Dates For Your Diary Folk Federation of Inc Folk News Issue 425 February 2011 $3.00 Dance News CD Reviews

Congratulations to Russell Hannah Awarded Medal of the Order of Australia Day January 2011

♫ folk music ♫ dance ♫ festivals ♫ reviews ♫ profiles ♫ diary dates ♫ sessions ♫ teachers ♫ opportunities new Advertising sizes Size mm Members Not Mem FEBRUARY 2011 Folk Federation of New South Wales Inc Full page 210 x 297 $80 $120 In this issue Post Office Box A182 1/2 page 210 x 146 $40 $70 Dates for your diary p4 South NSW 1235 Congratulations to Russell Hannah p6 The Folk Federation of NSW - Membershipor Application Form ISSN 0818 7339 ABN9411575922 Festivals, workshops, schools p7 jam.org.au Name/s: Eve phone: 102 x 146 Day phone: Folk Contacts p10 The Folk Federation of NSW Inc, formed in 1/4 page 102 x 146 $25 $50 Conversation with Patricia Early Pt 2 p13 Address: 1970, is a Statewide body which aims to present,Mobile: support, encourage and collect folk m usic, folk 1/8 page 102 x 70 $15 $35 dance, folklore and folk activities as they exist Email:Advertising artwork required by 5th of each month. in Australia in all their forms. It provides a link Advertisements can be produced by Cornstalk if COMMITTEE 2010-2011 for people interested in the folk arts through its required. Please contact the editor for enquiries about President, Anthony Woolcott Membership Type (Tickaffiliations one) with folkIndividual clubs throughout - $25 NSW and its advertising Tel: 6493 6758 Email: [email protected] All cheques for advertisements and inserts to be counterparts in otherFamily States. (more Itthan bridges one in sameall styles household) made- $30 payable Other name/s:to the Folk ______Federation of NSW Inc Vice President: Christine Wheeler and interests to present the folk arts to the widest Secretary: Pam Davis 02 9955 3677 Affiliate (organisation) - $35 Contact Name: ______possible audience. If your event misses Cornstalk, Julie Email: [email protected] Cornstalk Editor - Coral Vorbach Bishop 02 9524 0247, julie@folkfednsw. Treasurer: Bruce Cameron 02 6331 1129 Please find enclosedPost Office$ ____ Box being 5195. Cobargomy subscription NSW 2550 for ___ yeaorg.aurs. can include it in Folkmail, the Tel/Fax: 02 6493 6758 Email: [email protected] weekly email to members. And don’t Committee: Dallas Baxter, James Baxter, I encloseEmail: my cheque/money [email protected] order payable to: Folk Federation of NSW; or forget that as a member you can put Terry Clinton, Kate Delaney, Christina Mim- Cornstalk is the official publication of the Folk information on jam.org.au, where helpful mocchi, Sandra Nixon, Margaret Walters Please chargeFederation my ofcredit NSW. card: Contributions, news, reviews, tutorials will(Tick guide one) you. poems, photographs most welcome. Membership: Wayne Richmond Listserv/ Photographs and Artwork Jam/Membership 9939 8802 (not after Photographs - high resolution JPG or TIFF files. Card number:300 dpi ___images ___ cropped ___ at___ correct / ___ size. ______/ ______/ ______Expiry 8.00pmDate: ____ please.) / ____ We use Adobe In-Design, Photoshop 6, Microsoft Word. Deadline for March issue Name onPLEASE card: ______do not send photographs as part of a Word ______Document . 10 FEBRUARY 2011 Front cover photograph of Russell Signature:No part of Cornstalk may be reproduced without permis- sion of the publishers. All care but no responsibility Hannah courtesy of Wayne Richmond. taken for omissions or errors. The membershipWrap year Co-ordinator runs from James 1st Baxter May 02 9810 to 30th4131 - April or from 1st November to 31st October. Allowances are made in your [email protected] for people joining at other times. Send to: PO Box A182, Sydney SouthWELCOME NSW 1235. TO NEW MEMBERS Dallas deBrabander - Ainslie Earthly Delights - Yarralumla Ross Fear - Baulkham Hills The String Contingent - coming to Humph Ken Stewart - Menai Hall 2pm, Sunday 20th February! The Folk Federation of NSW - Membership Application Form Name/s: Eve phone: Day phone: Address: Mobile: Email:

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Signature: The membership year runs from 1st May to 30th April or from 1st November to 31st October. Allowances are made in your favour for people joining at other times. Send to: PO Box A182, Sydney South NSW 1235.

2 The CORNSTALK Gazette FEBRUARY 2011 Dobsons Printing Pty Ltd (02) 9417 0239

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The Folk Federation of NSW ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette FEBRUARY 2011 3 dates for your diary February 2011 Metropolitan Monday 7th With Kieran Kane. Clarendon BMC Dance Workshop. Guesthouse, 68 Lurline St, Katoomba. Thursday 3rd Popular & New Sequences. Leader 8.30pm. $30 (+bf). (Dinner and Quill & Brooks. Felicity Hattingh. Pennant Hills Show, 7pm, $72, +bf.) 02 4782 1322. Greg Quill & (). Community Centre, Yarrara Rd. 7.30- clarendonguesthouse.com.au www.gregquill.com www.jonbrooks.ca 10pm. $7. Felicity 9456 2860 Friday 18th Clarendon Guest House, 68 Lurline St, Thursday 10th Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Folk Club. Katoomba. 8.30pm. $20 (+bf). (Dinner Sutherland Acoustic. Jason & Chloe Roweth. Australian bush & Show, 7pm, $62, +bf.) Bookings 02 Jan Preston, ‘Queen of Boogie Piano’. and traditional style music in dynamic 4782 1322. www.clarendonguesthouse. ‘Australia’s finest female blues talent’ and fresh arrangements featuring two com.au (Drum Media). Jan’s forceful presence vocals, guitar and mandolin. Chloe Friday 4th and masterful piano playing fill the and Jason gain great pleasure from ► Folk Club. room with her magical rhythms and bringing almost forgotten songs back, Greg Quill & Jon Brooks (Canada). beat - suave, sensual, exciting. Nothing and creating new material grounded www.gregquill.com www.jonbrooks. more uplifting than the boogie beat. strongly in the tradition. Beatrice Taylor ca. City Digger’s Club, cnr Church & Plus special guest German percussionist Hall, rear Willow Park Community Burelli Sts, . 1300 887 034. Micha Maassi. Floor spots, rafflles. Centre, Edgeworth David Ave, Hornsby. illawarrafolkclub.org.au Gymea Trade Union Club, Kingsway, 8pm (doors 7.30pm). $15. Booking Saturday 5th Gymea (short walk from station). recommended. Candle lit venue, tables ►Beecroft Bush Dance. 7.30pm. $15, $10, FF $12, kids free. can be booked. BYO drinks & nibbles With Southern Cross. Beecroft Maeve 9520 5628 - tea & coffee provided. Barry Parks Community Centre, Beecroft Rd (opp ►‘HELP’ 9807 9497, [email protected] Fire Station). 8pm-12. All dances Free screening of the Beatles film which Monday 14th taught. $17, $14, $12, incl. supper. includes classic songs such as ‘Help!’, BMC Dance Workshop. Helen 9626 7816. bushmusic.org.au ‘You’re gonna lose that girl’, ‘You’ve Popular and New Sequences. Leader ►The Shack. got to hide your love away’, ‘The night Felicity Hattingh. Pennant Hills Greg Quill & Jon Brooks (Canada). before’, ‘Another Girl’, ‘Ticket to Ride’ Community Centre, Yarrara Rd. 7.30- www.gregquill.com www.jonbrooks. and ‘I need you’. 7pm, Humph Hall, 10pm. $7. Felicity 9456 2860 ca. Tramshed Community Arts Centre, 85 Allambie Road, Allambie Heights. Saturday 19th 1395a Pittwater Rd, Narrabeen Free. Taster for ‘The Beatles Choir’, Balmain Bush Dance. (between car park & ambulance an 8 week course starting in Narrabeen Band TBA. Rozelle Campus, Sydney station). 7.30pm. $20. Bookings on 17th Feb. Wayne Richmond (9939 College, 25 Terry St. 8pm-12. All recommended, 0413 635 856, info 8802) Web: humphhall.org dances taught. $17, $14, $12, incl. [email protected] www.shackfolk. Friday 11th supper. Don or Wendy 9642 7950. com/ David Francey (Canada) bushmusic.org.au Whitetop Mountaineers (USA) www.davidfrancey.com. David Francey Sunday 20th www.whitetopmountaineers.com/ (Canada) ►Blue Mountains Folk Club. Ian fr_home.cfm Cat & Fiddle (bistro area), Lizotte’s, 2/5 629 Pittwater Rd, Dee Host, Phil Johnson, 3-6pm. (Bookings 456 Darling St, Balmain (cnr Elliott St). Why. 8.30pm. 9984 9933. www.lizottes. for lunch or dinner, 4759 1023). Nick 8pm. $25, $20. Children welcome, if with com.au Szentkuti 4758 7953 a parent. All tickets at door. 9810 7931 Saturday 12th ►Humph Hall. Virtuosic instrumental ►New Songs – New Year ►Bush Music Club Social. trio ‘The String Contingent’ in concert. Gaelic Club (64 Devonshire St Surry Incl. BBQ. Bring songs, poems, dance ‘New acoustic chamber folk’ - violin, Hills) 7.30 pm $15/$10 shoes, instruments, family and friends, double bass & guitar. Humph Hall, New, original songs to welcome the food to share, drinks. Plenty of parking. 85 Allambie Road, Allambie Heights. new year. Hut 44, Addison Rd Community Entry free (donations of $25/$15 Alex Legg (Scotland, via ) Centre, 142 Addison Rd, Marrickville. invited). Enquiries/bookings: Wayne Peter Miller-Robinson, Christina Noon to 5pm. 9642 7950. bushmusic. Richmond (9939 8802 or wayne@ Mimmocchi 64 Devonshire St, Surry org.au humph.org) Web: humphhall.org Hills. 0413 941 459, info@gaelicclub. ►Fairlight Folk. Monday 21st com.au The magnificent band Cloudstreet www. BMC Dance Workshop. Sunday 6th cloudstreet.org- plus other exciting Old Time & New. Leader John Short. Quill & Brooks. artists. Fairlight Folk Acoustic Lounge, Pennant Hills Community Centre, Greg Quill & Jon Brooks (Canada). William St Studios, 3 William St, Yarrara Rd. 7.30-10pm. $7. Felicity Cat & Fiddle (bistro area), 456 Darling Fairlight (the old Baptist Church, just 9456 2860 St, Balmain (cnr Elliott St). 5pm. $20. down from Sydney Rd). 7.30pm. $15. Children welcome, if with a parent. All 0438 091 885. whatsnew@fairlightfolk. tickets at door. 9810 7931 com www.fairlightfolk.com David Francey (Canada)

4 The CORNSTALK Gazette FEBRUARY 2011 Dobsons Printing Pty Ltd (02) 9417 0239 Saturday 26th ►NO Loaded Dog. R egional and ACT The String Contingent Please note the February concert has been transferred to the first Saturday in Tuesday 1st come to Humph Hall March. More details in March Cornstalk Contra Club starts up again. The former church, Humph Hall, will be about Martyn Wyndham-Read at the St Margaret’s Uniting Church Hall, cnr an ideal acoustic venue for the magic that Dog on 5th March – and Peter Hicks on Antill St & Phillip Ave, Hackett. 7.30- is the virtuosic instrumental trio The String 26th March. Sandra 9358 4886, www. 9.30pm. $6, $5. Colin Towns 02 6232 Contingent who compose and perform music of sparkling beauty and originality theloadeddog.org.au 9231, [email protected] that explores the full spectrum of musical ►Wheelers & Dealers Sunday 13th This might become a regular Irish night expression. Australians Chris Stone David Francey (Canada). Lizotte’s, 31 (violin) and Holly Downes (double bass) of good quality music. The Nags Head Morehead St, Lambton (Newcastle). with Scotsman Graham McLeod (guitar) Hotel, 162 St Johns Rd, Glebe. 8.30- 8.30pm. 4956 2066. www.lizottes.com. integrate disparate musical styles through 11.45pm. No cover charge. Excellent au their own refined acoustic sensibilities. bistro. 9660 1591 Monday 14th Drawing from genres including ► celtic, classical, jazz and bluegrass, The The Troubadour David Francey (Canada). Mulloon The Blues Angels. Banjo, double bass, String Contingent burnish their original Creek Natural Farms, 3585 Kings Hwy, guitar, mandolin, harmonica. Lonesome compositions through the clarity and Bungendore. 02 6238 1396. www.mcnf. back hills harmonies, rip-roaring precision of a meticulous ‘chamber music’ com.au bluegrass, foot-stomping blues - and ethos. Their multi-faceted approach results gentle love ballads, miserable late night in highly accessible yet sophisticated music The Merry Muse (presented by that captivates audiences from any genre, blues, swinging folk. www.troubadour. the Monaro Folk Society) while retaining their own unique style. org.au/images/BluesAngels.JPG Floor Sunday 6th “Beautiful playing, great musicianship, spots available. Supper provided. CWA The Whitetop Mountaineers. NB. wonderful ideas. The String Contingent are Hall, Woy Woy, across from the Wharf. going places, and quickly!” (Chris Duncan, Afternoon show. ARIA award winning Scots fiddler.) 7pm. $10, $8, Members $7, children Friday 11th “ . . . Extremely sophisticated instrumental free with paying adult. 4341 4060 The BordererS with Beth ‘n Ben. music . . . the level of skill of this group is (AH), 0419 231 319, www.troubadour. Friday 18th stunning as are the beauty and joy of their org.au The String Contingent with The Shiny compositions.” (Steve Gadd, Artistic Director, Cygnet Folk Monday 28th Bum Singers. Festival, Australia.) BMC Social Dance Night. Saturday 19th 2pm, Sunday 20th February Leaders Felicity Hattingh & John Short. The Melbourne Ukulele Festival Humph Hall, 85 Allambie Road Pennant Hills Community Centre, Showcase. Allambie Heights Yarrara Rd. 7.30-10pm. $7. Felicity Canberra Southern Cross Club Optional donation: $25/$15 McCaughey Street, Turner, Bookings: (02) 9939 8802 wayne@humph. 9456 2860 Enq. 0412 127 882 org. humphhall.org merrymuse.org.au/wb/

A generation apart, Greg and Jon A festival favourite in North Greg Quill & Jon come together from across a great divide, America, Jon has earned a reputation drawn to each other’s songs by the only as a songwriter of conscience. “The Brooks things Canadians and Australians do have Songs of love, war and reconciliation in common – distances, an obsession with purpose of songwriting, for me, is to It’s rare to find two songwriters whose bleak horizons, extreme climates, and barely unite people through empathy,” musical origins, life experiences and remembered links to a colonial heritage. ►Clarendon House Katoomba, world views are so greatly separated by Greg’s songs are personal and often brittle ►Illawarra Folk Club, Cat & Fiddle geographical and temporal differences, yet narratives of love, loss, spiritual longing, (Balmain) who have so much in common. separation and forgiveness, rooted in When Australia’s Greg Quill, founder Australia’s folk ballad traditions. Jon’s and songwriter with the influential 1970s songs are both topical – drawn from real Australia folk-rock band Country Radio events that forge larger allegories, voiced by (‘Gypsy Queen’, ‘Wintersong’, ‘Fleetwood authentic personalities – and timeless, culled Plain’), and award-winning -based from years wandering in war-ravaged, post- poet and composer Jon Brooks first shared Soviet and through the hard streets a stage at Toronto’s premier concert club, and troubled conscience of Canada’s new Hugh’s Room, in 2008, it was immediately reality. apparent to both performers and the The yarns that both songwriters spin in audience that they also shared a unique and their compelling musical conversation on profound commitment to song craft and stage create uniquely different landscapes. lyrical inventiveness, as well as an unusually But they embody a common humanity and informed and compassionate understanding faith in our better impulses – and in the of how social, political and economic shifts healing power of music. make outcasts of underdogs.

The Folk Federation of NSW ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette FEBRUARY 2011 5 Presidents Report Big Russ Awarded Medal of the Welcome to you all may 2011 be a wonderful year for us all. Order of Australia January 2011 As I write this we are just weeks away Russell Hannah was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the from another concert/fundraiser for the “Folk Fed”. 2011 Australian Honours list in recognition of his achievements and service All is going well after we had to of his fellow citizens and his enormous contribution to the Illawarra cultural move the concert due to a clash of dates. community and the Australian folk music scene over the past 27 years. Wayne Richmond brought our attention A stalwart of the workers, councillor extraordinaire, upholder of the envi- to the clash with a concert at Humph ronment, brunt of large jokes, tripe connoisseur and tormentor of accordion Hall and The Shack on the same night we had planned our concert. The decision players. Russ is well known as an all round good bloke. was made to postpone our concert as we Russell is one of the main organisers of the and is felt it important not to infringe on other currently President of the Illawarra Folk Club. events, particularly as we see anything we organise should be adding to an already Having a passionate interest in Australian culture, social justice, trains and vibrant folk scene and not detracting from in particular poetry and yarnspinning, he has constantly devoted time and other people’s endeavours. energy to these areas. All this has been done as a volunteer in between his All the artists involved were more working and family life. than generous in their understanding and Russell was born in Murwillumbah in 1943, grew up in Gymea in Sydney, willingness to move mountains so we could have our concert on Saturday the attended Sydney Boys’ High, trained to be a teacher at the Armidale Teach- 29th of January, 2011. ers College. He has worked for the Post Office, Customs Department, early To all the various members of Blue years teaching in the country (Collarenebri), been involved with the Teach- Goose, Three’s Company, the Badga ers Union, has taught at Goulburn Gaol and Long Bay goal. River Quartet and Folklore, thank you. I’m sure we will have a great night of Russell has been the anchor man of the Illawarra Folk Club and Folk Fes- music and entertainment. tival since their inceptions. Russell fancies himself in the art of versifying (Note to self - always double and in addition to being a woolly yarn spinner, and has collaborated with Jim triple check dates for various forms of Haynes to publish a book. conflict before an event is organised). Rob Willis writes, “Russell is one of the unsung heroes of Australia. All things are in place for our final celebration for our 40th year anniversary He has been invaluable to me as a resource and a sounding board for ideas concerts at this years National Folk for performance and projects. He is a quiet achiever whose work behind Festival.It should be a fabulous couple the scenes has been amazing – within the prison system – fighting for rights of hours with talented artists of all ages within the education department (strong unionist for teachers federation, combining for a cross generational political activist) and for many other causes.” performance, I can’t wait to experience. The line-up includes, The Fagan’s Rob Willis recorded with John Harpley, at Shellharbour, an interview with (all of them), I’m led to believe. Warren Russell Hannah and this is available in the National Library. Fahey and a couple of Larrikins together Good On You Russ! with Chloe and Jason Roweth, Margaret Walters and the Lurkers, and last year’s winners of the Declan Affley Award, the Simpson Three combined with Cornerbrook, VALE Alan Chinn Should bring the house down. It is with much sadness that I share the news of the passing of Alan Chinn on 17 Septem- There will again be a Henry Lawson ber. He died at his Penshurst home, a week after a short stay in hospital where he was being extravaganza at the Stockman’s Camp. treated for cancer. On a personal note, I’ll be at Cobargo, Those who attend the folk clubs around Sydney, especially the Sutherland Acoustic performing with Triantan in February Club, will be familiar with Alan’s original songs. Those who regularly listen to Australia All (shameless self promotion, I know) and Over on ABC radio will know of Alan’s song about the New South Wales country town of as I couldn’t make it to Illawarra or many Baradine. Festivals at all in the last eight months, From his early years as a jackaroo through to his management of rural properties, Alan I’m looking forward to a cracking good amassed a wealth of expertise and knowledge about rural Australia. His large legacy of time with good friends, good music and a original songs is a testament to this. The songs also express a sincere passion for Australia couple of cold beers- and its people. Here’s hoping there will be many such Alan loved to perform. For well over a decade he sang at a restaurant in the Blue Moun- occasions for us all in 2011. tains and later one at Como, bringing countless hours of enjoyment to the patrons. In the Cheers, latter part of his life he sang for community groups and at retirement villages. Anthony Woolcott Alan is survived by his wife Lois, two married daughters and three grand children who President, all love this gentle, talented man. Jim Low

6 The CORNSTALK Gazette FEBRUARY 2011 Dobsons Printing Pty Ltd (02) 9417 0239 The Fabulous festivals and events Leah Flannagan

FEBRUARY 11th - 14th February Australian Blues Music Festival Goulburn, NSW www.australianbluesfestival 26th - 28th February ►Cobargo Folk Festival Tickets on sale now. www.cobargofolkfestival.com ►Frances Folk Festival SA Frances SA www.francesfolkgathering.com.au MARCH 11th - 14th March ►34th Port Fairy Folk Festival www.portfairyfolkfestival.com Enq. (03) 5225 1232 ►Womadelaide Adelaide SA Blue Mountains Music Festival www.womadelaide.com.au or apadmin@ A superb line-up of female artists awaits festival goers this year. Nanci Griffith is one artsprojectscom.au 08 82719905 of America’s most iconic singer/songwriters from the country-folk genre that includes her 17th - 27th March friend Emmylou Harris and others like Mary Chapin Carpenter. We will also have a less 22nd Brunswick Music Festival traditional American writer, more in the grain of Lucinda Williams in Kim Richey. From www.brunswickmusicfestival.com.au Ireland we have the welcome return of Eleanor McEvoy. With her pure angelic voice Emily 18th - 20th March Smith is a rising star of the traditional Scottish scene performing with her duo partner Jamie Blue Mountains Music Festival McClennan. www.bmff.org.au [email protected] Both Katie Euliss in Truckstop Honeymoon and Martha Spencer in The White Top Mountaineers carry on the bluegrass and roots tradition, and the all girl Uncle Earl band take 25th - 27th March it to another level. Yackandandah Folk Festival The homegrown female talent is equally impressive. Kerrianne Cox will be back by Yackandanda VIC popular demand, and we also have the soulful, bluesy Gail Page and her trio. folkfestival.yackandandah.com Over from Perth will be the scorching Grace Barbé with her band. To keep all this APRIL serious folk, roots and blues in perspective you will be able to watch The Kransky Sisters do 8th - 10th April their own strangely compelling thing. Also not to be missed from Melbourne are The Little St Albans Folk Festival Stevies and Noriko Tadano who plays traditional Japanese music with a western twist. www.snalbans.iwarp.com Add to this the Blue Mountains’ locals Tracey Campbell and her trio, Kate Rowe, [email protected] Rachael Brady, Nikki Madden, Andrea Soler and The Ruby Bloomers and you have an (02) 98733378 unbeatable collection of women coming to play in 2010. We know that many of you already have your tickets, but if you don’t it’s last call for 14th - 17th April Advanced Tickets… Jane Austen Festival Tickets for sale online and at the Clarendon Guesthouse in Katoomba. Advanced Full Canberra ACT Weekend tickets available until January 31st. janeaustenfestival.com.au/ Just a reminder that if you have made your ticket purchases in November, December 21st - 25th April 2011 or January, we will be posting your wristbands to you during February (to the address you ►National Folk Festival supplied at time of purchase). www.bmff.org.au - [email protected] Canberra. ACT www.folkfestival.asn.au ►22nd Annual East Coast Blues & Roots Festival www.bluesfest.com.au New Songs – New Year Saturday 5 February 7.30 pm Gaelic Club (64 Devonshire St Surry Hills) $15/$10 New, original songs to welcome the new year. Alex Legg (Scotland, via Melbourne) Peter Miller-Robinson Christina Mimmocchi

The Folk Federation of NSW ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette FEBRUARY 2011 7 Margaret & Choir Photo courtesy David Joyce Loveless in Hobart Town The title might lead you to some interesting web sites if you Google it – but fear not – it’s the name of a historical drama about the experiences of convict, George Loveless, in – and it was one of the highlights of the Cygnet Folk Festival this year. (The festival at Cygnet is held annually in January in the lovely Huon Valley in the south east of Tasmania. This year it happened to coincide with the Illawarra Folk Festival in NSW. but that’s not usually the case.) The performance was by the Tasmanian Grassroots Union Choir (http://www.unionstas.com.au/Choir.html) who not only researched, composed, acted and sang – but did so in costume – a triumph of teamwork. This was the debut of the show and it is to be hoped that it has many more airings. George Loveless was one of the six agricultural labourers who became known as the Tolpuddle Martyrs. These six were transported to Australia in 1834 from Dorset in England for seven years. These Sing Cockatoo 2010 men had had their wages reduced again and again and tried to form In November 2010, 55 singers set sail for Cockatoo a trade union to improve their lot; part of the ceremony of joining the union involved swearing an oath and this – with the collusion of Island – a place that is both in the middle of the Sydney local officials and landowners – was the technicality on which they CBD and remote and rugged. were convicted. George Loveless was the only one to end up in Van The idea was to not go very far to get away from it all and spend Dieman’s Land. There were numerous protests back in England and the weekend learning songs connected with the colourful history the men were eventually pardoned but it took some years before of the island songs about islands in general.. In fact, the real reason they were aware of the situation and their passages home arranged. Pam Davis and I organised the weekend was to have an excuse to In the local production, “Loveless in Hobart Town”, the story go back there, and if only from that perspective the weekend was unfolds in a series of songs and extracts from primary sources a huge success.The weekend was a success from every perspective including court documents and correspondence between Loveless and the enthusiasm of the singers shone through despite what we and his wife, and between the bureaucrats in and Hobart. then thought was the rainiest weekend we would ever experience. Loveless is revealed as a calm, steadfast man, determined to stand The songs that the island’s history has inspired are plentiful and by his principles and refusing to be a pawn in the political games diverse, including themes of indigenous presence, convict hardship, between the Whitehall and Governor Arthur. Loveless worked at the industry, the world at war, home and belonging, sea shanties and Government Farm at New Town as a convict, and at Grass Tree Hill songs, and the one that really grabbed our hearts which was Biloela. near Richmond after his ticket-of-leave was granted. A stone cottage Biloela, an Aboriginal word for “cockatoo”, was the name given to occupied by Loveless is still in use as offices by the Tolpuddle the Industrial School for Girls on the island from 1871 to 1880. Vineyard (Glen Ayr). Inmates included neglected and orphaned girls as well as girls Eight of the ten songs were composed by members of the convicted of crimes. stories of neglect, hardship and mistreatment Tasmanian Grassroots Union Choir – Peter Hicks, Geoff Francis, touched us deeply and we sang Fred Small’s ‘I Will Stand Fast’, Simon Cocker, Maureen Lum and Matt Woolley, with musical led by Margaret Walters, in honour of the girls. Singing the song in direction by Annie Parsell and script by Simon Cocker. The songs the context of the convict ruins – the sandstone, the sun, the rugged cliffs – made for a very emotional performance. are uniformly of high quality and the arrangements are varied and The singing was led by Christine Wheeler, Tom Bridges and admirably executed. It’s hard to pick a favourite, but “Betsy’s song” Rob Maxwell-Jones and me, with special appearances by Margaret is certainly among them. The non-local songs were an English hymn Walters. used in the burgeoning trade union movement, “God is our Guide”, Singers came from all over NSW (as far as Dubbo!), ACT and put to a tune by Graham Moore, himself the author of many songs Qld to take part in the workshops where we covered much ground in about the Tolpuddle Martyrs; and Ted Egan’s memorial “Bunch of a short time and then performances around the island on the Sunday, Damned Whores”. The choir is led by Annie Parsell and benefits as well as the ‘set pieces’ there was a session on Saturday night greatly from the support and musicianship of Peter Hicks. (a very big eye-opener to the non-folkies) and continuous singing People who may be familiar with the two pieces of musical thanks mostly to the boundless enthusiasm of the Mudlarks from the theatre “Tolpuddle Man” and “The Last of England” with songs Blue Mountains by Graham Moore and Mick Ryan will be pleased to know that the The weekend was a hugely satisfying way of delving into the Australian compositions do not duplicate but complement nicely the past with our feet in the present. The sense of community was great. English telling of the story. Our heartfelt thanks to all who took part. Photos can be viewed The TGUC has been invited to perform “Loveless in Hobart at singcockatoo.com (more to be added). This will be an annual Town” at the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival in Dorset, England in July event so stay tuned for the 11/11 details. 2011. It’s an annual event which celebrates trade unionism and Christina Mimmocchi labour politics. As well as a Radical History School and a street parade of Trade Union Banners from all over the UK, the festival Tenors & Basses features regular appearances by musicians with a social justice Photo courtesy Danielle Townsend perspective such as Billy Bragg, Dick Gaughan, David Rovics and Graham Moore. The Tasmanian Grassroots Union Choir will also be performing with Billy Bragg on the final day of the Festival. For more information about the Tolpuddle Festival see http://www. tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/inde Margaret Walters

8 The CORNSTALK Gazette FEBRUARY 2011 Dobsons Printing Pty Ltd (02) 9417 0239 SUN SHINES ON Orkestra Del Sol FOLK MUSIC The sun shone through at the 26th Illawarra Folk Festival, which ended with a bang on Sunday night as a colourful troupe of entertainers paraded through the tents and bazaars, to the sound of gypsy and other exotic tunes. “This had been the biggest and one of the most successful festivals yet,” said David de Santi, Artistic Festival Choir Director of the Festival. “We were initially concerned about the threat of constant rain; however we have had record attendance and we estimate about 10,000 visitors passed through our gates during the five days of the festival. For me some of the highlights of the Festival were the high quality and variety of music we were able to put on – from gypsy bands like Orkestra del Sol to the poignant songs of Ami Williamson - it just demonstrates that folk music can encompass a wide variety of styles. I also love the way folks get involved. This is a festival where people can participate in creating all sorts of music.” The festival sprawled across the Folk Republic of Bulli (formally known as Bulli Showground) and the 12 stages hosted over 600 performers who presented a range of music from folk, blues, country, rock, world, blue grass and indie, as well as dance and poetry. Over a thousand fans camped in a variety of vehicles from humble tents to luxurious motorhomes and even a yacht. The site was kept clean by an army of volunteers who aimed to have ‘no waste for landfill’ and out of over 35m3 of waste had less than 6% of it going to landfill. Kevin Kelly Workshop One of the creative modes of transport that people used to get to the festival was on the Green Music Trains. These music trains started at Bondi Junction and wove their way through The Shire and Northern Illawarra stations while travellers Ingleburn Pipes & were serenaded with live music in each carriage. In spite of having to use buses on Drums Sunday, the musicians entertained the travellers with poetry and song. “What a fun way this was to travel to the Festival,” said Maureen Hays from Sutherland, “we were exhausted from laughing and singing before we got here.” The two headline acts – Eric Bogle and Ted Egan did not disappoint their fans with witty stories interspersed between old favourites and new songs. Both singers were impressed by the enthusiasm and the interaction with their audiences. “The spirit of traditional folk music lives on at this Festival,” said Ted Egan. “In fact it is probably the strongest region for folk music in Australia.” Eric Bogle played at the Illawarra Folk Festival many times and recalling the early days at Jamberoo, thought that the festival still evoked the traditions that were Neil Murray & Ted established there 26 years ago, “...... but whether it was at Jamberoo or here at Egan Bulli, the Illawarra Folk Festival is always about the same great people playing the same great music,” he said. “Thanks to Russ and his volunteers it’s a lovely wee festival. They work hard so we can all enjoy ourselves.” One of the exciting younger acts was Richard Perso. Only 19, his strong blues- influenced singing of standards and his own compositions, along with superb slide guitar playing, kept the enthusiastic crowd on their feet. Finally David thanked the volunteers, “People are very surprised when they discover that this is all organised by volunteers. We had about 300 volunteers who made this festival so successful. I would especially like to thank the organising committee who spent countless hours before and during the festival to ensure it ran so smoothly.” While promising the volunteers a long rest, planning is already underway for next year’s festival. “One thing is already clear,” said David jokingly. “We are hearing way too Photographs courtesy Dave De Santi many autoharps and I’ve been informed that the Americans plan to send over even more next year. I want to make it clear right from the start, that 2012 will not be the Year of the Autoharp.”

The Folk Federation of NSW ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette FEBRUARY 2011 9 folk contacts Coirsh DANCE Gosford Scottish Country Dance Society Monday Monday 7-10pm, Church of Christ, Henry Parry Drive, Wyoming. A Choired Taste, Glebe, led by David Westmore, 9716 Bush Music Club Dance Workshop Cecily Cork 4384 3527, Jan McCudden 4329 5537 7016 Beginners, experienced, 7.30pm, Pennant Hills Greek Folk Dance Pan Macedonian Assoc Building, Railway Pde, Bright Star Singers Ashfield, led by Mary-Jane Community Centre, downstairs. Except Jan. and public Sydenham from 7pm onwards. Adult classes from Field, 9090 2362 holidays. Felicity 9456 2860 Ecopella. Erskineville, led by Miguel Heatwole, 9810 7.15 pm, Vasilios Aligiannis, tel/fax 9708 1875 International Folk Dancing [email protected] 4601 [email protected] School term, Earlwood Senior Citizens Centre, 362  International Folk Dancing for older women Glory Bound Groove Train. Petersham, led by Homer St 10am-noon. Gwynne 9558 4753 Linda Calgaro, 9518 4135 School terms only, 9-10am beginners, 10-11am Scottish Country Dancing for beginners, with ‘Scots Inner West Chamber Choir, Leichhardt, led by advanced. Bankstown Older Women’s Wellness on the Rocks’, Fort St Public School, Observatory Hill, Rachelle Elliott. 9797 1917. [email protected]. Centre, Police and Community Youth Club, cnr Intonations. Manly, led by Karen Smith, 0405 221 113 Sydney, 6.30-7.30pm. Nea 9994 7110, Lynn 9268 1246, Meredith St and French Ave. Gabrielle 9728 7466, Alita Martenitsa. Ultimo, led by Mara & Llew Kiek, SC [email protected], http://www.rscds.org.au 9798 9269 47514910 Belly Dance, basic/beginners 7pm, choreography 8pm, Irish Set Dance class, Irish Gaelic Club, 64 People’s Chorus Newcastle, led by Rod Noble, 49 Girraween Hall, 17 Tungarra Rd. Vera Myronenko 9665 Devonshire St, Surry Hills. 8-9.30pm. 623432 9713 Alarna 0401 167 910. Sutherland Shire Bush Dance Group Uniting Church, Unaccompanied Baggage. North Sydney, led by Tuesday 4 Gosport St, Cronulla, 7.30-10pm. $3. Beginners most Stuart Davis, [email protected] Blue Mountains Scottish Country Dancers welcome. Partners not necessary.Mike 9520 2859 Voiceworks, Katoomba, ledby Rachel Hore 4759 Catholic Church Hall, 7-9pm, Wentworth St, $3 Verley 2456, [email protected] Sutherland Shire Folk Dance Group Kelliher, 4787 5968, [email protected] Carol Gymea Bay Scout Hall, June Place, 10am. Kaye Tuesday Gardner 4751 6073/[email protected] Cantorion, Neutral Bay, led by David Westmore, Laurendet - 9528 4813 Greek Folk Dance 9716 7016 Thursday Bankstown RSL Club - 32 Kitchener Pde - Bankstown Ecopella. Illawarra area (alternate Tuesdays), led by English Country Dancing (Advanced) for the over Miguel Heatwole 9810 4601, [email protected] 6pm onwards.Vasilios Aligiannis, tel/fax: 97081875 50’s 2-4pm. School for Seniors, Wesley Mission, Pitt St. Roc Lawson, led by Rachel Hore, 47592456, [email protected] Sydney. (Oppositive back of Hilton Hotel.) [email protected] Hungarian Dance Class Blue Labyrinth International Folk Dance The Honeybees. East Sydney, led by Dynes Austin. Ultimo, 8-10pm. Gary Dawson 9559 4485. from 7pm, Baptist Church Hall, King St Glenbrook. Jo Contact Jenny Jackson, 9816 4577 lindsayandjenny@ [email protected] Barrett 4739 6498 hotmail.com English Country Dancing, Sydney Greek Folk Dance Sydney Trade Union Choir Playford Dance Group 3rd Tues, 7.30-10.00pm, Uniting St Gerassimos Church Hall, 21 Henry St Leichhardt. Sydney City, contact Nola Cooper 9587 1165 - Church Hall, The Cres, Berala. Ring Patricia 9649 6978 6 pm onwards. Adult classes from 7.15 Vasilios [email protected] or Mike or Ros on 9929 8193 for further details. Aligiannis, tel/fax 9708 1875 [email protected] Tuesday Scottish Country Dancing Sydney Irish Ceili Dancers Songs Next Door, Seaview Street, Dulwich Hill, St John’s Uniting Church Hall, Coonanbarra Rd, Kingsgrove Uniting Church Hall, 289A Kingsgrove Rd (cnr Moreton Avenue, Children’s step dancing meets weekly at Sea View Hall, Seaview St, Dulwich Wahroonga, 7.30-10.30pm. All welcome. Catherine 6pm, adults step dancing 7pm. Set and ceili dancing Hill. 12.30pm. (Seniors mostly) Contact Allan 9520 Bonner 9489 5027 6180 8-10.30pm. Margaret and Bill Winnett 9150 6765. Scottish Country Dancing email: [email protected] Wednesday Fort Street School, Observatory Hill, City. 6pm to 8pm Choralation. Abbosford (school terms), contact Marga- Nea MacCulloch 9904 1358(a/h) or Lynn 8244 9618(w) Friday ret Grove [email protected] Sutherland Shire Folk Dance Group Australian Colonial and Folk Dancers Every Friday, Ecopella. Upper Mts., contact Kate 47 825529 Scouts/Guides Hall, Plympton Road, Carlingford, International Dancing, Gymea Bay Scout Hall, June (opposite Nth Carlingford shops). Anthony and Lisa The Heathens. Blackheath, day time 12-pm. Led by Place, 7.30-9pm. Kaye Laurendet 9528 4813 Chris Wheeler 4787 5725 chris@wheelersanddealers. 9873 4805. Turkish Dance Class International Dancing com.au Lidcombe Community Centre, 8-10pm. Yusuf Nidai NoteTonight, Josephine. Glebe, led by David Sedenka Folk Dancers, Rozelle Neighbourhood 9646 1166 Centre, 665A Darling St Rozelle. 8-llpm, $3. Chris Wild Westmore, 9716 7016 Ukrainian (Cossack) Dancing Class The Spots. Christina Mimmocchi, Randwick 0410 9560 2910. for fit and energetic young people (16-23yrs), 7.30 682 061 Scottish Country Dancing pm to 10.00 pm. Ukrainian Hall 59 Joseph Street, Thursday Adult classes, beginners welcome, children 6.30 Bouddi Voice. Kincumber (school terms), led by C & Lidcombe. Jaros Iwanec 9817 7991, jarosiwanec@ -7.30pm, adults 8-10.30pm, Beecroft Primary School, C Sainsbury, contact 43 683270 optusnet.com.au /www.veselka.com.au $2. Sheena Caswell 9868 2075, Heather Dryburgh Chorella Community Choir. Richmond, contact International Folk Dance class - Open Door, Georges 9980 7978 Ellen 4578 2975 Hall Senior Citizens, Birdwood Rd, 11.30am-12.30pm. Scottish Country Dancing Cleftomaniacs. Waterloo, led by Gary Smith, Gabrielle 9728 7466, [email protected] Caringbah Seniors Hall, 386 Port Hacking Rd, Car- [email protected] “The Dance Buffet”, wide variety taught, Liverpool ingbah (rear Library), 8pm. Beginners/other levels. G. Solidarity Choir. Newtown, led by Miguel Heatwole, City Pipe Band Hall, Woodward Park (next to Whitlam Milton 9524 4943, Erica Nimmo 9520 4781 9810 4601, [email protected] Centre), Memorial Ave, 7.30-9.30pm. $8 ($5 conc). Saturday Friday Nicholai 9822 7524, mob 0407 178 228 Bush Folk Dances, by Bush Dance Assoc. The Sydney Street Choir. CBD, led by Peter Wednesday 2nd Sat. Feb-Dec 6.30 - 10pm. New Year’s Eve 8pm- Lehner 0425 268 771 Albion Fair, North-West Morris Dancing midnight. $20/$15/$10. $5 disc for early bookings. The Sydney Welsh Choir (Men and Women) meet Lilyfield Community Centre, Cecily and O’Neill Sts, Pennant Hills Community Centre, 60 Yarrara Rd. John 7.45pm. Angie Milce 9817 3529 on Wednesday Evenings at Concord Baptist Church 9873 3138/ 0416 212 136, bushdance2000@yahoo. Australian Heritage Dancers Hall. Reh. 7pm to 9pm. 20 to 30 performances a year. com.au Annandale Neighbourhood Centre, 79 Johnston St, 8 Bush Music Club Bush Dances Viv 47 39 0384, Warwick 9451 7806,[email protected] -10pm. Jim Young 9412 3721 [email protected]. Mudlarks, women’s a cappella choir. Woodford. Led Feb-Dec (not Easter), 8-12pm, $17/$14/$12 incl. au - australianheritagedancers.org.au supper, children to 12 free. Beecroft Community Ctr by Alison Jones 4759 2880 Balmoral Scottish Country Dance Group Sunday 1st Sat, Helen 9626 7816; Balmain High School hall, 7.00-9.15pm, Seniors’ Centre, Mosman Square, rd  Terry St, Rozelle, 3 Sat, Don 9642 7949 Blue Mountains Trade Union Choir. Upper Mts., Mosman. Nell Morgan 9981 4769. contact Kate 47 82 5529 Central Coast Bush Dance Epping Scottish Country Dance Club 4th Sat, 8-12pm, East Gosford Progress Hall, Henry St Aidan’s Church Hall, Downing St, 7.30-10pm. All If you change your details PLEASE advise the Parry Dr and Wells St, $15/$12. Beate 4323 3356. levels welcome. Clare Haack 9484 5947 clare_kirton@ Robyn 4344 6484. editor on 02 6493 6758 or email cornstalk@ hotmail.com folkfednsw.org.au. You may also wish to have International Folk Dance Children’s classes, 6-18 years, Pennant Hills Com. your details online (free) - jam.org.au Centre, morning. Carol Maddocks, 9905 1563

10 The CORNSTALK Gazette FEBRUARY 2011 Dobsons Printing Pty Ltd (02) 9417 0239 Irish Ceili Dances, live Ceili bands, 4th Sats, 7.30 - jamming all night. All welcome: $5/7. (02) 9456 1090 Everyone welcome to share in night of fun, friendship 11.30pm. Irish Gaelic Club, 64 Devonshire St, Surry www.bluegrass.org.au and great poetry. Contact Vic Jefferies, 02 96394911 or Hills. $10. Aisling 0413 941 459, irishgaelicclub@gmail. lllawarra Folk Club, [email protected] com 3rd Saturday, Wollongong City Diggers Thursday Scottish and Old Time Dance Club, cnr Burelli & Church Streets, 1300 Sutherland Acoustic 2nd Sat, 8pm, Uniting Church, 9-11 Bay St, Rockdale. $3 887 034 www.illawarrafolkclub.org.au Tune Session Night 4th Friday of the month incl. supper. Chris Thom 9587 9966 Loaded Dog Folk Club from 7.30pm Gymea Tradies Club,Kingsway, Gymea Scottish and Old Time Dancing 4th Sat, Annandale Neighbourhood Centre, 79 Johnston (Kaimea room) Stringed and other instruments Orkney and Shetland Assoc. 3rd Sat, 8-11 pm. St St, 8pm. Sandra Nixon, 9358 4886, kxbears@ozemail. welcome Ability to play with others and have basic David’s Hall, Dalhousie St, Haberfield. $3 inc. supper. com.au. www.theloadeddog.org.au chord knowledge Welcome to listen Ph Ian Knight MOB Visitors most welcome. Jean Cooney 9874 5570. Macquarie Towns Music Club 0438830374 Macedonian Dance Class 3rd Sat,7.30pm Alternates between concert and round Blackheath Folk Club, Rockdale. 6.30-8.30pm, $5. Y Kaporis 0412 861 187 robin jam session format with concerts featuring a guest 1st Thurs, 7.30pm, Ivanhoe Hotel, cnr Gt Wstn Hwy and Mortdale Scottish Dancers artist supported by a ‘blackboard concert’ Govetts Leap Rd. Christine Davies, Peter Duggan 4787 Learners night (for learners and experienced), 7.30- Richmond Neighbourhood Centre, West Market St, 7246 9.30pm. Pensioners Welfare Club Hall, 76 Pitt Street, .Contact Dez Williams at 4578 5215 dwilliams@tpg. Gaelic Club. Mortdale. Pam Jehan 9580 8564. com.au Irish music lessons. Beginners and advanced, flute, Sutherland Shire Folk Dance Group The Shack. 1st Sat, presents 21st century original, fiddle, whistle, guitar, concertina, tenor banjo, bodhran. International Dancing Como Girl Guides Hall, 10- contemporary and traditional folk music at the Irish Gaelic Club, Surry Hills, 0413 941 459, info@ 11.30am. Kaye Laurendet 9528 4813 Tramshed, 1395a Pittwater Rd, Narrabeen at 7:30. BYO gaelicclub.com Linnéa Swedish Folkdancers drinks and nibblies. Contact Rhonda on 0416 635 856 Friday Estonian House, 141 Campbell St, Surry Hills. New or email Kathleen at [email protected]. BMC Beer & Cheese Night members welcome. For times contact Graeme Traves Troubadour Folk Club Themed music nights, 1st Fri (except holidays), 8-10pm. 9874 4194, [email protected] Central Coast, 4th Sat. in month 7pm CWA Hall, Woy Bring something to sing, eat, drink. Bush Music Club, Hut Woy. (opposite Fisherman’s Wharf), The Boulevard, 44, Addison Rd Community Centre, 142 Addison Rd, Mar- Woy Woy. Admission: $7 members/$8 conc. & other rickville. 9569 7244, [email protected] folk club mems/$10 non members. Everyone welcome Eastern Suburbs Poetry Group Tel. Frank or Marilyn 4341 4060, Email: mail.info@ 1st Friday, Church in the Market Place, Bondi Junction. troubadour.org.au www.troubadour.org.au 6.30-8.30pm. Gina 9349 6958 Springwood Neighbourhood Centre Acoustic Club S eSSIONS & Free Workshops 4th Fri, (Feb - Nov) 8pm, $7/$5, Springwood Monday Neighbourhood Centre, Macquarie Rd (next to library Bush Music Club and Oriental Hotel.) Visitors and floor performers MUSIC IN CONCERT Community Centre, 44/142 Addison Rd, Marrickville, welcome, Theresa 47518157, Jeannette 4754 4893 Tuesday 7.30pm. Music workshop. All singers and musicians Saturday welcome. Bob 9569 7244, [email protected] The Screw Soapers Guild - Writers Presenters & Fairlight Folk Acoustic Lounge Tuesday Listeners Group 4th Tues, 7.30pm, stories, poems, Held 4 times a year, Feb, May, Aug. Nov (usually Irish Music Session: Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday songs and conversation. Albert 9600 7153, email: 1st Sat) 7.45pm. A comfortably enticing, relaxed of the month from 7.30 – 10.30pm @ The Shamrock [email protected], website: www.folkclub. environment in which to see quality live acoustic music. Inn, Asquith Leagues Club, Alexandra Pd. Waitara com/folkodyssey/ Ajfjter show - jam. BYO drinks and nibbles. Light (short walk from station). It’s an open session and all Wednesday refreshments available. William St Studios, Fairlight musicians are welcome with focus on tunes rather than Wisefolk Club Last Wed in month, 11am-2.30pm, (The Baptist Church down from Sydney Rd. Contact songs. Phone Norm 9489 5786/normanmerrigan@ Toongabbie Bowling Club, 12 Station Rd, lunch at club Rosie 9948 7993. [email protected] bistro. Sonia 9621 2394 Allen 9639 7494, optusnet.com.au Thursday Irish music lessons, beginners and advanced, flute, Sunday ‘Posers & Composers’ performance session, every fiddle, whistle, guitar, concertina. Irish Gaelic Club, Surry Sydney Scottish Fiddlers Thursday, Newtown RSL (1st floor), 52 Enmore Rd, Hills, 0413 941 459, [email protected] 1st and 3rd Sun, 2-5pm, New Church, 4 Shirley Rd 7.30pm - 11pm. Free. To book a spot & enq Dennis Singing Out at The Gaelic Club Roseville. All ages welcome. Trish 9416 2402.  Aubrey 0408 452 464 [email protected] (2nd Friday of the month) singing sessions. Follows Irish Music Session Sutherland Folk Club Politics in the Pub. Upstairs, 64 Devonshire St, Surry Kellys, King Street, Newtown, 6pm. Enq. 9559 6300  2nd Thurs concert night. All ages. Members are Hills near Central Station. 8pm approx. All welcome. Music Session Hero of Waterloo, cnr Lower Fort welcome to join us at any of our concerts, do a floor Free. [email protected] St and Windmill Street, The Rocks. 6-10pm. Brendan spot. Enjoy a friendly , sociable night’s entertainment, 9818 4864 Wednesday support local talent. Contact Jenny 9576 2301. Irish Music Session. 3rd Sunday. Bennet Hotel, Jolly Frog Hotel. Jam Night. Cnr Bridge & Macquarie Friday Hamilton, 4-7.30pm Roz and Shane Kerr 44967 3167 Sts, Windsor. 7.30pm to late. Mark 0419 466 004 Hornsby Kuring-Gai Folk Club Irish Music Sessions - Dicey Riley’s, Wollongong 2pm. 3rd Fri, 8pm, Each month Beatrice Taylor Hall, rear Gosford Bush Poets Hotel Illawarra Wollongong, 3rd Sunday, 3pm, spoken Willow Park Community Centre, Edgeworth David Ave, Last Wednesday night of every month 7pm. The word, 5pm acoustic music Gosford Hotel, cnr of Mann & Erina Sts Gosford. Guest artist and floor spots, light supper provided BYO grog. Barry Parks 9807 9497 [email protected] Robert Maxwell-Jones at Sing Cockatoo. lllawarra Folk Club, Photo courtesy Danielle Townsend 1st Friday, Wollongong City Diggers Club, cnr Burelli & Church Streets, 1300 887 034 www.illawarrafolkclub. org.au Springwood Neighbourhood Centre Acoustic Club, or SNC Acoustic Club. Regular folk nights on the 4th Friday of each month (Feb - Nov), 8pm $7/$5 Springwood Neighbourhood Centre, Macquarie Rd, Springwood. (next to Civic Centre). Visitors and floor performers welcome. Enquiries, Mark Hand 02 4721 4230 or [email protected] Toongabbie Music Club 2nd and 4th Fri 8pm, Northmead Scout Hall, Whitehaven Road, Northmead. A session always happens so bring instruments. Allen Davis 9639 7494 [email protected]. or Ray Pulis 9899 2102. Saturday Bluegrass & Traditional Country Music Society of Aust. 1st Sat, March-December Sydney get-together. Annandale Neighbourhood Centre, 79 Johnston St, Annandale. Band workshop 7pm, concert 8.15pm,

The Folk Federation of NSW ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette FEBRUARY 2011 11 main entrance), Newcastle. Rod Noble 4962 Streets, 1300 887 034 www.illawarrafolkclub.org.au  REGIONAL EVENTS 3432 email: [email protected] Jamberoo: Session, Jamberoo Pub, Thurs, 7.30pm. : Scottish Country Dancing, Newcastle Irish Set Dancers, Tuesdays, 7.30- [email protected] Batemans Bay Caledonian Society -Tuesday  9.00pm, Scots Kirk, Hamilton, Newcastle. Julia Poet’s Breakfast, Wed. 7,.15am. Wollon- 7.30pm at Batemans Bay Bowling Club - visitors or Arthur, 4955 5701 [email protected], or gong Writers’ Centre, Town Hall, Corrimal St. welcome. Warren 4457 2065, Max 4472 5184

12 The CORNSTALK Gazette FEBRUARY 2011 Dobsons Printing Pty Ltd (02) 9417 0239 Conversations with Patricia Early - Part 2 (Aplified by Patricia and edited by Marg) Patricia Early, long time stalwart of Playford Dance and other though I had been the youngest in a family of boys and I had seen the dancegroups, also played folk music around Sydney and NSW naked male frame before. My embarrassment was a source of great during the ‘80s and ‘90s. This is a record of conversations with amusement to those present. Patricia where Christine Wheeler asked her to relate some stories The festival itself, was very small and intimate with probably about playing folk music 20-odd years ago. about 300 people at the most. Quite a few from Canberra, who, My first experience of a Folk Festival in Australia was at together with the Sydney mob, would have made up the majority of Numeralla in 1976. With a girl friend, Janette, I had hired a small, the people present. pop-up top caravan. We thought we had carefully packed the van There was virtually no set program except we did have a bush before leaving home but our inexperience was revealed en route to dance on one night and a couple of concerts - one at night and the the festival when we decided to stop for a cup of tea, miles from other during the afternoon. The bush dance was led by a scratch anywhere. We got out of the car and opened the van door and band of musos who would vary in numbers during the course of the were met by all our goods and chattels on the floor. Ah well, we evening, but it made it different from the norm. Also there was not eventually picked everything up and made the cuppa then on to the just one caller; if you wanted to call a dance you chatted to the musos festival. and, if they could come up with a suitable tune, you called the dance. On arrival at the camp site in Numeralla, we encountered another Very informal. small hitch. I had never backed a caravan and Janette didn’t even The evening concert, on the other hand, was more organized and drive a car, let alone have the skills to park a caravan. I noticed there the performers were there strictly by invitation. However, for the was another van parked just inside the gate and I ventured to knock afternoon concert, it was something like the blackboard concerts we the door. A chap came to the door and I asked him in my straight get at most festivals and all comers were welcome. forward way “Did you park this van?” “Yes” said he with a ‘what of For me the highlight of the festival were the campfires. There it’ air about him. So I asked him to come and park mine for me. were about six of them spread around the camp site and people just Readers might recognize a Sydney Morris man in that tale. This wondered from one to the other or stayed put, just as the moment was my introduction to some of the Sydney Morris Men. Up to took them. Not knowing very many people, my friend and I went that time I had only known one who was also a member of recently from one to the other. I heard some folk songs that night which you formed Playford Dance Group. won’t find in the orthodox books. As I am a lover of parodies, I After that we got off to a good start to the festival. However I had a very good night. When finally sleep called, we lay in our van quickly found out that the facilities were somewhat primitive. The listening to singing which continued through the night. toilet was a hole in the ground with a bottomless 44 gallon drum Needless to say, the next morning was very slow in starting and over it and a small amount of hessian (which was thin enough to the few workshops that did take place, did not start until very late see through) wrapped round the outside and held in place with four morning and early afternoon. All in all it was a very laid back festival wooden stakes; it was very flimsy but there was nothing else so you and an excellent one for raw beginners like us. had to use it or go bush. As a result of this weekend I felt I could go to the Folk There were no showers either and you simple went down to Federation bush dances (these were just being organized around the river to bathe. On the first morning I had modestly donned my Sydney on a regular basis) and would know some of the people. I swimsuit before leaving the van and wandered down to the spot on am also pleased that I can still call some of those people my friends, the river where the bank was low enough for people to get in and out all these years later and am an ardent fan of the ‘Wheeze and Suck easily. I dropped my towel and was just about to join the people in Band” some of whose members include those Morris Men from the river when, with one accord, all the Morris men stood up in the Numeralla 1976, and I look forward to being well enough to go to river. The water was quite shallow in places and when they stood up hear them again soon. I realized they hadn’t a stitch on. I still blushed in those days, even

Dance Update To date, 2010 was a significant year for social dancers. In February we initiated a campaign for the reinstatement of the Colonial Ball and the Coorong dance venue at the National Folk Festival. In April, at the 2010 NFF, The Australian Federation of Social Dancers (AFSD) was formed, followed by our on-line discussion group. We now have a promise from the NFF that the Colonial Ball has been reinstated and our “beautiful new dance floor in a permanent covered structure” is a reality. During that period our relationship with the NFF has gone from strength to strength and the focus of the AFSD has widened to embrace the greater dance community as well as dance musicians. The Federation has moved from being primarily a lobby group to being a point of contact and discussion forum for social dancers throughout Australia. The AFSD will be "officially" launched at the National Folk Festival in 2011 with a parade and massed display, "Diversity in Australian Social Dancing", organised by Jan & Vic Orloff. All states are invited to be represented. Plans are underway for several separate or one combined group of dancers to represent NSW. Belonging to a Dance Group is not a require- ment - individuals with basic dance skills are fine - as are individual Dance Musicians. Do note though, that participation will be on a purely voluntary basis and DOES NOT CARRY free admission to the NFF. /www.australianfederationofsocialdancers.com/ Robyn Graylin

The Folk Federation of NSW ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette FEBRUARY 2011 13 You are invited to . . . a night of Entry free! 2pm, Sun 20th February 2011 love Stories, music & poetry on the theme of ‘love’ - profound and foolish. Presented by local storytellers & members of Loosely Woven. Humph Hall 7pm, Friday 25th February 2011 85 Allambie Road, Allambie Heights

Formerly the Allambie Heights Uniting Church, Humph Hall is now the private home of Gial & Wayne. Donation: $25/$15 9939 8802 or [email protected] - humphhall.org Humph Hall 85 Allambie Road, Allambie Heights Formerly the Allambie Heights Uniting Church, Humph Hall is now the private home of Gial and Wayne. Bookings: 9939 8802 or [email protected] - humphhall.org

NSW - state of play Songs of Henry Lawson Songs of Chris Kempster Item Reg Mem* Qty Total NSW - State of Play (double CD snapshot of the 2008 NSW folk scene) $15 $10 The Songs of Henry Lawson (new songbook edition with 375 settings) $30 $25 The Songs of Chris Kempster (double CD) $25 $20 Postage & Packaging: ($10 for book + up to 2 CD sets) ($3 for 1 CD set, $5 for 2 CD sets) * Join the Folk Fed now and receive member’s discount. See jam.org.au for membership form. Total: I enclose my cheque/money order payable to: Folk Federation of NSW Please charge my credit card:

Card number: ______/ ______/ ______/ ______(Expiry date: ___ / ___ ) Name on card: ______Signature: Send with remittance & return address to: Folk Federation of NSW, PO Box A182, Sydney South NSW 1235

14 The CORNSTALK Gazette FEBRUARY 2011 Dobsons Printing Pty Ltd (02) 9417 0239 The Folk Federation of NSW ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette FEBRUARY 2011 15 HELD AT THE COBARGO SHOWGROUND 7 Venues CobargoHAPPINESS ♥ HARMONY  HUMOUR FOLK Festival The Cream of Festivals Friday 25, Saturday 26, Sunday 27, February 2011 • Music • Cabaret • Dance • Sessions • Open Mic • Comedy • Blues • • Poetry • à Capella • Traditional • Bush Dances • Jazz • • Choirs • Bluegrass • Celtic • C & W • Exotic Food Stalls • • World Music • Workshops • Kid’s Activities • ‘The Crossing’ Youth • On-site Camping • Hotline: 02-6493-6758 www.cobargofolkfestival.com All At Sea Arch Bishop Black JoakSPONSORS: Bombala Community Choir Brown Mountain Bogtrotters Bruce Watson Canberra Union Voices Chris O’Connor Coolgrass Damien Neil & Damon Davies Dana Lyons (USA) Contra Dancing with Julie Bishop & Pastrami on Ryebuck Daniel Champagne Danny Mack & Genre Agnostic Di Khupe Heybnerscountry Far energySth Coast Scottish Dancers Female Rambling Sailors Frog In The Well Glover & Sorrensen GobsmackedBega Guitarama Valley Shire Ian Council MacDougall Jim Williams John Warner Kade Brown Trio Ken Prato Lucy Thorne & Jay McMahon Marco Solo Martyn Wyndham-Read (UK) Mereweather No Such Thing O’Neill & Rodgers Orange Blossom Peter Hicks & Ross Smithard Peter Mace Phil Stormer Replay Riogh The Roaring Forties Roger Montgomery & John Angliss Ruby for Lucy Shakshuka Shortis & Simpson16 The CORNSTALK Strathmannan Gazette Strelley FEBRUARY Talla 2011 Tango The Blue Ruins The Fagans TheDobsons Puddin’ Printing Eaters Pty TheLtd (02) Silver 9417 Strings0239 The Woohoo Revue Three’s CompanyPresented Triantan by: WarrenTHE YUIN Fahey FOLK & CLUB Marcus Inc., Holden PO Box Winnetts 5126, Cobargo, Irish NSWDancers 2550 Wizard • ABN 91& Oz772 Z 762ondrae 752 • KingReg. No. & MORE Y2335630