Folk Federation of New South Wales Inc Issue 419 July 2010 $3.00

Dates For Your Diary Folk News Dance News CD Reviews

STIFF GINS proud passionate and talented

Folk Federation of New South Wales Inc 1970 - 2010 40 YEARS new Advertising sizes Size mm Members Not Mem JULY 2010 Folk Federation of New South Wales Inc Full page 210 x 297 $80 $120 Post Office Box A182 In this issue Sydney South NSW 1235 1/2 page 210 x 146 $40 $70 Dates for your diary p4 ISSN 0818 7339 ABN9411575922 or Festivals, workshops, schools p6 jam.org.au 102 x 146 Folk News p7 Dancers & NFF “Roll The Ball” p8 The Folk Federation of NSW Inc, formed in 1/4 page 102 x 146 $25 $50 Folk Contacts p10 1970, is a Statewide body which aims to present, support, encourage and collect folk m usic, folk 1/8 page 102 x 70 $15 $35 Industry Insights p13 dance, folklore and folk activities as they exist Concert Reviews p14 in Australia in all their forms. It provides a link Advertising artwork required by 5th of each month. Martin Carthy Interview (con’t) p14 for people interested in the folk arts through its Advertisements can be produced by Cornstalk if Deadline for August Issue required. Please contact the editor for enquiries about affiliations with folk clubs throughout NSW and its advertising Tel: 6493 6758 ADVERTS 6th July counterparts in other States. It bridges all styles COPY 12th July and interests to present the folk arts to the widest All cheques for advertisements and inserts to be made payable to the Folk Federation of NSW Inc possible audience. (Front cover picture - Stiff Gins - Editor’s Note courtesy Barry Parks) Cornstalk Editor - Coral Vorbach Cornstalk has gone ‘digital’ - newer COMMITTEE 2009-2010 Post Office Box 5195. Cobargo NSW 2550 technology, a more cost effective way of President, Anthony Woolcott Tel/Fax: 02 6493 6758 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] printing, and thanks to the many members receiving their newsletter electronically we Vice President: Christine Wheeler Cornstalk is the official publication of the Folk don’t have to print so many copies. Secretary: Pam Davis 02 9955 3677 Federation of NSW. Contributions, news, reviews, Email: [email protected] poems, photographs most welcome. The format is now A4 and the new Treasurer: Bruce Cameron 02 6331 1129 Photographs and Artwork advert sizes are listed above. Photographs - high resolution JPG or TIFF files. Email: [email protected] 300 dpi images cropped at correct size. Committee: Dallas Baxter, James Baxter, We use Adobe In-Design, Photoshop 6, Microsoft Word. If your event misses Cornstalk, Julie Terry Clinton, Kate Delaney, Sandra Nixon, PLEASE do not send photographs as part of a Word Bishop 02 9524 0247, julie@folkfednsw. Peter Miller Robinson, Margaret Walters Document . org.au can include it in Folkmail, the No part of Cornstalk may be reproduced without permis- weekly email to members. And don’t Membership: Wayne Richmond Listserv/ sion of the publishers. All care but no responsibility Jam/Membership 9939 8802 (not after taken for omissions or errors. forget that as a member you can put 8.00pm please.) Wrap Co-ordinator James Baxter 02 9810 4131 information on jam.org.au, where - [email protected] helpful tutorials will guide you. Welcome to new members Linda & Mel Blair - Soldiers Point

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2 The CORNSTALK Gazette JULY 2010 Dobsons Printing Pty Ltd (02) 9417 0239 Annual General Meeting 2010 Sunday 17th July 3pm At The Bush Music Hutt (Tritton Hall) 44 Addison Road Community Centre 142 Addison Road, Marrickville

AGENDA

1. Attendance, Apologies 2. Minutes of the AGM held 26 July 2009 3. Reports a) President’s Report b)Treasurer’s Report c) Membership Report 4. Voting on Special Resolution : MOVED : That Life Membership of the Folk Federation of NSW be awarded to Colleen Burke, John Dengate, Warren Fahey and Frank Maher. 5. Elections a) Appointment of Returning Officer. b) Election of Committee : President – Treasurer – Vice-President – Secretary – Committee – c) Appointment of bank signatories d) Appointment of auditor 6. General Business Chloë & Jason Roweth Concert & Workshop Entry by donation: $20/$15 (Bookings advisable) (Song workshop free!) Workshop: 4pm Concert: 7pm Sunday 4th July Bk: 9939 8802 Humph Hall

The Folk Federation of NSW ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette JULY 2010 3 dates for your diary July 2010 tea, coffee. BYO drinks, nibbles. 0413 635 856, [email protected] PRESIDENT’S REPORT Sunday 4th The end of another financial year ►Humph Hall. is upon us and I wish to advise that the  4pm ‘Sing Us Another One!’ - AGM will be held at 3pm on Sunday Australian Song Workshop with Chloe the 17th of July at the Bush Music Hut and Jason Roweth - come and learn (Tritton Hall) hut 44, Addison Road many of the songs which will be part of Community Centre, 142 Addison Rd, the concert/DVD recording (see below). Marrickville. All positions are open. 4pm Humph Hall, 85 Allambie Road, Members will be asked to vote Allambie Heights. (Free for concert on a special resolution to award life Midnight from Memphis (USA) attendees). Bookings: Wayne Richmond membership for Colleen Burke, John (02) 9939 8802 or [email protected]. Dengate, Warren Fahey and Frank  7pm ‘Sing Us Another One!’ Maher. Metropolitan - Australian Song Concert/DVD All the forms you may need re the recording with Chloe and Jason meeting can be found on Jam or by Thursday 1st Roweth - All welcome. 7pm, Humph – Robin contacting our illustrious secretary Pam James Craig Shanty Night Hall, 85 Allambie Road, Allambie Connaughton leads a session on the Davis on 0412 730754. Heights. $20/$15 Bookings: Wayne different rhythms used in shanties – this We actually managed to increase Richmond [email protected] or may sound academic, but with Robin the number of committee members (02) 9939 8802. Web: humphhall.org leading it, it’ll be lots of fun. serving at last years meeting and rowethmusic.com.au it would be great to see that trend Friday 2nd continue. I’ve got to say my two and ►Practice for Wattle Blossom BMC Beer & Cheese Night. ‘The West’s bit years on committee have been more Formal Colonial Dance. East Gosford Awake.’ Things have always been rewarding than I could have imagined. Progress Hall, cnr Wells St and Henry a bit different on the far side of the I feel privileged to now think of this Parry Drive. 10am - 5pm. $5. BYO Nullarbor. Western Australian folk fine group of people as good friends. lunch. Tea and coffee supplied. Robyn song. Bring songs on the theme, and Meetings and events/festivals have or Richard, 4344 6484. Program something to eat and drink for supper. always been accompanied by good food, and dance instructions at ccbdma.org/ Tritton Hall (Hut 44), Addison Rd the occasional wine and particularly Community Centre, 142 Addison Rd, Monday 5th good company – I recommend the Marrickville. 8-10pm. $5. Bob 9569 BMC Dance Workshop, ‘Colonial, Old experience highly to all. 7244, [email protected] Time and Bush’. Leader John Short. We recently managed to “complete” Pennant Hills Community Centre, our contract with Garry Allen and so Saturday 3rd Yarrara Rd. 7.30-9.30pm. $7. Felicity – band TBC. All now have total control over the sale of Beecroft Bush Dance 9456 2860 the Henry Lawson Books. As a result dances taught. Beecroft Community Centre, Beecroft Rd (opp Fire Station). Thursday 8th we have been able to offer a reduction ►Sutherland Acoustic. Roaring in price (see order from in Cornstalk) 8pm-12. $17, $14, $12, includes supper. Helen 9626 7816. bushmusic.org.au Forties - Robin Connaughton, Tom and feel confident we will be able to Hanson, Chris Maltby, Don Brian sell more and more on this wonderful The Shack. Green Mohair Suits, six- piece ensemble, with a love of sweet and Margaret Walters - specialise in resource. The committee has discussed rousing chorus songs and sea shanties. a number of possibilities for Lawson harmony and miserable lyrics (of love, woe and drinking). Like old time Their distinctive sound comes from concerts, which I’m sure will come to the interplay of their strong individual nd mountain string bands they have banjo, fruition in the 2 half of the year (new voices. The songs they choose tell committee permitting, of course). guitar, mandolin, lapsteel, upright bass, and accordion. Influenced by bluegrass, of real people, their lives and work. I will do a full list of thankyous in + Cameron Mather, brilliant young my Presidents Report for the AGM, folk, and country, but with their own brand of Australiana. + Phil Bracken Gaelic singer and bouzouki player. which will be in the next edition of Raffles, free supper, cake. Floor spots Cornstalk. - an obvious dreamer, his music is powerful and absorbing. Unique, warm by prior request. Sutherland Trade If you have the time and the Union Club (also referred to as the inclination, please come and join in voice and rhythms that are calm yet intense and hypnotic. + Gilbert Whyte, Gymea Tradies Club), Kingsway, YOUR AGM- I even promise to bring Gymea. 7.30pm sharp. $15, $10, some nice wine and I’m sure the food Scottish songwriter - traditional, contemporary, folk, blues. A travelling kids free, FF $12. Jenny 9576 2301, will be very tasty, as always. [email protected]. Lets toast our 40th year together. musician, fingerpicking his way about , with Andre Cheers, Australia with guitar, banjo, and ►Easy Dance Workshop rambling storytelling songs. Tramshed Van De Plas. A selection of folk dances suitable for beginners and older adults. Anthony Woolcott Community Arts Centre, 1395a Pittwater Rd, Narrabeen (betw. car park & Ambulance). 7.30 -11pm. $15. Free

4 The CORNSTALK Gazette JULY 2010 Dobsons Printing Pty Ltd (02) 9417 0239 Gymea Scout Hall, June Place, Gymea. that prod us into checking that our 10am - 2.30pm. $12. Bring your lunch – actions are in line with our values - but Regional and ACT also songs of unrequited love and tragic tea and coffee provided. Kaye 9528 4813 Reid, ACT. 7.30pm. earthlydelights. Saturday 10th folkness! Annandale Neighbourhood Centre, upstairs, 79 Johnston St. 8pm. com.au Wattle Blossom Formal Colonial Dance, $14, $12, BYO, supper available. MERRY MUSE – JULY with Fair Dinkum and invited callers. Sandra 9358 4886, theloadeddog.org.au Friday 9th Formal Colonial Costume is requested. New York Public Library + Hoddle. ►The Troubadour. Out Of The Blue East Gosford Progress Hall, cnr Wells St Saturday 17th - Glenn (guitar, bass guitar), Ajala and Henry Parry Drive. 7.30-11.30pm. Midnight from Memphis (featuring (flute, sax, percussion), Rosie (flute, Supper provided. $17, $14, $12; David Long & Scott Simontacchi) + percussion), Peter (guitar, harmonica) students 13-18 $8. Robyn or Richard, Dave O’Neill & Bob Rogers. and Mark (sound guy, roadie and ‘really 4344 6484. Programme and dance Friday 23rd helpful guy’). Relaxed acoustic feel. instructions at ccbdma.org/ Sharing Dreams - Local singer Popular songs and originals, acoustic Monday 12th songwriters sing each other’s songs. guitars, light percussion, flutes and up BMC Dance Workshop, ‘Colonial, Old Merry Muse fundraiser. to four voices in harmony. Floor spots Time and Bush’. + 1975 documentary The Merry Muse available. Light supper provided. CWA ‘The White Rose Orchestra’, which Canberra Southern Cross Club Hall (opp. Fisherman’s Wharf), The tells the story of Frank Bourke, one of McCaughey St, Turner, ACT Boulevarde, Woy Woy. 7pm. $10, $8, Australia’s best known Old Time dance $7, performers $5. Children free with musicians. Leader John Short. Pennant Stiff Gins paying adult. 4341 4060 AH, 0417 159 Hills Community Centre, Yarrara Rd. Stiff Gins are Nardi Simpson and 540. troubadour.org.au 7.30-9.30pm. $7. Felicity 9456 2860 Kaleena Briggs. In the 11 years since Friday 16th Sunday 25th their first meeting at the Eora Centre ►Humph Hall. in Redfern, Stiff Gins have performed ►Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Folk Club. Guest 1-5pm ‘Songwriting Made Easy’ artists Stiff Gins. Beatrice Taylor Hall, at cultural institutes in New Caledo- a song-writing workshop with one rear Willow Park Community Centre, nia, Vietnam, Spain, been part of cul- of Australia’s finest songwriters, Edgeworth David Ave, Hornsby. Candle tural exchanges to Tanzania, Uganda, Bruce Watson - All welcome. 1-5pm, lit venue, tables can be booked. Doors Kenya, Egypt, Lebanon, Kuwait, Humph Hall, 85 Allambie Road, 7.30pm. $15 - BYO drinks and nibbles- UAE and Cyprus, played festivals and Allambie Heights. $20/$15 ($30/$20 tea and coffee provided. Barry Parks shows throughout Canada, the US, for workshop & concert - see below) 9807 9497, [email protected] Ireland and performed extensively Bookings essential (numbers limited throughout Australia. Stiff Gins are ►The Harp. Midnight from Memphis to 16) Wayne Richmond 9939 8802 or through harmony and song, reclaim- (USA), feat. David Long & Scott [email protected] ing a derogatory term for Aboriginal Simmontacchi. 8pm. $25; $20 conc. Web: humphhall.org women, instead declaring its meaning The Harp, Tempe. brucewatsonmusic.com as proud, passionate and talented. Saturday 17th 7pm - Bruce Watson in Concert Achievements include, Balmain Bush Dance with Southern Humph Hall, 85 Allambie Road, Nominees Album of the Year, Band Cross. All dances taught. Rozelle Allambie Heights. $20/$15 ($30/$20 Campus, Sydney College, 25 Terry St. of the Year, Single of the Year, 2005 for workshop & concert (see above) Deadly Awards 8pm-12. $17, $14, $12, incl. supper. Bookings: Wayne Richmond wayne@ Winners Songlines Award, Australian Don or Wendy 9642 7950. bushmusic.org.au humph.org or (02) 9939 8802 Web: Live Music Awards Best Indigenous Monday 19th humphhall.org brucewatsonmusic.com Live Act 2002 BMC Dance Workshop, ‘Dance Party Monday 26th Winners Best Single, The Deadly’s, Practice’. Leader Don Richmond. BMC Dance Workshop, ‘Dance Party Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pennant Hills Community Centre, Yarrara Practice’. Leader Don Richmond. Music Awards 2001 Rd. 7.30-9.30pm. $7. Felicity 9456 2860 Pennant Hills Community Centre, Saturday 24th Yarrara Rd. 7.30-9.30pm. $7. Felicity Nominees Best Live Act-NSW, Aus- The Loaded Dog. Bruce Watson (Vic.), 9456 2860 tralian Live Music Awards 2001 hilarious humorist and writer and Satuday 31st Winners Most Promising New Talent, performer who can move audiences RFDS Contra Dance, with Pastrami On The Deadly’s, Aboriginal and Torres to tears, performs around Australia Rybuck, caller Julie Bishop. Granville Strait Islander Music Awards 2000 at festivals, clubs etc. His energetic Town Hall, Carlton St. 8pm-midnight. Nominees Best Female Artist, Aus- presentation and witty lyrics are joyful and thoroughly engaging. He is a $17, $14, includes good supper. John tralian World Music Awards 2000 masterful craftsman of songs, evocative 9623 7551, Leila 9896 8992 Recipients of the Centenary Medal in and heart wrenching, or side-splittingly Saturday 17th 2003 for ‘Services to the Community funny. + Jenny Fitzgibbon (Maleny, ‘The Age of Indulgence Chocolate Ball.’ through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Qld) just loves singing and loves St John’s Church Hall, Constitution Ave, Islander Music’ the skill of those who have written (Appearing at Hornsby Ku-rig-gai wonderful songs. She is keen on songs Folk Club Friday 16th July)

The Folk Federation of NSW ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette JULY 2010 5 Festivals, Workshops, Schools ‘Peace Love and Powder’

9th - 11th July At Australia’s ‘Coolest’ Andre van de Plas Folk Dance Weekend, Bowral. Kaye 9528 4813 Festival. July 7th - 11th July It was all ‘Peace Love and Powder’ brought some festival sunshine to the snow for the little and big, with a line- Festival of Voices for the 2nd year of the Perisher up of fantastic entertainment alongside www.festivalofvoices.com.au Snowy Mountains of Music Festival. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks many opportunities to get your hands July 9th - 12th July and lots of powder, audiences reveled dirty with circus, songs, storytelling Redlands Bluegrass Convention in the unique surrounds and packed and music at over 20 sessions over the www.redlandscountry.asn.au/bg-htm into over 12 venues across the resort to weekend. (07) 3206 9226 experience Perisher’s awesome 4 day With one festival under their belt, the 15th August music festival on the June long weekend super organization and detail of this Shir Madness. Inaugural Jewish music festi- with many of Australia’s top bands year’s festival was apparent, with val. www.shirmadness.com wowing the crowds. the festival team working very hard 20th - 22nd August With over 40 bands and 150 acts alongside a very dedicated group of Kelly Country Pic it was an unforgettable festival with over 60 passionate volunteers. From www.kellycountrypick.org headliners and festival favourites big acts to small, to tango and African [email protected] pulling the biggest crowds. Music workshops, everything ran very 2nd - 4th September connoisseurs came out in the snow to professionally and transport between Folk Alliance Convention, ‘Ausfolk 2010’, see one of Australia’s most formidable venues went like clockwork. Woodford, Qld. talents Jeff Lang live and intimate, Stay tuned - Festival Team will meet soon to discuss the 2011 festival 15th - 19th September whilst on Saturday night the Perisher The Turning Wave - Gundagai crowd partied till late with Mista which will run from 10-13 June, and www.turningwave.org.au Savona from Melbourne with a set to applications for artists will be open from remember fusing hip hop vocals from October on. More pics up on the festival 2nd - 4th October website as well as on our Facebook page. Ben Hall Festival - Forbes Vi’da Sunshine with Hugo’s freestyling The Perisher Snowy Mountains of [email protected] rap and some great reggae grooves. Sunday night Smiggins was the Music – Australia’s Coolest Festival! 17th October place to be and proved to be the biggest www.snowymountainsofmusic.com.au Folk In The Foothills - Jamberoo www.snowymountainsofmusic.com.au> www.illawarrafolkclub.org. 1300 887 034 night of the whole festival. It was a stellar line-up starting with the big 22nd - 24th October blues sound of Chase the Sun followed Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival by The Tealeaves, Jeff Lang, some www.kangaroovalleyfolkfestival.com 26th Illawarra impromptu circus burlesque from 22nd - 24th October Circus Wow and the only appearance Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival Folk Festival by Blue King Brown which had Performer applications are now open Dorrigo Showgrounds festival-goers packing the floor till www.dorrigofolkbluegrass.com.au for the 26th Illawarra Folk Festival late into the night. Last year’s festival to be held from 13-16 January 2011 at 29th October - 1st November, 2010 favourites A French Butler Called Bulli Showground, Slacky Flat. Maldon Folk Festival Smith drew crowds everywhere they www.maldonfolkfestival.com’ Bulli is a northern suburb of went with their kooky costumes and Wollongong and is around one hour 14th - 16th January funked-up brass, whilst the wonderful south of Sydney. Cygnet Folk Festival and witty sound of The Hussy Hicks We will also be holding our 8th Applications now open created a hoe-down at every show the Folk Music School to be held during www.cygnetfolkfestival.com gals frequented. the festival on 12 and 13 January. We 13th - 16th January The poetry program once again 26th Illawarra Folk Festival Performer ap- proved popular with festival-goers. are also looking for tutors and students. plications open now. The Broken Ski Award went to Max Applications close 31 July 2010 www.illawarrafolkclub.org. 1300 887 034 Merckenschlager from South Australia 26th - 28th February for his outstanding poem Snowy Cobargo Folk Festival (note applications no Mountain Magic which was dedicated Cobargo Folk Festival open closing date 31st August 2010) apply to families and friends of the 1997 online to: www.cobargofolkfestival.com Thredbo Village landslide victims. The 2011 21st - 25th April 2011 Snowy Poetry Cup – the festival’s live 25th, 26th, 27th February 2011 poetry slam - was won by Nimmity National Folk Festival Canberra Applications close 31st August, 2010. www. www.folkfestival.asn.au Zappert from Sydney. cobargofolkfestival.com The kids festival at Perisher Centre

6 The CORNSTALK Gazette JULY 2010 Dobsons Printing Pty Ltd (02) 9417 0239 The Royal flying doctor service folk news Contra Dance This year’s Contra dance to raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Sydneyvision Song Service will be held on 31st July at Granville Town Hall. One of the Contest organisers, John Short, writes about the event. Bands Of Sydney! Your Suburb Needs You! This is the 14th year of the RFDS Contra dance organised by Leila The Newtown Neighbourhood Centre with Flower and me. Each year we have been able to provide a donation to one of the support of the Dendy Newtown and the Australia’s most trusted organisations, the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Sandringham Hotel are thrilled to announce Nearly every Australian knows of the great work performed by the RFDS. the first ever Sydneyvision Song Contest. They not only provide emergency rescue services but also provide clinics in SUBURB versus SUBURB some of the most remote areas of Australia. In recent years their services have expanded to include dental and mental health clinics. They are also working The Ultimate Musical Showdown with Indigenous groups in places such as Wilcannia to improve community The contest entry rules are simple: health. I think the RFDS motto “The furthest corner, the finest care” sums it up Film you (and your band if they exist) perfectly. performing an original song (Video “Pastrami on Ryebuck” (the Contra alias of the “Ryebuck Bush Band”) recordings are preferred in .mov format) with Julie Bishop calling have played at nearly all our dances, and will The song must contain the name of the be playing this year as well. We appreciate Julie’s expertise at the caller’s suburb you claim to represent somewhere in the lyrics. microphone and her ability to get everyone, even first time dancers, moving to Send a copy to the Newtown the music. And the music is always first class with a really talented bunch of Neighbourhood Centre along with a $10 musicians. entry fee. We usually hold the dance at the Granville Town Hall and love the and in deference to the Eurovision song ambiance of the 1880’s hall especially since the restoration by Parramatta contest and the high cultural standards that Council about 5 years ago. I must thank the Council also. They provide the contests sets: hall at a reduced rate which allows us to donate more to the RFDS. At least one of the performers must be Attendance at the dance has varied from a low of 65 to a high of 102. wearing sequins OR wink shamelessly at the However the increasing popularity of Contra dancing generally, and our dance camera at some point of the song video. in particular, has meant that numbers have been climbing over recent years. The Grand Final at the Dendy Newtown: Of course we want that trend to continue. In the past we have welcomed 14 finalists will be selected from the entries. dancers from all parts of Australia and even a few from the United States who These will be compiled for a special Grand have heard of the dance from the internet. Final screening at the Dendy Newtown on Leila provides a beautiful supper with a great variety of freshly prepared 25 August 2010 at 7pm where the winning food. There are breads, cheeses and spreads along with cakes, slices, biscuits Song of Sydney will be chosen. and a variety of fruit. The Prizes: Our thanks also go to our assistants on the night who help at the door and As well as getting to know you have written in the kitchen, set out the tables, move the chairs and do all the other things the best song in the history of the world that make the event a success. about Hurlstone Park, Wooloomooloo, or Whether you are an experienced dancer, a learner or even a first-timer you Bondi Junction, there will also be prizes: will enjoy the RFDS Contra. Bring your friends and make a party. We’d love First Prize: $200 plus a 15 minute gig at the to see you there. Newtown Festival Second Prize: $150 The RFDS Contra Dance will be held at Granville Town Hall in Carlton st Third Prize: $100 Street, Granville, on Saturday 31 July 2010. There is plenty of parking The three winners will also get to perform at alongside the hall. The dance starts at 8pm. Tickets are only $14 for Bush the Champions Night gig at the Sandringham Music Club, Folk Federation and other affiliated groups and pensioners and Hotel on 9 September 2010 $17 for others. Enq, John 9623 7551 or Leila 9896 8992. For more details call Ken at the Newtown John Short Neighbourhood Centre at 9516 4755 or email [email protected] Remembering Declan Colleen Burke with Margaret Walters and Paul Mortimer are organising a concert at the Gaelic Club on Saturday 11 September to remember Declan Tommy Emmanual Recognised Affley and celebrate his life. Australian guitarist Tommy Emmanuel The concert will start in the afternoon and continue on with a session of has been recognised as a Member of the songs and tunes. Order of Australia. Great line up of artists: Bob Campbell, Seamus Gill, Kate Delaney, Paddy The guitarist now has more than his Affley, Jeannie Lewis, Mick Flanaghan, Cornerbrook - Bridie Burke, Ben music to celebrate, after being appointed a Stephenson, Ben MacAtamey and Cory Clarke) Colleen Burke, John Dengate, Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for Margaret Walters, Bob and Margaret Fagan. his contributions to music.

The Folk Federation of NSW ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette JULY 2010 7 Dancers and National folk festival “Roll the Ball”

There were major developments in dance at the National Folk organised quickly to allow management to make a response in time Festival (NFF) in Canberra at Easter. The NFF is well-known for its for programming to start for next year’s festival. The submission was concerts and workshops but also happens to be Australia’s premier co-ordinated by Alex Bishop and submitted by Peter in late May. festival for dancers. Since it moved to Canberra in 1992, dancers from every state have come together to share their dances and learn Rolling the Ball those of other groups. Meantime NFF management had been busy and Sebastian This year the main dance venue, the Coorong pavillion, which in circulated notice of the “Rolling the Ball” initiative. He assured the previous years has been host to the Colonial, Irish, Scottish, English dancers that a suitable venue capable of accommodating the Colonial and American Balls, as well as a wide variety of workshops, had to Ball and other large dances, would be provided for the 2011 festival. be re-allocated as a concert venue. Damage to the floor had made it As this would involve considerable expense he proposed that the unsafe for dancing and the continued growth of the festival meant dancers might like to try to raise $20,000 to defray part of the cost. that it was needed for concerts. This initiative was circulated to dancers 2 days before The consequent loss of the Coorong meant that the area available submission of the dancers’ requests to NFF management so it for dancing dropped from over 1700 square metres in 2009 to 555 seemed that everyone was agreeing at the same time about the way in 2010. Also, the number of venues for balls and workshops was forward. It was greeted enthusiastically by dancers and in a little reduced from three to two. Despite the best efforts of NFF organisers over a week $6,000 has been raised. to find a suitable off-site venue for one of the main dance events, For those of you who love dancing at the National and would the Colonial Ball, the disruption to the dance programme meant that like to help ensure its continued strength, instructions on how to many of the dancers were unhappy about the new situation. donate can be found on the NFF web site (http://www.folkfestival. AFSD Formed asn.au/news/rolling-the-ball/). Donations are tax-deductible. In response, the dancers organised a meeting on Easter Sunday at Much has happened in the weeks since the festival and there is the festival, chaired by Peter Ellis, a Colonial dancer from Victoria. now a National organisation that can communicate the aspirations This was attended by Sebastian Flynn, the NFF General Manager, of dancers to the NFF. Once the pressing issues of obtaining suitable and Dave O’Neill, the Artistic Director. At least 100 dancers, venues at the NFF are addressed AFSD can consolidate and turn representing most states and territories of Australia and many its attention to longer-term goals. One of these is to help state- different dance styles, were present. based dance groups to co-ordinate their programme applications Despite some airing of grievances, the tone of the meeting was for the NFF. Another must be to assist NFF in their efforts to lobby generally cordial and both the dancers and management agreed government to expand the facilities at EPIC. that there should be better communication. Sebastian explained For its part, NFF management must soon say how it plans to the limitations of the Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC), which is use the donations of the dancers that have been made in good faith running out of built venues to accommodate the growing festival. without knowing to what purpose they will be put. Discussion over Many dancers spoke and stressed their disappointment at the loss the next weeks should focus on the details of management’s plans to of the Coorong, which is ideally suited to dance. They also made provide a suitable major venue for dance at EPIC. the point that the dance programme adds variety to the festival and Social dance continues to play a major part in the NFF with an opportunity for social engagement with others, in contrast to 18% of attendees at the 2009 festival stating that they had attended concert attendance, which has less opportunity for social interaction. a dance workshop. This contrasts with other large Australian folk A common feature of almost all dance workshops and Balls at the festivals where dance has either disappeared from the programme festival is that they are participatory and involve groups of dancers or is only poorly represented. Social dance is also an activity that interacting with each other (social dance) requires physical and mental effort. The meeting concluded with many of the dancers providing their Consequently, dancing can prevent heart disease and stroke, online contact details in order to promote communication between reduce obesity and delay onset of senile dementia. As such it fulfils each other and NFF management. From this beginning, an online many of the Federal Government’s health initiatives. Perhaps these group was established by Aylwen Garden from Canberra. The name positive attributes can be used to lobby for purpose-built facilities at of the group was provided by Maureen Morris from Adelaide to EPIC, a point that was raised at the Sunday meeting at the NFF by reflect the socially interactive nature of many of the dance styles: Ann Young. The Australian Federation of Social Dancers (AFSD). The preferences for dance venues at the NFF as described in the Robyn Graylin from NSW had done much of the early submission from AFSD to NFF management follow in descending organisation to establish a “committee” of representatives from order of preference. each state and territory. The AFSD steering group currently consists Short-term Preferences of chairman Peter Ellis, secretary Robyn (NSW), Aylwen (ACT), 1. Reinstate Coorong by repairing/replacing the damaged floor or by Maureen (SA), Coral Eden (VIC), Tony Northey (TAS), Jan Orloff placing a floating floor (similar to Mallee) over existing covering. (QLD), Rosie Fleay (WA), Mara Dobrini (NT). Provide changing rooms. Arrange hall for better acoustics. Membership of AFSD is free and can be accessed online through 2. Provide an alternative similar-sized venue to Coorong. Fitzroy is Google Groups http://groups.google.com.au/group/dancefl. You can the only likely possibility and would need a large floating floor over also visit the new web site http://www.australianfederationofsocial existing concrete to make a dancing area. dancers.com. If you are interested in dance and want to keep up-to- 3, Extend the floor in Mallee as far as possible so there is no edge date with what is happening, especially at the National level, you and move the stage against the front wall and the sound technicians are encouraged to join. You are also encouraged to have your say to the back wall. This would make it the major dance venue and as the group exists to facilitate communication between the dancers although smaller than the Coorong it would be larger than in themselves as well as between dancers and other organisations, previous years. To assure the continuation of the same number of particularly the NFF. dance workshops as at festivals prior to 2010 at least one other venue The first task for the AFSD was to canvass what the membership is required. Quokka would be suitable providing it had a floating wanted for dancing at future National Folk Festivals and then to floor similar to the one in Mallee. Henley is a possible alternative or prepare a submission to present to NFF management. This had to be addition to Quokka.

8 The CORNSTALK Gazette JULY 2010 Dobsons Printing Pty Ltd (02) 9417 0239 4. A dance venue in a tent on the oval is most unsuitable for the viable option for a large temporary floor to be laid in, which will be following reasons: It is difficult to provide a sufficient area of subsequently stored in good storage (at a cost to the festival) so it unencumbered space with a tent due to the presence of poles. This can be kept in good condition for each festival. $20,000 will be the disrupts the flow of the dance and could present a safety issue.The minimum required to create this temporary dance floor. need for proximity to change rooms and toilets is unlikely to be met I am very happy to keep lines of communication open, but I really with a tent on the oval. Moreover, in wet weather, tracking of mud do not have the time for delegations or round table deliberations. and water onto the floor will present an additional safety issue and This is because I think the issues are clear and that such further flooding of oval venues is a possibility. Tent venues on the oval are discussion will only hold up the process of fundraising. much more likely to be suited to concerts, as shown by the success At this stage, I think to aim for a large temporary dance floor of the Majestic venue at the 2010 festival. Also, in wet weather, a in the Fitzroy is our best option and I think we should all put tent on the oval is less of a safety issue for a concert compared to a our eggs into that basket and ‘line up longways for as many dance. as will’ to raise the funds! I am about to send out a refresher follow-up to remind people where we are up to and see if Long-term preferences there can be another push to take us further. Due to the continued growth in attendance at the NFF, the clear long- Best regards term solution is to provide more built venues at EPIC. One possible solution to the dance venue problem would be to build a pavilion Sebastian similar to Coorong but with retractable sound-proof dividing walls, similar to those in conference centres. This would allow the building to be used for multiple dance workshops in the daytime and for large evening dances. (See plan: Attachment 1) Proposed action plan: 1. Submission of consensus proposal to NFF management (completed May 2010). 2. Follow-up meeting of delegation of dancers with NFF management. Agenda to include discussion of possible venues and to promote the “Rolling the Ball” initiative 3. Costing of possible outcomes (short-term and long-term) 4. Fundraising efforts by ASDF and/or provision of labour to help attain outcome. 5. Together with management, lobby EPIC and government to construct a suitable dance venue. Alex Bishop

Reply from Sebastian Flynn Managing Director, National Folk Festival

Australia’s No.1 monthly traditional and contemporary folk, blues, roots, alternative, bluegrass and world music magazine Dear Peter and Alex Thankyou for your most recent letter, dated 2 June and for the points raised.

P4 With regard to the fund-raising initiative, unfortunately the initial P6 usicOz Award P5 In this issue P7 $4.90 flurry of donations - from all over the festival community - many of P9 Where do you get it? June 2010 Racz ‘n’ Waters win coveted 2010 M P18 y ust P16 them not even dancers - has now slowed up (at around $7,000). The Stockcamp at the National 2010 P20 Learning to play Vol.9 No.5 g your music P22 Unsung Heroes of Australian History P24 Albert Lee touring briefl y in Aug P26 I have tried to be as specific as I can that the funds would go towards Phone 4325 7369 Festival Folk Sing Joni Mitchell sford In the Dry Hills of St Andrews more P30 g ations open P30 A common sense approach to marketin a dance floor in a large covered venue. I would much prefer it if the uced ia Gig Guide r P31 ion by ord number P32 Festival Calendar 06443 t P33 ndria Feature artists from Brittany to visit Kil energy could go into similar fund raising initiatives rather than open es P34 ons Apollo Bay Music Festival 2011 Artist Applic

22 8881 Fun for kids and adults alike at Perishe P35 P37 up further debate and lines of intensive enquiry even before we have 339 2307 Passionate pipers and fi ne fi ddlers join rec P40 dandnow.com Music, song and dance returns to Newpor P42 dandnow.com Spirit of the Glen fl owed freely at Glen Inn ... P45 blications also publish: got to the actual festival planning phase. Musical feast keeps on giving! P48 nsula News nsulanews.asn.au Music in Paradise at Wintermoon 2010 P50 eninsulanews.info Bluegrass by the river a joy P52 News Central Coast With this initiative, the organisation was trying to make the dance [email protected] The American Way in Apollo Bay P54 Cec Bucello w.duckscrossing.org An amusing look at the difference between Justin Stanley P58 & Editor: Talking Guitar P61 & Layout: happen in the way that was discussed when we met at EPIC at the In Didj‘n’Us P64 er: Wintermoon Folk Festival nny Drake Fiddling Around P6 Tell us what you think AppreciatedLindsay Mar The Galop and Galopade Country Dance Radio last festival. I sense that the festival community largely are trusting contributors:Peter James Dawson Nick Charles Australian Cultural Values Bill Quinn Sean Kenan Ray Mulligan Bruce White Bluegrass News of that, but it is really important that we are able to do our job Adrian Kosky Sebastian Flynn Not for Profi t Folk Organisations : July 5 John Williams Peter Nicolaus Ellis Tom Lovett On The Air: The Story of Early Country Andrew Pattison Neil Willis Publication date John Tilbrook www.tradandnow.com Lindsay Mar On the Wireless Advertising and Editorial Robin Ryan Vol.9 No.6News, reviews and information on traditional and contemporary music, Roger Holdsworth are solely th here. Having to deal with various lobbying factions and individual Dianne Le Quiniat Jenny Rich CD Reviews Caroline MooreRichterh Deardencer Trad&Now dancews featuresTrad&Now and and torialphotographs staff. poetryl We bu w as well as reports on live performances and festivals. approaches, despite what I felt were our best efforts, does not make it an easy task and will not augur well. Available from your local newsagent I have been extremely touched by many of the positive responses in donations - as well as one or two positive fund raising initiatives. I (distributed by Wrapaway) or online from hope it will continue until we reach the target and would prefer that www.tradandnow.com. everyone put in their best efforts to fund raise at this stage rather See our extensive range of over 1400 than debate the issues. Australian traditional and contemporary folk, It is not a viable option for EPIC or the NFF to invest money in bringing the permanent Coorong floor to a dance floor standard (to blues, roots, alternative and world music CDs, be used for dance only on one occasion) and then be subject to the DVDs and books at www.tradandnow.com usual ongoing wear and tear of vehicles and exhibition panels and and at 120c Erina St, Gosford equipment being dragged across it. The Fitzroy is the most likely

The Folk Federation of NSW ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette JULY 2010 9 folk contacts Choirs 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 7.15 Field, 9797-6126 holidays. Felicity 9456 2860 Ecopella. Erskineville, led by Miguel Heatwole, 9810 pm, Vasilios Aligiannis, tel/fax 9708 1875 greekdancer@ International Folk Dancing excite.com 4601 [email protected] School term, Earlwood Senior Citizens Centre, 362 Fledgling Choir. All voices welcome. Randwick 7.15 International Folk Dancing for older women Homer St 10am-noon. Gwynne 9558 4753 - 9.15pm. [email protected] School terms only, 9-10am beginners, 10-11am Scottish Country Dancing for beginners, with ‘Scots Glory Bound Groove Train. Petersham, led by advanced. Bankstown Older Women’s Wellness Centre, Linda Calgaro, 9518 4135 on the Rocks’, Fort St Public School, Observatory Hill, Police and Community Youth Club, cnr Meredith St and Inner West Chamber Choir, Leichhardt, led by Sydney, 6.30-7.30pm. Nea 9994 7110, Lynn 9268 1246, French Ave. Gabrielle 9728 7466, Alita 9798 9269 Rachelle Elliott. 9797 1917. [email protected]. SC [email protected], http://www.rscds.org.au Irish Set Dance class, Irish Gaelic Club, 64 Devonshire Intonations. Manly, led by Karen Smith, 0405 221 113 Belly Dance, basic/beginners 7pm, choreography 8pm, St, Surry Hills. 8-9.30pm. Martenitsa. Ultimo, led by Mara & Llew Kiek, Girraween Hall, 17 Tungarra Rd. Vera Myronenko 9665 Alarna 0401 167 910. 47514910 9713 Sutherland Shire Bush Dance Group Uniting Church, 4 Gosport St, Cronulla, 7.30-10pm. $3. Beginners most People’s Chorus Newcastle, led by Rod Noble, 49 Tuesday welcome. Partners not necessary.Mike 9520 2859 623432 Blue Mountains Scottish Country Dancers Unaccompanied Baggage. North Sydney, led by Sutherland Shire Folk Dance Group Catholic Church Hall, 7-9pm, Wentworth St, $3 Verley Gymea Bay Scout Hall, June Place, 10am. Kaye Stuart Davis, [email protected] Kelliher, 4787 5968, [email protected] Carol Voiceworks, Katoomba, ledby Rachel Hore 4759 Laurendet - 9528 4813 Gardner 4751 6073/[email protected] 2456, [email protected] Greek Folk Dance Thursday Tuesday English Country Dancing (Advanced) for the over Bankstown RSL Club - 32 Kitchener Pde - Bankstown Cantorion, Neutral Bay, led by David Westmore, 9716 50’s 2-4pm. School for Seniors, Wesley Mission, Pitt St. 6pm onwards.Vasilios Aligiannis, tel/fax: 97081875 7016 Sydney. (Oppositive back of Hilton Hotel.) Ecopella. Illawarra area (alternate Tuesdays), led by [email protected] Blue Labyrinth International Folk Dance Miguel Heatwole 9810 4601, [email protected] Hungarian Dance Class from 7pm, Baptist Church Hall, King St Glenbrook. Jo Roc Lawson, led by Rachel Hore, 47592456, rachel- Ultimo, 8-10pm. Gary Dawson 9559 4485. Barrett 4739 6498 [email protected] [email protected] Greek Folk Dance The Honeybees. East Sydney, led by Dynes Austin. English Country Dancing, Sydney St Gerassimos Church Hall, 21 Henry St Leichhardt. 6 pm Contact Jenny Jackson, 9816 4577 lindsayandjenny@ Playford Dance Group 3rd Tues, 7.30-10.00pm, Uniting onwards. Adult classes from 7.15 Vasilios Aligiannis, tel/ hotmail.com Church Hall, The Cres, Berala. Ring Patricia 9649 6978 fax 9708 1875 [email protected] Sydney Trade Union Choir or Mike or Ros on 9929 8193 for further details. Sydney Irish Ceili Dancers Sydney City, contact [email protected] Scottish Country Dancing Kingsgrove Uniting Church Hall, 289A Kingsgrove Rd (cnr Wednesday St John’s Uniting Church Hall, Coonanbarra Rd, Moreton Avenue, Children’s step dancing 6pm, adults Choralation. Abbosford (school terms), contact Marga- Wahroonga, 7.30-10.30pm. All welcome. Catherine step dancing 7pm. Set and ceili dancing 8-10.30pm. ret Grove [email protected] Bonner 9489 5027 Margaret and Bill Winnett 9150 6765. email: wnntt@ Ecopella. Upper Mts., contact Kate 47 825529 Scottish Country Dancing optusnet.com.au The Heathens. Blackheath, day time 12-pm. Led by Fort Street School, Observatory Hill, City. 6pm to 8pm Friday Chris Wheeler 4787 5725 chris@wheelersanddealers. Nea MacCulloch 9904 1358(a/h) or Lynn 8244 9618(w) Australian Colonial and Folk Dancers Every Friday, St com.au Sutherland Shire Folk Dance Group Andrews Ch Hall, cnr Trelawney/Rutledge Sts, Eastwood NoteTonight, Josephine. Glebe, led by David International Dancing, Gymea Bay Scout Hall, June (next to BBC), Colonials’ Dance each 5th Friday evening. Westmore, 9716 7016 Place, 7.30-9pm. Kaye Laurendet 9528 4813 Anthony and Lisa 9873 4805. Stampadowns. Camperdown, led by Gerard Pat- Turkish Dance Class International Dancing terson. Contact David 9568 5237 or Shayn 9799 7439 Lidcombe Community Centre, 8-10pm. Yusuf Nidai Sedenka Folk Dancers, Rozelle Neighbourhood Centre, Thursday 9646 1166 665A Darling St Rozelle. 8-llpm, $3. Chris Wild 9560 Bouddi Voice. Kincumber (school terms), led by C & Ukrainian (Cossack) Dancing Class 2910. C Sainsbury, contact 43 683270 Scottish Country Dancing for fit and energetic young people (16-23yrs), Chorella Community Choir. Richmond, contact Adult classes, beginners welcome, children 6.30 -7.30pm, 7.30 pm to 10.00 pm. Ukrainian Hall 59 Joseph Ellen 4578 2975 adults 8-10.30pm, Beecroft Primary School, $2. Sheena Cleftomaniacs. Waterloo, led by Gary Smith, Street, Lidcombe. Jaros Iwanec 9817 7991, Caswell 9868 2075, Heather Dryburgh 9980 7978 [email protected] [email protected] /www.veselka.com.au Scottish Country Dancing Solidarity Choir. Newtown, led by Miguel Heatwole, International Folk Dance class - Open Door, Georges Caringbah Seniors Hall, 386 Port Hacking Rd, Car-ingbah 9810 4601, [email protected] Hall Senior Citizens, Birdwood Rd, 11.30am-12.30pm. (rear Library), 8pm. Beginners/other levels. G. Milton Friday Gabrielle 9728 7466, [email protected] 9524 4943, Erica Nimmo 9520 4781 The Sydney Street Choir. CBD, led by Peter Lehner “The Dance Buffet”, wide variety taught, Liverpool City Pipe Band Hall, Woodward Park (next to Whitlam Saturday 0425 268 771 Bush Folk Dances, by Bush Dance Assoc.  Centre), Memorial Ave, 7.30-9.30pm. $8 ($5 conc). The Sydney Welsh Choir (Men and Women) meet 2nd Sat. Feb-Dec 6.30 - 10pm. New Year’s Eve 8pm- on Wednesday Evenings at Concord Baptist Church Nicholai 9822 7524, mob 0407 178 228 Wednesday midnight. $20/$15/$10. $5 disc for early bookings. Pennant Hall. Reh. 7pm to 9pm. 20 to 30 performances a year. Albion Fair, North-West Morris Dancing Hills Community Centre, 60 Yarrara Rd. John 9873 3138/ Viv 47 39 0384, Warwick 9451 7806,[email protected] Lilyfield Community Centre, Cecily and O’Neill Sts, 0416 212 136, [email protected] Mudlarks, women’s a cappella choir. Woodford. Led 7.45pm. Angie Milce 9817 3529 Bush Music Club Bush Dances by Alison Jones 4759 2880 Australian Heritage Dancers Feb-Dec (not Easter), 8-12pm, $17/$14/$12 incl. supper, Sunday Annandale Neighbourhood Centre, 79 Johnston St, 8 children to 12 free. Beecroft Community Ctr 1st Sat, Blue Mountains Trade Union Choir. Upper Mts., -10pm. Jim Young 9412 3721 [email protected]. Helen 9626 7816; Balmain High School hall, Terry St, contact Kate 47 82 5529 rd au - australianheritagedancers.org.au Rozelle, 3 Sat, Don 9642 7949 Balmoral Scottish Country Dance Group Central Coast Bush Dance 7.00-9.15pm, Seniors’ Centre, Mosman Square, 4th Sat, 8-12pm, East Gosford Progress Hall, Henry Mosman. Nell Morgan 9981 4769. Parry Dr and Wells St, $15/$12. Beate 4323 3356. Epping Scottish Country Dance Club Robyn 4344 6484. St Aidan’s Church Hall, Downing St, 7.30-10pm. International Folk Dance All levels welcome. Clare Haack 9484 5947 clare_ Children’s classes, 6-18 years, Pennant Hills Com. [email protected] Centre, morning. Carol Maddocks, 9905 1563 Irish Ceili Dances, live Ceili bands, 4th Sats, 7.30 - 11.30pm. Irish Gaelic Club, 64 Devonshire St, Surry Hills.

10 The CORNSTALK Gazette JULY 2010 Dobsons Printing Pty Ltd (02) 9417 0239 $10. Aisling 0413 941 459, [email protected] lllawarra Folk Club, Irish Music Sessions Scottish and Old Time Dance 3rd Saturday, Wollongong City Diggers Gaelic Club Surry Hills, 7pm. nd 2 Sat, 8pm, Uniting Church, 9-11 Bay St, Rockdale. $3 Club, cnr Burelli & Church Streets, 1300 Irish music lessons, beginners and advanced, flute, incl. supper. Chris Thom 9587 9966 887 034 www.illawarrafolkclub.org.au fiddle, whistle, guitar, concertina. Irish Gaelic Club, Surry Scottish and Old Time Dancing Loaded Dog Folk Club Hills, 0413 941 459, [email protected] Orkney and Shetland Assoc. 3rd Sat, 8-11 pm. St 4th Sat, Annandale Neighbourhood Centre, 79 Johnston David’s Hall, Dalhousie St, Haberfield. $3 inc. supper. St, 8pm. Sandra Nixon, 9358 4886, kxbears@ozemail. Friday Visitors most welcome. Jean Cooney 9874 5570. com.au. www.theloadeddog.org.au BMC Beer & Cheese Night Macedonian Dance Class Macquarie Towns Music Club Themed music nights, 1st Fri (except holidays), 8-10pm. Rockdale. 6.30-8.30pm, $5. Y Kaporis 0412 861 187 3rd Sat,7.30pm Alternates between concert and round Bring something to sing, eat, drink. Bush Music Club, Mortdale Scottish Dancers robin jam session format with concerts featuring a guest Hut 44, Addison Rd Community Centre, 142 Addison Learners night (for learners and experienced), 7.30- artist supported by a ‘blackboard concert’ Rd, Marrickville. 9569 7244, [email protected]. 9.30pm. Pensioners Welfare Club Hall, 76 Pitt Street, Richmond Neighbourhood Centre, West Market St, au Mortdale. Pam Jehan 9580 8564. .Contact Dez Williams at 4578 5215 dwilliams@tpg. Eastern Suburbs Poetry Group Sutherland Shire Folk Dance Group com.au 1st Friday, Church in the Market Place, Bondi Junction. International Dancing Como Girl Guides Hall, 10- The Shack. 1st Sat, presents 21st century original, 6.30-8.30pm. Gina 9349 6958 11.30am. Kaye Laurendet 9528 4813 contemporary and traditional folk music at the Springwood Neighbourhood Centre Acoustic Club Linnéa Swedish Folkdancers Tramshed, 1395a Pittwater Rd, Narrabeen at 7:30. BYO 4th Fri, (Feb - Nov) 8pm, $7/$5, Springwood Estonian House, 141 Campbell St, Surry Hills. New drinks and nibblies. Contact Rhonda on 0416 635 856 Neighbourhood Centre, Macquarie Rd (next to library members welcome. For times contact Graeme Traves or email Kathleen at [email protected]. and Oriental Hotel.) Visitors and floor performers 9874 4194, [email protected] Troubadour Folk Club welcome, Theresa 47518157, Jeannette 4754 4893 Central Coast, 4th Sat. in month 7pm CWA Hall, Woy Saturday Woy. (opposite Fisherman’s Wharf), The Boulevard, Fairlight Folk Acoustic Lounge Woy Woy. Admission: $7 members/$8 conc. & other Held 4 times a year, Feb, May, Aug. Nov (usually folk club mems/$10 non members. Everyone welcome 1st Sat) 7.45pm. A comfortably enticing, relaxed Tel. Frank or Marilyn 4341 4060, Email: mail.info@ environment in which to see quality live acoustic music. troubadour.org.au www.troubadour.org.au Ajfjter show - jam. BYO drinks and nibbles. Light refreshments available. William St Studios, Fairlight (The Baptist Church down from Sydney Rd. Contact Sessions & Free Workshops Rosie 9948 7993. [email protected] MUSIC IN CONCERT Monday Sunday Tuesday Bush Music Club Sydney Scottish Fiddlers The Screw Soapers Guild - Writers Presenters & Community Centre, 44/142 Addison Rd, Marrickville, 1st and 3rd Sun, 2-5pm, New Church, 4 Shirley Rd Listeners Group 4th Tues, 7.30pm, stories, poems, 7.30pm. Music workshop. All singers and musicians Roseville. All ages welcome. Trish 9416 2402. songs and conversation. Albert 9600 7153, email: welcome. Bob 9569 7244, [email protected] Irish Music Session [email protected], website: www.folkclub. Tuesday Kellys, King Street, Newtown, 6pm. Enq. 9559 6300 com/folkodyssey/ Irish Music Session: Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday Music Session Hero of Waterloo, cnr Lower Fort Wednesday of the month from 7.30 – 10.30pm @ The Shamrock St and Windmill Street, The Rocks. 6-10pm. Brendan Wisefolk Club Last Wed in month, 11am-2.30pm, Inn, Asquith Leagues Club, Alexandra Pd. Waitara 9818 4864 Toongabbie Bowling Club, 12 Station Rd, lunch at club (short walk from station). It’s an open session Irish Music Session. 3rd Sunday. Bennet Hotel, bistro. Sonia 9621 2394 Allen 9639 7494, and all musicians are welcome with focus on Hamilton, 4-7.30pm Roz and Shane Kerr 44967 3167 Thursday tunes rather than songs. Phone Norm 9489 5786/ Irish Music Sessions - Dicey Riley’s, Wollongong 2pm. ‘Posers & Composers’ performance session, every [email protected] Hotel Illawarra Wollongong, 3rd Sunday, 3pm, spoken Thursday, Newtown RSL (1st floor), 52 Enmore Rd, Irish music lessons, beginners and advanced, flute, word, 5pm acoustic music 7.30pm - 11pm. Free. To book a spot & enq Dennis fiddle, whistle, guitar, concertina. Irish Gaelic Club, Aubrey 0408 452 464 [email protected] Surry Hills, 0413 941 459, [email protected] Sutherland Folk Club Singing Out at The Gaelic Club focus on folk 2nd Thurs concert night. All ages. Members are 2MBS-FM 102.5MHz 6PM Saturday welcome to join us at any of our concerts, do a floor (2nd Friday of the month) singing sessions. Follows spot. Enjoy a friendly , sociable night’s entertainment, Politics in the Pub. Upstairs, 64 Devonshire St, Surry support local talent. These artists are all superb Hills near Central Station. 8pm approx. All welcome. musicians!! Contact Jenny 9576 2301. Free. [email protected] Friday Wednesday Hornsby Kuring-Gai Folk Club Jolly Frog Hotel. Jam Night. Cnr Bridge & Macquarie In co-operation with 2MBS-FM, Sydney’s 3rd Fri, 8pm, Each month Beatrice Taylor Hall, rear Sts, Windsor. 7.30pm to late. Mark 0419 466 004 first FM community radio station operating Willow Park Community Centre, Edgeworth David Ave, Gosford Bush Poets on 102.5 MHz, Folk Federation brings you Guest artist and floor spots, light supper provided BYO Last Wednesday night of every month 7pm. The an hour of folk music at 6PM on 2nd and grog. Barry Parks 9807 9497 [email protected] Gosford Hotel, cnr of Mann & Erina Sts Gosford. 4th Saturdays of each month. lllawarra Folk Club, Everyone welcome to share in night of fun, friendship 10th July Carole Garland 1st Friday, Wollongong City Diggers Club, cnr Burelli & and great poetry. Contact Vic Jefferies, 02 96394911 or Church Streets, 1300 887 034 www.illawarrafolkclub. [email protected] 24th July Kate Delaney org.au Thursday Anyone with a CD that you would like to add to Springwood Neighbourhood Centre Acoustic Sutherland Acoustic the library collection for consideration for airway Club, or SNC Acoustic Club. Regular folk nights on Tune Session Night 4th Friday of the month please forward to the 4th Friday of each month (Feb - Nov), 8pm $7/$5 from 7.30pm Gymea Tradies Club,Kingsway, Gymea Focus on Folk, Post Office BoxA 182, Springwood Neighbourhood Centre, Macquarie Rd, (Kaimea room) Stringed and other instruments Sydney South 1235. Springwood. (next to Civic Centre). Visitors and floor welcome Ability to play with others and have basic performers welcome. Enquiries, Mark Hand 02 4721 chord knowledge Welcome to listen Ph Ian Knight MOB 4230 or [email protected] 0438830374 Toongabbie Music Club 2nd and 4th Fri 8pm, Northmead Scout Hall, Blackheath Folk Club, Whitehaven Road, Northmead. A session always 1st Thurs, 7.30pm, Ivanhoe Hotel, cnr Gt Wstn Hwy happens so bring instruments. Allen Davis 9639 7494 and Govetts Leap Rd. Christine Davies, Peter Duggan [email protected]. or Ray Pulis 9899 2102. 4787 7246 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, jamming all night. All welcome: $5/7. (02) 9456 1090 www.bluegrass.org.au

The Folk Federation of NSW ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette JULY 2010 11 People’s Chorus Practice, 6pm, Trades Hall month. 7.30-11pm. Thirroul Neighbour- REGIONAL EVENTS Council Meeting Rooms (opp. Panthers’ Club, hood Centre next to post office. BATEMANS BAY: Scottish Country Dancing,  main entrance), Newcastle. Rod Noble 4962 lllawarra Folk Club, 1st Friday and 3rd Saturday, Batemans Bay Caledonian Society -Tuesday 3432 email: [email protected] Wollongong City Diggers Club, cnr Burelli & Church 7.30pm at Batemans Bay Bowling Club - visitors Newcastle Irish Set Dancers, Tuesdays, 7.30- Streets, 1300 887 034 www.illawarrafolkclub.org.au welcome. Warren 4457 2065, Max 4472 5184  9.00pm, Scots Kirk, Hamilton, Newcastle. Julia Jamberoo: Session, Jamberoo Pub, Thurs, 7.30pm. BATHURST: Bathurst Folk Club, occasional concerts, or Arthur, 4955 5701 [email protected], or [email protected] touring and local artists. Different venues. Bruce Cam- 

12 The CORNSTALK Gazette JULY 2010 Dobsons Printing Pty Ltd (02) 9417 0239 guitar flat on his lap ready to begin. He had never apparently noticed the normal holding position! Needless to say the lessons didn’t amount to much. I love the comedian Wendy Harmer’s discourse on the withIndustry Nick Charles Insights difficulties of getting a positive comment from a relative. Eventually after no response she asked (slightly frustrated), “Rainy morning reminiscence” “well, what did you think of my show?” The reply she It’s not hard to think of things to relate to you after all the received -“you were up there for an hour!” You asked for it years I’ve spent in the music business. I distinctly recall an Wendy! early band leader and old pro saying to me, “what business!” It must be said that you should never underestimate your Well that was a little sarcastic. There’s absolutely no point audience but just occasionally don’t overestimate your in getting “down” is there? These days it’s trendy to call audience. I suppose the trick is to make an on the spot it wasting your “positive energy”, or creating “negative judgement, or I think better still, if it feels hostile, negative, energy”, or something like that. or worst of all you have no sensation, check your pulse first, Obviously the creator of that philosophy never had to keep your head down and play your heart out. You’ll feel chase a publican down a Fitzroy side street for the $100 fee better for it. he owed, or play in front of a Footscray club owner who That Fitzroy pub is long gone anyway, and the Footscray club wouldn’t turn off the TV behind the stage and walked away has been swallowed up by a freeway! You win in the end, with the immortal words, “so you reckon you can do better?” don’t you? I’m still making music and loving it. Hey, what They just keep coming back to me on this cold Melbourne else can I do? morning. I’ve done my scales (new determination!) played for When you do get that great response everything else melts an hour or so and now I’m waiting for the phone to ring or the into insignificance anyway and look, the sun’s coming out and emails to come in -don’t hold your breath Nick! I’ve thought of a new riff. Question-What’s the worst email a musician can get, I’ll leave you with a couple of my favourite quotes apart from “the show’s cancelled”? How about “please take “Of all noises I think music the least disagreeable”. me off your email list!” Oh the insult! The pain! I had this SAMUEL JOHNSON conversation with a fine Aussie picker, and we both agreed “The man that hath no music in himself, nor is not moved that’s hard to top. with concord of sweet sounds, is fit for treasons, stratagems I was also thinking of some of the most annoying, gut and spoils”. SHAKESPEARE (from “The Merchant of wrenching and totally perplexing things that have been said to Venice”) me in my 25 plus years at the game. Here’s a few.... See you next time! 1. “Hey, you’re pretty good, but you should have seen so and so here last week!” (insert famous player’s name for so and so) 2. “I don’t like music!” (overheard in the men’s) Railway Song & Poetry Weekend 3. “I didn’t hear a note you played!” (after walking off the Friday 23rd - Sunday 25th July stage at a major festival) Musicians, singers & poets from NSW Folk Clubs are 4. “There was a big crowd expected tonight, but there’s a 50th invited to join the Bush Music Club’s Concert Party’s series down the road!” (playing in a small town) of workshops on the Australian Railway Song Book. 5. “I’m really sorry but nobody bought any drinks and we Friday night - 8pm, a visit to Springwood’s Acoustic can’t pay you!” (more than one occasion way back) Club where you can present a railway song or poem. Then stay in the upper mountain area overnight with friends, camp 6. “We can’t pay you but you can have all the beer you want!” or in a pub. (my sister still brings that one up) Saturday - Catch the 10.35am train from Blackheath 7. “How about drugs instead of money!!” ( too scared to say (8.18am from Central) down to the Zig Zag Railway Museum where that was) platform where musicians & poets will play for Rail Heritage 8. “Do you get paid for this?” (How insulting is that?) & local folk groups. Ride/play on the old steam train and 9. “Have you considered going full time?” (25 years too late) stations till late afternoon. 10. “Do you play any of your own music?” (After you’ve Then back to Blackheath for an evening session with played a whole set of originals!) Blackheath Folk Club and other Folk and Heritage groups 11. “Can you sing?” (After an acoustic guitar instrumental from the area around a nice big pub fire. recital...akin to asking a singer, “can you whistle?”) Sunday - Back to the Valley Height Locomotive Museum 12. “Play something we know!” (The old favourite- to which for another session with Rail heritage and Folk Groups from the lower mountain areas and Western Sydney. Late train a player once responded-“play something you know?”.. “If to city 10.42 pm or poets breakfast train 4.12am Sunday you go out in the woods today...” and so on. morning if you must get back to the city. 13. I was thinking of a top ten, but they keep on coming. (Yes the whole trip can be done by train, if desired and I remember once playing a restaurant gig and a fellow was you can come for part or all of the weekend.) sitting quite close and appeared to be taking in all I was Families & dancers welcome! It’s a great way to introduce doing. After I finished my set I thought I’d introduce myself kids to live music and to what railway folklore is all about. Details of costs, train times etc from: to this obvious music fan. He was confused at my approach, Bob Bolton (02) 9569 7244, Ralph Pride (02) 9554 8102 replying “were you making music?” He was surely related to Brian Dunnett (02) 9668 9051. the chap who came to his first guitar lesson, sat down with the The CORNSTALK Gazette JULY 2010 13 sound samples at www.myspace.com/viaggiatori and contact i Viaggiatori via [email protected] or call David 0409 57 1788. Concert review by Grant Platt The CD is distributed by Black Market Music, GPO Box 4832, Melbourne Vic 3001 Ph: (03) 9326 8886 Fax: (03) 9326 8887 www.blackmarketmusic.com.au More about the band at:[email protected] and www.myspace.com/viaggiatori and contact via info@ viaggiatori.com.au

On Sunday 6 June, I had a great afternoon in Leichhardt listening to I Viaggiatori (The Voyagers) performing material Martin Carthy Interview September from their CD, Suitcase Serenata. 1979 (continued from June ssue) The group has been together since 2006 when they Martin Carthy Interview September 1979 assembled to devise the music for a silent, black and white DW. Can you tell me why the Albion Country Band’s Italian movie called Dall’ Italia All’ Australia about Italian ‘Battle of the Field’ wasn’t released for a long time after it migrants to Australia. The members are already good was recorded. Was this the company saying it wasn’t good musicians in their own right of course. They are Kavisha enough, or was it internal politics? Mazzella and Irene Vela from Melbourne and David De Santi MC It was the company saying that there was no band to and Mark Holder-Keeping from Wollongong. promote it so they weren’t interested. There was a feeling that The band plays Italian music from the 19th century to there wasn’t enough material , it is a slightly short record. contemporary. Kavisha has a hauntingly beautiful voice and It was put out on Island’s cheap label, like the ‘Morris On’ keeps the atmosphere sparkly bright. She plays tambourine records. and accordion. Irene is a virtuoso with bouzouki, mandolin DW All this time you were in various bands – the Watersons, and guitar whilst Mark plays clarinet, saxophone and cajon. Steeleye Span and the Albion Band, you were never in That leaves David to play the accordion and indulge in Fairport Convention. playful antics like hitting his feet together in the air leading to MC No, folks, I was never in Fairport Convention. Actually the whole band following suit. I did play on one Fairport album, I discovered the other day. The stories of many songs stood on their own, for Swarb rang up in the middle of the night to get me to play on example, the one about courting on Mount Vesuvius. Local his solo album but Fairport were having personnel problems couples used to ride up on donkeys for a bit of nooky. When and some of the tracks meant for his album were used for the a cable way was built, donkey owners spread a rumour that next Fairport album A Gottle of Geer – a bit of a disaster that those using this new method would have failed marriages. was. The cable owners commissioned a composer to write a song DW How did the reunion of the Watersons which produced about their cable way and the outcome was the popular, For Pence And Spicy Ale come about? Funiculi Funicula. MC Well, Norma came back from the West Indies at the end Kavisha was both humorous and self revealing. She spoke of 1971 for Christmas. We knew she wasn’t going to go back. of how, when at school in Australia, and for a time afterwards, They started singing again and rehearsed a new repertoire she tried to hide her heritage and “wanted to be blue-eyed, with Bernie Vickers. About twelve hours after Norma got blonde, Debbie”. She has now embraced her historical culture off the plane I started waving a lasso in her direction, but and is thriving in her musical element. that was another story! We got married in June 1972 and There was audience involvement in many songs with Bright Phoebus was made in May. I joined the Watersons in clapping and other movements. During Ciucciu Bellu we December 73 or January 74. had to put our hands on our heads and make movements DW So even with all these involvements you still keep your representing donkey’s ears as we he-hawed throughout at the solo career. appropriate moments. There were original songs and also MC Well, the Watersons were never a full time group after well-known Italian pieces, like Santa Lucia and Bella Ciao. they reformed. One of the reasons they split up was illness, I love the Italian Forum with its huge hidden courtyard bronchitis etc. They’re from travelling stock and whenever with many shops and restaurants, apartments, and the theatre they see an opening they are for home, which is Hull. Singing where this concert was held. It is a little slice of Italy and I’ll is a physical not an aesthetic thing for them and four or five return to have another bite. Ironically, I was told it wasn’t nights on the trot is very tiring. built by Italians but from people from the Middle East. Such DW Why did they do a whole album a Christian songs? is the diversity of Sydney. MC They’re not all Christian, they are all hymns but not all I did buy the CD, Suitcase Serenata, and the music book, Christian, if you look closely. Even the Christian ones are Zumpa: A Folk Musician’s Italian Tune Collection, complied the peoples’ hymns. Their look at religion and what they got by David De Santi. out of it. Not exactly what you’d find in HymnsA ncient and Copies of the CD and book are available from www. Modern. [email protected] DW Thankyou very much for talking to us, we have to finish The CD is distributed by Black Market Music, GPO Box there, regretfully. 4832, Melbourne Vic 3001 Ph: (03) 9326 8886 Fax: (03) 9326 Thanks to Lydia and Brian Buchtmann of Canberra for 8887 www.blackmarketmusic.com.au submitting this transcript which is reprinted from Double More about the band at: [email protected], with Extra News (2XX)

14 The CORNSTALK Gazette JULY 2010 Dobsons Printing Pty Ltd (02) 9417 0239 Folk Trax We’re well into winter now. The fire’s burning, or electric heater for that matter and the music is playing. Bill Putt sent us some new releases. There are two new EPs from Spectrum, ‘BreathingSpace’ Bruce Watson and ‘BreathingSpaceToo’ and we’ll take you back in time with two re-releases from Ariel. ‘Rock & Roll Scars’ from 1974 and ‘A Strange Fantastic Dream’ Workshop from 1973. I know they are not folk but Aussie Rock and why not! During the next few weeks I will put online some more Warren Fahey books. We have always had & Concert some of them but not online. From Planet there are Entry by donation Workshop: $20/$15 Concert: $20/$15 W+C: $30/$20 still some outstanding releases to put online which will also happen during this time. Still to come are Songwriting w/shop: 1-5pm Conc: 7pm the Joan Baez DVD ‘How Sweet The Sound’ (also available as CD), form Greentrax Ewan Robertson Bruce has a rare talent . . . the best songwriter I have seen in a long time! (Eric Bogle) and Iain MacInnes, the Scottish Tradition Series 7 That was absolutely f…ing brilliant! (Derek Guille, ABC Radio Melbourne) and 8, a re-release of The Incredible Stringband and Bruce Watson is a wordsmith, a teller of tales, a spinner of yarns. He is a contemporary The Rough Guide to Scottish Folk. songwriter with lots of stories he tells with passion and integrity. An Australian folk hero! Beoga toured just recently and their CDs are He rocked the festival with a series of hysterically funny songs + heartwrenching songs. available online. Visit our website www.folktrax.com for all the Sunday 25th July, 2010 new releases and that one CD you always wanted but forgot to buy at a festival or concert. We still offer the 10% discount to members of participating Folk Federations, The Folk Alliance and readers of the Folk Rag. Humph Hall Well that is it for this month. Keep on Folking 85 Allambie Road, Allambie Heights Henk and Jan de Weerd Formerly the Allambie Heights Uniting Church, Humph Hall is now the private home of Gial & Wayne. Bookings: (02) 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

The Folk Federation of NSW ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette JULY 2010 15 In aid of The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia, South Eastern

Come and enjoy an Evening of Contra dancing to the music of “Pastrami on Ryebuck”

as they celebrate 32 years of traditional music.

Saturday 31st July 2010 All 8pm to Midnight dances at Granville Town Hall taught and (Carlton Street, Granville) called by Julie Bishop. Experienced dancers, learners and firsttimers all welcome!

$17 Adults $14 Concession (students, pensioners, Folk Federation, Bush Music Club, and affiliated groups.) (Children under 18 accompanied by an adult are free.) Good supper included.

In 2010 the Royal Flying Doctor Service celebrates 82 years of service. Come and support this worthwhile cause and have a great time!

For more information

John 02 9623 7551/Leila 02 9896 8992