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The CORNSTALK Gazette AUGUST2009 1The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au

Folk Federation of New South Wales IncIssue 409

AUGUST 2009 $3.00

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

Dates For Your DiaryFolk NewsDance NewsCD Reviews

“Subversive homespun bluegrass”

The Lurkers

2 The CORNSTALK Gazette AUGUST 09 mpd printing the news everyday Ph 02 8898 1200 Fax 02 8898 1220

Cornstalk Editor - Coral VorbachPost Office Box 5195. Cobargo NSW 2550Tel/Fax: 02 6493 6758 Email: [email protected] is the official publication of the Folk Federation of NSW. Contributions, news, reviews, poems, photographs most welcome. Photographs and ArtworkPhotographs - high resolution JPG or TIFF files.300 dpi images cropped at correct size.We use Adobe In-Design, Photoshop 6, Microsoft Word. PLEASE do not send photographs as part of a Word Document .No part of Cornstalk may be reproduced without permis-sion of the publishers. All care but no responsibility taken for omissions or errors.Wrap Co-ordinator James Baxter 02 9810 4131 - [email protected]

Folk Federation of New South Wales IncPost Office Box A182Sydney South NSW 1235ISSN 0818 7339 ABN9411575922jam.org.au

AdvErTISINg rATESSize mm Members Non-mem

Full page 180x250 $80 $1201/2 page 180x125 $40 $701/4 page 90x60 $25 $501/8 page 45 x 30 $15 $35Back cover2 + issues

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Advertising artwork required by 5th of each month. Advertisements can be produced by Cornstalk if re-quired. Please contact the editor for enquiries about advertising Tel: 6493 6758Inserts for [email protected] rates: Single-sheet DL size or A5. Members $70 Non-Members $130A4, folded to DL size or A5. Members $90 Non-Members $160A4 should be folded. The number of inserts per issue is limited.Please contact Dallas and Jim Baxter, 9810 4131. Offers of help for the wrap are appreciated.All cheques for advertisements and inserts to be made payable to the Folk Federation of NSW Inc

If your event misses Cornstalk, Julie Bishop 02 9524 0247, [email protected] can include it in Folkmail, the weekly email to members. And don’t forget that as a member you can put information on jam.org.au, where helpful tutorials will guide you.

AUgUST 2009In this issueDates for your diary p4Festivals, workshops, schools p6Folk news p8Dance news p8Folk contacts p10CD Review p14

COMMITTEE 2008President, Anthony WoolcottEmail: [email protected] President: Kate delaneySecretary: Pam Davis 02 9955 3677Email: [email protected]: Bruce Cameron 02 6331 1129Email: [email protected]: Dallas Baxter, James Baxter, Terry Clinton, Mary-Jane Field, Sandra Nixon, Wayne Richmond, Peter Miller RobinsonMembership Secretary Wayne Richmond Listserv/Jam/Membership 9939 8802 (not after 8.00pm please.)

Deadline for September 2009 Issue ADVERTS 5th AugustCOPY 10th August

Photographs and story about the Orkney Folk Festival in UK courtesy of James and Dallas Baxter pictured above.

Front cover courtesy of The Lurkers (photographer Dave Cubby 2009)


8 Arms Productions and Star of the Sea Theatre present

Sing, For Pete’s Sake!7.30pm, Saturday 22 August

@ Star of the Sea Theatre, ManlyPete Seeger turned ninety this year. As if we needed an excuse to celebrate his music! Join us for a night of music, words and

images (not to mention the odd banjo) from the life of one of this century’s most influential and inspiring musicians. Come and hear some rarely-heard songs from the pen of Pete as well as some tried and true favourites. The stellar line-up of performers includes: Maurie Mulheron; Skorba with Llew and Mara Kiek and Paul Jarman; Warren Fahey, Bob and Margaret Fagan, Margaret Walters, The Lurkers, Mary-Jane Field, Christine Wheeler, Kate Maclurcan, Tom Bridges, the Sydney Trade Union Choir and the Stella Maris choir.

Star of the Sea Theatre is part of Stella Maris school, near the Northern end of Manly Beach on the cnr of Collingwood and Iluka Avenue.

Parking is available at the northern end of the beach or in the surrounding streets. $17.50/$12.50 includes one free drink - Tickets available half and hour before concert

www.starofthesea.com.au Bookings: Christina Mimmocchi: [email protected] or tel. 0410 682 061


dates for your diary August 2009MetropolitanSaturday 1st

►The harp hoTeL Tempe, 8pm Blue Goose + Drey Rollan + Storm In A Teacup. 900 Princes Highway, Tempe. 9559 6300►The Shack. Synthesis – Ann Palumbo and Paul Laszlo (Urban eXcentrics) joined with Rose McDonald and Tony Pyrzakowski (Mothers of Intention, Wheeze & Suck), after band members went overseas. Four strong vocals, violin, guitars, mandolin, banjo, double basses. +Michael-John Azzopardi – Celtic/European, Eastern, blues, jazz, rock, alternative. +Spasm Band – the big voices of Andy George and Rhonda Mawer, Chris Blanchflower’s wild harmonica playing, Graham Vick’s funky double bass. Jug, blues, folk. Tramshed Community Arts Centre, 1395a Pittwater Rd, Narrabeen (betw. car park and Ambulance). Free tea, coffee. BYO drinks, nibbles. 7.30-11pm. $15. 0413 635 856, [email protected]►BeecrofT BuSh Dance. All dances taught. Beecroft Community Centre, Beecroft Rd. 8pm-12. $17, $14, $12. Helen 9626 7816, www.bushmusic.org.auMonday 3rdBMc Dance WorkShop, ‘Practice for Maitland Ball.’ Leader Felicity Hattingh. Pennant Hills Community Centre, Yarrara Rd. 7.30-9.30pm. $7. Felicity 9456 2860, 0434 437 522

Friday 7th►Beer & cheeSe nighT. ‘Diggers, Eureka and Rebellion’. Bring songs on the theme - and your supper. Bush Music Club, Hut 44, Addison Rd Community Centre, 142 Addison Rd, Marrickville. 8-10pm. $5. 9569 7244, [email protected]►iLLaWarra foLk cLuB. Jan Preston presents Life and Times of Winifred Atwell. City Diggers Wollongong, cnr Burelli and Church Sts. 7.30pm. $15, $10. David De Santi 0409 57 1788, www.illawarrafolkclub.org.auSaturday 8thcenTraL coaST BuSh Dance, with Sydney Coves. East Gosford Progress

Hall, Wells St & Henry Parry Drive. 7.30-11.30pm. $17, $14, 12-18 $10, under 12 $5. Barry or Janice 4388 2253, Mark 4342 5333Monday 10thBMc Dance WorkShop, ‘Practice for Maitland Ball.’ Leader Felicity Hattingh. Pennant Hills Community Centre, Yarrara Rd. 7.30-9.30pm. $7. Felicity 9456 2860, 0434 437 522

Wednesday 12thThe harp hoTeL TeMpe, 8pm. David Rovics (USA) Farewell Show. 900 Princes Highway, Tempe. 9559 6300Thursday 13th SuTherLanD acouSTic. Guest artists Geoffrey Graham and brother Ralph Graham. Geoffrey’s new show, ‘Three Bards and Me’, It’s fair dinkum Aussie bush entertainment time.incorporating the greats - Paterson, Lawson, CJ Dennis and Geoffrey! Four for the price of one. Not just a concert but an entire show with verse, song, comedy and yarns complete with costumes and audience participation. Fun for all ages. Sutherland District Trade Union Club (Gymea Tradies), Kingsway, Gymea. 7.30-10.30pm. $15, pens/conc $10. Floor spots welcome. Jenny 9576 2301, Maeve 9520 5628Saturday 15th►SYDneY Launch for TWf with Mothers of Intention, Peter Mace, Mary McEvilly & Mark Anderson, Cameron Mather, Michael-John Azzopardi & more. Irish Gaelic Club, 64 Devonshire St, Surry Hills 7.30pm. $15. Pam (9489 5784).►BaLMain BuSh Dance with Wongawilli. All dances taught. Rozelle Campus, Sydney College, 25 Terry St. 8pm-12. $17, $14, $12. Don 9642 7950, www.bushmusic.org.au►iLLaWarra foLk cLuB. Geoffrey Graham. City Diggers Wollongong, cnr Burelli & Church Sts. 7.30pm. $15, $10. David De Santi 0409 57 1788, www.illawarrafolkclub.org.auMonday 17thBMc Dance WorkShop, ‘Practice for Maitland Ball.’ Leader Felicity Hattingh. Pennant Hills Community Centre, Yarrara Rd. 7.30-9.30pm. $7. Felicity 9456 2860, 0434 437 522

Friday 21sthornSBY ku-ring-gai foLk cLuB Guest artists Geoffrey Graham and brother Ralph Graham with his show ‘Three Bards & Me’. Always a great evening’s entertainment. Featuring local artists and touring performers. BYO drinks and nibbles. 7.30pm $15 Contact Barry Parks 9807 9497 or email: [email protected]. Beatrice Taylor Hall, Willow Park Community Centre, Edgeworth David Avenue, HornsbySaturday 22nd►The LoaDeD Dog. Martin Pearson has a unique place in the Australian folk scene. A singer, satirist, stand up comedian, raconteur, reciter and storyteller, he could be described as Australia’s home-nurtured Billy Connolly, but with the lazy invective replaced by added insight, presence and wit (not to mention a better singing voice) (Bendigo Folk Club). + Ecopella, an environmental choir that sings about the beauty of our world and the struggle to protect it from exploitation and destruction. Upstairs, Annandale Neighbourhood Centre, 79 Johnston St. 8pm. $14, $12. BYO, supper available. Sandra 9358 4886, www.theloadeddog.org.au►BMc SuBScripTion BaLLMaitland Town Hall, High St, Maitland. Price $50 pp , Enq. www.bushmusic.org.au.bmc_dance_ball/html►The TrouBaDour. The Oom-pah-pahs, wearing their Bavarian outfits, will do a mixed arrangement of German-Austrian-Tyrolean popular and traditional folk yodelling songs, varied with English country and folk yodelling songs. Playing accordion, Gerhard controls the real time arranger backups while Anton sings and yodels. He will also sing the country style song with which he won the first prize in the yodelling division at the Tamworth CCM Awards in January 2005. Over 20 years, he has won six similar Capital Country Music (CCM) Awards there. Floor spots available, supper provided. CWA Hall (opp Fisherman’s Wharf), Woy Woy. 7pm. $10, $8, $7, incl. light


August 2009The harp - auguSTSaturday 1st - Blue Goose + Drey Rollan + Storm In A Teacup. 8pm. $10 Wednesday 12th: David Rovics (USA) Farewell Show. 8pm. $25/$20. Saturday 22nd: Dutch Tilders & Jim Conway. 8pm. $20; $15 conc. Wednesday 26th: Hayward Williams (USA). 8pm. $15 Saturday 29th: Alistair Hulett. 8pm. $25; $20 conc.The Harp Hotel, 900 Princes Hwy, Tempe. 9559 6300

foLkuS rooM -auguST*

regional and acT

MerrY MuSe in auguSTSaturday 1st Kazband/ High FidelityFriday 7th Settlers NightFriday 14th Merry Fest with Matty Ellis, Hadley and friends Friday 21st Mothers of Intention and othersFriday 28th Lighthouse, Hashemoto, Begg Borrow StealPolish-Australian White Eagle Club, 38 David Street, Turner. ACTwww.merrymuse.org.auor tel. Eileen 0412 127 882

supper. Children free with paying adult. 4341 4060 (AH), 0417 159 540Saturday 22nd►The harp hoTeL TeMpe, Dutch Tilders & Jim Conway. 900 Princes Highway, Tempe. 9559 6300►’Sing for peTe’S Sake’8 Arms Productions and Star of the Sea Theatre 7.30pm, Star of the Sea Theatre, Manly. $17.50/$12.50 includes one free drink - Tickets available half and hour before concert www.starofthesea.com.au, Bookings: Christina Mimmocchi: [email protected] or tel. 0410 682 061Monday 24thBMc Dance WorkShop, ‘Mixed Bush and Old Time Dances.’ Pennant Hills Community Centre, Yarrara Rd. 7.30-9.30pm. $7. Felicity 9456 2860, 0434 437 522Wednesday 26thThe harp hoTeL TeMpe, 8pm. Hayward Williams (USA). 900 Princes Highway, Tempe. 9559 6300Saturday 29thThe harp hoTeL TeMpe, 8pm. Alistair Hulett. 900 Princes Highway, Tempe. 9559 6300Monday 31stBMc Dance WorkShop, ‘Mixed Bush and Old Time Dances.’ Pennant Hills Community Centre, Yarrara Rd. 7.30-9.30pm. $7. Felicity 9456 2860, 0434 437 522

Saturday 1st BeeSWing cD Launch. +Peter Allsop. Wesley Centre Hall, 150 Beaumont St, Hamilton (Newcastle). 7.30pm. 4958 4033Saturday 16th Yuin foLk cLuB incHouse Concert with Beautifully Mad. 2.00pm Lyrebird Ridge Road, Coolagolite. $15 non members, $12 members.

Sunday 9th PotNKettle – CD Launch “Black & BlueFriday 14th King Curly ... a new CD Sunday 16th Ashleigh Mannix, Ed PatrickSunday 23rd Mick Thomas (Weddings etc.) + Michael Barclay (The Sure Thing); Eastmoon..... Admission $25/$20 Fri 28 Kate & Ruth; ...... Admission $20/$15 Sunday 30th Mal Webb & Mr Fibby... to be confirmedThe Folkus Room. Enq. 6262 7265, The Italo-Australian Club78 Franklin Street FORREST ACTthefolkus.org.au

david rovics A singer-songwriter who tours

regularly throughout North America, Europe, and occasionally elsewhere.

David Rovics has been called the musical voice of the progressive movement in the US. Amy Goodman has called him “the musical version of Democracy Now!” Since the mid-90’s Rovics has spent most of his time on the road, playing hundreds of shows every year throughout North America, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Japan. He and his songs have been featured on national radio programs in the US, Canada, Britain, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Denmark and elsewhere.

Mothers of intention

geoffrey graham Bush Dancing


7th - 9th August, 200921st - 23rd August 2009Kelly Coungtry PickBeechworth, Vic. Enq. 0433 139 081 www,kellycountrypick.org16th - 20th September 2009The Turning Wave Festival, Gundagai, www.turningwave.org.au2nd - 5th October, 2009Uranquinty Folk Festivalwww.uranquintyfolk.com2nd - 5th October, 2009Victorian-Era FestivalCanberra. www.earthlydelights.com.au\18 October 2009Folk In The Foothillswww.illawarrafolkclub.org.au16-18th OctoberNational Windjam Festival, Westbury, Tas. Mike Watts (03) 63973427, www.celt.com.au/wind/2009windjam.html 23rd - 25th October 2009Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Festival

www.dorrigo.com23rd - 25th October 2009Kangaroo Valley Folk Festivalwww.kangaroovalleyfolkfestival.com.au30th Oct - 2nd Nov 2009Maldon Folk Festivalwww.maldonfolkfestival.com20th - 22nd November 2009Harrietville Bluegrass & Traditional Country Music Conventionwww.bluegrass.org.au/Harrietville13th - 15th November 2009Music At The Creekwww.musicatthecreek.com27th Dec - 1 Jan 2010Woodford Folk Festivalwww.woodfordfolkfestival.com31st Dec 09 - 3rd Jan 2010Gulgong Festivalwww.gulgongfolkfestival.com7th - 10th January 2010Boite Singers’ Festivalwww.boite.com8th - 10th January 2010Cygnet Folk Festivalwww.cygnetfolkfestival.com14th - 17th January 2010Illawarra Folk FestivalBulli NSW www.illawarrafolkfestival.com.au

Festivals, Workshops, Schools

One day Festival Attracts Australia’s Top Folk Artists

Organisation is well underway for the Illawarra Folk Club’s Folk in the Foothills to be held on Sunday October 18th.

Nestled in the foothills of the Illawarra Escarpment is the beautiful Jamberoo Valley Lodge. It will again be the venue for Folk enthusiasts when they gather in the wonderful ambience of its rainforest setting, to hear music and verse performed by a great array of renowned international and local performers.

There will be 25 concerts with 17 acts from 9am in the morning till 7pm in the evening with a number of venues to choose from - a large concert room, an intimate acoustic concert room, the restaurant, outdoor terrace and grove area all set in the picturesque and tranquil surrounds of the Lodge.

Already confirmed are Ted Egan, Allen Johnson on tour from Scotland, Alistair Hullet, another from Scotland, and Poet and Funny Man, Jim Haynes. Then there’s Honky Tonk Man, Pugsly Buzzard, Australias latest singing sensation, Ami Williamson, raging Gypsy Band, Doc Jones Lechery Orchestra and harmony and beautiful music from the female band Raz and Waters.

The traditionalists are well catered for with the Wongawilli Band, The John Broomhall Trio, Alan Musgrove and the Watsername Band, Milthorpe’s Jason a Chloe Roweth and local dance band, No Such Thing.

Throw in young folk band, Replay, The Welsh Choir, The Sydney Serbian Dancers, The Tribal Jewels Belly Dancers and vintage poet Viv Sawyer and you have as good a folk festival line-up that you coul ever gather together in one day.

Tickets will be limited and are available on line at the Illawarra Folk Clubs Website. Illawarrafolkclub.org.auRussell Hannah

Celtic Summer School

Luke Plumb is one of the most exciting mandolin players to come out of Australia, and is also highly regarded around the world as a mandolin player. A leading member of Scottish band Shooglenifty, Luke is also making a name for himself as a teacher, and with his superb solo album ‘A Splendid Notion’. At last year’s Celtic Summer School, Music Under the Southern Cross, he taught Irish Fiddle, to great acclaim.

In January he will be teaching his favoured instrument – mandolin. Students will only need a good understanding of the mandolin to be able to make the most out of this exciting teacher.

Luke joins a fine line up of teachers at the Summer School including Chris Duncan and Matthew Robertson - Advanced Scottish Fiddle; Emma Nixon and Lachlan Green - Intermediate Scottish Fiddle; Dave O’Neill and Bridget Hickey - Irish Fiddle; Pria Schwall-Kearney and Sarah Davies - Canadian Fiddle styles; Mike Watts - English Concertina; Kathy Hickey - Irish Whistle; Patrick Lyons - Uilleann Pipes (Full); Nicole Murray and John Thompson (Cloudstreet) - Traditional Singing; Celtic Harp (Full). Classes are beginning to fill so students are advised to get their applications in early. www.celt.com.au/summer.html

17th - 22nd January 2010Celtic Summer School, Campaspe Downs, Vic. Enq. 03 6397 3427 www.celt.com.au/summer.html26th - 28th February 201015th Cobargo Folk Festivalwww.cobargofolkfestival.com - (Applica-tions close 31st August, 2009)5th - 8th March 2010Port Fairy Folk Festivalwww.portfairyfolkfestival.com12th - 10th March 2010Blue Mountains Festival of Folk Roots & Blueswww.bmff.org.au11th - 21st March 2010Brunswick Music Festivalwww.brunswickmusicfestival.com19th - 21st March 2010Yackendandah Folk Festivalwww.folkfestival.yackandandah.com1st - 5th April 2010National Folk Festivalwww.folkfestival.asn.au


We recently returned from a UK visit which included attending the Orkney Folk Festival on May 21-24, mostly because we had never been there before but also we were jealous our treasurer Bruce Cameron had such a good time last year!

The line-up also attracted us, old favourites Genticorum, last seen at the National, and a host of very good locals.

We journeyed to Thurso by train, the tip of Scotland, and the session on the ferry from Scrabster to Stromness put everyone in the mood. Stromness is a beautiful stone port climbing up the hill with paved streets and compact village feel; most of the festival is centred here, with some concerts in Kirkwall and Finstown and some outlaying islands Rousay and Stronsay. As this is a concert based festival, we’d fortunately prebooked a nightly concert before leaving Sydney; and they were all sold out. We therefore missed some performers we’d like to have seen, plus the “late” concerts which began at 10.30 and went until the wee hours, when the sessions were in full swing! With northern summer it is light until 11.00pm, so easy driving home to our B&B, an old 1830 flour mill.

The opening concert started with the local pipe band and included short sets from many groups .Our second concert featured Irish guests; marvellous singer Karan Casey, with band backing; group Buille centred on master concertina player Niall Vallely; and Beoga were a five piece young group with all Ireland bodhran champ

and a fine singer/fiddler.All three groups were of a high standard of musicianship and are gaining reputations around UK and Europe.

Saturday afternoon an Oxfordshire Morris team performed in the square outside the Stromness Hotel, setting for the bar sessions and the Song Club. In fact the bar spilled out onto the square when weather allowed, fortunately most of the time, and various combinations of players entertained. The evening concert in the Town Hall starred the wonderful Spiers and Boden, vocals fiddle and concertina, who take traditional songs and make them their own. Dave O’Neill please get them to the National !

Also featured were Shetland supergroup Fiddlers Bid with no less than four duelling fiddles plus guitars, and local youngsters Skalder; more pop than trad. Karine Polwart Trio rounded off the evening; she will be known here as a sometime member of Battlefield Band and Malinky, thoughtful songs well sung.

Sunday, final day, we caught the session led by MacGregor Brechin and O’hEadhra, sensational playing and Gaelic singing. The closing concert also gave us a taste of Bruce Molsky, Ullapool trad singer Margaret Bennett, and the delightful Genticorum who won all hearts!

We had hoped to hear the Wrigley Sisters whom we so enjoyed at our first

National many years ago, they were running workshops and have a music café in Kirkwall with an encouraging stream of little fiddlers coming and going, they are always involved in the festival.

Altogether a delightful 4 nights of music, wonderful sightseeing on these beautiful islands. We had been told Stromness is a quiet little town; we can assure you it’s not when there’s a festival on!James & Dallas Baxter

Orkney Folk Festival

Session at the Stromess Hotel Orkney

Town Square

Town Square


dance news

folk newsIrish Music TeacherYoung Irish musician just arrived in Sydney, excellent references, looking for students. Ruari McGorman will teach Irish fiddle, DADGAD guitar, bouzouki and whistle at the Gaelic Club in Surry Hills and possibly other locations if there is interest. For inquiries about lessons phone Mort on 9558 2425 (h) or 9716 2330 (w)

50 Years of vFMC The Victorian Folk Music Club Inc has celebrated their 50th anniversary with a glossy commemorative edition of their newsletter ‘Australian Tradition’, July 2009. Photos full of nostalgia include the covers of the June 1972 issue - ‘Margret RoadKnight, Sue Lee Archer and Merle Lamb singing for Women’s Lib at International Women’s Day demonstration , City Square, Melbourne, March, 1972’ - and the ‘Final Issue’ (December 1975), with a ‘Last Editorial’ from editor Wendy Lowenstein. There’s a reprint of ‘The Story of the VFMC’, written by Shirley Andrews and Wendy, which, of course, does not say who took up the baton or when publication resumed. Other reprinted articles include ‘Port Phillip Folk Festival, 1968’ (Shirley), ‘Collecting Oral Tradition in Australia Today’ (Wendy). Some collected songs are also reprinted; there’s a profile of Bert Gibson (a member for the whole 50 years), and a report of the Gay Charmers’ 50th anniversary, at Kerang; and much more.

Steeleye SpanSteeleye Span, the legendary UK Folk/Rock band, featuring the voice of Maddy Prior, are touring Australia in October, as part of their 40th Anniversary World Tour.

Remarkably, the band has seldom been more active in its career. The current line-up of Maddy Prior, Peter Knight, Rick Kemp, Liam Genockey and Ken Nicol has in fact become the longest serving of any across the years.

Their 40th anniversary year will be spent in much the same way as every other: they will play live (two UK tours, plus visits to Australia and USA) and make music, releasing a new album that will typically see them buck their own trend and go back to their roots, the interpretation of traditional song. Their Sydney concert is in The York Theatre at the Seymour Centre on Friday 2nd October. Tickets are now available at www.seymour.usyd.edu.au

Spring School of Irish Music & dance

This is a three day programme (16 - 18 September) held in conjuction with the Turning Wave Festival, Gundagai NSW (16-20 Sept), offering master classes

Call For Information To Assist research For Proposed Phil Ochs radio SpecialSure ’Twas Only 27 Years Ago!!!!Where were you in July 1972?

If you were at one of one of Phil Ochs’ concerts, Declan O’Connell wants to talk to you. Declan is one of the presenters of Rebel Chorus on Radio 2XX in Canberra (98.3FM). Rebel Chorus (‘folk music with a political edge”) goes to air on Saturdays from 10 am to12 midday, live streaming at 2xxfm.org.au/08/streaming.htm. Declan is doing research for a planned I Dreamed I Saw Phil Ochs Last Night edition of the show later this year.

Ochs wrote songs like Draft Dodger Rag, Here’s to the State of Mississippi and I Ain’t Marchin’ Any

More (the song that inspired a mass burning of draft cards in Chicago during the 1968 Democratic Party convention). He called them “topical songs” rather than “protest songs” and said he was “a singing journalist”, who built songs from stories in Newsweek. Following the overthrow of the Allende Government in Chile on 11 September 1973 by a US-backed military coup, Ochs got Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger and Arlo Guthrie to join him in a Friends of Chile benefit concert (“An Evening with Salvador Allende”) in New York.

Ochs’ 1972 Australian tour included concerts in Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Tasmania; Canberra; Sydney, Brisbane and Townsville. On the tour, he was supported by the Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band, Jewellian the Mimer, cartoonist Ron Cobb and women’s liberationist/abortion law reform advocate Molly Manno. If you were at one of the concerts, please email Declan at [email protected] or ring him on 6253 1378

Bush Music Club’s Subscription Ball 7pm, Saturday 22nd August, 2009, Maitland Town HallCelebrate the Bush Music Club’s 29th Subscription Ball with music and dances specially selected to make it a night to remember.Soak up the ambience of The Maitland Town Hall, situated in High Street,

BMC dance Workshops The Bush Music Club’s Monday night Dance Workshops for August (7.30-9.30pm, $7) will feature a Practice for the Maitland Ball on 3rd, 10th and 17th August, with workshop leader Felicity Hattingh. The remaining two Mondays, 24th and 31st, will be Mixed Bush and Old Time Dances, leader to be advised. Pennant Hills Community Centre, Yarrara Rd, is close to the station. Felicity 9456 2860, 0434 437 522

Maitland, with its grand old colonial architecture and its amazing sprung timber dance floor.Dance to the music of Coalbrook Band, featuring the Strutt Family, Chris Duncan and Bob McInnes, favourites at the Maitland Town Hall for many years.Dress in your colonial finest and enjoy the spectacle, recreating the splendour of Subscription Balls past.Arrive to appetisers at 7pm and partake of two delicious suppers (savoury & sweet) provided at convenient breaks in the program.Price $50 per person, order form here http://www.bushmusic.org.au/bmc_dance_ball.html Earlybird price of $40 (until 24th July.)

and workshops in traditional Irish music and dance. The Master Class Series is modelled after the Willie Clancy Summer School in Ireland and offers participants three mornings of tuition (Wed 16th- Fri 18th Sept: 10am-1pm), with forums and sessions in the afternoons and evenings. Master classes are for intermediate or experienced players. Workshops are offered for anyone from beginners (instrumentalists must have some basic knowledge of their instrument) to more experienced participants and will run on Wed 16th and Thurs 17th from 2-4pm. Classes include fiddle, concertina, banjo, accordion, flute, guitar, Irish music for beginners and Irish set dancing. For more information visit www.turningwave.org.au or to register Contact Pam Merrigan (02) 9489 5786 or [email protected]

The Folk Federation ONLINE - jam.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette JULY 2009 9

Tony King and Kris Ralph are Beautifully Mad! They are one of Sydney’s most sought after duos. They produce acoustic music at its best, from the hauntingly beautiful in the vein of Luka Bloom, to the exotic tones reminiscent of Cassandra Wilson to the wild Hendrix.

Tony is an aria award winning songwriter and tours with Andrew Strong in The Commitments as lead guitarist.

Tony is an accomplished composer, guitarist: a fine bass player on both fretted and fretless instruments and is gifted vocalist. He is also a producer and film composer.

Together they have combined their talents to produce an array of diverse songs.

Tony just got nominated for Australian Songwriter of the Year. He also won four awards including Best Song in two categories, the best result of any songwriter in 2006.

Kris Ralph is an accomplished singer/actor who plays guitar, percussion, writes songs and paints. Kris has been performing on stages all over Australia since she left school.

Kris is also an award winning songwriter and a trained for years under Jazz legend Kerrie Biddell to achieve a wonderful rich voice.

Starting at the Riverina Trucking Company for four years and then moving to Sydney where she starred in shows such as, The Department with Tracy Mann and Max Gillies, The Madras House with Peter Carroll and Hugo Weaving, Stepping Out with Nancy Hayes, Rowena Wallace and Colette Mann, Blood Brothers with Christina Amphlette and Russell Crowe.

Kris has sung in bands such as The Other Woman with Genevieve Lemon and Suzanne Thompson, and now with Tony King in Makin Whoopee.

As a session singer in Sydney and Kris has featured on the Buddy Album (Sydney Cast) and as backing vocalist on Read My Lips and Sexy Is The Word, for Melissa Tkautz.

Kris studied at the Conservatorium of Music in jazz fundamentals. She has co-written songs for Makin Whoopee’s albums, Let Them Fall on Moonlight Cactus; Mandarin Sky and the title track on Full of the Moon.

Tony and Kris are known as Beautifully Mad when they are performing their original material.

For more information and to view some highlights of the tour you can go to the website www.beautifullymad.com or phone 0412 109 391Appearing in August at The Folkus Room and The Yuin Folk Club.

Beautifully Mad (Tony King and Kris Ralph)

The rail Tram & Bus Union Competition

Over a period of a century and half Australia has a great number, certainly more than 500, songs and poems about the railways. The music and songs come in many kinds: rock, gospel, classical, folk, blues, country and rap. They also come in many languages for example there are many Torres Straits Islander songs related to the push to build railways in the north during the 1960s.Continuing its own long tradition the Rail Tram and Bus Union is launching a thousand dollar competition for poets and songwriters. Australian railway workers and passengers have endured the good and the bad. While doing so, they have often reflected upon the times with music, songs, poems, tall stories and other art forms.The Rail Tram and Bus Union competition is looking for original music, songs, poems and other art forms to help portray life on Australian railways today.Topics could range from working conditions to emissions reduction, infrastructure, fast trains and the advantage of general public railways services over the car.The winning entrant stands to win $1000 and the opportunity for their work to be publicised through the RTBU and associated organisations. Closing date for entries is Friday 4th September 2009.For entry form and rules, call 02 9310 3966 or google RTBU or ‘Australian Railway Songs’ and pick up the information from there.


folk contactsWednesdayAlbion Fair, North-West Morris DancingLilyfield Community Centre, Cecily and O’Neill Sts, 7.45pm. Angie Milce 9817 3529Australian Heritage DancersAnnandale Neighbourhood Centre, 79 Johnston St, 8 -10pm. Jim Young 9412 3721 [email protected] - australianheritagedancers.org.auBalmoral Scottish Country Dance Group7.00-9.15pm, Seniors’ Centre, Mosman Square, Mosman. Nell Morgan 9981 4769.Epping Scottish Country Dance ClubSt Aidan’s Church Hall, Downing St, 7.30-10pm. All levels welcome. Clare Haack 9484 5947 [email protected] Scottish Country Dance Society7-10pm, Church of Christ, Henry Parry Drive, Wyoming. Cecily Cork 4384 3527, Jan McCudden 4329 5537Greek Folk DancePan Macedonian Assoc Building, Railway Pde, Sydenham from 7pm onwards. Adult classes from 7.15 pm, Vasilios Aligiannis, tel/fax 9708 1875 [email protected] Folk Dancing for older women School terms only, 9-10am beginners, 10-11am advanced. Bankstown Older Women’s Wellness Centre, Police and Community Youth Club, cnr Meredith St and French Ave. Gabrielle 9728 7466, Alita 9798 9269Irish Set Dance class, Irish Gaelic Club, 64 Devonshire St, Surry Hills. 8-9.30pm. Alarna 0401 167 910.Sutherland Shire Bush Dance Group Uniting Church, 4 Gosport St, Cronulla, 7.30-10pm. $3. Beginners most welcome. Partners not necessary.Mike 9520 2859Sutherland Shire Folk Dance GroupGymea Bay Scout Hall, June Place, 10am. Kaye Laurendet - 9528 4813ThursdayEnglish Country Dancing (Advanced) for the over 50’s 2-4pm. School for Seniors, Wesley Mission, Pitt St. Sydney. (Oppositive back of Hilton Hotel.)Blue Labyrinth International Folk Dancefrom 7pm, Baptist Church Hall, King St Glenbrook. Jo Barrett 4739 6498Greek Folk DanceSt Gerassimos Church Hall, 21 Henry St Leichhardt. 6 pm onwards. Adult classes from 7.15 Vasilios Aligiannis, tel/fax 9708 1875 [email protected] Irish Ceili Dancers Kingsgrove Uniting Church Hall, 289A Kingsgrove Rd (cnr Moreton Avenue, Children’s step dancing 6pm, adults step dancing 7pm. Set and ceili dancing 8-10.30pm. Margaret and Bill Winnett 9150 6765. email: [email protected] Colonial and Folk Dancers Every Friday, St Andrews Ch Hall, cnr Trelawney/Rutledge Sts, Eastwood (next to BBC), Colonials’ Dance each 5th Friday evening. Anthony and Lisa 9873 4805. International DancingSedenka Folk Dancers, Rozelle Neighbourhood Centre, 665A Darling St Rozelle. 8-llpm, $3. Chris Wild 9560 2910.Scottish Country DancingAdult classes, beginners welcome, children 6.30 -7.30pm, adults 8-10.30pm, Beecroft Primary School, $2. Sheena Caswell 9868 2075, Heather Dryburgh 9980 7978

DANCEMondayBush Music Club Dance WorkshopBeginners, experienced, 7.30pm, Pennant Hills Community Centre, downstairs. Except Jan. and public holidays. Felicity 9456 2860International Folk DancingSchool term, Earlwood Senior Citizens Centre, 362 Homer St 10am-noon. Gwynne 9558 4753Scottish Country Dancing for beginners, with ‘Scots on the Rocks’, Fort St Public School, Observatory Hill, Sydney, 6.30-7.30pm. Nea 9994 7110, Lynn 9268 1246, SC [email protected], http://www.rscds.org.auBelly Dance, basic/beginners 7pm, choreography 8pm, Girraween Hall, 17 Tungarra Rd. Vera Myronenko 9665 9713TuesdayBlue Mountains Scottish Country Dancers Catholic Church Hall, 7-9pm, Wentworth St, $3 Verley Kelliher, 4787 5968, [email protected] Carol Gardner 4751 6073/[email protected] Folk DanceBankstown RSL Club - 32 Kitchener Pde - Bankstown 6pm onwards.Vasilios Aligiannis, tel/fax: 97081875 [email protected] Dance ClassUltimo, 8-10pm. Gary Dawson 9559 4485. [email protected] Dancing, Sydney Morris Men2nd & 4th Tues, Rozelle Community Centre (hall at rear), Darling St, Rozelle, 8pm. John Milce 9817 3529 or www.wheezeandsuck.com. English Country Dancing, SydneyPlayford Dance Group 3rd Tues, 7.30-10.00pm, Uniting Church Hall, The Cres, Berala. Ring Patricia 9649 6978 or Mike or Ros on 9929 8193 for further details.Scottish Country DancingSt John’s Uniting Church Hall, Coonanbarra Rd, Wahroonga, 7.30-10.30pm. All welcome. Catherine Bonner 9489 5027Scottish Country DancingFort Street School, Observatory Hill, City. 6pm to 8pm Nea MacCulloch 9904 1358(a/h) or Lynn 8244 9618(w)Sutherland Shire Folk Dance GroupInternational Dancing, Gymea Bay Scout Hall, June Place, 7.30-9pm. Kaye Laurendet 9528 4813Turkish Dance ClassLidcombe Community Centre, 8-10pm. Yusuf Nidai 9646 1166Ukrainian (Cossack) Dancing Class for fit and energetic young people (16-23yrs), 7.30 pm to 10.00 pm. Ukrainian Hall 59 Joseph Street, Lidcombe. Jaros Iwanec 9817 7991, [email protected] /www.veselka.com.auInternational Folk Dance class - Open Door, Georges Hall Senior Citizens, Birdwood Rd, 11.30am-12.30pm. Gabrielle 9728 7466, [email protected]“The Dance Buffet”, wide variety taught, Liverpool City Pipe Band Hall, Woodward Park (next to Whitlam Centre), Memorial Ave, 7.30-9.30pm. $8 ($5 conc). Nicholai 9822 7524, mob 0407 178 228

ChOIRSMondayA Choired Taste, glebe, led by David Westmore, 9716 7016Bright Star Singers Ashfield, led by Mary-Jane Field, 9797-6126Ecopella. Erskineville, led by Miguel Heatwole, 9810 4601 [email protected] Bound Groove Train. Petersham, led by Linda Calgaro, 9518 4135Inner West Chamber Choir, Leichhardt, led by Rachelle Elliott. 9797 1917. [email protected]. Manly, led by Karen Smith, 0405 221 113Martenitsa. Ultimo, led by Mara & Llew Kiek, 47514910 People’s Chorus Newcastle, led by Rod Noble, 49 623432Unaccompanied Baggage. North Sydney, led by Stuart Davis, [email protected], Katoomba, ledby Rachel Hore 4759 2456, [email protected], Neutral Bay, led by David Westmore, 9716 7016Eastside Arts, Paddington, led by Christina Mim-mochi, 9331 2646Ecopella. Illawarra area (alternate Tuesdays), led by Miguel Heatwole 9810 4601, [email protected] Roc Lawson, led by Rachel Hore, 47592456, [email protected] Honeybees. East Sydney, led by Dynes Austin. Contact Jenny Jackson, 9816 4577 [email protected] Sydney Trade Union ChoirSydney City, contact [email protected] WednesdayChoralation. Abbosford (school terms), contact Marga-ret Grove [email protected] Ecopella. Upper Mts., contact Kate 47 825529NoteTonight, Josephine. Glebe, led by David Westmore, 9716 7016Stampadowns. Camperdown, led by Peter Lehner, contact Kim/John 0419 164 212 ThursdayAustralian Gaelic Singers, Ryde. Bran MacEachaidh, 9633 1162. www.gaelicsingers.org.auBouddi Voice. Kincumber (school terms), led by C & C Sainsbury, contact 43 683270Chorella Community Choir. Richmond, contact Ellen 4578 2975 Cleftomaniacs. Waterloo, led by Gary Smith, [email protected] Solidarity Choir. Newtown, led by Miguel Heat-wole, 9810 4601, [email protected] FridayThe Sydney Street Choir. CBD, led by Peter Lehner 0425 268 771The Sydney Welsh Choir (Men and Women) meet on Wednesday Evenings at Concord Baptist Church Hall. Reh. 7pm to 9pm. 20 to 30 performances a year. Viv 47 39 0384, Warwick 9451 7806,[email protected], women’s a cappella choir. Woodford. Led by Alison Jones 4759 2880SaturdaysThe Shire Quire. Gymea, led by Mary-Jane Field. contact Jenny, 9576 2301Sunday Blue Mountains Trade Union Choir. Upper Mts., contact Kate 47 82 5529


Scottish Country DancingCaringbah Seniors Hall, 386 Port Hacking Rd, Car-ingbah (rear Library), 8pm. Beginners/other levels. G. Milton 9524 4943, Erica Nimmo 9520 4781SaturdayBush Folk Dances, by Bush Dance Assoc.2nd Sat. Feb-Dec 6.30 - 10pm. New Year’s Eve 8pm-midnight. $20/$15/$10. $5 disc for early bookings. Pennant Hills Community Centre, 60 Yarrara Rd. John 9873 3138/ 0416 212 136, [email protected] Music Club Bush DancesFeb-dec (not Easter), 8-12pm, $17/$14/$12 incl. supper, children to 12 free. Beecroft Community Ctr 1st Sat, Helen 9626 7816; Balmain High School hall, Terry St, Rozelle, 3rd Sat, Don 9642 7949Central Coast Bush Dance4th Sat, 8-12pm, East Gosford Progress Hall, Henry Parry Dr and Wells St, $15/$12. Beate 4323 3356. Robyn 4344 6484.International Folk DanceChildren’s classes, 6-18 years, Pennant Hills Community Centre, morning. Carol Maddocks, 9905 1563Irish Ceili Dances, live Ceili bands, 4th Sats, 7.30 - 11.30pm. Irish Gaelic Club, 64 Devonshire St, Surry Hills. $10. Aisling 0413 941 459, [email protected] and Old Time Dance2nd Sat, 8pm, Uniting Church, 9-11 Bay St, Rockdale. $3 incl. supper. Chris Thom 9587 9966Scottish and Old Time DancingOrkney and Shetland Assoc. 3rd Sat, 8-11 pm. St David’s Hall, Dalhousie St, Haberfield. $3 inc. supper. Visitors most welcome. Jean Cooney 9874 5570.Macedonian Dance ClassRockdale. 6.30-8.30pm, $5. Y Kaporis 0412 861 187Mortdale Scottish DancersLearners night (for learners and experienced), 7.30- 9.30pm. Pensioners Welfare Club Hall, 76 Pitt Street, Mortdale. Pam Jehan 9580 8564.Sutherland Shire Folk Dance GroupInternational Dancing Como Girl Guides Hall, 10-11.30am. Kaye Laurendet 9528 4813Linnéa Swedish FolkdancersEstonian House, 141 Campbell St, Surry Hills. New members welcome. For times contact Graeme Traves 9874 4194, [email protected]

If you change your details PLEASE advise the editor on 02 6493 6758 or email [email protected]. You may also wish to have your details online (free) - jam.org.au

MUSIC IN CONCERTTuesdayThe Screw Soapers Guild - Writers Presenters & Listeners Group 4th Tues, 7.30pm, stories, poems, songs and conversation. Albert 9600 7153, email: [email protected], website: www.folkclub.com/folkodyssey/WednesdayWisefolk Club Last Wed in month, 11am-2.30pm, Toongabbie Bowling Club, 12 Station Rd, lunch at club bistro. Sonia 9621 2394 Allen 9639 7494, Thursday‘Posers & Composers’ performance session, every Thursday, Newtown RSL (1st floor), 52 Enmore Rd, 7.30pm - 11pm. Free. To book a spot & enq Dennis Aubrey 0408 452 464 [email protected] Folk Club2nd Thurs concert night. All ages. Members are welcome to join us at any of our concerts, do a floor spot. Enjoy a friendly , sociable night’s entertainment, support local talent. These artists are all superb musicians!! Contact Jenny 9576 2301.FridayHornsby Kuring-Gai Folk Club3rd Fri, 8pm, Each month Beatrice Taylor Hall, rear Willow Park Community Centre, Edgeworth David Ave, Guest artist and floor spots, light supper provided BYO grog. Barry Parks 9807 9497 [email protected]

lllawarra Folk Club, 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] Music Club2nd and 4th Fri 8pm, Northmead Scout Hall, Whitehaven Road, Northmead. A session always happens so bring instruments. Alison Boyd 02 9769 0592, [email protected], or Ray Pulis 9899 2102.Saturdaylllawarra Folk Club, 3rd Saturday, Wollongong City Diggers Club, cnr Burelli & Church Streets, 1300 887 034 www.illawarrafolkclub.org.au Loaded Dog Folk Club4th Sat, Annandale Neighbourhood Centre, 79 Johnston St, 8pm. Sandra Nixon, 9358 4886, [email protected]. www.theloadeddog.org.auMacquarie Towns Music Club3rd Sat,7.30pm Alternates between concert and round robin jam session format with concerts featuring a guest artist supported by a ‘blackboard concert’ Richmond Neighbourhood Centre, West Market St, .Contact Dez Williams at 4578 5215 [email protected] Shack. 1st Sat, presents 21st century original,contemporary and traditional folk music at the Tramshed, 1395a Pittwater Rd, Narrabeen at 7:30. BYO drinks and nibblies. Contact Rhonda on 0416 635 856 or email Kathleen at [email protected] & 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.auSundayTroubadour Folk ClubCentral Coast, 4th Sat. in month 7pm CWA Hall, Woy Woy. (opposite Fisherman’s Wharf), The Boulevard, Woy Woy. Admission: $7 members/$8 conc. & other folk club mems/$10 non members. Everyone welcome Tel. Frank or Marilyn 4342 9099, Fax 4325 7362. Email: [email protected] www.troubadour.org.au/folk/index.htm..

SESSIONS & FREE WORKShOpSMondayBush Music ClubCommunity Centre, 44/142 Addison Rd, Marrickville, 7.30pm. Music workshop. All singers and musicians welcome. Bob 9569 7244, [email protected] Music Session: Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 7.30 – 10.30pm @ The Shamrock Inn, Asquith Leagues Club, Alexandra Pd. Waitara (short walk from station). It’s an open session and all musicians are welcome with focus on tunes rather than songs. Phone Norm 9489 5786/[email protected] music lessons, beginners and advanced, flute, fiddoe, whistle, tenor banjo, guitar, concertina. Irish Gaelic Club, Sjurry Hills, 0413 941 459, [email protected] Frog Hotel. Jam Night. Cnr Bridge & Macquarie Sts, Windsor. 7.30pm to late. Mark 0419 466 004

Gosford Bush PoetsLast Wednesday night of every month 7pm. The Gosford Hotel, cnr of Mann & Erina Sts Gosford. Everyone welcome to share in night of fun, friendship and great poetry. Contact Vic Jefferies, 02 96394911 or [email protected] Folk ClubSession night 4th Thursday. 7.00pm, Sutherland District Trade Union Club, Gymea. All welcome. 9520 6180.Blackheath Folk Club, 1st Thurs, 7.30pm, Ivanhoe Hotel, cnr Gt Wstn Hwy and Govetts Leap Rd. Christine Davies, Peter Duggan 4787 7246FridayBMC Beer & Cheese NightThemed music nights, 1st Fri (except holidays), 8-10pm. Bring something to sing, eat, drink. Bush Music Club, Hut 44, Addison Rd Community Centre, 142 Addison Rd, Marrickville. 9569 7244, [email protected] Suburbs Poetry Group1st Friday, Church in the Market Place, Bondi Junction. 6.30-8.30pm. Gina 9349 6958Springwood Neighbourhood Centre Acoustic Club 4th Fri, (Feb - Nov) 8pm, $7/$5, Springwood Neighbourhood Centre, Macquarie Rd (next to library and Oriental Hotel.) Visitors and floor performers welcome, Theresa 47518157, Jeannette 4754 4893SaturdayFairlight Folk Acoustic LoungeHeld 4 times a year, Feb, May, Aug. Nov (usually 1st Sat) 7.45pm. A comfortably enticing, relaxed environment in which to see quality live acoustic music. Ajfjter show - jam. BYO drinks and nibbles. Light refreshments available. William St Studios, Fairlight (The Baptist Church down from Sydney Rd. Contact Rosie 9948 7993. [email protected]

SundaySydney Scottish Fiddlers1st and 3rd Sun, 2-5pm, New Church, 4 Shirley Rd Roseville. All ages welcome. Trish 9416 2402.Irish Music SessionHarp Irish Pub, Tempe, 4-7.30pm. Enq. 9559 6300Music Session Hero of Waterloo, cnr Lower Fort St and Windmill Street, The Rocks. 6-10pm. Brendan 9818 4864Irish Music Session. 3rd Sunday. Bennet Hotel, Hamilton, 4-7.30pm Roz and Shane Kerr 44967 3167Irish Music Sessions - Dicey Riley’s, Wollongong 2pm.Hotel Illawarra Wollongong, 3rd Sunday, 3pm, spoken word, 5pm acoustic music


REGIONAL EVENTS Council Meeting Rooms (opp. Panthers’ Club, main entrance), Newcastle. Rod Noble 4962 3432 email: [email protected] Irish Set Dancers, Tuesdays, 7.30-9.00pm, Scots Kirk, Hamilton, Newcastle. Julia or Arthur, 4955 5701 [email protected], or <http://users.tpg.com.au/juliasm/Irish-Dance/Hunter Bush Poets, 2nd Tuesday 7pm, Tarro Hotel; Ron Brown 4951 6186. Hunter Folk Dancers, Enquiries: Julia or Arthur on 02 4955 5701, Irish Music Session, Bennett Hotel, Hamilton, 3rd Sun, 4pm. Roz and Shane Kerr 4967 3167Newcastle Poetry in the Pub, 3rd Monday, 7.30pm, Northern Star Hotel, Hamilton. Glenn 4967 1460.Newcastle Strath Hunter Dancers, Mondays Adults 7.30pm, Wallsend Uniting Church. Thurs-days Juniors 4.15pm, Youth 5.30pm, All Saints Hall, New Lambton. Elma: 4943 3436.Tradewinds Acoustic/Folk Session, 2nd Sunday (Feb-Nov). 25 Queen St, Cooks Hill. 4-7pm. Carole Garland 4929 3912, [email protected] & Cornish Folk Dancing, Mon, 7.30-9.30pm, All Saints Anglican Hall, Cromwell St, New Lambton. Beginners and visitors always welcome. Enq. Margaret Kenning 4952 1327. Email: [email protected] Beehive, as requested. 8 Lewis St, Is-lington. Neville Cunningham 4969 4246. NOWrA:Balkan and International Folk Dance, Mon, 7.30pm, Cambewarra Hall. Suzi Krawczyk 4446 0569, [email protected] Folk Dance, Progress Hall, Boorawine Tce, Callala Bay. Tuesday (school term), 7.15-9pm. Maureen 446 6550, [email protected] Craic – 9 piece acoustic traditional Band. Tuesday 7.30-10 pm, John’s place. Chris Langdon 4446 1185, [email protected] or Mark Nangle 4454 5028, [email protected] Country Dance Group, Presbyterian Church Hall, Kinghome St (next to Woollies), Wed, 8pm, all welcome. Jill 4421 3570Shoalhaven Bush and Folk Dancing Club, Friday (school term, 8-10pm, Cambewarra Hall. Margaret 4421 0557.Shoalhaven Acoustic Music Assoc, Bomaderry Bowling Club, formal concerts, not always folk, approx quarterly. George Royter 4421 3470OBErON Music Club, fortnightly, Thurs, 8pm, Oberon Leagues Club. Neil Higgins 6337 5707.SOUTHErN HIgHLANdSBowral Folk, Blues and Beyond, 3rd Thurs-day 8pm. The Celtic Room at The Scottish Arms, 69 Boardman Rd, East Bowral. $8. John Hall 4661 4900, [email protected] Southern Highlands Recreational lnternational Folk Dance Group, Bowral Presb Church Hall, Bendooley St, Thurs (school term), 9-llam. Margaret 4861 2294 Southern Highlands Scottish Country Dance Group, Moss Vale Uniting Church, Cnr Argyll and Spring Streets, Wednesday, 7.30pm. All welcome. Enq. 4861 6471.TAREE, Lazarka International Folk Dance Group, Manning River Steiner School Hall, Tues. 5.30-8.30pm, Sandra 6552 5142.WAggA WAggA Downside Bush Dance & Open Mic, Tin Shed Rat-tlers, 1st Sat, Noel Raynes 6928 5541.WAUCHOPE, 1st Saturday Concert with in-vited artists 7.30 pm 3rd Saturday Open perfor-mance session 7.30 at Café Blue Frog, High St. Enq,John 6585 1488 email [email protected] (near Griffith) Bidgee Folk Club3rd Sun. Whitton Hotel, Whiton 1pm - 5pm. 02 6954 4019WOLLONgONg:

BATEMANS BAY: Scottish Country Dancing, Batemans Bay Caledonian Society -Tuesday 7.30pm at Batemans Bay Bowling Club - visitors welcome. Warren 4457 2065, Max 4472 5184BATHUrST: Bathurst Folk Club, occasional concerts, touring and local artists. Different venues. Bruce Cam-eron 02 6331 1129, www.bathurstfolkclub.org.auBELLINgEN: Celtic Australian Session.. Saturday from midday, Church Street tables. John 66555898, Carole 66551225BLUE MOUNTAINS: Blue Mountains Heritage Danc-ers, Wednesday in term time, Wentworth Falls. Patrick Harte 0412 786 988BrAIdWOOd: Braidwood Folk Music Club meets every 3rd Thurs-day now at the Anglican Church Hall, BYO everything. Info Erika 4842 2505; performers Sue 4842 8142Tallaganda dance Troupe. Folk dance, Mon. 9.30am (Noela 4842 8004. Belly dance. 11.30am. (Erika 4842 2505) 35 Coronation Ave, Braidwood.BrOKEN HILL: Occasional acoustic jam nights at Bell’s Milk Bar. Contact Broken Hill Art Exchange, (08) 80088 3171Burrawang Folk, 4887 7271CENTrAL COAST: Troubadour Folk ClubCentral Coast, 2nd Sun, 1.30pm, CWA Hall, Woy Woy. (opposite Fisherman’s Wharf), The Boulevard, Woy Woy. Admission: $7 members/$8 conc. & other folk club mems/$10 non members. Includes afternoon tea. Tel. Frank or Marilyn 4342 9099, Fax 4325 7362. Email: [email protected] www.troubadour.org.au/folk/index.htm..COBArgO: Yuin Folk Club, Occasional Folk Nights. Enq. Coral Vorbach or Graeme Fryer 6493 6758. [email protected], website: www.cobargofolkfestival.com COOMA, International Folk Dancing, Uniting Church Hall, Soho St, Thurs, 6pm. Fran 6453 3282 (h)dUBBO FOLK CLUB, 2nd Sun, 2.30pm, Castlere-agh Hotel. All welcome. Di Clifford 6882 0498gOSFOrd BUSH POETS - last Wednesday night of every month 7pm. The Gosford Hotel, cnr of Mann & Erina Sts Gosford. Everyone welcome to share in night of fun, friendship and great poetry. Contact Vic Jefferies, 02 96394911 or [email protected] FOLK CLUB, PO Box 340, Gulgong NSW 2852, Bob Campbell 02 6373 4600, Mike Byron 6374 2005, [email protected], www.winsoft.net.au/~worobilKIAMA “No Such Thing”. Yvonne O’Grady and Alan Musgrove host an Australian tune session suitable for beginners every Monday in Kiama. Yvonne 02 4233 1073, [email protected] BUSH dANCE, Wed nights, Ray Flynn Hall. Glenys Ritchie 6622 4258NEWCASTLE: Bush and Colonial dancing, 3rd Sund each month 2-4pm. Beginners and visitors always welcome. All Saints Anglican Hall, New Lamb-ton. Enq. Margaret Kenning 02 4952 1327 email: [email protected] or Bill Propert 02 4946 5602 email [email protected] and Hunter Valley Folk Club, 1st Sat. 7.30pm (not Jan) Wesley Fellowship House, Beaumont St, Hamilton. or Elaine Velt (H) 4943 1552.Ron Brown (W) 4926 1313 [email protected], www.newcastlehuntervalleyfolkclub.org.auLakeside Folk Cirle, 4th Sunday, every month. Ter-alba Community Hall, Anzac Pade, Lake Macquarie. 4-7pm. $2.50. Paul 4959 6030. [email protected]’s Chorus Practice, 6pm, Trades Hall

ACTMonaro Folk Society Inc, Post Office Box 482 Civic Square, ACT 2608. Lance Court (02) 6161 2426 www.monarofolk.org.au - The Merry Muse www.merrymuse.org.auThe Folkus Room, Bill Arnett (02) 6262 9265 www.thefolkus.org.auNOrTHErN TErrITOrY: Top End Folk Club, PO Box 41551, Casuarina, NT 0811. :Di Howard, 08 8945 0436 (ah), www.members.ozemail.com.au/QUEENSLANd Brisbane Folk Club, Larrie Cook 07 3345 1718.Cairns Folk Club, Ray Elias 07 4039 2493The Folk Rag (Mag), PO Box 108, Kingston Q4114, ph/fax 07 3208 4923, [email protected]. www.FolkRag.orgQld Colonial and Heritage Dancers. PO Box 3011, Yeronga 4104. Jan Orloff ph/fax 07 3848 7706, [email protected] Folk Festival. PO Box 1134, Woodford 4514. [email protected]; www.woodfordfolkfestival.com.TASMANIACeltic Southern Cross Folk Music Catalogue. Beth Sowter, [email protected]; www.celt.com.au; PO Box 72, Bracknell Tas 7302.Folk Federation of Tasmania Inc. PO Box 1945, Launceston 7250. Beth Sowter 03 6397 3427vICTOrIABallarat Folk Club, John Ruyg 03 5332 7872Boite World Music Cafe, Fitzroy, 03 9417 3550 (w), http:// www.boite.asn.auGeelong Folk Club, 2nd. Fri - Coffee House Folk- singing and session - at Cafe Go! Bellerine St. Geelong, from 7.30pm. Last Fri - Upstairs at The Pancake Kitchen, Moorabool St. for songs and session. Contact: Marie Goldsworthy 03 5221 1813 or Jamie McKinnon 03 5261 3443Traditional Social Dance Assoc. of Victoria. Marion Stabb (03) 9439 7100Victorian Folk Music Club Inc. GPO Box 2025S, Melbourne 3001. Brian Venten 03 9884 9476, [email protected] Butler 03 9876 4366, [email protected] AUSTrALIAWA Folk Federation. PO Box 328, Inglewood, WA, 6932. Rob Oats 08 9375 9958.www.wafolk.iinet.net.au Email: [email protected]

ACROSS ThE BORDER

Bluegrass Jam Session, 3rd Sat each month. 7.30-11pm. Thirroul Neighbour-hood Centre next to post office.lllawarra Folk Club, 1st Friday and 3rd Saturday, Wollongong City Diggers Club, cnr Burelli & Church Streets, 1300 887 034 www.illawarrafolkclub.org.au Poet’s Breakfast, Wed. 7,.15am. Wollon-gong Writers’ Centre, Town Hall, Corrimal St. Tony Stoddart, [email protected] Folk Club, 12.30pm, Mondays, Fridays. Old timey, bluegrass, Celtic session. Duck Pond (in front of library), University of Wollongong. David Harman, [email protected] White Heather Scottish Country Dance Group, Mon, 7.30 -10pm, St Andrew’s Church Hall, Kembla St. All welcome. Arnold Thurl-ing 4228 1986 or Grace Halliday 4229 3480Wongawilli Colonial Dance Club, Bush Dance, Wed, 8pm, musos and dancers all welcome, Com-munity Hall, West Dapto Rd, Wongawilli. David 0409 57 1788. www.wongawillicolonialdance.org.au


Industry Insightsby Nick Charles

Part 1.Sounds scary doesn’t it? This little essay was inspired in

part, as usual, by some recent road experiences.In recent months I’ve played all over the country from

Queensland to Western Australia and totally burnt myself out. It’s a balancing act, finding enough work to survive economically i.e. food on the table, the rent etc and the threats of tendonitis, sore throats and not to mention ‘over exposure’ and the need to constantly be looking for your audience. I believe more than ever that you have to go out and find the true music fans, especially in this world of excessive entertainment options and diversions.

I’ve been at this game full time now since 1986 and still find it bewildering at times exactly trying to work out how to balance all these things as well as staying positive and creating new music on a regular basis. The general public obviously see a performer up there on stage in front of let’s say a large festival audience and sees ‘success’, maybe ‘fame’, maybe ‘fortune’ and probably to some extent these images are moulded by the media’s focus on the big stars. Most of us, it’s true began playing with stars in our eyes for sure. I wanted really badly to be Eric Clapton when I was a young teen (still wouldn’t mind a share of it!) but of course for the remaining 99% of musicians it’s an absolute test of adaptability. There are hard decisions to make.

You only need to notice how many former mainstream artists, with sometimes considerable commercial success, are now appearing in the festival and folk club environments to realize how competitive it is. Some of the newer avenues include the burgeoning house concert scene, the song writer circle gigs and number of new festivals of all shapes and sizes that yearly arrive.

But I digress! I really wanted to mention some incidents that occurred in opposite corners of the country and how I handled them. You too will probably encounter things like this.

It was a warm north Queensland Wednesday night and I was booked to play a large bar that’s been a blues venue for a long time. Upon entering to set up I noticed that the ‘music’ room had more than a dozen high volume sporting events on screens in full flight and coupled with that the crowd had clearly been absorbing amazing amounts of alcohol long before my arrival. I had a few very strange conversations! I knew instinctively (call me slow) that I was in for a tough one when a group of guys had a beer pouring

competition over their mates heads while singing Aussie rock anthems. Not much damage was done to their stubbie shorts, singlets and thongs I might add.

Anyway, what do you do on the road when you need to work and you’re between main events? Adapt!

Well, thankfully there was an extremely loud PA system, a high stage out of arms reach, and a band room to retreat to. I told myself it could have been worse and proceeded to play a set without pause (no time to hear requests!) and once again a couple of choice old classics helped somewhat.

I kept smiling, something I’ve learned to do, and soldiered on. Another handy hint is to have some accessible CDs (or in my case a versatile I Pod) to keep some of the punters happy during the break.

I think I gained some respect from punters and management after all that and would you believe they want me back. It’s time for a price rise don’t you think. I’d say considerable.

I got through the three hour gig, packed up in a matter of minutes, got paid and fled!

There’s actually a strange euphoria about getting through one of those nights and your ability to handle them could well decide your economic prospects on the road in this country. You have to be able to take the good with the bad. It really makes you appreciate a listening audience, a dedicated folk club and a great festival.

Thankfully the next night was a great venue, audience and sound and on it goes!

Well it did happen again shortly afterwards on the other side of the country. This time a Sunday night in south western WA... I could have sworn I was followed from QLD. Actually this time proved even more demanding. A small PA, low stage, no security and an extremely hostile group at the far end of the room and I had the added dilemma of a small group of fans near me but surrounded by the great unwashed!

There’s really no answer to this situation. Grin and bear it. It became almost intolerable when I was verbally abused mid song at one point for not playing something by someone I’d never heard of.

Still, it gives you something to write about, doesn’t it? Amazingly this particular gentleman bought a CD at the end of the night for some strange reason! You are really left wondering at that point if you are a poor judge of character. My original fans were full of admiration at my composure and I scored a nice house concert (sympathy) next time I’m in the area.

That was the last show of the tour and was topped off beautifully by a shocking cold and a broken fingernail. I applied for sick leave of course.

Once again I ask, “Can you handle it?”More next time. Keep practising your scales and your

smiles!

Have you really got what it takes to be a full time musician?


cd reviewsThe Lurkers “Shoot to the Moon”

The Lurkers – IMHO – are the most exciting group to hit the local folk scene since Taliesin back in the early 90s!

“Subversive homespun bluegrass” is the apt summary this Sydney threesome uses to describe their music. Despite their youth (average age 27), they’re well-grounded in traditional music, especially the American song tradition, with avowed heroes Woody

Guthrie, Joe Hill, Pete Seeger and Bertold Brecht. Their voices and their instruments are their weapons in their struggle for Climate Action.

A whole lexicon and philosophy surrounds the Lurkers. Are you feeling lurky? Get lurked! Lurking is defined as an act of “anti-humourless political activism” and the three purveyors are Pretty Boy Floyd (Martin Cubby – guitar, harmonica), Desert Rat Shorty (Mithra Cox – banjo) and the Weary Hobo (Nicholas Mueller – double bass and banjo mandolin).

Their debut album – “Shoot to the Moon” – features 13 original songs. They share the writing and the lead vocals and their grass roots principles show in that they raised funds for the recording through busking; they’ve released the CD under a Creative Commons Licence (meaning that they are happy for people to copy and share the songs for creative and non-commercial use) and in this way hope to empower people to make their own music and be active in their communities. The tsongs communicate themselves readily because they draw from their direct experience and most have choruses.

I heard a chap talking on the radio about children of the baby boomers being “baby gloomers” – miserable sods who go about convinced the end of the world is nigh. Martin, Nick and Mithra don’t have time to be gloomy; their generation is up and doing and writing songs to change the world.

It’s possible just reading the lyrics you might think there’s a fair amount of doom and gloom – but the delivery of the songs on the CD and in live performance is anything but fatalistic. This is Dance at the Revolution stuff with the musical styles ranging from “blues to bluegrass, mountain music to traditional folk” and the energy is infectious.

The title track is about the attitude that we can exploit the earth for all it’s worth and then “Shoot to the Moon” – I like the musical reference to “Ghost Riders in the Sky”. “Blue Sky Day” and “DIY Armageddon” and “North Shore Pirates” carry other warnings about environmental destruction. “Environmental Evangelism” is a humorous but touching account of the social ostracism that accompanies trying to live sustainably.

Other subjects covered are the abuse of truth in the news media “Get Foxy News”; ASIO interference in Green politics “Keeping a File on Me”; the way fear is used to control how we live when we are tied to huge mortgages “$300,000 Blues”; the scare mongering that implies it’s not safe for a woman to be out at night “You

Girls”; the unethical practice of banks making loans to people who aren’t going to be able to repay them “Rotten to the Core”- an update of the 1950 song “Banks of Marble”; the emptiness of various forms of belief – whether formal religion, shopping or market forces “Couldn’t be Better”.

There are two exceptions to the overtly political songs on this album: “Lay me Down” is a poignant song about Nick’s German-speaking Oma who has dementia. “Got my Boots On” is a travelling song about enjoying the freedom of the road but it could be seen as a sort of tribute to Woody Guthrie and the beautiful yellow Lurker Van – look for it coming to a venue near you!

The album was recorded by the empathetic Andy Busutti at Blue Mountain Sound in Hazelbrook and he’s done a great job of blending the voices and instruments.

As you could expect from this environmentally-aware trio – there is no plastic in the CD case – just cardboard. The artwork is impressive. Martin’s dad did the great photography – and you could be forgiven for thinking when looking at the mug shots of Martin, Mithra and Nick that they are escapees from a film set in 1920s USA. But the Lurkers are very much inner-west Sydney-siders who perform frequently at the Addison Road markets in Marrickville and they also have ties to the Illawarra region.

The Lurkers are going to be attending the climate change summit at Copenhagen in December 2009 and while they’re on that side of the globe.they’ll be touring their music in Germany, Switzerland and Denmark. But before that you can catch them:

Saturday 22nd August at the Star of the Sea Theatre, Manly where they are part of the line up making a tribute to Pete Seeger.

Friday 31st August sees them at the Harp Hotel, Tempe supporting American political singer-songwriter, Dave Rovics.

Saturday 5th September, Mars Hill Café in Parramatta.Friday 18th Sunday – 20th September they’ll be

performing at the Turning Wave Festival, Gundagai.For more information – see the website www.lurkers.com.au

where you can also buy copies of “Shoot to the Moon”. Further details too from Mithra Cox on

0425 351 844. Margaret Walters

Pretty Boy Floyd (Martin Cubby)

Weary Hobo (Nicholas Mueller)

Desert Rat Shorty (Mithra Cox)


$3.90July 2009

ISSUE #41

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How to screw over a musician

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Felix Meagher Lays It On The Musical Line P9

Picking on Something Smaller

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Trad&Now New Stock

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The History of The Troubadour

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Gary Shearston: The Best Of All Trades

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APRA Music Awards: The Winners

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Agreement reached to pay royalties

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Copyright Protection Crucial

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Nick and Liesl forced to revamp tour

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What is it about Bob Corbett?

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Simply Australia Website Relaunch

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Gig Guide

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Festival Calendar

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Hordes head to Henry’s haunt

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Pulses race to Celtic rhythm

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Festival Calendar

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National Folk Festival Brings Millions

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Palm Creek Folk Festival Review

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Frances Folk Gathering

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Performer Applications now open

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Festival Snippets

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The Snowy Mountains of Music

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Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Festival

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Turning Wave’s Year of the Irish

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In Didj‘n’Us

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The Merry Muse Celebrates 20 Years

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Peninsula Folk Club 25th Anniversary

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A dance tribute to Lucy Stockdale

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Regular Music Events

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Albert Hall has been saved

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Bundanoon, June 2009

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What is Folk?

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Peter Mace: A biography

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Poetry Challenge and more

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“Mawson’s Ice Cream”

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Dunedoo Bush Poetry Festival

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Regular Poetry Events

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Talking Guitar

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Fiddling Around

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The 5th String

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Bluegrass News

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On the Wireless

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CD Reviews

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in the FOLK FOOTHILLSA relaxing one-day folk festival in the beautiful Illawarra Rainforest

EARLY BIRD ADULT TICKET $30 by 16/10/09, YOUTH $5

• WORLD • ROOTS • CELTIC • TRADITIONAL • SPOKEN WORD • DANCE • GYPSY •

JAMBEROO VALLEY LODGE

SUN 18 OCTOBER 2009

www.illawarrafolkfestival.com.au/page/FolkintheFoothills2009

www.illawarrafolkclub.org.au/store

presented by ILLAWARRA FOLK CLUB INC

buy Tickets Online

or call tel:1300 887 034

Scots trad Alan Johnstone |Alan Musgrove & Watsaname Band

social sing Alistair Hulett |songbird Ami Williamson

dulcet duo Chloe & Jason Roweth balladeer John Broomhall

gypsy Doc Jones Lechery Orchestra |No Such Thing dance music

Pugsley Buzzard funky piano | Racz ‘n Waters charming singers

Skorba sounds of the world|Sydney Serbian Dancers

Ted Egan NT legend |Wollongong Welsh Choir

Wongawilli Aussie travellers |Jim Haynes |ReplayFolk TraxHenk de Weerd is overseas at present, however, Folk Trax is operating as usual.

focus on folk 2MBS-FM 102.5MHz 6PM Saturday

In co-operation with 2MBS-FM, Sydney’s first FM community radio station operating on 102.5 Mhz, Folk Federation brings you an hour of folk music at 6PM on 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month.

Anyone with a CD that you would like to add to the library collection for consideration for airway please forward to Focus on Folk, Post Office Box A182, Sydney South 1235.

8th August John Milce22th August Paul Jackson will bring us songs by that amazing UK performer Roy Bailey

The Blue goose Band

The Lurkers - JAMjam.org.au/cornstalk/cornstalk_409_Aug_09.pdf · Times of Winifred Atwell. City...

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Transcript of The Lurkers - JAMjam.org.au/cornstalk/cornstalk_409_Aug_09.pdf · Times of Winifred Atwell. City...