Dates For Your Diary Folk Federation of New South Wales Inc Folk News Issue 437 March, 2012 $3.00 Dance News CD Reviews

Honours to Rob Willis for preserving

Australian folklore and traditional music Photo: Bob Bolton

dance festivals reviews profiles diary dates sessions opportunities Advertising sizes MARCH 2012 Presidents Report Day Honours for Size mm Members Not Mem Welcome to 2012 from the president & committee. We certainly Rob Willis Full page 210 x 297 $80 $120 In this issue hope you had an excellent silly season & have recovered well. 1/2 page 210 x 146 $40 $70 There have been many fab festivals already as tis, after all, Robert Willis has been awarded the Medal (OAM) of the Order Dates for your diary p4 the season to be festivaling and by all reports we are off to a good Folk Federation of New South Wales Inc or of Australia for service to the preservation to Australian folklore. Post Office Box A182 Festivals and Other events p7 start as regards good music and good times with those we consider For Mr Willis the OAM comes as an acknowledgement of 102 x 146 South NSW 1235 Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band p8 a part of our folk family. decades of work travelling around Australia recording oral history. ISSN 0818 7339 ABN9411575922 1/4 page 102 x 146 $25 $50 Personally I made it to this years’ Illawarra Folk Festival Speaking from his Forbes home, Mr Willis said was unaware jam.org.au Dance News p9 1/8 page 102 x 70 $15 $35 with Folklore and even with the rain, had a wonderful festival. of being short listed in the Australia Day Honours List until he Folk Contacts p10 Congratulations to the Illawarra organisers on another great event. received a letter asking if he would like to proceed. The Folk Federation of NSW Inc, formed in Advertising artwork required by 5th of each month. Regional Events p12 We have sent the funds through to the organisers of the “They snuck up on me the bastards,” he said, laughing. 1970, is a Statewide body which aims to present, Advertisements can be produced by Cornstalk if required. Please contact the editor for enquiries about Northern Beaches Music Festival and look forward to a rich and Mr Willis has been recording social and musical history for over Perisher Snow Mountains of Music p13 th th support, encourage and collect folk music, folk advertising Tel: 6493 6758 vibrant weekend on February 17 to 19 . It’s been a pleasure to be 30 years, spending the last 20 years working for the Oral History dance, folklore and folk activities as they exist All cheques for advertisements and inserts to be made CD Review p14 able to auspice for this event and lend our support in the gaining and Folklore Section of the National Library of Australia. in Australia in all their forms. It provides a link payable to the Folk Federation of NSW Inc of a grant to help fund the weekend. Please keep us in mind if we In the early 1970s Mr Willis’ passion for preserving oral for people interested in the folk arts through its Deadline for APRIL: 10th March (firm) can be of help to your event, after all that’s one of the things for history was kindled while involved in the Forbes production of the affiliations with folk clubs throughout NSW and its If your event misses Cornstalk, Julie Bishop 02 9524 0247, julie@folkfednsw. which we are here. Australian musical ‘Reedy River’. counterparts in other States. It bridges all styles org.au can include it in Folkmail, the I’ll be at both Cobargo Festival & the National (a good year for Since then Mr Willis has collected over 1400 hours of and interests to present the folk arts to the widest weekly email to members. And don’t festival attendance for your Pres, I’d like to get used to this!) & look recordings with major projects including ‘Bringing them Home’, possible audience. forget that as a member you can put forward to catching up with as many kindred spirits as possible. ‘Forgotten Australians and Former Child Migrants’ and the Cornstalk Editor - Coral Vorbach information on jam.org.au, where helpful We have started the year well on the venue front and the ‘Paralympic Oral History Project’. Post Office Box 5195. Cobargo NSW 2550 tutorials will guide you. continuing of the Mofo (Modern Folk) events. We had our first “I love listening to people’s stories. Tel/Fax: 02 6493 6758 “Mofo” at the Gaelic Club with The String Contingent and “In the early days it was with old people and now it’s people my Email: [email protected] COMMITTEE 2010-2011 Chaika as well as an impressive floor spot form Bec and Dan. own age,” he said, laughing. Around 100 people turned up and enjoyed a night of wonderful Over the years Mr Willis has conducted countless interviews Cornstalk is the official publication of the Folk President, Anthony Woolcott Federation of NSW. Contributions, news, reviews, entertainment from some highly skilled and talented musicians. A from Vietnam Veterans, Paralympians and Indigenous Australians, Email: [email protected] big thankyou to all the performers for sharing your gift – it is very to musicians and a few politicians. poems, photographs most welcome. Vice President: Dallas Baxter Photographs and Artwork much appreciated and it means a lot to be able to provide a space Reflecting on past recordings, Mr Willis said he often develops a Secretary: Pam Davis 02 9955 3677 for you to celebrate your passion and talent when we can, not to deep relationship with the person. Photographs - high resolution JPG or TIFF files. Email: [email protected] 300 dpi images cropped at correct size. mention the pleasure you give to so many of us in the audience. “These people are not just numbers in a Library catalogue, they Treasurer: Bruce Cameron 02 6331 1129 The Gaelic Club is being very supportive and with their improved are part of our life,” Mr Willis said. We use Adobe In-Design, Photoshop 6, Microsoft Peter Ellis has been awarded an OAM for his Email: [email protected] sound system, congenial staff and conducive atmosphere, we hope “Everyone has a story to tell and it’s how we handle that story… Word. PLEASE do not send photographs as part commitment to the collection and preservation of a Word Document . Committee: Dallas Baxter, James Baxter, to present many more events at this important venue, supporting Every story is important to that person who is telling it. The most of Aust. folk history & heritage. both folk music and the club as it continues to grow and flourish. common thing [they say] is ‘Why do you want to talk to me?’,” he No part of Cornstalk may be reproduced without Terry Clinton, Sandra Nixon, Margaret Mr Ellis is dedicated to keeping Australian Walters We have had to farewell too many “gentle and loving” said. permission of the publishers. All care but no folk history alive and is the author of spirits over the past few months, some I have had the pleasure of The interviews, which are more like conversations, can take responsibility taken for omissions or errors. Membership: Wayne Richmond Listserv/ Collector’s Choice series in three Volumes, knowing, some I only know of through others. To the families and hours. Wrap Co-ordinator James Baxter 02 9810 4131 - Jam/Membership 9939 8802 (not after Music Makes Me Smile, The Waltz, the Polka friends they have left behind, our love and hearts are with you and They often digress to reveal an anecdote or another story before [email protected] 8.00pm please.) and all kinds of , The Merry to those who are no longer here in body, thankyou for touching returning to the original subject. Country Dance & 200 Years of Dancing. our lives and making this world a better place for your having It is these apparent ramblings which continue to ignite Mr been here. You are very much missed. Willis’ passion for folklore. The Folk Federation of NSW - Membership Application Form Anthony Woolcott Stacey Miller Name/s: Eve phone: Day phone: Lynette Hicks (19/7/35-23/1/12) - Postscript Address: Mobile: We had a short piece about Lynette in the February Cornstalk and there is also a mention on the Folk Federation’s website with a link to an article that Lynette wrote about her early experience of learning English folk dancing at Cecil Sharp House in England. See http:// Email: home.pacific.net.au/~bcooper1/oxfolk.htm. Lynette’s subsequent teaching of dance in Sydney (from 1976) has been a lasting legacy to the folk scene. As well as her practical involvement on the committee of the Folk Federation, her passion for archival records led her to Membership Type (Tick one) Individual - $25 be proactive in seeing that the Folk Federation of NSW papers were lodged in the Mitchell Library. Family (more than one in same household) - $30 Other name/s: ______Lynette would have been delighted with her funeral service. Recordings of English dance tunes were played throughout, and eight Affiliate (organisation) - $35 Contact Name: ______people danced Sellengers Round about the cardboard coffin which had been decorated with photos of Lynette, pictures of nasturtiums and covers of Abbey books – the books that had led to her involvement in folk dance. Please find enclosed $ ____ being my subscription for ___ years. Here are some extracts from remarks made at her funeral: Celebrant: We remember Lynette as a smiling, gentle but strong and intelligent woman who loved I enclose my cheque/money order payable to: Folk Federation of NSW; or history, books, music and English folk traditions. She was also passionate about justice, fairness and equality. Cricket was another passion. Alongside her ladylike and demure demeanour, there was a cheeky rebellious Please charge my credit card: (Tick one) streak that 'thumbed its nose' at conservative conventions. Grandson Michael: Lynette was always an active member of many groups and committees such as the tree planting committee in the 1960s (one of the first of its kind which is now a widespread phenomenon), Card number: ______/ ______/ ______/ ______Expiry Date: ____ / ____ save the ABC reference library (who successfully saved many reference materials from destruction) and Name on card: ______friends of Lawson (who fought to preserve Lawson’s heritage buildings from demolition) to name just a few. Fellow Dancer, Patricia Early: In the mid 1980s Lynette had an illness resulting in a long convalescence Signature: where she had to learn basic movements all over again, as a child would. This would have been too much for some people, but not Lynette; she rose to the challenge and fought her disabilities. Although she had to stand The membership year runs from 1st May to 30th April or from 1st November to 31st October. Allowances are down from the Playford Dance Group she was still interested in the dancing and she was always ready to made in your favour for people joining at other times. Send to: PO Box A182, Sydney South NSW 1235. share her knowledge when consulted. Lynette always was an inspiration. Photo: Lynette, crowned by the Abbey Girls, as Queen of the May.

2 - The CORNSTALK Gazette MARCH 2012 The Folk Federation of NSW ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette MARCH 2012 - 3 dates for your diary

inspired & encouraged people for more Sunday 25th festivals. Yummy home-made afternoon tea. Devonshire St, Surry Hills. 8pm. $15, $12. WATTS (fiddle, bodhran). Original songs than 30 years to come together & sing in Illawarra Folk Club. BEOGA (Ireland). Metropolitan $20, $15. Booking essential: Margaret 9520 [email protected] and tunes, music from Celtic regions, and harmony. Her workshops are always uplifting 'The best new traditional band to emerge from Wednesday 29th February 6180, 0403 936 785, [email protected] a special preview of the new cd Christine Saturday 10th and energising, and an opportunity to Ireland this century.' - Wall Street Journal. + Gaelic Club. JEZ LOWE, one of the UK’s and Leigh have been working on, ‘Rain in Humph Hall. The Beez (Germany) Central Coast Jane Austen Dance with learn music outside of the usual repertoire. DANNY PRIESTLEY and LISA BARALDI, most celebrated folk with fiddler the Mountains: Songs from Henry Lawson’. You are invited to an hilarious afternoon (Ryebuck Bush Band playing as) REGENCY frankiearmstrong.com Gracepoint Church and mystery act. City Diggers Wollongong, KATE BRAMLEY (UK). jezlowe. Beatrice Taylor Hall, rear Willow Park of music performed by the Berlin- RYEBUCK, caller JULIE BISHOP. Come (upstairs), Soudan St, Randwick (ltd cnr Church and Burelli Sts. 7.30pm. $30, $25. com + THE ROARING FORTIES (30m). 1st Community Centre, Edgeworth David Ave, based cabaret band renowned for their and enjoy the lovely old English dances; and parking off Soudan Lane). 7.15-9.15pm. Tickets, 1300 887 034, info@illawarrafolkclub. flr, 64 Devonshire St, Surry Hills. Doors open Hornsby. 8pm (doors 7.30). $15. BYO drinks, trademark soaring four-part harmonies. feel like Elizabeth Bennet or Mr Darcy for $22. Bookings essential: christinapossum@ org.au or www.illawarrafolkclub.org.au 7 for 7.30pm. $30 (discount for prepayment nibbles. Tea, coffee provided. Candle lit As seen on ABC TV's Spicks & Specks. the night! All dances taught. East Gosford venue, tables can be booked, Barry Parks 9807 bigpond.com, 0410 682 061 & for Folk Federation members). Bookings, Lizotte's. PIERRE BENSUSAN 7pm. Humph Hall - 85 Allambie Road, Progress Hall, cnr Henry Parry Drive & Wells 9497, [email protected] enq: 9698 2206 Wongawilli Hall. Irish Ceili with amazing (France). 4/5 629 Pittwater Rd, Dee Why. Allambie Heights. Entry free (donations St. 7.30-11.30pm. $18, $15, students 13-16  band from Ireland, BEOGA! Guest callers 8.30pm. 4368 2017, sydney.lizottes.com.au Friday 2nd invited). Enquiries/bookings: Wayne $8, under-12 $5. Includes light supper. Linda Camelot Lounge. MUSICA LINDA, seven piece Latin and band. Margaret and Bill Winnett from Sydney BMC Singabout Night. 'Can I Live Richmond (02) 9939 8802 or wayne@ 4381 0457. www.ccbdma.org The Rhythm Hut. CHAIKA guests at Vibrant acoustic dance music - powerful Irish Ceili Dancers. 8-10.30pm. www. Without Music.?' Is unaccompanied humph.org humphhall.org 5 Lands night, after 5pm drumming circle. Gaelic Club. Irish Céilí, Set Dance, rhythms, stunning vocal harmonies. Flute, wongawillicolonialdance.org.au song you? We've all become accustomed Yummy food and chai available. Unit 7/141- Monday 5th with THE COAST CEILI BAND. Light violin, guitar, bass, congas, bongo/cowbell. + to mikes, mixers & amplifiers - do we need  Humph Hall. Chris While & Julie 145 Erina St, Gosford. $10. 4322 5971. www. BMC Dance Workshop. Tango- supper. Upstairs, 64 Devonshire St, Surry VICTOR VALDES. Powerful, compelling them? Tritton Hall (Hut 44), Addison Rd Matthews (UK) Voted the UK's best therhythmhut.com.au Schottische and Old Time. Leader Hills. 7.30pm. $15, $10. 0466 454 883, Com. Centre, 142 Addison Rd, Marrickville. voice, magical harp, passion for storytelling duo (2009 BBC Folk Awards) Chris John Short. Pennant Hills Com Centre, Yarrara [email protected] Humph Hall. Frankie Armstrong 8-10pm. Bring along a song or poem - a unique journey through Mexico and Latin and Julie are two of the British folk Rd. 7.30-9.30pm. $7. Felicity 9456 2860 From the UK, one of the world’s most (not necessarily 'matching the theme'!), + Monday 12th America. 19 Marrickville Rd (cnr Railway scene’s biggest acts, & rightly so as they renowned & respected folk singers & something to share for supper. $5. Bob 9569 Wednesday 7th BMC Dance Workshop. Professor Bolot; Pde). (2 min. from Sydenham station.) have stunning voices & write excellent teachers + Christina Mimmocchi, 7244, [email protected] Gaelic Club. Trivia Night (Sydney Gypsy Tap. Leader John Short. Pennant Hills Delicious food (incl. pizza) available. Fully thoughtful & literate songs. 7pm. Humph St Patrick's Day 2012 Fundraising Event). licensed - NO BYO! Under 18s must be Chris Wheeler & Jess Dunn. Vocal Illawarra Folk Club. JEZ LOWE and Community Centre, Yarrara Rd. 7.30-9.30pm. Hall - 85 Allambie Road, Allambie Great prizes and fun. Level 1, 64 Devonshire accompanied by an adult. 9pm (doors 7.30). Workshop: 1pm, Concert: 3.30pm. Humph KATE BRAMLEY (UK). + ALISTAIR $7. Felicity 9456 2860 Heights. Entry free (donations invited). St, Surry Hills. 7.30pm. $5 per person; $25, $20. 9550 3777 Hall - 85 Allambie Road, Allambie BROWN (UK), and more. City Diggers Enquiries/bookings: Wayne Richmond tables of 6, $30. Robert Brouder 0430 449 Wednesday 14th Heights. Entry free (donations invited). Wollongong, cnr Church and Burelli Sts. Café Dalor Open Mic. Open Session (02) 9939 8802 or [email protected] 350, Catherine Crosse 0414 570 025, www. Spots Choir welcomes two international Bookings: (02) 9939 8802 or wayne@ 7.30pm. $20, $15. 1300 887 034, info@ Evening. 237 Wardell Rd, Dulwich Hill. humphhall.org stpatricksday.org.au guests this month, and we are opening our humph.org humphhall.org illawarrafolkclub.org.au 7.30pm. Roger Fyfe 0425 261 953, open_ Thursday 22nd doors to the public! SU HART (UK) is Monday 26th Thursday 8th [email protected] Gaelic Club. STEFAN GROSSMAN Hibernian House 401/402. CHAIKA. running a singing workshop on the music of BMC Dance Workshop. Dancing Sutherland Acoustic. Irish themed night. (USA). Blues. Upstairs, 64 Devonshire St, This is a great warehouse space in the very the Baka Pygmy people from the forests of Saturday 17th in the 21st Century. Leader Felicity SIOBHAN O'DONNELL, talented vocalist, Surry Hills. 7.30pm. 9212 1587 artistic Hibernian House (it used to house the SE Cameroon. Not a sound many Australians Gaelic Club. St Patrick's Day. 12-2pm, Hattingh. Pennant Hills Com. Centre, Yarrara who plays trad fiddle, bodhran, guitar. old 505 in number 505). 342 Elizabeth St, have heard. A rare opportunity to become Lunch roast. Bookings 9212 1587, 0466 454 Friday 23rd Rd. 7.30-9.30pm. $7. Felicity 9456 2860 Winner of many All-Ireland Titles in various Surry Hills. If it's not open buzz 401/402. Use immersed in the music and hear about Su’s 883. 2pm, GET FOLKED. 8pm, SIOBHAN Kantara House. THE LONDON categories, recent World Senior Bodhran Lewisham Hotel. MUSICA LINDA, the lift or the stairs. 20-year connection with the Baka community. O’DONNELL and THE SHAMROCK KLEZMER QUARTET (www. Champion, highly regarded teacher, she 7 piece Latin & world music band. Vibrant www.baka.co.uk Gracepoint Church (upstairs), SHEILAS. Upstairs, 64 Devonshire St, Surry londonklezmerquartet.com). 431 Avoca Drive, Café Dalor Open Mic. PAL SHELDON has toured the world extensively. Recently acoustic dance music - powerful rhythms, Soudan St, Randwick (limited parking off Hills. Free admission all day. irishgaelicclub@ Greenpoint. 8-10pm. 02 4369 1528 & ZELDA SHELDON, KERRY FURLONG, put out 1st solo CD. + THE CEILIDH Soudan Lane). 7.15-9.15pm. $22. Bookings gmail.com stunning vocal harmonies. Musicians of highest TOM SLEZAK, THE SECRET CITY. 237 COLLECTION, 5 piece multi-instrumental essential: [email protected], 0410 Saturday 24th calibre, joyful music. 794 Parramatta Rd, Wardell Rd, Dulwich Hill. 7.30pm. Roger Celtic band. So wear the green and get into 682 061 Sunday 18th Loaded Dog Folk Club. JASON & Lewisham. 8.30pm. $10. (Cuban style Salsa Fyfe 0425 261 953, open_mic@smallstage. the Irish party atmosphere! Cake, raffles, floor St Patrick’s Day Parade. CHLOE ROWETH www.rowethmusic.com. lesson at 7.30 - $15 includes entry.) Bistro open org spots (Irish please). Sutherland District Trade Café Dalor. “Close Up and Intimate” - Celebrations, Hyde Park. The theme for 2012 au Almost forgotten songs, in dynamic, fresh from 6.30pm. 0417 426 684, [email protected] Union Club (Tradies), Kingsway, Gymea. Very special concert with A la Carte Dinner. is "Sydney Celebrating Its Irishness!" arrangements, plus new material in the bush Saturday 3rd Wongawilli Hall. Klezmer Keili! 7.30pm. $15, $12, $10, <12 free. Maeve 9520 THE BATTLEFIELD BAND - Live and Gaelic Club. After the parade: 6pm, Music tradition. Guitar, mandolin. CD 'A Voice Gaels Got Talent Finals. Support new Live music and dance calling from THE 5628 Acoustic. 237 Wardell Rd, Dulwich Hill. session with JIMMY MULLARKEY. 8pm, That Was Still' won National Film and Sound talent and see who will win the 2012 competition. LONDON KLEZMER QUARTET (www. 6.30pm. Roger Fyfe 0425 261 953, open_ Fiddler LOUISE PHELAN. Upstairs, 64 Archive’s 'Best Folk Recording 2009' at Winners play on Main Stage at this year’s St The Factory Theatre. SHARON londonklezmerquartet.com), the most in- [email protected] TICKET ONLY. $90. Devonshire St, Surry Hills. 7.30pm. Free. NFF. + CHRISTINA MIMMOCCHI www. Patrick’s Day Parade & Family Day in Hyde SHANNON BIG BAND - a mix of the demand performers and dance callers on the All bookings (02) 8678 8376, 0412 602 983, [email protected] christina8arms.com Works with choirs incl. Park. Penrith Gaels Club, Kingswood. 7pm. finest talent from Ireland, the UK, Australia UK klezmer scene. The steps and old-style Berlsa Trading [email protected] The Spots, Choir on a Wire - and Sydney Entry by donation. Lucky door prize, raffles, & NZ: Dezi Donnelly (fiddle), Donogh Monday 19th dances from Jewish eastern Europe, including Women’s Vocal Orchestra (music secretly fantastic entertainment. Robert Brouder 0430 Hennessy (guitar), Rickie Buckley (sax), Thursday 15th BMC Dance Workshop. Dancing in lively freylekhs, sinuous horas, upbeat bulgars. arranged in WW2 Sumatran POW camps). 449 350, Catherine Crosse 0414 570 025, www. Matt McMahon (piano), Gerry Paul (electric Illawarra Folk Club. BATTLEFIELD the 21st Century. Leader Felicity Hattingh. 8-10pm. www.wongawillicolonialdance.org.au Writes for and sings with Blindman’s Holiday stpatricksday.org.au guitar), Hamish Stuart (drums), Brett Hirst BAND (Scotland). Inspired fusion of Pennant Hills Community Centre, Yarrara Rd. etc, and now performs her own songs. Was (bass). www.sharonshannon.com 105 Victoria ancient and modern traditional music and 7.30-9.30pm. $7. Felicity 9456 2860. Saturday 31st Mercantile Hotel. BLACKWATER 2009-10 National Library Fellowship holder. Gaelic Club. Sydney's SOLIDARITY CHOIR Rd, Marrickville. 7pm. $40 + b.f. 9550 3666, song. + DINGOS BREAKFAST, and mystery (Irish band). The Rocks. 3pm. Blackwater act. City Diggers Wollongong, cnr Church and Wednesday 21st Annandale Neighbourhood Centre (back celebrates its 25th anniversary, and farewells www.factorytheatre.com.au  has many other gigs, esp. during March. Burelli Sts. 7.30pm. $30, $25. Tickets, 1300 Venue 505. CHAIKA, album launch! hall while upstairs hall is renovated), 79 longtime director Miguel Heatwole. Upstairs, Check website, and watch Folkmail. www. Camelot Lounge. NANO STERN and 887 034, [email protected] or www.myspace.com/chaikaband + MY Johnston St. 8pm (doors 7.40pm). $15, $13. 64 Devonshire St, Surry Hills. 7.30pm. Terry blackwateririshband.com.au THE SINDICATO (Chile). 19 Marrickville www.illawarrafolkclub.org.au SAUCE GOOD www.mysaucegood.com BYO, supper available. 9358 4886, kxbears@ 0404 407 328, [email protected] Rd (cnr Railway Pde), Marrickville. (2 minutes - followed by Chaika in their new quintet ozemail.com.au www.theloadeddog.org.au Sunday 4th  Loosely Woven from Sydenham station.) Delicious food Friday 16th format. Cnr Cleveland & Perry Sts, Surry Humph Hall. Engadine House Concert. ALISTAIR Brass Monkey. CHRIS HILLMAN and 'on the Road' available. Fully licensed - NO BYO! Under Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Folk Club. Hills (www.venue505.com). 8.30pm (doors 30 instrumentalists BROWN (Scotland), talented songwriter HERB PEDERSEN (USA). chrishillman.com 18s must be accompanied by an adult. 9550 CHRISTINE WHEELER and friends. 7.30). Fabulous food, licensed bar. Under & singers present a free, folky sort of performer. www.alistairbrown.com Brown 'After 40 years, their harmony is so tight that 3777. www.trybooking.com/BCTU Singer and musician Christine Wheeler (the 18s allowed with responsible adult. $15, $10. concert/cabaret! 2pm. Humph Hall - has been singing the old songs, and new songs voice of Australian Celtic band Wheelers Emily-Rose 0401 432 892 it's almost as if they were singing in one clear, 85 Allambie Road, Allambie Heights. written by people who like the old songs, Friday 9th and Dealers for a decade) with fellow Blue tenor voice.' 115a Cronulla St, Cronulla. 9544 Enquiries/bookings: Wayne Richmond  since he was 15. Has performed in Australia, Gaelic Club. Hungarian Dance. Mountains musicians LEIGH BIRKETT Spots Choir welcomes back the wonderful 3844. www brassmonkey.com.au (02) 9939 8802 or [email protected] NZ, the US and Canada, and in UK clubs and Live Hungarian music. Upstairs, 64 (guitar, Irish bouzouki, vocals) and SIMON FRANKIE ARMSTRONG (UK) who has looselywoven.org

4 - The CORNSTALK Gazette MARCH 2012 The Folk Federation of NSW ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette MARCH 2012 - 5 NOTES AT Regional and ACT 2012 National Folklore festivals and events Canberra Confidential: The Hidden Secrets of Thursday 1st Conference the National Folk Festival 16th - 18th March 2012 NEWTOWN Yatte Yattah. House concert, JEZ LOWE & Blue Mountains Music Festival Australia’s National Folk Festival, held every Easter in Canberra, is one of the country’s KATE BRAMLEY (UK). 8pm. $20 donation. Registrations Now Open!!! best-kept secrets. The four day “Nash” is a kaleidoscope of live music, dance and creative www.bmff.org.au [email protected] 0418 620 593 The AFN’s annual conference will again performance set against the vibrant background of the Festival Village. Add fun workshops, take place prior to the National Folk Festival Saturday 3rd 19th - 20th March great shopping and fantastic multicultural food and the stage is set for a full-on long on Thursday 5 April 2012 at the National Newcastle Hunter Valley Folk Club. JEZ 2 Day Guitar Workshop, Katoomba, with weekend. Library of Australia, Canberra, from 9.15 – LOWE & KATE BRAMLEY (UK). + Pierre Bensusan. Awarded Best Festival Event for the third year running by the Canberra and Capital 4.30. Singer songwriter JANE M. HARDING. Bookings: [email protected] Tourism Awards 2011, the National Folk Festival is an integral part of the Australian Music In addition to the papers below, there will be Wesley Centre,150 Beaumont St, Festival calendar. While known affectionately as a “folk” festival, the Nash seamlessly a lunchtime concert from 12.30 - 1.30pm, 23rd - 25th March 2012 Hamilton. 7.30pm. $20, $17, $14. www. blends folk, blues and roots, bringing together established and emerging national and organised by Rob and Olya Willis and Yackandandah Folk Festival newcastlehuntervalleyfolkclub.org.au international performers in world-class, covered venues. Friday 2nd featuring Andy Saunders and Les and June folkfestival.yackandandah.com BRIDIE KING, blues and boogie pianist, Katoomba RSL. KAREN LYNNE Bluegrass This year’s headliners include “Mysticssippi” blues man, Harry Manx, who has been Bruton discussing and playing traditional called an “essential link” between the music of East and West, creating musical short stories www.bridieking.com with THE FOREDAY Circle Bluegrass Band. 8.30pm. Australian songs and American Blue Grass 5th - 9th April 2012 RIDERS www.foredayriders.com + special National Folk Festival Canberra that wed the tradition of the Blues with the depth of classical Indian ragas. His unique sound Sunday 4th music. is hard to forget and deliciously addictive. guests. 8pm. $30 (incl. b.f). www.folkfestival.asn.au Nowra. House concert, JEZ LOWE & KATE The conference will also feature the launch Scottish bands are well represented this year with the Battlefield Band and Shooglenifty, Wednesday 7th BRAMLEY (UK). 3.30pm. $20 donation. of the recently published selection of papers 6th -8th April 2012 straight-faced perpetrators of Techno Ceilidh, Acid Croft and Hypnofolkadelia, on an PETER ROWAN BLUEGRASS BAND [email protected] from previous conferences, Antipodean Four Winds Festival unsuspecting world. Veteran guitarist Stefan Grossman, Grammy Award winning uke player, (USA). www.peter-rowan.com Wednesday 7th Traditions: Australian Folklore in the 21st Biennial festival of classic, cultural and Daniel Ho, Latin sensation Victor Valdes and the London Klezmer Quartet, join Harry in the Tuesday 20th Newcastle City Hall. UKULELE Century, edited by Graham Seal and Jennifer world music. It takes place every sec- overseas lineup. Gall. BEOGA (Ireland). www.beogamusic.com/ ORCHESTRA (UK) 8pm. $69-$89 ('cheaper ond Easter in a parkland bush amphithe- Australia’s Katie Noonan with her band ‘Elixir’, Russian singer/songwriter Zulya beoga/home.html than the Opera House'). premier.ticketek.com.au The conference is free but we ask attendees Kamalova and Irish trad’s Ado Barker and Ben Stephenson are among the Australian line- to register in advance for catering purposes. atre near Bermagui. admin@fourwinds. Wednesday 21st Saturday 10th up. With Syrian Oud master, Adnaan Baraaky and Mongolian throat singer, Bukhchuluum Please send to [email protected] com.au www.fourwinds.com NORIANA KENNEDY(Ireland). www. Canberra Contra Club dance. St Margaret's Ganburged, the stage is set for a stimulating and intriguing festival. 2012 AUSTRALIAN FOLKLORE norianakennedy.com/home.cfm Uniting Church, cnr Antill St & Phillip Ave, 20th – 22nd April 2012 Crossover is big this year, with Canberra’s Adam Hadley organising the first NFF poetry CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS Thursday 22nd Hackett. 8-11.30pm. $18, $14. Rob (02) 6251 1287 St Albans Folk Festival slam – a face-off between Australia’s bush poets and our beat poets. Who will carry the day Bruce Watson - Antarctic Lore is anyone’s guess. PETER ROWAN BLUEGRASS BAND Friday 16th www.stalbansfolkfestival.com.au Chris Woodland – The Sydney Bush Music “There’s something for everyone, with great activities for young and old alike,” (USA). www.peter-rowan.com River Music. St Patrick's Day Extravaganza [email protected] Club Managing Director of the NFF, Sebastian Flynn said. with RIOGH www.reverbnation.com/riogh, Contact: 612 9873 3378 Friday 23rd Dennis O’Keeffe - John Keith McDougall: a You can catch Canberra singer-songwriter Fred Smith singing about his time in the Nowra Golf Club, Fairway Drive, North ABIGAIL WASHBURN, Nashville-based poet born the same year as Henry Lawson. 6th - 15th April 2012 diplomatic corps in Afghanistan and revisit the songs of childhood with the incomparable Nowra. 7.30pm. $20, $15, Youth (12-20) $5. singer songwriter and Emma Nixon - Roots and All: The Hungarian Music and Dance Camp Peter Combe. For the adventurous the Majestic ‘Folk Fringe’ tent is home to indie musos Andrew or Alison (02) 4447 5663 player, and KAI WELCH (USA). www. Australian Scottish Fiddle Tree (Sydney) and performers, and this year will include the first Nash performance of the English roots abigailwashburn.com 8pm. $39.80 (incl. Saturday 17th Graham McDonald - What did the ‘folk www.kengugro.org Green Man Cycle. b.f.). Canberra Ceili. CORNER HOUSE CEILI singers’ sing? 5th - 6th May For those interested in trying something new there is a host of professional workshops, BAND. Cook Neighbourhood Hall, 41 Gwenda Davey - International protocols, Saturday 24th Sing Dubbo dance lessons and free performance spaces to choose from. PIERRE BENSUSAN (France), Templeton St. 8pm. $14, $12. 6125 3766, children's rights and traditional play Enq. [email protected] Easter Monday is ‘Family Day’ filled with exciting activities for the kids, including arts, a composer, bilingual and brave www.mabula.net/setdancing/ceilis.html Karl Neuenfeldt - Crafting the Sounds crafts and children’s performances – and discount prices for families. improvisational vocalist, can make a guitar Sunday 18th of Sentiment: Jen Anderson and The “The festival is renowned for its family friendly feel and is a great place to teach kids a sound like an entire band, crossing world, Yass Oddfellows Hall. FAYE BLAIS. 67 Sentimental Bloke DVD Score little about traditional Australian history,” Sebastian said. classical, , traditional and folk. www. Comur St. [email protected] Reilly McCarron - Once Upon A Time: Earlybird Tickets for the National are on sale until 2 April – for ‘The Best Easter reclaiming the oral tradition of fairy tales for pierrebensusan.com Saturday 24th Weekend in Australia’! There are also savings up to $130 on family tickets for Easter adults. Sunday 25th Newcastle Hunter Valley Folk Club. Monday Family Day. Professor Graham Seal AM - BA (Hons) St Albans Folk Festival CHRIS HILLMAN and HERB PEDERSEN Bush Dance with WALCHA ROAD. (UNSW) MA (Leeds) GradDipMedia 20th to 22nd April 2012 (USA). Hillman was a founding member Wesley Centre,150 Beaumont St, (AFTRS) PhD (Deakin) of Folk/Rock pioneers, The Byrds; and of Hamilton. 7.30pm. $15, $12, $10. www. Director Australia-Asia-Pacific-Institute The 33rd St Albans Folk Festival will revert back to their normal timeslot of the weekend The Flying Burrito Brothers. Pedersen, newcastlehuntervalleyfolkclub.org.au Research and Graduate Studies | Faculty of prior to Anzac day which is also the last weekend of the NSW school holidays. brilliant on banjo and guitar, was a member Tuesday 27th Humanities Earlybird tickets are on sale on the new website, www.stalbansfolkfestival.com.au. of bluegrass band, The Dillards; and later Albion Hotel, Albury. BATTLEFIELD The stellar line-up is currently being finalised but will include the Beez from Germany, played and recorded with Linda Ronstadt, BAND. 593 Dean St. (02) 6021 3377, www. interstaters Frencham Smith, Martin Pearson, Chloe and Silas, Ange Takats and a host of Emmylou Harris, John Denver, etc. + albionalbury.com.au others lead by Chaika, the Lurkers, Springtide and the irrepressible Famous Wheeze & Suck BRENT PARLANE. 8pm. $51 (incl. b.f.). Band. Wednesday 28th All “folk” genres will be represented from the traditional, bluegrass, choirs, Wednesday 28th Wallsend Diggers. BATTLEFIELD BAND. 5 instrumental, Celtic and of course the poets lead by Peter Mace. This years Bush Dance will JEZ LOWE (UK), legendary singer Tyrrell St. 7.30pm. $40, from club (4951 7000) be courtesy of Franklyn B Paverty. songwriter from north east England. www. or from White Heather Highland Suppliers, 81 Please see the web-site for a full list of performers and the program. In addition there are jezlowe.com + WHEEZE AND SUCK Fletcher St, Adamstown (4952 6533). BAND. Doors 7pm. $30 + b.f. details pertaining to Accommodation and Camping. Thursday 29th Thursday 29th As usual, performances will be complemented by a multitude of workshops, a Kids Braidwood Folk Club. JEZ LOWE. Anglican Frankie Armstrong (UK) Festival, themed events and Market Stalls catering to festival goers’ culinary tastes and BATTLEFIELD BAND (Scotland). church hall. 7pm. Sue 02 4842 8142 www.battlefieldband.co.uk sartorial fashions. Friday 30th Randwick - Wed 21st (0410) 682 061 Don’t miss it! Clarendon Guest House. BATTLEFIELD 7.15pm: Workshop Notes, 75 Enmore Rd, Newtown. BAND. 68 Lurline St, Katoomba 4782 1322, Bookings, 9557 5111, noteslive.net.au Humph Hall - Sun 25th (02) 9939 8802 www.clarendonguesthouse.com.au 1pm: Workshop, 7pm: Concert

6 - The CORNSTALK Gazette MARCH 2012 The Folk Federation of NSW ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette MARCH 2012 - 7 and laughing in the ‘shtetls’ of eastern photos, videos & Oral History of our early folk news Europe for hundreds of years, where they days. Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band were the essential ingredient at every Join members of Australia’s oldest (& The Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band consists of outstanding musicians wedding celebration. possibly the English-speaking world's 2nd with over 100 years of combined recording and performance Rob Willis on ABC Radio Folklorist Rob Willis, OAM, The band’s exuberance, passion and oldest) folk club, the Bush Music Club in a experience. Joining guitarist Peter Rowan are Michael Witcher, accomplishment are proving popular – musical celebration of their roots. dobro; Keith Little, banjo; and Paul Knight, bass. The ensemble has has been travelling around Australia for decades recording old songs and within a year of its formation in 2009, In the lead up to the Bush Music Club's graced the stages of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Grey Fox, Merlefest, the LKQ was being booked by leading 60th Anniversary in 2014, we take you on Rothbury Australia’s National Folk Festival, and numerous other stories, before they are gone forever. His collection is now the largest and UK world and folk music promoters and a trip down memory lane to the days when festivals domestically and abroad, entertaining audiences with festivals. “Gorgeous traditional playing the Australian folk song "The Drover's original and traditional songs executed in vibrant harmony. most accessible folklore and social history collection housed in the National full of ‘groove’ with so many creative and Dream" was on the top of the Hit Parade. In September 2010, the Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band released their Library Archives. He was featured on joyful twists!” (Deborah Strauss). It all began in 1952 when John Meredith debut album for Nashville’s Compass Records- Legacy; the new ABC Local Radio on Friday 3 February. They have performances and/or and several friends (aka the Heathcote album, featuring traditional and original compositions, was produced Listen, or download mp3, at www.abc. workshops every day from 23rd March Bushwhackers) started performing the by Compass owner/recording artist Alison Brown and includes net.au/local/stories/2012/02/03/3422561. through to 9th April: details at www. songs they remembered from their earlier Ricky Skaggs, , and Del McCoury and htm?site=conversations londonklezmerquartet.com/oztour.htm years. In 1953 they joined the cast of received a Grammy nomination in 2010. 'Reedy River' and contributed to the great Folk Dancing Good For Peter Rowan – Guitar, Vocals Choir Director Needed success of it's Sydney run. By 1954 the Sydney's Solidarity Choir celebrates 25 Seniors. Bushwhackers were so popular that they GRAMMY-award winner and six-time GRAMMY nominee, Peter years this year. It's a momentous time for the Back in November, Sutherland Shire founded the Bush Music Club to cater Rowan is a bluegrass singer-songwriter with a career spanning over choir on several fronts, not the least being Folk Dance Group was visited by the for all the aspiring "Bushwhackers", with five decades. From his early years playing under the tutelage of bluegrass patriarch Bill Monroe, Peter’s stint in Old & In the Way with the stepping down of choir director Miguel Sydney Morning Herald and the ABC. the aim of re-popularising Australian folk Jerry Garcia and his subsequent breakout as both a solo performer and bandleader, Rowan has built a devoted, international fan base Heatwole after many years at the helm. This was because Dr Dafna Meroma is songs and encouraging the composition through his continuous stream of original recordings, collaborative projects, and constant touring. This is a call for expressions of interest conducting a project this year into the of new songs contemporary in theme & benefits of folkdance for older people. Keith Little – Banjo, Vocals for the position of musical director of the traditional in style. Within a few years She was keen to have photos and a video A native of the Sierra Nevada foothills of northern California, Keith Little is a nationally acclaimed bluegrass musician, recording Sydney Solidarity Choir. We would like there were Bushwhacker-style bands of active, older people to help with her artist, and composer. Over a career spanning forty years, Keith has been an important member of many national touring bands (Country the new director to begin in early April across the country and Australian Bush advertising. 'As our Thursday class has Gentlemen, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Lonesome Standard Time), and has performed on the GRAMMY award winning 2012. The position is a paid one. Music was born. about 20 dancers, with the average age recordings “The Grass Is Blue” and “Little Sparrow” by Dolly Parton, and “Another Country” by the Chieftains. An amazing vocalist, Over the past 25 years the Solidarity of approximately 72, we thought this was Keith appears regularly with duo partner Jim Nunally, and is also a featured member of the David Grisman Bluegrass Experience. Choir has collected some of the world's dance news most uplifting songs of freedom and social the best class,' writes Kaye Laurendet Paul Knight – Bass, Vocals justice, given them exciting new choral (Footnotes, February 2012). Folk Dance on ABC-TV Paul Knight has been playing with Peter Rowan in various configurations for over 15 years. His driving acoustic bass has been part of arrangements, and sung them with passion The SMH report didn't make it to print, Back in November, Sutherland Shire recordings and live performances with a wide range of musicians including Jim Lauderdale, Laurie Lewis, and Crooked Jades, Paul is and defiance at more than 600 community despite the time spent with reporter and Folk Dance Group was visited by the host to his own music series, Paul Knight & Friends, in his hometown of Pt. Reyes Station, CA. Several projects & bands have emerged events, public meetings, protests, cameraman. (However, a DVD of photos Sydney Morning Herald and the ABC. from these shows including The Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band. conferences, concerts, and folk festivals was sent to the group.) This was because Dr Dafna Meroma is The ABC filmed and interviewed the Michael Witcher – DOBRO, Vocals large and small. conducting a project this year into the group for the 7.30 Report. The dances each Growing up the youngest of five in a musical and artistic family in the suburbs of LosAngeles, Michael found his voice playing the Currently there are 12-15 core benefits of folkdance for older people. had to be done about four times, to give dobro at the age of fourteen. In less than a year, he was playing with his father Dennis, and brother Gabe in their Bluegrass band, “The members. We meet for 2 hours on She was keen to have photos and a video plenty of material. They came back two Witcher Brothers”. Michael has recorded or toured with Dwight Yoakam, Fernando Ortega, Laurie Lewis, Tyler Hilton, John Paul Jones, Thursdays at 6.30pm in Erskineville. of active, older people to help with her weeks later to see the finished product in Sara Watkins, The Brothers, Dolly Parton, Joan Osborn, Willie Watson (), and Chris Jones among There may be scope for negotiation of the advertising. 'As our Thursday class has the annual Christmas Concert. others. Known for his rich tone and lyrical phrasing, Michael is also a highly sought after instructor. day and time of practice. about 20 dancers, with the average age We are seeking a director who is able The segment was shown on ABC- of approximately 72, we thought this was TV on 4th January. It 'has proved to be Numeralla FF a Flight of Fancy to help us maintain and build on what is the best class,' writes Kaye Laurendet a unique and exciting repertoire, perhaps wonderful advertising, both for our group (Footnotes, February 2012). By Jenny Watson and for folkdancing in general.' It can Numeralla is a magic place I ever want to be taking us in new directions. The SMH report didn't make it to print, For January's festival, a privileged group just you and me Info: solidaritychoir.com.au & still be viewed, at www.abc.net.au/7.30/ despite the time spent with reporter and To meet old friends, or make some brand new youtube.com/user/solidaritychoir content/2012/s3402235.htm cameraman. (However, a DVD of photos To recharge a dying soul and make it sing freely too 0404 407 328, [email protected] For Dafna’s project, teachers will be was sent to the group.) To watch the pretty river as it so lazily flows going into selected retirement villages The ABC filmed and interviewed the Go grab a towel, go swimming no need for clothes London Klezmer Quartet weekly, and teaching easy dances. She group for the 7.30 Report. The dances From the kids of this festival you hear not a cry The London Klezmer Quartet, some hopes to show that balance and strength can each had to be done about four times, to Life is at it should be here freedom and music soothes like a child's lullaby of Europe’s finest klezmer talent, present be improved by dancing. But the music is the pied piper that brings us all here give plenty of material. They came back a heady mix of traditional and original Kaye can be contacted at 9528 4813, two weeks later to see the finished product Why people converge in numbers from places so far and so near melodies. This is their first Australian [email protected] In camps, under the stars, by fireside quite divine in the annual Christmas Concert. tour and they will have audiences dancing The segment was shown on ABC- The stars are the musos, the listeners, the tellers of rhyme in the aisles on a 20-date schedule BMC Turns 60 in 2014! No matter what instrument you have decided to favour TV on 4th January. It 'has proved to be performing in Sydney, , The Bush Music Club, Australia's It will find its heart here, its rhythm and richness to savour oldest Folk Club, is turning 60 in 2014 & wonderful advertising, both for our group Don't forget mind the beauty, the radiance of the dance Bendigo, Newcastle, Central Coast, starts celebrating at the 2012 National Folk and for folkdancing in general.' It can Each night in the lovely hall, join Fran take a chance Wollongong & the National Folk Festival. still be viewed, at www.abc.net.au/7.30/ The music, the laughter, the smiles and the fun The band’s traditional and self-penned Festival in April. Celebrating the birth of Australian Bush content/2012/s3402235.htm When every man twirls his chosen lady and two merge as one melodies will take audiences on a Jewish For Dafna’s project, teachers will be And the myriads of stars in the sky didn't I mention those? Music with a concert that revisits history Odyssey from Eastern Europe to Australia going into selected retirement villages You could fall into them and fly as they are so very close via the Balkans, Turkey, the US and in the making, at the Trocodero 2pm Easter But these things all aren't true I will make you believe Saturday. Sing the songs, watch the dances, weekly, and teaching easy dances. She London. Their traditional sound evokes a hopes to show that balance and strength Numeralla is like Camelot only a spell here do we weave. fervour and joy reminiscent of the Jewish listen to the tunes, poems & yarns of our first 10 years, all this accompanied by can be improved by dancing. minstrels who kept people dancing, crying Kaye 9528 4813 [email protected]

8 - The CORNSTALK Gazette MARCH 2012 The Folk Federation of NSW ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette MARCH 2012 - 9 ■Macedonian Dance Class Rockdale. 6.30-8.30pm, $5. lllawarra Folk Club, ■BMC Beer & Cheese Night Y Kaporis 0412 861 187 ■3rd Saturday, Wollongong City Diggers Club, Themed music nights, 1st Fri (except holidays), 8-10pm. folk contacts ■Mortdale Scottish DancersLearners night (for learners cnr Burelli & Church Streets, 1300 887 034 www. Bring something to sing, eat, drink. Bush Music Club, Hut and experienced), 7.30- 9.30pm. Pensioners Welfare illawarrafolkclub.org.au 44, Addison Rd Community Centre, 142 Addison Rd, Club Hall, 76 Pitt Street, Mortdale. Pam Jehan 9580 Loaded Dog Folk Club Marrickville. 9569 7244, [email protected] Choirs DANCE 8564. ■4th Sat, Annandale Neighbourhood Centre, 79 ■Eastern Suburbs Poetry Group Monday Monday Greek Folk Dance. Pan Macedonian Assoc Building, ■Linnéa Swedish FolkdancersEstonian House, 141 Johnston St, 8pm. Sandra Nixon, 9358 4886, kxbears@ 1st Friday, Church in the Market Place, Bondi Junction. ■A Choired Taste, Glebe, led by David Westmore, 9716 Bush Music Club Dance Workshop Railway Pde, Sydenham from 7pm onwards. Adult Campbell St, Surry Hills. New members welcome. For ozemail.com.au. www.theloadeddog.org.au 6.30-8.30pm. Gina 9349 6958 7016 Beginners, experienced, 7.30pm, Pennant Hills classes from 7.15 pm, Vasilios Aligiannis, tel/fax 9708 times contact Graeme Traves 9874 4194, linneafolk@ ■Macquarie Towns Music Club3rd Sat,7.30pm Alternates ■Springwood Neighbourhood Centre Acoustic Club 4th ■Bright Star Singers Ashfield, led by Mary-Jane Field, Community Centre, downstairs. Except Jan. and public 1875 [email protected] hotmail.co between concert and round robin jam session format Fri, (Feb - Nov) 8pm, $7/$5, Springwood Neighbourhood 9090 2362 holidays. Felicity 9456 2860 International Folk Dancing for older women with concerts featuring a guest artist supported by a Centre, Macquarie Rd (next to library and Oriental ■Ecopella. Erskineville, led by Miguel Heatwole, 9810 International Folk Dancing School terms only, 9-10am beginners, 10-11am ‘blackboard concert’. St Peters Educational Centre, 384 Hotel.) Visitors and floor performers welcome, Theresa 4601 [email protected] School term, Earlwood Senior Citizens Centre, 362 advanced. Bankstown Older Women’s Wellness Windsor St, Richmond. Contact Lydia Bowen-Clare 47518157, Jeannette 4754 4893 ■Glory Bound Groove Train. Petersham, led by Linda Homer St 10am-noon. Debbie 4294 1363. 0427 315 245 Centre, Police and Community Youth Club, cnr 4576 0521 [email protected] ■Open Mic Dalor Cafe. 7.30pm 1st & 3rd Friday. 237 Calgaro, 9518 4135 Scottish Country Dancing for beginners, with ‘Scots Meredith St and French Ave. Gabrielle 9728 7466, Alita ■ The Shack. 1st Sat, presents 21st century Wardell Rd Dulwich Hill. Enq. Roger Fyfe 0425 261 953 ■Inner West Chamber Choir, Leichhardt, led by on the Rocks’, Fort St Public School, Observatory Hill, 9798 9269 original,contemporary and traditional folk music at the Free Rachelle Elliott. 9797 1917. [email protected]. Sydney, 6.30-7.30pm. Nea 9994 7110, Lynn 9268 1246, Irish Set Dance class, Irish Gaelic Club, 64 Devonshire Tramshed, 1395a Pittwater Rd, Narrabeen at 7:30. BYO Sunday ■Intonations. Manly, led by Karen Smith, 0415 221 113, SC [email protected], http://www.rscds.org.au St, Surry Hills. 8-9.30pm. Alarna 0401 167 910. drinks and nibblies. Contact Rhonda on 0416 635 856 [email protected] ■Hotel Illawarra Wollongong, 3rd Sunday, 3pm, spoken Belly Dance, basic/beginners 7pm, choreography 8pm, Sutherland Shire Bush Dance Group. Uniting Church, or email Kathleen at [email protected]. word, 5pm acoustic music ■Martenitsa. Ultimo, led by Mara & Llew Kiek, Girraween Hall, 17 Tungarra Rd. Vera Myronenko 9665 4 Gosport St, Cronulla, 7.30-10pm. $3. Beginners most ■Troubadour Folk Club 47514910 ■Irish Music Session ellys, King Street, Newtown, 6pm. 9713 welcome. Partners not necessary.Mike 9520 2859 Central Coast, 4th Sat. in month 7pm CWA Hall, Woy Enq. 9559 6300 ■People’s Chorus. Newcastle, led by Rod Noble, 49  Tuesday Sutherland Shire Folk Dance Group Woy. (opposite Fisherman’s Wharf), The Boulevard, ■Irish Music Session. 3rd Sunday. Bennet Hotel, 623432 International dancing, Como Guides Hall, cnr Warraba Woy Woy. Admission: $11/$9/$8. Floor spots available.. ■Unaccompanied Baggage. North Sydney, led by Blue Mountains Scottish Country Dancers Hamilton, 4-7.30pm Roz and Shane Kerr 44967 3167 Catholic Church Hall, 7-9pm, Wentworth St, $3 Verley & Mulyan Sts, Como West 9.30a, - 11am & 11.30am - includes light supper. Marilyn or Frank 4341 4060 or ■Irish Music Sessions - Dicey Riley’s, Wollongong 2pm. Stuart Davis, [email protected] 12.30pm. Kaye 9528 4813, [email protected] 0419 231 319 ■Voiceworks, Katoomba, ledby Rachel Hore 4759 Kelliher, 4787 5968, [email protected] Carol ■Music lessons for kids. 12 noon - 3pm. Focus on tin Gardner 4751 6073/[email protected] Thursday ■Fairlight Folk Acoustic Lounge whistle. Gaelic Club. Surry Hills 9212 1587. 2456, [email protected]  Greek Folk Dance English Country Dancing for the over 55’s. American Held four times a year, Feb, May, Aug. Nov (usually ■Music Session Hero of Waterloo, cnr Lower Fort St Tuesday Pan-Korintian House, Level 1, 11 Anglo Rd, Campsie, Contra + Beginners English, 11.30am - 1pm. Advanced MUSIC IN CONCERT 1st Sat) 7.30pm. Comfortable, relaxed environment and Windmill Street, The Rocks. 6-10pm. Brendan 9818 ■Cantorion, Neutral Bay, led by David Westmore, 9716 6.30pm - 9.20pm. Adult class and performance group. English 2-4pm. School for Seniors, Wesley Mission, for quality live acoustic music. After show - jam. BYO 4864 7016 220 Pitt St. Sydney. (Opposite back of Hilton Hotel.) drinks and nibbles. Light refreshments available. William st Vas Aligiannis, 0407 081 875, [email protected]. Tuesday ■Sydney Scottish Fiddlers1 and 3rd Sun, 2-5pm, New ■Ecopella. Illawarra area (alternate Tuesdays), led by Roslyn 9263 5416 au. www.greekdancing.com.au The Screw Soapers Guild - Writers Presenters & St Studios, Fairlight (The Baptist Church down from Church, 4 Shirley Rd Roseville. All ages welcome. Trish Miguel Heatwole 9810 4601, [email protected] Blue Labyrinth International Folk Dance Hungarian Dance Class Listeners Group 4th Tues, 7.30pm, stories, poems, Sydney Rd. Contact Rosie 9948 7993. www.fairlightfolk. 9416 2402. ■Roc Lawson, led by Rachel Hore, 47592456, Ultimo, 8-10pm. Gary Dawson 9559 4485. from 7pm, Baptist Church Hall, King St Glenbrook. Jo com/index.htm songs and conversation. Albert 9600 7153, email: If you change your details PLEASE advise [email protected] [email protected] Barrett 4739 6498  [email protected], website: www.folkclub. the editor on 02 6493 6758 or email corn- ■The Honeybees. East Sydney, led by Dynes Austin. English Country Dancing, Sydney Greek Folk Dance sessions & free workshops com/folkodyssey/ [email protected]. You may also Contact Jenny Jackson, 9816 4577 lindsayandjenny@ Playford Dance Group. Occasionally at Lidcombe. St Gerassimos Church Hall, 21 Henry St Leichhardt. Monday hotmail.com 6 pm onwards. Adult classes from 7.15 Vasilios Wednesday Bush Music Club wish to have your details online (free) - TBA. Patricia 9649 6978 or Mike or Ros on 9929 8193 Wisefolk Club Last Wed in month, 11am-2.30pm, ■Sydney Trade Union Choir Sydney City, contact Nola  Aligiannis, tel/fax 9708 1875 [email protected] Community Centre, 44/142 Addison Rd, Marrickville, jam.org.au Scottish Country Dancing Toongabbie Bowling Club, 12 Station Rd, lunch at club Cooper 9587 1165 - [email protected] St John’s Uniting Church Hall, Coonanbarra Rd, Sutherland Shire Folk Dance Group 7.30pm. Music workshop. All singers and musicians  bistro. Sonia 9621 2394 Allen 9639 7494, ■Songs Next Door, Seaview Street, Dulwich Hill, meets Wahroonga, 7.30-10.30pm. All welcome. Catherine International dancing. Scout Hall, June Place, Gymea welcome. Bob 9569 7244, [email protected] weekly at Sea View Hall, Seaview St, Dulwich Hill. Bonner 9489 5027 Bay. 10am. Kaye 9528 4813 [email protected] Thursday Tuesday  12.30pm. (Seniors mostly) Contact Allan 9520 6180 Scottish Country Dancing Sydney Irish Ceili Dancers Sutherland Folk Club Irish Music Session: Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday Wednesday Fort Street School, Observatory Hill, City. 6pm to 8pm Kingsgrove Uniting Church Hall, 289A Kingsgrove 2nd Thurs concert night. All ages. Members are of the month from 7.30 – 10.30pm @ The Shamrock ■Choralation. Abbotsford (school terms), contact Nea MacCulloch 9904 1358(a/h) or Lynn 8244 9618(w) Rd (cnr Moreton Avenue, Children’s step dancing welcome to join us at any of our concerts, do a floor Inn, Asquith Leagues Club, Alexandra Pd. Waitara Margaret Grove [email protected] Sutherland Shire Folk Dance Group 6pm, adults step dancing 7pm. Set and ceili dancing spot. Enjoy a friendly , sociable night’s entertainment, (short walk from station). It’s an open session and all ■Ecopella. Upper Mts., contact Kate 47 825529 International Dancing, Gymea Bay Scout Hall, June 8-10.30pm. Margaret and Bill Winnett 9150 6765. support local talent. Contact Jenny 9576 2301. musicians are welcome with focus on tunes rather than email: [email protected] ■The Heathens. Blackheath, day time 12-pm. Led by Place, 7.30-9pm. Kaye Laurendet 9528 4813 Friday songs. Phone Norm 9489 5786/normanmerrigan@ Chris Wheeler 4787 5725 chris@wheelersanddealers. Turkish Dance Class Friday Hornsby Kuring-Gai Folk Club optusnet.com.au com.au Lidcombe Community Centre, 8-10pm. Yusuf Nidai Australian Colonial and Folk Dancers Every Friday, ■3rd Fri, 8pm, Each month Beatrice Taylor Hall, rear Irish music lessons, beginners and advanced, ■NoteTonight, Josephine. Glebe, led by David 9646 1166 Scouts/Guides Hall, Plympton Road, Carlingford, Willow Park Community Centre, Edgeworth David Ave, instruments including fiddle, flue, whistle, guitar, banjo. Westmore, 9716 7016 Ukrainian (Cossack) Dancing Class (opposite Nth Carlingford shops). Anthony and Lisa Guest artist and floor spots, light supper provided BYO Gaelic Club, 64 Devonshire St. Surry Hills, 9212 1587 folkus on folk ■The Spots. Christina Mimmocchi, Randwick 0410 for fit and energetic young people (16-23yrs), 7.30 9873 4805. grog. Barry Parks 9807 9497 [email protected] [email protected] 2MBS-FM 102.5MHz 6PM Saturday International Dancing. Sedenka Folk Dancers, 682 061 pm to 10.00 pm. Ukrainian Hall 59 Joseph Street, lllawarra Folk Club Wednesday Rozelle Neighbourhood Centre, 665A Darling St Thursday Lidcombe. Jaros Iwanec 9817 7991, jarosiwanec@ ■1st Friday, Wollongong City Diggers Club, cnr Burelli Jolly Frog Hotel. Jam Night. Cnr Bridge & Macquarie Rozelle. 8-llpm, $3. Chris Wild 9560 2910.Scottish ■Bouddi Voice. Kincumber (school terms), led by C & optusnet.com.au /www.veselka.com.au & Church Streets, 1300 887 034 www.illawarrafolkclub. Sts, Windsor. 7.30pm to late. Mark 0419 466 004 Saturday 10th March Carole Garland  Country Dancing C Sainsbury, contact 43 683270 International Folk Dance class - Open Door, Georges org.au Gosford Bush Poets Saturday 24th March Kate Delaney Hall Senior Citizens, Birdwood Rd, 11.30am-12.30pm. Adult classes, beginners welcome, children 6.30 Last Wednesday night of every month 7pm. The ■Chorella Community Choir. Richmond, contact Ellen Springwood Neighbourhood Centre Acoustic Club, 4578 2975 Gabrielle 9728 7466, [email protected] -7.30pm, adults 8-10.30pm, Beecroft Primary School, Gosford Hotel, cnr of Mann & Erina Sts Gosford. Anyone with a CD that you would like to or SNC Acoustic Club. Regular folk nights on the ■Cleftomaniacs. Waterloo, led by Gary Smith, garys7@ “The Dance Buffet”, wide variety taught, Liverpool $2. Sheena Caswell 9868 2075, Heather Dryburgh Everyone welcome to share in night of fun, friendship add to the library collection for consider- City Pipe Band Hall, Woodward Park (next to Whitlam 9980 7978 4th Friday of each month (Feb - Nov), 8pm $7/$5 and great poetry. Contact Vic Jefferies, 02 96394911 or ation for airway please forward to optushome.com.au Springwood Neighbourhood Centre, Macquarie Rd, ■Solidarity Choir. Newtown, led by Miguel Heatwole, Centre), Memorial Ave, 7.30-9.30pm. $8 ($5 conc). Scottish Country Dancing [email protected] Focus on Folk, Post Office Box A182, Nicholai 9822 7524, mob 0407 178 228 Springwood. (next to Civic Centre). Visitors and floor 9810 4601, [email protected] ■Caringbah Seniors Hall, 386 Port Hacking Rd, Car- performers welcome. Enquiries, Mark Hand 02 4721 Thursday Sydney South 1235. Friday Wednesday ingbah (rear Library), 8pm. Beginners/other levels. G. 4230 or [email protected] ■Sutherland Acoustic  ■The Sydney Street Choir. CBD, led by Peter Lehner Albion Fair, North-West Morris Dancing Milton 9524 4943, Erica Nimmo 9520 4781 Toongabbie Music Club 4th Thursday of each. month from 7.30pm Gymea 0425 268 771 Lilyfield Community Centre, Cecily and O’Neill Sts, Saturday 2nd and 4th Fri 8pm, Northmead Scout Hall, Tradies Club, Kingsway, Gymea. Friendly jam. All ■The Sydney Welsh Choir. Men and Women) meet on 7.45pm. Angie Milce 9817 3529 Whitehaven Road, Northmead. A session always welcome to sing, play an instrument, recite poetry or Wednesday Evenings at Concord Baptist Church Hall. Australian Heritage Dancers Bush Music Club Bush Dances just listen. Enq. Jenny 95762301 ■Feb-Dec (not Easter), 8-12pm, $17/$14/$12 incl. happens so bring instruments. Allen Davis 9639 7494 Reh. 7pm to 9pm. 20 to 30 performances a year. Viv 47 Annandale Neighbourhood Centre, 79 Johnston St, 8 [email protected]. or Ray Pulis 9899 2102. ■Blackheath Folk Club 39 0384, Warwick 9451 7806,[email protected] -10pm. Jim Young 9412 3721 [email protected]. supper, children to 12 free. Beecroft Community Ctr 1st 1st Thurs, 7.30pm, Ivanhoe Hotel, cnr Gt Wstn Hwy ■Mudlarks, women’s a cappella choir. Woodford. Led au - australianheritagedancers.org.au Sat, Helen 9626 7816; Balmain High School hall, Terry Friday and Govetts Leap Rd. Christine Davies, Peter Duggan rd  by Alison Jones 4759 2880 Balmoral Scottish Country Dance Group St, Rozelle, 3 Sat, Don 9642 7949 Cafe Dalor Open Mic, 1st & 3rd Fridays of the month. 4787 7246 ■Pacopezants. - Balkan Choir. Meets Fridays 7.00-9.15pm, Seniors’ Centre, Mosman Square, ■Central Coast Bush Dance2nd Sat, 7.30 - 11.30pm, 237 Wardell Rd (nr station, Bankstown line), Dulwich ■Gaelic Club. 4pm, Katoomba. Enquiries: June (02) 4782 1554. Mosman. Nell Morgan 9981 4769. East Gosford Progress Hall, Henry Parry Dr and Wells Hill. BYO. Roger Fyfe 0425 261 953 Irish music session, 8pm. Plus Irish music lessons, [email protected] Epping Scottish Country Dance Club St, $15/$12. Beate 4323 3356. Robyn 4344 6484. Saturday instruments including fiddle, flute, whistle, guitar, banjo. St Aidan’s Church Hall, Downing St, 7.30-10pm. All Scottish and Old Time Dance ■Bluegrass & Traditional Country Music Society of Gaelic Club, Surry Hills 9212 1587 info@gaelicclub. Sunday ■2nd Sat, 8pm, Uniting Church, 9-11 Bay St, Rockdale. ■Blue Mountains Trade Union Choir. Upper Mts., levels welcome. Clare Haack 9484 5947 clare_kirton@ Aust. 1st Sat, March-December Sydney get-together. com.au $3 incl. supper. Chris Thom 9587 9966 contact Kate 47 82 5529 hotmail.com Annandale Neighbourhood Centre, 79 Johnston St, Friday Gosford Scottish Country Dance Society ■Scottish and Old Time DancingOrkney and Shetland Annandale. Band workshop 7pm, concert 8.15pm, ■Sutherland Acoustic 7-10pm, Church of Christ, Henry Parry Drive, Wyoming. Assoc. 3rd Sat, 8-11 pm. St David’s Hall, Dalhousie St, jamming all night. All welcome: $5/7. (02) 9456 1090 4th Thursday of each. month from 7.30pm Gymea Cecily Cork 4384 3527, Jan McCudden 4329 5537 Haberfield. $3 inc. supper. Visitors most welcome. Jean www.bluegrass.org.au Tradies Club, Kingsway, Gymea. Friendly jam. jEnq. Cooney 9874 5570. Jenny 95762301

10 - The CORNSTALK Gazette MARCH 2012 The Folk Federation of NSW ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette MARCH 2012 - 11 4-7pm. $2.50. Paul 4959 6030. [email protected] WHITTON (near Griffith) Bidgee Folk Club REGIONAL EVENTS People’s Chorus Practice, 6pm, Trades Hall 3rd Sun. Whitton Hotel, Whiton pm - 5pm. 02 6954 4019 Perisher Snowy Mountains Of Music Is Back! Council Meeting Rooms (opp. Panthers’ Club, WOLLONGONG Set your clocks to 8-11 June & get pumped because the only music festival in the snow is back! Now in it’s 4th year, the BATEMANS BAY: Scottish Country Dancing, main entrance), Newcastle. Rod Noble 4962 Bluegrass Jam Session, 3rd Sat each month. 7.30- Perisher Snowy Mountains of Music is set to stir up a blizzard on the June Long Weekend with over 100 shows across 10 venues. Batemans Bay Caledonian Society -Tuesday 3432 email: [email protected] 11pm. Thirroul Neighbouhood Centre next to post office. 7.30pm at Batemans Bay Bowling Club - visitors Newcastle Irish Set Dancers, Tuesdays, 7.30- lllawarra Folk Club, 1st Friday and 3rd Saturday, Last year’s festival not only attracted record crowds but also a mountain of snow with 43cm of snow falling at Perisher welcome. Warren 4457 2065, Max 4472 5184 9.00pm, Scots Kirk, Hamilton, Newcastle. Julia Wollongong City Diggers Club, cnr Burelli & Church weeks before the festival even started. Highlights of the 2011 festival included headliners Ash Grunwald, Christine Anu, Eric BATHURST: Bathurst Folk Club, occasional concerts, or Arthur, 4955 5701 [email protected], or Streets, 1300 887 034 www.illawarrafolkclub.org.au Bogle and the uber cool Skipping Girl Vinegar with Speed Skating Olympic Legend Steven Bradbury as the star MC. touring and local artists. Different venues. Bruce Cam-

12 - The CORNSTALK Gazette MARCH 2012 The Folk Federation of NSW ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette MARCH 2012 - 13 cd review Azadoota. Beyond Blue. www.azadoota.com If you are a die-hard Aussie or By the clever use of repeating phrases and musical themes, plus Anglo folkie with little experience some wonderful Arabaic percussion and emphasized beats, the music of (so-called) multicultural music, of Azadoota can reach anyone, regardless of culture or age.(Proof or if you are wed to a particular of this is my young grandson, who was pried away from his usual culture of your own background, French CDs when he heard this one and now insists on it when he this could be an enlightening album visits!) for you. Beyond Bridges by the six- While at heart the music reflects its roots, adding to the appeal piece group, Azadoota, is dynamic, is plenty of interesting fusion, such as the way a Cuban montuno uplifting and joyous, and it makes introduces one of the numbers, some flamenco and Spanish riffs, and the particular Middle Eastern even some Top-40 style pop touches.. culture featured come alive for all This mixture is something the leader and songwriter, Robin musical ears and traditions. Zirwanda, clearly relishes. He mentions in the album notes his At first I was a bit confused, for there were few notes included appreciation for the way people of different cultures can meet, to help me pigeon hole this group and their music.And, to boot, collaborate and find refuge in Australia, and he has deliberately I know nothing about the that is the basis of the assembled people of different musical and ethnic backgrounds for album. So I felt a bit out of my depth when I first pressed the Azadoota. button on the CD player to have a listen. The front and back pictures say it all about music being “beyond Not for long! Within minutes I was completely drawn in to the bridges.” The cover has an electric guitar beside a .There is a joyous and infectious mixture of sounds, inviting oud and the back picture shows a modern guitar beside an ancient the listener to move and dance – impossible to keep still! Behind underpass. There are also some menacing helicopters in the sky and the songs there is a striking richness of texture and instrumentation a quote from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights shown on and there is a well-chosen variety of moods and arrangements. the cover. These give us further clues to the focus of this compelling This variety ensures that the band hasn’t fallen into the group, but there is not much more information to be gleaned. trap of so many ethnic groups, where all the songs can begin to So, best go and see them when they are performing around the sound the same to the uninitiated. Each track in Beyond Bridges traps or check out the web site to find out more about them. But, has a different feeling and sentiment, and that comes across to certainly, get the album! the listener.Even though I couldn’t understand the words, I felt By Mary-Jane Field connected to them.

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) $15 $10 The Songs of Henry Lawson (new songbook edition with 375 settings) $30 $25 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 with remittance & return address to: Folk Federation of NSW, PO Box A182, Sydney South NSW 1235

14 - The CORNSTALK Gazette MARCH 2012 The Folk Federation of NSW ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette MARCH 2012 - 15 16 - The CORNSTALK Gazette MARCH 2012