28 - 30 April 2017 21 st BIRTHDAY

Official Program MAJOR SPONSOR

koroitirishfestival.com.au @koroitirishfestival 1 FESTIVAL COMMITTEE

Chris Evans President / Kids Entertainment James Sault Treasurer CONTENTS Emma McElgunn Secretary / Gaelic sports Anthony Brady Music Director WELCOME Leon Carey Sponsorship President’s Message 3 Dallas Ludeman Sponsorship Festival Committee 3 Emma Moloney Sponsorship / Festival Program Barry Brody Infrastructure / Street Procession ARTIST PROFILES 4 Jarrod Gleeson Infrastructure PROGRAM Anthony Dowling Street Procession / Schools Festival Program 8 Neale Dobson Street Procession / Schools Festival Map 9 Emma Riddington Danny Boy / Emerging Talent 7 Oonagh Kilpatrick Irish Liaison FEATURES Sharon Wohlers Street Stalls Artist of the Year 10 Catriona Hill Website It’s Our 21st Birthday! 11 Adele MacDonald Pizza Cook-Off / Flaming Folk Great Signs 11 Peter McDonald Venue Management Tickets Please 12 Kevin Dwyer Venue Manager Sunday, Funday 13 Julian McElgunn Village Green Entertainment Flaming Folk 14 Anthony Evans OH&S Safety Officer Brilliant Buskers 14 Natarsha O’Donnell Street Entertainment / SPONSORS 16 Slow Session

President’s Message Welcome to this years Koroit Irish Festival, our 21st staging.

This milestone is a great achievement and I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge all the time and effort of not only the volunteers who have ever so kindly donated their time and resources, but also the community organisations who embrace and support our great event. Without this dedication, support and hard work we would not be enjoying the wonderful event we stage each year.

We would also like to recognise all the fantastic performers and entertainers who make our event what it is. CHRIS EVANS President To all the people and businesses of Koroit, congratulations to you on the Koroit Irish Festival ongoing support you give to this amazing event each year. Committee In particular I would like acknowledge our Major Sponsor Koroit Lions Club Op Shop along with our Gold Clover Sponsors Commercial Hotel, Dalys IGA, Davidson’s Quarries, Izzys Restaurant, James Purcell, Murray Goulburn, Oliver Ramsay Security, Programmed, Snaauw’s Kitchens and Western District Crane Services. FRI Sold Out Also to our Festival Partners Embassy of Ireland, FRRR, Gwen and Edna Jones Foundation, Folk Festival, Moyne Shire Council, South West SAT $15 Community Foundation Koroit Sub Fund and Visit . Thank you to our U/18 FREE official media partners 3YB and The Standard. Your support is invaluable. On behalf of the Irish festival committee we hope you enjoy this years festival. Happy 21st!

Regards Chris 2 3 Artist Profiles Artist Profiles

ANGELA KENNA AND tunes and are an authentic and Festival. They will set the streets of KAYLA DWYER KNOT O’ THE GATE LIKELY CELTS KEELAN MAST most loved part of the Koroit Irish Koroit alight with their brilliance, Festival family. as they have at festivals across . Sat 1.45pm Izzys Restaurant Sat 3.15pm Oliver Ramsay Stage Sat 12.45pm Oliver Ramsay Stage

DAMIEN LEITH GABBY STEEL Koroit’s very own shooting star. band Knot O’ The An exciting yet relaxing This dynamic duo have teamed Kayla Dwyer is making some Gate will make their Koroit mix of Irish and traditional up to create some memorable serious headway in her musical debut. They are regulars at the arrangements, original tunes and music and performances in 2017. career having performed at Melbourne Celtic Club and will songs, treated with a reverent Both talented performers in their Tamworth as well as a knockout be a huge addition to our great splash of other world elements. own right, Angela and Keelan show at last year’s Koroit Irish Festival. Likely Celts are excited for 2017 are planning to give Koroit Festival. Be prepared to be blown and their ‘funky blend’ of existing Irish Festival patrons a show to away by this exciting local talent Fri 8.00pm Commercial Hotel and new material. remember. The brilliant Damien Leith will Gabby Steel is a 17 year old as she hits the stage in her home Sat 1.15pm Oliver Ramsay Stage make a return to Koroit in 2017. who has always had a passion town. Sat 4.15pm Dalys IGA Village Green Sat 11.00am Oliver Ramsay Stage Sat 12.50pm Moyne Shire Youth Stage This outstanding performer has for music and being on stage. Sat 2.45pm Izzys Restaurant been thrilling crowds for over a Though she enjoys performing a Sat 12.30pm Koroit Theatre decade and he will again be a variety of music, the old classics BHAN TRE star of the Koroit Irish Festival. that get you singing and tapping your toes are her favourites to Sat 6.00pm Koroit Theatre play. She has played guitar and piano for the past nine years. DREAM SEASON Sat 1.40pm Moyne Shire Youth Stage COMMERCIAL JIMEOIN HOTEL KOROIT We are very excited that Bhan Tre is coming to Koroit to be part of our 21st Birthday. Bhan FRIDAY 28 APRIL SATURDAY 29 APRIL Tre have long been a Koroit Knot O' The Gate 10am Tommy Tuddy & Mick Irish Festival favourite and their 1 - 3pm Danny Boy Heats performances in 2017 will be Susan Malikoff and Katrina van .30pm highly anticipated. Someren are secondary students 4pm Mel and Trevor from . Although Sat 12.45pm Dalys IGA Village Green young, they are quickly gaining One of Australia’s best Sat 4.00pm Koroit Theatre recognition and creating a name comedians and favourite for themselves as an emerging Irishmen is coming to Koroit SATURDAY NIGHT band in the local music scene. where he will perform a one-hour CILL-AIRNE show and also take part in a one- 8pm Zeon Sat 3.25pm Moyne Shire Youth Stage on-one interview on the night as part of his role as the 2017 Koroit Irish Rock Band Irish Festival Ambassador. DRUMWORX Jimeoin will not appear at the Festival on Saturday. Join us for some great CRIAC Fri 8.00pm Koroit Theatre (sold out) One of the best traditional Irish groups in the country, Cill-Airne Lunch 7 Days | Dinner Mon - Sat have a wealth of talent that is displayed in their high quality BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL performances. Cill-Airne put their We are thrilled that Drumworx is Best Cold Beer In Town coming to the 2017 Koroit Irish own spin on some classic Irish Ph: 5565 8510 VR2128070 4 5 Artist Profiles Artist Profiles

MARIA FORDE three years. Throughout that time, Emerging from a weekly Irish TOMMY, TUDDY AND TONGUE TIED ZEON he has also played solo acoustic 'shed' session, The Common revel MICK gigs and events on the side. in traditional Irish tunes blended with contemporary folk rock songs Sat 3.00pm Moyne Shire Youth Stage and Newfoundland sea shanties. This thigh-slapping trio from the Geelong Surf Coast, sail from OLD MELBOURNE ROAD sweetly sad ballads to rollicking and rambunctious sing-a-longs Our 2015 Festival Artist of the Year that will no doubt catch the eye One of the most exciting young Maria Forde is back playing on and delight the ear. This trio of Tommy Brooks, Frank Tongue Tied is a Warrnambool Irish bands in Australia, Zeon are Saturday in the Festival Arena “Tuddy” Bowman and Mick based singing, song writing established stars in Melbourne and on Sunday at the Infant Sat 1.30pm Koroit Theatre Morgan have been regulars at pop and soul duo, Indie and and can’t wait to play at the Jesus Church. Sat 3.45pm Izzys Restaurant the Koroit Irish Festival since it Hudson Buckle, who craft and Koroit Irish Festival. Zeon bring began in 1997. soulfully sing covers, with flecks of incredible energy to the stage Sat 12.45pm Izzys Restaurant originals. and will have the crowd up and Sat 2.30pm Koroit Theatre Old Melbourne Road are a six THE SIMPSON THREE Sat 10.00am Commercial Hotel dancing. Sun 10.30am Mass, Infant Jesus piece band hailing from Ballarat. Sat 11.00am Izzys Restaurant Sat 1.15pm Moyne Shire Youth Stage Church Koroit They play a mixture of Australian Sat 1.45pm Dalys IGA Village Green Sun 12noon Sing a Song for and Irish folk music and the Sat 4.15pm Oliver Ramsay Stage Ireland Show, Infant Jesus Church bands philosophy is mandatory Sat 8.00pm Commercial Hotel Koroit craic for all who come to see.

Fri 8.00pm Mickey Bourkes Hotel NANCIE SCHIPPER Sat 2.15pm Oliver Ramsay Stage Sat 3.15pm Dalys IGA Village Green The Simpson Three are a Sat 8.00pm Mickey Bourkes Hotel trio of siblings who perform predominantly Irish music, with a few interesting flavours! SINCE TUESDAY They are highly talented multi- instrumentalists who perform tight and refined arrangements of traditional and contemporary An amazing young talent, this tunes and songs. singer/songwriter from Killarney is making a huge impact in the Fri 8.00pm Koroit Theatre (sold out) music industry. Nancie Schipper Sat 2.05pm Moyne Shire Youth Stage is already a star and is bound for even greater things. A brilliant four-piece band from Portland who continue to make a TIOSAV JOY Sat 11.00am Dalys IGA Village Green name for themselves with original tunes and outstanding covers. Since Tuesday won the Beks NICK ALEXANDER Bowman Emerging Talent Award at the Koroit Irish Festival in 2015.

Sat 2.35pm Moyne Shire Youth Stage

One of the most exciting young THE COMMON bands coming out of south-west Victoria. Brilliant vocals and musicianship make them a must- Nick Alexander is a 22-year-old see act. musician and a rising star of the south-west’s music scene. He has Sat 3.50pm Moyne Shire Youth Stage played throughout Warrnambool and surrounding suburbs in his band Altered Minds over the past 6 7 Festival Program

FRIDAY 28 APRIL 2017 12.40pm-12.45pm Commercial Road sponsored by Naming Of Flaming Folk Person 12noon Euchre Tournament, 1.00pm Of The Year Koroit Lions Club Op Senior Citizens Clubrooms, Koroit 12.45pm-1.30pm Shop Street Procession Fun Run Walk, 5.10pm Bhan Tre (Featuring The Flaming Folk Parade) The Blackwood Centre, Koroit 1.45pm-2.30pm All Day Street Entertainment Zeon Opening Night, 7.45pm O’Shea-Ryan Academy of 2.45pm-3.15pm Koroit Theatre (sold out) Irish Dance, Warrnambool Ukulele Spud Picking and Spud Peeling Featuring Jimeoin, Irish quiz and Group, Rhys Crimmin Championships songs from The Simpson Three. 3.15pm-4.00pm Kids Area sponsored by Bar And Supper Available. Old Melbourne Road Village Green Live Music 4.00pm-4.15pm $10 All Day Access. Izzys Restaurant - Big Fat Irish Pizza Competition Buskers Live Music 4.15pm-5.00pm Tin Sheddies, Terry & Dennis, Mickey Bourkes Koroit Hotel - Knot O’ The Gate Andrew Beale & Family, The Old Melbourne Road Oliver Ramsay Stage Rubberband, Wednesday Commercial Hotel - 11.00am-11.45am Whistlers & Co, Sing Australia, Knot O’ The Gate Likely Celts COD & Friends, Since Tuesday, 12.45pm-1.05pm Gabby Steel, Kirky Krew. SATURDAY 29 APRIL 2017 Drumworx Commercial Road, 10.00am-7.00pm Other Activities 1.15pm-2.00pm Irish Skiddles, Chook Lotto, Market Koroit Theatre Knot O’ The Gate Stalls, Moyne Shire Youth Council 10.00am-11.45am 2.15pm-3.00pm sponsored by Art Exhibition, Irish County Flags, Beks Bowman Emerging Old Melbourne Road Soda Bread Making, Horse and Talent Award 3.15pm-4.00pm Coach Rides, 21st Birthday Cake 12.30pm-1.15pm Cill-Airne Display, Koroit Sign Display, Kayla Dwyer 4.15pm-5.00pm History Display, Floral Art Display. 1.30pm-2.15pm Zeon The Common Evening Live Music Moyne Shire Youth Stage 2.30pm-3.15pm Izzys Restaurant 12.50pm-1.10pm Maria Forde Live Music Angela Kenna and Keelan Mast 3.30pm-3.45pm Mickey Bourkes Koroit Hotel 1.15pm-1.35pm Artist Of The Year Presentation Old Melbourne Road, 8.00pm Tongue Tied 4.00pm-4.45pm Commercial Hotel 1.40pm-2.00pm Bhan Tre Zeon, 8.00pm Gabby Steel 5.00pm-5.45pm 2.05pm-2.30pm Koroit Bakehouse Australian SUNDAY 30 APRIL 2017 The Simpson Three Danny Boy Championship Final 2.35pm-2.55pm Big Brekkie and Last Laugh, 6.00pm-7.00pm Since Tuesday 8.00am-12noon Damien Leith 3.00pm-3.20pm Koroit Bowls Club Izzys Restaurant Nick Alexander Festival Mass, 10.30am 11.00am-11.45am 3.25pm-3.45pm Infant Jesus Church Koroit Tommy, Tuddy And Mick Dream Season Featuring Maria Forde. 12.45pm-1.30pm 3.50pm-4.10pm Maria Forde Tiosav Joy Sing a Song for Ireland Show, 1.45pm-2.30pm Maria Forde, 12noon Commercial Hotel Cill-Airne Infant Jesus Church Koroit 10.00am-11:00am 2.45pm-3.30pm Tommy, Tuddy And Mick Gaelic Games Likely Celts 1.30pm-2.00pm Carnival, 12noon-4.00pm 3.45pm-4.30pm Danny Boy Heats Victoria Park, Koroit The Common 2.30pm-3.00pm Featuring Visiting And Local Dalys IGA Village Green Danny Boy Heats Teams In Camogie (Womens 10.00am-5.00pm 4.00pm-6.00pm Hurling) and Womens And Mens Kids Area $10 For All Day Access Melissa Bowman And Gaelic Football. Festival Map 11.00am-11.45am Trevor McKenzie Traditional Irish Music Session. Nancie Schipper 8.00pm-late 12noon - 4.00pm Zeon Victoria Park, Koroit 8 9 Features Features

2017 KOROIT IRISH FESTIVAL look down Commercial Road and see a huge IT’S OUR 21ST BIRTHDAY! GREAT SIGNS ARTIST OF THE YEAR crowd gathered around the dancers. The Irish dancing is a highlight of the Festival for many, led by Geraldine Ryan, the dancers add colour, life and excitement.

Koroit Irish Festival president Chris Evans said the O’Shea-Ryan Academy of Irish Dance is a worthy recipient of the Artist of the Year award. “The Irish dancing is such a big part of the Koroit Irish Festival,” Mr Evans said.

A display of signs will feature along Commercial “Geraldine does a magnificent job and we are The Koroit Irish Festival is coming of age and we have Road which promote the Festival and tell the story of On this our 21st birthday, what better way to just thrilled to be able to honour these dancers a huge party planned to celebrate. Like all good the history of the town and its links to Ireland. These celebrate an act that has been to all of our and say thank you for their efforts.” parties, we have a cake and a card. signs include images of the potato industry, sport, festivals than bestow the title of Artist of the Year? music, dance, song and family. The creation of these That act is the O’Shea-Ryan Academy of Irish The dancers will be located in front of the Members of the public have created their own Koroit signs has come about through a grant from Federal Dance, a timeless favourite at the Koroit Irish old Koroit Motor Garage on Saturday. The Irish Festival birthday cakes which will be on display Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) Small Grants for presentation of the Artist of the Year will be made Festival. this weekend. There will also be a giant birthday card Rural Communities program. Thank you to FRRR for to the O’Shea-Ryan Academy of Irish Dances in we want everyone to sign, your chance to leave their incredible support. Thanks also to The Standard the Koroit Theatre at 3.30pm on Saturday. You know the festival is up and going when you a lasting memory of your involvement in our 21st newspaper and Melbourne photographer Andrew Festival. Brown for use of their images.

T: 03 5565 8188 M: 0429 804 207 E: [email protected]

177 Commercial Road Koroit VIC 3282

abn 97 354 175 676

Proud Supporter of the Koroit Irish Festival

11 Features Features

TICKETS PLEASE This year we have received funding from the SUNDAY, FUNDAY The Koroit Bowls Club will again have its Big Gwen and Edna Jones Foundation to build ticket Brekkie and Last Laugh, the perfect way to kick- boxes which will stand at each entry point. start your Sunday morning.

Not only will these ticket boxes be functional, they The action then moves to Victoria Park for the will also look fantastic and add great colour to Gaelic Games day with 40 of the best women's the street. We have also received funding from Gaelic footballers and Camogie players from the Port Fairy Folk Festival to build a merchandise Melbourne strutting there stuff alongside some stand, another wonderful asset and step forward keen local teams. for the Festival. Off the field, Jo Brooks will once again be leading We thank both the Gwen and Edna Jones One of the great advancements in the Koroit Irish a traditional session in the football clubrooms The Koroit Irish Festival can only happen through Foundation and the Port Fairy Folk Festival for such Festival in recent times has been the growth of with some of the best session players in Australia great community partnerships. We have many great support. Also, a special thanks to our Festival the program for the Sunday of the event. This year joining in. great partnerships with groups, clubs and schools infrastructure team leaders Jarrod Gleeson and is no different, with plenty for people to do. in our community. Neale Dobson for driving this project. The Koroit Irish Festival Mass at Infant Jesus Church A key one of those partnerships is with the Koroit is always popular with performances from Maria Lions Club who are not only a major sponsor but Forde. The mass will be followed by a concert by also man the gates at the Festival. Maria.

JAMES PURCELL MP Member for Western Victoria

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12 Features

FLAMING FOLK BRILLIANT BUSKING

Former Southern Cross resident Sally Morris returned Street Entertainment Coordinator Natarsha to Koroit for the Festival last year and was thrilled to O’Donnell has again assembled some great take part in the inaugural Flaming Folk Parade. buskers to line Commercial Road. Sally loved it so much, she is returning this year as a sponsor of an event that has quickly caught on A highlight this year will be an appearance from as a fun, loving way to honour the ginger-haired, Melbourne musician Rhys Crimmin who was another Irish trait that lives proudly on in Koroit. named as the Busker of the Year at the famed Port Fairy Folk Festival in March. LOCAL GUYS TO SERVICE ALL YOUR LIFTING NEEDS

TONY 0409 026 054 [email protected]

CHRIS 0400 141 434 [email protected]

14 Sponsors & Partners

MAJOR FESTIVAL SPONSOR PARTNERS

EMBASSY OF IRELAND

GOLD CLOVER SPONSORS

Davidson’s Quarries

SILVER CLOVER SPONSORS

BRONZE CLOVER J & S Auto South West Concrete Polishing SPONSORS Kennedy King Chartered Accountants Saint Patrick’s Luxury Boutique Hotel Alex’s Pizza and Wok Koroit Pharmacy Silvan Ridge Andrew May Building McNally Property Management Tendob Constructions Bowman Financial Services Moloney Potatoes Southern Cross Toots Traffic Cavan Constructions Moyne Refac Services Wannon Water Commercial Racking & Shelving Neale Dobson Independent Builders Wesfarmers Insurance Crest NT Northeast Stockdale & Leggo WestVic Waste David Ahearn Electrical Patons Transport Widget Electrical David Roberts Electrical Services Phil Mugavin Electrical Down Under Ugg Boots Poppies Cafe Harmony At MEDIA Port Fairy Laundry PARTNERS Homeseeka Real Estate Process Fabrication Services Jarrod Gleeson Builder Rennab Plastering Jamieson Medical Clinic S&L Mugavin Bobcat