Dates For Your Diary Folk Federation of New South Wales Inc Folk News Issue 409 Dance News AUGUST 2009 $3.00 CD Reviews
The Lurkers “Subversive homespun bluegrass”
♫ folk music ♫ dance ♫ festivals ♫ reviews ♫ profiles ♫ diary dates ♫ sessions ♫ teachers ♫ opportunities
The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette AUGUST2009 1 Advertising Rates Size mm Members Non-mem AUGUST 2009 Folk Federation of New South Wales Inc Full page 180x250 $80 $120 In this issue Post Office Box A182 1/2 page 180x125 $40 $70 Sydney South NSW 1235 Dates for your diary p4 ISSN 0818 7339 ABN9411575922 1/4 page 90x60 $25 $50 Festivals, workshops, schools p6 jam.org.au 1/8 page 45 x 30 $15 $35 Folk news p8 Cornstalk Editor - Coral Vorbach Post Office Box 5195. Cobargo NSW 2550 Back cover 180x250 $100 $150 Dance news p8 Tel/Fax: 02 6493 6758 2 + issues per mth $90 $130 Folk contacts p10 Email: [email protected] Advertising artwork required by 5th of each month. Advertisements can be produced by Cornstalk if re- CD Review p14 Cornstalk is the official publication of the Folk quired. Please contact the editor for enquiries about Deadline for September 2009 Issue Federation of NSW. Contributions, news, reviews, advertising Tel: 6493 6758 poems, photographs most welcome. ADVERTS 5th August Inserts for Cornstalk Photographs and Artwork COPY 10th August [email protected] Photographs - high resolution JPG or TIFF files. Insert Rates: 300 dpi images cropped at correct size. Single-sheet DL size or A5. Members $70 Non- We use Adobe In-Design, Photoshop 6, Microsoft Word. Members $130 PLEASE do not send photographs as part of a Word A4, folded to DL size or A5. Members $90 Non- Document . Members $160 No part of Cornstalk may be reproduced without permis- A4 should be folded. The number of inserts per issue sion of the publishers. All care but no responsibility taken is limited. for omissions or errors. Please contact Dallas and Jim Baxter, 9810 4131. Wrap Co-ordinator James Baxter 02 9810 4131 Offers of help for the wrap are appreciated. - [email protected] All cheques for advertisements and inserts to be made payable to the Folk Federation of NSW Inc COMMITTEE 2008 Photographs and story about the Orkney President, Anthony Woolcott Folk Festival in UK courtesy of James If your event misses Cornstalk, Julie Email: [email protected] and Dallas Baxter pictured above. Bishop 02 9524 0247, julie@folkfednsw. Vice President: Kate Delaney Secretary: Pam Davis 02 9955 3677 org.au can include it in Folkmail, the Email: [email protected] Front cover courtesy of The Lurkers weekly email to members. And don’t Treasurer: Bruce Cameron 02 6331 1129 (photographer Dave Cubby 2009) forget that as a member you can put Email: [email protected] Committee: Dallas Baxter, James Baxter, information on jam.org.au, where helpful Terry Clinton, Mary-Jane Field, Sandra Nixon, Wayne tutorials will guide you. Richmond, Peter Miller Robinson Membership Secretary Wayne Richmond Listserv/ Jam/Membership 9939 8802 (not after 8.00pm please.)
2 The CORNSTALK Gazette AUGUST 09 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 8 Arms Productions and Star of the Sea Theatre present Sing, For Pete’s Sake! 7.30pm, Saturday 22 August @ Star of the Sea Theatre, Manly Pete Seeger turned ninety this year. As if we needed an excuse to celebrate his music! Join us for a night of music, words and images (not to mention the odd banjo) from the life of one of this century’s most influential and inspiring musicians. Come and hear some rarely-heard songs from the pen of Pete as well as some tried and true favourites. The stellar line-up of performers includes: Maurie Mulheron; Skorba with Llew and Mara Kiek and Paul Jarman; Warren Fahey, Bob and Margaret Fagan, Margaret Walters, The Lurkers, Mary-Jane Field, Christine Wheeler, Kate Maclurcan, Tom Bridges, the Sydney Trade Union Choir and the Stella Maris choir. Star of the Sea Theatre is part of Stella Maris school, near the Northern end of Manly Beach on the cnr of Collingwood and Iluka Avenue. Parking is available at the northern end of the beach or in the surrounding streets. $17.50/$12.50 includes one free drink - Tickets available half and hour before concert www.starofthesea.com.au Bookings: Christina Mimmocchi: [email protected] or tel. 0410 682 061
The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette AUGUST2009 3 dates for your diary August 2009 Hall, Wells St & Henry Parry Drive. Metropolitan 7.30-11.30pm. $17, $14, 12-18 Friday 21st Saturday 1st $10, under 12 $5. Barry or Janice Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Folk Club ►The Harp Hotel Tempe, 8pm Blue 4388 2253, Mark 4342 5333 Guest artists Geoffrey Graham and brother Ralph Graham with his Goose + Drey Rollan + Storm In A Monday 10th Teacup. 900 Princes Highway, Tempe. show ‘Three Bards & Me’. Always BMC Dance Workshop, ‘Practice a great evening’s entertainment. 9559 6300 for Maitland Ball.’ Leader Felicity Featuring local artists and touring ►The Shack. Synthesis – Ann Hattingh. Pennant Hills Community performers. BYO drinks and nibbles. Palumbo and Paul Laszlo (Urban Centre, Yarrara Rd. 7.30-9.30pm. $7. 7.30pm $15 Contact Barry Parks 9807 eXcentrics) joined with Rose Felicity 9456 2860, 0434 437 522 McDonald and Tony Pyrzakowski 9497 or email: [email protected]. (Mothers of Intention, Wheeze & Wednesday 12th au. Beatrice Taylor Hall, Willow Park Suck), after band members went The Harp Hotel Tempe, 8pm. David Community Centre, Edgeworth David overseas. Four strong vocals, violin, Rovics (USA) Farewell Show. 900 Avenue, Hornsby guitars, mandolin, banjo, double Princes Highway, Tempe. 9559 6300 Saturday 22nd basses. +Michael-John Azzopardi th ►The Loaded Dog. – Celtic/European, Eastern, blues, Thursday 13 Martin Pearson has a unique place jazz, rock, alternative. +Spasm Band Sutherland Acoustic. Guest artists – the big voices of Andy George and Geoffrey Graham and brother Ralph in the Australian folk scene. A singer, Rhonda Mawer, Chris Blanchflower’s Graham. Geoffrey’s new show, ‘Three satirist, stand up comedian, raconteur, wild harmonica playing, Graham Bards and Me’, It’s fair dinkum reciter and storyteller, he could be Vick’s funky double bass. Jug, blues, Aussie bush entertainment time. described as Australia’s home-nurtured folk. Tramshed Community Arts incorporating the greats - Paterson, Billy Connolly, but with the lazy Centre, 1395a Pittwater Rd, Narrabeen Lawson, CJ Dennis and Geoffrey! invective replaced by added insight, Four for the price of one. Not just a (betw. car park and Ambulance). Free presence and wit (not to mention a tea, coffee. BYO drinks, nibbles. concert but an entire show with verse, song, comedy and yarns complete with better singing voice) (Bendigo Folk 7.30-11pm. $15. 0413 635 856, info@ Club). + Ecopella, an environmental shackfolk.com costumes and audience participation. Fun for all ages. Sutherland District choir that sings about the beauty of ►Beecroft Bush Dance. All Trade Union Club (Gymea Tradies), our world and the struggle to protect dances taught. Beecroft Community Kingsway, Gymea. 7.30-10.30pm. $15, it from exploitation and destruction. Centre, Beecroft Rd. 8pm-12. pens/conc $10. Floor spots welcome. Upstairs, Annandale Neighbourhood $17, $14, $12. Helen 9626 7816, Jenny 9576 2301, Maeve 9520 5628 Centre, 79 Johnston St. 8pm. $14, www.bushmusic.org.au Saturday 15th $12. BYO, supper available. Sandra Monday 3rd ►SYDNEY LAUNCH FOR TWF with 9358 4886, www.theloadeddog.org.au BMC Dance Workshop, ‘Practice Mothers of Intention, Peter Mace, ►BMC Subscription Ball for Maitland Ball.’ Leader Felicity Mary McEvilly & Mark Anderson, Maitland Town Hall, High Hattingh. Pennant Hills Community Cameron Mather, Michael-John St, Maitland. Price $50 pp , Centre, Yarrara Rd. 7.30-9.30pm. $7. Azzopardi & more. Irish Gaelic Enq. www.bushmusic.org. Felicity 9456 2860, 0434 437 522 Club, 64 Devonshire St, Surry Hills au.bmc_dance_ball/html 7.30pm. $15. Pam (9489 5784). Friday 7th ►The Troubadour. The Oom-pah- ►Beer & Cheese Night. ‘Diggers, ►Balmain Bush Dance with pahs, wearing their Bavarian outfits, Eureka and Rebellion’. Bring songs Wongawilli. All dances taught. Rozelle will do a mixed arrangement of on the theme - and your supper. Bush Campus, Sydney College, 25 Terry German-Austrian-Tyrolean popular Music Club, Hut 44, Addison Rd St. 8pm-12. $17, $14, $12. Don and traditional folk yodelling songs, Community Centre, 142 Addison 9642 7950, www.bushmusic.org.au varied with English country and folk Rd, Marrickville. 8-10pm. $5. 9569 yodelling songs. Playing accordion, Illawarra Folk Club. Geoffrey 7244, [email protected] ► Gerhard controls the real time arranger Graham. City Diggers Wollongong, backups while Anton sings and yodels. Illawarra Folk Club. ► cnr Burelli & Church Sts. 7.30pm. He will also sing the country style Jan Preston presents Life and $15, $10. David De Santi 0409 57 song with which he won the first Times of Winifred Atwell. City 1788, www.illawarrafolkclub.org.au prize in the yodelling division at the Diggers Wollongong, cnr Burelli Tamworth CCM Awards in January and Church Sts. 7.30pm. $15, $10. Monday 17th 2005. Over 20 years, he has won David De Santi 0409 57 1788, BMC Dance Workshop, ‘Practice six similar Capital Country Music www.illawarrafolkclub.org.au for Maitland Ball.’ Leader Felicity (CCM) Awards there. Floor spots Saturday 8th Hattingh. Pennant Hills Community available, supper provided. CWA Central Coast Bush Dance, with Centre, Yarrara Rd. 7.30-9.30pm. $7. Hall (opp Fisherman’s Wharf), Woy Sydney Coves. East Gosford Progress Felicity 9456 2860, 0434 437 522 Woy. 7pm. $10, $8, $7, incl. light
4 The CORNSTALK Gazette AUGUST 09 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 August 2009 supper. Children free with paying adult. 4341 4060 (AH), 0417 159 540 Regional and ACT Saturday 1st Saturday 22nd Beeswing CD Launch. +Peter ►The Harp Hotel Tempe, Dutch Allsop. Wesley Centre Hall, Tilders & Jim Conway. 900 Princes The Harp - AUGUST Saturday 1st - Blue Goose + Drey 150 Beaumont St, Hamilton Highway, Tempe. 9559 6300 Rollan + Storm In A Teacup. 8pm. $10 (Newcastle). 7.30pm. 4958 4033 ►’Sing For Pete’s Sake’ Wednesday 12th: David Rovics Saturday 16th 8 Arms Productions and Star of the (USA) Farewell Show. 8pm. $25/$20. Yuin Folk Club Inc Sea Theatre 7.30pm, Star of the Saturday 22nd: Dutch Tilders & Jim House Concert with Beautifully Sea Theatre, Manly. $17.50/$12.50 Conway. 8pm. $20; $15 conc. Mad. 2.00pm Lyrebird Ridge includes one free drink - Tickets Wednesday 26th: Hayward Williams Road, Coolagolite. $15 non available half and hour before (USA). 8pm. $15 members, $12 members. concert www.starofthesea.com.au, Saturday 29th: Alistair Hulett. 8pm. Bookings: Christina Mimmocchi: $25; $20 conc. [email protected] or tel. The Harp Hotel, 900 Princes Hwy, Merry Muse IN august 0410 682 061 Tempe. 9559 6300 Saturday 1st Kazband/ High Fidelity Monday 24th Friday 7th Settlers Night BMC Dance Workshop, ‘Mixed Friday 14th Merry Fest with Matty Bush and Old Time Dances.’ Ellis, Hadley and friends Pennant Hills Community Centre, Friday 21st Mothers of Yarrara Rd. 7.30-9.30pm. $7. Intention and others Felicity 9456 2860, 0434 437 522 Friday 28th Lighthouse, Hashemoto, Wednesday 26th Begg Borrow Steal The Harp Hotel Tempe, 8pm. Hayward Polish-Australian White Eagle Club, Williams (USA). 900 Princes 38 David Street, Turner. ACT Highway, Tempe. 9559 6300 www.merrymuse.org.au Saturday 29th or tel. Eileen 0412 127 882
, 8pm. David Rovics The Harp Hotel Tempe A singer-songwriter who tours Alistair Hulett. 900 Princes Folkus Room -AUGUST* regularly throughout North America, th Highway, Tempe. 9559 6300 Sunday 9 PotNKettle – CD Launch Europe, and occasionally elsewhere. “Black & Blue Monday 31st David Rovics has been called Friday 14th King Curly ... a new CD BMC Dance Workshop, ‘Mixed the musical voice of the progressive Sunday 16th Ashleigh Mannix, Ed Bush and Old Time Dances.’ movement in the US. Amy Goodman Patrick Pennant Hills Community Centre, has called him “the musical version of Sunday 23rd Mick Thomas (Weddings Yarrara Rd. 7.30-9.30pm. $7. Democracy Now!” Since the mid-90’s etc.) + Michael Barclay (The Sure Felicity 9456 2860, 0434 437 522 Rovics has spent most of his time on Thing); Eastmoon..... Admission $25/$20 Fri 28 Kate & Ruth; ...... the road, playing hundreds of shows Admission $20/$15 every year throughout North America, Sunday 30th Mal Webb & Mr Fibby... Europe, Latin America, the Middle East to be confirmed and Japan. He and his songs have been The Folkus Room. Enq. 6262 featured on national radio programs in 7265, The Italo-Australian Club the US, Canada, Britain, Ireland, Italy, 78 Franklin Street FORREST ACT Sweden, Denmark and elsewhere. thefolkus.org.au Mothers of Intention
Geoffrey Graham Bush Dancing
The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette AUGUST2009 5 www.dorrigo.com 17th - 22nd January 2010 Celtic Summer School, Campaspe Downs, 23rd - 25th October 2009 Vic. Enq. 03 6397 3427 Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival Festivals, Workshops, www.celt.com.au/summer.html www.kangaroovalleyfolkfestival.com.au Schools 30th Oct - 2nd Nov 2009 26th - 28th February 2010 Maldon Folk Festival 15th Cobargo Folk Festival www.cobargofolkfestival.com - (Applica- 7th - 9th August, 2009 www.maldonfolkfestival.com tions close 31st August, 2009) 21st - 23rd August 2009 20th - 22nd November 2009 Kelly Coungtry Pick Harrietville Bluegrass & Traditional 5th - 8th March 2010 Beechworth, Vic. Enq. 0433 139 081 Country Music Convention Port Fairy Folk Festival www,kellycountrypick.org www.bluegrass.org.au/Harrietville www.portfairyfolkfestival.com 16th - 20th September 2009 13th - 15th November 2009 12th - 10th March 2010 The Turning Wave Festival, Music At The Creek Blue Mountains Festival of Folk Roots & Gundagai, www.turningwave.org.au www.musicatthecreek.com Blues www.bmff.org.au 2nd - 5th October, 2009 27th Dec - 1 Jan 2010 Uranquinty Folk Festival Woodford Folk Festival 11th - 21st March 2010 www.uranquintyfolk.com www.woodfordfolkfestival.com Brunswick Music Festival 2nd - 5th October, 2009 31st Dec 09 - 3rd Jan 2010 www.brunswickmusicfestival.com Victorian-Era Festival Gulgong Festival 19th - 21st March 2010 www.gulgongfolkfestival.com Canberra. www.earthlydelights.com.au\ Yackendandah Folk Festival www.folkfestival.yackandandah.com 18 October 2009 7th - 10th January 2010 Boite Singers’ Festival Folk In The Foothills 1st - 5th April 2010 www.boite.com National Folk Festival www.illawarrafolkclub.org.au 8th - 10th January 2010 www.folkfestival.asn.au 16-18th October Cygnet Folk Festival National Windjam Festival, Westbury, Tas. www.cygnetfolkfestival.com Mike Watts (03) 63973427, www.celt.com. 14th - 17th January 2010 au/wind/2009windjam.html Celtic Summer Illawarra Folk Festival 23rd - 25th October 2009 Bulli NSW Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Festival School www.illawarrafolkfestival.com.au Luke Plumb is one of the most exciting mandolin players to come out of Australia, and is also highly regarded around the world as a mandolin player. One Day Festival Attracts A leading member of Scottish band Shooglenifty, Luke is also making a name Australia’s Top Folk Artists for himself as a teacher, and with his Organisation is well underway for the Illawarra Folk Club’s Folk in the Foothills to superb solo album ‘A Splendid Notion’. At be held on Sunday October 18th. last year’s Celtic Summer School, Music Nestled in the foothills of the Illawarra Escarpment is the beautiful Jamberoo Valley Under the Southern Cross, he taught Irish Lodge. It will again be the venue for Folk enthusiasts when they gather in the wonderful Fiddle, to great acclaim. ambience of its rainforest setting, to hear music and verse performed by a great array of In January he will be teaching his renowned international and local performers. favoured instrument – mandolin. Students There will be 25 concerts with 17 acts from 9am in the morning till 7pm in the will only need a good understanding of the evening with a number of venues to choose from - a large concert room, an intimate mandolin to be able to make the most out acoustic concert room, the restaurant, outdoor terrace and grove area all set in the of this exciting teacher. picturesque and tranquil surrounds of the Lodge. Luke joins a fine line up of teachers Already confirmed are Ted Egan, Allen Johnson on tour from Scotland, Alistair at the Summer School including Chris Hullet, another from Scotland, and Poet and Funny Man, Jim Haynes. Then there’s Duncan and Matthew Robertson - Honky Tonk Man, Pugsly Buzzard, Australias latest singing sensation, Ami Williamson, Advanced Scottish Fiddle; Emma Nixon raging Gypsy Band, Doc Jones Lechery Orchestra and harmony and beautiful music and Lachlan Green - Intermediate Scottish from the female band Raz and Waters. Fiddle; Dave O’Neill and Bridget Hickey The traditionalists are well catered for with the Wongawilli Band, The John - Irish Fiddle; Pria Schwall-Kearney and Broomhall Trio, Alan Musgrove and the Watsername Band, Milthorpe’s Jason a Chloe Sarah Davies - Canadian Fiddle styles; Mike Watts - English Concertina; Kathy Roweth and local dance band, No Such Thing. Hickey - Irish Whistle; Patrick Lyons - Throw in young folk band, Replay, The Welsh Choir, The Sydney Serbian Dancers, Uilleann Pipes (Full); Nicole Murray and The Tribal Jewels Belly Dancers and vintage poet Viv Sawyer and you have as good a John Thompson (Cloudstreet) - Traditional folk festival line-up that you coul ever gather together in one day. Singing; Celtic Harp (Full). Classes are Tickets will be limited and are available on line at the Illawarra Folk Clubs Website. beginning to fill so students are advised to Illawarrafolkclub.org.au get their applications in early. www.celt. Russell Hannah com.au/summer.html
6 The CORNSTALK Gazette AUGUST 09 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 and a fine singer/fiddler.All three groups National many years ago, they were were of a high standard of musicianship running workshops and have a music and are gaining reputations around UK café in Kirkwall with an encouraging and Europe. stream of little fiddlers coming and Orkney FolkSaturday afternoon an Oxfordshire going, they are always involved in the Morris team performed in the square festival. outside the Stromness Hotel, setting for Altogether a delightful 4 nights of the bar sessions and the Song Club. In music, wonderful sightseeing on these Festival fact the bar spilled out onto the square beautiful islands. We had been told when weather allowed, fortunately most Stromness is a quiet little town; we of the time, and various combinations can assure you it’s not when there’s a of players entertained. The evening festival on! concert in the Town Hall starred the James & Dallas Baxter wonderful Spiers and Boden, vocals Town Square fiddle and concertina, who take traditional songs and make them their We recently returned from a UK own. Dave O’Neill please get them to visit which included attending the the National ! Orkney Folk Festival on May 21-24, Also featured were Shetland mostly because we had never been supergroup Fiddlers Bid with no less there before but also we were jealous than four duelling fiddles plus guitars, our treasurer Bruce Cameron had such and local youngsters Skalder; more pop a good time last year! than trad. Karine Polwart Trio rounded The line-up also attracted us, old off the evening; she will be known here favourites Genticorum, last seen at as a sometime member of Battlefield the National, and a host of very good Band and Malinky, thoughtful songs locals. well sung. We journeyed to Thurso by train, Sunday, final day, we caught the the tip of Scotland, and the session on session led by MacGregor Brechin and the ferry from Scrabster to Stromness O’hEadhra, sensational playing and put everyone in the mood. Stromness Gaelic singing. The closing concert is a beautiful stone port climbing up also gave us a taste of Bruce Molsky, the hill with paved streets and compact Ullapool trad singer Margaret Bennett, village feel; most of the festival is and the delightful Genticorum who won all hearts! centred here, with some concerts in Town Square Kirkwall and Finstown and some We had hoped to hear the Wrigley outlaying islands Rousay and Stronsay. Sisters whom we so enjoyed at our first As this is a concert based festival, we’d fortunately prebooked a nightly concert before leaving Sydney; and they were all sold out. We therefore missed some performers we’d like to have seen, plus the “late” concerts which began at 10.30 and went until the wee hours, when the sessions were in full swing! With northern summer it is light until 11.00pm, so easy driving home to our B&B, an old 1830 flour mill. The opening concert started with the local pipe band and included short sets from many groups .Our second concert featured Irish guests; marvellous singer Karan Casey, with band backing; group Buille centred on master concertina player Niall Vallely; Session at the Stromess Hotel Orkney and Beoga were a five piece young group with all Ireland bodhran champ The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette AUGUST2009 7 folk news Call For Information To Assist Research For Proposed Phil Ochs Radio Special Irish Music Teacher Sure ’Twas Only 27 Years Ago!!!! Young Irish musician just arrived in Sydney, excellent references, looking for Where were you in July 1972? students. Ruari McGorman will teach Irish fiddle, DADGAD guitar, bouzouki and If you were at one of one of Phil Ochs’ concerts, whistle at the Gaelic Club in Surry Hills Declan O’Connell wants to talk to you. Declan is one and possibly other locations if there is of the presenters of Rebel Chorus on Radio 2XX in interest. For inquiries about lessons phone Canberra (98.3FM). Rebel Chorus (‘folk music with Mort on 9558 2425 (h) or 9716 2330 (w) a political edge”) goes to air on Saturdays from 10 am to12 midday, live streaming at 2xxfm.org.au/08/ 50 Years of VFMC streaming.htm. Declan is doing research for a planned The Victorian Folk Music Club Inc has I Dreamed I Saw Phil Ochs Last Night edition of the celebrated their 50th anniversary with a show later this year. glossy commemorative edition of their Ochs wrote songs like Draft Dodger Rag, Here’s newsletter ‘Australian Tradition’, July 2009. Photos full of nostalgia include the to the State of Mississippi and I Ain’t Marchin’ Any covers of the June 1972 issue - ‘Margret More (the song that inspired a mass burning of draft cards in Chicago during the RoadKnight, Sue Lee Archer and 1968 Democratic Party convention). He called them “topical songs” rather than Merle Lamb singing for Women’s Lib at “protest songs” and said he was “a singing journalist”, who built songs from International Women’s Day demonstration stories in Newsweek. Following the overthrow of the Allende Government in , City Square, Melbourne, March, 1972’ Chile on 11 September 1973 by a US-backed military coup, Ochs got Bob Dylan, - and the ‘Final Issue’ (December 1975), Pete Seeger and Arlo Guthrie to join him in a Friends of Chile benefit concert with a ‘Last Editorial’ from editor Wendy (“An Evening with Salvador Allende”) in New York. Lowenstein. There’s a reprint of ‘The Story Ochs’ 1972 Australian tour included concerts in Melbourne, Adelaide, of the VFMC’, written by Shirley Andrews and Wendy, which, of course, does not say Perth, Tasmania; Canberra; Sydney, Brisbane and Townsville. On the tour, he who took up the baton or when publication was supported by the Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band, Jewellian the Mimer, resumed. Other reprinted articles include cartoonist Ron Cobb and women’s liberationist/abortion law reform advocate ‘Port Phillip Folk Festival, 1968’ (Shirley), Molly Manno. If you were at one of the concerts, please email Declan at ‘Collecting Oral Tradition in Australia [email protected] or ring him on 6253 1378 Today’ (Wendy). Some collected songs are also reprinted; there’s a profile of Bert and workshops in traditional Irish music Maitland, with its grand old colonial Gibson (a member for the whole 50 years), and dance. The Master Class Series is architecture and its amazing sprung timber and a report of the Gay Charmers’ 50th modelled after the Willie Clancy Summer dance floor. anniversary, at Kerang; and much more. School in Ireland and offers participants Dance to the music of Coalbrook Band, three mornings of tuition (Wed 16th- Fri featuring the Strutt Family, Chris Duncan Steeleye Span 18th Sept: 10am-1pm), with forums and and Bob McInnes, favourites at the Steeleye Span, the legendary UK Folk/ sessions in the afternoons and evenings. Maitland Town Hall for many years. Rock band, featuring the voice of Maddy Master classes are for intermediate or Dress in your colonial finest and enjoy Prior, are touring Australia in October, as experienced players. Workshops are the spectacle, recreating the splendour of part of their 40th Anniversary World Tour. offered for anyone from beginners Subscription Balls past. (instrumentalists must have some basic Remarkably, the band has seldom Arrive to appetisers at 7pm and knowledge of their instrument) to more been more active in its career. The current partake of two delicious suppers line-up of Maddy Prior, Peter Knight, Rick experienced participants and will run on Wed 16th and Thurs 17th from 2-4pm. (savoury & sweet) provided at Kemp, Liam Genockey and Ken Nicol has convenient breaks in the program. in fact become the longest serving of any Classes include fiddle, concertina, banjo, Price $50 per person, order form here across the years. accordion, flute, guitar, Irish music for Their 40th anniversary year will be beginners and Irish set dancing. For more http://www.bushmusic.org.au/bmc_dance_ spent in much the same way as every information visit www.turningwave.org. ball.html other: they will play live (two UK tours, au or to register Contact Pam Merrigan Earlybird price of $40 (until 24th July.) plus visits to Australia and USA) and (02) 9489 5786 or pamerrigan@optusnet. make music, releasing a new album that com.au will typically see them buck their own BMC Dance trend and go back to their roots, the interpretation of traditional song. Their dance news Workshops Sydney concert is in The York Theatre The Bush Music Club’s Monday night at the Seymour Centre on Friday 2nd Dance Workshops for August (7.30- October. Tickets are now available at www. Bush Music Club’s 9.30pm, $7) will feature a Practice seymour.usyd.edu.au Subscription Ball for the Maitland Ball on 3rd, 10th and 7pm, Saturday 22nd August, 2009, 17th August, with workshop leader Spring School of Irish Maitland Town Hall Felicity Hattingh. The remaining two Celebrate the Bush Music Club’s 29th Mondays, 24th and 31st, will be Mixed Music & Dance Subscription Ball with music and dances Bush and Old Time Dances, leader to This is a three day programme (16 - 18 specially selected to make it a night to be advised. Pennant Hills Community September) held in conjuction with the remember. Centre, Yarrara Rd, is close to the station. Turning Wave Festival, Gundagai NSW Soak up the ambience of The Maitland Felicity 9456 2860, 0434 437 522 (16-20 Sept), offering master classes Town Hall, situated in High Street, 8 The CORNSTALK Gazette AUGUST 09 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 The Rail Tram Beautifully Mad & Bus Union (Tony King and Kris Ralph) Competition
Over a period of a century and half Australia has a great number, certainly Tony King and Kris Ralph are Starting at the Riverina Trucking more than 500, songs and poems about Beautifully Mad! They are one of Company for four years and then the railways. Sydney’s most sought after duos. moving to Sydney where she starred The music and songs come in many They produce acoustic music at its in shows such as, The Department best, from the hauntingly beautiful in kinds: rock, gospel, classical, folk, with Tracy Mann and Max Gillies, the vein of Luka Bloom, to the exotic blues, country and rap. They also come tones reminiscent of Cassandra Wilson The Madras House with Peter Carroll in many languages for example there to the wild Hendrix. and Hugo Weaving, Stepping Out are many Torres Straits Islander songs with Nancy Hayes, Rowena Wallace Tony is an aria award winning related to the push to build railways in songwriter and tours with Andrew and Colette Mann, Blood Brothers the north during the 1960s. Strong in The Commitments as lead with Christina Amphlette and Russell Continuing its own long tradition the guitarist. Crowe. Rail Tram and Bus Union is launching Tony is an accomplished Kris has sung in bands such as The a thousand dollar competition for poets composer, guitarist: a fine bass Other Woman with Genevieve Lemon and songwriters. Australian railway player on both fretted and fretless and Suzanne Thompson, and now with workers and passengers have endured instruments and is gifted vocalist. He Tony King in Makin Whoopee. the good and the bad. While doing is also a producer and film composer. As a session singer in Sydney and so, they have often reflected upon the Together they have combined their Kris has featured on the Buddy Album times with music, songs, poems, tall talents to produce an array of diverse (Sydney Cast) and as backing vocalist stories and other art forms. songs. on Read My Lips and Sexy Is The The Rail Tram and Bus Union competition is looking for original Tony just got nominated for Word, for Melissa Tkautz. music, songs, poems and other art Australian Songwriter of the Year. He Kris studied at the Conservatorium forms to help portray life on Australian also won four awards including Best of Music in jazz fundamentals. She has railways today. Song in two categories, the best result co-written songs for Makin Whoopee’s Topics could range from working of any songwriter in 2006. albums, Let Them Fall on Moonlight conditions to emissions reduction, Kris Ralph is an accomplished Cactus; Mandarin Sky and the title infrastructure, fast trains and the singer/actor who plays guitar, track on Full of the Moon. percussion, writes songs and paints. advantage of general public railways Tony and Kris are known as services over the car. Kris has been performing on stages all Beautifully Mad when they are over Australia since she left school. The winning entrant stands to win performing their original material. $1000 and the opportunity for their Kris is also an award winning For more information and to view work to be publicised through the songwriter and a trained for years under Jazz legend Kerrie Biddell to some highlights of the tour you can go RTBU and associated organisations. achieve a wonderful rich voice. to the website www.beautifullymad. Closing date for entries is Friday 4th com or phone 0412 109 391 September 2009. Appearing in August at The Folkus For entry form and rules, call 02 9310 Room and The Yuin Folk Club. 3966 or google RTBU or ‘Australian Railway Songs’ and pick up the information from there.
The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette JULY 2009 9 folk contactsWednesday Choirs DANCE Monday Monday Albion Fair, North-West Morris Dancing A Choired Taste, Glebe, led by David Westmore, 9716 Bush Music Club Dance Workshop Lilyfield Community Centre, Cecily and O’Neill Sts, 7.45pm. Angie Milce 9817 3529 7016 Beginners, experienced, 7.30pm, Pennant Hills Australian Heritage Dancers Bright Star Singers Ashfield, led by Mary-Jane Community Centre, downstairs. Except Jan. and Annandale Neighbourhood Centre, 79 Johnston St, 8 Field, 9797-6126 public holidays. Felicity 9456 2860 Ecopella. Erskineville, led by Miguel Heatwole, 9810 -10pm. Jim Young 9412 3721 [email protected]. International Folk Dancing au - australianheritagedancers.org.au 4601 [email protected] School term, Earlwood Senior Citizens Centre, 362 Balmoral Scottish Country Dance Group Glory Bound Groove Train. Petersham, led by Homer St 10am-noon. Gwynne 9558 4753 Linda Calgaro, 9518 4135 7.00-9.15pm, Seniors’ Centre, Mosman Square, Scottish Country Dancing for beginners, with ‘Scots Inner West Chamber Choir, Leichhardt, led by Mosman. Nell Morgan 9981 4769. on the Rocks’, Fort St Public School, Observatory Rachelle Elliott. 9797 1917. [email protected]. Epping Scottish Country Dance Club Intonations. Manly, led by Karen Smith, 0405 221 113 Hill, Sydney, 6.30-7.30pm. Nea 9994 7110, Lynn St Aidan’s Church Hall, Downing St, 7.30-10pm. Martenitsa. Ultimo, led by Mara & Llew Kiek, 9268 1246, SC [email protected], http:// All levels welcome. Clare Haack 9484 5947 clare_ 47514910 www.rscds.org.au [email protected] People’s Chorus Newcastle, led by Rod Noble, 49 Belly Dance, basic/beginners 7pm, choreography Gosford Scottish Country Dance Society 623432 8pm, Girraween Hall, 17 Tungarra Rd. Vera 7-10pm, Church of Christ, Henry Parry Drive, Unaccompanied Baggage. North Sydney, led by Myronenko 9665 9713 Wyoming. Cecily Cork 4384 3527, Jan McCudden 4329 5537 Stuart Davis, [email protected] Tuesday Greek Folk Dance Voiceworks, Katoomba, ledby Rachel Hore 4759 Blue Mountains Scottish Country Dancers 2456, [email protected] Pan Macedonian Assoc Building, Railway Pde, Catholic Church Hall, 7-9pm, Wentworth St, $3 Verley Sydenham from 7pm onwards. Adult classes from Tuesday Kelliher, 4787 5968, [email protected] Carol Cantorion, Neutral Bay, led by David Westmore, 7.15 pm, Vasilios Aligiannis, tel/fax 9708 1875 Gardner 4751 6073/[email protected] 9716 7016 [email protected] Greek Folk Dance Eastside Arts, Paddington, led by Christina Mim- International Folk Dancing for older women mochi, 9331 2646 Bankstown RSL Club - 32 Kitchener Pde - Bankstown School terms only, 9-10am beginners, 10-11am Ecopella. Illawarra area (alternate Tuesdays), led by 6pm onwards.Vasilios Aligiannis, tel/fax: 97081875 advanced. Bankstown Older Women’s Wellness Miguel Heatwole 9810 4601, [email protected] [email protected] Centre, Police and Community Youth Club, cnr Roc Lawson, led by Rachel Hore, 47592456, Hungarian Dance Class Meredith St and French Ave. Gabrielle 9728 7466, Alita [email protected] Ultimo, 8-10pm. Gary Dawson 9559 4485. 9798 9269 The Honeybees. East Sydney, led by Dynes [email protected] Irish Set Dance class, Irish Gaelic Club, 64 Austin. Contact Jenny Jackson, 9816 4577 Morris Dancing, Sydney Morris Men Devonshire St, Surry Hills. 8-9.30pm. [email protected] 2nd & 4th Tues, Rozelle Community Centre (hall at Alarna 0401 167 910. Sydney Trade Union Choir rear), Darling St, Rozelle, 8pm. John Milce 9817 3529 Sutherland Shire Bush Dance Group Uniting Church, Sydney City, contact [email protected] or www.wheezeandsuck.com. 4 Gosport St, Cronulla, 7.30-10pm. $3. Beginners most Wednesday English Country Dancing, Sydney welcome. Partners not necessary.Mike 9520 2859 Sutherland Shire Folk Dance Group Choralation. Abbosford (school terms), contact Marga- Playford Dance Group 3rd Tues, 7.30-10.00pm, Gymea Bay Scout Hall, June Place, 10am. Kaye ret Grove [email protected] Uniting Church Hall, The Cres, Berala. Ring Patricia Laurendet - 9528 4813 Ecopella. Upper Mts., contact Kate 47 825529 9649 6978 or Mike or Ros on 9929 8193 for further NoteTonight, Josephine. Glebe, led by David details. Thursday Westmore, 9716 7016 Scottish Country Dancing English Country Dancing (Advanced) for the over 50’s 2-4pm. School for Seniors, Wesley Mission, Pitt Stampadowns. Camperdown, led by Peter Lehner, St John’s Uniting Church Hall, Coonanbarra Rd, St. Sydney. (Oppositive back of Hilton Hotel.) contact Kim/John 0419 164 212 Wahroonga, 7.30-10.30pm. All welcome. Catherine Blue Labyrinth International Folk Dance Thursday Bonner 9489 5027 Australian Gaelic Singers, Ryde. Bran from 7pm, Baptist Church Hall, King St Glenbrook. Jo Scottish Country Dancing Barrett 4739 6498 MacEachaidh, 9633 1162. www.gaelicsingers.org.au Fort Street School, Observatory Hill, City. 6pm to Greek Folk Dance Bouddi Voice. Kincumber (school terms), led by C 8pm Nea MacCulloch 9904 1358(a/h) or Lynn 8244 & C Sainsbury, contact 43 683270 St Gerassimos Church Hall, 21 Henry St Leichhardt. 9618(w) Chorella Community Choir. Richmond, contact 6 pm onwards. Adult classes from 7.15 Vasilios Sutherland Shire Folk Dance Group Ellen 4578 2975 Aligiannis, tel/fax 9708 1875 [email protected] Cleftomaniacs. Waterloo, led by Gary Smith, International Dancing, Gymea Bay Scout Hall, June Sydney Irish Ceili Dancers [email protected] Place, 7.30-9pm. Kaye Laurendet 9528 4813 Kingsgrove Uniting Church Hall, 289A Kingsgrove Rd Solidarity Choir. Newtown, led by Miguel Heat- Turkish Dance Class (cnr Moreton Avenue, Children’s step dancing 6pm, wole, 9810 4601, [email protected] Lidcombe Community Centre, 8-10pm. Yusuf Nidai adults step dancing 7pm. Set and ceili dancing 8- Friday 9646 1166 10.30pm. Margaret and Bill Winnett 9150 6765. email: The Sydney Street Choir. CBD, led by Peter Ukrainian (Cossack) Dancing Class [email protected] Lehner 0425 268 771 for fit and energetic young people (16-23yrs), Friday The Sydney Welsh Choir (Men and Women) meet 7.30 pm to 10.00 pm. Ukrainian Hall 59 Joseph Australian Colonial and Folk Dancers Every Friday, on Wednesday Evenings at Concord Baptist Church Street, Lidcombe. Jaros Iwanec 9817 7991, St Andrews Ch Hall, cnr Trelawney/Rutledge Sts, Hall. Reh. 7pm to 9pm. 20 to 30 performances a year. [email protected] /www.veselka.com.au Eastwood (next to BBC), Colonials’ Dance each 5th Viv 47 39 0384, Warwick 9451 7806,[email protected] International Folk Dance class - Open Door, Friday evening. Anthony and Lisa 9873 4805. Mudlarks, women’s a cappella choir. Woodford. Led Georges Hall Senior Citizens, Birdwood Rd, 11.30am- International Dancing by Alison Jones 4759 2880 12.30pm. Gabrielle 9728 7466, gabybaby@optusnet. Sedenka Folk Dancers, Rozelle Neighbourhood Saturdays com.au Centre, 665A Darling St Rozelle. 8-llpm, $3. Chris Wild The Shire Quire. Gymea, led by Mary-Jane Field. “The Dance Buffet”, wide variety taught, Liverpool 9560 2910. contact Jenny, 9576 2301 City Pipe Band Hall, Woodward Park (next to Whitlam Scottish Country Dancing Sunday Centre), Memorial Ave, 7.30-9.30pm. $8 ($5 conc). Adult classes, beginners welcome, children 6.30 - Blue Mountains Trade Union Choir. Upper Mts., Nicholai 9822 7524, mob 0407 178 228 7.30pm, adults 8-10.30pm, Beecroft Primary School, contact Kate 47 82 5529 $2. Sheena Caswell 9868 2075, Heather Dryburgh 9980 7978
10 The CORNSTALK Gazette AUGUST 09 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 Scottish Country Dancing lllawarra Folk Club, Gosford Bush Poets Caringbah Seniors Hall, 386 Port Hacking Rd, Car- 1st Friday, Wollongong City Diggers Club, cnr Burelli & Last Wednesday night of every month 7pm. The ingbah (rear Library), 8pm. Beginners/other levels. G. Church Streets, 1300 887 034 www.illawarrafolkclub. Gosford Hotel, cnr of Mann & Erina Sts Gosford. Milton 9524 4943, Erica Nimmo 9520 4781 org.au Everyone welcome to share in night of fun, friendship Saturday Springwood Neighbourhood Centre Acoustic and great poetry. Contact Vic Jefferies, 02 96394911 or Bush Folk Dances, by Bush Dance Assoc. Club, or SNC Acoustic Club. Regular folk nights on [email protected] nd 2 Sat. Feb-Dec 6.30 - 10pm. New Year’s Eve 8pm- the 4th Friday of each month (Feb - Nov), 8pm $7/$5 Thursday midnight. $20/$15/$10. $5 disc for early bookings. Springwood Neighbourhood Centre, Macquarie Rd, Sutherland Folk Club Pennant Hills Community Centre, 60 Yarrara Rd. John Springwood. (next to Civic Centre). Visitors and floor Session night 4th Thursday. 7.00pm, Sutherland 9873 3138/ 0416 212 136, bushdance2000@yahoo. performers welcome. Enquiries, Mark Hand 02 4721 District Trade Union Club, Gymea. All welcome. 9520 com.au 4230 or [email protected] 6180. Bush Music Club Bush Dances Toongabbie Music Club Blackheath Folk Club, Feb-Dec (not Easter), 8-12pm, $17/$14/$12 incl. 2nd and 4th Fri 8pm, Northmead Scout Hall, 1st Thurs, 7.30pm, Ivanhoe Hotel, cnr Gt Wstn Hwy supper, children to 12 free. Beecroft Community Ctr Whitehaven Road, Northmead. A session always and Govetts Leap Rd. Christine Davies, Peter Duggan 1st Sat, Helen 9626 7816; Balmain High School hall, happens so bring instruments. Alison Boyd 02 9769 4787 7246 Terry St, Rozelle, 3rd Sat, Don 9642 7949 0592, [email protected], or Ray Pulis 9899 2102. Central Coast Bush Dance Friday Saturday BMC Beer & Cheese Night 4th Sat, 8-12pm, East Gosford Progress Hall, Henry lllawarra Folk Club, Parry Dr and Wells St, $15/$12. Beate 4323 3356. Themed music nights, 1st Fri (except holidays), 3rd Saturday, Wollongong City Diggers 8-10pm. Bring something to sing, eat, drink. Bush Robyn 4344 6484. Club, cnr Burelli & Church Streets, 1300 International Folk Dance Music Club, Hut 44, Addison Rd Community 887 034 www.illawarrafolkclub.org.au Centre, 142 Addison Rd, Marrickville. 9569 7244, Children’s classes, 6-18 years, Pennant Hills Loaded Dog Folk Club Community Centre, morning. Carol Maddocks, 9905 [email protected] 4th Sat, Annandale Neighbourhood Centre, 79 Eastern Suburbs Poetry Group 1563 Johnston St, 8pm. Sandra Nixon, 9358 4886, Irish Ceili Dances, live Ceili bands, 4th Sats, 1st Friday, Church in the Market Place, Bondi Junction. [email protected]. www.theloadeddog.org.au 6.30-8.30pm. Gina 9349 6958 7.30 - 11.30pm. Irish Gaelic Club, 64 Devonshire Macquarie Towns Music Club Springwood Neighbourhood Centre Acoustic Club St, Surry Hills. $10. Aisling 0413 941 459, 3rd Sat,7.30pm Alternates between concert and round [email protected] 4th Fri, (Feb - Nov) 8pm, $7/$5, Springwood robin jam session format with concerts featuring a Neighbourhood Centre, Macquarie Rd (next to library Scottish and Old Time Dance guest artist supported by a ‘blackboard concert’ 2nd Sat, 8pm, Uniting Church, 9-11 Bay St, Rockdale. and Oriental Hotel.) Visitors and floor performers Richmond Neighbourhood Centre, West Market St, welcome, Theresa 47518157, Jeannette 4754 4893 $3 incl. supper. Chris Thom 9587 9966 .Contact Dez Williams at 4578 5215 dwilliams@tpg. Scottish and Old Time Dancing com.au Saturday Orkney and Shetland Assoc. 3rd Sat, 8-11 pm. St The Shack. 1st Sat, presents 21st century original, Fairlight Folk Acoustic Lounge David’s Hall, Dalhousie St, Haberfield. $3 inc. supper. contemporary and traditional folk music at the Held 4 times a year, Feb, May, Aug. Nov (usually Visitors most welcome. Jean Cooney 9874 5570. Tramshed, 1395a Pittwater Rd, Narrabeen at 7:30. 1st Sat) 7.45pm. A comfortably enticing, relaxed Macedonian Dance Class BYO drinks and nibblies. Contact Rhonda on 0416 635 environment in which to see quality live acoustic music. Rockdale. 6.30-8.30pm, $5. Y Kaporis 0412 861 187 856 or email Kathleen at [email protected]. Ajfjter show - jam. BYO drinks and nibbles. Light Mortdale Scottish Dancers Bluegrass & Traditional Country Music Society of refreshments available. William St Studios, Fairlight Learners night (for learners and experienced), 7.30- Aust. 1st Sat, March-December Sydney get-together. (The Baptist Church down from Sydney Rd. Contact 9.30pm. Pensioners Welfare Club Hall, 76 Pitt Street, Annandale Neighbourhood Centre, 79 Johnston St, Rosie 9948 7993. [email protected] Mortdale. Pam Jehan 9580 8564. Annandale. Band workshop 7pm, concert 8.15pm, Sutherland Shire Folk Dance Group jamming all night. All welcome: $5/7. (02) 9456 1090 Sunday International Dancing Como Girl Guides Hall, 10- www.bluegrass.org.au Sydney Scottish Fiddlers st 11.30am. Kaye Laurendet 9528 4813 Sunday 1 and 3rd Sun, 2-5pm, New Church, 4 Shirley Rd Linnéa Swedish Folkdancers Troubadour Folk Club Roseville. All ages welcome. Trish 9416 2402. Estonian House, 141 Campbell St, Surry Hills. New Central Coast, 4th Sat. in month 7pm CWA Hall, Woy Irish Music Session members welcome. For times contact Graeme Traves Woy. (opposite Fisherman’s Wharf), The Boulevard, Harp Irish Pub, Tempe, 4-7.30pm. Enq. 9559 6300 9874 4194, [email protected] Woy Woy. Admission: $7 members/$8 conc. & other Music Session Hero of Waterloo, cnr Lower Fort MUSIC IN CONCERT folk club mems/$10 non members. Everyone welcome St and Windmill Street, The Rocks. 6-10pm. Brendan Tel. Frank or Marilyn 4342 9099, Fax 4325 7362. 9818 4864 Tuesday Email: [email protected] www.troubadour. Irish Music Session. 3rd Sunday. Bennet Hotel, The Screw Soapers Guild - Writers Presenters & org.au/folk/index.htm.. Hamilton, 4-7.30pm Roz and Shane Kerr 44967 3167 Listeners Group 4th Tues, 7.30pm, stories, poems, Irish Music Sessions - Dicey Riley’s, Wollongong 2pm. songs and conversation. Albert 9600 7153, email: Sessions & Free Workshops Hotel Illawarra Wollongong, 3rd Sunday, 3pm, [email protected], website: www.folkclub. spoken word, 5pm acoustic music com/folkodyssey/ Monday Wednesday Bush Music Club Wisefolk Club Last Wed in month, 11am-2.30pm, If you change your details PLEASE Community Centre, 44/142 Addison Rd, Marrickville, Toongabbie Bowling Club, 12 Station Rd, lunch at club advise the editor on 02 6493 6758 or email 7.30pm. Music workshop. All singers and musicians bistro. Sonia 9621 2394 Allen 9639 7494, welcome. Bob 9569 7244, bobbolton@netspace. [email protected]. You may also Thursday net.au wish to have your details online (free) - jam. ‘Posers & Composers’ performance session, every Irish Music Session: Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday org.au Thursday, Newtown RSL (1st floor), 52 Enmore Rd, of the month from 7.30 – 10.30pm @ The Shamrock 7.30pm - 11pm. Free. To book a spot & enq Dennis Inn, Asquith Leagues Club, Alexandra Pd. Waitara Aubrey 0408 452 464 [email protected] (short walk from station). It’s an open session Sutherland Folk Club and all musicians are welcome with focus on 2nd Thurs concert night. All ages. Members are tunes rather than songs. Phone Norm 9489 5786/ welcome to join us at any of our concerts, do a floor [email protected] spot. Enjoy a friendly , sociable night’s entertainment, Wednesday support local talent. These artists are all superb Irish music lessons, beginners and advanced, musicians!! Contact Jenny 9576 2301. flute, fiddoe, whistle, tenor banjo, guitar, concertina. Friday Irish Gaelic Club, Sjurry Hills, 0413 941 459, Hornsby Kuring-Gai Folk Club [email protected] 3rd Fri, 8pm, Each month Beatrice Taylor Hall, rear Jolly Frog Hotel. Jam Night. Cnr Bridge & Willow Park Community Centre, Edgeworth David Ave, Macquarie Sts, Windsor. 7.30pm to late. Mark 0419 Guest artist and floor spots, light supper provided BYO 466 004 grog. Barry Parks 9807 9497 [email protected] The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette AUGUST2009 11 Council Meeting Rooms (opp. Panthers’ Club, Bluegrass Jam Session, 3rd Sat each REGIONAL EVENTS main entrance), Newcastle. Rod Noble 4962 month. 7.30-11pm. Thirroul Neighbour- BATEMANS BAY: Scottish Country Dancing, 3432 email: [email protected] hood Centre next to post office. Batemans Bay Caledonian Society -Tuesday Newcastle Irish Set Dancers, Tuesdays, 7.30- lllawarra Folk Club, 1st Friday and 3rd Saturday, 7.30pm at Batemans Bay Bowling Club - visitors 9.00pm, Scots Kirk, Hamilton, Newcastle. Julia Wollongong City Diggers Club, cnr Burelli & Church welcome. Warren 4457 2065, Max 4472 5184 or Arthur, 4955 5701 [email protected], or Streets, 1300 887 034 www.illawarrafolkclub.org.au BATHURST: Bathurst Folk Club, occasional concerts,
12 The CORNSTALK Gazette AUGUST 09 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 competition over their mates heads while singing Aussie rock anthems. Not much damage was done to their stubbie shorts, singlets and thongs I might add. Anyway, what do you do on the road when you need to byIndustry Nick Charles Insights work and you’re between main events? Adapt! Well, thankfully there was an extremely loud PA system, Have you really got what it a high stage out of arms reach, and a band room to retreat to. I told myself it could have been worse and proceeded to takes to be a full time musician? play a set without pause (no time to hear requests!) and once again a couple of choice old classics helped somewhat. Part 1. I kept smiling, something I’ve learned to do, and Sounds scary doesn’t it? This little essay was inspired in soldiered on. Another handy hint is to have some accessible part, as usual, by some recent road experiences. CDs (or in my case a versatile I Pod) to keep some of the In recent months I’ve played all over the country from punters happy during the break. Queensland to Western Australia and totally burnt myself I think I gained some respect from punters and out. It’s a balancing act, finding enough work to survive management after all that and would you believe they want economically i.e. food on the table, the rent etc and the threats me back. It’s time for a price rise don’t you think. I’d say of tendonitis, sore throats and not to mention ‘over exposure’ considerable. and the need to constantly be looking for your audience. I got through the three hour gig, packed up in a matter of I believe more than ever that you have to go out and find minutes, got paid and fled! the true music fans, especially in this world of excessive entertainment options and diversions. There’s actually a strange euphoria about getting through one of those nights and your ability to handle them could I’ve been at this game full time now since 1986 and still well decide your economic prospects on the road in this find it bewildering at times exactly trying to work out how country. You have to be able to take the good with the to balance all these things as well as staying positive and bad. It really makes you appreciate a listening audience, a creating new music on a regular basis. The general public dedicated folk club and a great festival. obviously see a performer up there on stage in front of let’s say a large festival audience and sees ‘success’, maybe Thankfully the next night was a great venue, audience ‘fame’, maybe ‘fortune’ and probably to some extent these and sound and on it goes! images are moulded by the media’s focus on the big stars. Well it did happen again shortly afterwards on the other Most of us, it’s true began playing with stars in our eyes for side of the country. This time a Sunday night in south sure. I wanted really badly to be Eric Clapton when I was a western WA... I could have sworn I was followed from young teen (still wouldn’t mind a share of it!) but of course QLD. Actually this time proved even more demanding. A for the remaining 99% of musicians it’s an absolute test of small PA, low stage, no security and an extremely hostile adaptability. There are hard decisions to make. group at the far end of the room and I had the added You only need to notice how many former mainstream dilemma of a small group of fans near me but surrounded by artists, with sometimes considerable commercial the great unwashed! success, are now appearing in the festival and folk club There’s really no answer to this situation. Grin and environments to realize how competitive it is. Some of the bear it. It became almost intolerable when I was verbally newer avenues include the burgeoning house concert scene, abused mid song at one point for not playing something by the song writer circle gigs and number of new festivals of someone I’d never heard of. all shapes and sizes that yearly arrive. Still, it gives you something to write about, doesn’t it? But I digress! I really wanted to mention some incidents Amazingly this particular gentleman bought a CD at the that occurred in opposite corners of the country and how I end of the night for some strange reason! You are really left handled them. You too will probably encounter things like wondering at that point if you are a poor judge of character. this. My original fans were full of admiration at my composure It was a warm north Queensland Wednesday night and and I scored a nice house concert (sympathy) next time I’m I was booked to play a large bar that’s been a blues venue in the area. for a long time. Upon entering to set up I noticed that the That was the last show of the tour and was topped off ‘music’ room had more than a dozen high volume sporting beautifully by a shocking cold and a broken fingernail. I events on screens in full flight and coupled with that the applied for sick leave of course. crowd had clearly been absorbing amazing amounts of Once again I ask, “Can you handle it?” alcohol long before my arrival. I had a few very strange More next time. Keep practising your scales and your conversations! I knew instinctively (call me slow) that I was smiles! in for a tough one when a group of guys had a beer pouring
The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette AUGUST2009 13 cd reviews Girls”; the unethical practice of banks making loans to people who aren’t going to be able to repay them “Rotten to the Core”- The Lurkers “Shoot to an update of the 1950 song “Banks of Marble”; the emptiness of the Moon” various forms of belief – whether formal religion, shopping or The Lurkers – IMHO – are market forces “Couldn’t be Better”. the most exciting group to There are two exceptions to the overtly political songs on hit the local folk scene since this album: “Lay me Down” is a poignant song about Nick’s Taliesin back in the early 90s! German-speaking Oma who has dementia. “Got my Boots On” is a “Subversive homespun travelling song about enjoying the freedom of the road but it could bluegrass” is the apt summary be seen as a sort of tribute to Woody Guthrie and the beautiful this Sydney threesome uses to yellow Lurker Van – look for it coming to a venue near you! describe their music. Despite The album was recorded by the empathetic Andy Busutti at their youth (average age 27), Blue Mountain Sound in Hazelbrook and he’s done a great job of they’re well-grounded in blending the voices and instruments. traditional music, especially As you could expect from this environmentally-aware trio the American song tradition, – there is no plastic in the CD case – just cardboard. The artwork with avowed heroes Woody is impressive. Martin’s dad did the great photography – and you Guthrie, Joe Hill, Pete Seeger and Bertold Brecht. Their voices and could be forgiven for thinking when looking at the mug shots of their instruments are their weapons in their struggle for Climate Martin, Mithra and Nick that they are escapees from a film set in Action. 1920s USA. But the Lurkers are very much inner-west Sydney- A whole lexicon and philosophy surrounds the Lurkers. Are siders who perform frequently at the Addison Road markets in you feeling lurky? Get lurked! Lurking is defined as an act of “anti- Marrickville and they also have ties to the Illawarra region. humourless political activism” and the three purveyors are Pretty The Lurkers are going to be attending the climate change Boy Floyd (Martin Cubby – guitar, harmonica), Desert Rat Shorty summit at Copenhagen in December 2009 and while they’re on (Mithra Cox – banjo) and the Weary Hobo (Nicholas Mueller that side of the globe.they’ll be touring their music in Germany, – double bass and banjo mandolin). Switzerland and Denmark. But before that you can catch them: Their debut album – “Shoot to the Moon” – features 13 Saturday 22nd August at the Star of the Sea Theatre, Manly original songs. They share the writing and the lead vocals and where they are part of the line up making a tribute to Pete Seeger. their grass roots principles show in that they raised funds for Friday 31st August sees them at the Harp Hotel, Tempe the recording through busking; they’ve released the CD under supporting American political singer-songwriter, Dave Rovics. a Creative Commons Licence (meaning that they are happy Saturday 5th September, Mars Hill Café in Parramatta. for people to copy and share the songs for creative and non- Friday 18th Sunday – 20th September they’ll be commercial use) and in this way hope to empower people to make performing at the Turning Wave Festival, Gundagai. their own music and be active in their communities. The tsongs For more information – see the website www.lurkers.com.au communicate themselves readily because they draw from their where you can also buy copies of direct experience and most have choruses. “Shoot to the Moon”. Further details too from Mithra Cox on I heard a chap talking on the radio about children of the baby 0425 351 844. boomers being “baby gloomers” – miserable sods who go about Margaret Walters convinced the end of the world is nigh. Martin, Nick and Mithra don’t have time to be gloomy; their generation is up and doing and writing songs to change the world. It’s possible just reading the lyrics you might think there’s a fair amount of doom and gloom – but the delivery of the songs on the CD and in live performance is anything but fatalistic. This is Desert Rat Shorty (Mithra Cox) Dance at the Revolution stuff with the musical styles ranging from “blues to bluegrass, mountain music to traditional folk” and the energy is infectious. The title track is about the attitude that we can exploit the earth for all it’s worth and then “Shoot to the Moon” – I like the musical reference to “Ghost Riders in the Sky”. “Blue Sky Day” and “DIY Armageddon” and “North Shore Pirates” carry other warnings Pretty Boy Floyd (Martin Cubby) about environmental destruction. “Environmental Evangelism” is a humorous but touching account of the social ostracism that accompanies trying to live sustainably. Other subjects covered are the abuse of truth in the news media “Get Foxy News”; ASIO interference in Green politics “Keeping a File on Me”; the way fear is used to control how we live when we Weary Hobo (Nicholas Mueller) are tied to huge mortgages “$300,000 Blues”; the scare mongering that implies it’s not safe for a woman to be out at night “You
14 The CORNSTALK Gazette AUGUST 09 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 Australia’s No.1 monthly traditional and contemporary folk, blues, roots, alternative, bluegrass and world music magazine
Ducks Crossing1447 6525)dnow.com Publications is published by In this issue PO Box 532, Woy Woy Where do you P4 get it? July 2009 The Hat P5Fitz Blitz ne 4344 1844 NSW$3.90 2256 Australia Shop 5 - 115 Blackwall How to screw over a musician P8 Road, Woy Woy NSW Felix Meagher Lays It On The Musical Line P9 www.duckscrossing.orgJuly 2009 Picking on Something Smaller P11 Trad&Now Trad&Now New P12 Stock The History of The Troubadour P16 and printedis proudly in Australia produced Registered for transmission by Gary Shearston: The Best Of All Trades P19 ISSUEprint post PP255003/06443 #41APRA Music Awards: The Winners P21 nted by Spotpress, Marrickville NSW Agreement reached to pay royalties P21 ow Publisher: Copyright Protection Crucial P22 ossing Publications Nick and Liesl forced to revamp P22 tour : What is it about Bob Corbett? P23 02 4344 1844 Simply Australia Website Relaunch P23 : 02 4344 1944 P24Gig Guide [email protected] Festival Calendar P26 adandnow.com Hordes head to Henry’s P28haunt Pulses race to Celtic P29rhythm Publications also publish: Festival Calendar P30 sula News National Folk Festival Brings Millions P32 ulanews.asn.au Palm Creek Folk Festival Review P33 ulanews.info Frances Folk Gathering P35 wls News Performer Applications now P36open kscrossing.org Festival P37Snippets ossing.org The Snowy Mountains of Music P40 Henry's Bucello Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Festival P41 anley Turning Wave’s Year of the P42 Irish age at the Shetland In P43 Didj‘n’Us The Merry Muse Celebrates 20 Years P44 edonaldson.co.uk Peninsula Folk Club 25th Anniversary P45 d A dance tribute to Lucy Stockdale P47 Regular Music P48 Events National Celtic Festiva Albert Hall has been P50saved : Bundanoon, June P51 2009 Regular Music P52 Events awrie What P54 is Folk? igan Peter Mace: A biography P56 roll Poetry Challenge and P57 more we “Mawson’s Ice P57Cream” son Dunedoo Bush Poetry Festival P58 Regular Poetry P59 Events What is Folk? Talking P60 Guitar Fiddling P62 Around The P645th String Bluegrass P66 News On the P69Wireless CD P70 Reviews Poetry - award winners www.tradandnow.comNext edition: News, reviews and information on traditionalTrad&Now and contemporarywelcomesTrad&Now contributions of news, m featusic, olicited material. The views expressed in dance and poetry as well as reports on liver anyperformances relationship to other members and No. fe 42stivals. e editor for distribution to th
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The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette AUGUST2009 15 focus on folk 2MBS-FM 102.5MHz 6PM Saturday FOLKin the In co-operation with 2MBS-FM, Sydney’s first FM community FOOTHILLS radio station operating on 102.5 MHz, Folk Federation brings A relaxing one-day folk festival in the beautiful Illawarra Rainforest you an hour of folk music at 6PM on 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month. EARLY BIRD ADULT TICKET JAMBEROO$30 by 16/10/09, VALLEY YOUTH LODGE $5 SUN 18 OCTOBER 2009 8th August John Milce |Alan Musgrove & Watsaname Band 22th August Paul Jackson will bring us songs by that amazing Scots trad Alan Johnstone Ami Williamson UK performer Roy Bailey social sing Alistair Hulett |songbirdballadeer John Broomhall Anyone with a CD that you would like to add to the library collection for dulcet duo Chloe & Jason Roweth | No Such Thing dance music consideration for airway please forward to gypsy Doc Jones Lechery Orchestra ‘n Waters charming singers Focus on Folk, Post Office Box A182, Sydney South 1235. Pugsley Buzzard funky piano | Raczydney Serbian Dancers Skorba sounds of the world|WollongongS Welsh Choir Folk Trax Ted Egan NT legend | Jim Haynes |Replay Henk de Weerd is overseas at present, however, Folk Trax is Wongawilli Aussie travellers | operating as usual. buy Tickets Online www.illawarrafolkclub.org.au/store or call tel:1300 887 034 presented by ILLAWARRA FOLK CLUB INC • DANCE • GYPSY • • TRADITIONAL • SPOKEN WORD • WORLD • ROOTS • CELTIC
The Blue Goose Band www.illawarrafolkfestival.com.au/page/FolkintheFoothills2009
16 The CORNSTALK Gazette AUGUST 09 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220