Dates For Your Diary Folk News Folk Federation of New South Wales Inc Dance News Issue 402 CD Reviews DECEMBER 2008 $3

♫ ♫ dance ♫ festivals ♫ reviews ♫ profiles ♫ diary dates ♫ sessions ♫ teachers ♫ opportunities

The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette DECEMBER 2008 1 Advertising Rates Size mm Members Non-mem December 08/January 09 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 Dance news p6 Cornstalk Editor - Coral Vorbach Post Office Box 5195. Cobargo NSW 2550 Back cover 180x250 $100 $150 Folk 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. CD Reviews 14 Cornstalk is the official publication of the Folk Advertisements can be produced by Cornstalk if re- Federation of NSW. Contributions, news, reviews, quired. Please contact the editor for enquiries about Majors Creek p15 poems, photographs most welcome. advertising Tel: 6493 6758 Next Issue - is February 2009, note there is Photographs and Artwork Inserts for Cornstalk no January issue. Photographs - high resolution JPG or TIFF files. [email protected] Deadline for February issue - 300 dpi images cropped at correct size. Insert Rates: We use Adobe In-Design, Photoshop 6, Microsoft Word. Single-sheet DL size or A5. Members $70 Non- 5th January for adverts PLEASE do not send photographs as part of a Word Members $130 10th January for copy Document . A4, folded to DL size or A5. Members $90 Non- Front cover - Majors Creek performers No part of Cornstalk may be reproduced without permis- Members $160 (fiddle player from Bizurka). sion of the publishers. All care but no responsibility taken A4 should be folded. The number of inserts per issue for omissions or errors. is limited. 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 If your important item misses Cornstalk, made payable to the Folk Federation of NSW Inc COMMITTEE 2008 other options are: FFNSW Folkmail President, Anthony Woolcott (members’ email list), contact Julie Bishop Email: [email protected] 02 9524 0247, [email protected] OR Vice President: Kate Delaney Secretary: Pam Davis 02 9955 3677 jam.org.au, the Folk Fed website where Email: [email protected] members can post articles etc. Treasurer: Bruce Cameron 02 6331 1129 Email: [email protected] Committee: Dallas Baxter, James Baxter, Terry Clinton, Mary-Jane Field, Wayne Richmond, Peter Miller Robinson AP D’Antonio - young performer Membership Secretary Wayne Richmond Listserv/ from SA at Music At The Creek Jam/Membership 9939 8802 (not after 8.00pm please.)

2 The CORNSTALK Gazette DECEMBER 2008 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette DECEMBER 2008 3 dates for your diary longing and lovely Irishmen. Metropolitan Tramshed Community Arts Centre, Monday 1st 1395a Pittwater Rd, Narrabeen Pennant Hills Dance Workshop. (betw. car park and Ambulance). Practice for party, caller John Short. Free tea, coffee. 7.30-11pm. $15. Community Centre, Yarrara Rd. 7.30- 0413 635 856, [email protected] 9.30pm. $7. Felicity 9456 2860, 0434 Sunday 7th 437 522 ►Loosely Woven (24 singers Friday 5th and instrumentalists) free acoustic ►Beer and Cheese Night. ‘Prog concert, ‘Curoo Curoo’. St David’s and Grog’ - maybe how and why Church, Dee Why (next to police we eat roast beef and hot plum duff station). 1.30pm. Wayne Richmond under the scorching Antipodean 9939 8802, wayne@humph. sun! Grog already does well in org . http://looselywoven.org the musical canon. ‘Prog’ is an ►Illawarra Folk Club. Alistair old word for food (with overtones Hulett and David Rovics. City of ‘scrounging’ it). Bring food, Diggers Wollongong, cnr Church drink, songs, yarns, poems. Bush and Burelli Sts. 7.30pm. $12, $8. Music Club, Hut 44, Addison Rd Theresa 4285 7417, 0413 219 112. Community Centre, 142 Addison Rd, www.illawarrafolkclub.org.au/ Marrickville. 8-10pm. $5, $4. 9569 7244, [email protected] Monday 8th . ►Illawarra Folk Festival preview Pennant Hills Dance Workshop concert, 10 acts and more! City Practice for party, caller John Short. Diggers Wollongong, cnr Church Community Centre, Yarrara Rd. 7.30- Del Rey and Burelli Sts. 7.30pm. www. 9.30pm. $7. Felicity 9456 2860, 0434 illawarrafolkclub.org.au/ 437 522 Saturday 6th Saturday 13th (24 singers ►Beecroft Bush Dance. ►Loosely Woven Galimore, caller Pam Merrigan. and instrumentalists) free acoustic All dances taught. Beecroft concert, ‘Curoo Curoo’, for Community Centre, Beecroft Rd. Amnesty International. Avalon 8pm-12. $17, $14, $12. Helen 9626 Baptist Peace Church, 2 George St, 7816, www.bushmusic.org.au Avalon. 4pm. Kath Moody 9918 2502. http://looselywoven.org ►Alistair Hulett (Scotland) + David Rovics (USA). The Harp ►Christmas Contra Dance with Hotel, 900 Princes Hwy, Tempe. Pastrami on Ryebuck, caller Julie 9559 6300, www.theharp.com.au Bishop. All dances taught. East Gosford Progress Hall, Wells St and ►The Shack. Fred Smith - superb songwriter Henry Parry Drive. 7.30-11.30pm. with wry humour and wonderful $15, $12, 12-18 $8, under 12 $5. Barry eye for idiosyncrasies of modern or Janice 4388 2253, Mark 4342 5333 Dougie MacLean life. Literate, humorous, intelligent, Sunday 14th empathic songwriter - with ‘relentless ►Kids Club Christmas Special rhythm and fragile shimmering (in conjunction with New Theatre): melody and harmony ... sings of a to give kids aged 4-10 intimate region few others do ... Bougainville, experience of live theatre, consisting of PNG and Honiara’. +Green Mohair music (provided by Loosely Woven), Suits - lively bluegrass trio, strong magic, drama, storytelling, games. vocals, multiple part harmonies, New Theatre, 542 King St, Newtown backing guitars, banjo, mandolin. (halfway betw. Newtown and St Inspired by quiet desperation songs Peters stations). 1pm. $12. Bookings of Hank Williams. +Ange Takats 9519 3403. http://looselywoven.org - winner of 2008 NFF Lis Johnston ►Loosely Woven (24 singers Award for vocal excellence, ‘Joan and instrumentalists) free acoustic Baez meets Gillian Welch’. Debut concert, ‘Curoo Curoo’, fundraiser album Aniseed Tea tells of knitting, for New Theatre. New Theatre, 4 The CORNSTALK Gazette DECEMBER 2008 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 december - January 542 King St, Newtown (midway Friday 30 January 2009 betw. Newtown and St Peters Regional and ACT Merry Muse ACT stations). 4pm. $15 (9519 3403 or December Del Rey and Ukeleles Canberra at door). http://looselywoven.org Thursday 4th Polish-Australian White Eagle Club ►The Rhythm Hut’s Christmas Braidwood Folk Club. Alistair Hulett, 38 David St, Turner, ACT www. Party! Incl. a fantastic facilitated David Rovics. (02) 4842 2889, merrymuse.org.au jam, performance by The Rhythm Friday 5th Saturday 31 January 2009 Hunters, and the spontaneous music Folkus Room ACT. Alistair Merry Muse Canberra - Blues of 5-Lands Band. 1/179 The Entrance Hulett, David Rovics. 6262 Ukelele workshops with Del Rey - Rd, Erina (opp. Fountain Plaza, 7265, www.thefolkus.org.au Contact Steve Matheson, (02) 6251 behind red Bristol Paints). BYO chairs Saturday 6th 5432 for details and/or cushions, and a plate to share. Newcastle Folk Club. 4pm. $5. Gabbie 0418 259 224 JEZ LOWE TOUR FEBRUARY 2009 The New York Public Library; Monday 15th Thanks to the singing of Jez Lowe, Carole Garland. Wesley Fellowship Vin Garbutt, and Bob Fox, Australian Pennant Hills Dance Workshop Hall, 150 Beaumont St, Hamilton. audiences are no strangers to songs about Christmas Party, with BMC Concert 7.30pm. www.newcastlehun the life, work and culture of the people Party, caller Don Richmond. tervalleyfolkclub.org.au/ of the north east of England. But it is Community Centre, Yarrara Rd. 7.30- Tuesday 9th Jez Lowe’s poetic exploration of the 9.30pm. $7. Felicity 9456 2860, 0434 Bathurst Folk Club. conditions and the psyche of the area 437 522 Alistair Hulett, David Rovics. that lingers in the mind long after the experience of hearing the song. John Saturday 20th ‘Sushi, Songs and Socialism’. Warner has been listening to the last album Balmain Bush Dance. Southern Café Kai, 133 George St. 7.30pm. we have to hand of Jez’s work, “Jack Cross, callers Helen and Tony http://279five.com/cafekai/about/ Common’s Anthem” and John wrote in an Romeo. All dances taught. Rozelle Friday 12th email of Jez’s ‘consummate songmanship’, Campus, Sydney College, 25 Terry Merry Muse Christmas Party with saying ‘His poetry is excellent and his St. 8pm-12. $17, $14, $12. Don Franklyn B. Paverty and Humbug trademark use of recycled cliches and folk 9642 7950, www.bushmusic.org.au Polish-Australian White Eagle Club proverbs is as brilliant as ever. His music Monday 22nd 38 David St, Turner, ACT www. has the classic Jez Lowe optimism and merrymuse.org.au folk edge’. Pennant Hills Dance Workshop. Jez and Kate Bramley (fiddle player Social dancing, caller John Short. Tuesday 16th who has been a member of Jez’s band, Community Centre, Yarrara Rd. 7.30- Folkus Room ACT. Dougie MacLean The Bad Pennies since 2000, and singer/ 9.30pm. $7. Felicity 9456 2860, 0434 (Scot); Strathmann in Concert. songwriter in her own right) visited 437 522 6262 7265, www.thefolkus.org.au in 2007 but only for the National Folk Festival. Their stock of ‘Jack Sunday 28th Newcastle Folk Club. Alistair Hulett, Common’s Anthem’ was delivered after Corinne Male (UK). Singing Session, David Rovics. Wesley Fellowship Darlington. BYOG, from 1pm. Margaret they returned to their north American tour. Hall, Hamilton. 7.30pm. www. (See below about getting copies.) The 02 9698 2206 or 0427 958 788. newcastlehuntervalleyfolkclub.org.au/ good news is that the two of them have JANUARY Saturday 20th planned a fulsome tour in Sunday 4th Folkus Room ACT. The Brass and Australia early in 2009. They’ll be appearing at three festivals Alistair Hulett and David Rovics. Monkeys Dixieland Band, 2pm. Oz Christmas Party with The - Cobargo, Nannup and Port Fairy and at Farewell Concert at The Harp several clubs and house concerts. Dates in Justin Walshe Folk Machine; The Hotel, 900 Princes Hwy, Tempe. New South Wales/ACT are: Handsome Young Strangers, 6pm. 9559 6300, www.theharp.com.au ►Friday 20 February – house concert, Tuesday 6th 6262 7265, www.thefolkus.org.au Yatteyattah Martin and Shan Graebe House Wednesday 31st ►Saturday and Sunday 21-22 February – Cobargo Folk Festival Concert Hogmanay, with Hunter Valley ►Monday 23 February – The Harp, Please contact Margaret Walters for further Scots Club and RSCDS Newcastle Tempe details. 9698 2206, 0427 958 788. Branch. Scottish customs, dancing, items, stories. Teralba Community ►Tuesday 24 February – house concert, Ryde Hall. 8pm. $5, children free. BYO ►Wednesday25 February – house nibbles and supper. (02) 4943 3436 concert, Nowra ►Thursday 26 – The Folkus Room, Canberra Full tour available at: / www.newsouthfolk.com.au

The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette DECEMBER 2008 5 Festivals, Workshops, Schools Gulgong Folk Festival 31st December 2008 31st December 08 - January 3rd 09 It’s happening ...Gulgong Festival, New After a break of a few years plans for this year’s Gulgong Folk Festival held from Year’s Eve 08 to 3 January, 09 Street Dance, Wed 31 Dec through till Sat Jan 3 are well underway. Check the web - Gulgong Folk Festival 08 Over 50 Musicians and artists from all over the world will be descending on for more details. Gulgong for four days over the New Year and the event will be packed with music, 27th Dec 08 - 1 January 09 performers, workshops, poetry, bush yarns and dancing spread over ten venues in the Woodford Folk Festival historic gold town. www.woodfordfolkfestival.com/ Some of this years featured artists include The Stringybark Band, Home Rule with 27th Dec 08 - 1 January 09 the launch of their much awaited anthology, blues singer Elis Doyle, acclaimed guitarist Rob Long, guitar maker Gerard Gilet and the Ecopella choir. Nariel Creek Folk Festival Poets Arch Bishop and Graeme Johnson will be there as well as local lyric poet www.narielcreekfestival.org.au Kerry Donachy who will be launching her new book of verse. 2nd - 9th January 2009 Mudgee music features heavily with the return of local songstress Limerick, Matt Hungarian music and dance camp, Perth. Gaudry with Hubert Hubertson, Blue Valentine and cameo appearances by McGee and [email protected] many up and coming young bands. 5th - 9th January 2009 Kicking off will be the showcase event – The Street Party/Dance on New Year’s The Lake School of Celtic Music/Song & Eve, which features Home Rule and friends. The whole of the Heritage listed main street Dance is closed off for a party dance and it is always a night to remember. www.bushwahzee.com 0413 801 294 Special featured artists this year will be Alan Musgrove and poet Thalia. Traditional 8th - 11th January group The Horton River Band will be performing and presenting workshops on Boite Singers Festival collected tunes. Daylesford Vic Blackboard concerts and informal sessions are a constant feature and there will be www.boite.com.au 03 9417 1983 many opportunities for you to try your luck at your own performance or busking in the 9th - 11th January 2009 beautiful township. Cygnet Folk Festival Accommodation is filling up quick but there is plenty of billeting and camping at www.cygnetfolkfestival.org Red Hill Environmental Centre from only $10 @ night 16th - 23rd January 2009 Season Tickets for the whole 4 days are only $50 and $20 for individual 10th Annual Summersong Music Camp, days, all ticket enquiries can be made at the Opera House. www.myspace.com/ Lennox Head. summersongmusiccamp.com gulgongfolkfestival - www.gulgongfolkfestival.150m.com 15-18th January 2009 24th Illawarra Folk Festival Bulli www.illawarrafolkfestival.com.au Gulgong Dancing 24th-26th January 2009 - Will depend on dancers. So far, there could be American Contra Dance and some 35th Numerella Folk Festival English Country Dance at the Gulgong Folk Festival. As I am the only confirmed caller, www.freewebs.com/numerallafolkfestival I will teach both, but only IF there enough people who want them. It will be an ad hoc 20th, 21st, 22nd February 2009 dance program, with blackboard notification of time and venue (Memorial Hall or RSL), 14th Cobargo Folk Festival Enq. if a workshop eventuates. There will be no dance workshops on Saturday, 3rd January www.cobargofolkfestival.com - unless any other dance callers attend and are willing to teach on that day. The Festival 02 6493 6758 0427 919 010 starts with the New Year’s Eve Street Dance (Wednesday), and wraps up on the Sunday 6th - 9th March 2009 morning. Weekend tickets are $50, day tickets $20. If any other dance presenters are Port Fairy Festival interested, please contact me! www.portfairyfolkfestival.com Julie Bishop 12th - 22nd March 2009 Brunswick Music Festival www.brunswickmusicfestival.com dance news 13th - 15th March 2009 Gosford Contra Annual Blue Mountains Music Festival The last dance of the year for the Central www.bmff.org.au [email protected] Coast Bush Dance and Music Association 14th - 16th March 2009 will be the Christmas Contra at East Yackandanda Folk Festival Gosford, on Saturday 13th December, http://folkfestival.yackandandah.com/ 7.30pm. (See Dates.) The band, of course, will be the energetic Pastrami on Ryebuck 9th - 13th April 2009 (it’s 30 years since they formed as National Folk Festival ACT Ryebuck Bush Band!), with Julie Bishop www.folkfestival.asn.au calling. The Sydney Contra is at least six months away, so don’t miss this chance to do those flowing, flirtatious, exciting, inclusive, New England contra dances! www.ccbdma.org/dance/christmas_contra. pdf 6 The CORNSTALK Gazette DECEMBER 2008 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 folk news Tennessee ACLU been associated with the Brunswick Honours Folk Musos Vale Peter Hamilton Music Festival since 1991 and has been From Mark Gregory: Veteran folk Pioneer record and film producer Festival Director since 1995. John is an musicians Guy and Candie Carawan Peter Hamilton died peacefully at accomplished performer in his own right. received the American Civil Liberties home on 23rd October, 2008. He was a long standing member of the Union Lifetime Achievement Award from Founder of the Wattle Record label and seminal Melbourne band Poteen, and the Tennessee chapter, in November. The Wattle Films, Peter started the company released a solo album, The Immigrant, in group said the Carawans, affiliated with in the 1950s at Paddington, Sydney, with 1988 on the Brunswick Recordings label. the Highlander Research and Community his associate Edgar Waters. The label The November award night featured his Education Center, have used music to released the first commercially available ‘old band of reprobates, those infamous promote citizenship education, civil rights bush songs including landmark recordings Rebels Without a Clue’ (Michael Harris, work and community organising. The duo by The Bushwhackers Band, including fiddle; Tony Hargreaves, piano, accordion; helped introduce ‘We Shall Overcome’ to their surprise hit ‘The Drover’s Dream’. Ken Maher, mandolin, fiddle, guitar and the civil rights movement, the ACLU said. Wattle also released Australian albums of vocals; Stephan Brown, bass and vocals, A.L. Lloyd, Ewan MacColl and Peggy and McAuslan, vocals and guitar). Seeger. One of the label’s most significant releases offered traditional singers and musicians recorded by John Meredith. Hulett and His is the inside story of the legendary Folkbiz 09 Wattle record music label. Wattle was Rovics Tour Folkbiz 09 - over but not forgotten! unique in many respects - it was the If you wanted to get to Folkbiz 09 but just Scottish-born, Alistair Hulett has been first Australian record label to have a couldn’t make it, you can now order cds of prominent in UK and Australian folk major hit record on the Australian record the panels and sessions you dearly wanted and folk-rock since the early 1970s. charts; the first to make dramatised and to hear. Most recordings are between 60 Notable collaborations include a duo with animated films of bush ballads; the first and 90 minutes and the topics are: legendary UK fiddler Dave Swarbrick and to commercially release recordings ♦Keynote Speech - Judy Small in Sydney-based punk folk band Roaring of didgeridoo playing and Aboriginal ♦I Wrote That! Publishing for folk artists Jack from the mid-’80s to early ‘90s. He traditional songs; the first to invent and ♦Folk Radio has also released a number of critically use a portable recording desk and a ♦Getting Your MessageAcross - Publicity acclaimed solo albums containing original synchronised film and audio tape machine ♦Stretching the Friendship: Touring songs that combine political statement and the first to have Australian bush music International Artists in Australia. with personal observation, along with played on television - on ABC-TV. ♦Bringing Home the Bacon: Touring a keen ear for appropriate traditional You can listen to the Wattle story at Australian Artists Internationally. material. www.alistairhulett.com www.musicaustralia.org/apps/MA?functio ♦Fill in This Form - in Triplicate! Govt David Rovics is a US singer-songwriter, n=showDetail¤tBibRecord=000026 grants for folk artists who has been called ‘the musical version 137261&itemSeq=&total=&returnFunction ♦Back to School – artists in schools of Democracy Now!’ He has spent the last =getACopy&&sessionId= ♦Am I Getting My Fair Share? How to get decade largely on the road, playing his To say Peter and Wattle had an influence royalty income own songs of social significance. His fans on me starting Larrikin Records ♦Record Labels - Who Needs 'em?! include Pete Seeger, which is a measure (also at Paddington) would be an ♦Festivals: how to get on the bill of not just David’s songwriting ability but understatement. RIP Peter Hamilton. ♦Where To, Folks? The present and future also his dedication to issues of justice. Warren Fahey. outlook for folk music in Australia www.davidrovics.com Recording are available for only $10 Both are politically articulate and per cd (includes postage) by contacting outspoken performers who use music Christina on 0449 173 629 or as a vehicle for social commentary Graham Squance [email protected] and activism, while also seeking to Award entertain and engage their audiences. Folk Victoria has awarded the But while Hulett draws heavily on 2008 Graham Squance Award to John traditional Celtic music and focuses on McAuslan. The award has been a regular the history of working class struggle feature in Folk Victoria calendar since down the centuries, Rovics takes a more 1971 and is awarded to somebody who contemporary approach, dealing mainly has made a ‘longstanding and valuable with present day issues and concerns. contribution to the folk life of our country’. The combination worked well when John was a member of the steering they toured the USA together two years committee and first treasurer for Folk ago, and now they bring their mix of Alliance Australia, a member of the board contrasting but complementary styles to of management of the Victorian Folk Life Australia. (See Dates For Your Diary.) Association, has served on the Arts Victoria festivals panel, and was the Director of the 1985 National Folk Festival. He has The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette DECEMBER 2008 7 Review of Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival ‘08 With the successful staging of the the youth who came in large numbers to Because the members of the band live 3rd Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival in see them, as well as to support the other a considerable distance apart (Sydney September, this festival looks to be firmly bands (such as The Andi and George Band, and Southern Highlands), they formed established as an on-going annual event in Entourage) appearing courtesy of FYRE this group on a whim for the Kangaroo the Australian folk calendar. (‘Fresh Youth Regional Entertainment’) Valley Folk Festival and they had never Although reduced in size from the a community youth organization which is played together before this festival! previous two festivals, this had the based in the Kangaroo Valley-Nowra area. You would never know this from their beneficial effect of producing an intimate, The Doomsday Preachers worked performances. Many people are now friendly festival. Combining with the hard over the weekend giving a number hoping they will continue to play together monthly Kangaroo Valley Village Markets of concerts, launched their new CD and after the enthusiastic response to their (which is also organized by the Shoalhaven provided the Sunday morning gospel sing- performances. Folk Club as a fundraiser for the festival) along in the church. The Uniting Church hall which has created a festive, village atmosphere. From the Southern Highlands came been the venue for many intimate concerts Only three venues were used this year The Songcatchers and Bowral House, at all three festivals, is for sale having been – the Showground hall, a marquee and the with their overlapping personnel. Both deconsecrated. It is most likely that these Uniting Church hall across the road from led by singer-guitarist John Hall, The will have been the last concerts to be held the Showground (Café Bella in town was Songcatchers specialize in American and in that hall. So, it was fitting that the last also the venue for the Poets Breakfast for Canadian traditional and contemporary singing, secular or sacred, to be heard in a couple of hours each day). The marquee songs while Bowral House concentrates that hall (and what wonderful acoustics) and market stalls were situated on high more on the Blues repertoire and is were the choirs – Ecopella, The ground amongst the showground pavilions a perfect vehicle for Brian Rapsey’s Choir and the Festival Choir – all under and trees, so that in the event of rain they exuberant blues harmonica playing. the directorship of the wonderful Miguel would not be adversely affected. Unfortunately, it looks like this may have Heatwole. The weather was much kinder to the been amongst the last performances of There were the usual festival festival this year being in the most part these two groups as their bass player mainstays like Poets Breakfasts (hosted by beautiful and sunny, apart from some Jason has decided to take a break for Vic Jefferies), kids activities, Bush Dance intermittent winds on Saturday and a family reasons. Hopefully it will only be a (with local band Celtic Craic), blackboard shower Sunday morning. The organizers temporary recess for these two excellent concerts (hosted by the genial Bill Bekric), are presently considering moving the groups. and many other wonderful acts – too many festival to October when the weather tends Two outstanding young performers are to mention individually. to be a bit more stable. Daniel Champagne and Cameron Mather. One thing that was missing was the Festival goers experienced a lovely Daniel is 19 yrs old from Bega and it has ubiquitous session area at the festival festival and most appeared to have a been a pleasure to watch Daniel develop site. For a number of reasons, the festival wonderful time judging by the positive as a performer over the years and he is was unable to provide a beer tent/bar feedback from both performers and now deservedly getting the recognition for this year – the place where sessions audience. The organizers are aware of his amazing guitar playing and wonderful traditionally occur. However, the Pub was certain shortcomings with advertising songwriting. Cameron is only 15 yrs old, only a short walk down the road and both and promotion which will be rectified from Sydney, and appears to be a natural alcohol consumption and some music for future festivals. Much to the relief of musician and entertainer. He has a stage sessioning did take place there I believe. Jane Richter, who has shouldered most of presence that belies his young age. He Hopefully the organizers will be able to the work of organizing all three festivals expertly plays guitar, banjo and bouzouki incorporate this into the festival site again (as well as the monthly markets), aided and his repertoire consists of songs ranging as impromptu sessioning enlivens the this year by Stuart Leslie, in particular, a from Stan Rogers to traditional Irish. I atmosphere of festivals, keeps patrons on number of other people have come forward have no doubt that you will be hearing the site and brings much needed funds into the offering to join the organizing committee. name of these two young performers much festival coffers. So the future of the festival is assured. more in years to come. The festival is only young and there is The program this year consisted One of the highlights and ‘discoveries’ always room for improvement (even with of an interesting mix of familiar acts, for me (and judging by the reaction of festivals with many years track record). some lesser-known and newcomers. The audiences, of many other festival-goers They have achieved a lot, especially “headline” act was undoubtedly Bruce as well) was the group “The Mutual given the difficulties (weather, logistical Watson from Melbourne. Audiences Acquaintances”. Comprising Ian Baker, and bureaucratic) experienced so far. were enthralled by his humour, wit Brett Guyer, Luke O’Neill and Michael Jane and her (very small) team are to be and incisively satirical songs and his Spencer, playing mainly Anglo-Irish music congratulated and encouraged. Please more sensitive serious songs. He truly on uillean pipes, button accordion, tin support the festival by attending next year is a brilliant songwriter and wonderful whistle, guitar, cittern, they are all superb and, if convenient, by volunteering your entertainer. musicians (both solo and ensemble) with time or skills. It is a beautiful setting for a From Canada there was the folk- wonderful harmonies on vocals. You festival and is somewhat reminiscent of the rock band The Judes, winding up their may recognize the names of Michael Jamberoo festival of olde. May it grow and Australian tour. A bit more rock than folk Spencer and Ian Baker as they were once prosper. for my taste but they certainly appealed to members of the well known band Taliesin. Richard Depledge

8 The CORNSTALK Gazette DECEMBER 2008 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 The Yuin Folk Club presents 14th COBARGO folk FESTIVAL 20th, 21st, 22nd February 2009 MUSIC - DANCE - SESSIONS - WORLD MUSIC - COMEDY - OPEN MIKE BLUEGRASS, ACAPELLA - TRADITIONAL - BUSH POETRY & SPOKEN WORD - SPECIAL KIDS PROGRAM CROSSING YOUTH MUSIC EXPO - WORKSHOPS.

great line up

FEATURING THE BEEZ (GERM), THE FAGANS, JEZ LOWE & KATE BRAMLEY (UK), GRAHAM MOORE (UK) Alan Musgrove & His Watsaname Band, Beautifully Mad, Canberra Gay & Lesbian Quire, Canberra Union Voices, Charlotte’s Tangled Web, Damien Neil & Damon Davies, Daniel Champagne, David Meyers, The Davidson Bros, Eclectic Kitchen, Glover & Sorrensen, Kate Rowe, Let It Go Edith, Mal Webb, Nick Charles, Peter Hicks, Replay, Scarlett Affection, Sam & the Sundowners, Shiny Bum Singers, Silver Strings, Soundscape, Strathmann,The Beez (Germ), Tom Waits For No Man, The Ya Ya’s, Vic Jefferies, Warren Fahey & The Larrikins, Wongawilli, The Ellis Collective, and many many more FESTIVAL HOTLINE 02 6493 6758 SUPER earlybird Weekend Adult (1) *until 10/1/09 $55 (save $20) Earlybird Adult (11/1/09 (2) - 15/2/09) $65 (save $10) Youth Weekend (U18) $20 (save $5) KIDS U12 FREE TICKET OUTLETS NAROOMA - Narooma Visitors Centre 4476 2881 �Wheelchair access (toilet & shower) COBARGO - Bass Gas 6493 5782 �Special workshops BEGA - Magpie Music Auckland St 6492 3533 �Sessions, sessions and more sessions MERIMBULA Airwares 6495 3466 MORUYA Planet T-X Music Store 4474 5000 �Festival choir �FREE DAY PARKING

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The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette DECEMBER 2008 9 folk contactsWednesday Choirs DANCE Albion Fair, North-West Morris Dancing Monday Monday A Choired Taste, Glebe, led by David Westmore, 9716 Lilyfield Community Centre, Cecily and O’Neill Sts, Bush Music Club Dance Workshop 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 Field, 9797-6126 Annandale Neighbourhood Centre, 79 Johnston St, 8 public holidays. Mark 9638 7690 Ecopella. Erskineville, led by Miguel Heatwole, 9810 -10pm. Jim Young 9412 3721 [email protected]. International Folk Dancing 4601 [email protected] au - australianheritagedancers.org.au Glory Bound Groove Train. Petersham, led by School term, Earlwood Senior Citizens Centre, 362 Balmoral Scottish Country Dance Group Linda Calgaro, 9518 4135 Homer St 10am-noon. Gwynne 9558 4753 7.00-9.15pm, Seniors’ Centre, Mosman Square, Inner West Chamber Choir, Leichhardt, led by Scottish Country Dancing for beginners, with ‘Scots Mosman. Nell Morgan 9981 4769. Rachelle Elliott. 9797 1917. [email protected]. on the Rocks’, Fort St Public School, Observatory 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 Stuart Davis, [email protected] 4329 5537 Tuesday Voiceworks, Katoomba, ledby Rachel Hore 4759 Greek Folk Dance Blue Mountains Scottish Country Dancers 2456, [email protected] Pan Macedonian Assoc Building, Railway Pde, Tuesday Catholic Church Hall, 7-9pm, Wentworth St, $3 Verley Sydenham from 7pm onwards. Adult classes from Cantorion, Neutral Bay, led by David Westmore, Kelliher, 4787 5968, [email protected] Carol 7.15 pm, Vasilios Aligiannis, tel/fax 9708 1875 9716 7016 Gardner 4751 6073/[email protected] [email protected] Eastside Arts, Paddington, led by Christina Mim- Greek Folk Dance 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 welcome. Partners not necessary.Mike 9520 2859 hotmail.com 2nd & 4th Tues, Rozelle Community Centre (hall at Sutherland Shire Folk Dance Group Sydney Trade Union Choir rear), Darling St, Rozelle, 8pm. John Milce 9817 3529 Sydney City, contact [email protected] Gymea Bay Scout Hall, June Place, 10am. Kaye or www.wheezeandsuck.com. Laurendet - 9528 4813 Wednesday English Country Dancing, Sydney Choralation. Abbosford (school terms), contact Marga- Playford Dance Group 3rd Tues, 7.30-10.00pm, Thursday ret Grove [email protected] English Country Dancing (Advanced) for the over Uniting Church Hall, The Cres, Berala. Ring Patricia Ecopella. Upper Mts., contact Kate 47 825529 50’s 2-4pm. School for Seniors, Wesley Mission, Pitt 9649 6978 or Mike or Ros on 9929 8193 for further NoteTonight, Josephine. Glebe, led by David St. Sydney. (Oppositive back of Hilton Hotel.) details. Blue Labyrinth International Folk Dance Westmore, 9716 7016 Scottish Country Dancing Stampadowns. Camperdown, led by Peter Lehner, from 7pm, Baptist Church Hall, King St Glenbrook. Jo 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 Thursday Greek Folk Dance Bonner 9489 5027 Australian Gaelic Singers, Ryde. Bran MacEa- St Gerassimos Church Hall, 21 Henry St Leichhardt. Scottish Country Dancing chaidh, 9633 1162. www.gaelicsingers.org.au 6 pm onwards. Adult classes from 7.15 Vasilios Bouddi Voice. Kincumber (school terms), led by C Fort Street School, Observatory Hill, City. 6pm to Aligiannis, tel/fax 9708 1875 [email protected] & C Sainsbury, contact 43 683270 8pm Nea MacCulloch 9904 1358(a/h) or Lynn 8244 Sydney Irish Ceili Dancers Chorella Community Choir. Richmond, contact 9618(w) Kingsgrove Uniting Church Hall, 289A Kingsgrove Rd Ellen 4578 2975 Sutherland Shire Folk Dance Group (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 Mudlarks, women’s a cappella choir. Woodford. Led 7.30 pm to 10.00 pm. Ukrainian Hall 59 Joseph Friday evening. Anthony and Lisa 9873 4805. by Alison Jones 4759 2880 Street, Lidcombe. Jaros Iwanec 9817 7991, International Dancing Saturdays [email protected] /www.veselka.com.au Sedenka Folk Dancers, Rozelle Neighbourhood The Shire Quire. Gymea, led by Mary-Jane Field. International Folk Dance class - Open Door, Centre, 665A Darling St Rozelle. 8-llpm, $3. Chris Wild contact Jenny, 9576 2301 Georges Hall Senior Citizens, Birdwood Rd, 11.30am- 9560 2910. Sunday 12.30pm. Gabrielle 9728 7466, gabybaby@optusnet. Scottish Country Dancing Blue Mountains Trade Union Choir. Upper Mts., com.au Adult classes, beginners welcome, children 6.30 - contact Kate 47 82 5529 “The Dance Buffet”, wide variety taught, Liverpool 7.30pm, adults 8-10.30pm, Beecroft Primary School, City Pipe Band Hall, Woodward Park (next to Whitlam $2. Sheena Caswell 9868 2075, Heather Dryburgh Centre), Memorial Ave, 7.30-9.30pm. $8 ($5 conc). 9980 7978 Nicholai 9822 7524, mob 0407 178 228 Scottish Country Dancing 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 DECEMBER 2008 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 Saturday lllawarra Folk Club, Irish Music Session. Clarendon Hotel Katoomba, Bush Folk Dances, by Bush Dance Assoc. 1st Friday, Wollongong City Diggers Club, cnr Burelli & 7-10pm. Enq. Tinker 4782 2623 2nd Sat. Feb-Dec 6.30 - 10pm. New Year’s Eve 8pm- Church Streets, 1300 887 034 www.illawarrafolkclub. Gosford Bush Poets midnight. $20/$15/$10. $5 disc for early bookings. org.au Last Wednesday night of every month 7pm. The Pennant Hills Community Centre, 60 Yarrara Rd. John Springwood Neighbourhood Centre Acoustic Gosford Hotel, cnr of Mann & Erina Sts Gosford. 9873 3138/ 0416 212 136, bushdance2000@yahoo. Club, or SNC Acoustic Club. Regular folk nights on Everyone welcome to share in night of fun, friendship com.au the 4th Friday of each month (Feb - Nov), 8pm $7/$5 and great poetry. Contact Vic Jefferies, 02 96394911 or Bush Music Club Bush Dances Springwood Neighbourhood Centre, Macquarie Rd, [email protected] Feb-Dec (not Easter), 8-12pm, $17/$14/$12 incl. Springwood. (next to Civic Centre). Visitors and floor supper, children to 12 free. Beecroft Community Ctr performers welcome. Enquiries, Mark Hand 02 4721 Thursday 1st Sat, Helen 9626 7816; Balmain High School hall, 4230 or [email protected] Sutherland Folk Club Terry St, Rozelle, 3rd Sat, Don 9642 7949 Toongabbie Music Club Session night 4th Thursday. 7.00pm, Sutherland Central Coast Bush Dance 2nd and 4th Fri 8pm, Northmead Scout Hall, District Trade Union Club, Gymea. All welcome. 9520 4th Sat, 8-12pm, East Gosford Progress Hall, Henry Whitehaven Road, Northmead. A session always 6180. Parry Dr and Wells St, $15/$12. Beate 4323 3356. happens so bring instruments. Alison Boyd 02 9769 Blackheath Folk Club, Robyn 4344 6484. 0592, [email protected], or Ray Pulis 9899 2102. 1st Thurs, 7.30pm, Ivanhoe Hotel, cnr Gt Wstn Hwy International Folk Dance Saturday and Govetts Leap Rd. Christine Davies, Peter Duggan Children’s classes, 6-18 years, Pennant Hills lllawarra Folk Club, 4787 7246 Community Centre, morning. Carol Maddocks, 9905 3rd Saturday, Wollongong City Diggers Friday 1563 Club, cnr Burelli & Church Streets, 1300 BMC Beer & Cheese Night Scottish and Old Time Dance 887 034 www.illawarrafolkclub.org.au nd Themed music nights, 1st Fri (except holidays), 2 Sat, 8pm, Uniting Church, 9-11 Bay St, Rockdale. Loaded Dog Folk Club 8-10pm. Bring something to sing, eat, drink. Bush $3 incl. supper. Chris Thom 9587 9966 4th Sat, Annandale Neighbourhood Centre, 79 Johnston Music Club, Hut 44, Addison Rd Community Scottish and Old Time Dancing St, 8pm. Sandra Nixon, 9358 4886, kxbears@ozemail. Centre, 142 Addison Rd, Marrickville. 9569 7244, Orkney and Shetland Assoc. 3rd Sat, 8-11 pm. St com.au. www.theloadeddog.org.au [email protected] David’s Hall, Dalhousie St, Haberfield. $3 inc. supper.  Macquarie Towns Music Club Eastern Suburbs Poetry Group Visitors most welcome. Jean Cooney 9874 5570.Harp rd 3 Sat,7.30pm Usually ‘Round Robin’ format and st Hotel, Princes Hwy Tempe, 9559 6300 Church at the Market Place, Bondi Junction Plaza, 1 includes guest artists, workshops & concerts. Small Fri, 7.30-10pm. 9699 2129 Macedonian Dance Class door fee includes supper. Richmond Neighbourhood Rockdale. 6.30-8.30pm, $5. Y Kaporis 0412 861 187 Centre, West Market St, .Contact Dez Williams at 4578 Springwood Neighbourhood Centre Acoustic Club Mortdale Scottish Dancers 5215 [email protected] 4th Fri, (Feb - Nov) 8pm, $7/$5, Springwood Learners night (for learners and experienced), 7.30- The Shack. 1st Sat, presents 21st century original, Neighbourhood Centre, Macquarie Rd (next to library 9.30pm. Pensioners Welfare Club Hall, 76 Pitt Street, contemporary and traditional folk music at the and Oriental Hotel.) Visitors and floor performers Mortdale. Pam Jehan 9580 8564. Tramshed, 1395a Pittwater Rd, Narrabeen at 7:30. BYO welcome, Theresa 47518157, Jeannette 4754 4893 Sutherland Shire Folk Dance Group drinks and nibblies. Contact Rhonda on 0416 635 856 Saturday International Dancing Como Girl Guides Hall, 10- or email Kathleen at [email protected]. Fairlight Folk Acoustic Lounge 11.30am. Kaye Laurendet 9528 4813 Bluegrass & Traditional Country Music Society of Held 4 times a year, Feb, May, Aug. Nov (usually Linnéa Swedish Folkdancers Aust. 1st Sat, March-December Sydney get-together. 1st Sat) 7.45pm. A comfortably enticing, relaxed Estonian House, 141 Campbell St, Surry Hills. New Annandale Neighbourhood Centre, 79 Johnston St, environment in which to see quality live acoustic music. members welcome. For times contact Graeme Traves Annandale. Band workshop 7pm, concert 8.15pm, Ajfjter show - jam. BYO drinks and nibbles. Light 9874 4194, [email protected] jamming all night. All welcome: $5/7. (02) 9456 1090 refreshments available. William St Studios, Fairlight www.bluegrass.org.au (The Baptist Church down from Sydney Rd. Contact Sunday Rosie 9948 7993. [email protected] North By Northwest Poetry and Folk Club, North By Northwest Poetry and Folk Club afternoon concerts approx. every 2nd month, 2pm Occasional sessions as announced, 2pm,Jenny 9559 -- phone for details @iinet.net.au or Geoff 9816 0393 / 3658 (h) 0414 903 259(m) email: [email protected], MUSIC IN CONCERT 0421 582 975 (m) Geoff 9816 0393 / 0421 582 975 (m) Tuesday Troubadour Folk Club Sunday The Screw Soapers Guild - Writers Presenters & Central Coast, 4th Sat. in month 7pm CWA Hall, Woy Sydney Scottish Fiddlers Listeners Group 4th Tues, 7.30pm, stories, poems, Woy. (opposite Fisherman’s Wharf), The Boulevard, 1st and 3rd Sun, 2-5pm, New Church, 4 Shirley Rd songs and conversation. Albert 9600 7153, email: Woy Woy. Admission: $7 members/$8 conc. & other folk Roseville. All ages welcome. Trish 9416 2402. [email protected], website: www.folkclub. club mems/$10 non members. Everyone welcome Tel. Irish Music Session com/folkodyssey/ Frank or Marilyn 4342 9099, Fax 4325 7362. Email: Harp Irish Pub, Tempe, 4-7.30pm. Enq. 9559 6300 Wednesday [email protected] www.troubadour.org. Family Hotel , Katoomba. (on the roundabout when Wisefolk Club Last Wed in month, 11am-2.30pm, au/folk/index.htm.. you first cross the railway line to enter Katoomba.) 4pm Toongabbie Bowling Club, 12 Station Rd, lunch at club Music Session Hero of Waterloo, cnr Lower Fort bistro. Sonia 9621 2394 Allen 9639 7494, Sessions & Free Workshops St and Windmill Street, The Rocks. 6-10pm. Brendan Thursday 9818 4864 Monday North By Northwest Poetry and Folk Club, Irish Music Session. 3rd Sunday. Bennet Hotel, Bush Music Club 1st Thurs 8pm, Cornucopia Café - old Gladesville Hamilton, 4-7.30pm Roz and Shane Kerr 44967 3167 Community Centre, 44/142 Addison Rd, Marrickville, Hospital, cnr Punt & Victoria Rds, Gladesville. Jenny Irish Music Sessions - Dicey Riley’s, Wollongong 2pm. 7.30pm. Music workshop. All singers and musicians 9559 3658(h) 0414 903 259(m) email: jdcarter@iinet. Hotel Illawarra Wollongong, 3rd Sunday, 3pm, welcome. Bob 9569 7244, [email protected] net.au or Geoff 9816 0393 / 0421 582 975 (m) spoken word, 5pm acoustic music Sutherland Folk Club Irish Music Session: Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday 2nd Thurs concert night of the month from 7.30 – 10.30pm @ The Shamrock **All ages and all members are welcome to come and Inn, Asquith Leagues Club, Alexandra Pd. Waitara join us at any of our concerts, do a floor spot. Enjoy a (short walk from station). It’s an open session friendly , sociable night’s entertainment, support local and all musicians are welcome with focus on talent. These artists are all superb musicians!! Contact tunes rather than songs. Phone Norm 9489 5786/ Jenny 9576 2301. [email protected] Friday Wednesday Hornsby Kuring-Gai Folk Club Irish Dance and Music Session. The Harp Hotel, 3rd Fri, 8pm, Each month Beatrice Taylor Hall, rear Tempe, dance 7-9.30pm, music 9.30 - 12 midnight. Willow Park Community Centre, Edgeworth David Ave, Enq. 9559 6300 Guest artist and floor spots, light supper provided BYO Jolly Frog Hotel. Jam Night. Cnr Bridge & Macquarie grog. Barry Parks 9807 9497 [email protected] Sts, Windsor. 7.30pm to late. Mark 0419 466 004 The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette DECEMBER 2008 11 Hunter Bush Poets, 2nd Tuesday 7pm, Tarro Hotel; Streets, 1300 887 034 www.illawarrafolkclub.org.au REGIONAL EVENTS Ron Brown 4951 6186. Poet’s Breakfast, Wed. 7,.15am. Wollon- ALBURY: Border and District Folk/Acoustic Group, 1st Hunter Folk Dancers, Enquiries: Julia or Arthur on 02 gong Writers’ Centre, Town Hall, Corrimal St. Wed, Sodens Hotel. Anna 6021 3892, Mary 6025 6535 4955 5701, Tony Stoddart, [email protected] BATEMANS BAY: Scottish Country Dancing, Irish Music Session, Bennett Hotel, Hamilton, 3rd UOW Folk Club, 12.30pm, Mondays, Fridays. Batemans Bay Caledonian Society -Tuesday Sun, 4pm. Roz and Shane Kerr 4967 3167 Old timey, bluegrass, Celtic session. Duck Pond 7.30pm at Batemans Bay Bowling Club - visitors Newcastle Poetry in the Pub, 3rd Monday, 7.30pm, (in front of library), University of Wollongong. welcome. Warren 4457 2065, Max 4472 5184 Northern Star Hotel, Hamilton. Glenn 4967 1460. David Harman, [email protected] BATHURST: Bathurst Folk Club, regular concerts, Newcastle Strath Hunter Dancers, Mondays Wollongong White Heather Scottish Country touring and local artists, usually at Panorama City Adults 7.30pm, Wallsend Uniting Church. Thurs- Dance Group, Mon, 7.30 -10pm, St Andrew’s Hotel, Durham St. Bruce Cameron 02 6331 1129, www. days Juniors 4.15pm, Youth 5.30pm, All Saints Church Hall, Kembla St. All welcome. Arnold Thurl- bathurstfolkclub.org.au Hall, New Lambton. Elma: 4943 3436. ing 4228 1986 or Grace Halliday 4229 3480 BELLINGEN: Celtic Australian Session.. Saturday Tradewinds Acoustic/Folk Session, 2nd Sunday Wongawilli Colonial Dance Club, Bush Dance, from midday, Church Street tables. John 66555898, (Feb-Nov). Croatian Wickham Sports Club, Albert St, Wed, 8pm, musos and dancers all welcome, Com- Carole 66551225 Wickham. 4-7 pm. Cath 4967 3146, Carole Garland munity Hall, West Dapto Rd, Wongawilli. David 0409 BRAIDWOOD: 4929 3912 57 1788. www.wongawillicolonialdance.org.au Braidwood Folk Music Club meets every 3rd Thurs- Welsh & Cornish Folk Dancing, Mon, 7.30-9.30pm, day now at the Anglican Church Hall, BYO everything. All Saints Anglican Hall, Cromwell St, New Lambton. Info Erika 4842 2505; performers Sue 4842 8142 Beginners and visitors always welcome. Enq. Margaret Tallaganda Dance Troupe. Folk dance, Mon. 9.30am Kenning 4952 1327. Email: [email protected] (Noela 4842 8004. Belly dance. 11.30am. (Erika 4842 The Beehive, as requested. 8 Lewis St, Is- across the border 2505) 35 Coronation Ave, Braidwood. lington. Neville Cunningham 4969 4246. Victorian Folk Music Club Inc. GPO Box BROKEN HILL: Bush Music Club. In re- NOWRA: 2025S, Melbourne 3001. Brian Venten 03 9884 cess. If interested in active member- Balkan and International Folk Dance, Mon, 7.30pm, 9476, [email protected] ship: PO Box 826, Broken Hill, 2880 Cambewarra Hall. Suzi Krawczyk 4446 0569, plotki@ Bill Butler 03 9876 4366, [email protected] Burrawang Folk, 4887 7271 shoal.net.au Traditional Social Dance Assoc. of Victoria. CENTRAL COAST: Troubadour Folk Club International Folk Dance, Progress Hall, Boorawine Lucy Stockdale 03 9380 4291 Central Coast, 2nd Sun, 1.30pm, CWA Hall, Woy Tce, Callala Bay. Tuesday (school term), 7.15-9pm. Boite World Music Cafe, Fitzroy, 03 9417 Woy. (opposite Fisherman’s Wharf), The Boulevard, Maureen 446 6550, [email protected] 3550 (w), http:// www.boite.asn.au Woy Woy. Admission: $7 members/$8 conc. & Celtic Craic – 9 piece acoustic traditional Band. Ballarat Folk Club, John Ruyg 03 5332 7872 other folk club mems/$10 non members. Includes Tuesday 7.30-10 pm, John’s place. Chris Langdon 4446 Geelong Folk Club, 2nd. Fri - Coffee House afternoon tea. Tel. Frank or Marilyn 4342 9099, 1185, [email protected] or Mark Nangle Folk- singing and session - at Cafe Go! Bellerine Fax 4325 7362. Email: mail.info@troubadour. 4454 5028, [email protected]. St. Geelong, from 7.30pm. Last Fri - Upstairs at org.au www.troubadour.org.au/folk/index.htm.. Scottish Country Dance Group, Presbyterian Church The Pancake Kitchen, Moorabool St. for songs COBARGO: Yuin Folk Club, Occasional Hall, Kinghome St (next to Woollies), Wed, 8pm, all and session. Contact: Marie Goldsworthy 03 Folk Nights. Enq. Coral Vorbach or Graeme welcome. Jill 4421 3570 5221 1813 or Jamie McKinnon 03 5261 3443. Fryer 6493 6758. yuinfolkclub@bigpond. Shoalhaven Bush and Folk Dancing Club, Friday Folk Federation of Tasmania Inc. PO Box com, website: www.cobargofolkfestival.com (school term, 8-10pm, Cambewarra Hall. Margaret 4421 1945, Launceston 7250. Beth Sowter 03 6397 COOMA, International Folk Dancing, Uniting Church 0557. 3427 Hall, Soho St, Thurs, 6pm. Fran 6453 3282 (h) Shoalhaven Acoustic Music Assoc, Bomaderry Celtic Southern Cross. Beth Sowter, music@ DUBBO FOLK CLUB, 2nd Sun, 2.30pm, Castlere- Bowling Club, formal concerts, not always folk, approx celt.com.au; www.celt.com.au; PO Box 72, agh Hotel. All welcome. Di Clifford 6882 0498 quarterly. George Royter 4421 3470 Bracknell Tas 7302. Gosford Bush Poets - last Wednesday night of OBERON Music Club, fortnightly, Thurs, 8pm, Music Under The Southern Cross every month 7pm. The Gosford Hotel, cnr of Mann Oberon Leagues Club. Neil Higgins 6337 5707. January each year - Celtic Music School & Erina Sts Gosford. Everyone welcome to share in SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS Campaspe Downs, Kyneton night of fun, friendship and great poetry. Contact Vic Bowral Folk, Blues and Beyond, 3rd Thurs- Run by Celtic Southern Cross Jefferies, 02 96394911 or [email protected] day 8pm. The Celtic Room at The Scottish Qld Folk Federation, GULGONG FOLK CLUB, PO Box 340, Arms, 69 Boardman Rd, East Bowral. $8. John Woodford Folk Festival. PO Box 1134, Gulgong NSW 2852, Bob Campbell 02 6373 Hall 4661 4900, [email protected] Woodford 4514. [email protected]; 4600, Mike Byron 6374 2005, worobil@winsoft. Southern Highlands Recreational lnternational Folk www.woodfordfolkfestival.com. net.au, www.winsoft.net.au/~worobil Dance Group, Bowral Presb Church Hall, Bendooley Qld Colonial and Heritage Dancers. PO Box KIAMA “No Such Thing”. Yvonne O’Grady and St, Thurs (school term), 9-llam. Margaret 4861 2294 3011, Yeronga 4104. Jan Orloff ph/fax 07 3848 Alan Musgrove host an Australian tune session Southern Highlands Scottish Country Dance Group, 7706, [email protected] suitable for beginners every Monday in Kiama. Moss Vale Uniting Church, Cnr Argyll and Spring The Folk Rag (Mag), PO Box 108, Kingston Yvonne 02 4233 1073, [email protected]. Streets, Wednesday, 7.30pm. All welcome. Enq. 4861 Q4114, ph/fax 07 3208 4923, Admin@FolkRag. LISMORE BUSH DANCE, Wed nights, Ray 6471. org. www.FolkRag.org Flynn Hall. Glenys Ritchie 6622 4258 TAREE, Lazarka International Folk Dance Group, Brisbane Folk Club, Larrie Cook 07 3345 NEWCASTLE: Manning River Steiner School Hall, Tues. 5.30-8.30pm, 1718. Newcastle and Hunter Valley Folk Club, 1st Sat. Sandra 6552 5142. Cairns Folk Club, Ray Elias 07 4039 2493 7.30pm (not Jan) Wesley Fellowship House, Wagga Wagga Folk Club WA Folk Federation. PO Box 328, Inglewood, Beaumont St, Hamilton. or Elaine Velt (H) 4943 1552. Session gathering, Uranquinty Hotel, 3rd Sat, starting WA, 6932. Rob Oats 08 9375 9958.www.wafolk. Ron Brown (W) 4926 1313 folknews@bigpond.. about 3.30pm. Tracey 6920 2533, Chris 6924 4001. iinet.net.au Email: [email protected] com, www.newcastlehuntervalleyfolkclub.org.au Downside Bush Dance & Open Mic, Tin Shed Rat- NORTHERN TERRITORY: Bush and Colonial Dancing, 3rd Sund each tlers, 1st Sat, Noel Raynes 6928 5541. Top End Folk Club, PO Box 41551, Casuarina, month 2-4pm. Beginners and visitors always WAUCHOPE, 1st Saturday Concert with in- NT 0811. :Di Howard, 08 8945 0436 (ah), www. welcome. All Saints Anglican Hall, New Lamb- vited artists 7.30 pm 3rd Saturday Open perfor- members.ozemail.com.au/ ton. Enq. Margaret Kenning 02 4952 1327 mance session 7.30 at Café Blue Frog, High St. email: [email protected] or Bill Propert 02 Enq,John 6585 1488 email [email protected] 4946 5602 email [email protected] WHITTON (near Griffith) Bidgee Folk Club People’s Chorus Practice, 6pm, Trades Hall 3rd Sun. Whitton Hotel, Whiton Council Meeting Rooms (opp. Panthers’ Club, 1pm - 5pm. 02 6954 4019 main entrance), Newcastle. Rod Noble 4962 WOLLONGONG: 3432 email: [email protected] Bluegrass Jam Session, 3rd Sat each Newcastle Irish Set Dancers, Tuesdays, 7.30- month. 7.30-11pm. Thirroul Neighbour- 9.00pm, Scots Kirk, Hamilton, Newcastle. Julia hood Centre next to post office. or Arthur, 4955 5701 [email protected], or lllawarra Folk Club, 1st Friday and 3rd Saturday,

The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette DECEMBER 2008 13 cd reviews

Alistair Hulett and David Rovics Outside The Box Northerm Echoes Tuesday 9th December 7.30pm Billy McComiskey Is a compilation taken from earlier Bathurst Folk Club is hosting a Compass 744882 (Planet Dist) albums, and ‘being written in the 80s concert and it promises to be a ripper. Irish-American accordion player and early 90s, they represent a time of Fine entertainment plus supper at Cafe extraordinaire Billy McComiskey struts his struggle, hope and change for the people Kai.- 133 George St, Bathurst. Tickets stuff in a bouncy and beautifully recorded of the region – it’s not only a fantastic $25, (next door to the Commercial album of traditional tunes, mostly in collection of songs, but an interesting Hotel. A supper of fine Asian cuisine is medleys, accompanied by an excellent set piece of contemporary social history; and included in the $25 ticket) of studio musicians. These include Sean as Jez is a writer with real heart these are We’re welcoming back the amazing McComiskey, Liz Carroll, Joanie Madden, songs full of character and personality’. Scottish singer songwriter Alistair Athena Tergis, Brendan Dolan , John Doyle The huge bonus you get with this CD Hulett, who always tries to include and Mick Moloney. is a DVD which is from the ‘A Song for Bathurst on his Australian tours because McComiskey started playing at an early Geordie’ shows in late 2007 where Jez’s he’s become a firm favourite with age and has developed a flawless technique. songs were ‘placed into context with other Bathurst audiences. In concert, songs He plays an extremely rare late 1940’s to songs from the tradition of the North East of social comment blend well with early 1950’s vintage four-voice gray Paolo – historical figures like Joe Wilson and traditional Scottish ballads to make Soprani B/C button accordion that once Tommy Armstrong to more recent local for a stirring and thought-provoking belonged to the late Sean McGlynn. It has a heroes like Mark Knopfler, Alan Hull and performance. Alistair’s website is www. rich beautiful tone. Ed Pickford.- the songs are intertwined alistairhulett.com The only qualm some may have about with archive film and photographs that Joining Alistair on this Australian the album is that Billy is upfront the whole really brings the history of the area to life. tour is David Rovics, who has been way, showcasing himself only without As a complete collection this represents a called the musical voice of the giving his fellow musicians the occasional fantastic insight into the songs and social progressive movement in the US. With spotlight. This means that while the jigs, history of the area, but it also highlights the the world’s focus on the recent American reels, hornpipes, lullabies and waltzes are relevance and importance of socially-aware Presidential election and all engaging and beautifully played, there writers of our own generation, and in Jez global economic woes, observers is little variety in the instrumentation, so we have one of the very best.’ such as David Rovics offer a different the listener has to really love the accordion If you want a fore-taste or a reminder perspective. David writes: “I believe itself, the way Billy does. of the dulcet tones of Jez Lowe (nominated music can be more than an escape. It Mick Moloney has written extensive for Folk Singer of the year in 2008 in the can be also be a hammer, to paraphrase biographical notes while Myron Bretholz BBC Folk Awards) – contact Margaret Bertoldt Brecht.” has done the same for the medleys. Walters who caretakes a mini-shop for Jez Visit www.davidrovics.com for more Lovers of the squeezebox will enjoy in Australia: [email protected]. information about David. this Irish feast. Margaret Walters Please note, Cafe Kai seats only 45, so Julius Timmerman please don’t assume there will be tickets available on the night. You can purchase Annual Blue Mountains MusicFestival 2009 tickets now at the Cafe (open Mon-Fri th from 11.30 to 6.00) or from Roger or (02 13 March may still be four months away adult festival-goers from 01 January to 6331 1129.) but it not too soon to spread some exciting 31 January. Weekend tickets may still be Bruce. Cameron news so that those who would like to available after 31 January at the full price make plans may do so. of $165. Tickets - First-up, there is no price Line-up - What a line-up we have for increase in ticket prices from last year (go you! Paul Kelly, Lior, Archie Roach, Eric to tickets info). Earlybird tickets ($135) Bogle, Eliza Gilkyson, The Topp Twins, are available from 15 November only Shooglenifty... and the list goes on! until 31 December. Check-out our website bmff.org.au Advanced purchase tickets ($145) will be available (after the earlybird period) for

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Music At The Creek

Another splendid ‘Music At The Creek’ with a larger than usual attendance Festive Fiddler of enthusiasts experienced typical Majors Creek weather. Hot, cold, dry, windy, calm, foggy, rainy — but few noticed the Festi- val atmosphere and some excellent music kept everyone happy. When not performing in concerts members of the outstanding gypsy music group ‘Bizurka’ performed at the session bar area while Dave De Santi led a mid- Dave O’Neil & Bob Rogers oval traditional session in the background. There was plenty of action. Highlights of the program were O’Neil Sandy Gibney Silver Strings and Rogers, the spine tingling singing of Triantan in the Old Church building, and a ‘new kid on the block’ AP D’Antonio with some fine American numbers. The highly amplified Melbourne group ‘The Go Set’ were so popular with the young crowd the whole audience became a marquee full of dancers at an improbably early hour of the morning whilst the more ‘mature’ folkies grumbled into their first coffee.

The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette DECEMBER 2008 15 focus on folk folk trax 2MBS-FM 102.5MHz 6PM Saturday Hi all, In co-operation with 2MBS-FM, Sydney’s first FM community Well we’ve just about made it to the end of another year. radio station operating on 102.5 MHz, Folk Federation brings And what a tough ending it is! I hope that we at Folk Trax you an hour of folk music at 6PM on 2nd and 4th Saturdays of can still bring you a bit of cheer in December. Maybe there each month. is still something to find at Folk Trax. I am not going to how 13th December, John Penhallow brings us ‘Acoustic Carols and many new releases there are, just to say plenty. Just check Christmas Songs’ featuring all the usual suspects and a surprise or out www.folktrax.com. I like to mention a couple of new two! releases tough. Fotheringay 2 is a great gift this year. Mic Unfortunately, due to pressure of work, this is your last chance to Conway will bring a smile on your face with ‘Corporate hear John’s excellent commentary and music for some time. Chook’ as will Bernard Bolan with his ‘Quirky Works of 27th December, Paul Jackson will play ‘Catchy folk music for the Bernard Bolan’. On a more traditional sounding note South holiday season’. Australia’s ‘Gurdy Girl’ has a great one with ‘The Organ th Grinder’. Compass Records are re-releasing many of the 10 January ‘09 John Milce calls his show WOBBERS WASCALS Green Linnet label but now on Mulligan. Some of the Bothy & WOGUES. This will be an expanding on a workshop given Band have already been released with many more to come. recently by the Wheeze & Suck Band. This program features songs Make sure you order well before Christmas as it can get very about highwaymen, pirates, politicians and other such nefarious busy at Australia Post. This is the final update for 2008 and characters. th the first one for 2009. 24 January ‘09 Kate Delaney will bring us a selection of music Both Jan and I would like to thank you all for supporting she has recently enjoyed. Folk Trax during 2008 and with that support you also Anyone with a CD that you would like to add to the library collection for support our Australian folk musicians. consideration for airway please forward to Finally, we will continue to offer our 10% discount to Focus on Folk, Post Office Box A182, Sydney South 1235. all the Folk Federation members of participating Federations FOLK JAM Every Thursday 2-4pm and the readers of the Folk Rag. on 2ssr fm 99.7 http://folkjamau.googlepages.com/home Best wishes for this Festive Season, have a great New [email protected] Anyone with a cd who would like it aired Years Eve, take care on the roads and enjoy yourself. and added to the stations library can send it to Keep on Folking FOLK JAM c/ Station Manager Henk and Jan de Weerd Post Office Box 997, Sutherland NSW 1499 www.2ssr.com.au

16 The CORNSTALK Gazette DECEMBER 2008 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220