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New CD - Strangers on the Shore
Merry Muse Now Weekly
Winter Fiddle Camp
National Celtic Folk Festival, June 3 - 11
Folk at the Harp

Kieran Halpin's Tour Dates
Toongabbie Music Club is Moving again
Folk Festival Wins Tourism Award
Two new Shenanigans CDs
Centenary of Federation Events
The Gov Online
NSW Folk Federation Back on Radio
New Folk Radio Program Gets Regular Spot
Laidley Folk Club - Launched this Saturday
Rory Ellis CD Launch
Want your own Banner on Folk Australia?
Image Design Competition for New Illawarra Folk Festival at Jamberoo
Echuca Folk Festival
Wintermoon Music Festival in May
Sad News - Davy Steele (10th December 1948 - 11th April 2001)
Centenary of Federation Festival
Wongawilli Colonial Dance Club CD Launch
Fairbridge Festival Master Classes
Australian Folk Gathering Spectacular
2001 Celtic/Irish Festival
Folk Dance and Music Weekend
Wet Dreams - Song, Dance and Folklore of the Australian Surf
National Festival on Radio
4th National Folk Alliance Convention
Nelligen Folk Family Gathering
Judy Turner and Neil Adam CD Launch
The Idle Diddleys CD Launch
Jugularity CD Launch

Toongabbie Music Club Moving
Jeff Lang to feature in free concert at Sandgate
National Celtic Folk Festival
Vinyl Folk Swap Meet
Mean Fiddler Busking Contest
Faces of Folk: A Living Tradition
Roy Bailey's only Sydney Concert - great support lineup!
Festivals news
Tribute Radio Program

Mount Beauty Music Muster
Guitarist John Fahey Dies at 61
Death of John Meredith
New Autobiography by Christy Moore Released

Special Offers for Folk Sites

New Folk Mailing List


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June 20

Merry Muse Now Weekly

This month Canberra's Merry Muse has changed to a weekly format. It is good to see that they are booked solid to November. The other significant change to procedures is that they have decided to lift admission prices from $8 to $12 for General admission and from $5 to $8 for members of Monaro Folk Music Society. They have also introduced a Student Card Holder concession admission price of $5.

"This decision was based entirely on my observation that performers deserve much better rates than they have been getting in the past and that the rises are not budget breaking for your average folkie," Bill Arnett said recently.

Music now happens every Friday from about 7.00pm to about 11.30pm and there is a full bistro meals facility available at club prices from 6.00pm to 8.00pm

Every First Friday of the month hi-lites Australian music with free admission (if there is no advertised performance) where people are encouraged to bring along their instruments for a session style evening with Ray Mulligan of Mulligan's Flat Band.

SOURCE: Bill Arnett - The Merry Muse
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June 20

New CD - Strangers on the Shore

Those of you who know Mike Murray and Lesley Silvester in Perth will be pleased to hear that they have released their first CD. Called 'Strangers on the Shore', it contains 12 original songs... true stories of heroism, piracy, privation, settlement, life, death, mystery, survival and horror, some going back nearly 400 years. The Western coastline of the Great South Land (Australia) is the backdrop for these songs. Steeped in historical facts, they tell tales of tragedy and triumph, despair and deliverance. Email for details
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June 20

Winter Fiddle Camp

A new "Winter Fiddle Camp" is being held in July (6th -8th) in Benalla, Victoria. It's open to fiddlers of any standard or age, with guest tutors offering sessions on both the Saturday and Sunday.

There is no cost for this weekend except food and accommodation.
It's being jointly organised by the Melbourne and Canberra Scottish Fiddle Music Clubs and tuition is free

Email for details
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June 4

National Celtic Folk Festival, June 3 - 11

National Celtic Folk Festival, June 3 - 11, Australia's National Celtic Folk Festival kicked off yesterday with a family Ceili, Ashby Hall, Geelong. The festival is held each year at the Deakin University Waterfront Campus, Geelong and this years music program is fantastic. Full details are available from the festival web site.

The music, dance and performance program features over 100 artists with Ireland’s Kieran Halpin and the Orkney Islands’ Wrigley Sisters headlining the bill.

This year’s greatly expanded program includes a Celtic Film Festival, featuring Australian premieres, literary lunches, major stage productions and a traditional Celtic dinner.

Music workshops, traditional dancing and performance, Viking invasions, Celtic Kitchens, Celtic markets, clans and associations will once again be Festival favourites.

Festival concert and session tickets on sale via GPAC on 03 5225 1200.

FESTIVAL WEBSITE
SOURCE: Dominic McAlinden

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June 4

Folk at the Harp

The Harp have decided to change the agency that they book entertainment through. They have switched over to a company called Mothership Music which also books other venues throughout Sydney, most notable The Annandal Hotel. They have a bigger capacity to bring the higher profile acts to the Harp's stage.

For the Folk music followers The Harp has struck a deal with John Gallagher Promotions. John will be taking the last weekend of every month over to give it a Folk, Irish, Celtic and Blues type of theme.

The Harp Club is now up and running membership cards are available from 23rd of June and will be given out on request from the door person as you enter the entertainment area. This card will entitle you to a 10% discount to the majority of their gigs.
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May 29

Kieran Halpin Tour dates

For all those fans of Kieran Halpin who have been wondering just where they can see him perform, we've posted his June tour dates on our tour page. Kieran is touring Australia and New Zealand right throughout June on his Little Jaunt Tour. While here he will be promoting his latest CD, Jangles".

see his tour dates
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May 29

Centenary of Federation Events

Special - A $10 tickets gets you entry to 2 unique Centenary of Federation Events - Dancing Through the Years and the Oz Deli Concert.

On Saturday June 9, Wollongong Town Hall and its adjoining Concert Hall will be alive with activity as the Wongawilli Colonial Dance Club celebrate Australia's musical dancing history with a great diversity of music from bush to jazz - to rock n' roll to world music!

  • Dancing Through The Years will be a huge spectacular dancing event presenting a variety of different styles of dancing since Australia's settlement. Non-stop music guarantees a night of fun with more than 6 bands performing until 1am! Performers include the Cajun sounds of Psycho Zydeco, the Celtic and Australian sounds Denizen (Celtic), the Belmore Basin Jazz Band ragging, jazzing and swinging along, the African rhythms of Obrobini, colonial string music dances with the Bridge String Ensemble and the family fun of a bush dance with Wongawilli. The evening culminates with The Big Jam - a non-stop fusion of music styles and instruments.

  • The Oz Deli Concert is in the adjoining concert hall which will be alive from 6.30pm with a smorgasbord of Australian music served up with a slice of poetry and tall stories complimented by a fine wine or Guinness or two from the bar facilities.

    Tickets cost only $10 and children are free if accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets are available from the door on the night or by phoning (02) 4236 0701.

    This event is part of the 6th Australian Folk Gathering - Wed 6th to Mon 11th June 2001.

    SOURCE: Gina Anker
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    May 29

    Toongabbie Music Club is Moving again

    Well they've tried the school and it didn’t suit them. So the Toongabbie Music Club are on the move again, hopefully for the last time.

    This time they are off to the Northmead Scout Hall in Whitehaven Road, Northmead. The hall is more cosy, has an open fire, full kitchen etc. A bonus is that it is in natural bushland surroundings in the reserve between Windsor Road and Moxhams Road.

    The move takes place on Friday 8th June at 8pm

    "The driveway for the new hall is easy to miss," says Alison Boyd, the club organiser, "so I’ll try to tie some balloons, or put a sign on the gate."

    enquiries to Alison
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    May 29

    Folk Festival Wins Tourism Award

    Great news indeed...
    The 15th Illawarra Folk Festival at Jamberoo (year 2000) was the winner of the 2001 Illawarra Awards for Business Excellence in Tourism in the Significant Regional Festivals & Special Events Category! It is a great recognition of the value of the Festival towards the contribution to Tourism of the event.

    But in the main it is recognition of the huge effort of over 20 dedicated committee members and over 90 volunteers over the weekend to create a truly unique, diverse, entertaining and attractive event which features folk music.


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    May 29

    Two new Shenanigans CDs

    Two new Shenanigans CDs were released last week in Australia. These contain NEW material not on any previous CD's, and bring the number of Shenanigans CD's in print to 7.

    The titles are "Olympic Special" and "Federation Special".


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    A name="nswfed"> May 8

    NSW Folk Federation Back on Radio

    The Folk Federation of New South Wales is back on radio with its program, Focus on Folk, on 2MBS 102.5 FM. It airs, on Saturday afternoons, from 2 to 3:30 and is a successor to the Radio Broadside program many of you will have listened to for years on 2SER. Folkus on Folk has many of the same presenters.

    The address for correspondence is:
    Focus on Folk,
    c/o The Folk Federation of New South Wales,
    P O Box A 182, Sydney South, NSW 1235. SOURCE: Gerry Myerson
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    May 8

    The Gov Online

    Adelaide's leading live music venue, The Gov (Governor Hindmarsh Hotel) now has a new website. You can check their monthly gig guide, see what's on the menu, join their mailing list or book one of their function rooms. Performers can also contact them about playing a gig in the Balcony Bar or the main concert room.

    See the website
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    May 8

    New Folk Radio Program Gets Regular Spot

    Mostly Folk, Fun and Friends
    Whitehorse Boroondara Community Radio 94.1 FM
    Thursdays 2 - 4pm

    After two (one off) Programs Mostly Folk have a regular timespot 2-4pm Thursdays.
    "The spot came vacant and we grabbed it," says host Michael Crichton "but we still have to take some previously arranged interviews and stuff - but we are on the air."

    Contact Michael via email for details of airplay

    SOURCE: Michael Crichton
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    May 2

    Want your own Banner on Folk Australia?

    We have decided to give you the opportunity of being part of the Folk Australia site and we are pretty excited about it. This is your chance to advertise on the site at a very low cost through banner ads and we will make them for you for free. Folk Australia has a good visitor rate and offers solid exposure for you or your event.

    Why not add a banner to the Folk Australia site!!

    sample banner

    Space for banners is limited so if you are interested and would like to know more, please email us at:

    banners@mountaintracks.com.au


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    April 24

    Rory Ellis CD Launch

    Rory Ellis is about to officially launch his debut solo album "Ride" in Melbourne. The launch is taking place on the evening of Friday May 4th at The Cornish Arms, 163 A , Sydney Rd Brunswick at 9.30pm (Cover Charge $10.00)

    Playing songs from the new album with Rory on the night will be album producer Dave Steel (multi instrumentalist) and Stuart Speed (upright bass) with an opening set by acoustic performer Lenny Matt. It promises to be a great evening.
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    April 25

    Laidley Folk Club - Launched this Saturday

    The Laidley Folk Club is being launched this Saturday, 28 April - Heritage Day - with a session from 11am in the gardens of Das Neumann House in the centre of Laidley and probably adjourning to the Hotel Laidley later in the day. There are numerous other Heritage Day activities in Laidley.

    Laidley is a one hour drive from Brisbane City, along the Warrego Highway towards Toowoomba, turning left at Plainland. If anyone feels like a drive out they will be made most welcome.

    The new Folk Club will meet at 'The Hut' in the Hotel Laidley on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month starting in May. The 2nd Wednesday will be a session and the 4th Wednesday will be a concert.

    "If anyone wishes to perform at the concert on 23rd May or any subsequent concert," say organisers John and Natalie Colville, "please contact us."

    SOURCE: John Colville
    email
    phone (07) 5466 5570
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    April 21

    New Illawarra Folk Festival at Jamberoo Image Design Competition

    The 17th Illawarra Folk Festival at Jamberoo is running a competition to design the Festival's new graphic image. The festival will be held for the first time 12- 16 September 2001.

    So if you're artistically inclined then have a look at the application form.
    The prize is $500 and of course 2 Season Tickets to the next Festival

    Applications close 30th April 2001.
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    April 21

    Echuca Folk Festival

    It's always a good feeling when you discover an event that you didn't know about. Kieran O'Connell of Celtic Entertainment coordinates a number of Celtic Folk festivals in Victoria and tells us that the next is the Echuca Folk Festival.

    It will be held May 4 - 6, in and around Echuca/Moama. The following will be appearing:

    Contact Keiran O'Connell for further information.
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    April 13

    Wintermoon Music Festival in May

    A great little festival is coming up in May. It is little in comparison to many of the other other festivals held in Australia but by no means low on the talent on show. The Wintermoon Festival will be held May 4 - 7, 2001 at a lush green valley at Cameron's Pocket near Calen. It is one hour's drive north of Mackay - about 70 kms - just follow the signs.

    This is a great music festival held each year with local and visiting musicians, poets, singers, workshops, market stalls and more.

    What great music will be there?
    • Elephant Rock
    • Late Edition
    • Women in Docks
    • Cloudstreet
    • Nadia Sunde
    • Celtic Contact
    • Back in Time
    • The Harmonics
    • Java Blue
    • Spindrift
    • Margie Ward
    • Myra
    • Night Owls
    • Tom Marshall
    What do you take?
    Unpowered campsites are available. There are hot showers and toilets. Drinking water is available. Bring your instruments, singing voice, sandshoes for the bush dance, camping gear, own chair, smile and a sense of humour.

    Full Weekend Pass:
    Adult: $35
    Children: $7
    Family: $84

    Day Pass:
    Adult: $18
    Children: $5
    Family: $46

    For more details and enquiries:
    Phone: (07) 4958 8390 or (07) 49 551755 email


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    April 13

    DAVY STEELE - 10th December 1948 - 11th April 2001

    We are very saddened to report that we have just received the following from Robin Morton and the Battlefield Band:

    Davy Steele "It is with the deepest sorrow that Battlefield Band and all of the management team at Temple Records and Folklore Productions in the USA regret the passing of Davy Steele. Davy was for all too short a time part of the Band, but the music he made with us, and the great body of music he made before joining the Band, as well as the many friends and admirers he made on the road, is a testament to how much he could have contributed to not only our music, but to Scottish music in general. All our thoughts are with Patsy, Jamie and his wider family.

    This past year has been a time of growing sadness among all Davy's friends and family. The Band would like to thank all the people who have shared their feelings with us and we will now have to come to terms with the loss in our own individual ways. As a Band we have always felt a responsibility to respect the privacy of Davy and his family, but we do know that the "Davy Talk" page on the Internet hosted by Scott & Debbie McClellan has been a source of great comfort to them all.

    Please give them your support at this time of loss, and for anyone who would like to express their sorrow in a more tangible form, Patsy has told us she would be happy if you directed donations to:
    Marie Curie Cancer Care
    29 Albany Street
    Edinburgh EH1 3QH
    Scotland
    An organisation who do much to help families at these difficult times.

    We could go on and on listing Davy's achievements, but perhaps the chorus of one of Davy's own songs, and we know one of his favourites, The Last Trip Home, says enough:

    So steady boys walk on, oor work is nearly done
    No more we'll till or plough the fields, the horses' day is gone
    An' this will be oor last trip home, so steady boys walk on"

    - Alan Reid; John McCusker; Mike Katz; Karine Polwart; Rob van Sante & Robin Morton

    Battlefield Band website
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    April 13

    Fairbridge 2001/Kulcha Folk Music Master Classes

    Fairbridge Festival in Western Australia is offering pre-festival Master Classes - if you are interested please repond quickly as we need to firm up numbers.

    The following Master Classes will be presented in conjunction with the 2001 Fairbridge Festival. Five of these will be held on Friday evening (20th April) at the festival site, just before the start of the festival proper. Llew and Mara Kiek and Riley Lee will also be giving pre-festival classes at Kulcha in Fremantle.

    Classes will be aimed at intermediate players rather than to beginners. For further info please email program@fairbridgefestival.com .

    FESTIVAL CLASSES:
    Cost for the Fairbridge Festival classes will be $20 and pre-payment will be required to guarantee reservation. Please phone Wendy Corrick, 9332 3652.

    KULCHA CLASSES:
    For Kulcha workshops please email operations@kulcha.com.au.

    There may be some flexibility on time depending on demand.
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    April 13

    Australian Folk Gathering Spectacular

    This will be held JUNE 8-11, 2001. Formerly the Australian Folk Festival which was held each year at Kiama, it will feature performances of an Australian content and nature through folk song, music, dance, poetry and storytelling from traditional to contemporary folk artists

    This year's event will be spread across three locations - Wongawilli, Albion Park and Wollongong and will feature a wide range of traditional and contemporary artists.

    This will be the 6th Festival. It kicked off in 1995 in response to the lack of an event totally focused on Australian folk musical culture. This popular event continues to recognise the contributions of our original inhabitants and newcomers from all parts of the world. It endeavours to present this unique mix of cultures as the world turns continues to focus on Australia.

    There are a wide range of folk performers, from traditional dance musicians, bush poets and bands to contemporary songwriters and performers. The performers will feature in over 30 concerts, theme and historical presentations, and traditional instrument workshops.

    Highlights of the Festival include:

    The event is organised by volunteers from the Wongawilli Colonial Dance Club Inc., a non-profit incorporated association with the aims of promoting, preserving and performing Australia's rich folk culture.

    SEASON TICKET ($35) allows entry to all events throughout the Gathering. You will receive a coloured armband to allow easy access to all the venues. There is a discount of $5 if purchased by 31 May 2000.
    STUDENT ADVANCE SEASON TICKET ($25) only available till 31 May 2000.
    AGED PENSIONER TICKET (on presentation of card) $3 to any event. Children (U16) free if accompanied by paying adult.

    FURTHER DETAILS:
    Festival enquiries to Bev Murray 02 4236 0701, fax 02 4236 0901
    Festival Publicity: Gina Anker - 0419 439 343
    festival website:
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    April 13

    Wongawilli Colonial Dance Club CD Launch

    Wongawilli Colonial Dance Club's 18th and latest production - AUSTRALIAN DANCE TUNES FOR FIDDLE - is a combined production - a CD and book of tunes from a number of bush musicians. It has been arranged by folklore collector and performer Alan Musgrove and compiled by David De Santi. The book is arranged in 12 sets with 34 tunes and the music includes schottisches, waltzes, jigs, polkas, varsoviennas, hornpipes, reels and a quickestep.

    The CD includes the musical talents of Alan Musgrove and Jane Brownlee on fiddle, Alan on guitar, Stefan Browne on bass and John Blackburn on drums. The CD provides invaluable assistance to 'ear' players and provides a chance for a whole new 'bush band' repetoire for those interested in some authentic Australian tunes.

    The production will be launched at the National Folk Festival this Easter on Saturday 14th April at 1.30pm in the Long Room.

    SOURCE: Dave de Santi
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    April 13

    2001 Celtic/Irish Festival

    Memorial Park
    The Entrance NSW
    9th, 10th & 11th November, 2001

    The festival has a full weekend program including:

    Accommodation available phone 1800335377
    Interested participants or further information contact:
    Geraldine 0243 93 6652 or Peter 0243 651218
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    April 13

    Centenary of Federation Festival

    A Centenary of Federation Festival is happening in Albany in Wetern Australia the week after Fairbridge, starting on Monday 23rd and running through the week. Acts featured include
    Jimmy Young and James Wilkinson
    Mic Conway
    Trouble in the Kitchen
    Dingos Breakfast
    Ros and Steve Barnes
    and several more.

    SOUIRCE: WAAN
    Fairbridge Festival Website

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    April 6

    Judy Turner and Neil Adam CD Launch

    The launch of a new CD from Judy Turner and Neil Adam, otherwise known as Neil Adam and Judy Turner, will take place at
    The Boite
    Mark Steet Hall
    North Fitzroy, Melbourne
    Saturday 7 April at 8.30 pm -
    ably supported by Enda Kenny

    The CD, called Keys to the Field will also be launched at the National Folk Festival in Canberra on Saturday arvo around 3.00pm at Wine Bar 2


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    April 6

    Tenth Victorian Folk Dance and Music Weekend

    Tenth Victorian Folk Dance and Music Weekend will take place at the Lady Northcote Camp at Bacchus Marsh in Victoria on 18-20 May 2001.

    Nestled among gum trees and less than an hour from Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, and Bendigo, the Lady Northcote Camp is an ideal venue for a wide range of recreational pursuits. The programme during this stimulating and refreshing weekend, designed for lovers of folk dance and music, caters for singles, couples and family groups. This year features Greek dance style, at beginner and advanced levels.

    About the Folk Music and Dance Weekend
    The Lady Northcote Camp, situated 16km West of Bacchus Marsh, offers excellent facilities for focused dance classes and for relaxed socialising. The comfortable shared cabins are equipped with all modern conveniences. Masseur, Stan Turner, will again be available on appointment! The programme of folk dance workshops will feature Kate Goodwin, and Audrey Shoobridge. Both teachers have a wealth of experience, and Kate, our special guest from New Zealand, will concentrate on an exciting new collection of Greek social dances, plus a few surprises!

    Parallel to the international dancing sessions we will offer two workshops on Saturday afternoon. Gary King, initiator of the folk dance weekend, will present a sequential introduction to contra or partner dance from his new Shenanigans CD and booklet, the "Federation Special". Dances will be from Canada, Denmark, Scotland. Percussionist Extraordinaire, Steve Schulz will present "Hands-On Samba!"

    Music and dance classes for children will be conducted on Saturday and Sunday mornings by Steve Schulz, folk dance specialist, Marie Feigl, and music and dance specialist Debbie Tait. The children's afternoon recreational programme will be with Lady Northcote staff and includes archery, yabbying, canoeing for big kids, singing games, story time, and movietime for little kids.

    A memorable feature every year is the Saturday Night Dinner Dance. Anne Hildyard and Rob Bester of the fantastic, Xenos band will provide the music on their wonderful ethnic reeds, strings, drums & bagpipes, and the Skips group will present a dance performance.

    The camp begins informally on Friday evening. Dance sessions begin with the warmup at 9am Saturday. The final sharing session concludes at 3pm Sunday. Registration includes meals from Saturday breakfast to Sunday lunch.

    Email with enquiries
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    April 6

    The Idle Diddleys CD Launch

    The Idle Diddleys will be launching their self titled CD on Tuesday 1 May at Irish Murphy's in Collingwood. This fantastic Irish music trio cpmprises Dan Burke on fiddle, Anthony O' Neill on guitar, mandolin, banjo & fiddle and Steve Simmonds on bouzouki, guitar and vocals. The Diddleys made a huge impression at Port Fairy this year giving the visiting Irish bands on the program a run for their money.

    SOURCE: John McAuslan - Across the Borders
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    April 6

    4th National Folk Alliance Convention

    Preparations are underway for the 4th National Folk Alliance Convention to be held this year at the South Australian Folk Centre in Adelaide 24 - 26 August 2001

    The Alliance is seeking input to help develop and then implement a new national strategy for the national development, improvement and growth of the folk arts in Australia...

    This plan also includes the aim to have a permanent, funded office for the Folk Alliance, which will be able to follow up and implement this strategy. The overall aim of the Convention is the Professional Development of all participants, through Education, Networking and Information Sharing as well as showcasing established and emerging artists in a series of great Showcase Concerts, featuring a special contingent of S.A. Artists and performers from interstate and overseas.

    See the website for more details.

    SOURCE: Dave McFarlane - President Folk Alliance Australia
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    April 6

    Nelligen Folk Family Gathering

    There's going to be another folk gathering this year. It will held over the weekend of May 11-13 and the emphasis will be on the entire folk Family. Two years ago a Folk Gathering was held at Nelligen and it was rather well attended.
    "It's going to be a bit more formal this year but not by very much," Jim MacQuarrie says. "The local publican, Ron Sullivan, is on side and so are Jewel & George at the Campground."

    For further information visit the website set up for the occasion.

    SOURCE: Jim MacQuarrie
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    April 6

    Jugularity CD Launch

    Jugularity's new CD "Unjugged" will have it's Official World Launch at the National Folk Festival in Canberra on Saturday May 14th at the Troubadour Wine Bar. Jugularity will be making a surprise appearance at the festival for this special occasion.
    The group has been together for 14 years and entertained around Australia most of that time, with time out for kids and tea-breaks. This long-awaited 2nd CD has a bonus live 5 minute video CD-Rom section from a cafe concert. It also features a 12 page booklet full of strange photographs, stranger puns, and meaningful song explanations.

    Songs include the Scottish version of Waltzing Matilda, the Jug Rap, Peter's shaving Blues, Ernie's gypsy serenade, Bruce's country style romantic train song, several Pseudo-Jug band songs, a crooning lounge tango and a couple of extended rag tunes. The CD also features a Scottish highland pipe band, accordionist Phil Carroll, and a Mystery Toothbrush Performer.
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    April 6

    Wet Deams - Song, Dance and Folklore of the Australian Surf

    If your memory goes back to the 1960's surf scene ( or you want to learn about it), be in the Trocaderoat the National Folk Festival on Sunday April 15 at 2:30 pm.

    Hang Five, Bombora, Surfies, Crew Cuts, Grommets, Bikinis, Deltones, Little Patti, Stomp are words that bring back the images of Australian's love for sand, surf and song. In 1961 a young group of Australians burst upon the Sydney music scene. Drawing on their diverse cultures they developed a unique Australian surf sound - the sound of The Atlantics. The name was picked up from an Australian petrol company of the day. The group went on to record many hits and were the basis of the Australian surf music era.

    See producer Rob Willis and The Altlantics along with:

    Jacqui Bradley
    Kevin Bradley
    Dave Blanken
    Bruce Cameron
    Graham McDonald
    Shelly Grant
    Bev Murray
    Graeme Murray
    Chloe Roweth
    Jason Roweth
    Olya Willis
    Yalla
    Join them while they trace the history of Australians' love for the beach and re-live those wet and wild days of the early 1960's.
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    April 6

    National Festival on Radio

    For the first time the National Folk Festival have Festival Radio 95.1 on your FM radio dial. This will broadcast live from the Restaurant at the festival from 10am to 11pm Friday to Monday. Depending how the main DJ Brett Hughes goes with help, it could go longer - even with specific times for announcements etc. each morning and evening. So take your FM radio and listen to the acts live.

    You will also be able to listen on ABC National (in Canberra 666 AM) Friday 3 to 6pm, OR Artsound 92.7 FM Saturday 9pm to Midnight.

    For those not attending the festival, local ABC stations(Nationally) will be broadcasting from 3 to 6pm on Good Friday. Then on Saturday night your local community station could be broadcasting from 9pm to Midnight from the Budawang.

    SOURCE: Phil Spring
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    March 31

    Toongabbie Music Club Moving

    Toongabbie Music Club is on the move in May. At this stage the address below is to be their resting place, but this may change as they are still looking into some other venues.

    Starting May 11th Toongabbie Music Club will be held in the Toongabbie Public School Hall at the Corner Fitzwilliam Rd & Binalong Road in Toongabbie. There is parking through gate on Binalong Road.

    Please check by emailing Alison in May.

    EASTER: There will be no meeting on Friday 13th April (Good Friday). Next meeting Friday 27th April.
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    March 29

    Jeff Lang to feature in free concert at Sandgate

    Between performing with Bob Dylan in Cairns, and performing at the Byron Bay Blues & Roots Festival at Easter, Australian blues guitarist Jeff Lang will feature at the Sandgate Bluewater Festival. The Sandgate and District Chamber of Commerce are pretty excited to have secured Jeff Lang for a free to the public concert on Sunday 8 April from 3 pm outside the Full Moon Hotel at Sandgate. This day marks the start of the festivities of the 2001Sandgate Bluewater Festival, which culminates in the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race from Shorncliffe on Good Friday morning.

    Jeff Lang, a solo performer with a unique energy and style, will perform his haunting songs filled with stunning imagery.

    “It is exciting to have a performer of Jeff Lang's status at the Sandgate Bluewater Festival,” says Festival Manager Anne Hobbs. “He has developed a very strong following through his performances at Woodford , Livid and Byron Bay festivals and Brisbane locals are eager to see him again.”

    Jeff has recently returned from touring the USA and Canada and is currently on a national tour to promote his new CD “Everything Is Still”. Sandgate Bluewater Festival will be the only Jeff Lang performance in Brisbane in March and April.
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    March 28

    National Celtic Folk Festival

    June 8 - 11, 2001
    Geelong Waterfront & Deakin University
    Applications to perform close Friday 6 April.
    Application forms are available from the festival web site

    Geelong hosts the seventh National celebration of Celtic Culture in and around the waterfront precinct. Deakin Woolstores University Campus and nearby hotels and restaurants offer cosy venues to enjoy the mid-winter merriment.

    The festival has now been extended to ten days of celebration from June 3rd to 11th, with the ticketed music program and Celtic Fair being held over the Queens Birthday Weekend June 8- 11.

    The festival is now Australia's biggest and most comprehensive celebration of Celtic culture, attracting more than 30,000 people last year.

    Celts from across Australia will join together to celebrate their rich cultural heritage with a week of special events including music, dance, film, performing arts, craft food and literature. The National Celtic Festival of culture embraces the Celtic countries of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, Brittany, Asturia and Galica.

    "And in time this trickle became a flow, and the flow is becoming a torrent as a new Celtic spirit pervades the cultural lives of those who did not know they did not know".

    - Mr Frank Irvine Editor Celtic Routes Magazine.

    Be moved by one of the most intriguing civilizations on earth. Experience the Celtic culture through the power of music, dance, theatre, literature, film, craft, food spoken word. Be enchanted by the vibrancy of its arts and the mystery of its past. Connect with its people, enjoy their energy for life and their quirky sense of humor. Consider yourself invited to one of the best parties imaginable.

    SOURCE: Dominic McAlinden
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    March 28

    Vinyl Folk Swap Meet

    At the National Folk Festival this year they are experimenting with a "Folk vinyl swap". It is to be held on Good Friday, starting at noon. The idea is, any Festival-goer who wants to swap or sell old folk LPs, singles, 78s etc can turn up with them, preferably bringing a card table to stand them on, and do business in open trade with like-minded folkies.

    There are lots of folkies out there with neglected collections of LPs etc, which they are prepared to part with (preferably to a good home) and others who desperately would like to pick up items missing from their collection. So it you're in the first category, please bring what you can to the Festival so the material can gain new life in new hands.

    SOURCE: Keith McKenry
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    March 28

    Tribute Radio Program

    Lloyd Brady has put together a special prohram on the late John Meredith. It will go to air in Melbourne on 88.3 Southern FM on Saturday 31st March ataround 9pm. It will be part of his regular folk program which commences at 8pm. If you can't listen then, it will also l be broadcast on the CBAA's Community Radio Satellite on April 12th. The special runs for one hour
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    March 28

    Mean Fiddler Busking Contest

    Mean Fiddler Busking Contest will be held during the Hawkesbury National Fiddle Festival, 6-8 April at Richmond NSW - any act able to show any relevance to the word Fiddle is eligible to enter.

    It will be judged by a panel of a dozen persons - not necessarily of musical background - on entertainment value, originality and crowd drawing ability.

    Register at the Fiddle Festival Admin Office located at the Richmond School of the Arts on corner of West Market and March Streets, Richmond.

    The Festival is held in the CBD of Richmond right in front of Richmond Station, an hour out of Sydney.

    Of course, don't forget all the great workshops and performances - and there are sessions and blackboard concerts of course, at the Royal Hotel.

    SOURCE: Lucia Okumura
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    March 27

    Tribute Radio Program

    Lloyd Brady has put together a special prohram on the late John Meredith. It will go to air in Melbourne on 88.3 Southern FM on Saturday 31st March ataround 9pm. It will be part of his regular folk program which commences at 8pm. If you can't listen then, it will also l be broadcast on the CBAA's Community Radio Satellite on April 12th. The special runs for one hour
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    March 27

    Festivals News

    St Albans Folk Festival- 27th - 29th April 2001
    The St Albans Folk Festival on Sydney's outskirts is up and running again, readying itself for the Anzac weekend. Its new website is now online after some major uploading problems with the changeover to its new home. The new address is: http://web.one.net.au/~johnandbetty/

    Fairbridge Festival - 20-22 April 2001
    Program - Most of the program book is now there - make sure to hit "refresh" on the home page to get the latest updates. There is also a programme overview and the Kids program listings as well as information on master classes

    Festival tickets are selling like hot cakes. Please make sure to book your camping - call the Fairbridge Village on 9531 1177

    Palm Creek Rainforest Festival - June 8-11
    This festival will be held over the Queens Birthday Long Weekend i Queensland and has set it's prices at: Weekend Tickets $25 , family weekend tickets $60
    Day tickets $15. School age children half price, younger kids free.

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    March 27

    Roy Bailey's only Sydney Concert - great support lineup!

    Roy Bailey's only Sydney concert has a great support line-up with Margaret Walters and Kim Poole, James Fagan and Nancy Kerr. The concert will be held on Friday 6th April in the Paddington Uniting Church, 395 Oxford St, Paddington. (Parking in the Church Car Park, 24-28 Gordon St, Paddington.)

    Roy Bailey had a distinguished academic career and in 2000 was awarded an MBE for his services to folk music.

    Margaret Walters has been busy with her solo work and is working on a new CD. Kim, James and Nancy recorded some songs with her last week - working on the arrangements for the songs and sparking ideas and harmonies off each other.

    Kim Poole is a lecturer in music at the University of Western Sydney.
    "There is no instrument he can't play," Margaret says, "but when he plays guitar - it is with such delicacy and precision you could weep."

    James Fagan and Nancy Kerr spend most of their lives in England and will be returning there at the end of April. Nancy is a fiddle and viola player from Northumbria.
    "Nancy is simply brilliant: a magnificent player of English tunes, and an intuitive and inventive accompanist." continues Margaret. "James Fagan is renowned for his unique approach to the Irish bouzouki and his striking rhythms alternating with intricate finger picking is stunning to see and hear."

    Tickets are $16 or concession $13.50.
    Bookings - phone 9331 2646 or 9564 2517
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    March 27

    Faces of Folk: A Living Tradition

    Faces of Folk: A Living Tradition at Wollongong City Gallery gives you a taste of what to expect at the inaugural Illawarra Folk Festival in Spring in September this year.

    Faces of Folk: A Living Tradition runs from 30 March to 29 April and includes an exhibition of instruments and a jam-packed series of evening and free lunchtime folk concerts.

    The exhibition features musical instruments from around the world on loan from the vast and eclectic collection of Bob McDonald's Music House in Nowra - banjos hang alongside African harps and a tube zither from Indonesia.

    The gallery space is further animated by north coast artist, Jimmy Willing's puppets, witty characters carved from old bits of wood, and constructed from recycled metal.

    Also on display are early Jamberoo Folk Festival posters designed by local artist Kathy Orton, and Redback Graphix posters from the Gallery Collection that highlight the grass-roots and sometimes political nature of the folk music tradition.

    Faces of Folk: A Living Tradition traces the evolution of Australian folk culture. It recognises that although its roots are Anglo-Celtic, it is a "living tradition", that has evolved to incorporate the experiences of diverse cultures and this has added unique richness - new dimensions, new stories, new meaning and contemporary relevance to folk music today. The performances during Faces of Folk will highlight the range of styles that comprise Folk music in Australia today, including bluegrass and spoken word, as well as Spanish and Turkish influences. All lunchtime concerts are free, and tickets for evening concerts are available from the Gallery For more information and interviews, contact Vivian Vidulich on 02 4228 7500.

    For a full program of performances and concert bookings, contact Wollongong City Gallery on 02 4228 7500.
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    February 27

    Guitarist John Fahey Dies at 61

    Sadly the folk world has lost another great contributor this week with the death of legendary American guitarist John Fahey in his home town of Salem in Oregon..

    He died on Thursday at Salem Hospital after undergoing sextuple heart bypass surgery said Mitch Greenhill, the president of Folklore Productions and John Fahey's executor. He slipped into a coma after Monday's operation and was taken off life support Thursday, said his former wife, Melody Fahey of Salem. "His body just didn't make it through the stresses of the operation," she said. He was 61.

    "He's America's leading finger-style guitarist. He invented the style," said Tim Knight, owner of Guitar Castle in Salem, who played organ, guitar and percussions with Fahey's local group, the John Fahey Trio.

    The New York Times on February 25 said:
    " Playing a six-string acoustic guitar, Mr. Fahey used country-blues fingerpicking and hymnlike melodies in stately pieces with classical structures. Wordless and unhurried, his music became a contemplation and an elegy, a stoic invocation of American roots, nameless musicians and ancestral memories.

    "Although he didn't sing or write lyrics, Mr. Fahey was a voluble author of liner notes. His albums were crammed with parodies of academic analysis and tales of a fictitious blues guitarist, Blind Joe Death, and his disciple, John Fahey, who purportedly "made his first guitar from a baby's coffin." He shared a Grammy Award for the liner notes to the 1997 "Anthology of American Folk Music" (Smithsonian Folkways). "

    John Fahey turned to music full time after attaining a masters degree in folklore at the University of California at Los Angeles which he commenced in 1964. He wrote his master's thesis about the Delta bluesman Charley Patton.

    In all, Fahey released 45 albums since the 1960s.

    "People called him a genius, " Knight said. "He would laugh that off in a hurry. He was the most down-home person you'd ever meet as far as not waving his own flag. He let others do that. John was a man who played Carnegie Hall. John was a man who won a Grammy. But those things were not important to him."

    Last year, he published a book of loosely autobiographical stories, "How Bluegrass Music Destroyed My Life" (Drag City Press).

    According to his local newspaper, the Salem Advocate, "after decades as a recording artist, Fahey reportedly was miffed that he was honored for his literary skill. Friends said Fahey was a happy man, even without wealth and conventional fame."

    "I never considered for a minute that I had talent," he wrote in 1994. "What I did have was divine inspiration and an open subconscious."
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    February 27

    Mount Beauty music Muster

    The second Mount Beauty Music Muster will take place this year from April 26 - 29.

    There is to be a broad mix of entertainment covering Australian traditional Music & Dance, Blues, TexMex, a choir, a brass band, a swiss folk group (with an alpenhorn!), poetry, yarns etc etc Performers appearing at this year's muster include:
    • Ted Egan
    • Greg Champion
    • Broderick Smith
    • Salty Dog
    • Bondi Cigars
    • The Emaline Delapaix Band
    • Texacali Rose
    • Wongawilli
    • Mark O'Connor
    • Murray Conservatorium Choir
    • Piranha Brothers
    • Alex and Annette Hood
    • Us Not Them
    • Bruce Watson
    • John Dengate
    • Jan Lewis

    This is a festival in which you can participate and have intimate contact with the artists as well as being part of the audience.

    The Music Muster incorporates a diverse range of talented performers drawn from throughout Australia as well as their local district. In addition to individual and group performances, there are workshops, sessions, and opportunities for jams. Professional poets offer both humour and dramatic narration. Aspiring poets are welcome. Music, song, poetry, dance and mirth are the order of the day.

    SOURCE: Tony Roberts
    Muster website
    e-mail for more information/

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    February 21

    Death of John Meredith

    Australia's greatest folklore collector, John Meredith, died peacefully on 16 February, in the Albury hospital. Members of his family were with him when he died. He was 81 years old.

    The immediate cause of Merro's death was pneumonia, arising as a result of leukemia weakening his immune system. He had however not been in robust health for several years. As he arranged many years ago for his body to be donated to Sydney University, there will be no funeral. His family have asked, too, that no flowers be sent.

    It is no exaggeration to state that without John Meredith a large part of the collected Australian folk song canon, and a number of our most cherished pieces, would have been lost. He was the first person in Australia to use a tape recorder to record traditional singers, musicians and reciters, in the early 1950s. His extensive field recordings are a priceless national treasure.

    In the 1950s he also formed, with friends, the original Bushwhackers - thereby establishing the modern bush band genre, performing in the original Sydney production of Reedy River. He played a key role in establishing the first Australian Folklore Society and the Sydney Bush Music Club.

    In later years he wrote widely on many subjects, mainly relating to Australian folklore and history.

    As the title of his yet to be published autobiography has it, it was "More than a life, and that's just the half of it". Above all, he was a fine Australian and a loyal and wonderful friend. We will miss him.

    - Keith McKenry

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    November 14

    Fairbridge Festival 2001 update

    The following acts are confirmed for Fairbridge 2001:
    Chris While and Julie Matthews (UK)
    Rory McLeod and Aimee Leonard (UK)
    Faith Petric (USA)
    Enda Kenny and Lindsay Martin (Vic)
    Keith McHenry (ACT)
    Bluegrass Parkway (WA)
    Bernard Carney (WA)
    Trouble in the Kitchen (Vic)
    Kate Burke and Ruth Hazelton (ACT/Vic)
    Dingo's Breakfast (WA)

    The festival will be held April 20-22, 2001.
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    November 7

    New Autobiography by Christy Moore Released

    Christy Moore Christy Moore's new book One Voice: My Life in Song has been released. It is a n autobiographical work with a new approach. It contains lyrics to some 250 songs from Christy's career and with each one he describes their significance and the memories they have evoked about his childhood, family, music and the people he has encountered.Unlike the usual life story, the memories go where the songs lead him, creating an insight into his life.

    The book was originally planned for publication in 1994 under the title of King Puck. His decision to retire from live performing is clearly understood from the frank and revealing diary pieces.

    Hodder and Stoughton,
    287pp. hardback
    $59.95

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    Special Offer for Folk Sites

    After many years with our first website host, Lavalink in Melbourne (thanks Lavalink!), SPEEDLINK made us an offer too good to refuse. So we have packed up our domain and moved house - no easy task! Speedlink has been very generous and has also offered anyone who mentions FOLK AUSTRALIA a special price on setting up, registering or reallocating and housing folk domains. If you'd like to know more, email us and we'll give you the details.

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    New Folk Mailing List

    We are very excited at the formation of our new folk mailing list. We have set it up to broaden the opportunities for people worldwide to discuss, swap and share ideas, announcements, news etc.pertaining to Australian folk music and those performers visiting Australia. It is a much needed extention of the FOLK AUSTRALIA site and is powered by eGroups, a free, easy to use mailing list handler.

    You can choose to have your list messages delivered in one of 3 ways:

    Messages will be ARCHIVED so you can search, browse, and read past emails.

    Other features of this group give the list members access to: If you'd like to subscribe to this new FOLKaustralia eGroup, go to:
    http://www.egroups.com/subscribe/FOLKaustralia and follow the instructions. You can add and change your details and method of delivery at any time. It's easy.

    You are very welcome to join us.

    Click to subscribe to FOLKaustralia

    IT'S FREE!

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