Folk Federation of Inc Issue No 388 AUGUST 2007 $3.00

In This Issue Dates for your Diary p4 Festivals, Workshops, Schools p7 Folk News p8 New Folk Fed President Dance News p8 The Great Folk Revival Part 5 CD Reviews p13

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The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette - AUGUST 2007  • • dance • festivals • reviews • profiles • diary dates • sessions • teachers • opportunities AUGUST 2007

Folk Federation of New South Wales Inc Christine Wheeler ‘Retires’ Post Office Box A182 South NSW 1235 as President of Folk Federation of NSW ISSN 0818 7339 ABN94115759221 The recent AGM saw several changes to the composition of Deadline for September issue: your Folk Federation Committee. The most significant change Adverts 5th August 2007 was the ‘retirement’ of Christine Wheeler as President after three years in the position. Chris was elected President not COPY 10th August (FIRM) long after editing the Cornstalk Gazette, an experience which Cornstalk is the official publication of the Folk Federation brought her in touch with a wide cross section of the mem- of NSW. bership and equipped her well to lead the Folk Federation Contributions, news, reviews, poems, photograph most with her typical enthusiasm and energy, to the great benefit welcome. All care but no responsibility taken for omissions or errors. of the organisation. Chris will still be involved with the Folk Advertisements - artwork required by 1st Friday of the Federation, although now she has a little more time to focus month. Payment required in advance. Please contact the on other musical adventures. Christina Mimmocchi and the editor. incoming Committee look forward to the challenges ahead and Contact Jim and Dallas Baxte re inserts. thank Chris Wheeler for all her hard work over the past three years. No part of Cornstalk may be reproduced without permis- Bruce Cameron. sion of the publishers. For a comprehensive listing of regularly occurring folk music and dance events in Sydney and other parts of NSW please check the Folk Federation of NSW website, www.jam.org.au Greetings, lovers of folk. Contributions accepted as attachments to an email using This Cornstalk brings news of some new faces on the Folk Federa- word. Pictures please send jpegs. Please do not send tion Committee. pictures within a word document. Send pictures as attach- Welcome Jim and Dallas Baxter (the Conrstalk Wrap-Dragons ments. All copy accepted by email or by disc. have finally stepped up to join the committee and they are very Editor, Cornstalk welcome!), Peter Miller Robinson ( and performer with Coral Vorbach a particular interest in protest songs), Terry Clinton (musician and Post Office Box 5195 Vivaldi impersonator) and my good self who has cheerily taken on Cobargo NSW 2550 the role of president. Email: [email protected] We have also said goodbye to outgoing committee members San- Tel/Fax: 02 6493 6758 dra Nixon, Pam Merrigan and Christine Wheeler. We thank them Wrap Co-ordinator for their huge contribution, and in particular to Christine who besides being president James Baxter (02) 98104131. baxjam@folkfednsw. for three years served on the committee as an ordinary member for five years before org.au that. FFNSW Folkmail (web) While the new committee groups, this is a good time to communicate your Julie Bishop 02 9524 0247 ideas, thoughts, inspirations and grievances to us. This is YOUR Email: [email protected] Federation, so let’s hear what you want out of it. And on a parting note, there are a feast of concerts and events on offer FFNSW Committee 2007 this month. Why not take the risk and go and see or hear someone you have never President, Christina Mimmocchi 0410 682 061 heard of before? There is every possibility it will change your week, if not your life! Email: [email protected] Christina Mimmocchi Vice President: Kate Delaney Incoming President Secretary: Pam Davis 02 9955 3677 (front cover photograph - courtesy Christina Mimmocci.) Email: [email protected] Treasurer: Bruce Cameron 02 6331 1129 Email: [email protected] Committee: Carol Hirt, Mary-Jane Field, Rosemary Shapiro, Wayne Richmond, Jim Baxter, Dallas Baxter, Peter Miller Robinson, Terry Clinton Membership Secretary Wayne Richmond Listserv/Jam/Membership 9913 7788 Sutherland Folk Club Community Choir Sutherland Folk Club is in the early stages of starting a social conscience/green (not after 8.00pm) Volunteers, Coral Vorbach, Julie Bishop, Patricia Early, community choir in the south ie in the Sutherland area. We have an amazing choir leader in Mary Jane Field who currently runs the Bright Star singers but is keen to Next Committee Meeting FFNSW come on board to lead the Sutherland fledging group. Please check with Secretary 9955 3677 We hope to meet bimonthly either Sat/Sun at the Tradies Club Gymea just a short stroll from the station. If your important item misses Cornstalk, please What we need is choir members so if anyone is reading this and would like to be remember there are also:folkmail (members’ email list) contact Julie Bishop (02 9524 0247) involved, please email me :[email protected] or ph Jenny 95762301. [email protected] jam.org.au –Folk Fed website, here members can post info, articles, etc.

 The CORNSTALK Gazette - - AUGUST 2007 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 WHAT’S ON AT EASTSIDE ARTS IN AUGUST ONGOING … Every Friday night is Café Carnivale. Doors open 7.45pm. See www.cafecarnivale.com.au for details.

Ticketing news: from now on all our pre-sales will be through www.moshtix.com.au (booking charges apply). Tickets will still be for sale at the door subject to availability. To get the cheapest possible tickets at Eastside Arts, become a member for only $10 to receive $12 tickets to Eastside Arts concerts for a year. Members will also receive vip offers during the year. Email us for a form! 8pm, Saturday 4 $20 (no free list) 8pm Saturday 18 (pre-sales $12/$15 door $14/$17) Eastside Music Cafe Eastside Music Cafe Country music legend James Blundell + Nicki Gillis Mal Webb - a night of vocal gymnastics + Mr Percival 8pm Saturday 11 (pre-sales $12/$15 door $14/$17) 8pm, Saturday 25 ($20/$15) Eastside Music Cafe Stone Gallery on Oxford Party with us to the ancient music of Malta with Skorba, Ensemble Offspring: Crippled Symmetry — the music of featuring the talent and wit of Andy Busuttil. Fundraiser for Morton Feldman Eastside Arts! Eastside Music Café (licensed) and Stone Gallery on Sunday 12 oxford (Paddington Uniting Church) Stone Gallery on Oxford are on the site of the Paddington Markets – 395 Winter Harp Workshop presented by Cliona Molins and Oxford St Paddington Sandra Real (Qld) Wheelchair access. [email protected] Warm-up session: 12.30 to 2.30 (arrive at 12.00 for 12.30 Free car parking: 24-28 Gordon Street Church car start). Advanced Session: 3 to 5pm park. Buses from Sydney CBD. $40 per session or $60 for both. $10 for observers Map and more information on info/bookings: Noni 9653 3691 / [email protected] www.eastsidearts.org.au

The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette - AUGUST 2007  dates for your diary metropolitan

date event venue and time contact Thursday, 2nd August Southern Cross Trawlers. Margaret Walters and Don North By Northwest Poetry and Folk Jenny 9559 3658 (h), Brian share an interest in Australian traditional songs, Club. 8pm. Cornucopia Cafe, Old 0414 903 259, jdcarter@ especially maritime. Members of The Roaring Forties, they Gladesville Hospital, cnr Victoria and iinet.net.au or Geoff 9816 have a talent for unaccompanied singing and for trawling Punt Rd, Gladesville. Cars enter by 0393, 0421 582 975 through songbooks etc for unusual material, building an bottom gates in Punt Rd, take first turn astounding repertoire. Margaret is renowned for the quality left towards Victoria Rd, then left fork of her voice and her sensitive interpretations, and wide- and left at the top. Pedestrian access ranging store of songs about convicts, colonial women, from Victoria Rd, from 500/501 bus. feisty damsels, workers etc – many with choruses. Don, Floorspots available. BYOs welcome. the Australian folk scene’s best kept secret, has been $12, $10. collecting and absorbing songs, verse, history and folklore from the field. His sonorous bass voice is perfect for bush songs. Blackheath Folk Club. Wheelers and Dealers Ivanhoe Hotel, Great Western High- Enq. Christine Davies way Blackheath. [email protected], (02) 4787-7246 Friday 3rd August Beer and Cheese Night – ‘Gold!’ Bring something to eat Bush Music Club, Hut 44, Addison Rd Bob 9569 7244, bob- and drink, and songs, yarns, poems: about gold, goldmin- Community Centre, 142 Addison Rd, [email protected] ing, etc. Marrickville. 8-10pm. $4, $5. Illawarra Folk Club Concert with Mothers of Intention (tbc) City Diggers Wollongong, cnr Church 1300 887 034, www. and more to come. & Burelli Sts. 7.30pm. $8, $12. illawarrafolkclub.org.au Saturday 4th August Beecroft Bush Dance with Ryebuck Bush Band. Caller Beecroft Community Centre, Beecroft Helen 9626 7816, www. Margaret Bolliger. Rd. 8pm-midnight. $17, $14, $12. bushmusic.org.au James Blundell + Nick Gillis Eastside Music 8pm $20 (no free list) Contact www.eastside- arts.org.au The Shack Folk Club. Urban eXcentrics, with material Tramshed Community Arts Centre, 0413 635 856, info@ drawn from backgrounds in Irish, Hungarian, classical, 7.30pm - 11pm 1395a Pittwater Rd, shackfolk.com jazz and original/contemporary. Tantalising double basses, Narrabeen (between car park and mandolin, banjo and cittern with driving rhythm guitar, Ambulance Station in the shopping and inspired vocals. Green Mohair Suits – 3-piece band, centre). Presents contemporary and “mournful country blue grass”, inspired by quiet despera- folk music, gently amplified and of a tion songs of Hank Williams. Strong vocals and harmonies high standard. Tables and chairs in with backing guitars, banjo, mandolin. Spasm Band – The smoke free, candle lit atmosphere. Shack’s resident good time band: accomplished singers Free tea, coffee, biscuits. BYO drinks and musicians, who have played in various well known and nibbles. $15. 7.30-11pm. bands, doing jug, blues, folk… Jenolan Caves Concerts - with The Mudlarks (14 voice a Cathedral Chamber, 4pm Lucas Cave Enq. Charles Degotari capella choir) and Loosely Woven (20 singers and instru- (book for 4pm Lucas Cave tour), 8pm (6359 3924) Web: mentalists). full concert in the Caves House. humph.org/lw Sunday 5th August Workshop for Enthusiastic Musicians, run by George Tritton Hall, Hut 44 (Bush Music Club), Dawn 0408 496 887 Washingmachine. Topics include some basic fiddle styles & Addison Rd Community Centre, 142 some jazz, blues and swing styles. Addison Rd, Marrickville. 11am- 1.30pm. $20, child or student $10. Illawarra Folk Club. Folk Marmalada (aka the big jam) with Scarborough-Wombarra Bowling Club, 1300 887 034, www. Big Snore Hammers and Friends (Pettibone, Obrobini). 578-584 Lawrence HargraveDrive illawarrafolkclub.org.au Music from Ireland, Spain, Italy, French Canada, USA, (2.5km south of Sea Cliff Bridge). 4- . 7pm. Free. www.bowlo.com.au Monday 6th August Pennant Hills Dance Workshop – Australian/Colonial - revi- Community Centre (air-conditioned), Felicity 9456 2860 sion for ball. Caller Don Richmond. Yarrara Rd. $7. 7.30-9.30pm. Thursday 9th August Sutherland Folk Club. Geoffrey W Graham - fair”dinkum Sutherland and District Trade Union Enquiries Jenny Watson Oz entertainment”! He has a unique style which includes Club,7.30pm Cnr Manchester Road 95762301, Maeve comedy, bush poetry, music,whip-cracking and all things Nth and Kingsway Gymea(short walk 95205628. genuinely Australian. Audience participation is encouraged from station), cost $10 children under so beware! Support Act-Aitch and Jane-to round off the 12 free night nicely these two modern swag people sing Aussie bush songs with Jane on the bodhran and Aitch wonderful recitations of bush poetry. Sure to be a bonza night,don’t miss out. Floor spots welcome.  The CORNSTALK Gazette - - AUGUST 2007 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 dates for your diary metropolitan

date event venue and time contact Saturday 11th August ‘KIDS CLUB’ - live theatre experience for children approx. New Theatre, Newtown 11AM (542 Tickets. $12 (9519 3403 4-10 years old including plays, music and magic. Special King St - between Newtown & St or at the door) Web: fuss made of Leo kids! Peters stations) humph.org/lw Eastside Music Café Party 8pm. Ancient music of Malta Fundraiser for Eastside Arts! (pre- Contact www.eastside- with Skorba, featuring the talent and wit of Andy Busuttil. sales $12/$15 door $14/$17) arts.org.au t Central Coast Bush Dance with Galimore. Scottish Theme. East Gosford Progress Hall, cnr Henry Barry and Janice 4388 Caller Pam Merrigan. All dances taught. Parry Drive & Wells St. 7.30-11.30pm. 2253, Diana and Eddie $15, $12, $8 (12-18), $5 (under 12). 4324 6180, ww.ccbdma. org/dance/index.htm Illawarra Folk Club. Family Charity Bush Dance. Bulli Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul. 7-10pm. $7, 1300 887 034, www. Festival Bush Dance Orchestra. (Rehearsal from 3.30pm family $14. illawarrafolkclub.org.au – musicians register with David, [email protected]) Concert With Three Harps - Mexico, Columbia and Ireland Film Australia 8pm Lindfield Enq. www.molins.net. au/arpas Sunday 12th August Hat Trick with Michael Fix. The Harp Hotel, 2.30pm 900 Princes Tel: 02 9559 6300 Hwy, Tempe. 2.30pm. $15, $12 conc., harpirishpub@bigpond. kids free com Penelope Swales (CD Launch). $12, $10 conc. The Harp Hotel, 8pm 900 Princes Tel: 02 9559 6300 Hwy, Tempe harpirishpub@bigpond. com Winter Harp Workshop presented by Cliona Molins and Stone Gallery on Oxford 3 to 5pm info/bookings: Noni 9653 Sandra Real (Qld.) $40 per session or $60 for both. $10 3691 / nonidickson@ Warm-up session: 12.30 to 2.30 (arrive at 12.00 for 12.30 for observers netspace.net.au start). Advanced Session:) Monday 13th August Pennant Hills Dance Workshop – Australian/Colonial Community Centre (air-conditioned), Felicity 9456 2860 – revision for Ball. Caller Don Richmond. Yarrara Rd. $7. 7.30-9.30pm. Friday 17th August Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Folk Club presents John Dengate. An Beatrice Taylor Hall 8pm, rear Willow For further details contact evening at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Folk Club is full of fun and Park Community Centre, Edgeworth Barry Parks on 9807 variety. Coffee shop seating David Ave, Hornsby. $12 9497 Email bpparks@tpg. com.au Saturday 18th August Fourth Sydney Irish Set Dance Weekend The Harp Hotel, 900 Princes Hwy, Enq. Trish 02 9580 4865 Tempe Balmain Bush Dance with String Fiddle. Caller Anthony Rozelle Campus, Sydney College, 25 Don or Wendy 9642 Simon. Terry St. 8pm-midnight. $17, $14, $12. 7950, www.bushmusic. org.au Illawarra Folk Club Concert with John Baker Duo and more City Diggers Wollongong, cnr Church 1300 887 034, www. to come. & Burelli Sts. 7.30pm. $8, $12. illawarrafolkclub.org.au Irish Ceili. The Bald Faced Stag, 8pm Leichhardt Ph. 9560 7188)t ( 345 Parramatta Rd, Leichhardt (cnr Balmain Rd). $10 Mal Webb - a night of vocal gymnastics + Mr Percival Eastside Music Café 8pm (pre-sales Contact www.eastside- $12/$15 door $14/$17) arts.org.au Sunday 19th August The original HuldreFolk trio with Victor Mishalow! In the dy- North By Northwest Poetry and Folk Jenny 9559 3658 (h), ing decades of last century, the shadowy and iconoclastic Club. 2pm. Cornucopia Cafe, Old 0414 903 259, jdcarter@ HuldreFolk (‘hidden people’) appeared, with their unique Gladesville Hospital, cnr Victoria and iinet.net.au or Geoff 9816 stories and songs - then disappeared. For the rare and Punt Rd, Gladesville. Cars enter by 0393, 0421 582 975 regrettably short visit to Australia of long-time folk stalwart bottom gates in Punt Rd, take first turn Victor Mishalow, the original trio of Paul Hemphill, Yuri the left towards Victoria Rd, then left fork Storyteller and Victor Mishalow reunite for ONE CONCERT and left at the top. PedestrianAlistair Hulett access and Dave Swarbrick ONLY! Unusual songs and stories, and an adventurous ap- from Victoria Rd, from 500/501 bus. proach to music and lyric, drawing inspiration from all over Floorspots available. BYOs welcome. the modern, and not so modern world – the sad and the This event will be very popular, so serious, the pleasant and the delightful. Info, rare audio, booking is recommended! $12, $10. www.folkclub.com/huldrefolk/ Sunday 19th August Fourth Sydney Irish Set Dance Weekend The Harp Hotel, 900 Princes Hwy, Enq. Trish 02 9580 4865 Tempe The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette - AUGUST 2007  Mic Conway’s National Junk Band + “Magic Mic”. The Harp Hotel, 2pm 900 Princes Tel: 02 9559 6300 Hwy, Tempe $15, $12 conc., kids free. harpirishpub@bigpond. com Monday 20th August Pennant Hills Dance Workshop – Australian/Colonial - revi- Community Centre (air-conditioned), Felicity 9456 2860 sion for ball. Caller Don Richmond. Yarrara Rd. $7. 7.30-9.30pm. Thursday 23rd August Albert Lee with Wheelers and Dealers The Basement Sydney, 9.30pm Enq. www.basement. com.au/ Sutherland Folk Club. Session night. Fun jam night where Sutherland and District Trade Union Enquiries Jenny Watson everyone who wants to perform is welcome and encour- Club, 7.30pm. Cnr Manchester Road 95762301, Maeve aged. Anything goes sing a song, play a instrument or say Nth and Kingsway, Gymea - $10 95205628. a poem, you can listen too. No cost. children under 12 free Saturday 25th August Troubadour Central Coast. Chris Gillespie and The CWA Hall, The Boulevard, on Enq. 4341 4060 (AH), Wandering Hands. “A unique Australian voice painting local Brisbane Waters just as you drive 0417 456 929, www. landscapes with mirth and melancholy. His gentle vocals into Woy Woy. Opposite Fisherman’s troubadour.org.au/ overlay fine fingerpicking textures that draw you into the Wharf. Floor spots available for stories.” - Fred Smith. “Stories of everyday Australian talented local musicians. Light tea experiences, unrequited love, dogs and the cockatoo that and lots of lovely people. $10, $8, owns the M2, all delivered with a bit of a country storytell- $7. 7pm. ing feel ... Nice mandolin, slide guitar, harmonica and sparse backing vocals”. - Glen Mcvey (‘The Stix’ maga- zine). www.myspace.com/chrisgillespiemusic Traditional Music Session, led by David De Santi. Sheet Bulli Heritage Hotel, Concert Room, Dave 0409 57 1788, music provided. Any good folk tune! Musicians welcome to 240 Princes Hwy, Bulli. 1-4pm. www.illawarrafolkclub. bring along traditional tunes. org.au Anne Ridgway and Mothers of Intention + Bright Star Loaded Dog, upstairs Annandale Sandra (02) 9358 4886, Choir, under the direction of Mary-Jane Field. Anne is a Neighbourhood Centre, 79 Johnston www.theloadeddog.org.au contemporary singer-songwriter playing 6 and 12 string St. 8pm. $14, 12, BYO, supper avail- guitars. A soaring voice, flowing lyrics and ambient, intri- able. cate guitar work best describe her soulful music. Mothers of intention are a spirited four piece band playing a vibrant mix of Celtic, Folk, Original and folk inspired covers. Fea- turing rhythm guitar, fiddle, mandolin, recorder, bodhran and vocals. Ensemble Offspring. Crippled Symmetry — the music of Stone Gallery on Oxford 8pm Enq. www.eastsidearts. Morton Feldman org.au Monday 27th August Pennant Hills Dance Workshop – Combining Figures. Community Centre, Yarrara Rd. $7. Felicity 9456 2860 Caller John Short. 7.30-9.30pm. Friday 31st August ‘Serendipity’ - free acoustic concert with Loosely Woven St Andrews Uniting Church 7pm, Enq. Margaret Booth (20 singers and instrumentalists). St Andrews Uniting Chisholm and Vernon Streets, South (9949 3746) Web: Church 7pm, Chisholm and Vernon Streets, South Tur- Turramurra. humph.org/lw ramurra. Saturday 1st September Australian Gaelic Singers’ 25th Birthday Ceilidh. Traditional Thornleigh Community Centre, cnr Booking is essential. ceilidh dance, taught and called by Anthony Simon. Music Phyllis and Central Avenues. Parking Judy Scott 9498 8209 by Chris Duncan and Catherine Strutt, Robert Pearce on site. 7.30pm. (Doors open 7pm.) 0411 123 668 and Celtic Knot, the Ceilidh Collective, Sydney Scottish $15; 15 or under, free. Book a table Fiddlers, etc. of 8 or join others. BYOG and supper baskets.

ACT Friday, 10th August Just a Tad & Moz (A Singing Session) (special guests Merry Muse - The Cashews) Friday, 17th August Alex Legg. + John Baker Duo – Merry Muse Friday, 24th August Zot, The Zone of Tone. Merry Muse Friday, 31st August Alan Musgrove and his Watsaname Band Merry Muse The Merry Muse is the Monaro Folk Society venue. It happens in the White Eagle Club at 38 David Street, Turner, ACT  The CORNSTALK Gazette - - AUGUST 2007 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 Regional NSW Saturday 4th August Festivals, Workshops, Schools Mothers of Intention, CD Launch 17th - 19th August 14th, 15th, 16th March, 2008 “Watersong”. Newcastle and Troubadour 29 Concert & Party Week- Blue Mountains Folk Festival www.bmff.org.au Hunter Valley Folk Club. Wesley end. (The Troubadour, Melbourne’s famous 20th - 24th March 2008 Fellowship House, Beaumont St, music venue, 1978-1990). Campaspe National Folk Festival www.folkfestival.asn.au Hamilton. 7.30pm. 4943 1552, Downs, Kyneton, Vic. $195. Bookings, (03) [email protected], www. 5425 5400, [email protected] newcastlehuntervalleyfolkclub.org.au www.wineandmusic.net/ 7th-9th September Saturday 11th August Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival. kvfolk@ The Sixth Annual Yuin Folk Club Mandolin Jam with bigpond.com , www.kvfolk.shoalhaven.info/ Dorrigo Folk & Luchiano Bassegio 12th-14th September

CWA Hall, Cobargo. Enq. Graeme 6493 Turning Wave Festival, Master Classes Blue Grass Festival 6758. No charge. Bring your mandolin will be offered in fiddle (Adrian Barker) and plus a plate of food to share for lunch. concertina (Ruth Boylan). Email bookings@ Saturday 25th August turningwave.org.au or phone 02 6944 2200 BMC Subscription Ball, with Coalbrook 12th-16th September 2007 Ceilidh. Maitland Town Hall. 7pm. (See Turning Wave Festival Dance News for practice dates.) www. Join us as for a brilliant celebration of bushmusic.org.au music, song, dance, spoken word, the- atre and a Celtic fringe. Earlybird tickets Applications for now on sale till COB 31st August. Email [email protected] or phone the 2008 National 02 6944 2200 www.turningwave.org.au. 25th – 28th October Folk Festival Mundy - Turner Performer applications are open for the 26th Yungaburra Folk Festival, Atherton This year’s Festival promises to 2008 National Folk Festival. The themes Tablelands, North Qld. 2006 was a sell-out. continue on with the great traditions are Australians at Play - now there’s one to 0448 017 877, www.yungaburrafolkfestival. established in previous years. There will get your imagination going! -and Music of org be performances and workshops featuring the Celtic Nations. New South Wales is the 26th - 28th October 2007 interstate and local talent from a variety 2008 featured State. Applications close on Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Festival of traditional and contemporary folk and 31 August. Festival Hotline 66571229 bluegrass genres. Visiting performers just To apply; go to the website at www. email: [email protected] love the friendly country town atmosphere folkfestival.asn.au; click “ Performing” 27th October 2007 and taking part in shared sessions around in the blue menu on the left hand side of Folk In The Foothills. Jamberoo Lodge. the campfire with other musicians and the screen; scroll down until you come Enq. [email protected] or 1300 887 034 music lovers. to “Click to open the Online Performer 2nd - 5th November, 2007 Highlights of this year’s festival Application Form”. Click as instructed and Maldon Folk Festival include the Saturday Night Bush dance you’re into the system. www.maldonfolkfestival.com and an integrated creative youth project. 16th - 18th November 2007 Performers confirmed so far include: Music At The Creek Juzzie Smith whose music steps into Enq. Alison 02 4842 2889. www.musicat- blues, folk, and country and embraces thecreek.com the slide guitar, yidaki (didgeridoo), foot percussion, along side his harmonica and 27th December – 1 January 07/08 vocal performance Applications for The Woodford Folk Festival. Held over six Mundy-Turner are Catherine Mundy days and six nights it presents more than 2000 the 2008 Cobargo performers and 400 events with concerts, and Jay Turner, an internationally-touring Folk Festival dances, workshops, forums, street theatre, acoustic, original songwriting duo now Applications are invited for the 13th An- writers’ panels, film festival, comedy sessions, based in Derbyshire, UK nual Cobargo Folk Festival and will close acoustic jams, social dialogue and debate, an Coyote Serenade are a bluegrass/ on the 31st August, 2007/ entire children’s festival, art and craft work- country act out of Hobart who use steel Some elements of traditional, blues, blue- shops, late night cabarets and special events guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukelele, and grass, country, acapella, theatre, bush po- including a spectacular fire event. www. double bass to create a self described mix etry and the spoken word, cabaret and jazz woodfordfolkfestival.com of “cowboy swing, country blues, hillbilly will be included in the Festival program. 17th - 20th January and lonesome ballads 23rd Illawarra Folk Festival The Pirate Brides skilfully combine Performers should bear in mind this years’ www.illawarrafolkfestival.org.au four-part vocals with tasty guitar, theme – ‘The Year Of The Laugh ‘ - Aus- 22nd - 24th February, 2008 accordion, mandolin, claw hammer banjo tralian and world humour in music? Cobargo Folk Festival. Applications close and double bass. Playing roots-Country, Forms can be downloaded from www/co- 31st August, 2007. Enq. www.cobargofolkfes- Bluegrass, Old Time and Contemporary bargofolkfestival.com or ring Graeme 02 tival.com. originals 6493 6758. The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette - AUGUST 2007  The Sheepdogs pursue a mutual enjoyment of string band music from the 1930’s through to the present day and have evolved folk news dance news a sound that is all their own. Drawing on inspiration from bluegrass, western swing, Poetry Anthology RFDS Contra early jazz and honky tonk artists, this band The Wollombi Poetry Anthology is inviting There were 70-80 dancers the Contra Dance seeks to have fun and communicate that fun contributions. There are four categories: on 30th June, which raised a total of over to the audience. bush poetry; narrative; contemporary; and $1000, including donations, for the Royal Sunburnt Celts produce a distinctive youth (9-15 years). For details and entry Flying Doctor Service. Organiser John said, sound that brings together the unique requirements visit www.wollombi.org “Most of them spoke favourably about the flavour of the Irish with pure Australiana. and click on poetry. The anthology will Ermington Hall, although some missed The driving beat of the banjo, fiddle, tin be launched in October, with performance the old time grandeur of Granville. The whistle, acoustic guitar and the rare and poetry at the Wollombi Cultural Centre. dancers at Pennant Hills on [the following] haunting chant of the Uillien pipes simply Cost $10, which covers the cost of up to Monday were unanimous about having a overflow with traditional realism. a total of three poems from each entrant great time, many suggested we should do Website: www.dorrigo.com/festival or (includes membership of Wollombi Valley it more often.” To mark the 10th annual email [email protected] Arts Council for 12 months). Deadline for RFDS Contra organised by John Short and entries, 1st September 2007. artscouncil@ Leila Flower, dancers Alison and Colin wollombi.org Cole made a surprise presentation to each of them of a hand painted commemorative plate. There were dancers from Canberra, Mishalow in Town Newcastle, Nowra, Wollongong – and a Celebrated and well-remembered bandurist globetrotting young lady, Ona (pronounced Victor Mishalow is on a rare visit to Ahna) Lindauer, from Maine, USA, who Australia in August (between 4th and 27th). was complimentary about the standard of This is a grand opportunity to see this great our dancing. She was then carried off by musician. He will be based in Sydney, the Canberra people for their Tuesday night appearing at Cafe Carnivale on 25th, and contra workshop. It would be nice to have a network of people willing to billet visiting Kvonn from Faeroe Islands for with HuldreFolk at North by North West Folk Club on 19th. Academic, author, dancers. Many thanks to everyone who Folk In The Foothills teacher, performer, and “Merited Artist came, from near or far. of Ukraine”, Victor is an internationally acclaimed exponent of the ancient 65 Folk In The stringed Bandura, the voice and soul of Bush Music Club Ukraine. His reputation extends far beyond Foothills 2007 Australia to the USA, Canada, and the Subscription Ball Organisation is well underway for the Practices for the Bush Music Club’s countries of the former Soviet Union. Illawarra Folk Club’s Folk in the Foothills 27th Subscription Ball, with Coalbrook He has played at venues as far apart as to be held on Sunday 21st October Ceilidh (Maitland Town Hall, Saturday Carnegie Hall and Sydney Opera House, Nestled in the foothills of the Illawarra 25th August), will be held in Sydney: the Los Angeles Olympics, and a Royal Escarpment is the beautiful Jamberoo Val- Concord Scout Hall, Park Ave, on 19th Command Performance in the Netherlands. ley Lodge. It will again be the venue for August – ring Don to confirm, 9642 7950. Currently living in Toronto, Canada, he Folk enthusiasts when they gather in the On Central Coast: East Gosford Progress wonderful ambience of its rainforest set- is founder and leader of the Canadian Hall, cnr Wells St and Henry Parry Dve, ting, to hear music and verse performed by Bandurist Capella. http://en.wikipedia.org/ on 12th August. In Newcastle: All Saints a great array of renowned international and wiki/Victor_Mishalow Parish House, Cromwell St, New Lambton, local performers. You can hear Victor on www.infoukes. on 5th and 19th August. Practices start at There will be 20 concerts with 16 acts com/culture/music/samples/mishalow/ and 10am and finish at 4 pm, cost $7. Please from 9am in the morning till 7pm in the www.folkclub.com/huldrefolk/ Click on bring your lunch and a mug, tea and coffee evening with a number of venues to choose Audio Stream. If you would like him for a from - a large concert room, an intimate house concert or other appearance, contact provided. www.bushmusic.org.au acoustic concert room, the restaurant, [email protected] or Paul. outdoor terrace and grove area all set in the [email protected] picturesque and tranquil surrounds of the Fourth Sydney Lodge. Already confirmed are Allen Johnson Irish Set Dance on tour from Scotland, The Song Catchers, Weekend Enda Kenny, Brent Parlane, touring band During August 2007, Trish McGrath from Denmark, Hvonn, local ABC front and her troupe, the Harp Irish Set Dancers, man Nick Rheinberger, best will be proud to present the 4th Sydney Bush Poet, The Evergreen Blue the Shearer, Irish Set Dance Weekend featuring Gerard Wongawilli, Replay and Jason and Chloe Butler as our international guest teacher. (And Megan) This event is held approximately every two Check the website for further details. Il- years and is organised in co-operation with lawarrafolkclub.org.au  The CORNSTALK Gazette - - AUGUST 2007 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 the Victorian Irish Set Dancers. Gerard is a widely acclaimed and a ceremony attended by town officialdom WORKSHOP highly sought after Set and Sean nós dance and locals and visitors alike kicked up their teacher from Carrick on Shannon, Co. heels at the Bush Dance. With George Roscommon, Ireland. Ger was raised in As evening descended on the Saturday, Gulgong’s “Opera House” became the a home filled with traditional music and WashingmachineA workshop for enthustiastic musicians, dance, and commenced teaching at age 17. centre of attention for the annual Literary awards sponsored by Country Energy and run by George Washingmachine , is being Ger currently teaches classes in Roscom- held on Sunday 5th August, 2007, starting at mon, Leitrim and Mayo. In his 15 years of The Land newspaper. Up for grabs those beautifully crafted “Henry” figurines and a 11am- 1-30pm. teaching experience he has taught classes Topics will include some basic fiddle all over Ireland, Europe, Asia and America substantial amounts of prizemoney. Sunday saw the Hunter Bush Poets styles, some jazz, blues, and some swing – and now Australia for the first time! styles.....however the workshop is not lim- As a teacher and member of the Elphin officiate a Poets Breakfast and “Just Henry” session where only the masters work was ited to fiddles only!!!! Set Dancers, Ger has won 9 All Ireland set The cost is $20 per adult, and $10 per dance titles and 3 English championships, allowed to be recited and the night time concert, “Tales of the Swag” saw Des Kelly child or student. dancing the Roscommon set – their local The venue is “Tritton Hall”, hut 44 set. Ger also completed a world tour with and friends present the song, verse and humour of the Australian bush as seen in Bush Music Club headquaters the dance company Rhythm of the Dance Marrickville Community Centre, in which he performed Sean nós and played Lawson’s times. The Festival was also visited by 142 Addison Road, Marrickville. percussion. Enquiries.....Dawn 0408496887 Over two days Ger will teach you steps, Melbourne school teacher and thespian sets, sean nós and 2-hand dances with ‘wit James Howard who had taken on the and grace’ and a flair for entertainment. persona of Henry Lawson for the weekend Saturday 18 August 07 join Ger and kick and performed in costume on many up your heels with a live music céilí at the occasions. It truly took one back in time to Harp Pub. see the new “Henry” slouched on a bench in If you’ve ever enjoyed Colonial, Bush, the main street or leaning from the door of Contra or Scottish dancing – then get a taste a public house enticing fellow poets to join of something different. If you’ve never him. Most did. danced before – here’s your chance to expe- Organised by the Henry Lawson Society rience one of the living traditions of modern of NSW and run by Secretary Cheryl Peters Ireland. Fellow dancers - we look forward to (and her committee and volunteers) the seeing you all there! event is indeed a drawcard for the best writers and performers in the country. Graeme was indeed thrilled and Henry Lawson honoured to win the Adult Literary Award Heritage Festival (with his poem entitled “Poles and Wires”- Competition Results 2007 Report Adult Written: Albert Lee, on and H One of Australia’s s en First: Graeme Johnson, Second: Arthur hn rpremier literary o y Wheelers & J events, The Henry Green, Third: David Campbell e m Lawson Heritage HC: Melanie Hall, Ellis Campbell, Dealers Sydney e a Festival was Jacqueline Winn Albert Lee, regarded r Concert G held over the Country Energy Leonard Teale Memorial by his peers as the greatest country rock recent June Performance Poetry: guitarist in the world, is touring in Australia Long Weekend First: Lisa Quast, Second: Terry Regan briefly in August with Sydney folk band in the Central Third: Ellis Campbell Wheelers and Dealers, which includes in West town of HC: Graeme Johnson, Ron Stevens, Tony its line-up former members of The Flying Gulgong NSW. Price. Emus, who toured with Albert nearly two (Yes, the town on (Photograph courtesy of Graeme Johnson.) decades ago. the old ten dollar note- Albert Lee’s playing covers many remember them?) genres of music, including folk, and he was Though the heavens had well and truly featured in the wonderful documentary on opened in the local area (weather wise) Irish music ‘Bringing It All Back Home’, Bush Poets from all over Australia still playing with piper Davy Spillane. In the managed to make their way to the historic rock and country worlds he is famous for centre for the big event. his many years with Eric Clapton, Emmylou The rain managed to dissipate long enough for the regular activities to still Harris and The Everly Brothers, as well as take place. These included Busking his own solo featuring him on vocals and Pavement Art Competitions, Street and piano as well as electric and acoustic Parades-including vintage vehicles and guitars. hot-rods, Market Stalls and much much The Albert Lee and Wheelers & Dealers more. Indoors local vignerons displayed Sydney concert will be at The Basement on and offered their products for tasting, Thursday 23rd August. Henry Lawson’s birthday cake was cut in The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette - AUGUST 2007  The Great Folk Revival: Part 5 Continuing some Issues, Debates and accompaniment. Some purists, like John manipulate cheap, high-actioned “fruit Controversies Manifold, insisted that folksinging was boxes”. In Henderson’s view, however, a by Malcolm J Turnbull legitimate only when done a capella. The top quality Maton, Martin or Gibson was Of course, no amount of sincerity or guitar was an agent of commercialisation. potentially “easier to play than a nylon- genuineness could make up for musical For others, simple guitar accompaniment string guitar” and offered infinitely more ineptitude. Some ideologically blameless might be acceptable, but they firmly resisted scope to the instrumentalist. He cited the singers were just “not up to the mark” the employment of backing instruments. “harplike effect” achieved by Paul Marks technically. The late Denis Gibbons argued (They had a particular aversion to anything or Marian Henderson’s ability, “on a good that too much has been made of the essential electrified. Bernard Bolan remembers the night”, to make “those little wires sound simplicity of folkmusic and that, far too “ripple of horror” that passed through the like an organ”. “Imagine Chris Daw or Les often, mediocrity or downright ineptitude audience when Mike O’Rourke walked Miller playing some of their slick sliding has hidden under the veil of authenticity. onstage carrying an electric guitar at one stuff on anything else but steel; it would Gibbons was adamant that vocal training of the early festivals). While the overly- sound like Segovia plaiting spaghetti” had its place: “any singer benefits from orchestrated arrangements favoured by [Music Maker, July 1964]. greater range, flexibility and placement of Lionel Long and (on occasion) Denis Increasingly attracted to American voice”. Nor was amplification necessarily a Gibbons were generally deplored, more and contemporary music himself, Kinnane bad thing: “some songs are so exquisite that liberal souls acknowledged that, tastefully quickly made the transition to a Dylan- they must be barely whispered” [Folksay, employed, back-up players could add style Gibson and found it the perfect 1, 1966, p.30]. Inevitably, the emphasis on significantly to the quality of a performance, complement to David Lumsden’s 5 string natural, unstudied singing resulted in the live or recorded. One point of contention banjo. Lumsden & Kinnane performed evolution of alternative stylisations. Perhaps among the early coffee lounge performers regularly as a bluegrass duo at Traynors in unconsciously, performers would lower centred on the merits of the nylon vs steel- its first year: during the same period Trevor their voices when singing blues, toughen strung guitar. Lucas went a step further and became up their accents for Australian material, one of the few Australian 12 string guitar or acquire traces of “Americanese” for Don Henderson specialists. Within a short time (and as the Appalachian ballads. artists’ playing improved with years of In the same way that the singer- practice), steel-string guitars became more songwriter vogue would unleash scores of and more common (indeed, the norm) and Dylan imitators, so the Anglo-Celtic sub- nylon-string guitars became increasingly genre attracted a rash of performers who associated with novices or the sterotyped slavishly modelled their sledgehammer “lady folksinger” (Date, Lawton, Biscoe). vocal style after Ewan MacColl (sometimes The 12 string guitar also caught on, with to the point of singing a capella with one Doug Ashdown, Greg Ferris, Keith Potger, hand cupped over an ear). “There was a Phil Cunneen, Lenore Somerset and sense of frozen antiquity”, argues Mike Robyn Smith (Archer) among its more McClellan. “Simply doing no more than conspicuous exponents. The fact that, for repeating styles and methods of singing many years, Martyn Wyndham-Read has that emerged in the past ... [in some cases] opted to play a steel-strung instrument repeating the technical inadequacies of Songwriter and guitar-maker Don indicates that this particular aspect of the very simple, primitive performers ... To Henderson once observed that Australian debate was never more than a passing ignore [all that had come since] was to stick folkies seemed to have a “strange aversion” diversion. your head in the sand”. Glen Tomasetti, to steel strings. Garry Kinnane, who had Occasionally the purists found whose whole performing career had studied under Carl Ogden, remembers that themselves victims of their own pedantry. been predicated on lack of pretension, Tomasetti, Wyndham-Read and Mooney all Denis Gibbons once received a blistering once conceded that listening to tapes of believed firmly that the Spanish or classical letter from the Bush Music Club in Sydney, impromptu group performances of the era guitar was the more fitting instrument to demanding to know the provenance of could be mildly harrowing, so starkly was accompany folksongs. Steel strung guitars a song he had recorded, and accusing musicianship often sacrificed to sincerity. were associated with hillbilly or C&W him darkly of “interfering with the She recalled her own discomfiture when music - and, by implication, with American text”. Gibbons confounded his critics her young daughter announced that she commercialism. More prosaically, nylon by maintaining that he had learned the intended to become a singer - a natural strings were easier to play and learn on. version in question from his father-in-law, singer, however, “not like you”. Many singers had turned to the Spanish an itinerant bushman in South Australia. Another battlefront (albeit a relatively guitar with relief having endured “aching (In fact, Gibbons confesses, the source minor one) was the question of appropriate hands and blistered fingers” trying to was a Burl Ives record). Kath Lumsden, 10 The CORNSTALK Gazette - - AUGUST 2007 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 whose traditionalist credentials were media and entertainment networks, ever by leading off with his own rendition of one impeccable, once deliberately “sent up” to be considered kosher. Kingston Trio or of the man’s big hits. Another popular male the more inflexible members of the folk PP&M imitators might get short shrift at folksinger, who harangued Gibbons about establishment by launching into the Eartha places like Traynors (although they might his place on the bill at the Lord Mayor’s Kitt standard ‘I’m Just an Old-fashioned well be found at less high-minded venues Variety show in Brisbane, also found Girl’. On another occasion (despite like the Heavenly Crumpet, Capers, Cafe himself outmanoeuvred. Gibbons reluctantly husband Arthur’s misgivings), she sang Edouard or the Colonial Inn), yet even agreed to allocate him a more prominent the American country song ‘Spanish is more acceptable figures like Lynne St spot on the program, and then slotted the the Loving Tongue’ at the Bush Music John often had to counter accusations of belligerent singer in directly after an exotic Club and was gratified by the response. commerciality, partly because of their dance specialist. (The man’s bracket was As she had correctly anticipated, most concerns with appearance and presentation. punctuated by repeated calls to “bring back listeners were much more concerned with Notwithstanding acknowledgment by the bellydancer”). the beauty of the song (which she had Jim Carter, Frank Traynor, Don Carless, Preoccupied as it was/is with the learned from tenor Joe Sibella) than with etc., that the performer had a duty to his realities of people’s lives, folkmusic its orthodoxy. audience, dressing up to play was widely demanded to be taken seriously. Well-entrenched intercity rivalry viewed as a concession to “showbiz”. That seriousness, and the tendency sometimes coloured the debate. A solid So too was attempting to cater for the of the coffee lounge patrons towards section of the Melbourne fraternity mood of the crowd. John Graham was earnest intellectualism and idealistic was dismissive of the Sydney scene. regarded, by some, as “a bit of a charlatan” humourlessness, were quickly pounced “Melbourne always had a better live scene because of his determination to polish his on by critics and satirists: “Folk song has than Sydney”, claims Mick Counihan. “It performances and reach a wider public become a solemn cult with some of its was a key centre for music from the late than was likely with the “take it or leave afficianados”, observed Edgar Waters in late 19th century. ‘Marvellous Melbourne’”. it” approach adopted by other folksingers. 1964: Charles Higham went further: Counihan remembers flubbing his verse “There was a strong delineation between Sullen college boys in regulation during a full-cast singalong of ‘The ‘the faith’ and those seen as ‘exploiting’ it”, sweater, jeans and suede boots, eyes dead Overlander’ at the Songs of Peace and remembers Jim Kenny. Squance & White under cowlick hair, huddle in groups, Love Concert at the Myer Music Bowl, who specialised in American music, and reverently. They stare, whisper between and feeling deeply embarrassed because he were outspoken in their enthusiasm for rock sips of coffee, and never smile. Austerely had let down the Melbourne side in front groups like The Beatles, sometimes found removed from them, pale girls with waist- of Sydneysiders. In the eyes of Melbourne themselves blacklisted by the more rigid length hair occasionally exchange a blind, folkies, Sydney represented folkmusic as concert organisers. meaningless glance. The way they look, popular entertainment: it was the home of No matter how strongly the dedicated you’d think the sun had never shone ... Bandstand, Just Folk, Dave’s Place, and folk-archaeologist might stress the The atmosphere in these places is usually the big Newport hootenanny. Sydney had importance of the song over the singer, joyless and naive. Customers sit there hour stars. Lionel Long was the major butt of some artists (including some of the most after hour in conditions of total discomfort, criticism, but at other times Gary Shearston committed and ideologically sound almost mute, glum, and fixedly staring into and Tina Date were accused of adopting performers) could not fail to become space [Higham, ‘The Folk People’, Bulletin, unfolk-like airs and graces, and the dire drawcards in their own right. Definite 14 Nov 1964]. label of entertainer was applied to Sean hierarchies of performers existed at The description is obviously and Sonja, Leonard Teale, clone ensembles Traynors and elsewhere within the national exaggerated. At the time, it was hotly like The Liberty Singers, The Green Hill coffee lounge circuit, and inevitably some contested by Gary Shearston who assured Singers or The Kinsfolk, or interstate acts artists started to take themselves too Higham: “I don’t spend an entire evening’s who “hit the big time” in the harbour city, seriously. There were occasional prima performance ‘protesting’ myself and all the notably Doug Ashdown and The Twiliters. donnas. Grumbles by performers about other unwashed. In fact, we have a pretty The Adelaide scene was also mildly “having to go on first” were an occupational good time singing songs from the four suspect. The Wesley Three were disdained hazard for concert organisers. Some of corners of the earth” [Australian, 4 Nov as far too slick and preoccupied with the latter-day singer- who 1964; Bulletin, 14 & 28 Nov 1964 musicianship. Even the highly-regarded played at Traynors could be unnecessarily ….To be continued … Tina Lawton became something of a tall precious in this regard. (I recall an ugly [Reprinted, with kind permission of the poppy thanks to regular appearances on scene at a Tasmanian concert a few years author and the editor, from Drumbeat (Folk national television. after the period under review: a number Federation of Tasmania, May 2007.) Melbourne, by contrast, claimed to of respected local artists found their sets Part 4 appeared in the July 2007 issue of have a monopoly on the “real folksingers” - drastically shortened because the leader of Cornstalk. the Tomasettis, the Mooneys, the Spooners, a popular mainland Celtic ensemble was the Wyndham-Reads, the Lumsdens, etc. demanding extra stage-time and threatening In reality, Melbourne had more than its fair to “punch up” m.c. Richard Leitch if it was share of folksinger-entertainers at different not forthcoming.) Denis Gibbons, who levels on the commercial spectrum. was frequently called upon to compere Denis Gibbons, Lenore Somerset, Shirley concerts, remembers one instance when a Jacobs, The Idlers Five, The John Gordon singer proved particularly objectionable and Helen Driessen Trios, or (of course) about opening the program. Gibbons The Seekers, were far too well known finally conceded and agreed to go on first Gary Shearston or widely-exposed, by virtue of the instead. He “got his own back”, however, The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette - AUGUST 2007 11 -

-

3

30

95

135 652

385

105

360

166

125 250 330

(744)

1,289

7,790 9,896 9,896

5,372

2,446

1,003

10,640

$

2006

9,356 1,088

10,444 10,444

$

- -

-

-

11

43

111

548

385 300

430

130 290 100

1,170

8,615

4,897

2,770

$

2007

Folk Federation of NSW Inc

Income and Expenditure Statement for year ended 30th April 2007 Income and Expenditure Statement for year ended 30th

INCOME CD Sales Cornstalk advertisements Donations Received Interest Received Membership Fees

GROSS INCOME

EXPENDITURE Accountancy Fees Advertising & Promotion Bank Fees & Charges Cornstalk Printing Filing Fees Folk Alliance Aust Inc Alliance Folk Insurance Permits, Licences & Fees Postage PO Rental Printing & Stationery Telephone Travelling Expenses Travelling Venue Hire - Almost Acoustic Almost Hire - Venue TOTAL EXPENSES TOTAL

OPERATING SURPLUS/(DEFICITY) OPERATING

$

880

1267

(744)

7,043

8,229

8,229

8,229

6,082

7,043

7,787

15,272

15,272

15,272

15,272

2006

$

900

9143

1267

8,131

9,143

9,143

6,976

8,131

1,088

7,043

17,274

17,274

17,274

17,274

2007

Folk Federation of NSW Inc

Balance Sheet as at 30th April 2007 Balance Sheet as at 30th

TOTAL ASSETS TOTAL

TOTAL LIABILITIES TOTAL

Total Current Liabilities Total

Funds Held - Alexander Project Funds Held -

Funds Held - Affley Project Affley Funds Held -

Funds Held - Kempster Project

CURRENT LIABILITIESCURRENT

TOTAL ASSETS TOTAL

Total Current Assets Current Total

Cash at Bank - Operating Account Cash at Bank - Operating

CURRENT ASSETS CURRENT

Represented By:

TOTAL MEMBERS FUNDS TOTAL

Surplus/(Deficit) This Year Surplus/(Deficit)This

Accumulated Funds Brought Forward MEMBER FUNDS

12 The CORNSTALK Gazette - - AUGUST 2007 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 cd reviews Frost and Fire White Wings The Watersons Alison McMorland and Geordie TOPIC TSCD563 (PLANET DIST.) Frost And Fire, subtitled A Calendar McIntyre of Ritual and Magic Songs, was the Watersons’ first , recorded in Greentrax CDTRAX306 (Planet Distribution.) 1965 after their discovery by Bill A fine single-minded album Leader. It had a huge impact on of fourteen Scottish ballads sung the British folk scene, and even a cappella or with sparse sensitive influenced the eclectic rock and folk- accompaniment on fiddle, rock scenes as well. concertina, whistle, guitar, banjo, It’s a concept album with songs jaw harp and mouth organ. that follow the passage of the year Alison McMorland hails - accompaniments to seasonal from Renfrewshire and has been ceremonies and rituals. It begins singing and recording for many and ends with wassail songs “Here We Come A-Wassailing” years, having worked closely with and “Wassail Song” and in between includes “Jolly Old Hawk”, traditional singers such as Willie “Seven Virgins’, “The Holly Bears A Berry”, “John Barleycorn”, Scott and Lucy Stewart. Geordie “Harvest Song”, “Souling Song”, “Christmas Is Now Drawing MacIntyre is a Glaswegian of Near At Hand” and others, 14 in all. Highland and Irish descent who Norma, Lal and Mike Waterson are joined by their second likewise is steeped in ballad singing and poetry, having recorded cousin John Harrison (this is the only recording he made with his first album in 1973 for Topic, and having performed for many them, being replaced later by Martin Carthy) to form a gutsy years at clubs and festivals far and wide. a cappella group singing in neat 4-part harmony with a totally There’s a high level of dedication apparent in these authentic ring. recordings that have an effectively simple homespun feel. The Excellently remastered and repackaged, the booklet has picturesque ballads, like The Virginnia Maid, The Shoreheid extensive notes and historic photos and there’s a slipcase as well. Boat, Here’s A Health To All True Lovers, John Barleycorn, Not long in duration, but an important landmark re-release for the MacCrimmon’s Lament and Farewell To The Bens not only serious folk music collector and lovers of unaccompanied singing. evoke bold images of the Scottish environment - beautifully bleak vistas, winding roads, bustling ports, roaring seas, tilled fields and homely fires – but also convey the delights and poignant aches of love, labour and travel. Alison’s daughter Kirsty Potts adds vocals to three tracks, suggesting that this important vocal tradition, presented here with Sound, Sound Your such strength and geniality, is happily being passed on to the next generation. Instruments of Joy Lyrics and interesting notes on the origins of the songs, which come from both oral and printed traditions, are provided. The Watersons The straightforward presentation belies the depth of this TOPIC TSCD564 (PLANET DIST.) album and it’s well worth giving it a few spins to really soak it up Recorded in 1977, this album appears properly.. for the first time on CD. It contains a collection of sacred songs including wassail songs, carols, hymns, camp meeting pieces CD Reviews by Julius Timmerman. and folk songs. These include “God Bless The Master”, “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks”, “Heavenly Aeroplane”, “Come All Ye Faithful Christians”, “Morning Trumpet” and others, 14 in all. In 4-part harmony a cappella Lal, Mike and Norma Waterson and Martin Carthy provide a bold distinctive rough-edged sound. Compared to the Watersons’ neater debut Frost and Fire of 1966, there’s less restraint here so the singing is characterised by spontaneous exuberance. The authority however is just the same in these historically important performances. Nicely remastered and repackaged, this is an album for serious folk music collectors.

The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette - AUGUST 2007 13 folk trax focus on folk I don’t know about your neck of the woods but here in South The Program of the Folk Federation of NSW 2MBS 102.5 FM Australia we have winter. The wind howls outside and the rain is Sat. 11 August - 6PM coming down, at the time of writing that is. I suppose just what Paul Jackson - Songs from Australian Performers we need. Inside it’s nice and warm with the fire giving a warm “All music will be written or sung by Australian performers, orange glow. Turn on the CD player and put on some of the great including Gary Shearston, Dennis Gibbons, Ted Egan and Walters new CDs available from Folk Trax. Enjoy the fabulous double An- and Warner with many others.” thology CD from Gary Shearston called ‘Here and There’, ‘Now Sat. 25 August - 6PM and Then’. On the horizon is the new CD from Mark Davidson, John Milce - War and Peace ‘Laughter in the Clay’. Also available now are these new releases, “To-days program features songs concerning War, from stirring From Scotland there are CDs by Wolfstone, ‘Terra Firma’ and the traditional songs celebrating famous victories to more recent songs ‘Tannahill Weavers’, ‘Live and in Session’ as well as an instru- about the futility of war, and the heartbreak and sorrow it causes.” mental CD from The Finlay McDonald Band called ‘Re Echo’. Anyone with a CD that you would like to add to the library collection for We also see the release of a new CD by Steve Ashley (remember consideration for airway please forward to him?) called ‘Time and Tide’. Another new one is from the Irish Focus on Folk, Post Office Box A182, Sydney South 1235. band Beoga. That one is called ‘Mischief’ . We are slowly putting all the back catalogue of Greentrax on the website. Keep checking Sunday 9-10am 2HHH 100.1 FM because there are many of them and it will take some time. While Northside Folk members produce a program of folk music. (De- you’re at it look at all the other new CDs that are now online. tails Barry Parks 9807 9497 or [email protected]) Don’t forget to claim your 10% discount if you are a reader of the Folk Rag or a member of the Folk Federations on the list, it just about gives you free postage! Welcome To New Members The latest news is that Folk Trax has moved into the city of Lesley Orchiston - Willoughby, Sue Alvarez - Manly Adelaide. It is now located at 10 Byron Place, Adelaide within the Martin Boyman - Ermington, Dawn Chalker - Caringbah EBI Shop. Terry Clinton - Camperdown, Immanuel Creagh - Dapto I can now also be contacted on 08 8211 7635. Just ask for Marcus McLennan - Centennial Park, Peter Miller-Robinson Henk. - Centennial Park, Christina Mimmocchi - St Pauls, Mary Naylor Back to the warmth of the lounge, good music and a nice hot - Berowra, Bill Quinn - Civic Square ACT, Solidarity Choir - An- chocolate! nandale, Graeme and Philamena South - Wahroonga That’ll do me for now. Keep on Folking Henk de Weerd The Folk Federation of NSW Membership Application Form Name/s: Address:

Advertising Rates Eve Ph: Day Ph: Size mm Members Non-Members Mobile: Full page 180x250 $80 $120 1/2 page 180x125 $40 $70 Email: 1/4 page 90x60 $25 $50 Include me on ‘Folkmail’, the members email listserv. 1/8 page 45 x 30 $15 $35 Membership Type (Tick one) Back cover 180x250 $100 $150 2 + issues per month $90 $130 Individual - $25 Family (more than one in same household) - $30 Please contact the editor for enquiries about advertising - artwork needs to be with the editor by first Friday of month. Tel: 02 6493 6758 Other name/s: Insert Rates: Affiliate (organisation) - $35 Single-sheet DL size or A5. Members $70 Non-Members $130 Contact Name: A4, folded to DL size or A5. Members $90 Non-Members $160 A4 should be folded. The number of inserts per issue is limited. Total enclosed: (for ____ year/s) Please contact Dallas and Jim Baxter, 9810 4131. baxjam@folkfednsw. The membership year runs from 1st May to 30th April or from org.au Offers of help for the wrap are appreciated. All cheques for advertisements and inserts to be made payable to 1st Nov to 31st Oct. Allowances are made in your favour for the Folk Federation of NSW Inc people joining at other times. Send to Folk Fed (address & contact details for Membership Secretary on inside cover).

14 The CORNSTALK Gazette - - AUGUST 2007 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette - AUGUST 2007 15 16 The CORNSTALK Gazette - - AUGUST 2007 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220