Folk Federation of New South Wales Inc Issue No 384 APRIL 2007 $3.00
COBARGO FOLK FESTIVAL 2007
♫ Folk music ♫ dance ♫ festivals ♫ reviews ♫ profi les ♫ diary dates ♫ sessions ♫ teachers ♫ opportunities The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette - April 2007 1 Deadline for May ssue: Adverts 5th April 2007 COPY 13th April (FIRM) April 2007 Folk Federation of New South Wales Inc If your important item misses Post Offi ce Box A182 In This Issue Sydney South NSW 1235 Cornstalk, please remember ISSN 0818 7339 ABN94115759221 there are also:folkmail Dates for your Diary p4 Cornstalk is the offi cial publication of the Folk Federa- (members’ email list) contact Dance News p6 tion of NSW. Julie Bishop (02 9524 0247) Contributions, news, reviews, poems, photograph most Folk News p6 welcome. Deadline date 2nd Friday of the month. [email protected] All care but no responsibility taken for omissions or Festivals p8 errors. jam.org.au –Folk Fed website, Advertisements - artwork required by 1st Friday of the here members can post info, Folk Contacts p12 month. Contact the editor for all enquiries re adver- tisements. Contact Julie Bishop re inserts. articles, etc. No part of Cornstalk may be reproduced without permission 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
Contributions accepted ias attachments to an email using word. Pictures please send jpegs. Please do not send pictures within a word document. Send pictures as attachments. All copy accepted by email or by disc. Editor, Cornstalk INAUGURAL FOLK FEDERATION Coral Vorbach GALA DAY Post Offi ce Box 5195 Cobargo NSW 2550 Email: [email protected] What? Tel/Fax: 02 6493 6758 Wrap Co-ordinator A picnic, music and singing, fun events James Baxter (02) 98104131. Where? The headland at Elkington Park, FFNSW Folkmail (web) Julie Bishop Balmain 02 9524 0247 Email: [email protected] When? 29th April 2007. FFNSW Committee2006 From 10.00 am onwards Executive Committee President, Christine Wheeler 02 9401 Who? 0322 You and your family Email: [email protected] Bring Vice President: Kate Delaney food drink Secretary: Pam Davis 02 9955 3677 Email: [email protected] instruments voices Treasurer: Bruce Cameron 02 6331 1129 AND Email: [email protected] Committee:Sandra Nixon, Carol Hirt, anything else that you need to Christina Mimmocchi, Mary-Jane Field, enjoy yourselves!! Pam Merrigan, Rosemary Shapiro, Wayne Richmond Kate 9810 7625, Mary-Jane 9797 6126 Membership Secretary Wayne Richmond Listserv/Jam/Membership 9913 7788 (not after 8.00pm) Volunteers, Coral Vorbach, Julie Bishop, Patricia Early, Margaret Walters. Next Committee Meeting FFNSW (FFNSW Artwork courtesy Tony Pyrzakowski ) Please check with Secretary 9955 3677 (Front cover photographs courtesy Prem Samira. Mal Webb, Session Bar, Damon Davies, Liz Frencham, Tracy Bunn, The Witchta Kids, Judy Small )
2 The CORNSTALK Gazette - - April 2007 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 WHAT’S ON AT EASTSIDE ARTS APRIL
Friday 13 doors open 7.45pm Musica Viva’s Cafe Carnivale: Satsuki Odamura & Taikoz Eastside Music Cafe www.cafecarnivale.com.au Saturday 14 8pm $15/$12 Almost Acoustic: Beaches Visits the ‘Burbs Eastside Music Cafe Featuring the Mothers of Intention, The Swadlings and more Sunday 15 2pm $20 Sydney Greek Festival: Helen Aristedes and Friends Stone Gallery on Oxford Details and bookings: 9363 4978 Friday 20 doors open 7.45pm Musica Viva’s Cafe Carnivale: Nadya & her 101 Candles Orkestra Eastside Music Cafe www.cafecarnivale.com.au Saturday 21 $15/$12 Almost Acoustic: Letterbox Music presents Vic Farrell and Friends Eastside Music Cafe Friday 27 Musica Viva’s Cafe Carnivale: Performing Brazil Eastside Music Cafe www.cafecarnivale.com.au Saturday 28 $15/$12 “Vocal Nosh” with Fay White (Vic) All welcome, no previous singing exp necessary Eastside Music Cafe
Eastside Music Café (licensed) and Stone Gallery on oxford (Paddington Uniting Church) are on the site of the Paddington Markets Doors open 8pm unless otherwise advertised Wheelchair access. Bookings recommended – 9331 2646 or [email protected] Free car parking: 24-28 Gordon Street Church car park. Buses from Sydney CBD. Map and more information on www.eastsidearts.org.au
The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette - April 2007 3 dates for your diary
Date Whats On Venue Contact Sunday 1st April Alistair Hulett (Scot) and Dave Swarbrik (UK) Shellharbour House Concert 5pm Tel: 4296 2339, 4297 1777 (tickets limited) Monday 2nd April Pennant Hills Dance Workshop – ‘Colonial Community Centre (air- Tel: Felicity 9456 286 Set and Couple Dances’. Caller Don Richmond. conditioned), Yarrara Rd, $7. Practice for the Bush Music Club’s Heritage Ball 7.30-9.30pm in May. A great social evening for beginners and experienced. Tuesday 10th April The Mammals (USA). They travel America in a Illawarra Folk Club Concert, City Tel: 1300 887 034. www. large diesel van fi lled with drums, amps, upright Diggers Wollongong, cnr Church themammals.net bass, fi ddle, guitars and banjos. They connect and Burelli Sts. $15, $20 rock and traditional Appalachian music in a very 7.30pm organic way. Fine song writing, bold arrangements. In a word, dynamic. Wed 11th April !Contra Dance with The Mammals (USA Wongawilli Community Hall Tel: Gwen 4296 1855 Caller Julie Bishop. . Longways American dances, (west of Dapto), $10. 8pm descended from English country dance. Lots of fun. !Sult @ the Gaelic Club The Gaelic Club For info or to perform at Sult Featured artists - John Hospodaryk and 64 Devonshire St, Surry Hills contact Coolfi nn Mac (near) Central Railway Station. Pam 02 9489 5786. Live music and entertainment of different types No Charge. 7pm [email protected] will feature at Sult with the night being anchored by a regular traditional music group (the house band). Each night invited special guests will per- form with a major focus being to provide space and opportunities for individuals and groups perform- ing in the Irish idiom in its broader interpretation to share their music within an “open mic” format. Sult nights are informal, inclusive gatherings Thursday 12th April Pettibone. Inventive fi ve piece talented young Sutherland District Trade Union Enq. Maeve 9520 5628 musicians - Jamie-Leigh basic vocals, guitar, banjo Club, Kingsway, Gymea (an easy clarinet, fl ute. James Twyford-vocals,double bass, walk from the station). 7.30pm. guitar. Rebecca Brown - vocals, violin,guitar, Samantha Brown - vocals,violin,cello. Support act will be Rhona McLeod renowned for her sweet renditions of Scottish traditional songs. Floor spots encouraged. Friday 13th April Beer and Cheese Night – ‘Sport – the Great Bush Music Club, Hut Tel: 9569 7244 Aussie Religion’ 44 Addison Rd Community [email protected] .au, Bring something to eat and drink, and songs, Centre, 142 Addison Rd, yarns, poems: about racing horses, cricket, footie, Marrickville. $4/$5 8-10pm betting on two fl ies crawling up a wall – whatever you can fi nd.
Saturday 14th April Central Coast Bush Dance with Snake Gully East Gosford Progress Hall, cnr Barry and Janice 4388 2253, All dances taught. Henry Parry Drive and Wells St. Diana and Eddie 4324 6180, $15, $12, $8 (12-18), $5 (under www.ccbdma.org/dance/ 12). 7.30-11pm index.htm Monday 16th April Pennant Hills Dance Workshop – ‘Colonial Set Community Centre (air- Felicity 9456 2860 and Couple dances’ conditioned), Yarrara Rd, $7 Caller Don Richmond. Practice for the Bush Music 7.30-9.30pm Club’s Heritage Ball in May. Tuesday 17th April English Country Dancing with the Auburn Uniting Hall. Ring 9649 6978 for hall SydneyPlayford Dance Group,(Please check 7.30-9.30pm details for details - as we are a ‘moveable feast’ )
4 The CORNSTALK Gazette - - April 2007 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 April At The Harp Date Whats On Venue Contact Saturday 21st April !Balmain Bush Dance with the Heritage Band Rozelle Campus, Sydney Dot 9876 6166, www. Caller Don Richmond.. College, 25 Terry St. $17, $14 bushmusic.org.au conc, $12 BMC member. 8pm-12 midnight !Macquarie Towns Music Club Richmond Neighbourhood Ellen 4578 2975 or Dez ‘Round Robin’ format. Informal club for Centre, West Market St. $10, 4578 5215. musicians, singers and reciters, all kinds of music, includes supper. 7.30-10.30pm. [email protected] all levels of competency. !Mike Cooper (UK) presents fi lm and backing Illawarra Folk Club Concert, 1300 887 034, www. music. . For 40 years Mike has been performing City Diggers Wollongong, cnr illawarrafolkclub.org.au and recording in a variety of genres. Initially a Church and Burelli Sts. $15, folk-blues guitarist and singer songwriter, his $20. 7.30pm work has diversifi ed to include improvised and electronic music, live music for silent fi lms, etc. 1300 887 034, www.illawarrafolkclub.org.au Friday 20th Waywood Folk CD launch. Waywood Folk’s Hornsby Kur-ing-gai Folk Club Further details: Barry Parks eclectic musical wanderings include songs of sea- Beatrice Taylor Hall 9807 9497 ah ; email: faring, convict transportation, shearing, tragedy, (Rear Willow Park) Edgeworth [email protected] life love betrayal and bad behaviour. A mix of David Avenue, Hornsby original, contemporay and traditional songs. Admission $15; light refresh- Waywood Folk are Martin Fowler, Barry Parks, ments available; BYO 8pm Pam Farley, Ian Fretwell, Mal Graham and Kirsten Hulse Monday 23rd April Pennant Hills Dance Workshop – ‘Colonial Set Community Centre (air- Felicity 9456 2860 and Couple dances’ conditioned), Yarrara Rd, $7. Practice for the Bush Music Club’s Heritage Ball in 7.30-9.30pm. May. Caller Don Richmond Thursday 26th April Sutherland Folk Club Session Night. All Sutherland District Trade Union Enq. Maeve 9520 5628 welcome to join us for a friendly jam amongst sup- Club, Kingsway, Gymea (an portive, encouraging easy walk from the station) people. Poetry, storytelling welcome.No charge Saturday 28th April !Traditional Music Session, Heritage Hotel Concert Room, Dave 0409 57 1788, www. led by David De Santi.Tunes generally of Celtic, 240 Princes Hwy, Bulli. 1-4pm, illawarrafolkclub.org.au Australian origin with the odd venture into French Canada, Italy, Spain, France, Sweden, Gypsy, Cajun, any good folk tune! Musicians welcome to bring along traditional tunes to share. Saturday 28th !Artist to be confi rmed. Loaded Dog, upstairs, Enquiries Sandra (02) 9358 Annandale Neighbourhood 4886, Centre, 79 Johnston St, www.loadeddog.org.au $14/12, BYO, supper available. 8pm
Monday 30th April Pennant Hills Dance Workshop – ‘Colonial Set Community Centre (air- Felicity 9456 2860 and Couple dances’ conditioned) Yarrara Rd,, $7 Caller Don Richmond. 7.30-9.30pm Practice for the Bush Music Club’s Heritage Ball in May. The Mammals Alistair Hulett and Dave Swarbrick
Pettibone
The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette - April 2007 5 Regional NSW April at the Harp Sat/Sun 19/20 May folk news !Sunday 1st 7pm Kevin Burke (Ireland) Western Folkies Weekend Session New Wrapdragons and Ged Foley (UK) Apex Riverside Tourist Park, Forbes, ph Please note that I am now the ex-Wrap- !Monday 9th 7pm Grada (Ireland) 6851 1929 dragon. Many thanks to the people who ! Tuesday 10th Alistair Hulett and Dave The only cost is camping, cabin or have helped with the wrap over the last Swarbrick(UK). 8pm. on-site villa fee - prices from the Tourist ten years: particularly Margaret Bradford, !Friday 13th Shane Howard Park.Dubbo, Griffi th and Leeton folkies Allan Dean, and Jim Bradman. But there !Sunday 15th 3pm Cloudstreet (Q'ld) are getting together for a weekend session were many more, too many to name. We !Saturday 21st Kristina Olsen (USA) in Forbes, and anyone else who cares to had some enjoyable times! Thanks also to THE HARP IRISH PUB make the trip out west is welcome to join in Wayne Richmond for his reliable supply 900 Princes Hwy Tempe the fun! Our hosts, Neil and Jane, are very and delivery of address labels, and willing- NSW 2044 folk-friendly and the Tourist Park is in a ness to sort out any problems that arose. Tel: (02) 9559 6300 pretty spot so it should be a great weekend. Thanks to Coral and editors past, for their Fax: (02) 9559 6299 With your support, this will be the fi rst efforts to get Cornstalk to the printers on [email protected] of many such get-togethers! time; and, not least, to committees pres- Contact: Di Clifford ph: 6882 0498 ent and past, for supporting my various Email: Kath Morgan - kath. requests. I should not forget the printers, [email protected] MPD, who can be trusted to have it ready when they say it will be. And thank you, Jim and Dallas, for taking on the wrap. - Julie Bishop. Loosely Woven For enquiries about inserts in Corn- stalk, or offers of help with the Cornstalk ! Kevin Burke & Ged Foley is going on tour wrap, please contact the new Wrapdrag- For fi ve days in the week following Easter, ons, Jim and Dallas Baxter, 9810 4131, Loosely Woven will be taking a concert [email protected] Kristina Olsen ‘On the road’ with performances in Dun- gog, Tamworth, Armidale, Grafton and Yamba in conjunction with local instru- Brisbane Folk mentalists and singers. The line-up for this tour includes Sonia Club History Bennett and Chris Wheeler. [From www.folkrag.org/] Michael Tully Wednesday 11th April 7pm, has begun a project with the aims of Dungog Baptist Hall recording the history of the Brisbane folk Mackay Street, Dungog music scene and promoting the work of the Thursday 12th April 7pm many and varied folk artists performing in Southside Uniting Church and around Brisbane today. He envisages 440 Goonoo Goonoo Road a DVD documentary, a compilation Tamworth (opposite ‘The Golden Guitar’) CD of Brisbane folk music artists, past Friday 13th April 7pm and present, and a companion book Armidale Town Hall, Armidale documenting the history. Award winning Saturday 14th April 7pm fi lm maker Liam Stewart has offered Grafton Community Centre, his services as director and Michael will Duke Street, Grafton bring his own 25 years experience in the Sun 15th April 2pm television industry to the project. Cloudstreet Yamba Golf & Country Club He is very keen to hear from anyone River Street, Yamba who would like to be involved: in Contact Details: particular, anyone who has written about Wayne Richmond (organiser) or researched this subject in the past. (02) 9913 7788 [email protected] Any recordings, videos, fi lms, articles, April 2007 books anecdotes and memorabilia would Wednesday 4th NFF Master Class be invaluable. Contact Michael, 07 3255 Concert 8268, 0408 152 614, [email protected] 5th-9thThe National Folk Festival Friday 13th Cloudstreet; Andy Rigby Friday 20th Peter Hayes Friday 27th The Heather Frahn Trio Merry Muse, The Polish Australian White Eagle Club. www.themerry- muse.com 8pm, Enq. Bill Arnett Ph/fax 02 62627265 6 The CORNSTALK Gazette - - April 2007 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 The impact sent 30 wagons into the Graham Squance Folk Train, UK air, and killed Axon and the guard of the The ‘Folk Train’ takes musicians along other train. John Axon was posthumously Award the Hope Valley line once a month on awarded the George Cross The Graham Squance Memorial Award was Tuesday evenings, from Manchester and .The Ballad of John Axon, by Charles initiated by the Port Phillip Folk Festival Sheffi eld. Music is played and songs are Parker, Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger Committee in 1971 in memory of Graham sung (and sometimes dances are done) was the fi rst of the BBC’s Radio Ballads, Squance, a blues musician killed in a road before the party alights for refreshment transmitted on 2nd July, 1958. You can accident, en route to a folk festival in at Edale, in Derbyshire. And then it takes listen to an extract at Canberra in 1970. On 1st December, the them back again. http://www.hvhptp.org. http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/radioballads/ Folk Song and Dance Society of Victoria uk/folktran.htm original/johnaxon.shtml?focuswin presented the 2006 award to fi ddler A Folk Train Special on 9th February Extracts from other BBC Radio Ballads are Judy Turner: ‘in recognition of Judy’s from Manchester to Buxton - with also available there. skill and enthusiasm as a musician and Geoff Higginbottom and railway songs performer, her dedication to the teaching - commemorated the 50th anniversary of and promotion of fi ddle music of Scottish the occasion when Driver John Axon gave origin, and the warmth and passion she has his life in the line of duty on that date in demonstrated in encouraging and nurturing dance news 1957. A plaque was unveiled at Chapel-en- fi ddle players of all ages and abilities le-Frith station at the time the accident had through her role as founder and director of BMC and Easter occurred. the Melbourne Scottish Fiddle Club.’ Please note that, because of Easter, John Axon was preparing to stop his Judy’s father, Ian Turner, played a there will be no Beecroft Bush Dance freight train before descending a steep leading role in the Australian folk revival on Saturday 7th April – and no Bush gradient, when the steam pipe feeding in the 1950s. Judy joined her fi rst folk Music Club dance workshop at Pennant the brake suddenly fractured, and high band in 1978, then played with Paradiddle, Hills on Monday 9th April. For the rest pressure steam fi lled the cab. Although of April and the fi rst week in May, the 1979-86; and in family bands. During very badly burned, he tried to get the train workshop will be focussing on colonial two years in Boston, 1993-5, she fell in under control. With the help of his fi reman, dancing and practice for the Heritage love with Scottish and Cape Breton fi ddle he applied the handbrake and closed the Ball, with Don Richmond calling. music. On her return, she formed the regulator – but the train could not be MSFC, benefi ting over 150 players of all stopped. He ordered his fi reman to jump ages and abilities. Since then she has also clear. The train gathered speed. played in a duo with Neil Adam, and in Despite the steam and boiling water which their family band New Dogs Old Tricks. continued to pour into the cab, Axon [FSDSV Newsletter, Dec 2006.] battled for control. He waved a warning to a signalman, and a diesel train was moved Press Publicity out of the way just in time, but his train [From ArtReach, Regional Arts NSW, careered into the station, hitting a goods Summer 2006/7.] At a seminar hosted by train. the Australia Business Arts Foundation in Sydney some months ago, Katrina Strickland, Arts Editor of the Australian Financial Review, revealed the world of “A CELTIC CULTURAL EXPERIENCE” a journalist working on tight deadlines, SATURDAY MAY 26TH 2007 with constant calls, emails and faxes trying to publicise arts events. Her advice IN TERALBA, LAKE MACQUARIE, NEW SOUTH WALES. for publicists included: Develop news Back by popular demand! The Celtic groups of the Hunter Region are once again sense (incl. novelty, rarity, simplicity, combining to present a wonderful Day of workshops, displays, performances and a kids, animals, social issues, celebrities, Saturday evening Ceilidh featuring Colin Douglas and Jacaranda Ceilidh. Featured humour, unusual location, topicality, local during the weekend will be: impact, anniversaries). Quality: if you do !Dance tutors for Irish, Scottish, Welsh and Cornish including Arthur Kingsland, something well, the media are more likely Margaret Kenning and Lorraine Flett to notice. Pick the most appropriate media; !Mari Lwyd with John Coombs, Dylan Thomas with Clive Woosnam, Celtic Design and try to develop a two-way relationship with Nan Mitchell with a journalist rather than simply sending !Celtic cooks presenting ‘Tasty Titbits’ for you to learn to make and of course taste press releases. Timing: ‘journalists always This will be a day not to be missed. Apply without delay. Special full day tickets are need news on a Sunday’ (for Monday), available for only $20 which includes admittance to all workshops with morning and and ‘softer’ stories have more chance. Be afternoon tea included. honest: journalists hate liars. And they Application Forms are available from:-“A Celtic Cultural Experience” mostly want to fi nd their own stories; so Post Offi ce. Box 34, Kotara 2289 (if you can!) ‘engage them in discussion Please enclose a stamped self addressed envelope and your application will be mailed and debate’. Websites that might be useful: to you. www.fuel4arts.com/sauce/ and www. Email contact Margaret Kenning westwick@telpacifi c.com.au media.socialchange.net.au/ The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette - April 2007 7 President’s Report Festivals, Workshops, Schools Scott 08 8952 4869, http://members. I’ve been learning a wealth of new ma- 29th March – 1st April, 2007 ozemail.com.au/~cppembo terial lately, for the various groups I play Ecstatic Chant and Devotional Singing / 12th-16th September 2007 in. Once again I’m feeling bowled over by Retreat with Deva Premal and Miten, Turning Wave Festival) the beauty, depth and celebration that folk Lennox Head, NSW. Music, mantra, Performer Applications for 2007 are music from all over the world contains. meditation, yoga and celebration in now open. Expressions of intererst from A harp tune from Venezuela full of the secluded retreat. Registration begins in performers, acts, groups etc who can help vigour of the cowboys who reputedly play September. Alison Pearl 02 6684 5570, us celebrate the Irish/Australian/Celtic this tune back home. A ditty from Ireland 0428 845 570, [email protected]. ethos of the festival. To download the that probably got more than one family au, www.devapremalmiten.com through their hard times during the 19th application form and for further infor- century. A recently penned song about 29th March - Sunday 1st April 2007 mation on what the festival is all about the sound of singers together from one of Man From Snowy River Bush Festival visit www.turningwave.org.au or email Canada’s successful touring folk acts. A Festival Coordinator - mfsrbf@bigpond. Pam Merrigan (TWF Artisitic Direc- song from Ambon in Indonesia that has the [email protected] Tel. 02 6076 tor) [email protected]/ 1992 or Jan Lewis 0260774332 rhythm of a work song, maybe sung while 26th - 28th October 2007 www.manfromsnowyriverbushfestival. threshing or making cloth. A charming Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Festival com.au/ tune from Cornwall that likely was played Festival Hotline 66571229 for fi shermen’s dances on their safe return 5th-9th April, 2007 email: [email protected] National Folk Festival, Canberra. ACT from fi shing trips. 16th - 18th November 2007 We’re so lucky that all this music Tickets on sale now. www.folkfestival.asn. Music At The Creek survives, that people are adding to our au [email protected] 02 6249 7755 Enq. Alison 02 4842 2889. www.musicat- traditions all the time, and that we have 13th-15th April thecreek.com festivals and concert venues in Australia Fairbridge Festival, WA. Enq. 08 9371 that help expose this music to wider audi- 3587www.fairbridgefestival.com.au ences. At Cobargo festival I helped judge a youth music competition, and what a treat 20th-22nd April to meet a bunch of teenagers (a couple St Albans Folk Festival, http://www.snal- Voices from the Waters ‘Voices from the Waters’ are looking for hadn’t even made it to double fi gures) who bans.iwarp.com. Alison Boyd, 0404 278 like minded people who love to hear their are really focused on their music making 142, [email protected] own voices melded with those of others in and are delving into folk traditions to fi nd 28th-29th April 2007 superb harmonies. their material and to learn about songwrit- 8th Annual Lithgow District Ironfest, Our repertoire includes South African, ing for themselves. Lithgow Showground, incl stalls, live Afro-American, Gospel, Australian folk and In case you’ve never been to a folk fes- music, street performances, busking, Contemporary. tival, this month offers two very festivals historical exhibits, reenactments, circus We meet every 1st, 3rd and 5th(if in NSW and ACT. If you like the big car- acts. A great opportunity for regional there is one) Thursday from 8.00 pm in nival atmosphere of street stalls and exotic artists. Macgregor Ross, 02 6353 1638, Berowra. If you are interested please call food smells in the midst of more than 10 [email protected] or Natalie Kent, 02 Jacqueline on 0419605285 or email on venues operating simultaneously, try the 6338 4657, [email protected] [email protected] National Folk Festival in Canberra over 4th-6th May Easter. If you like the village atmosphere Kapunda Celtic Festival, SA. http://www. and venues small enough for you to have a kapundaceltic.org/2007/index.html chat with each artist as they fi nish their act, St Albans Festival maybe you should give St Albans Festival 4th-6th May a try. Both festivals offer round the clock Yag’ubi World Music Festival, Her- 20th, 21st, 2nd April 2007 sessions (almost), workshops and on-site vey Bay, Qld. www.yagubi.com.au Three days and nights of folk music, camping. You might even enjoy both, you 7th-11th June dance and poetry set in the beautiful wouldn’t be the only one! Henry Lawson Festival of Arts, Grenfell, little village of St Albans approx 20km Don’t forget the Folk Federation NSW. www.henrylawsonfestival.asn.au from Wiseman’s Ferry. members’ gala day at the end of this month 8th-11th June This year the main part of the festival – see ad in this issue. No fundraising Sessionfest, at the beautiful Walcha Water has moved venue, to Gordon McDon- agendas, no performance schedules, just Works, Maitland. Bilbo 4958 4033, www. ald’s land – just the other side of the pub. pleasant sessions under the trees, low-key newcastlehuntervalleyfolkclub.org.au social and musical interaction for all of us Email [email protected] 8th-11th June with a shared interest in folk music, dance Earlybird tickets contact Bilbo and Lisa Palm Creek Folk Festival, Towns- and spoken word. I hope to see many old (02) 4958 4033 ville, Qld. www.palmcreek.org.au email [email protected] friends and make some new one For more information about the festival Christine Wheeler 8th-11th June 37th Top Half Folk Festival, Glen please visit the website www.snalbans. Helen Resort, west of Alice Springs. iwarp.com : 8 The CORNSTALK Gazette - - April 2007 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 Music of The Middle East, Dance and Western Australia feature at National Folk Festival 2007 Music of the Middle East is one of the themes of the 2007 National Folk Festival, which will feature leading musicians and dancers representing many cultures from the region. The dance program will feature a leading Australian Lebanese dance group, the Cedars of Lebanon Folkloric Group, performing the dabki. ,a line dance with a strong rhythm which is performed at community celebrations such as weddings. Campfi re to Cairo will take the audience on a voyage through the history of Egyptian belly dance and Daughters of the Peacock will perform belly dance in the earthy, provocative Egyptian gypsy style. Camoon (Arabic and Hebrew for the spice Cumin) is a funk-fusion group that combines the rhythms and music of Spain, Morocco,Turkey, Egypt and Tunisia, played on traditional instruments. Internationally acclaimed group Sirocco has drawn on music of many cultures and has developed its own unique blend of music and the music of traditional Turkish stringed instruments will be presented by renowned player Ismail Bektas. Dionysus play music of regional Greece and the Balkans on percussion, guitars, lute, oud and bouzouki. Yalla is one of the few groups in Australia to play Middle Eastern music exclusively on traditional instruments, and features a separate ensemble, Sanctuary, which is becoming well known for its rich and inspiring playing of devotional Sufi music, songs, ilahis (middle-eastern chants), ecstatic dances & the poetry of Rumi, the 13th-century Sufi poet. Dances from all around the world will take stage at the Festival - Africa, Spain, China, Ireland, Egypt, Scotland, Argentina, Papua New Guinea, Chile, Lebanon, the Balkans and beyond – colonial and Scottish balls, bush dancing, square dancing, clog dancing – dance workshops and dance displays, including Chinese Lion Dancing , German dance, Falun Dafa (Chinese traditional dance and Qi Jong yoga), Hungarian dance, belly dancing and the traditional Lebanese dabki. Africa Live! is a spectacular presentation which features the six- piece Ngewell Kora playing the music of Senegal, while Flamenco Fiesta displays passion and polish from the Tomàs Dietz Flamenco Dance Academy and the Los Carmonas Flamenco Academy. Western Australia is the featured State in 2007. and talent from the west includes traditional fi ddler Sean Doherty and singer / whistler Tom Kearns; Dougal Adams and Ormonde Waters whose instruments include Irish wooden fl ute, Scottish bagpipes, concertina, uilleann pipes, warpipes and whistles; David Hyams and his Miles to Go Band; singer/songwriters Steve and Ros Barnes and acclaimed singer/songwriter Bernard Carney with the Working Voices social justice community choir. Four days and fi ve nights of wonderful entertainment, for all the family at Exhibition Park in Canberra – it’s a wonderful way to spend Easter!
2ND AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL FOLKLORE CONFERENCE National Library of Australia 9am – 5pm Thursday April 13, 2006 Following on the success of the fi rst Australian National Speakers include: Folklore Conference last year, the Australian Folklore Network, Alex Hood , Chloe & Jason Roweth, Dianne Dahlitz and the National Library of Australia and the National Folk Festival Donna Vaughan , Graeme Smith, Jenny Gall, Karl Neuenfeldt will again host a one-day conference. and Lyn Costigan, Ron Edwards, Ruth Hazleton, Warren The theme in 2006 is the dissemination and reuses of folklore Fahey from collections and archives to wider audiences and applications. The conference also contains a number of related events, This theme should interest fi eldworkers, performers, librarian, including a lunchtime concert of traditional music organised archivists, teachers, researchers, publishers and all those with an and compered by Rob Willis interest in the many possible uses of collected materials. Anyone interested in attending the conference (there is no charge) should contact the Convener, Graham Seal, at [email protected] or on 08 9266 3234.
The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette - April 2007 9 ‘Political Soapbox of Sedition and Satire’. 2007 COBARGO FOLK FESTIVAL2007 If you couldn’t laugh how could Andrew on guitar-picking were yelling out you cope? Indeed, laughing, singing, the key changes to the rest of the band over reciting and dancing through humidity and the fold-back. showers, was a grand way to spend the The sessions stretching into the wee weekend at Cobargo. small hours provided some twilight zone Dale Dengate moments – how can twenty-something musicians have stored up such a back A Fitting Tribute to catalogue of 60s/70s folk tunes in such a . short lifetime? John Meredith Later in the week was the launch of a It’s to state the obvious that there The poets’ breakfasts, the dancing on tribute to John Meredith, at the National wasn’t just one folk festival taking place the stage under the watchful gaze of the bar Library, in Canberra. in the gloriously verdant surrounds of above, the buskers, singing sessions, kids’ After the death of Meredith in 2001, Cobargo on the last weekend of February; performances – it was all too much to pack Gay Scott decided to collaborate with there were several hundred variations on into one weekend. Kevin Bradley and Ruth Hazelton and the one theme and this is but one punter/ 2007 was my fi rst Cobargo, but as a number of Merro’s old mates to bring writer/MC’s take on events. with so many other great events, you know out a book which would pay tribute to Size isn’t everything, but if Wood- where to fi nd me on the last weekend in Alan Scott and her ‘great friend and good ford’s the Papa Bear and Major’s Creek February for the next forty years. comrade’. is Baby Bear, Cobargo is just about right. Congratulations to Graeme Fryer and At one stage it looked as if the project Big enough to offer the requisite range of everyone associated for putting on such a might get out of hand as Merro had diversions: song, dance, music, spoken brilliant show, and for bringing more rain. infl uenced so many people who were keen word, kids’ stuff and major headliners, yet By Bill Quinn small enough to zip between venues at the to write of their memories and there were drop of a Stetson. so many different fi elds in which he had The headliners did not disappoint participated or pioneered. with The Beez (Germany) packing the From Cobargo Then Gay had a stroke and her Mumbulla tent to bursting and beyond, following ill health put things on hold. with dancers fl anking the fringes. We to Canberra Fortunately, on the 28th February, Gay were introduced to some new concepts The surrounding hills and fl ats of with her sons, Bill and Ashley Scott were and German words such as ‘zittendisco’ (a the showground at Cobargo are just able to be present with a good number particular brand of dancing which can be made for a relaxed and rather intimate of Bush Music Club members from the achieved without leaving one’s chair). festival catering for all ages and from sixties, Meredith family members and For a totally different musical experi- the traditional to the multi cultural of former friends to pay tribute to John ence, but also playing to a packed audi- Australian Folk. Meredith, folklore collector, photographer, ence, journeywoman Judy Small showed The FAA Youth Talent quest once writer and performer. the punch that just one woman and a guitar again showed that there is considerable The Editors, Kevin and Ruth, have done a fi ne job of selecting a range of can produce. The best measure of how talent around that area and the special photographs, summarising the collections an audience is engaging with a performer programs for youngster provided plenty of encouragement and diversity. A couple and interests of John Meredith, including is the ever-reliable ‘Pin Drop Audibility’ Aboriginal Australia, European and of members of the Beez travelling on factor, and Judy had dead silence for many particularly German heritage, archival of her more poignant ballads. The sound of their honeymoon, with two other versatile recordings of performances, collections tears dropping was relevant to one anti-war members of the band from Germany, , writings and compiling a bibliography song. gave an insight into the professional listing papers and manuscripts , transcripts Kate Fagan played to appreciative performance style from the European and notes in the Oral History/Folklore audience. Two things about Kate’s perfor- circuit; closer to vaudeville than Collections. Photographs are linked with mance stood out: fi rstly, none of the power traditional, but very entertaining. quotes from Merro’s old friends and two accounts from Chris Wooodland ‘The of her live performance is lost on disk, Many of the old favourite folk Man I knew’ and Keith McKenry ‘ A and secondly, the community feel of folk performers were there and it was great that the organisers were able to entice Judy biographical Sketch’ give insights into a showed when Kate called local girl Libby complex man with and insatiable thirst for Small away from the bar, the legal one Richter on stage to help out on the delicate knowledge which he shared generously ‘Roll You Sweet Rain’. What a thrill for an that is, in Melbourne, to sing in numerous with others. He saw his collections of up and coming singer, and what a fantastic concerts and run a song writing workshop. songs and the stories of the folk who sang job she did. The Cobargo committee and them and his writings about other aspects The ever-popular Damon Davies volunteers, as always did a fi ne job, of Australiana as an important gift to and Tracey Bunn were here, there and but Graeme Fryer’s programming of the Nation. John D. and I felt privileged everywhere and always playing to large ‘Songs of Illness’ for John Dengate had to have met him in the sixties and spent memorable times together sharing our crowds. The collaborations with whichever us wondering who would turn up for a philosophies and politics with mirth and members of the Lawnmowers or Acoustic concert with such a name as that. As it turned out lots came and they passion. So much could have been written, Shock who were about were grand and but this little volume is a gem and a fi tting were probably the same people who turned endearingly random and improvisational. tribute to John Meredith. up and laughed their way through the On one song, Nigel on mandolin and R. Dale Dengate 10 The CORNSTALK Gazette - - April 2007 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 Dance Nirvana Explained 4 festivals, big and small, since Christmas. The club has a pool of regular callers, ranging in age from 17 to whatever, and a prodigious line-up of talented and enthusiastic musicians. And demonstrating the often underplayed talent within the group, new tunes and dances are composed regularly – and premiered at club nights, often unbeknownst to the dancers. Performing at the festivals has given the club the opportunity to spread its enthusiasm for contra to new dancers, callers and musicians. We are thrilled to be running dances and workshops at the National Folk Festival at Easter, and hope to be joined by dancers, musicians and callers from far and wide. I will fi nish with another quote, this time by dancer Carol Robinson, and taken from The Portland Collection tune book: ‘There’s something about the music that stirs my inner self and makes my body move. I could say that dancing is good exercise, Dance nirvana is a term I have only ever heard used in relation and I like the company, and it makes me smile. But behind all that, to contra dancing. It is the state of bliss achieved after several it stirs the core of my being. When the music is good, no matter glorious hours of moving, with a hall full of people, in time to the how tired my body is, it still goes.’ magical energy of contra dance music. Other terms I often hear Come and join us, and let’s create dance nirvana. - Jeanette are community and connection. In contra dancing you experience Mill the joy of dancing with your partner, your neighbours, and that Dance workshops: 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month. 7.30- almost spiritual experience of connection when a whole line 9.30pm. St Margaret’s Uniting Church Hall, cnr Antill St & Phillip moves together, hands joined, in a ‘long lines forward and back’. Ave, Hackett, ACT. Live music and a variety of callers. All dances It’s a sense of community diffi cult to achieve in our modern, are taught and called. No experience necessary. $6, $5 (Monaro materialistic world driven by forces we often feel are beyond our Folk Society). Your fi rst night is free. control. As David Kaynor, contra caller, fi ddler, dance composer, Canberra Contra Club will be running workshops and dances and organiser of the legendary Guiding Star Grange dances in the at the National Folk Festival at Easter. Come along! www. hilltown of Greenfi eld in western Massachusetts says: folkfestival.asn.au/ ‘Contra dancing ... is good for the heart and soul, wonderful Saturday Contra Dance Parties with Contratemps: 9th fun, and uniquely suited to the celebration and affi rmation of fi ne June, 14th July, 8th September, 10th November 2007. 8pm, St social values. Put energy into the well-being of a contra dance, and Margaret’s Uniting Church Hall, as above. $14, $10 MFS , aged in my opinion you stride vigorously toward a better world.’ 18 or below accompanied by parent, MFS member - free. Colin Strauss put it slightly differently by saying ‘If you have too [email protected] or 02 6232 9231, 0417 020 615, Rob Robert. many taxes, forget to pay them, go dancing’. [email protected], or Jeanette [email protected] Canberra Contra Club was set up from the outset to build NSW contras: There will be a contra dance at the Wongawilli a sense of community, its aims being to foster talent, and build Community Hall (near Dapto), on Wednesday 11th April, 8pm, a thriving contra dance and music community. In just over a with The Mammals (USA), and Julie Bishop calling. Gwen, 4296 year since its inception it has successfully built a reputation that 1855. has seen the club invited to conduct dances and workshops at Photo caption: Contras at Illawarra Folk Festival, 2007. Photo by Bill Quinn.
The Roaring Forties at ‘The National’ Easter Weekend - 6th to 9th April, 2007 Presents Yarri of Wiradjuri 2.10pm, Friday in the Trocadero 2.10pm, Sunday in the Troubadour John Warner’s song and verse cycle tells of the great fl ood on the Murrumbidgee in Gundagai in 1852, the struggles of white settlers and the steadfast heroism of Yarri and other indigenous people. The Forties recorded the work late in 2006 - there is more information at John Warner’s website. The cast on this occasion will be: John Warner, Robin Connaughton and Don Brian (who all sing and play instruments), Margaret Walters, Jennifer Lees and Tom Hanson (vocals). Christine Wheeler will add additional vocals and instrumentation, and John Derum will be the narrator. The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette - April 2007 11 ffolkolk ccontactsontacts METROPOLITAN Wednesday Scottish Country Dancing Albion Fair, North-West Morris Dancing Caringbah Seniors Hall, 386 Port Hacking Rd, Car- DANCE Lilyfi eld Community Centre, Cecily and O’Neill Sts, ingbah (rear Library), 8pm. Beginners/other levels. G. Monday 7.45pm. Angie Milce 9817 3529 Milton 9524 4943, Erica Nimmo 9520 4781 Australian Heritage Dancers Bush Music Club Dance Workshop Saturday Beginners, experienced, 7.30pm, Pennant Hills Annandale Neighbourhood Centre, 79 Johnston St, 8 -10pm. Jim Young 9412 3721 [email protected]. Bush Folk Dances, by Bush Dance Assoc. Community Centre, downstairs. Except Jan. and public nd au - australianheritagedancers.org.au 2 Sat. Feb-Dec 6.30 - 10pm. New Year’s Eve 8pm- holidays. Mark 9638 7690 Balmoral Scottish Country Dance Group midnight. $20/$15/$10. $5 disc for early bookings. International Folk Dancing 7.00-9.15pm, Seniors’ Centre, Mosman Square, Pennant Hills Community Centre, 60 Yarrara Rd. John School term, Earlwood Senior Citizens Centre, 362 Mosman. Nell Morgan 9981 4769. 9873 3138/ 0416 212 136, bushdance2000@yahoo. Homer St 10am-noon. Gwynne 9558 4753 Epping Scottish Country Dance Club com.au; www.bushdance.org Scottish Country Dancing for beginners, with ‘Scots St Aidan’s Church Hall, Downing St, 7.30-10pm. Bush Music Club Bush Dances on the Rocks’, Fort St Public School, Observatory All levels welcome. Clare Haack 9484 5947 clare_ Feb-Dec (not Easter), 8-12pm, $17/$14/$12 incl. Hill, Sydney, 6.30-7.30pm. Nea 9994 7110, Lynn 9268 [email protected] supper, children to 12 free. Beecroft Community Ctr 1st 1246, SC [email protected], http://www.rscds. Sat, Anthony 9417 4210; Gosford Scottish Country Dance Society rd org.au 7-10pm, Church of Christ, Henry Parry Drive, Balmain High School hall, Terry St, Rozelle, 3 Sat, Dot Belly Dance, basic/beginners 7pm, choreography Wyoming. Cecily Cork 4384 3527, Jan McCudden 9876 6166. 8pm, Girraween Hall, 17 Tungarra Rd. Vera Myronenko 4329 5537 Central Coast Bush Dance 4th Sat, 8-12pm, East Gosford Progress Hall, Henry 9665 9713 Greek Folk Dance Parry Dr and Wells St, $15/$12. Beate 4323 3356. Tuesday Pan Macedonian Assoc Building, Railway Pde, Sydenham from 7pm onwards. Adult classes from Robyn 4344 6484. Blue Mountains Scottish Country Dancers 7.15 pm, Vasilios Aligiannis, tel/fax 9708 1875 International Folk Dance Catholic Church Hall, 7-9pm, Wentworth St, $3 Verley [email protected] Children’s classes, 6-18 years, Pennant Hills Kelliher, 4787 5968, [email protected] Carol International Folk Dancing for older women Community Centre, morning. Carol Maddocks, 9905 Gardner 4751 6073/[email protected] School terms only, 9-10am beginners, 10-11am 1563 Dutch Folk Dancing Group Scottish and Old Time Dance advanced. Bankstown Older Women’s Wellness nd Hassall St Special School Hall, Parramatta. Children Centre, Police and Community Youth Club, cnr 2 Sat, 8pm, Uniting Church, 9-11 Bay St, Rockdale. 5-14 yrs 7.30-8.30pm. Snrs 8.30-9.40pm. Alf Lette, Meredith St and French Ave. Gabrielle 9728 7466, Alita $3 incl. supper. Chris Thom 9587 9966 9631 2720. 9798 9269 Scottish and Old Time Dancing Greek Folk Dance Sutherland Shire Bush Dance Group Uniting Church, Orkney and Shetland Assoc. 3rd Sat, 8-11 pm. St Bankstown RSL Club - 32 Kitchener Pde - Bankstown 4 Gosport St, Cronulla, 7.30-10pm. $3. Beginners most David’s Hall, Dalhousie St, Haberfi eld. $3 inc. supper. Visitors most welcome. Jean Cooney 9874 5570.Harp 6pm onwards.Vasilios Aligiannis, tel/fax: 97081875 welcome. Partners not necessary.Mike 9520 2859 Hotel, Princes Hwy Tempe, 9559 6300 [email protected] Sutherland Shire Folk Dance Group Macedonian Dance Class Hungarian Dance Class Gymea Bay Scout Hall, June Place, 10am. Kaye Laurendet - 9528 4813 Rockdale. 6.30-8.30pm, $5. Y Kaporis 0412 861 187 Ultimo, 8-10pm. Gary Dawson 9559 4485. Mortdale Scottish Dancers [email protected] Thursday Learners night (for learners and experienced), 7.30- Morris Dancing, Sydney Morris Men English Country Dancing (Advanced) for the over 9.30pm. Pensioners Welfare Club Hall, 76 Pitt Street, 2nd & 4th Tues, Rozelle Community Centre (hall at rear), 50’s 3-4pm. School for Seniors, Wesley Mission, Pitt Mortdale. Pam Jehan 9580 8564. Darling St, Rozelle, 8pm. John Milce 9817 3529 St. Sydney. (Oppositive back of Hilton Hotel.) Sutherland Shire Folk Dance Group or www.wheezeandsuck.com. Blue Labyrinth International Folk Dance International Dancing Como Girl Guides Hall, 10- English Country Dancing, Sydney from 7pm, Baptist Church Hall, King St Glenbrook. Jo 11.30am. Kaye Laurendet 9528 4813 Playford Dance Group 3rd Tues, 7.30-10.00pm, Uniting Barrett 4739 6498 Linnéa Swedish Folkdancers Church Hall, The Cres, Berala. Ring Patricia 9649 6978 Greek Folk Dance Estonian House, 141 Campbell St, Surry Hills. New or Mike or Ros on 9929 8193 for further details. St Gerassimos Church Hall, 21 Henry St Leichhardt. members welcome. For times contact Graeme Traves 6 pm onwards. Adult classes from 7.15 Vasilios Scottish Country Dancing 9874 4194, [email protected] Aligiannis, tel/fax 9708 1875 [email protected] St John’s Uniting Church Hall, Coonanbarra Rd, Sydney Irish Ceili Dancers If you change your details PLEASE Wahroonga, 7.30-10.30pm. All welcome. Catherine West Bexley Uniting Church Hall, 80A St Georges Bonner 9489 5027 advise the editor on 02 6493 6758 or Road Bexley (please ring to confi rm venue), Children’s email [email protected]. Scottish Country Dancing step dancing 6pm, adults step dancing 7pm. Set and Fort Street School, Observatory Hill, City. 6pm to 8pm ceili dancing 8-10.30pm. Margaret and Bill Winnett You may also wish to have your details Nea MacCulloch 9904 1358(a/h) or Lynn 8244 9618(w) 9150 6765. email: [email protected] online (free) - jam.org.au Sutherland Shire Folk Dance Group Friday International Dancing, Gymea Bay Scout Hall, June Australian Colonial and Folk Dancers Every Friday, Place, 7.30-9pm. Kaye Laurendet 9528 4813 St Andrews Ch Hall, cnr Trelawney/Rutledge Sts, Turkish Dance Class Eastwood (next to BBC), Colonials’ Dance each 5th Lidcombe Community Centre, 8-10pm. Yusuf Nidai Friday evening. Anthony and Lisa 9873 4805. 9646 1166 Contras & English Country Dancing (Beginners) Ukrainian (Cossack) Dancing Class for the over 50’s 12.30-2.30pm. School for Seniors, for fi t and energetic young people (16-23yrs), Wesley Mission, Pitt St. Sydney. (Oppositive back of 7.30 pm to 10.00 pm. Ukrainian Hall 59 Joseph Hilton Hotel.) The Folk Federation of NSW Inc.formed in Street, Lidcombe. Jaros Iwanec 9817 7991, International Dancing 1970, is a statewide body which aims to present, [email protected] /www.veselka.com.au Sedenka Folk Dancers, Rozelle Neighbourhood support, encourage and collect folk music, folk International Folk Dance class - Open Door, Georges Centre, 665A Darling St Rozelle. 8-llpm, $3. Chris Wild dance, folklore and folk activities as they exist Hall Senior Citizens, Birdwood Rd, 11.30am-12.30pm. 9560 2910. in Australia in all their forms. It provides a link Gabrielle 9728 7466, [email protected] Scottish Country Dancing for people interested in the folk arts through its “The Dance Buffet”, wide variety taught, Liverpool Adult classes, beginners welcome, children 6.30 - affi liations with folk clubs through NSW and its City Pipe Band Hall, Woodward Park (next to Whitlam 7.30pm, adults 8-10.30pm, Beecroft Primary School, counterparts in other states. It bridges all styles Centre), Memorial Ave, 7.30-9.30pm. $8 ($5 conc). $2. Sheena Caswell 9868 2075, Heather Dryburgh and interests to present the folk arts to the widest Nicholai 9822 7524, mob 0407 178 228 9980 7978 possible audience 12 The CORNSTALK Gazette - - April 2007 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220 MUSIC IN CONCERT "North By Northwest Poetry and Folk Club, SESSIONS & FREE WORKSHOPS afternoon concerts approx. every 2nd month, 2pm Monday Tuesday -- phone for details @iinet.net.au or Tony 9858 7882(w) Bush Music Club The Screw Soapers Guild - Writers Presenters & 0409 784 689(m) ) Listeners Group 4th Tues, 7.30pm, stories, poems, Community Centre, 44/142 Addison Rd, Marrickville, songs and conversation. Albert 9600 7153, email: "Troubadour Folk Club 7.30pm. Music workshop. All singers and musicians [email protected], website: www.folkclub. Central Coast, Usually 2nd Sun, 1.30pm, CWA welcome. Bob 9569 7244, [email protected] com/folkodyssey/ Hall, Woy Woy. (opposite Fisherman’s Wharf), The Tuesday Wednesday Boulevard, Woy Woy. Admission: $7 members/$8 conc. Irish session at Kelly’s Hotel, Tuesdays from 7pm. 285 Wisefolk Club Last Wed in month, 11am-2.30pm, & other folk club mems/$10 non members. Includes King St, Newtown. [email protected]. Toongabbie Bowling Club, 12 Station Rd, lunch at club afternoon tea. Tel. Frank or Marilyn 4342 9099, Fax gov.au bistro. Sonia 9621 2394 Allen 9639 7494, 4325 7362. Email: [email protected] www. Irish Music Session: Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday Thursday troubadour.org.au/folk/index.htm.. of the month from 7.30 – 10.30pm @ The Shamrock "North By Northwest Poetry and Folk Club, Inn, Asquith Leagues Club, Alexandra Pd. Waitara 1st Thurs 8pm, Cornucopia Café - old Gladesville CHOIRS (short walk from station). It’s an open session Hospital, cnr Punt & Victoria Rds, Gladesville. Jenny "Monday and all musicians are welcome with focus on 9559 3658(h) 0414 903 259(m) email: jdcarter@iinet. A Choired Taste, Glebe, led by David Westmore, 9716 tunes rather than songs. Phone Norm 9489 5786/ net.au or Tony 9858 7882(w) 0409 784 689(m) 7016 [email protected] "Sutherland Folk Club "Bright Star Singers Ashfi eld, led by Mary-Jane Wednesday 2nd Thurs concert night Field, 9797-6126 Irish Dance and Music Session. The Harp Hotel, **All ages and all members are welcome to come and "Ecopella. Erskineville, led by Miguel Heatwole, 9810 Tempe, dance 7-9.30pm, music 9.30 - 12 midnight. join us at any of our concerts, do a fl oor spot. Enjoy a 4601 [email protected] Enq. 9559 6300 friendly , sociable night’s entertainment, support local "Glory Bound Groove Train. Petersham, led by Jolly Frog Hotel. Jam Night. Cnr Bridge & Macquarie talent. These artists are all superb musicians!! Contact Linda Calgaro, 9518 4135 Sts, Windsor. 7.30pm to late. Mark 0419 466 004 Jenny 9576 2301. "Intonations. Manly, led by Karen Smith, 0405 221 113 Irish Music Session. Clarendon Hotel Katoomba, "Martenitsa. Ultimo, led by Mara & Llew Kiek, 7-10pm. Enq. Tinker 4782 2623 Friday 47514910 Gosford Bush Poets "Hornsby Kuring-Gai Folk Club "People’s Chorus Newcastle, led by Rod Noble, 49 Last Wednesday night of every month 7pm. The 3rd Fri, 8pm, Each month Beatrice Taylor Hall, rear 623432 Gosford Hotel, cnr of Mann & Erina Sts Gosford. Willow Park Community Centre, Edgeworth David Ave, "Unaccompanied Baggage. North Sydney, led by Everyone welcome to share in night of fun, friendship Guest artist and fl oor spots, light supper provided BYO Stuart Davis, [email protected] and great poetry. Contact Vic Jefferies, 02 96394911 or grog. Barry Parks 9807 9497 [email protected] "Voiceworks, Katoomba, ledby Rachel Hore 4759 [email protected] "lllawarra Folk Club, 2456, [email protected] 1st Friday, Wollongong City Diggers Club, cnr Burelli & Tuesday Thursday Church Streets, 1300 887 034 www.illawarrafolkclub. "Cantorion, Neutral Bay, led by David Westmore, Sutherland Folk Club org.au 9716 7016 Session night 4th Thursday. 7.00pm, Sutherland "Springwood Neighbourhood Centre Acoustic "Eastside Arts, Paddington, led by Christina Mim- District Trade Union Club, Gymea. All welcome. 9520 Club, or SNC Acoustic Club (formerly Springwood mochi, 9331 2646 6180. Folk Club) regular folk nights on the 4th Friday of "Ecopella. Illawarra area (alternate Tuesdays), led by Blackheath Folk Club, each month (Feb - Nov), 8pm $7/$5 Springwood st Miguel Heatwole 9810 4601, [email protected] 1 Thurs, 7.30pm, Ivanhoe Hotel, cnr Gt Wstn Hwy Neighbourhood Centre, Macquarie Rd, Springwood. "Roc Lawson, led by Rachel Hore, 47592456, and Govetts Leap Rd. Christine Davies, Peter Duggan (next to Civic Centre). Visitors and fl oor performers [email protected] 4787 7246 welcome. Enquiries, Jeanette 4754 4893 "The Honeybees. East Sydney, led by Dynes Friday "Toongabbie Music Club Austin. Contact Jenny Jackson, 9816 4577 2nd and 4th Fri 8pm, Northmead Scout Hall, BMC Beer & Cheese Night [email protected] Themed music nights, 1st Fri (except holidays), Whitehaven Road, Northmead. A session always " Sydney Trade Union Choir 8-10pm. Bring something to sing, eat, drink. Bush happens so bring instruments. Alison Boyd 02 9769 Sydney City, contact [email protected] 0592, [email protected], or Ray Pulis 9899 2102. Music Club, Hut 44, Addison Rd Community Wednesday Centre, 142 Addison Rd, Marrickville. 9569 7244, Saturday Choralation. Abbosford (school terms), contact Marga- [email protected] "Almost Acoustic@Eastside Arts ret Grove [email protected] 2nd Sat (usually), 8pm, 395 Oxford St, Paddington "Ecopella. Upper Mts., contact Kate 47 825529 Eastern Suburbs Poetry Group Church at the Market Place, Bondi Junction Plaza, 1st Eastside Arts is at the site of the Paddington Markets " NoteTonight, Josephine. Glebe, led by David Fri, 7.30-10pm. 9699 2129 Licensed Bookings recommended - 9331 2646 or Westmore, 9716 7016 [email protected] Free parking - Gordon "Stampadowns. Camperdown, led by Peter Lehner, Springwood Neighbourhood Centre Acoustic Club St Church car park. Good public transport. Info + map contact Kim/John 0419 164 212 4th Fri, (Feb - Nov) 8pm, $7/$5, Springwood on www.eastsidearts.org.au/ also www.almostacoustic. Thursday Neighbourhood Centre, Macquarie Rd (next to library org.au. "Australian Gaelic Singers, Balmain. Bran and Oriental Hotel.) Visitors and fl oor performers "lllawarra Folk Club, MacEachaidh, 9633 1162. www.gaelicsingers.org.au welcome, Theresa 47518157, Jeannette 4754 4893 3rd Saturday, Wollongong City Diggers "Bouddi Voice. Kincumber (school terms), led by C Saturday Club, cnr Burelli & Church Streets, 1300 & C Sainsbury, contact 43 683270 Fairlight Folk Acoustic Lounge 887 034 www.illawarrafolkclub.org.au "Chorella Community Choir. Richmond, contact Held 4 times a year, Feb, May, Aug. Nov (usually "Loaded Dog Folk Club Ellen 4578 2975 1st Sat) 7.45pm. A comfortably enticing, relaxed 4th Sat, Annandale Neighbourhood Centre, 79 "Cleftomaniacs. Waterloo, led by Gary Smith, environment in which to see quality live acoustic music. Johnston St, 8pm. Sandra Nixon, 9358 4886, [email protected] Ajfjter show - jam. BYO drinks and nibbles. Light [email protected]. www.theloadeddog.org.au "Solidarity Choir. Newtown, led by Miguel Heat- refreshments available. William St Studios, Fairlight "Macquarie Towns Music Club (The Baptist Church down from Sydney Rd. Contact rd wole, 9810 4601, [email protected] 3 Sat,8pm Usually ‘Round Robin’ format and includes Rosie 9948 7993. [email protected] guest artists, workshops & concerts. Small door fee Friday "The Sydney Street Choir. CBD, led by Peter Bluegrass and Traditional Country Music Assoc. includes supper. Richmond Neighbourhood Centre, Bluegrass get-together, 1st Sat, March-December, 8pm, West Market St, . Contact Dez Williams at 578 5215 or Lehner 0425 268 771 Sunday Annandale Neighbourhood Centre, 79 Johnston St, Ellen Manning 4578 2975 or [email protected] Annandale. Jamming from 6pm, open mic concert from "The Shack. 1st Sat, presents 21st century original, "Blue Mountains Trade Union Choir. Upper Mts., contact Kate 47 82 5529 8pm. $3/$4. 9456 1090 email: [email protected]. contemporary and traditional folk music at the au www.bluegrass.org.au Tramshed, 1395a Pittwater Rd, Narrabeen at 7:30. BYO drinks and nibblies. Contact Rhonda on 0416 635 North By Northwest Poetry and Folk Club 856 or email Kathleen at [email protected]. Occasional sessions as announced, 2pm,Jenny 9559 Sunday 3658 (h) 0414 903 259(m) email: [email protected], Tony 9858 7882(w) 0409 784 689 (m) The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette - April 2007 13 Sunday NEWCASTLE: WOLLONGONG: "Sydney Scottish Fiddlers !Newcastle and Hunter Valley Folk Club, 1st Sat, !Bluegrass Jam Session, 3rd Sat each 1st and 3rd Sun, 2-5pm, New Church, 4 Shirley Rd 7.30pm, Wesley Snr Cits Hall, William St, Hamilton. month. 7.30-11pm. Thirroul Neighbour- Roseville. All ages welcome. Trish 9416 2402. Ron Brown 4951 6186, Cecille Coan 4957 0830. hood Centre next to post offi ce. "Irish Music Session !People’s Chorus Practice, 6pm, Trades Hall Council !lllawarra Folk Club, 1st Friday and 3rd Saturday, Harp Irish Pub, Tempe, 4-7.30pm. Enq. 9559 6300 Meeting Rooms (opp. Panthers’ Club, main entrance), Wollongong City Diggers Club, cnr Burelli & Church "Family Hotel , Katoomba. (on the roundabout when Newcastle. Rod Noble 4962 3432 email: Frances. Streets, 1300 887 034 www.illawarrafolkclub.org.au you fi rst cross the railway line to enter Katoomba.) 4pm [email protected] !Poet’s Breakfast, Wed. 7,.15am. Wollon- "Music Session Hero of Waterloo, cnr Lower Fort !Newcastle Irish Set Dancers, Tuesdays, 7.30- gong Writers’ Centre, Town Hall, Corrimal St. St and Windmill Street, The Rocks. 6-10pm. Brendan 9.00pm, Scots Kirk, Hamilton, Newcastle. Julia Tony Stoddart, [email protected] 9818 4864 or Arthur, 4955 5701 [email protected], or !UOW Folk Club, 12.30pm, Mondays, Fridays. Irish Music Session. 3rd Sunday. Bennet Hotel, A solid new album from the everlasting Steeleye Span, but Australian Old Time Fiddle how interesting is it? Alan Musgrove, who describes himself as “born, bred and Steeleye Span was at the forefront of English Folk Rock in buttered in Wollongong”, is a survivor of many infamous folk the 70s, alongside Fairport Convention, with top-selling albums bands from the Illawarra and beyond, and a familiar performer at like Hark! The Village Wait, Below The Salt, All Around My Hat folk clubs and festivals for over twenty years. This latest record- and Commoners Crown. The personnel changed a little in the ing is a true solo instrumental album, with Alan multitracking early days but there was always a winning combination, while the fi ddle, guitar and bass through a selection of tunes refl ecting his music became funkier and more electric as time went on, much to long held interest in distinctive Australian fi ddle music, including the delight of the fans. Eventually they faded from the limelight that of Joe Cashmere, Charlie Batchelor, Eileen McCoy, Charlie but after more personnel changes they plugged on, touring and Kyle, Cecil Chapman, Joe Yates and others. making albums. They’ve visited Australia a number of times. The music on ‘Australian Old Time Fiddle’ is well played, My, how Maddy Prior’s voice has changed – before I checked thoughtfully selected, sensitively arranged and the sleevenotes the notes I thought the band had a new vocalist with a warmer but perhaps less distinctive voice. But it’s Maddy alright, with fi ddler are informative and legible. Alan has drawn much of his material Peter Knight, bassist Rick Kemp, guitarist Ken Nicol and drummer from collections held in the National Library of Australia. (Most Liam Genockey, making for three long-time members in this line- of these fascinating NLA collections can be accessed via inter-li- up that has now recorded three albums. brary loans from your own local library - a highly recommended On this new offering, “Bloody Men”, the opening traditional thing to do.) On this album, the old players’ individual fi ddle “Bonny Black Hare” lets us know this is 21st century Steeleye styles are acknowledged rather than directly copied, resulting in Span with a modern sound that’s more raunchy rock than a fi ne CD of Alan Musgrove’s music, played with deep respect folk. Luckily this doesn’t set the tone for the whole album, as for the tradition out of which it grows. That’s the folk process at its grunginess just doesn’t seem to fi t. On the next track “The its best. Story of the Scullion King” written by the band, a more familiar Bruce Cameron Steeleye sound emerges. Three more original songs, “The Dreamer and the Widow”, “Lord Elgin” and “The Three Sisters”, follow – all “using the wiles and styles of the tradition”, and very well done, before the band gets back to traditional numbers like “Cold Haily Windy Night” and a swinging set of traditional reels. Overall there’s a 50/50 mix of trad and original numbers yet the album, fi rst track excepted, is homogeneous in style. A short bonus CD features fi ve variations on an original “Ned Ludd”, which curiously could have fi tted on the fi rst CD. Steeleye’s trademarks are all here – thick vocal harmonies, sensuous expressive fi ddling, a rocking rhythm section, fat guitar sounds and bawdy songs. They’re all playing and singing well too. Still, at the risk of making unfair comparisons the album doesn’t quite have the atmosphere that made those of their heyday so successful. On top of which, the sound was new and different then. Taken on its own merits though, it’s a solid steady production with good moments, but is unlikely to send either fans or newcomers into ecstasies. Music can fi nd new audiences by pushing the envelope for a while but then fi nds new ones again by coming back to its roots. Perhaps the folk-rock extravaganza is past its use-by date as audiences now embrace a fascinating new era of exquisitely produced acoustic traditional music and its fusion with other Watch out for our CD launch to be held “world music”. in the Troubadour - at the National Julius Timmerman The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette - April 2007 15 Advertising Rates Size mm Members Non-Members focus on folk Full page 180x250 $80 $120 The Program of the Folk Federation of NSW 2MBS 102.5 FM April 2007. 7PM 1/2 page 180x125 $40 $70 Saturday 7th April 1/4 page 90x60 $25 $50 Favourite Folk . Prepared and presented by Paul Jackson 1/8 page 45 x 30 $15 $35 What is folk has varied greatly over my 60 years. Back cover 180x250 $100 $150 Saturday 14th April 2 + issues per month $90 $130 Seeing the light of day. Prepared and presented by Kate Delaney. New CD releases from both Australian and overseas folk artists Please contact the editor for enquiries about advertising - artwork needs to be with the editor by fi rst Friday of month. Tel: 02 6493 6758 Saturday 21st April Insert Rates: St Georges Day. Prepared and presented by John Milce Single-sheet DL size or A5. Members $70 Non-Members $130 Today’s program is a celebration of English traditional music A4, folded to DL size or A5. Members $90 Non-Members $160 featuring both traditional and contemporary versions of songs A4 should be folded. The number of inserts per issue is limited. celebrating English culture, life, and heritage. Please contact Dallas and Jim Baxter, 9810 4131. baxjam@folkfednsw. Saturday 28th April org.au Offers of help for the wrap are appreciated. All Australian. Prepared and presented by Patricia Early All cheques for advertisements and inserts to be made payable to An offering of the many talented performers in Australia the Folk Federation of NSW Inc 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 Offi ce Box A182, Sydney South 1235. Sunday 9-10am 2HHH 100.1 FM Northside Folk members produce a program of folk mu- sic. (Details Barry Parks 9807 9497 or bpparks@tpg. com.au) Folk Trax The Folk Federation of NSW Membership Application Form Hi all, Name/s: Writing this early in the morning while preparing to take Folk Trax to the Goolwa Wooden Boat and Music Festival I wonder why Address: Folk Trax missed out on going to Canberra. We do all this for artists and not for our own benefi t. Next year maybe. We have fi nally found a new webmaster and you’ll fi nd new Eve Ph: Day Ph: CDs appearing on the website. We havebeen quite successful with the series “Yesterday’s Australia” and we have added three new Mobile: titles to the list. We also expect to have the new Gary Shearston CD online Email: soon. We are happy to accept any new CDs for the catalogue. For Include me on ‘Folkmail’, the members email listserv. those of you going to the National you may be able to give CDs to Peter Titchener of Colcannon who are performing at the National. If Membership Type (Tick one) not contact us at manager@folktrax for any details about consign- Individual - $25 ing to Folk Trax. We can still give members of the various Folk Federations and readers of the Folk Rag a 10% discount on their Family (more than one in same household) - $30 purchases from Folk Trax, but we do need to know that you are a Other name/s: member. So if you are use the drop down feature on the ordering Affi liate (organisation) - $35 page. It does save. Contact Name: Well must go and continue loading up the van, have breakfast and be on the way. Total enclosed: (for ____ year/s) Keep on Folking The membership year runs from 1st May to 30th April or from Henk de Weerd Manager Folk Trax 1st Nov to 31st Oct. Allowances are made in your favour for people joining at other times. For more information contact the Membership Secretary - see contact details on inside cover. 16 The CORNSTALK Gazette - - April 2007 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220