of Gosford Progress Hall, cnr Wells St is directed by Frank Barnes - with Jim tutors, joined by Fred Graham (fiddle), and Henry Parry Drive, 7.30-11.30pm Conway, Pat Craigie, Liz Frencham, Greg Beth McCracken (flute and whistle (Grand March 7.45pm sharp). There will Leisner, Jeannie Lewis, Monique Piwonka - advanced), Nicole Murray (flute and be wonderful music from Currawong, and Maurie Mulheron. whistle - beginners to intermediate), Jeremy one of the best MC’s in the business It chronicles the life, times, friends and Dunlop (guitar accompaniment), Steve in the form of Don Richmond, lovely music of one of the world’s most influential Cook (bouzouki accompaniment), John decorations, dance cards, quadrilles, ball and progressive musicians. Once America’s Thompson (voice), and Davydd MacDonald practice, formal etiquette - the lot - and most boycotted, banned, blacklisted and (dance). Further classes will be added (practice excluded) all for the price of picketed singer in history, depending on demand. The program will normal admission ($17, $14, $12, $8, Pete not only survived but at 90 include beginners’ sessions, an Australian incl. supper). If you attend the remaining still records and performs, including at tunes session, a welcome concert on Friday dances between now and 11th July, and the recent Obama Inauguration Lincoln night at Finbar’s, a Saturday night Ceilidh the practice on 5th July, you should have Memorial Concert with Bruce Springsteen. and sessions every night. The website little problem with any of the dances. The His songs have enriched the lives of www.malenyceltic.org is in early stages Dancers’ Dances have been retained from millions around the world, and include If I of development, For more information, last year, plus two new Quadrilles and the Had a Hammer, We Shall Overcome, Turn! stay tuned to the website or email: addition of some well known bush dances. Turn! Turn!, Where Have All the Flowers Organisers recommend an early search of Gone, Goodnight Irene, Little Boxes, op shops for a formal costume (requested, Midnight Special and lots more. but not compulsory). are still on the STOP PRESS!!! There will be three shows only, at website. Programme, dance instructions Tom Mann Theatre, 136 Chalmers St, and practice details, as well as pictures Latest on the Snowy Surry Hills (near Central station): Friday from last year’s, are at www.ccbdma.org Mountains of Music 12th June, 8pm; Saturday 13th June, 8pm; Robyn 4344 6484, [email protected]. Sunday matinee 14th June, 2pm. Tickets The Perisher Valley is set to be seduced auor Ian 0414 230 496 when the legendary award-winning Tex are $25 (concession $20); bookings, MCA- Perkins and take to the stage TIX 1300 306 776 or at http://cms.mca-tix. of the inaugural Snowy Mountains of com.au/ Information about other Pete RFDS Contra Please put Saturday 25th July in your Music festival on the June long weekend. Seeger tributes at http://unionsong.com/ diary. That is the date of this year’s Contra From grungy pub rock to evocative seeger90.html Dance for the Royal Flying Doctor Service soundscapes and world-weary dark country, – and (joy of joys!) it is at Granville Town Tex Perkins has loomed large over the Hall again. (We love those Lebanese years as one of Australia’s biggest rock Dangerous Folk pastries afterwards.) Pastrami on Ryebuck stars with a quintessentially Australian The Minister for Primary Industry, (North- will provide the music, as usual, with sound. For the festival the very smooth Tex ern Territory) Kon Vatskalis, has prohibit- Julie Bishop calling. John Short and Leila Perkins will be teaming up with Charlie ed the entry of all live packaged bees in to Flower do a great job of organising this Owen and James Cruikshank. This classic the Northern Territory. This alarmed ‘The dance each year, and it always raises a trio has played with some of Australia’s Beez’ who were performing there at the good amount for the RFDS. More details favourite bands - The Cruel Sea, The time so Rob Rayner from The Beez wrote Beasts of Bourbon, Catfish and the Dark to the Minister to ask for an exemption, later. Horses. Don’t miss out on catching Tex, Rob was delighted to receive a response Charlie and James for some potent country from the minister to say the group had blues in a very intimate setting. been exempted from the prohibition and Fresh from taking home their second hoped ‘The Beez’ enjoy their visit. Aria Award, The Audreys will be wowing Rob Rayne the crowds at Perisher with two shows at the festival. With their distinct style of alt country mixed with a little blues and roots, their latest award-winning album When The Flood Comes has been described as ‘stunningly original’, ‘indescribably beautiful’ and ‘absolutely brilliant’. For festival goers it’s an opportunity to curl up in an armchair by the fire and be

The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette APRIL 2009 7 14th BLUE MOUNTAINS MUSIC FESTIVAL of FOLK, ROOTS & BLUES 2009 - an overview

2009 National Folk Festival was very The 14th annual Blue Mountains Music exhibition The Street Wise – a well organised. Real valueR ubyfor money.Hunter Each Festival of Folk, Roots and Blues held over photographic essay of the people of Blue year I go I meet more people who have just the weekend of 13th to15th March, had one Mountains by award winning international discovered the wealth of talent and variety of of the strongest lineups of iconic Aussie photographer, Peter Adams. entertainment on offer at this festival. Well talent to share a bill in a long time. Paul The craic nights at The Clarendon had on par with international festivals as far Kelly, along with Archie Roach and Ruby an eclectic mix of sessions, all happening as talent and standards of performance are Hunter, Lior, Eric Bogle, Mike McClellan, at once and flowing on into the wee hours, concerned. Only problem, too many things on Doug Ashdown and Jim Conway’s Big whilst the more agile punters finished the at once. Difficult to choose. Fortunately most Wheel, played to hugely enthusiastic nights off by dancing to the grooves of The of the acts were repeated in other venues at audiences. International acts include Bakery in the Pavilion tent and to Chase other times. Preston Reed, Chris While and Julie The Sun and Chris Wilson in the Blues Matthews, The Beez, The Topp Twins, Old Room. Over the weekend, many of the Participation is what I like about this Man Luedecke, Nano Stern, Eliza Gilkyson performers were so generous with their and Nina Gerber, Alan Kelly Quartet and encores. Paul Kelly played two very long Peter Rowan. The program also included encores on Sunday afternoon and he was Chris Wilson, King Curly, Inka Marka, The joined on stage by Archie Roach and Ruby Bakery, Warren Fahey and the Larrikins, Hunter for his and Kev Carmody’s, ‘From The Old Spice RBoys,uby Hunter Chase The Sun, Big Things Little Things Grow’, with a The Spooky Men’s Chorale and far too couple of thousand audience members many talented performers to mention singing along. Paul Kelly, Elisa Gilkyson here. On the strength of the program, with Nina Gerber and Nano Stern from weekend tickets had sold out by midday on Chile were standout acts for me. Grumpy Old Men Saturday. Concert The Workshops proved popular and ABC Radio National’s Music Deli Mike McClellan included: Harmonica with Jim Conway featured a live broadcast of While and and Chris Wilson; Piano Accordion with Matthews and Bluehouse. The Heartlands Ireland’s Alan Kelly; Singing with The Grumpy Old Men interviews were a welcome addition to the Concert Spooky Men’s Chorale; Ukulele with Azo festival program. On Saturday the ABC Bell and Bush Yarns and Aussie Humour Eric Bogle producer, oral historian and writer, Greg with Warren Fahey and The Larrikins. The Borschmann, interviewed Ruby Hunter, roving Ruby Bloomers Womens’ Circus Eric Bogle and Jim Conway on the theme caused a lot of hilarity amongst the crowds of ‘Childhood’ and you could have heard a and delighted children in trying to dry their pin drop, so engrossed were the audience. washing and other domestic pursuits. On Sunday, ‘Darwin for Dunces’ with True to form the Katoomba weather gave Chris Darwin (great, great grandson of us four seasons in two days with Charles) and one of Australia’s greatest swirling mist, cold winds, short-sharp living scientists, Charlie Vernon was storms and brilliant sunshine. The standing room only. friendliness of the volunteers and a killer Doug Ashdown An inspired impromptu piece of program each year help this well loved programming by festival directors, Al festival to go from strength to strength. Ward and Bob Charter was ‘Grumpy Old Every year I carefully mark my program Men’ with Warren Fahey, Doug Ashdown and promise myself that I’ll catch a bit and Eric Bogle, who had audiences of every performer and I never seem to grandly entertained with music and achieve that goal as there is always so laughter. Singer, songwriter and raconteur much to fit in. Next year…. Pat Drummond, hosted a stage at The Christine Taylor Carrington Hotel which was packed to the Christine Taylor is a freelance publicist rafters all weekend. and has been involved with the Blue The Poet’s breakfasts on Saturday Mountains Music since the very first and Sunday mornings have become an festival. Photographs courtesy Christine Taylor. institution at The Blue Mountains Festival. 1. Ruthie Foster - photographer Sarah The Denis Kevans Poet’s Breakfast on Delaney Saturday and The Pagan Poets’ on Sunday 2. Mike McClellan - Sarah Delaney are regularly hosted by Wyn Jones, 3. Eric Bogle - Sarah Delaney raconteur and bushwalking ecologist (he 4. Doug Ashdown - Photographer Peter identified the Wollomi Pine) and master- Adams. poet, shearer Milton Taylor. Festival 5. Old Man Luedecke - Safah Delaney goers were also awed by the photographic Old Man Luedecke

8 The CORNSTALK Gazette APRIL 09 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 2009 National Folk Festival was very well organised. Real value for money. Each year I go I meet more people who have just discovered the wealth of talent and variety of entertainment on offer at this festival. Only problem, too many things on at once. Difficult to choose. Fortunately most of the acts were repeated in other venues at other times. Participation is what I like about this festival. Of course many enjoy sitting most of the time listening to some of the great acts but I really enjoyed the workshops and sessions such a good selection…. places where you could improve on your musical/ Alma Latina Choir presentation/vocal/technical skills of all kinds, share ideas and compare techniques. Each morning I went to the session experience i.e. a slow jam which happens every morning in the session bar and is becoming increasingly popular. Music is displayed on an overhead projection screen . From beginners to those like myself who are keen to improve techniques on violin, flute, accordion, guitar etc...everyone can have ago. Later I learnt some of the skills of Eastern European music from live Busking wire Alana Hunt from the Romanian group, Vardos. Then on to Scottish fiddle for the novice from Lachlan Green. Learnt some invaluable tips on Balkan singing and vocal health from Mara’s workshop too. Parissa Bouas worked her heart out getting 60 of us from a variety of backgrounds and experience to sing two fairly complex Bolivian and Portuguese songs. …a challenge which we hopefully met I think? Sang in the CD Launch with Alan Musgrove finale concert; great! Singing room attracted some big crowds each evening from & His Watsaname Band 9pm,in the upstairs session bar, an excellent venue. Those in charge had the mammoth task of trying to let everyone get their song/poem in. Not an enviable job. There was a bit of queue jumping I’ll have to say. It can be a very sticky business keeping the frustrated, keen performer to hold back and let the not so pushy person have ago. As a club organizer and session manager for many years I could see some people with great voices with quality items to contribute who were Christina Mimmocchi in Rob Wil- lis’s Buddy Holly special overlooked. Not really fair but who am I to judge?? (Toby’s (her son) first gig) A few changes were met with opposition re camping Martin Pearson arguing for fees ($20 a night per person is getting into the youth hostel Anarchy - Anarchy Rules OK rates) Admittedly the facilities were regularly cleaned and well won the day stocked. Scanning of wrist bands as we went in and out of main gates annoyed a few people. I wondered at that stage of the Paraguay Story, with Brian Hungerford and festival, when only the master classes were running if it paid to use harpists Andy Rigby volunteers for that job. Great to catch up with friends. At the risk of leaving out some great acts I’ll just mention a few favourites here, Geoffrey Graham, David Francey, Colum Sands, Bruce Watson, Chris While and Julie Matthews , Kate Burke and Ruth Hazelton….just a few I did manage to see between workshops and sessions. Rebel Yelp a songwriters forum each day in the Axis turned up some fantastic songs you never get to hear elsewhere from singers of all ages bringing a bit of their community experiences and challenges to the festival. Many others too numerous to mention or that I didn’t get to see. Great to see a good Australian and dance component being so well represented too. Food and clothing stalls..such variety! Wow! Margaret Bradford

The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette APRIL 2009 9 folk contactsWednesday Choirs DANCE Monday Monday Albion Fair, North-West Morris Dancing A Choired Taste, Glebe, led by David Westmore, 9716 Bush Music Club Dance Workshop Lilyfield Community Centre, Cecily and O’Neill Sts, 7.45pm. Angie Milce 9817 3529 7016 Beginners, experienced, 7.30pm, Pennant Hills Australian Heritage Dancers Bright Star Singers Ashfield, led by Mary-Jane Community Centre, downstairs. Except Jan. and Annandale Neighbourhood Centre, 79 Johnston St, 8 Field, 9797-6126 public holidays. Felicity 9456 2860 Ecopella. Erskineville, led by Miguel Heatwole, 9810 -10pm. Jim Young 9412 3721 [email protected]. International Folk Dancing au - australianheritagedancers.org.au 4601 [email protected] School term, Earlwood Senior Citizens Centre, 362  Balmoral Scottish Country Dance Group Glory Bound Groove Train. Petersham, led by Homer St 10am-noon. Gwynne 9558 4753 Linda Calgaro, 9518 4135 7.00-9.15pm, Seniors’ Centre, Mosman Square, Scottish Country Dancing for beginners, with ‘Scots Inner West Chamber Choir, Leichhardt, led by Mosman. Nell Morgan 9981 4769. on the Rocks’, Fort St Public School, Observatory Rachelle Elliott. 9797 1917. [email protected]. Epping Scottish Country Dance Club Intonations. Manly, led by Karen Smith, 0405 221 113 Hill, Sydney, 6.30-7.30pm. Nea 9994 7110, Lynn St Aidan’s Church Hall, Downing St, 7.30-10pm. Martenitsa. Ultimo, led by Mara & Llew Kiek, 9268 1246, SC [email protected], http:// All levels welcome. Clare Haack 9484 5947 clare_ 47514910 www.rscds.org.au [email protected] People’s Chorus Newcastle, led by Rod Noble, 49 Belly Dance, basic/beginners 7pm, choreography Gosford Scottish Country Dance Society 623432 8pm, Girraween Hall, 17 Tungarra Rd. Vera 7-10pm, Church of Christ, Henry Parry Drive, Unaccompanied Baggage. North Sydney, led by Myronenko 9665 9713 Wyoming. Cecily Cork 4384 3527, Jan McCudden 4329 5537 Stuart Davis, [email protected] Tuesday Greek Folk Dance Voiceworks, Katoomba, ledby Rachel Hore 4759 Blue Mountains Scottish Country Dancers 2456, [email protected] Pan Macedonian Assoc Building, Railway Pde, Catholic Church Hall, 7-9pm, Wentworth St, $3 Verley Sydenham from 7pm onwards. Adult classes from Tuesday Kelliher, 4787 5968, [email protected] Carol Cantorion, Neutral Bay, led by David Westmore, 7.15 pm, Vasilios Aligiannis, tel/fax 9708 1875 Gardner 4751 6073/[email protected] 9716 7016 [email protected] Greek Folk Dance Eastside Arts, Paddington, led by Christina Mim- International Folk Dancing for older women mochi, 9331 2646 Bankstown RSL Club - 32 Kitchener Pde - Bankstown School terms only, 9-10am beginners, 10-11am Ecopella. Illawarra area (alternate Tuesdays), led by 6pm onwards.Vasilios Aligiannis, tel/fax: 97081875 advanced. Bankstown Older Women’s Wellness Miguel Heatwole 9810 4601, [email protected] [email protected] Centre, Police and Community Youth Club, cnr Roc Lawson, led by Rachel Hore, 47592456, Hungarian Dance Class Meredith St and French Ave. Gabrielle 9728 7466, Alita [email protected] Ultimo, 8-10pm. Gary Dawson 9559 4485. 9798 9269 The Honeybees. East Sydney, led by Dynes Austin. [email protected] Sutherland Shire Bush Dance Group Uniting Church, Contact Jenny Jackson, 9816 4577 lindsayandjenny@ Morris Dancing, Sydney Morris Men 4 Gosport St, Cronulla, 7.30-10pm. $3. Beginners most hotmail.com 2nd & 4th Tues, Rozelle Community Centre (hall at welcome. Partners not necessary.Mike 9520 2859 Sydney Trade Union Choir rear), Darling St, Rozelle, 8pm. John Milce 9817 3529 Sutherland Shire Folk Dance Group Sydney City, contact [email protected] or www.wheezeandsuck.com. Gymea Bay Scout Hall, June Place, 10am. Kaye Wednesday English Country Dancing, Sydney Laurendet - 9528 4813 Choralation. Abbosford (school terms), contact Marga- Playford Dance Group 3rd Tues, 7.30-10.00pm, Thursday ret Grove [email protected] Uniting Church Hall, The Cres, Berala. Ring Patricia English Country Dancing (Advanced) for the over Ecopella. Upper Mts., contact Kate 47 825529 9649 6978 or Mike or Ros on 9929 8193 for further 50’s 2-4pm. School for Seniors, Wesley Mission, Pitt NoteTonight, Josephine. Glebe, led by David details. St. Sydney. (Oppositive back of Hilton Hotel.) Westmore, 9716 7016 Scottish Country Dancing Blue Labyrinth International Folk Dance from 7pm, Baptist Church Hall, King St Glenbrook. Jo Stampadowns. Camperdown, led by Peter Lehner, St John’s Uniting Church Hall, Coonanbarra Rd, Barrett 4739 6498 contact Kim/John 0419 164 212 Wahroonga, 7.30-10.30pm. All welcome. Catherine Greek Folk Dance Thursday Bonner 9489 5027 Australian Gaelic Singers, Ryde. Bran MacEa- St Gerassimos Church Hall, 21 Henry St Leichhardt. Scottish Country Dancing 6 pm onwards. Adult classes from 7.15 Vasilios chaidh, 9633 1162. www.gaelicsingers.org.au Fort Street School, Observatory Hill, City. 6pm to  Aligiannis, tel/fax 9708 1875 [email protected] Bouddi Voice. Kincumber (school terms), led by C 8pm Nea MacCulloch 9904 1358(a/h) or Lynn 8244 & C Sainsbury, contact 43 683270 Sydney Irish Ceili Dancers 9618(w) Chorella Community Choir. Richmond, contact Kingsgrove Uniting Church Hall, 289A Kingsgrove Rd Sutherland Shire Folk Dance Group Ellen 4578 2975 (cnr Moreton Avenue, Children’s step dancing 6pm, Cleftomaniacs. Waterloo, led by Gary Smith, International Dancing, Gymea Bay Scout Hall, June adults step dancing 7pm. Set and ceili dancing 8- [email protected] Place, 7.30-9pm. Kaye Laurendet 9528 4813 10.30pm. Margaret and Bill Winnett 9150 6765. email: Solidarity Choir. Newtown, led by Miguel Heat- Turkish Dance Class [email protected] wole, 9810 4601, [email protected] Lidcombe Community Centre, 8-10pm. Yusuf Nidai Friday Friday 9646 1166 Australian Colonial and Folk Dancers Every Friday, The Sydney Street Choir. CBD, led by Peter Ukrainian (Cossack) Dancing Class St Andrews Ch Hall, cnr Trelawney/Rutledge Sts, Lehner 0425 268 771 for fit and energetic young people (16-23yrs), Eastwood (next to BBC), Colonials’ Dance each 5th The Sydney Welsh Choir (Men and Women) meet 7.30 pm to 10.00 pm. Ukrainian Hall 59 Joseph Friday evening. Anthony and Lisa 9873 4805. on Wednesday Evenings at Concord Baptist Church Street, Lidcombe. Jaros Iwanec 9817 7991, International Dancing Hall. Reh. 7pm to 9pm. 20 to 30 performances a year. [email protected] /www.veselka.com.au Sedenka Folk Dancers, Rozelle Neighbourhood Viv 47 39 0384, Warwick 9451 7806,[email protected] International Folk Dance class - Open Door, Centre, 665A Darling St Rozelle. 8-llpm, $3. Chris Wild Mudlarks, women’s a cappella choir. Woodford. Led Georges Hall Senior Citizens, Birdwood Rd, 11.30am- 9560 2910. by Alison Jones 4759 2880 12.30pm. Gabrielle 9728 7466, gabybaby@optusnet. Scottish Country Dancing Saturdays com.au Adult classes, beginners welcome, children 6.30 - The Shire Quire. Gymea, led by Mary-Jane Field. “The Dance Buffet”, wide variety taught, Liverpool 7.30pm, adults 8-10.30pm, Beecroft Primary School, contact Jenny, 9576 2301 City Pipe Band Hall, Woodward Park (next to Whitlam $2. Sheena Caswell 9868 2075, Heather Dryburgh Sunday Centre), Memorial Ave, 7.30-9.30pm. $8 ($5 conc). 9980 7978 Blue Mountains Trade Union Choir. Upper Mts., Nicholai 9822 7524, mob 0407 178 228 Scottish Country Dancing contact Kate 47 82 5529 Caringbah Seniors Hall, 386 Port Hacking Rd, Car- ingbah (rear Library), 8pm. Beginners/other levels. G. Milton 9524 4943, Erica Nimmo 9520 4781

10 The CORNSTALK Gazette APRIL 09 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 Saturday Springwood Neighbourhood Centre Acoustic or [email protected] Bush Folk Dances, by Bush Dance Assoc. Club, or SNC Acoustic Club. Regular folk nights on Thursday nd 2 Sat. Feb-Dec 6.30 - 10pm. New Year’s Eve 8pm- the 4th Friday of each month (Feb - Nov), 8pm $7/$5 Sutherland Folk Club midnight. $20/$15/$10. $5 disc for early bookings. Springwood Neighbourhood Centre, Macquarie Rd, Session night 4th Thursday. 7.00pm, Sutherland Pennant Hills Community Centre, 60 Yarrara Rd. John Springwood. (next to Civic Centre). Visitors and floor District Trade Union Club, Gymea. All welcome. 9520 9873 3138/ 0416 212 136, bushdance2000@yahoo. performers welcome. Enquiries, Mark Hand 02 4721 6180. com.au 4230 or [email protected] Blackheath Folk Club, Bush Music Club Bush Dances Toongabbie Music Club 1st Thurs, 7.30pm, Ivanhoe Hotel, cnr Gt Wstn Hwy Feb-Dec (not Easter), 8-12pm, $17/$14/$12 incl. 2nd and 4th Fri 8pm, Northmead Scout Hall, and Govetts Leap Rd. Christine Davies, Peter Duggan supper, children to 12 free. Beecroft Community Ctr Whitehaven Road, Northmead. A session always 4787 7246 1st Sat, Helen 9626 7816; Balmain High School hall, happens so bring instruments. Alison Boyd 02 9769 Terry St, Rozelle, 3rd Sat, Don 9642 7949 0592, [email protected], or Ray Pulis 9899 2102. Friday BMC Beer & Cheese Night Central Coast Bush Dance Saturday Themed music nights, 1st Fri (except holidays), 4th Sat, 8-12pm, East Gosford Progress Hall, Henry lllawarra Folk Club, 8-10pm. Bring something to sing, eat, drink. Bush Parry Dr and Wells St, $15/$12. Beate 4323 3356. 3rd Saturday, Wollongong City Diggers Music Club, Hut 44, Addison Rd Community Robyn 4344 6484. Club, cnr Burelli & Church Streets, 1300 Centre, 142 Addison Rd, Marrickville. 9569 7244, International Folk Dance 887 034 www.illawarrafolkclub.org.au [email protected] Children’s classes, 6-18 years, Pennant Hills Loaded Dog Folk Club Eastern Suburbs Poetry Group Community Centre, morning. Carol Maddocks, 9905 4th Sat, Annandale Neighbourhood Centre, 79 1st Friday, Church in the Market Place, Bondi Junction. 1563 Johnston St, 8pm. Sandra Nixon, 9358 4886, 6.30-8.30pm. Gina 9349 6958 Scottish and Old Time Dance [email protected]. www.theloadeddog.org.au nd Springwood Neighbourhood Centre Acoustic Club 2 Sat, 8pm, Uniting Church, 9-11 Bay St, Rockdale. Macquarie Towns Music Club 4th Fri, (Feb - Nov) 8pm, $7/$5, Springwood $3 incl. supper. Chris Thom 9587 9966 3rd Sat,7.30pm Usually ‘Round Robin’ format and Neighbourhood Centre, Macquarie Rd (next to library Scottish and Old Time Dancing includes guest artists, workshops & concerts. Small and Oriental Hotel.) Visitors and floor performers Orkney and Shetland Assoc. 3rd Sat, 8-11 pm. St door fee includes supper. Richmond Neighbourhood welcome, Theresa 47518157, Jeannette 4754 4893 David’s Hall, Dalhousie St, Haberfield. $3 inc. supper. Centre, West Market St, .Contact Dez Williams at 4578 Visitors most welcome. Jean Cooney 9874 5570. 5215 [email protected] Saturday Macedonian Dance Class The Shack. 1st Sat, presents 21st century original, Fairlight Folk Acoustic Lounge Rockdale. 6.30-8.30pm, $5. Y Kaporis 0412 861 187 contemporary and traditional folk music at the Held 4 times a year, Feb, May, Aug. Nov (usually Mortdale Scottish Dancers Tramshed, 1395a Pittwater Rd, Narrabeen at 7:30. 1st Sat) 7.45pm. A comfortably enticing, relaxed Learners night (for learners and experienced), 7.30- BYO drinks and nibblies. Contact Rhonda on 0416 635 environment in which to see quality live acoustic music. 9.30pm. Pensioners Welfare Club Hall, 76 Pitt Street, 856 or email Kathleen at [email protected]. Ajfjter show - jam. BYO drinks and nibbles. Light Mortdale. Pam Jehan 9580 8564. Bluegrass & Traditional Country Music Society of refreshments available. William St Studios, Fairlight Sutherland Shire Folk Dance Group Aust. 1st Sat, March-December Sydney get-together. (The Baptist Church down from Sydney Rd. Contact International Dancing Como Girl Guides Hall, 10- Annandale Neighbourhood Centre, 79 Johnston St, Rosie 9948 7993. [email protected] 11.30am. Kaye Laurendet 9528 4813 Annandale. Band workshop 7pm, concert 8.15pm, Linnéa Swedish Folkdancers jamming all night. All welcome: $5/7. (02) 9456 1090 Sunday Estonian House, 141 Campbell St, Surry Hills. New www.bluegrass.org.au Sydney Scottish Fiddlers st members welcome. For times contact Graeme Traves Sunday 1 and 3rd Sun, 2-5pm, New Church, 4 Shirley Rd 9874 4194, [email protected] Troubadour Folk Club Roseville. All ages welcome. Trish 9416 2402. Central Coast, 4th Sat. in month 7pm CWA Hall, Woy Irish Music Session Woy. (opposite Fisherman’s Wharf), The Boulevard, Harp Irish Pub, Tempe, 4-7.30pm. Enq. 9559 6300 Woy Woy. Admission: $7 members/$8 conc. & other Music Session Hero of Waterloo, cnr Lower Fort folk club mems/$10 non members. Everyone welcome St and Windmill Street, The Rocks. 6-10pm. Brendan Tel. Frank or Marilyn 4342 9099, Fax 4325 7362. 9818 4864 Email: [email protected] www.troubadour. Irish Music Session. 3rd Sunday. Bennet Hotel, org.au/folk/index.htm.. Hamilton, 4-7.30pm Roz and Shane Kerr 44967 3167 Irish Music Sessions - Dicey Riley’s, Wollongong 2pm. MUSIC IN CONCERT Sessions & Free Workshops Hotel Illawarra Wollongong, 3rd Sunday, 3pm, Tuesday spoken word, 5pm acoustic music Monday The Screw Soapers Guild - Writers Presenters & Bush Music Club Listeners Group 4th Tues, 7.30pm, stories, poems, Community Centre, 44/142 Addison Rd, Marrickville, songs and conversation. Albert 9600 7153, email: If you change your details PLEASE 7.30pm. Music workshop. All singers and musicians [email protected], website: www.folkclub. advise the editor on 02 6493 6758 or email welcome. Bob 9569 7244, bobbolton@netspace. com/folkodyssey/ net.au [email protected]. You may also Wednesday Irish Music Session: Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday wish to have your details online (free) - jam. Wisefolk Club Last Wed in month, 11am-2.30pm, of the month from 7.30 – 10.30pm @ The Shamrock Toongabbie Bowling Club, 12 Station Rd, lunch at club org.au Inn, Asquith Leagues Club, Alexandra Pd. Waitara bistro. Sonia 9621 2394 Allen 9639 7494, (short walk from station). It’s an open session Thursday and all musicians are welcome with focus on Sutherland Folk Club tunes rather than songs. Phone Norm 9489 5786/ 2nd Thurs concert night [email protected] **All ages and all members are welcome to come and Wednesday join us at any of our concerts, do a floor spot. Enjoy a Irish Dance and Music Session. The Harp Hotel, friendly , sociable night’s entertainment, support local Tempe, dance 7-9.30pm, music 9.30 - 12 midnight. talent. These artists are all superb musicians!! Contact Enq. 9559 6300 Jenny 9576 2301. Jolly Frog Hotel. Jam Night. Cnr Bridge & Friday Macquarie Sts, Windsor. 7.30pm to late. Mark 0419 Hornsby Kuring-Gai Folk Club 466 004 3rd Fri, 8pm, Each month Beatrice Taylor Hall, rear Irish Music Session. Clarendon Hotel Katoomba, Willow Park Community Centre, Edgeworth David Ave, 7-10pm. Enq. Tinker 4782 2623 Guest artist and floor spots, light supper provided BYO grog. Barry Parks 9807 9497 [email protected] Gosford Bush Poets lllawarra Folk Club, Last Wednesday night of every month 7pm. The 1st Friday, Wollongong City Diggers Club, cnr Burelli & Gosford Hotel, cnr of Mann & Erina Sts Gosford. Church Streets, 1300 887 034 www.illawarrafolkclub. Everyone welcome to share in night of fun, friendship org.au and great poetry. Contact Vic Jefferies, 02 96394911

The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette APRIL 2009 11 4959 6030. [email protected] Enq,John 6585 1488 email [email protected] REGIONAL EVENTS People’s Chorus Practice, 6pm, Trades Hall WHITTON (near Griffith) Bidgee Folk Club Council Meeting Rooms (opp. Panthers’ Club, 3rd Sun. Whitton Hotel, Whiton ALBURY: Border and District Folk/Acoustic Group, 1st main entrance), Newcastle. Rod Noble 4962 1pm - 5pm. 02 6954 4019 Wed, Sodens Hotel. Anna 6021 3892, Mary 6025 6535 3432 email: [email protected] WOLLONGONG: BATEMANS BAY: Scottish Country Dancing, Newcastle Irish Set Dancers, Tuesdays, 7.30- Bluegrass Jam Session, 3rd Sat each Batemans Bay Caledonian Society -Tuesday 9.00pm, Scots Kirk, Hamilton, Newcastle. Julia month. 7.30-11pm. Thirroul Neighbour- 7.30pm at Batemans Bay Bowling Club - visitors or Arthur, 4955 5701 [email protected], or hood Centre next to post office. welcome. Warren 4457 2065, Max 4472 5184

12 The CORNSTALK Gazette APRIL 09 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 National Co-ordinator Youth Encouragement Award at for Folk Alliance the National Australian composer, fiddler and educator, Felix Meagher, has been appointed to the position of National Coordinator for Folk Alliance Australia. Folk Alliance Australia (FAA) represents the interests of the Australian folk movement and its membership of major and regional music festivals, record labels, music publishing, folklore studies, broadcast, artist management and touring. It promotes folk music (in all its creative and varied expressions) including song, dance and spoken word. It is a not-for-profit initiative. The role of National Coordinator has been expanded to advance the interests of the FAA and to develop a program of communication, education and well-being for the folk arts. Felix Meagher brings experience and enthusiasm to the position. He is based in Melbourne and will work with the FAA board members The winner of the Declan Affley Youth Encouragement Award from across Australia. for 2009 is 21 year old fiddle player, Khalida De Ridder, from the Atherton Tablelands, Queensland. It was difficult to choose a Felix recently worked as a composer on the international film winner this year as there were so many talented young performers ’Australia’. Working in a team with Baz Luhrmann and Angela at the festival but Khalida stood out with her dedicated and Little he composed 25 cues for the film including By‘ the Boab inspired playing. Tree’, ‘Waltzing Matilda’ (epic version), and ‘You Ride Your Way The youth award is in memory of my late husband, folksinger - I’ll Ride Mine’ (Rolf Harris song). He has been a performer and and musician, Declan Affley, (1939-1985) and every year it has manager of the folk band Bushwahzee since 1994, and in that been held as part of the National Folk Festival. time directed and managed the creation of Bushwahzee’s one-day The award started at the National Folk Festival in Melbourne productions, most notably ‘The Bush Cabaret’, which has been in 1986, strongly supported by committee member John performed in over 1500 schools around Australia. McAuslan, as a songwriting award in memory of Declan’s important contribution to the development of Australia’s folk He is co-creator and program director of the Lake School of music. It was later administered by the National Folk Trust and Celtic Music, an annual event in Koroit, Victoria, and initiated when that was defunded, the award after much discussion changed the Lake School program ‘Paddy O’Neill Celtic Band for Young focusing continuing instead in 1998 as a youth encouragement Musicians Award’, ‘The Legends of the Lake’, ‘The Spud Poets award, funded by Canberra’s CFMEU and supported by the Award’, and the ‘Maity Swallow Memorial Ceilidhe Band’. The National Folk Festival Canberra. In 2009 the award was supported tenth Lake School was staged in January 2009. by the National Folk Festival. During the 1980s Felix co-wrote three musicals with Australian Note: A full listing of the National Festival Awards will be film director, Baz Luhrmann, including Lake‘ Lost’ (1988) for published in next issue of Cornstalk. the Australian Opera national Workshop. In 1982 and 1984 Felix composed and directed two Symphonies for the Alice Springs People’s Orchestra, a community orchestra he created during residencies in Alice Springs as Town Composer. Felix has composed a variety chamber music for strings and BMC Dance Workshops wind, a musical with brass scoring, an opera The Wreck of The On Monday 4th May Mark Dabbs will teaching Loch Ard and his song I’m Losing You was part of Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Some Heritage Dances’. The remaining three CD Something For Everybody which sold over half million copies worldwide. Felix studied at the University of Melbourne gaining a Mondays in May (including Anzac Day) will be Bachelor of Music and a Diploma of Education. taken up with dances for the Heritage Ball (30th Upcoming business for the FAA includes the National Folk May, Parramatta Town Hall), taught by Don Conference which will be staged in Sydney, June 2009, and the Richmond. The workshops are held at the air- launch of the organisation’s revitalized website www.folkalliance. conditioned Community Centre, Yarrara Road, org.au www.folkalliance.org.au Pennant Hills, 7.30-9.30pm. Enq, 9456 2860, Contact Felix Meagher and Folk Alliance Australia on 0413 0434 437 522. 801 294

The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette APRIL 2009 13 cd review enhances her sensitive vocal work. Margaret’s singing in The Fagans, Milk and Honey Land the sad sweet Rigs of Rye also has wonderfully eerie quality that make me want to listen to the words and really hear the story of the lovers. Bob Fagan sings the title track of the CD. It is a song by Trevor Day and tells the story of the generation of Australians who grew up between the wars and their road through life. It tells of their struggle through the Great Depression, their huge sacrifices during the Second World War and in the end a plea that the younger generation not The Fagans, parents Margaret and Bob, daughter Kate, ­ grow up as they did – victims of another senseless war. son James, and James’s wife Nancy Kerr, have long been one of Australia’s foremost folk music singers. Their There are two songs on this album which I believe are long-awaited new CD “Milk and Honey Land” has all the truly outstanding. “Pilgrimage” is a song which is led by hallmarks of what makes them such exciting performers. Nancy and is a powerful anti-war piece written by Jess The songs are full of rich and innovative close harmony Arrowsmith to a traditional Flemish tune. As the song singing and clever and accomplished instrument-playing. culminates and becomes more and more tragic, Nancy is joined by the rest of the group to emphasise the strength Nancy Kerr has been performing with The Fagans for of the music. My other personal favourite is “The Pulling a long time now, and her own composition “Green Swell” Down Song”, a song of mixed emotions at the packing adds a new dimension. It is a gentle, tuneful song, partly up of the fairground after the show. There is the feeling traditional in its subject matter, but written as a modern of sadness at the departure of friends as the tents and the love song. Kate’s song “Silver Shore” is an anti-war song rides are taken down one by one, but then there is optimism written in a wistful, poetic style. Kate’s expressive singing at the knowledge that they will all meet again at the next gives meaning and passion to the words. The John Warner fair. This song is sung in true a capella style and the clever song “Winding Gear”, was performed in a dramatic style arrangement of the harmonies assists the telling of the story. and the unaccompanied close harmonies worked magic on The unexpected ending of the song on a minor chord is an the strong tune. “Shades of Gloria” is a song that Margaret example of the real craftsmanship and professionalism The has been singing for a long time, but nevertheless comes to Fagans bring to all their music. life again and again, and finally on “Milk and Honey Land” shows its full worth with beautiful instrumental backing that ­Dawn Davis

PETE SEEGER: LIVE IN AUSTRALIA Folk Icons: Pete Seeger is a beautifully fi lmed 105- minute concert showcasing one of the most provocative fi gures in music history. In 1963 Pete Seeger, blacklisted and barred from American television, he fl ed the persecution of his homeland and embarked on a 10-month world tour. One of his fi rst stops was Australia where he was welcomed with open arms and sold-out performances. This DVD not only presents a full concert fi lmed in Melbourne but also includes 55 minutes of bonus footage from various other Australian television appearances. Witness how one man, armed only with a , a guitar and the power of song, captures the hearts and minds of a nation. Australian perspective booklet notes by Warren Fahey.

SPECIAL FEATURES � Pete singing and discussing the songs of Lead Belly (also features 3 rare performances by Lead Belly fi lmed in 1945). � Interviews and performances on Australian news programs. � 16-page booklet featuring liner notes by Seeger biographer David K. Dunaway. � Rare photographs, home movies and memorabilia.

Celebrating his 90th birthday this year, singer songwriter Pete Seeger has been a key fi gure in folk music since the 1940s and recently performed at the 2009 Presidential Inauguration Concert.

SPECIAL OFFER receive free p&p with this coupon only - Release Date 2nd July 2009

PETE SEEGER: Live in Australia 1963, approx. runtime 105mins. Qty. $24.95 Free Postage Total $:

Tick to receive your free Acorn Catalogue � Post to: WFFolk Acorn Media Pty. Ltd., PO Box K358, Haymarket, NSW, 2000 I enclose a cheque/postal order for: Made payable to Acorn Media Australia Pty. Ltd. Please Debit my Mastercard/Visa: � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Expiry Date: / CVN: Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms: Name: Telephone: Address: Email: Postcode: Telephone: (02) 9212 4049 Email: [email protected] www.acornmediaau.com

14 The CORNSTALK Gazette APRIL 09 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 pete seeger advert.indd 1 6/4/09 10:46:28 AM CD Launch of Australia Folk Songs & Bush Verse ‘In many ways this Disc 5: Songs Of Drovers, Shearers And Bullockies series, with well over ISBN / Catalogue Number: 1798166 200 songs, poems and ditties, is living Australia Folk Songs And Bush Verse Volume Two: history, people’s Celebration Of A Nation 5CD Box set features traditional ballads, history. Traditional songs and bush verse that explore the very foundation stones of songs by their very the Australian Identity from its convict birth through to federation. nature are created by ordinary Australians to document their lives The series contains many songs never previously released and and of those around them. They express our fear, frustration, offers over 100 songs and poems plus detailed booklet notes. anger and, in the good times, our joy and hope. Traditional folk Box Set includes: songs and anonymous bush verse are emotional time capsules, Disc 1: Across The Seven Seas: The Australian Maritime handed down through the years, and even in the 21ast century Collection they exist to remind us of where we have come from and why we Disc 2: Lean Times And Mean Times On The Hungry Mile: are unique in an ever-increasing global culture.” Australia In The Great Depression Australia: Folk Songs And Bush Verse is the first Disc 3: Solidarity Forever: Australian Songs Of Struggle And comprehensive anthology of authentic Australian Folk Song and Strife Bush Verse. Disc 4: Australia’s On The Wallaby: Songs Of Pomp And Digital recordings featuring some of Australia’s most Circumstance respected traditional interpreters playing viola cello, Disc 5: Roll, Pitch, Whack And Boot: Australian Legendary mandolin, concertina, accordion, fiddle, cittern, tuba, trumpet, Sporting Songs trombone plus numerous other unusual instruments. ISBN / Catalogue Number: 1798176 Many rare songs and ballads never before recorded and spanning over 200 years of Australian social history. Detailed booklets researched and written by Warren Fahey. Background notes provided for every song and poem. Booklets feature rare images from the collections of the National Library of Australia and the State Libraries of Tasmania, New South Wales and Victoria. Many songs directly relate to items in the Oral History and Folklore Collection of the National Library Australia’s No.1 monthly traditional and contemporary folk, blues, of Australia roots, alternative, bluegrass and world music magazine Warren Fahey has been waving the Australian music flag for over 40 years and has contributed to numerous ABC radio and television programs. After leaving

Ducks Crossing1447 6525)dnow.com Publications is published National AustralianIn Folklorethis Conference 2009issu P4 PO Box 532, Woy Woy April 2009 Larrikin Records and the record industry in 1995 he has $3.90 Guitar recovered! P7 NSW 2256 Australia by Shop 5 - 115 Blackwall 100% Music Songwriting Contest P8 AprilRoad, Woy Woy 2009 NSW An interview with Marshall Cullen P9 www.duckscrossing.org spent his considerable energy furthering his collecting Latest P11 News Trad&Now New P12 Stock! and printedis proudly in Australia produc ISSUERegistered for transmi #38The Gay Charmers P16 print post PP255003/06443 and research work and performing with his group, The nted by Spotpres ed Contemporary Music Touring P18 ssion by Sydney Opera House debut P19 w Publisher: s, Marrickville NSW ssing Publications Interview with Minna Raskinen P20 Larrikins, which he established in 1969. He maintains 02 4344 1844 Jungle P23 Blues Gig P25 Guide 02 4344 1944 Free Afghan music seminar P26 Nat @tradandnow.com Song For Bushfi re Victims P27 adandnow.com a solid performance schedule including international Festival Calendar P28 ublications also publish: Australian Blues Music Festival P33 sula News Port Fairy Folk Festival P36 ulanews.asn.au cultural tours for the Australian Government (he has ulanews.info The Magic of WOMADelaide P39 wls News Mount Beauty Music Festival P43 kscrossing.org The Gay C ssing.org 5 Days of Free P44Music performed in 16 countries), regional tours with Musica CAIRNS about to enjoy Blues P45 The Dreaming P46 anley 9 Artists line up for Snowy P47 Viva and is a regular feature at Australian festivals. He In P48Didj‘n’Us Dance Calendar P50 Victorian bushfi res fundraiser P54 d Kantelee Ross Bolleter tells the P55story is also a prolific and successful writer, and, later this What is P56 Folk? Mister and Sunbird in House Concert P58 A Punter’s Perspective P60 we Poetry and the written P62word year, his eighteenth book will be published. He has been n Regular Poetry Events P63 Festival News Talking P64 Guitar awarded the Order of Australia, Centennial Medal and Fiddling P66Around The 5th P68 String Bluegrass P70 News CD P73Reviews Golden Gumleaf Life Achievement Award for service to On the Wireless P79 www.tradandnow.comNext edition: Gig Guides Trad&Now Trad&Now the bush ballad. He prefers to tell people he is a graduate News, reviews and information on traditionalsolicited and material. contemporary The music, r any relationship welcomes to othe contributions No. of 39 dance and poetry as well as reports on live eperformances editor for distribution to and festivals. views expressed in tising artwork & r members of news, feature Publication d of the Dingo University and School of Hard Knocks. the re ertis Trad Edit Australia Folk Songs And Bush Verse Volume One: Convict Stain To Shearers Blades 5CD Box set features Available from your local newsagent traditional ballads, songs and bush verse that explore the (distributed by Wrapaway) or online from very foundation stones of the Australian Identity from its www.tradandnow.com. convict birth through to federation. The series contains See our extensive range of over 1000 many songs never previously released and offers over 90 songs and poems plus detailed booklet notes. Australian traditional and contemporary folk, Box Set includes: blues, roots, alternative and world music CDs, Disc 1: Rare Convict Ballads And Broadsides DVDs and books at www.tradandnow.com Disc 2: Bushrangers, Bolters And Other Wild Colonials Disc 3: Give Me A Hut In My Own Native Land Disc 4: Currency Lads And Lasses: Songs Of Australian Colonial Romance

The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette APRIL 2009 15 focus on folk folk trax 2MBS-FM 102.5MHz 6PM Saturday During May we have added a large number of new releases In co-operation with 2MBS-FM, Sydney’s first FM community to our catalogue. Let me start with the Australian once. From radio station operating on 102.5 MHz, Folk Federation brings Restless Music comes ‘Moon Caller’ by Penny Davies and Roger you an hour of folk music at 6PM on 2nd and 4th Saturdays of Ilott. Remember ‘The Circle Game’? Listen to their version! each month. Martin Pearson dropped ‘The Dark Side Of The Farce’ off. Saturday 10th May Paul Jackson will play more tracks from a Always fun to listen to. How about ‘Milk And Honey Land’, the collection of older Folk re-released on CD’s in UK. new one from The Fagans? Can you ever go wrong with a CD Saturday 24th May, Carole Garland. from The Fagans? ’. Wallis and Matilda released their second 3CD Anyone with a CD that you would like to add to the library collection for set, ‘The Great Wallis and Matildas Collection Volume 2’. If you consideration for airway please forward to enjoy World Music try the new CD of Miriam Lieberman, called Focus on Folk, Post Office Box A182, Sydney South 1235. ‘Wakeli’ That’s the Australian bit now for the rest. The Planet Company contributes with new releases Compass Records, Borealis, Navigator and Greentrax amongst others. FOLK JAM Every Thursday 2-4pm Bruce Cockburn joins with ‘A Slice Of Life’, Catherin McLellan on 2ssr fm 99.7 http://folkjamau.googlepages.com/home has ‘Water In The Ground’, Jon Boden sings ‘Songs From The [email protected] Anyone with a cd who would like it aired Floodplain’. The McCalmans are ‘Coming Home’ with a Live and added to the stations library can send it to album. And before I forget Luka Bloom was in Australia recently. FOLK JAM c/ Station Manager If you missed his concert we bring you a 2DVD set with live Post Office Box 997, Sutherland NSW 1499 www.2ssr.com.au performances. Finally we added another 31 Borealis Recordings releases in April with more to come in May. Check the website for these. Members of Folk Alliance can benefit with a 10% reduction with your Folk Trax purchases. Other Folk Federation members and readers of the Folk Rag receive the discount as well. Have you released a CD recently and are looking to sell it worldwide, check us out and see if we can be of assistance. All you need to do now is visit us at www.folktrax.com or when you’re in Adelaide, come and say ‘Hello’ to us at 10 Byron Place, Adelaide. Keep On Folking Henk and Jan de Weerd Folk Trax

NSW - state of play Songs of Henry Lawson Songs of Chris Kempster Item Reg Mem* Qty Total NSW - State of Play (double CD snapshot of the 2008 NSW folk scene) $25 $20 The Songs of Henry Lawson (new songbook edition with 375 settings) $49 $35 The Songs of Chris Kempster (double CD) $25 $20 Postage & Packaging: ($10 for book + up to 2 CD sets) ($3 for 1 CD set, $5 for 2 CD sets) * Join the Folk Fed now and receive member’s discount. See jam.org.au for membership form. Total: I enclose my cheque/money order payable to: Folk Federation of NSW Please charge my credit card:

Card number: ______/ ______/ ______/ ______(Expiry date: ___ / ___ ) Name on card: ______Signature:

Send form with remittance & return address to: Folk Federation of NSW, PO Box A182, Sydney South NSW 1235

16 The CORNSTALK Gazette APRIL 09 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220