Dates For Your Diary Folk News Folk Federation of New South Inc Dance News Issue 412 CD Reviews November 2009 $3.00

Armandito Y Su Trovason High energy Cuban six piece Latin band

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

The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette NOVEMBER 2009 1 Advertising Rates Size mm Members Non-mem NOVEMBER 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 Dates for your diary p4 South NSW 1235 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 The Folk Federation of NSW Inc, formed in Back cover 180x250 $100 $150 Dance news p9 1970, is a Statewide body which aims to present, Folk contacts p10 support, encourage and collect folk m usic, folk 2 + issues per mth $90 $130 dance, folklore and folk activities as they exist Advertising artwork required by 5th of each month. CD Review p14 Advertisements can be produced by Cornstalk if re- in in all their forms. It provides a link quired. Please contact the editor for enquiries about Deadline for December/January Issue for people interested in the folk arts through its advertising Tel: 6493 6758 ADVERTS 5th November affiliations with folk clubs throughout NSW and its Inserts for Cornstalk COPY 10th November counterparts in other States. It bridges all styles [email protected] NOTE: There will be no January issue. and interests to present the folk arts to the widest Insert Rates: For your December contributions please possible audience. Single-sheet DL size or A5. Members $70 Non- include January dates. Cornstalk Editor - Coral Vorbach Members $130 Post Office Box 5195. Cobargo NSW 2550 A4, folded to DL size or A5. Members $90 Non- Front cover Armandito Y Su Trovason Tel/Fax: 02 6493 6758 Members $160 Cuban Band courtesy Jen Brett A4 should be folded. The number of inserts per issue Email: [email protected] is limited. Cornstalk is the official publication of the Folk Please contact Dallas and Jim Baxter, 9810 4131. Federation of NSW. Contributions, news, reviews, Offers of help for the wrap are appreciated. Dorothy Schunmann & Ian Marks - Nowra poems, photographs most welcome. All cheques for advertisements and inserts to be Photographs and Artwork made payable to the Folk Federation of NSW Inc COMMITTEE 2009-2010 Photographs - high resolution JPG or TIFF files. President, Anthony Woolcott 300 dpi images cropped at correct size. If your event misses Cornstalk, Email: [email protected] We use Adobe In-Design, Photoshop 6, Microsoft Word. Julie Bishop 02 9524 0247, Vice President: Christine Wheeler PLEASE do not send photographs as part of a Word Secretary: Pam Davis 02 9955 3677 Document . [email protected] can include Email: [email protected] No part of Cornstalk may be reproduced without permis- it in Folkmail, the weekly email to Treasurer: Bruce Cameron 02 6331 1129 sion of the publishers. All care but no responsibility taken members. And don’t forget that as a Email: [email protected] for omissions or errors. Committee: Dallas Baxter, James Baxter, member you can put information on Terry Clinton, Kate Delaney, Mary-Jane Field, Sandra Wrap Co-ordinator James Baxter 02 9810 4131 jam.org.au, where helpful tutorials will Nixon, Peter Miller Robinson, Margaret Walters - [email protected] guide you. Membership: Wayne Richmond Listserv/Jam/Mem- bership 9939 8802 (not after 8.00pm please.)

2 The CORNSTALK Gazette NOVEMBER 2009 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 From The President

Hello to all, Colleen Burke, to raise funds for the Declan Affley Youth As I said in my column in the October Cornstalk, the Encouragement Award at the National Folk Festival in 2010. Folk Federation will be celebrating its 40th Anniversary in The concert is going to be on Saturday 5th December at the 2010 with a series of concerts. The first will take place at Gaelic Club, Surrey Hills, between 3 and 7pm. Please come the Illawarra Folk Festival in January and we are interested and join us for a great afternoon of music and an informal in hearing from performers who were active in those earlier early Christmas celebration in supporting this very worthy years who might like to take to the stage again. cause. I’m relatively new to the folk scene (only 11 odd years) As part of our 40th year, the Folk Fed committee thought and I’ve been fascinated by some of the stories I’ve heard this a good time to look at life memberships. There are a of the earlier years. We’d like to feature some historical number of fine folk who are worth acknowledging in this anecdotes in the pages of Cornstalk – so please pull out the way - and we would love to hear from you with any relevant photo albums and see what memories are evoked and share suggestions. them with us. Yours in song and celebration (Happy 40th in 2010) Anthony Woolcott Q. How many Folkies does it take to change a light bulb? A. Only one but another 16 to sing about how good the old one was…. Well – while we DO appreciate traditions and the roads we’ve travelled, the Folk Federation also has an eye to the future and we particularly wish to involve young people as performers and organisers. The Illawarra FF concert may be a retrospective, but for the later concerts in 2010 we are keen to hear from young artists and recent acts that have made an impression on the folk circuit. On behalf of the Folk Fed, Margaret Walters is currently organising an end-of-year concert, together with

The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette NOVEMBER 2009 3 dates for your diary October 2009 ►Beecroft Bush Dance with Metropolitan Currawong, caller Don Richmond Sunday 1st (not ‘Julie Bishop’ as in Mulga Sunday Tea Dance. A relaxing social Wire). All dances taught. Beecroft afternoon of dancing to live music Community Centre, Beecroft Rd. by the JH Dance Band and Friends. 8pm-12. $17, $14, $12. Helen 9626 Old time and modern, bush, contras 7816, www.bushmusic.org.au and more. Upper Hall, Pennant Hills Community Centre, cnr Yarrara and Frencham and Smith Ramsay Rds (opp station). Plenty of Friday 20th parking. 2-5 pm. $10. Bring a plate. Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Folk Club. Tea and coffee provided. Lucky door Guest artist Pat Drummond. www. and spot prizes. Ric 9476 4301 patdrummond.net/ Floor spots. Candle- Friday 6th lit venue, tea and coffee provided. Beer & Cheese Night. ‘‘Twas Merry BYOG and nibbles. Beatrice Taylor When the Hut Was Full.’ Having fun Hall, rear Willow Park Community - as best you could - with what you Centre, Edgeworth David Ave, had in these far-flung colonies of the Thursday 12th Hornsby. 8pm (doors 7.30pm). $15. British Empire. Bring songs on the Sutherland Acoustic. 30th Birthday Enq, table bookings, Barry Parks theme - and a supper contribution. Celebration! Ecopella, that beautiful 9807 9497, [email protected] Bush Music Club, Hut 44, Addison green choir, and the outstanding duo Saturday 21st Rd Community Centre, 142 Addison Frencham Smith, along with ‘a cast of ►Balmain Bush Dance with Sydney Rd, Marrickville. 8-10pm. $5. 9569 thousands’. Gymea Trade Union Club Coves, caller Steve Lockwood. All 7244, [email protected] (Tradies), Kingsway, Gymea. 7.30pm. dances taught. Rozelle Campus, Saturday 7th $15, $10. Raffles. Floor spots available. Sydney College, 25 Terry St. 8pm- ►The Shack. New York Public Jenny 9576 2301, Maeve 9520 5628 12. $17, $14, $12. Helen 9626 Library - John Flanagan, Warren Saturday 14th 7816, www.bushmusic.org.au Boyd, Isabelle Fogarty - lively, ►Bush Music Club’s 55th Birthday. Mothers of Intention. Glebe Markets, popular, thoroughly entertaining, an Social Afternoon BBQ and Session. Glebe Point Rd. 11am-3pm. Free. icon of the Sydney folk scene for BYO food for BBQ, drinks, ►Illawarra Folk Club. Celtic years, having begun their career at instruments, dance shoes, songs, Concert, with The Borderers (visiting the original Shack. Originals, Celtic, poems, kids. Hut 44 and environs, from Adelaide), and more. www. comedic and something they call Addison Rd Community Centre, theborderers.com.au/ City Diggers ‘adapted bluegrass’.+ Andrew Browne 142 Addison Rd, Marrickville. Wollongong, cnr Church and Burelli and Orlando Agostino – Andrew, From 12 noon. 9659 7244 Sts. 7.30pm. Ros 1300 887 034 songwriter, guitarist and singer, and Wednesday 25th Orlando (guitar, mandolin) have a ►Blue Goose Band Unplugged’ - Old time blues, folk, a St Andrews Day Scottish Ceilidh. devoted Sydney following for their Novice dancers and musicians tasteful performance (jazz, blues, folk) bit of jazz + original songs. Featuring the glorious voice of Sonia Bennett. invited to participate. Sheet music and easygoing humour. Orlando’s provided. Wongawilli Community acoustic roots guitar style enhances (Donation: $15/$10) 2pm, Humph Hall, 85 Allambie Road, Allambie Heights. Hall, West Dapto Road. 8-10.30pm. Andrew’s songs with sweet, strong $3, children free, includes light arrangements. + Sarah and Margie Enq. Wayne Richmond (9939 8802) Web: humphhall.org supper. David De Santi, 0409 57 – Two wonderful singers, Sarah 1788, [email protected] Fogarty and Margaret Salem, and ►Gosford Contra Dance with truly exquisite harmonies. Tramshed Pastrami on Ryebuck, caller Julie Thursday 26th Community Arts Centre, 1395a Bishop. All dances taught. East James Craig Shanty Session. Pittwater Rd, Narrabeen (betw. Gosford Progress Hall, cnr Wells St Christmas Special. On board James car park & Ambulance Station in and Henry Parry Drive. 7.30-11.30pm. Craig at Wharf 7 Darling Harbour. No shopping centre). Free tea, coffee. $17, $14, $8; under-12 $5. Robyn or alcohol allowed on board. From city, BYO drinks, nibbles. 7.30-11pm. $15. Richard, 4344 6484, www.ccbdma.org/ walk over Pyrmont Bridge, right into 0413 635 856, [email protected] Murray St, past National Maritime Museum. 7.30pm. $7 (incl. supper). Mike Richter 0419 992 119, 9476 3861, John Warner 9580 0525, 0432 483 086. www.shf.org.au

4 The CORNSTALK Gazette NOVEMBER 2009 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 October 2009 Saturday 28th The Loaded Dog. Dennis O’Keeffe R egional and ACT Saturday 14th End Of Year Folk Bash + Nick Lock (1 hour each). Dennis Saturday 5 December 3-7pm, upstairs Hey Fever Contra Dance Party, left Monash in 1999 with a Graduate at the Gaelic Club, 64 Devonshire Street, with Contratemps. St Margaret’s Diploma of Arts (Australian Folklife just behind Central Railway (concert Uniting Church Hall, cnr Phillip Studies), but his greatest education followed by a meal and a session) Ave & Antill St, Hackett, has been 25 years in the Australian Back in the early 1980s, the Folk ACT. 8pm. (02) 6257 7942 Federation used to organise social folk movement. His storytelling has gatherings and many of these took the evolved through performances of Sunday 29th form of a Christmas Ceilidh when there our traditional songs. He composes Yuin Folk Club would be singing (including the really old unique songs in the tradition. www. End of year concert and party. carols), dancing (often a display from a waltzingmatilda.net.au/ Nick, raised in Special guests Damon Davies and South American or European dance group), Cornwall, has lived here for over 25 Heather Black and friends. Gary a Mummers Play from members of the years. He is well known for his singing Renton, Margaret Essex, Bob Hart, Sydney Morris Men, and supper. What in Sydney’s folk clubs. In the ‘80s he $10/$15 family. Includes was particularly memorable to me (as performed with Malcolm Clapp as afternoon tea and snacks. someone who generally confines herself to the singing side of the folk tradition) was Bodmin Gaol. He ‘uses his beautiful Enq. 6493 6758 the mixture of the various strands of our voice [for] traditional songs, music cultural heritage and I still remember the hall songs and shanties’. Loaded Dog, The Merry muSE - NOVEMBER goose bumps from seeing traditional ritual upstairs Annandale Neighbourhood drama for the first time. Centre, 79 Johnston St. 8pm. $14, Sunday 9th The Folk Fed is hoping to recapture $12, BYO, supper available. Sandra CD Launch 7pm. Jonno Zilber some of that magic with an event at the 9358 4886, www.theloadeddog.org.au launches ‘Bigger, Better, Zilber’ Gaelic Club on Saturday 5th December The launch will also feature an opening 2009 from 3pm – 7pm followed by a meal ►The Troubadour. Double act - set with local singer/songwriter Julia and a Come All Ye session. And it will be our own Warren Targett, plus Sarah Johnson (Julia and The Deep Sea a fund-raiser. A youth award commemorating the Fogarty and Margaret Salem. Floor Sirens) performing her hypnotic brand spots available, supper provided. late Declan Affley has been made annually of original alt-folk music. This will at the National Folk Festival over the past CWA Hall (opp Fisherman’s Wharf), be one CD launch that you should not The Boulevarde, Woy Woy. 7pm. 11 years. The award started in 1986 as a miss! songwriting award but was changed to a $10, $8, $7, children free with paying $15 at the door/$12 for Members and youth award in 1998. It’s an encouragement adult. 4341 4060 (AH), 0417 159 concessions and the CDs will be heaps award for young performers between 540. www.troubadour.org.au/ cheap for one night only! the ages of 14 and 24 who perform at Sunday 29th Note no food available, sorry the the National Folk Festival in ►BMC Folkus Trivia, with Australian restaurant doesn’t open Sundays. in sessions, blackboard events, or other venues. In the past the CFMEU’s social folk traditions flavour. Prizes. Informal Polish-Australian White Eagle Club, session at end. Numbers limited club in Canberra has generously funded this 38 David St, Turner, ACT www. award but sadly, no longer – so we need to – register soon. Beecroft Community merrymuse.org.au. Enq. 0412 127 882 boost the coffers for this worthy cause. Centre. 2-6pm. $10, incl afternoon We have several artists lined up tea. Helen or Tony 9626 7816 The Folkus Room November. – including Cornerbrook; Declan’s daughter st ►Barrenjoey Music Room, Sunday 1 Sam Lohs, Rosie Bridie Burke plays in this Irish/Celtic group, which also includes music from Green Mohair Suits - Virtuosic Burgess, Rachael Brady, Cilla Jane Sunday 8th Mal Webb and Mr Fibby Newfoundland where her husband Cory contemporary bluegrass Clarke hails from. We have yet to gather Tuesday 17th Coolgrass Armandito Y Su Trovason - High all the elements together for this concert energy distinctively Cuban six piece AND Bluegrass Parkway. but will post the details on jam.org.au very Latin band. Tasman Rd, Avalon Admission $25/$20 soon and, of course, they will be given Adults $15, Under 18’s $5, Family $30 Friday 20th Elana Stone in the December Cornstalk. Meanwhile Refreshments and pre-concert music and Brian Campeau; – do keep that date aside - note that it is Friday 27th Pigeonwing an afternoon event and you might be able from 5.45pm to squeeze something else in the evening Strings Rachael Cooper though we hope you’ll want to stay for a The Folkus Room. Enq. 62627265, meal and a mother of all sessions. The Italo-Auustralian Club 78 We have had a kind offer of a raffle Franklin Street, Forrest ACT prize of a double pass to the Cobargo australiathefolkus.org Folk Festival and welcome donations of additional prizes.And - if you would like to be involved in some way - please contact Margaret Walters ([email protected]. Bluegrass Parkway edu.au or phone 9698 2206).

The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette NOVEMBER 2009 5 17th - 22nd January 2010 Armando Garcia Celtic Summer School, Campaspe Downs, Perez, aka Armandito, Vic. Enq. 03 6397 3427 was born on April 28, 1970 in San Luis , a Festivals, Workshops, www.celt.com.au/summer.html small town in the Province of Santiago de Schools 26th - 28th February 2010 Cuba. 15th Cobargo Folk Festival Son of Aleida Perez , primary school www.cobargofolkfestival.com teacher, and Armando Garcia, Comerce 13th - 15th November 2009 5th - 8th March 2010 Manager, Armandito became the first Music At The Creek musician in the family. www.musicatthecreek.com Port Fairy Folk Festival At the age of five, he was given his first 20th - 22nd November 2009 www.portfairyfolkfestival.com instrument, a little guitar, at the behest of Harrietville Bluegrass & Traditional Coun- 12th - 10th March 2010 his grandmother. try Music Convention Blue Mountains Festival of Folk Roots & At twelve years old he began his studies www.bluegrass.org.au/Harrietville Blues at the Conservatorium of Music in Santiago 27th Dec - 1 Jan 2010 www.bmff.org.au de Cuba. Woodford Folk Festival 11th - 21st March 2010 He started performing at the age of www.woodfordfolkfestival.com twelve at the Conservatorium (whilst he Brunswick Music Festival was studying there) and participated in 31st Dec 09 - 3rd Jan 2010 www.brunswickmusicfestival.com music competitions among schools and Gulgong Festival 19th - 21st March 2010 festivals. www.gulgongfolkfestival.com Yackendandah Folk Festival After eight years of intensive study he 7th - 10th January 2010 www.folkfestival.yackandandah.com graduated as an instrumentalist in Trumpet Boite Singers’ Festival 9th - 11th April as well as a director and arranger in Cuban www.boite.com Fairbridge Festival WA popular music in 1990. 8th - 10th January 2010 www.fairbridgefestival.com He started his professional career Cygnet Folk Festival 1st - 5th April 2010 with the Orquesta Los Tainos with whom www.cygnetfolkfestival.com National Folk Festival he travelled around Cuba playing in 14th - 17th January 2010 www.folkfestival.asn.au carnivals and cabarets in different cities. Illawarra Folk Festival Later he became the Musical Director of 2nd - 3rd April 2010 Bulli NSW Los Tainos. In 1996 with Sonora La Calle Four Winds Festival www.illawarrafolkfestival.com.au as a trumpeter and musical director, he www.fourwinds.com started his international career travelling extensively to England , Scotland , France , Australia and New Zealand. He had the November Means Music At The Creek opportunity to play in well known venues The hills and valleys of Major’s Creek will soon ring with the sound of music! The historic such as Ronny Scott’s in London , the New gold mining village comes alive each November for ‘Music at the Creek’ – a friendly, Morning in Paris , Star City Casino in relaxed, and very entertaining, festival of music and dance presented by the Braidwood Sydney, The Crown Casino in , Folk Music Club. With several venues, including the lovely old hall, tiny stone chapel and and the Entertainment Centre in Auckland various marquees surrounding the recreation ground, there’s much to see and do. to mention just a few. The old fashioned village atmosphere has attracted increasing numbers of visitors With his band Sonora la Calle ha had and performers since it’s inception 17 years ago. This year will be no exception with the privilege of sharing the stage with greats performers of the calibre of Alistair Hulett, Blue Mountain Rain, Chloe and Jason Roweth, of international musicians like Compay Coolgrass, Damon Davies & Damien Neil, Franklyn B Paverty, The Ellis Collective, Segundo and Eliades Ochoa from Buena Kobya, Kooky Fandango, Humbug, Mr Fibby, O’Neill and Rodgers, Wizard and Oz and Vista Social Club and top American jazz the Wheeze and Suck Band - and many, many more! trumpet players, Wynton Marsalis. There are workshops for those who wish to attempt something new – whether it’s learning He first came to Australia in June 2002 the finer points of playing an instrument, trying out a new dance step or singing those as a Musical Director of the International songs you’ve always wanted to sing! With dance exhibitions and workshops, concerts in a Cuban show Lady Salsa. variety of musical styles and a children’s tent with all kinds of supervised fun activities for During this tour, he had the pleasure the little ones, there’s really something for everyone! of meeting resident Lissette Villaflores, A variety of food stalls cater to all tastes and the bar is a great meeting place to enjoy some the love of his life, and as a result of that wonderful impromptu music sessions. It’s here that audiences and performers become one meeting he decided to make Australia his home. – you never know who you might be sitting alongside! Currently he is a music teacher in the Majors Creek is a small village located 15 kilometres south of historic Braidwood on the Department of Contemporary Performance NSW Southern Tablelands – just over an hour from Canberra, Goulburn, Bateman’s Bay in the Australian Institute of Music, in the and around 31⁄2 hours from Sydney. There is basic camping available at Majors Creek, category of Afrocuban Ensemble. with hotel and motel accommodation and bed and breakfasts available in and around He is also a piano teacher at the Braidwood – but you’ll need to book early! Academy of Networking Thinking in Due to health and safety regulations absolutely no pets are allowed into the Festival area. Music. In addition to that, he is the musical Earlybird pre-paid tickets are only $60 (weekend adult) if you purchase before 1st director of his own band “Armandito y su November. Go to the website www.musicatthecreek.com for the full range of prices or Trovason”. (Barrenjoey Music Room contact [email protected] 29th Nov)

6 The CORNSTALK Gazette NOVEMBER 2009 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 Jigzag and also Ami Congratulations to the organisers, Williamson pulled in the volunteers and local businesses, but The Turning Wave crowds, these are very particularly Pam and Norm Merrigan popular with the younger for another marvellous festival. audience, and Mothers 2009 of Intention conducted another wildly successful Karifolkie in the Lotts Hotel beergarden. Rosie McDonald and Anne Ridgeway sang several fine sets, plus Bronnie Ware, Alan Musgrave, Margaret Street Session Another great festival at Gundagai Bradford (seen around town on her has been enjoyed from 16-20 bike), Broomhall Spillane and De Santi September with masterclasses in plus the family band of Zumpa, and the weekdays before and concerts many more we couldn’t catch up with. over the weekend. This year five We did however enjoy Pigeonwing Aoife, Michelle & Mick Irish musicians participated; Anton Strings playing Appalachian music MacGabhann (fiddle) Aoife Granville and some lively stepping and foot (flute/vocals) Mick O’Connor (tenor percussion from Pria in her wonderful ) Mick Mulcahy (accordion/ red shoes! She gave an excellent workshop on Celtic links to American melodeon) and daughter Michelle Mulcahy (concertina). In trios and old time music, with Greg Fair on with Tony O’Rourke from Melbourne banjo/mandolin (and lost voice). The festival also covered a full program (guitar) they gave fine concerts as of poetry and spoken word with Vic expected from such respected and Jefferies, Peter Mace and Arch Bishop. The talented players, though perhaps not as many dance events included a Spirit of the charismatic and individually versatile Bush costume Ball with Bon Accord and as the three from last year! That said, called by Don Richmond, with the outdoor the opening concerts in the church marquee in Carberry Park the scene for the Coast Ceili Band were beautiful introductions to the Sydney Irish Ceili Dancers and the Harp festival and show acoustic is alive and Set Dancers, plus colonial and Scottish well! dance. There were many highlight Last year’s winner of the busking performers, but for lovers of Irish competition, a young singer/guitarist Cameron Mather, shows great maturity traditional the sets by Montgomery/ Flute class Barker and Burke were superb and for a 16 year old and will soon be the musical understanding between heard around the clubs. This year these players was a joy. Enda Kenny the winners were James and Kerry and Lindsay Martin were excellent, Coombs from Victoria, and. the and the singing of Michael Kennedy reciters award went to John Peel, also exceptional; his is a marvellous from Victoria. voice. Wheelers and Dealers were in The festival was blessed with fine form with much new material great weather right through to Sunday and an interesting spread of solos, afternoon, so the grand parade with and Coolfin Mac delighted with fine the local children, Canberra Pipe band, singing from Pam and good backing whistle band and camp followers from the group. Chloe and Jason and proceeded in style. At 3pm the storm also Collector launched new CDs, and hit, blacking out the main street were as always enjoyable, plus the and particularly St Pat’s Hall where Lurkers featured their recently well- Michael Kennedy was stopped mid reviewed CD. Jackie Luke and Greg song with a CLAP of thunder and the Wilson as Springtide gave an original PA blew! He finished acoustically Chinese Lion Dance presentation of songs exploring mid-audience, as did the remaining Jackie’s New Zealand pioneer heritage. musicians. A good festival finishes with a bang.

The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette NOVEMBER 2009 7 folk news Aria Nominations Warren Fahey has been nominated for an Aria Award in the Best World Music Album category, for Australia: Folk Songs and Bush Verse. Marcus Holden says: ‘Fantastic news! We can’t believe it. Everyone involved with this project loved just being part of such an historic recording (or should I say recordings - over 200 tracks!) so for us to be nominated is amazing!’ Seaman Dan has also been nominated in the same category, for Sailing Home. The 23rd annual Aria Awards will be held on Thursday 26th November. www.ariaawards.com.au/winners- nominees-2009.php

Vale Ken Ferguson The Australian folk world lost a major Sutherland Acoustic (ex Sutherland Folk talent on 11 October 2009 with the sad passing of singer, songwriter, geologist, Club) Turns 30! journalist and historian Ken Ferguson, after a long and debilitating illness. August 1979 was an important date for lovers of live folk music in the southern suburbs Ken was responsible for some of Sydney, because this was when the Sutherland Folk Club was born. It was located at outstanding and ambitious songwriting, Jerry Boam’s Wine Bar at Miranda, with organiser Pam Gainsford, and kicked off with contributing widely-performed songs such a variety of performers including our very own Margaret Bradford who went on to run as Alice on the Line, Franklin’s River and the club for 15 years and become a legend on the folk scene. We salute Margaret on her The Singing Wire to the Australian song achievements. tradition. He will be best remembered The rest as they say is history with Sutherland Folk Club now known as Sutherland for his “Folk Operas”, particularly “The Acoustic celebrating 30 years of continuous operation making it one of the oldest, if not Singing Wire”, the tale of the construction the oldest, folk clubs in Sydney today, something the folk club is decidedly proud of. of the Overland Telegraph, written with They hope to celebrate this milestone in style on 12th November at Gymea Trade NT band Bloodwood for the National Union Club, the club’s home for the last 15 years. Previously the club held its meetings Folk Festival in Alice Springs in the mid- and concerts at the Como Hotel, 1979-1992, and Engadine Community Centre, 1992- 1980s and revived several times since. 1993. Acknowledgements must also go to Cilla Kinross and Tom Sawyer who ran the club “Franklin”, a collaboration with co-writer for seven years, Cierwen Jones and Rachael Fredrickson four years, Betty Benson and Tony Phipps, was the musical biography John Grenenger three years and Jenny Watson and Maeve Hitchman who are the current of John Franklin, Arctic explorer and organisers and have been for the last three and a half years. erstwhile Governor of Van Diemen’s The club has seen a huge variety of talent and styles through its doors, many top shelf Land. This fine collection of songs was international and national acts and also home grown talent as well, and the club would developed into a full-scale stage production like to thank these performers. Some of the notables are: James Keelaghan (Canada), and performed at the Perth Playhouse Penny Lang (US), Reg Mombasa and his brother Peter (DogTrumpet), Ami Williamson and Port Fairy Folk Festival among other (daughter of John), Jigzag, Dead Letter Chorus, Fred Smith, Pat Drummond, The venues. “Working Man’s Paradise”, the Fagans, Judy Small, Margret RoadKnight, Faith Petric (US), Alistair Hulett (Scotland), tale of William Lane and the New Australia Enda Kenny, Bruce Watson, Les Barker (UK), Dennis Kevans, Chris Kempster, Greg colony in Paraguay, was another Phipps Champion, Handsome Young Strangers, Margaret Walters and John Warner, Geoffrey collaboration which was performed at the Graham and many more. Fairbridge Festival. Ken also produced an Regulars are Loosely Woven (with Wayne Richmond), Sonia Bennett, Mary Jane Field, excellent CD of original songs, Basic Blue, Paul Buckberry, Jim Stubbs and Duncan Chalmers. in 1997, which included a memorable Our regular popular floor spots: Gwyn Cleeves, Frank Bulgin, Trevor, Alan Chinn and version of his masterpiece song, Alice on Margaret Bradford to name just a few. the Line. We have also held music sessions for the better part of the 30 years. Breege Rodway Originally from Inverness in the needs mention for her continued enthusiasm, talent and commitment. Scottish highlands, Ken was one of many The celebration party on Thursday 12th November from 7.30pm will feature Ecopella, young geologists who moved to Australia that beautiful green choir, and the outstanding duo Frencham Smith, along with ‘a cast of for work in the 70s. A lifelong lover of thousands’. Try to join us if you can. It is going to be fun. $15, $10. Enq, Jenny 95762301 traditional folk music, Ken was a regular or Maeve 9520 5628. in folk clubs around the country, from Jenny Watson Tasmania and Alice Springs in the early 80s and then on to Perth. Over the years he played all over the country with Bob

8 The CORNSTALK Gazette NOVEMBER 2009 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 Sharp in the duo Facial Expressions, in the and the exotic English contribution, rice Perth Celtic-and-Country band McCool and peas. over many a pub and festival gig in the If you are still curious, check out ukulele- 1990s, and in various other combos. His land.org high, strong and expressive voice, driving What next? Perhaps the banjo players rhythm guitar style and unfailing ear for guide to fine wines? a great song made him a compelling and intense performer, until he was forced to stop playing as his memory began to fail him in the early 2000’s. He especially dance news loved the big traditional ballads, and nobody sang them with more conviction. Gosford Contra Tango given official He leaves us with great memories of a There are two opportunities for contra status musical chronicler of Australian stories, of dancing on Saturday 14th November Tango was declared part of the world’s his witty and engaging company, his warm – and Sydney dancers have attended each, cultural heritage by the Unesco’s Inter- friendship and many a chorus sung and in the past. The closest one to Sydney is governmental Committee of Intangible shared over the years. We miss him greatly. the Gosford Contra Dance, to the music Heritage at its meeting in Abu Dhabi. Fortunately, we still have his beautiful, of Pastrami on Ryebuck, with all dances Argentina and Uraguay have squabbled for resonant songs, and we won’t forget them, taught and called by Julie Bishop. Contra years over who invented the tango, but they or him. is one of the most forgiving forms of patched things up last year in a joint effort Our thoughts are with Ken’s surviving dance – mistakes are no cause for alarm, to persuade Unesco to list the tango. Now family Fiona, Robyn, Penny and Maddy. and the dances are usually self-repairing the two countries may be eligible to receive Steve and Ros Barnes – so beginners are welcome! The dance will be at the East Gosford Progress Hall, financial assistance from a special UN fund corner of Wells Street and Henry Parry for safeguarding cultural traditions. Music and Learning Drive, East Gosford, 7.30-11.30pm. Learning a musical instrument at school Admission, including supper, is $17, Folk Sydney School of improves children’s behaviour, memory Fed. Affil. & pensioners with ID $14, and intelligence, a UK government-com- students 13-16 $8; under-12 $5. Enq, Irish Music The new Sydney School of Irish Music missioned study has found. Professor Su- Robyn or Richard, 4344 6484. The dance has started classes at the Gaelic Club. san Hallam, of the Institute of Education, is run by Central Coast Bush Dance and Music Association Inc., www.ccbdma. Advanced and beginner students of all ages University of London, analysed scores are being given lessons on week nights on org/dance/schedule.htm of researchers’ studies on the benefits of fiddle, flute, whistle, concertina, DADGAD music to children. She found researchers guitar, bouzouki and bodhrain. had discovered that learning to play an in- Hey Fever Contra, One of the main tutors is virtuoso strument enlarges the left side of the brain. fiddler Ruairi McGroman, one of the best This leads musically trained pupils to Canberra of Ireland’s new generation of musicians, remember almost a fifth more information. Canberra Contra Club invites you to its and son of the famous flute player Hey Fever Contra Dance Party, with Catherine McEvoy. He is visiting Australia Contratemps playing, on Saturday 14th and a resident teacher and musician at the What Do Ukulele November. It’s always a great night with Club. great music. All dances are taught and Another teacher is brilliant local flute Players Eat? called – and it’s likely there would be at player Ben Stephenson, who plays with the If you have an uncontrollable urge to least one or two with ‘hey for four’. Please popular band Trouble in the Kitchen. uncover this vital information all is revealed bring a supper contribution. The dance On Thursday nights from 7.00 they in Rose Turtle Ertler’s 60 page booklet con- is held at St Margaret’s Uniting Church also hold a music session at the Club, taining culinary delights subkmitted by 26 Hall, corner of Phillip Avenue and Antill where people are welcome to join in or ukulele players from around the world. Street, Hackett, 8-11.30pm, $14, $10, 16 listen. Recipes include an eggless choclate muffin and under free. A Canberra Contra Club The Sydney School of Irish Music recipe from The Big Muffin Seniors Band and Monaro Folk Society activity. (02) was launched at the Gaelic Club recently (NZ), spicy peanut butter soup (from US) 6257 7942 at a great concert of music by Ruairi and others, which was packed out by the Irish- Australian community. Its all part of the revitalisation of the Club as a centre for all of Sydney’s Irish community and culture, including music, dance and language. The Gaelic Club is upstairs at 64 Devonshire Street Surry Hills. If anyone wants to know more about the music lessons or the Club, phone Aisling on 0413 941 459 or go to the new web site on www.gaelicclub.com.au The CORNSTALK Gazette JULY 2009 9 The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au folk contacts Chors i DANCE Wednesday 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 English Country Dancing, Sydney Devonshire St, Surry Hills. 8-9.30pm. [email protected] Playford Dance Group 3rd Tues, 7.30-10.00pm, Alarna 0401 167 910. Sydney Trade Union Choir Uniting Church Hall, The Cres, Berala. Ring Patricia Sutherland Shire Bush Dance Group Uniting Church, Sydney City, contact [email protected] 9649 6978 or Mike or Ros on 9929 8193 for further 4 Gosport St, Cronulla, 7.30-10pm. $3. Beginners most Wednesday details. welcome. Partners not necessary.Mike 9520 2859 Sutherland Shire Folk Dance Group Choralation. Abbosford (school terms), contact Marga- Scottish Country Dancing Gymea Bay Scout Hall, June Place, 10am. Kaye ret Grove [email protected] St John’s Uniting Church Hall, Coonanbarra Rd, Laurendet - 9528 4813 Ecopella. Upper Mts., contact Kate 47 825529 Wahroonga, 7.30-10.30pm. All welcome. Catherine The Heathens. Blackheath, day time 12-pm. Led by Bonner 9489 5027 Thursday Chris Wheeler 4787 5725 chris@wheelersanddealers. Scottish Country Dancing English Country Dancing (Advanced) for the over com.au Fort Street School, Observatory Hill, City. 6pm to 50’s 2-4pm. School for Seniors, Wesley Mission, Pitt St. Sydney. (Oppositive back of Hilton Hotel.) NoteTonight, Josephine. Glebe, led by David 8pm Nea MacCulloch 9904 1358(a/h) or Lynn 8244 Blue Labyrinth International Folk Dance Westmore, 9716 7016 9618(w) from 7pm, Baptist Church Hall, King St Glenbrook. Jo Stampadowns. Camperdown, led by Peter Lehner, Sutherland Shire Folk Dance Group contact Kim/John 0419 164 212 Barrett 4739 6498 International Dancing, Gymea Bay Scout Hall, June Greek Folk Dance Thursday Place, 7.30-9pm. Kaye Laurendet 9528 4813 Australian Gaelic Singers, Ryde. Bran St Gerassimos Church Hall, 21 Henry St Leichhardt. Turkish Dance Class MacEachaidh, 9633 1162. www.gaelicsingers.org.au 6 pm onwards. Adult classes from 7.15 Vasilios Lidcombe Community Centre, 8-10pm. Yusuf Nidai Bouddi Voice. Kincumber (school terms), led by C Aligiannis, tel/fax 9708 1875 [email protected] & C Sainsbury, contact 43 683270 9646 1166 Sydney Irish Ceili Dancers Chorella Community Choir. Richmond, contact Ukrainian (Cossack) Dancing Class Kingsgrove Uniting Church Hall, 289A Kingsgrove Rd Ellen 4578 2975 for fit and energetic young people (16-23yrs), (cnr Moreton Avenue, Children’s step dancing 6pm, Cleftomaniacs. Waterloo, led by Gary Smith, 7.30 pm to 10.00 pm. Ukrainian Hall 59 Joseph adults step dancing 7pm. Set and ceili dancing 8- [email protected] Street, Lidcombe. Jaros Iwanec 9817 7991, 10.30pm. Margaret and Bill Winnett 9150 6765. email: Solidarity Choir. Newtown, led by Miguel Heat- [email protected] /www.veselka.com.au [email protected] wole, 9810 4601, [email protected] International Folk Dance class - Open Door, Friday Friday Georges Hall Senior Citizens, Birdwood Rd, 11.30am- Australian Colonial and Folk Dancers Every Friday, The Sydney Street Choir. CBD, led by Peter 12.30pm. Gabrielle 9728 7466, gabybaby@optusnet. St Andrews Ch Hall, cnr Trelawney/Rutledge Sts, Lehner 0425 268 771 com.au Eastwood (next to BBC), Colonials’ Dance each 5th The Sydney Welsh Choir (Men and Women) meet “The Dance Buffet”, wide variety taught, Liverpool Friday evening. Anthony and Lisa 9873 4805. on Wednesday Evenings at Concord Baptist Church City Pipe Band Hall, Woodward Park (next to Whitlam International Dancing Hall. Reh. 7pm to 9pm. 20 to 30 performances a year. Centre), Memorial Ave, 7.30-9.30pm. $8 ($5 conc). Sedenka Folk Dancers, Rozelle Neighbourhood Viv 47 39 0384, Warwick 9451 7806,[email protected] Nicholai 9822 7524, mob 0407 178 228 Centre, 665A Darling St Rozelle. 8-llpm, $3. Chris Wild Mudlarks, women’s a cappella choir. Woodford. Led 9560 2910. by Alison Jones 4759 2880 Scottish Country Dancing Saturdays Adult classes, beginners welcome, children 6.30 - The Shire Quire. Gymea, led by Mary-Jane Field. 7.30pm, adults 8-10.30pm, Beecroft Primary School, contact Jenny, 9576 2301 $2. Sheena Caswell 9868 2075, Heather Dryburgh Sunday 9980 7978 Blue Mountains Trade Union Choir. Upper Mts., contact Kate 47 82 5529

10 The CORNSTALK Gazette NOVEMBER 2009 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. Allen Davis 9639 7494 4787 7246 Terry St, Rozelle, 3rd Sat, Don 9642 7949 [email protected]. or Ray Pulis 9899 2102. Central Coast Bush Dance Irish Music Sessions Saturday Gaelic Club Surry Hills, 7pm. 4th Sat, 8-12pm, East Gosford Progress Hall, Henry lllawarra Folk Club, Parry Dr and Wells St, $15/$12. Beate 4323 3356. 3rd Saturday, Wollongong City Diggers Irish music lessons, beginners and advanced, flute, Robyn 4344 6484. Club, cnr Burelli & Church Streets, 1300 fiddle, whistle, guitar, concertina. Irish Gaelic Club, International Folk Dance 887 034 www.illawarrafolkclub.org.au Surry Hills, 0413 941 459, [email protected] Children’s classes, 6-18 years, Pennant Hills Loaded Dog Folk Club Friday Community Centre, morning. Carol Maddocks, 9905 4th Sat, Annandale Neighbourhood Centre, 79 BMC Beer & Cheese Night 1563 Johnston St, 8pm. Sandra Nixon, 9358 4886, Themed music nights, 1st Fri (except holidays), Irish Ceili Dances, live Ceili bands, 4th Sats, [email protected]. www.theloadeddog.org.au 8-10pm. Bring something to sing, eat, drink. Bush 7.30 - 11.30pm. Irish Gaelic Club, 64 Devonshire Macquarie Towns Music Club Music Club, Hut 44, Addison Rd Community St, Surry Hills. $10. Aisling 0413 941 459, 3rd Sat,7.30pm Alternates between concert and round Centre, 142 Addison Rd, Marrickville. 9569 7244, [email protected] robin jam session format with concerts featuring a [email protected] Scottish and Old Time Dance guest artist supported by a ‘blackboard concert’ nd Eastern Suburbs Poetry Group 2 Sat, 8pm, Uniting Church, 9-11 Bay St, Rockdale. Richmond Neighbourhood Centre, West Market St, 1st Friday, Church in the Market Place, Bondi Junction. $3 incl. supper. Chris Thom 9587 9966 .Contact Dez Williams at 4578 5215 dwilliams@tpg. 6.30-8.30pm. Gina 9349 6958 Scottish and Old Time Dancing com.au Springwood Neighbourhood Centre Acoustic Club Orkney and Shetland Assoc. 3rd Sat, 8-11 pm. St The Shack. 1st Sat, presents 21st century original, 4th Fri, (Feb - Nov) 8pm, $7/$5, Springwood David’s Hall, Dalhousie St, Haberfield. $3 inc. supper. contemporary and traditional folk music at the Neighbourhood Centre, Macquarie Rd (next to library Visitors most welcome. Jean Cooney 9874 5570. Tramshed, 1395a Pittwater Rd, Narrabeen at 7:30. and Oriental Hotel.) Visitors and floor performers Macedonian Dance Class BYO drinks and nibblies. Contact Rhonda on 0416 635 welcome, Theresa 47518157, Jeannette 4754 4893 Rockdale. 6.30-8.30pm, $5. Y Kaporis 0412 861 187 856 or email Kathleen at [email protected]. Saturday Mortdale Scottish Dancers Bluegrass & Traditional Country Music Society of Learners night (for learners and experienced), 7.30- Aust. 1st Sat, March-December Sydney get-together. Fairlight Folk Acoustic Lounge 9.30pm. Pensioners Welfare Club Hall, 76 Pitt Street, Annandale Neighbourhood Centre, 79 Johnston St, Held 4 times a year, Feb, May, Aug. Nov (usually Mortdale. Pam Jehan 9580 8564. Annandale. Band workshop 7pm, concert 8.15pm, 1st Sat) 7.45pm. A comfortably enticing, relaxed Sutherland Shire Folk Dance Group jamming all night. All welcome: $5/7. (02) 9456 1090 environment in which to see quality live acoustic music. International Dancing Como Girl Guides Hall, 10- www.bluegrass.org.au Ajfjter show - jam. BYO drinks and nibbles. Light 11.30am. Kaye Laurendet 9528 4813 Sunday refreshments available. William St Studios, Fairlight Linnéa Swedish Folkdancers Troubadour Folk Club (The Baptist Church down from Sydney Rd. Contact Estonian House, 141 Campbell St, Surry Hills. New Central Coast, 4th Sat. in month 7pm CWA Hall, Woy Rosie 9948 7993. [email protected] members welcome. For times contact Graeme Traves Woy. (opposite Fisherman’s Wharf), The Boulevard, 9874 4194, [email protected] Sunday Woy Woy. Admission: $7 members/$8 conc. & other Sydney Scottish Fiddlers MUSIC IN CONCERT folk club mems/$10 non members. Everyone welcome 1st and 3rd Sun, 2-5pm, New Church, 4 Shirley Rd Tel. Frank or Marilyn 4342 9099, Fax 4325 7362. Tuesday Roseville. All ages welcome. Trish 9416 2402. Email: [email protected] www.troubadour. The Screw Soapers Guild - Writers Presenters & Irish Music Session org.au/folk/index.htm.. Listeners Group 4th Tues, 7.30pm, stories, poems, Kellys, King Street, Newtown, 6pm. Enq. 9559 6300 songs and conversation. Albert 9600 7153, email: Music Session Hero of Waterloo, cnr Lower Fort [email protected], website: www.folkclub. S seSSIon & Free Workshops St and Windmill Street, The Rocks. 6-10pm. Brendan com/folkodyssey/ Monday 9818 4864 Wednesday Bush Music Club Irish Music Session. 3rd Sunday. Bennet Hotel, Wisefolk Club Last Wed in month, 11am-2.30pm, Community Centre, 44/142 Addison Rd, Marrickville, Hamilton, 4-7.30pm Roz and Shane Kerr 44967 3167 Toongabbie Bowling Club, 12 Station Rd, lunch at club 7.30pm. Music workshop. All singers and musicians Irish Music Sessions - Dicey Riley’s, Wollongong 2pm. bistro. Sonia 9621 2394 Allen 9639 7494, welcome. Bob 9569 7244, bobbolton@netspace. Hotel Illawarra Wollongong, 3rd Sunday, 3pm, Thursday net.au spoken word, 5pm acoustic music ‘Posers & Composers’ performance session, every Tuesday Thursday, Newtown RSL (1st floor), 52 Enmore Rd, Irish Music Session: Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday 7.30pm - 11pm. Free. To book a spot & enq Dennis of the month from 7.30 – 10.30pm @ The Shamrock If you change your details PLEASE Aubrey 0408 452 464 [email protected] Inn, Asquith Leagues Club, Alexandra Pd. Waitara advise the editor on 02 6493 6758 or email (short walk from station). It’s an open session Sutherland Folk Club [email protected]. You may also 2nd Thurs concert night. All ages. Members are and all musicians are welcome with focus on welcome to join us at any of our concerts, do a floor tunes rather than songs. Phone Norm 9489 5786/ wish to have your details online (free) - jam. spot. Enjoy a friendly , sociable night’s entertainment, [email protected] org.au support local talent. These artists are all superb Irish music lessons, beginners and advanced, flute, musicians!! Contact Jenny 9576 2301. fiddle, whistle, guitar, concertina. Irish Gaelic Club, Friday Surry Hills, 0413 941 459, [email protected] Hornsby Kuring-Gai Folk Club Wednesday 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 NOVEMBER 2009 11 main entrance), Newcastle. Rod Noble 4962 Bluegrass Jam Session, 3rd Sat each REGI ONAL EVENTS 3432 email: [email protected] month. 7.30-11pm. Thirroul Neighbour- BATEMANS BAY: Scottish Country Dancing, Newcastle Irish Set Dancers, Tuesdays, 7.30- hood Centre next to post office. Batemans Bay Caledonian Society -Tuesday 9.00pm, Scots Kirk, Hamilton, Newcastle. Julia lllawarra Folk Club, 1st Friday and 3rd Saturday, 7.30pm at Batemans Bay Bowling Club - visitors or Arthur, 4955 5701 [email protected], or Wollongong City Diggers Club, cnr Burelli & Church welcome. Warren 4457 2065, Max 4472 5184

12 The CORNSTALK Gazette NOVEMBER 2009 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 ‘Three Score & Ten – A Voice To The People’ By the late 1960s I had quite a collection of Topic 12” LPs. My favourites undoubtedly were the ‘Folk Songs of Britain, Scotland and Ireland’ series of field recordings overseen primarily by the British Collector Peter Kennedy, Michael Gorman and Margaret Barry’s ‘Her Mantle So Green’, the A.L. Lloyd produced industrial folk song album, ‘The Iron Muse’, all the Ewan MacColl and Bert Lloyd albums, singularly and collectively, and the early Waterson’s albums. When I set up my Folkways music shop Gerry Sharp asked me whether I would consider distributing the label in Australia. So began a relationship that lasted well over 30 years. As someone who knows the frustration and hard times of running a specialist label I am in awe of Topic’s 70th anniversary. It is now a very large label however, more importantly, it is a th Warren Fahey celebrates the 70 anniversary of . treasure-trove of the English-speaking world’s emotional and As a young lad I fell in love with traditional music. There musical history. It is also unique in the dog-eat-dog music world. was something unique about the stories and the tunes. I was never To have survived as an independent for such a long time is seduced by rock ‘n’ roll and, thankfully folk music remained my testament to a clearly delineated label concept. great musical partner in life. I hasten to add that I am not a musical The main focus of Topic’s anniversary is the release of an bore as I also find enjoyment in classical music, blues, jazz and impeccably researched and handsomely presented book and many other expressions, but it is traditional music, especially CD set. ‘Three Score & Ten – Topic Records – A Voice To The field recordings or sympathetic interpretations of folk songs and People’. Curated, researched and produced by Dave Suff and ballads, that really reach my heart. coordinated by Topic’s Tony Engle, this is a magnificent document The first folk song recordings I collected were British and of the label’s history. It is also a who’s who of folk music with American, the former released on the Topic label and the latter an artistic pedigree that includes (to name only a handful) The on Moe Asch’s Folkways label. It is probably no coincidence Watersons, , A.L.Lloyd, Ewan MacColl, Peggy that these two labels, both still releasing folk music, are likely Seeger, , , , candidates for the oldest record labels in the world. Topic is , , , , th definitely the oldest in Britain and this year celebrates its 70 year. , , Dick Goughan and, one of my personal My association with Topic commenced way before I favourites, the Copper Family of Rottingdean. established Folkways Music, the Paddington retail store, or The book is chock full of stories about the label’s early years Larrikin Records, when the relatively small and very specialised and the most significant recordings. There are also great stories label operated under the Worker’s Music Association banner. about how the early (and not so early) recordings were made in The WMA was founded in 1936 as an educational offshoot of tiny living rooms, often waiting for the local train to pass through the British Marxist party, when five London Socialist choirs met behind the house. Good stories about how many of the wonderful to perform together. This was a time of great uncertainty in the field recordings were collected and eventually released. One of the world and organizations like the WMA emerged as a public face main attractions of this set must be the extraordinary photographs, against the menace of fascism and an outlet for working class and there are many, and also the early record cover artwork (the artists to express their creativity. The WMA involved many of book is worth getting just for the design and record covers). As Britain’s leading composers and musicians including Benjamin a finale, what would a 70th anniversary collection be without Britten, Peter Pears and John Ireland and also maintained a close music and in this the collection does not disappoint: seven CDs association with the left-wing Unity Theatre, which had its own accompany the book and every one a beauty. They offer a real supporters including George Bernard Shaw, Sybil Thorndike, slice of Topic’s catalogue arranged as Disc One: A selection of H.G.Wells and . treasures from the Topic catalogue. Disc Two: England Arise! The first recording issued by the WMA under its TRC label, Disc Three: Ireland Boys, Hurrah. Disc Four: Scotia The Brave. ‘T’ standing for Topic, was a 10” 78rpm disc – ‘The Man That Disc Five: The Singer & The Song. Disc Six: The People’s Flag Waters The Worker’s Beer’ performed by Paddy Rya backed by and Disc Seven: Even more treasures from the Topic catalogue. an arrangement of ‘The Internationale’ performed by the Topic Fittingly the first song in the series, opening disc one, is an Singers. The rest of the label’s story, as they say, is history. Australian composition, Nic Jones singing Harry Robertson’s ‘The Back in Sydney, (I was nineteen), I found some Topic records Humpback Whale’’. The same disc also offers another Australian in the collection of a family friend. I was hooked. I was always a connected gem – Percy Grainger’s recording of Joseph Taylor’s gramophone freak – I had a wind up monster on which I played ‘Creeping Jane’. our family 78rpm records of square dance music, comedy and What a treasure, what a label, what an anniversary gift to the plays. Al Jolson, Danny Kaye and Tex Morton were favourites but world of folk music. I wanted a ‘real’ gramophone that played LPs like the Wattle 10” ‘Three Score & Ten’ is distributed by my old distribution records I’d heard. All this happened at a time when folk music company, Planet/MGM. Enquires to planet@thegroovemerchants. was still commercially popular. I started to buy new Topic records com from Peter Mann’s Discurio shop in Melbourne. Frustrated by the erratic supply I wrote directly to the label and commenced Warren Fahey a correspondence with Gerry Sharp, the pioneer manager of the label. I had commenced providing program scripts to ABC radio and much of my early work came from the Topic (and Folkways) label. The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette NOVEMBER 2009 13 cd reviews Don Henderson Project update Three and half years ago the Don Henderson Project was launched at the National Folk Festival in Canberra with the mission to raise interest and finance to produce a CD of Don’s songs. The interest was there and the finance came in the form of sponsorship from Don’s friends, those who sang and recorded his songs, unions, folk festivals, folk federations and folk clubs. The result is a double CD with 40 songs, one CD of Don singing and the second of others singing his songs including Declan Affley, Alex Hood, Gray Shearston, Ann Bermingham, Dave de Hugard, Bill Berry, Danny Spooner, Helen Rowe and Tommy Leonard. The tracks for ‘The Songs of Don Henderson’ have come from a variety of sources, recordings dating between 1965 and 2007. Among them are studio, concert and home recordings on every medium from reel-to-reel tape, LPs, cassette tape to digital recordings, restored where necessary to the best quality achievable without losing the original atmosphere. The ‘The Songs of Don Henderson’ is released through Shoestring Records and is planned for 15 December. The CD will be launched at a special concert on 28 December at the Woodford Folk Festival. For more information please visit the project website at http:// donhenderson.com.au/

End Of Year Folk Bash Saturday 5 December 3-7pm, upstairs at the Gaelic Club, 64 Devonshire Street, just behind Central Railway (concert followed by a meal and a session)

focus on folk 2MBS-FM 102.5MHz 6PM Saturday In co-operation with 2MBS-FM, Sydney’s first FM community radio station operating on 102.5 MHz, Folk Federation brings you an hour of folk music at 6PM on 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month. Saturday 14th November - Carole Garland - This program features several recordings looking at the coming festive season. the “Moment In Time” slot features three heritage recordings rejuvenated thanks to the wonders of modern technology.” Saturday 28th November - John Milce Anyone with a CD that you would like to add to the library collection for consideration for airway please forward to Focus on Folk, Post Office Box A182, Sydney South 1235.

14 The CORNSTALK Gazette NOVEMBER 2009 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

ucks Crossing6525) Publications isow.com published by PO Box 532, Woy Woy Younger MusosIn Leading this a “Folk Revival”? P5issue October 2009 Phone 4344 1844 NSW$3.90 2256 Australia Kofi Annan launches ‘Beds Are Burning’ P7 115 BlackwallSuite 5 St Road Johns (Cnr Corner Victoria Australian Songwriters’ Conference P8 Music transcends all borders P9 Road), Woy Woy NSW October 2009 Search is on for members of the FAA board P11 www.duckscrossing.org Trad&Now Trad&Now New P12 Stock! and printedis proudly in Australia produced Registered for transmission by Tradewinds P17 ISSUEprint post PP255003/06443 #44 Folk Songs and Bush Verse nominated for an ARIA P18 Printed by MPD, Alexandria ow Publisher: Folk song, industrial songs, the folk revival P19 ossing Publications Vera Lynn breaks P19 record h: P23Gig Guide 02 4344 1844 Festival Calendar P26 x: 02 4344 1944 [email protected] Newbies at P31 Quinty w.tradandnow.com Apollo Bay Music Festival wins Award P34 There’ll be Music At The Creek again in November P36 Publications also publish: Festival Opens With A Smorgasboard Of Tasty Fare P36 nsula News sulanews.asn.au Bellingen The Beautiful! P37 sulanews.info Johnny Handle to Star at Gulgong Folk Festival P40 owls News Tallowwoods and Tollywongs to start Dorrigo off P40 ckscrossing.org rossing.org Who is coming to the Cygnet Folk Festival P41 Don’t miss Friday at Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival P41 Music transce Cec Bucello A Punter’s Perspective P42 stin Stanley What P44 is folk? min - Bellingen Fiddling P46 Around Dance P48Calendar ed Gay Charmers 50th Anniversary P50 John Peel wins “Tuckerbox” Reciter of the Year P55 s: Who will be Australia’s next poetry slam champion? P56 Gay Charmers 50th n Rowe Paramoor Farm Fayre P56 2009 Kenan xander National Music Muster - Gympie P57 Behn Australian Championships P57 iteside Tech Talk Q n A with Marshall Cullen P58 ori el Regular Poetry P60 Events Bowraville Choral Weekend P61 tt Fundraiser for Indonesia P61 Tech Talk Filipino communities’ cultural musical heritage P62 Have your P63 Spray In P64 Didj‘n’Us Bluegrass P66 News On the P69Wireless CD P70 Reviews www.tradandnow.com What is Folk? News, reviews and information on traditionalext andedition: contemporary music, dance and poetry as well as reports on live performances and festivals. rad&Now Trad&Now cited material welcomes T c y relati No.45 d Available from your local newsagent (distributed by Wrapaway) or online from www.tradandnow.com. See our extensive range of over 1300 Australian traditional and contemporary folk, blues, roots, alternative and world music CDs, DVDs and books at www.tradandnow.com

The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette NOVEMBER 2009 15 day Folk Trax rth C 15th i e Here we are, November, and not that far away from B l

e Christmas and 2010. Now is the time to start thinking about b

h

t

r presents, that is if you do give presents. I know there are

a

5

t 1

i

o some people who don’t. n s 26th, 27th, 28th February, 2010 We have now on the website the fantastic Topic folk anniversary set, ‘’. Seven CDs and a book with the history of Topic Records. Not cheap but comedy worth it with many rare recordings. There were people who Early Early Bird weekend tickets dance wanted to order Genticorum. Well they’ll be back on-line world music avail ble now ($55). Buy online or by phone 02 6493 6758 this month. blues South Australian artist Dave Clark spent some of his time bluegrass in India helping communities there. He has just released a bush poets CD and DVD recorded in India. It carries the long title of “ youth venue It will surely take your breath away”. kids program Folk Trax would like to invite artists to look at our website and ask for our consignment details. We love to have A beautiful rural setting, ample space and camping. you all on board at Folk Trax. For a great time HEAD FOR COBARGO Folk Trax offers a wide selection of folk music online FESTIVAL HOTLINE 02 6493 6758 and in store here in Adelaide. For members of participating folk federations we offer Email: [email protected] 10% discount on purchases. Well that’s another month gone for 2009. Hope to hear from you soon. Keep on Folking www.cobargofolkfestival.com Jan and Henk de Weerd

16 The CORNSTALK Gazette NOVEMBER 2009 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220