Celebrating the 500th edition of Cornstalk! - Folk Federation of New South Wales Inc - The Folk ...
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Folk Federation of New South Wales Inc
Issue 500 February-March 2020
Celebrating the 500th edition of Cornstalk!
(see page 12)
ADVERTISING SIZES
Size mm Members Not Mem February - March 2020
Full page 210 x 297 $80 $120
The Folk Federation of NSW Inc,
1/2 page 210 x 146 $40 $70
In this issue
formed in 1970, is a Statewide body
which aims to present, support, encour- 1/4 page 100 x 146 $25 $50
President's Report 3
age and collect folk music, folk dance, Dates for Your Diar;y 4
1/8 page 100 x 75 $15 $35
folklore and folk activities as they exist Folk News 8
in Australia in all their forms. It pro- Advertising artwork required by 5th Dance News 8
vides a link for people interested in the of each month. Advertisements can
folk arts through its affiliations with folk be produced by Cornstalk if required. Festival News 9
clubs throughout NSW and its counter- Please contact the editor for enquiries Access at Folk Festivals 10
parts in other States. It bridges all styles about advertising (02) 6493 6758 Remembering John Meredith 10
and interests to present the folk arts to
the widest possible audience. All cheques for advertisements and CD Review 'Virago' 11
inserts to be made payable to the Folk Celebrating 500 Issues of Cornstalk 12
Committee Federation of NSW Inc Jenny Biddle - In courage & in hope 14
President: Pam Merrigan
Cornstalk Editor - Coral Vorbach Denis Kevans - Book Launch 15
Vice President: Margaret Walters
PO Box 5195. Cobargo NSW 2550 Folk Contacts 17
Secretary: Pam Davis, secretary@
6493 6758 cornstalk@folkfednsw.org.au
folkfednsw.org.au
Treasurer: Dallas Baxter, treasurer@ Cornstalk is the official publication of If your event misses Cornstalk,
folkfednsw.org.au the Folk Federation of NSW. Contribu- Julie Bishop 02 9524 0247, julie@
General Members: Terry Clinton, Alex tions, news, reviews, poems, photos folkfednsw.org.au can include it
Bishop, Jane Brownlee, Glenys Eddy, welcome! in Folkmail, the weekly email to
Russell Neal Artwork Specifications. Cornstalk members. And don’t forget that as a
Ex-officio appointments is produced using Adobe InDesign. member you can put information - and
Bruce Cameron (Public Officer), Artwork should be supplied in one of photos - up on folkfednsw.org.au.
Mem Sec: Wayne Richmond 9939 8802 the following formats: JPEG, TIFF,
Folkmail: Julie Bishop EPS, PNG or PDF. Fonts should be Deadline date for
Cornstalk Editor: Coral Vorbach outlined.
Wrap Team: Jim & Dallas Baxter
April/May 2020
Artwork MUST be high resolution (at
9810 4131 - baxjam@folkfednsw.org.au least 300dpi).
13th March, 2020
No part of Cornstalk may be repro- CONTRIBUTIONS PLEASE
Folk Federation of New South Wales Inc duced without permission of the pub- Please send in your contributions (ar-
Post Office Box A182 lishers. All care but no responsibility ticles, reviews, event announcements,
Sydney South NSW 1235 taken for omissions or errors. photos, tunes, opinions, questions
ISSN 0818 7339 ABN 94 115 759 221 etc.), to cornstalk@folkfednsw.org.au
folkfednsw.org.au
Cover: First 'Cornstalk' (1974) [See p12]
The Folk Federation of NSW - Membership Application Form
Name/s: Eve ph: Day ph:
Address: Mobile:
Email:
Membership Type: (Tick one) Individual - $30
Family (more than one in same household) - $35
Affiliate (organisation) - $40
Please find enclosed $ ___ being my subscription for ___ years.
I enclose my cheque/money order payable to: Folk Federation of NSW, or
Please charge my credit card:
Card number: ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___ / ___ ___ ___ ___/ ___ ___ ___ ___
Name on card: __________________________________________________________
Signature:
The membership year runs from 1st May to 30th April or from 1st November to 31st October. Allowances are
made in your favour for people joining at other times. Send to: PO Box A182, Sydney South NSW 1235
2 - The CORNSTALK Gazette FEBRUARY - MARCH 2020
thoughts to everyone
From the President impacted by these
fires.
Welcome to 2020! A new year and a new President. While I Folk is a common
am delighted to accept this role I am also very aware of the bond that brings us all
responsibilities to our folk communities that the position together and, in 2020
brings. A number of new projects were initiated in 2019, not when the FFNSW will
the least being the inaugural Sydney Folk Festival (SFF) and celebrate its 50th year,
the Young Artists of the Year Awards. Both were successful we will stand together
so, big shoes to fill. I would like to take this opportunity to not only to support
recognise and thank outgoing President Brian Jonathon for his each other and our folk
commitment and contributions to the Folk Federation over the communities but also
past two years, especially in getting the SFF up and running. to give voice to the
No mean feat! many issues that folk
I am also delighted to be writing my first message as FFNSW communities are so
President in what will be the 500th issue of Cornstalk. What a passionate about. One
wonderful milestone to celebrate and I would like to acknowl- such voice was the late
edge the many people who, over the decades have worked Alistair Hulett and I
tirelessly to bring each issue to our membership. Congratula- look forward to seeing
tions to you all for your hard work and dedication. you all at the Gaelic Club on Thursday 30th January for the
Alistair Hulett Tribute Concert.
We are barely into 2020 and the year’s beginning has not
been a good one for many of our folk communities both here Moving forward, we have a great FFNSW committee with
in NSW and in Victoria. We’re having a catastrophic and some seasoned and some new members. There’s great enthu-
distressing bushfire season that has seen both the evacuation siasm to really get on with supporting and strengthening our
and cancellation of folk festivals. Nariel Creek, the longest NSW folk communities, the clubs, the festivals, the perform-
running folk festival in Australia, was evacuated on New ers, and I am very much looking forward to being part of that
Year’s Eve and both Numeralla and Cobargo Folk Festivals and working together.
have been cancelled. Some members of our folk community Folk is welcoming, folk is forgiving, folk brings people to-
have lost homes, some have been evacuated and are waiting gether. Folk is the life!
to return to their communities, much of the historic town of
Cobargo has been destroyed by fire. FFNSW extends heartfelt Pam Merrigan
Humph Hall
Events in Feb & March
Pete Denahy - 3pm Sun 2nd Feb
Ami Williamson - 3pm Sat 15th Feb
'On the road 2020' (Loosely Woven) - 1.30pm Saturday 22nd Feb
'36 Husbands' (Bright Blue Gorilla - film + concert) - 7pm Sat 22nd Feb
The Ocelots (UK) + Anna Smyrk - 7pm Saturday 29th February
Alistair Brown (UK) + The Peppercorns - 7pm Friday 13th March
East of West - 7pm Friday 27th March
Formerly the Allambie Heights Uniting Church, Humph Hall is now the private home of Gial & Wayne.
85 Allambie Rd, Allambie Heights. Bookings call 9939 8802 or wayne@humphhall.org - humphhall.org
The Folk Federation of NSW ONLINE - folkfednsw.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette FEBRUARY - MARCH 2020 - 3
Dates for your diary Feb-March 2020
February folk, funk, pop, jazz covers, originals. Guitar,
bass, percussion. Sue Hoyle’s velvet contralto,
Roma' and 'Roma nun fa la stupida stasera' to
such great historical fathers of mandolin as
Saturday 1st February Andrew Hoyle chasing the perfect guitar in- Carlo Munier. All revisited and rearranged by
Beecroft Bush Dance, with RYEBUCK version, Pierre Luniere's masterful musician- the charming Trio in a melting pot of genres.
BUSH BAND. Supper provided. Beecroft ship and sensitive harmony. + North Shore Carlo Aonzo has toured throughout Italy,
Community Ctr, Beecroft Rd (opp. Fire Sta- Grass. A handpicked string band - bluegrass, Europe, Japan, USA, Canada as one of the
tion). 7.30 - 11.30pm. $19, conc. $17, BMC swing, blue bayou. Songs of woe, heartbreak major scholars of Italian classical mandolin,
$14. Sigrid 9980 7077, Wilma 9489 5594 harmonies, self obsessed instrumental solos, both as soloist and with chamber ensembles
misguided banter. Stringo on mando raised by and orchestras. Has been touring with the Trio
wombats, Davo on banjo fell out of a whirly- since 2016. Shopfront Theatre, 88 Carlton
bird, highpriest Jason on lead guitar handles Pde, Carlton. 2pm. $25, conc. $20; Members
PR and human sacrifice, virtuoso Mark on $20, conc. $15. School age children Free.
bass our resident on the rhythm method, Liam Wally Byrne 0421 017 975
on fiddle secretary of secrets, freight trains, Tuesday 4th February
packaging. + TRADITIONAL GRAFFITI.
Ian 'The Pump' Macintosh, John 'Red Tips' Bush Music Club SYDNEY PLAYFORD
Milce and Nigel 'Muddy' Waters (the evolu- DANCE starts up again, with live music. Hut
tion of the old 'Wheezers') with their unique 44, Addison Road Centre, 142 Addison Road,
readings of British based traditional and Marrickville, 7.30-9.30pm. $7. Julie or Alex
contemporary folk woven with strong Austral- 9524 0247, facebook.com/sydneyplayford.
asian and North American influences. Multi- Thursday 6th February
faceted roots music. Lift access. BYO dinner
or nibblies. Tramshed Community Centre,
Lakeview Hall, 1395a Pittwater Rd, Narra-
been. 7.30pm till late. Bookings trybooking.
com/book/event?eid=592326&.
Sunday 2nd February
Troubadour Central Coast STEVE
TURNER (UK) Acclaimed English folk singer
& multi-instrumentalist. One of the most
accomplished & complete performers on the James Craig Music Club FORTY
world circuit, his recent album was voted top DEGREES SOUTH, The group has a
of the 1000 CDs received by the national folk formidable repertoire of traditional and
program Midnight Special in Chicago. +Sweet trad-style contemporary songs; and a lengthy
Songs & Soft Guitar, from Morpeth. Kathy & list of themes. Sea shanties, whaling songs,
Matthew Clarke perform songs from their new forebitters, work songs, mining songs, union
‘Two Voices in the Crowd’ song CD project, songs, bush songs, songs of Australian history,
songs written by the Australian folk icons, protest songs, humorous songs, god-bothering
Humph Hall. PETE DENAHY (guitar,
Judy Small & Eric Bogle. St Luke’s Hall, songs, drinking songs - & powerful individual
fiddle; some mandolin, banjo).In 2007, Pete
147-149 Blackwall Rd, Woy Woy. $7pm. $20, singers. On board Tall Ship James Craig
released song Sort Of Dunno Nothin' which
Mem: $12; conc. $15. Michael Fine 4342 moored at Wharf 7 in Pyrmont Bay, behind
went viral on YouTube and Australian radio
6716, mail.info@troubadour.org.au. National Maritime Museum, just along from
stations. It became better known than Pete
where Murray St turns into Pirrama Rd. 7.30
Newcastle KATE DELANEY & DENIS himself, who was famous mostly in wine cask
(ship opens at 7pm). Supper break, 8.30.
TRACEY. Kate Delaney is best known for areas of small town supermarket bottle shops.
General singaround, 9pm. Ship closes at
her performance with late husband Gordon His fame has spread moderately since - he
10pm. $15, conc. $10, families $25. Nearest
McIntyre. Since his death she has performed now enjoys being recognized in some of the
train, Pyrmont Bay light rail. Paid parking at
solo and in a variety of musical combinations. larger shopping centres. His comedy material
Star Casino & at Harbourside Parking.
The combination with Denis Tracey came includes The Petrol Head Fly, The Shopping
Parking may be possible along the road
about by a recent ‘jam’ one Sunday afternoon, Trolley, Bat In The Cave, The Target Song,
parallel to Wharf 7. Sally Ostlund sostlund@
playing a variety of stringed instruments plus Toilet Paper, You Actually Burn More
shf.org.au, or Margaret 0427 958 788
tin whistle (Folk by the Sea, Kiama 2019). Calories Eating Celery Than You Get From
Newcastle and Hunter Valley Folk The Celery Itself. With his love of bluegrass, Saturday 8th February
Club, Uniting Church Hall, 178 Glebe Rd, he takes groups of Australians to Japan and Gaelic Club. AISLING VAUGHAN
Merewether. 7.30-10.30pm. $15, conc. $12, USA to explore bluegrass and country music. BAND. +THE LAST AUROCHS. Irish and
Members $10, under-17s free. newcastlehunt- Loves touring Australia with his own show of Celtic Concert. 1st Floor, 64 Devonshire St,
ervalleyfolkclub.org.au. comedy (family friendly) and bluegrass. 85 Surry Hills. 7pm.
Allambie Rd, Allambie Heights. 3pm.
The Shack. NEW YORK PUBLIC LI- Bush Music Club. POETRY AT THE
Donation requested. Seating limited, bookings
BRARY. John Flannigan ('Flano'), Warren HUT starts up again. A contribution towards
strongly advised: Wayne Richmond 9939
Boyd, Isabelle Fogarty, now joined by Alan afternoon tea would be welcome. Tritton
8802. humphhall.org.
Smart - lively, popular, thoroughly entertain- Hall, Hut 44. Addison Road Centre, 142 Ad-
ing, an icon of Sydney folk for years, having Southern Sydney Folk Club. CARLO dison Road, Marrickville, 2-4pm. $5. Karen,
begun at the original Shack. They play 'any- AONZO TRIO - Carlo Aonzo (Italian mando- fongs@bigpond.net.au.
thing that takes their fancy' – incl. originals, lin), Lorenzo Piccone (acoustic guitar), Luci-
Central Coast Bush Dance with WATER-
folk, comedic and 'adapted bluegrass'. Great ano Puppo (double bass). 'Mandolitaly', their
BOMBERS and John Short calling. 22nd
fun. + Bad Kitty and the Alley Cats. Acoustic new project, breaks apart and casts a new light
Anniversary! East Gosford Progress Hall, cnr
trio. Unique arrangements of their favourite on Italian music heritage, from 'Arrivederci
Wells St and Henry Parry Drive. 7.30- 11pm.
4 - The CORNSTALK Gazette FEBRUARY - MARCH 2020
$20, Affiliates $18, Members: $15. Robyn Saturday 15th February Sunday 16th February
4344 6484, Mike: 0428 223 033. ccbdma.org. Leichhardt Bowling Club FRED Engadine House Concert with STRAW-
FRED SMITH, launching new album 'Do- SMITH, renowned Oz singer-songwriter-sto- BERRY THIEVES (christina8arms.com/
mestic'. Tathra Hotel (tathrahotel.com.au). ryteller, together again with dynamic double strawberry-thieves) - Christina Mimmocchi,
4.30 - 7.30pm. bass player, Liz Frencham, for this Valen- Jess Ciampa, Lisa Cartwright. They pool
tine’s Day weekend show, to launch his new their wide-ranging musical experiences and
Historic Closeburn House. 'Double
CD ‘Domestic’. This effervescent new record adventures to sing original songs and songs
Scotch Please.' WOMBATS CROSSING
combines Fred’s musings on 21st century from other times and other worlds in spar-
- Christine Wheeler (vocal, flute, whistle),
Australia with love songs for middle-aged kling three-part harmony. Recent gigs include
Rebecca Daniel (violin, vocal), Leigh Birkett
people. This is his first album in 8 years not Django @ Camelot (with Frankie Armstrong
(guitar, bouzouki, vocal) - exploring the
to contain songs about war and death. 88-92 and with Tanya Sparke), the James Craig tall
Scottish musical canon both ancient and
Piper St, Lilyfield. 8pm. $31. Bookings, ship and The Loaded Dog Folk Club. The trio
contemporary, plus poetry of Robert Burns
trybooking.com/585833. made its auspicious debut at the Spiegeltent
in verse and music. Accomplished actors
at the 2017 Sydney Festival's celebration of
SHANE PORTEOUS AND DUNCAN
Leonard Cohen's songs. A debut cd is on its
WASS will regularly interrupt with readings
way. We ask for a donation at the door to cov-
and sketches by various authors, both pithy
er musicians' travel expenses - this includes
& puerile. A fabulous evening of music and
a yummy afternoon tea half way through the
mirth. Everything Scottish (sorry, no haggis)!
afternoon. 2pm. We usually finish up after
A second show, because the first sold so well.
4.30. Booking essential - spaces are limited.
2 Closeburn Ave, Mount Victoria. 7.30pm.
Margaret Bradford 9520 6180
Tickets trybooking.com/585444 $45 incl.
supper. Full bar, no BYO. All profits go to
Cancer Wellness Support - Blue Mountains.
Sunday 9th February
Turkish Dance Workshop, with
GOKDEN KILIC. (Following Folk Dance
Australia AGM and morning tea.) Morning Humph Hall. AMI WILLIAMSON
tea provided - please bring your own mug. - trained singer/ pianist, graduate of Sydney
Redfern Town Hall, 1st Floor, 73 Pitt St, Conservatorium of Music . Has been
Redfern. 11am - 1pm. $15, FDA $10. Chris performing in her own right for many years
9560 2910, Kaye 9528 4813 after her father - country music’s John
Tathra Hotel. FRED SMITH, launching Williamson - first took her out on the road as
new album 'Domestic'. (tathrahotel.com.au). a teenager. Ami’s performing experience has
4.30 - 7.30pm. extended far and wide since then. Besides
THE SAUERKRAUTS at Penrose Hall – playing festivals across Australia, she was
CANCELLED. invited to entertain troops in Solomon Independent Theatre. THE SPOOKY
Islands, Iraq, Afghanistan. Not just a talented MEN, arising from a deep and sleep creased
Friday 14th February singer and songwriter, her incredible skills dream of many months, found themselves, on
Duke's Place, AUSTRALIAN SONGS IN include playing piano, drums and dulcimer. reflection and after a substantial vat of
CONCERT with artist TBC. Bush Music She was last at Humph Hall performing with industrial strength yorkshire tea, in curious
Club, Tritton Hall, Hut 44, Addison Road Eric Bogle in 2018. 85 Allambie Rd, need of a GIG. because cheese is fine, toenail
Centre, 142 Addison Rd, Marrickville. 7.30 Allambie Heights. 3pm. Seating limited, grooming is possible, superheated loincloth
for 8pm. $10, bring contribution for supper. bookings strongly advised: Wayne Richmond yoga is perfectly delightful, but GIGS!
Sandra 9358 4886. bushmusic.org.au. 9939 8802 (humphhall.org) because….the sweet sound of s sound
Cultural Centre Kambri. FRED Troubadour Central Coast. THE travelling across time and space, because low
SMITH, WITH LIZ FRENCHAM AND HIGHLY STRUNG ROCK AND ROLL frequencies, because the thrill of everybody
LEGENDARY SIDEMEN DAVE O’NEILL ORCHESTRA (AUSTRALIA) Perhaps the doing more or less the same thing at the same
(Eric Bogle Band etc) and Mitch Preston for greatest folk hits on the High Seas. Two elec- time, because slight but discernable moist-
a Valentine’s Day performance to launch his trifying violins, flute/ Irish whistle, acoustic ness is the audience’s eyes, BECAUSE!
new CD ‘Domestic’. This effervescent new guitar, male and female lead vocals and great stephen taberner, spookmeister. North
record combines Fred’s musings on 21st 4 part harmonies. Mary and Bernadette (sis- Sydney. 4.30pm. Bookings, theindependent.
century Australia with love songs for middle ters-in-law) play violins, Stella (Bernadette org.au/Events/Spooky-Men's-Chorale/.
aged people. His first album in 8 years with and Justin’s daughter) is lead vocalist and Tuesday 18th February
no songs about war and death. University woodwind section, and Justin (Bernadette’s Sydney English Country Dance starts
Ave, Acton, ACT. Park for $6 directly under husband, Stella’s Dad and Mary’s brother) up again, with live music. Bush Music Club's
the venue in the parking lot at the end of supplies the rest of the band’s sound through Hut 44, Addison Road Centre, 142 Addison
Kingsley St, or for free across the creek in his amazing acoustic guitar playing. After Road, Marrickville, 7.30-9.30pm. $7. David
parking lot off Sullivans Creek Rd. Plenty of years touring Asia and the Pacific for P&O, 0413 213 789, david@the-pottery.org
restaurants (kambri.com.au/eat-drink-shop) their premiere in Woy Woy! Don't miss it!
around the lawn at the new Kambri precinct St Luke’s Hall, 147-149 Blackwall Rd, Woy Saturday 22nd February
if you fancy dining beforehand. 7.45pm. $38, Woy. $7pm. $20, Members $12. Hugh Wor- Humph Hall. ON THE ROAD 2020 -
or $25 for under-21s. Bookings trybooking. rall mail.info@troubadour.org.au, Michael WITH LOOSELY WOVEN. A free, light-
com/586250. Fine 4342 6716 hearted, folky, acoustic concert/ cabaret.
The first concert for 2019 - featuring 25
instrumentalists and singers. The program
The Folk Federation of NSW ONLINE - folkfednsw.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette FEBRUARY - MARCH 2020 - 5
includes some songs addressing social justice Friday 28th February light-hearted, folky, acoustic concert/ cabaret.
issues - incl. a fabulous song by Australian St Andrews Uniting Church. ON THE 21 Lagoon St, Narrabeen. 1pm. 9939 8802
singer songwriter Khristian Mizzi called ‘We ROAD 2020 - WITH LOOSELY WOVEN.
ain’t all equal’, Eric Bogle’s powerful song A free, light-hearted, folky, acoustic concert/
’Shelter’ and a Simon and Garfunkel parody cabaret. Chisholm & Vernon Streets, Sth Tur-
addressing Climate Change. 85 Allambie Rd, ramurra. 7pm. 9939 8802
Allambie Heights. 1.30pm. Seating limited,
bookings strongly advised. Wayne wayne@ Saturday 29th February
humphhall.org 9939 8802 (humphhall.org) Campsie South Bowling Club. LEAP
YEAR TANCHAZ - BUSH FIRE FUND-
RAISER. Kengugro with live music by The
Transylvaniacs. Folk dances from Tran-
sylvania, Hungary, Slovakia, led by Bandi
Kocsis, Michelle Turcsányi and special guest,
Richard Reicher. Dance, sing, eat, drink and
soak up the relaxed party atmosphere. Family
Humph Hall. THE OCELOTS (UK) - 20
friendly. All welcome. Bistro serving Italian
year old twins Brandon & Ashley combine to
meals until 9pm. cnr Jarrett and Alfred Sts,
create The Ocelots. They produce a forceful
Clemton Park. 7pm till midnight. $20, conc.
blend of rich harmonies and bare, raw
$15, family $45, under-15s $5, under-5s
acoustic folk. perfectly embodying the breezy
free. All proceeds will be donated to Bush
effortlessness of early Bob Dylan, and Simon
Fire Relief through NSW RFS and WIRES.
& Garfunkel.. + ANNA SMYRK - Anna
kengugro.org
Smyrk has come a long way since growing
up on a lavender farm in Central Victoria.
She has performed at Port Fairy Folk and
Dorrigo Folk Festivals, and recently
supported Dave Graney in Melbourne. Last
year Anna toured the UK for the first time
playing to packed out folk clubs and earning
invitations to return to UK in 2020 for
festival and headline appearances. 85
Humph Hall. ‘36 HUSBANDS’ - Allambie Rd, Allambie Hts. 7pm. Seating
THE7TH FEATURE FILM BY BRIGHT limited, bookings strongly advised: Wayne
BLUE GORILLA (brightbluegorilla.com. Richmond wayne@humphhall.org 9939 8802
Award Winning Filmmakers and Musicians (humphhall.org)
from Los Angeles). They are once again
touring Australia with a series of concerts and
movie screening. An uplifting, musical, Troubadour Central Coast. MIC
March
mystical, kung-fu spy comedy starring 3 CONWAY AND ROBBIE LONG in a circus Sunday 1st March
powerful women - and a bunch of husbands! of comedy, music and magic - an hilarious
As with all Bright Blue Gorilla’s feature array of idiosyncratic songs that will make
films, it is family friendly (PG). They make your jaw drop, toes tap and sides split.
movies in a unique way, with a world Tongue-in-cheek humour, plus juggling,
community. 36 Husbands was shot in fire-eating, magic, mayhem - surreal
Australia, Berlin, Frankfurt, Paris and LA. vaudeville for crooning & swooning. ARIA
The sold-out world premiere was at Babylon award-winning Mic Conway is singer, actor,
in Berlin. Audiences are loving the film, see musician, song writer, fire eater, magician,
the IMDB reviews - imdb.com/title/ tap dancer, juggler and more. With brother
tt7512492/reviews. The screening will be Jim, he founded Captain Matchbox Whoopee
preceded by a concert by Bright Blue Gorilla Band in 1970; 2 of 7 records achieved gold.
and followed by a QandA with the film's Then Soapbox Circus, which became world
director and producer. 85 Allambie Rd, famous Circus Oz. Mic has toured Australia,
Allambie Heights. 7pm. Seating limited, Britain, USA, New Zealand, Asia. Has
bookings strongly advised. Wayne wayne@ written & recorded many albums & worked
humphhall.org 9939 8802. humphhall.org/ in theatre, music, cabaret, television, film. A
index.php/upcoming-events/husbands fabulous duet with flat-picking guitar
Loaded Dog. PERFORMERS TBC. Back champion Robbie Long. St Luke’s Hall,
Hall, Annandale Neighbourhood Centre, 79 147-149 Blackwall Rd, Woy Woy. $7pm.
Johnston St. 7pm for 7.30. $20, $18., BYO, $20, Mem $12; conc. $15. Hugh Worrall Gaelic Club. THE RHYMING VERSE OF
supper available. Sandra (02) 9358 4886, mail.info@troubadour.org.au, Michael Fine DENIS KEVANS.Sydney Book Launch. The
theloadeddog.org.au 4342 6716 book has over 650 poems incl. previously
unpublished poems. It is a hardback of over
Sunday 23rd February Teralba Community Hall BUSH 330 pages, published by Sophia Kevans &
Avalon Baptist Peace Church. ON THE DANCE. Band TBC. Teralba. Gregory North. Avail for purchase on the day
ROAD 2020 - WITH LOOSELY WOVEN. A The Lakes Parish Hall. ON THE ROAD for $45 and also from Greg, gregorynorth.
free, light-hearted, folky, acoustic concert. 2 2020 - WITH LOOSELY WOVEN. A free, com.au. 1/ 64 Devonshire St, Surry Hills.
George St, Avalon. 4pm. 9939 8802 2pm.
6 - The CORNSTALK Gazette FEBRUARY - MARCH 2020
St Davids Uniting Church. ON THE this Sydney-based duo bring together a 79 Johnston St. 7pm.for 7.30. $20, $18,
ROAD 2020 - WITH LOOSELY WOVEN. wealth of musical influences on their BYO, supper available. Sandra (02) 9358
A free, light-hearted, folky, acoustic concert/ bluegrass, swing and old-timey inspired folk 4886, theloadeddog.org.au
cabaret. St David Ave, DY. 2pm. 9939 8802 tunes. 85 Allambie Rd, Allambie Heights. Friday 27th March
7pm. Donation requested. Seating limited,
Saturday 7th March
bookings strongly advised: Wayne wayne@
Beecroft Bush Dance, with SYDNEY humphhall.org 9939 8802 (humphhall.org)
COVES BUSH BAND. Supper provided.
Beecroft Com. Ctr, Beecroft Rd (opp. Fire Duke's Place, AUSTRALIAN SONGS IN
Station). 7.30-11.30pm. $19, conc. $17, BMC CONCERT with artist TBC. Bush Music
$14. Sigrid 9980 7077, Wilma 9489 5594 Club, Tritton Hall, Hut 44, Addison Road
Centre, 142 Addison Rd, Marrickville. 7.30
Newcastle and Hunter Valley Folk for 8pm. $10, bring contribution for supper.
Club. DOCTOR’S WIFE. + CLARK Sandra 9358 4886. bushmusic.org.au.
GORMLY. Uniting Church Hall, 178 Glebe
Rd, Merewether. 7.30-10.30pm. $15, conc. Saturday 14th March
Humph Hall. EAST OF WEST - East of
$12, Members $10, under-17s free. new- East Gosford Progress Hall. SATUR- West is a new project of Bosnian-born
castlehuntervalleyfolkclub.org.au DAY NIGHT SOCIAL DANCE. All dances composer Goran Gajić (Double Bass), Philip
taught, walked through & called. cnr Wells St Griffin (Oud) and Malindi Morris (Percus-
St Jude's Anglican Church. ON THE
& Henry Parry Drive. 7.30-11pm. $12. Robyn sion). The trio formed in 2018 in order to
ROAD 2020 - WITH LOOSELY WOVEN. A
4344 6484, Mike 0428 223 033 ccbdma.org explore new compositions that spring from
free, light-hearted, folky, acoustic concert. 36
Bendooley St, Bowral. 7pm. 9939 8802 the rich musical influences of the Balkans
and the Mediterranean. East of West’s
Sunday 8th March
intricate story-telling compositions showcase
Romanian Dance Workshop, with the players’ extensive experience playing at
MARIUS AND MARIA URSU. A Folk both national and international levels and are
Dance Australia event. Redfern Town Hall, spun over rich traditional rhythms, entwining
1st Floor, 73 Pitt St, Redfern. 10am - 4pm. elements of jazz and allowing space for open
Chris 9560 2910, Kaye 9528 4813 solos and improvisation. 85 Allambie Rd,
Nowra Uniting Church. ON THE ROAD Allambie Heights. 7pm. Seating limited,
2020 - WITH LOOSELY WOVEN. + special bookings strongly advised: Wayne wayne@
guests the 'Shoalhaven Community Choir'. humphhall.org 9939 8802 (humphhall.org)
A light-hearted, folky, acoustic concert. 29 Saturday 28th March
Berry St, Nowra. 1pm. 9939 8802
Friday 13th March
Troubadour Central Coast HALLETT-
Carcoar Courthouse. ON THE ROAD
FLOOD (Blue Mts) Our banjo playing
2020 - WITH LOOSELY WOVEN. A free,
harpstar Tom Flood back with maestro
light-hearted, folky, acoustic concert/ cabaret.
guitarist singer Graham Hallett. Country/
Icley St, Carcoar. 7pm. 9939 8802
blues and mid-Atlantic folk with Oz roots
Sunday 15th March originals +THE PEPPERCORNS (WA)
Gunning Courthouse. ON THE ROAD - Craig Sinclair (guitar, vocals) and Lara
2020 - WITH LOOSELY WOVEN. A free, Norman (violin, mandolin, vocals). From the
light-hearted, folky, acoustic concert/ cabaret. south coast of WA, this duo bring together a
Humph Hall. ALISTAIR BROWN (UK) Cnr Yass & Warrataw Streets. 1pm. 9939 8802 wealth of musical influences on their
- born in Scotland, now lives in Cornwall. bluegrass, swing and old-timey inspired folk
Has been singing the old songs, and new Saturday 21st March
tunes. Using a traditional single microphone
songs written by people who like the old Loaded Dog. ALISTAIR BROWN (UK) approach, their delicate string arrangements,
songs, since he was 15. He began his career + SUPPORT TBC. (3rd Sat.) Alistair is soaring harmonies and timeless lyrics create a
helping out in folk clubs of his native returning for his 3rd visit to The Dog. Born in unique sound, both intimate and powerful.
Scotland during the '60s folk revival, selling Scotland, he spent many years in Canada, and Floor spots available. Local and visiting
tickets, and opening bottles (and occasionally now lives in Cornwall in England’s balmy performers welcome. , St Luke’s Hall,
concerts) for many of the great names in folk southwest. He has been singing the old songs, 147-149 Blackwall Rd, Woy Woy. $7pm.
music. + THE PEPPERCORNS - Craig and new songs written by people who like $20, Members $12; conc. $15. Michael Fine
Sinclair (guitar, voc & Lara Norman (violin, the old songs, since he was fifteen years old. 4342 6716
mandolin, voc) hail from the sth coast of WA, Back hall, Annandale Neighbourhood Centre,
The Folk Federation of NSW ONLINE - folkfednsw.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette FEBRUARY - MARCH 2020 - 7
folk news dance news
Norfolk Island From the Australian Social Dance Newwork, facebook.com/
Australianfolkdancenetwork: For Peter Ellis's history of the
There will be a History Tour to Norfolk Island, 16-20 March bush dance ("It's not as traditional as you might think!"), 'The
2020 – for the 230th Anniversary of the wrecking of HMS Evolution of Bush Dance', see his archive, peterellisarchive.
Sirius. This important Australian anniversary marks 230 years blogspot.com/p/the-evolution-of-bush-dance-by-peter.html.
since the 1790 wrecking of the flagship of the First Fleet
HMS Sirius on Norfolk Island. It includes a unique program
of events on Norfolk Island - with Professor Graham Seal
plus Don and Sue Brian. norfolkislandtravelcentre.com/ Focus on Folk
event/230th-anniversary-of-the-wrecking-of-hms-sirius 5-6pm 1st Saturday
Loosely Woven goes 'On the road' again!
Focus on Folk can now be heard on 2MBS-
FM 102.5, DAB radio and both real time and
up to one week later on finemusicFM.com.
Sat 1 February - Kate Delaney
Sat 7 March - Gerry Myerson
Anyone with a CD they would like to add to the
library collection for consideration for airplay
please forward to:
Focus on Folk, Post Office Box A182, Sydney
Loosely Woven is a community-based group of musicians South 1235.
who put together three or four shows each year and perform
them all over the place - just for fun, never for money!
Over the first two weekends of March they will be going 'on
the road' with performances in Sydney and rural NSW.
1.30pm, Saturday 22nd Feb - Humph Hall, Allambie Heights
4pm, Sunday 23rd Feb - Avalon Baptist Peace Church
7pm, Fri 28th Feb - St Andrews Uniting Ch, Sth Turrumurra
2pm, Sat 29th Feb - The Lakes Parish Hall, Narrabeen
2pm, Sun 1st March - St Davids Uniting Church, Dee Why
7pm, Sat 7th March - St Jude's Anglican Church, Bowral
1pm, Sun 8th March - Nowra Uniting Church, Nowra
7pm, Sat 14th March - Carcoar Courthouse, Icley St, Carcoar
1pm, Sun 15th March - Gunning Courthouse, Gunning
There will be 24 'Introductory offer of 10% discount to
performers this time all Folk Federation NSW members
with an instrumental
line-up that includes:
harp, flutes, saxophone,
violins, cello, trumpet,
guitars, concertina,
accordion, keyboard &
percussion.
For more information go to the group's
web site (looselywoven.org) or contact
Wayne Richmond wayne@humphhall.org
(0400) 803 804 Nominations for the 2020 Australian Celtic Music
Awards closing soon. Artist may self nominate. Com-
plete your nomination forms on the website (celticmusi-
cawardsnominations.com ) before 10th January 2020.
8 - The CORNSTALK Gazette FEBRUARY - MARCH 2020
festival news
concert including Startijenn & Eleanor McEvoy.
Graham has said that they will handle all the production side
of things.
Yuin Folk Club would need to curate the program, lock in the
artists and handle the parking.
It would be a great way of raising a lot of money and giving
Cobargo people a bit of hope at a dark time.
Fundraising for Cobargo
We need your help to rebuild. The Cobargo Community
Bushfire Recovery Fund has been set up by community repre-
sentatives to fund projects of benefit to the whole community.
It is run by community volunteers and funds will be allocated
to projects in consultation with the community.
Cobargo Festival Postponed
The Cobargo Folk Festival, through the Yuin Folk Club Inc, is
Most of you will have heard or seen this news. kicking off the fund with a donation of $10,000. It is an enor-
It is with heavy hearts that the Yuin Folk Club announces the mous privilege to be able to help our community in this way.
postponement of the 2020 Cobargo Folk Festival. Our little All contributions, big and small, to either:
community needs time to regroup and to direct our energies
to recovery and reconstruction. Many on our festival organis- The GoFundMe page at gofundme.com/f/cobargo-communi-
ing team have lost their homes and our beautiful village has ty-bushfire-recovery-fund
been razed. The fire threat will persist throughout the summer Or directly to:
unless we get appreciable rain and we don’t want to expose
all our wonderful festival vollies, performers, providers and Cobargo Community Bushfire Recovery Fund
supporters to any unnecessary risk. We have little infrastruc- Bendigo Bank
ture left in the village. BSB: 633 000
Account no: 171 210 016
We have decided to postpone rather than cancel the event and
we hope to produce a Cobargo Folk Festival, albeit a smaller Grateful thanks for all the expressions of support that you
event, much later in the year, once we are through this horren- have sent our way.
dous bushfire season. This probably won’t be a full three-day All enquiries, including media, to cobargofund@gmail.com.
festival but may be a single day of great music, plenty of
hugs, laughs and tears, as we gather ourselves for the big job
of recovery and rebuilding. We hope you will join us then. We From Zena Armstrong:
can't announce a date yet but hope to let you know a little bit The folk community is ral-
down the track. lying around and a number
If you have bought tickets and require a refund please send an of fundraisers are being
email to info@cobargofolkfestival.com. It will take us time to organised for Cobargo.
process refunds but we will do our best to do them quickly. The Last Jar is organis-
We hope that you and your families are safe and holding each ing one for Saturday 15th
other very close during these awful times. February 2020. They asked
whether the Yuin Folk Club
With love and in hope. would like the funds so I
Yuin Folk Club Committee
said yes. I suggested that
Cobargo Folk Festival Organising Team
they could be used specifi-
cally to fund music matters
Benefit Concert Proposal with local kids (Cobargo,
Quaama, Yowrie etc) with
Reg Dew lost his house and all the memorabilia of his life rig- a view to helping kids pro-
ging for the stars (including Michael Jackson, Bruce Spring- cess and recover from the
steen, The Three Tenors). He was responsible for all the fires and start the healing process. Depending on the amount
Festival setup of outdoor stages etc. but retired in 2018. of money, we might buy instruments to replace those lost in
His son Graham & an enormous line of the fire and work with music teachers at Quaama and Cobargo
stage riggers and event producers from using the funds to develop music projects that are based on
all over the world want to run a fund- kids' experiences of the fires.
raiser for him and Cobargo, in Cobargo. More details at facebook.com/events/2532117996913986.
They have offered to bring an open There was also an offer from Illawarra Folk Festival.
stage, plus lights and sound system
down here to do a benefit concert on Coopers donated a large number of stubby holders. All the
Saturday 29th February. proceeds from the sales will go into the Cobargo Community
Bushfire Recovery Fund.
Many of the performers booked for the
festival have offered to do a benefit Illawarra wants to support Cobargo because of the close as-
sociation between the festivals.
The Folk Federation of NSW ONLINE - folkfednsw.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette FEBRUARY - MARCH 2020 - 9
Access at Folk Festivals
Winter is finally over and festival season is in full swing. goers & performers a way
Organisers and artists alike are looking for ways to build to indicate whether they
their audience. As a festival regular with a disability, I’ve have particular access
been invited to contribute to the conversation by offering needs when they register.
my thoughts on disability access and inclusion at festivals. It helps you understand
Around 20% of the Australian population live with some kind where you can improve.
of disability, so it’s a fair chunk of the population. Some of It also means you can tell
that number are already coming to festivals. More might join the venue who is using the
us if we can make festivals more accessible and inclusive – space & encourage them to
after all, all you need to be able to do to enjoy a folk festival keep working to improve
is listen and watch (or one of the two)! access. Festivals can also
Not everyone with disability can camp out in a tent for the give people who are only
weekend, so having some disability allocated parking for day able to participate in com-
visitors close to the entrance is appreciated. For those who munity events with a sup-
can camp, it can make a big difference to be able to reserve port person more chance
a spot close to facilities. The only festival where I remember to participate by deciding
seeing that is the National but I wonder whether more festi- to accept the Companion
vals could offer it. Card. It means providing a
free ticket to the card holder’s companion. Of course, the
Whether people attend a festival for a weekend or a day, we companion still buys food & drink & goes home to tell their
all need to be confident that there will be a toilet we can use friends about the festival!
when we need to. Since many festivals are held in show-
grounds, there is likely to be at least one accessible toilet. En- One of the simplest things a festival can do with regard to
sure the latch works and that soap is provided. (These things access is to provide information. As a wheelchair user, I
are often missed!) If your event uses a lot of port-a-loos, bear spend a frustrating amount of time calling concert venues
in mind that they often have a very high step. Even someone to ask them whether they are accessible. I’m overjoyed
with a walking stick can find that difficult. Accessible port-a when I find that information on the event advertising
-loos can be hired. Make sure you get ones that meet the Aus- so that I don’t have to ask. Tell people what the access
tralian standards though. Apparently there are some around features of your festival are and who they can talk to if
that are not actually big enough for a wheelchair! they need more information. It makes us feel welcome
and more likely to come and bring friends and family with
Stairs can make a real difference at a festival. If your venue us. Folk festivals are a fun place to be. Let’s make sure
has stairs with a railing, keep it clear of bunting. Leave it as many people as possible can join the fun.
clear for people to use the railing when we actually need it.
Arrange venues so that people can move in and out easily. Le References
Petit Grande looks cute and feels cosy if you can get inside Companion Card - companioncard.nsw.gov.au
but the steep stairs without a railing at the entrance usually
keep me outside. If the venue has a flat entrance or one with NSW Government Event Starter Guide – Accessibility
steps, make the flat entrance the one everyone uses. dpc.nsw.gov.au/tools-and-resources/event-starter-guide/
As a poet and a choir member, stairs to access stages matter accessibility
too. They’re often a lot bigger than normal stairs and have no Accessible port-a-loo hire
railing. I’ve seen a few people fall on their way on and off. A sbsfence.com.au/toilet-hire/disabled-accessible-toilet-hire
rail can make a big difference.
Jane Scott
Folk festivals are about participation. We need to give festival
Remembering John Meredith
John Meredith would have been 100 on the 17th of January From Jan Fallding, jfallding@bigpond.com:
this year, 2020. John Meredith AM (1920-2001) is mostly remembered as the
Rob Willis wrote an article about him for the first edition pre-eminent collector of Australia's folk music and folklore,
of Trad and Now in Spring 2002. "Dave de Santi and I had but to his friends he was much more than that - a man of
worked on many previous publications and I could not let the wide interests and a boundless capacity for friendship (and at
first edition of his new magazine, Trad and Now, go with- times, its opposite!). Gardening (particularly sages and roses),
out some mention of Meredith. "I feel it is still very relevant photography and film-making, self-reliance, applied chemis-
because there are many try, Australian local and indigenous history, cooking, haiku,
people both within, and fiction writing, curiosity, gentle persuasion, barbed obser-
without the 'folk scene' vances, birdwatching, how to kill cats, Scottish poets, politics,
who do not know of him aetheism and Buddhism all had their place at John's table, and
and his important work." in his conversations and letters with friends and family.
The Meredith collection We encourage people who knew John personally to share
at the National Library their reminiscences and stories, letters, recordings and photos
of Australia is recog- of him. We hope that this 'shared harvest' (his words) will
nised in the UNESCO help contribute to the understanding of this extraordinary
Memory of the World Australian as we approach the 100th anniversary of his birth.
Program. Facebook.com/groups/365849244352767 - John Meredith
AM 1920 - 2001: memories from his friends.
10 - The CORNSTALK Gazette FEBRUARY - MARCH 2020CD review
Virago - Di Clifford & Kath Morgan
Some time ago in Gulgong while welcoming a New Year in
1990s, I met Di and Kath and heard their delightful renditions
of harmonies and shared their enthusiasm for singing. Kath
also plays harp, flute and strumsticks which add an extra lift
to their performances. They often bring a different interpreta-
tion to familiar songs as well as sharing their sense of humour
with their audiences. This CD captures this in songs that have
often been learnt from different genres.
This is heard in songs such as Come by the Hills, The Long
Black Veil, Sweet Grass Moon and Mama, Do They Have
Guitars in Heaven and Virago Waltz will have you dancing
round the room. Evening Harmony, played by Kath on her
harp will transport you to Heaven.
Both Kath and Di are talented musicians whose voices blend
in delicate harmonies so that makes this CD easy listening.
For a copy contact Di Clifford on di.clifford15@gmail.com
Dale Dengate
14 – 16 August 2020
Following the wonderful feedback from the hundreds
of festival goers at last year’s inaugural festival
IT’S ON AGAIN THIS YEAR!
Performer applications open early February
Keep an eye on our web-site (currently being updated) for details.
sydneyfolkfestival.com.au
The Folk Federation of NSW ONLINE - folkfednsw.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette FEBRUARY - MARCH 2020 - 11Celebrating 500 Issues of Cornstalk
As this is Issue 500 of Cornstalk, it seemed appropriate for us to reflect on how, through the efforts of many amazing people,
we got here.
There have been so many editors over the years! People have stepped in when needed - or have been
head-hunted and then stayed in the job until someone else can take over, or for longer, until for what-
ever reason they can do it no more. And there have been times when there was a "collective" putting it
out; or a collective assisting a new editor.
Volume 1, May 1970, of the New South Wales Folk Federation News-
letter (reprinted in part on next page) was only 4 pages (foolscap size,
folded in half). It was written by Warren Fahey, typed by Bernard
Bolan's wife Anne Street & duplicated on an old Gestetner by Danny
Danny Watson
Watson.
The contents were:
National Folk Festival 1971 (still to be called the Adelaide Folk Festival);
Weekend Course in Folk Song and Dance (suggested by WEA);
Thanks (to PJF helpers);
Request for contributions; Warren Fahey
Monaro Festival (to be held in June);
Blues Society discovered;
"Valuable Tapes" (of concerts etc) "can be transcribed for you" by the Folk Federation for $1 per hour of taping;
Important Decision (to finance Australian folklore field collecting: Wendy Lowenstein the first recipient);
A form for tickets for A.L. Lloyd Concerts (& an "attached leaflet" - now missing - about his Concert/Lecture Tour of NSW).
By Volume 2 (8 pages), there was a PO Box in Punchbowl. Over 1,000 copies of the first 'volume' had been distributed; but
from now on the Newsletter would be only for members. The Folk Federation was sponsoring a July Symposium to find
where folk music was heading. The panel: Don Henderson, Frank French, Marion Henderson, John Dengate, Brian Grayson,
Mike Eves, Warren Fahey, Danny Watson; chaired by Harry Robertson.
In the 4th one, Oct/Nov 1970, the first AGM had been held, with a large crowd. "A Folk Dance followed the election of the
new committee." Chairman, M. Eves; Treasurer, B. Bolan; Secretary, Ann Street; Business and Membership Manager, D.
Watson; PR and Publicity, W. Fahey; plus 11 more committee members - Declan Affley, Colleen Burke, Ian Cantley, Derek
Chetwyn, John Currie, John Dengate, John Francis, Frank French, Ken Greenhalgh, Frank Maher, Geoff Searle.
Warren Fahey edited the first 7 issues, until too busy at work. Through the mid-'70s, the Newsletter was edited by a "collec-
tive", and by Graham Seal for over a year (with Dermot Ryder filling in for one month). (There was a time in 1974 when the
July issue did not arrive until September, because of a lost mail bag!)
In August that year, Colleen Burke took it on - now The Cornstalk Gazette (see front cover), a Quarterly Journal, 14 foolscap
pages; with a collective (including Len Neary) putting out 2-page newsletters in between. The second Quarterly went out in
December, 22 pages; and the third (and last) in time for the 9th National Folk Festival, Easter 1975. Colleen says Maureen
Cummuskey, Libby Hunt and Bob Pomeroy were also on the editorial committee, although Bob left NSW soon afterwards.
"Eventually the journal was defeated by economics."
It became a Newsletter again, late 1970s to mid-1980s - edited, for an issue or few, by Margaret Walters and (from Folkways)
Kay Buckley; Roger Farrell; Peter Prangnell; Margaret again, with Robyn Corbin ("Emergency Editors"); Chris Chandler
(tragically killed in a train accident); Norm Kidd; Gill Rees for about a year, Ross Winter and Shirley Judd for some months,
and Paul Hemphill from November '84 until May '85.
The name Cornstalk Gazette was resumed in July 1985. Gill Rees (wonderful hammered dulcimer player) was the Editor
again, until June '86 (and the death of Declan Affley).
Roy Harbour and Bob Buckley edited issues 156 to 167; then Roy and John Quiggin (to 189, Dec. '88 to July '89) - though
Roy did a few of them on his own.
We became the Folk Federation of New South Wales in September 1989 - at least as far as the Cornstalk cover was concerned.
(My recollection was that it was because the Folk Fed wanted a phone number - the Bishops' - in the phone book. But we were
living in the USA at that time; so it might have taken Cornstalk a year or two to catch up.)
Then an 'Editorial Collective' from Aug '89 to May '92 (190-220): Margaret Walters, Jill Donadio, Gordon Mignot, Roger Ladbrook;
later, Margaret with Robin Connaughton, Carole Garland, Roger & Gordon; then Margaret with Arthur Brandwood & Carole.
Sue Chalmers became an "Ed-in-training", with Carole's help, for the June '92 issue (221); then was Editor, with Julie Bishop
assisting, July '92 to May '93. The position was vacant for the next issue, June '93 (232), because of the serious illness of a
new editor. Contributors were asked to ring Lynette Hicks - who put Cornstalk together with the help of Sue, Julie and Marga-
rets Bradford and Walters.
Constance Ellwood stepped in, with the Cornstalk Collective's varying members - Lynette, Margaret W., Julie, Grace Kelly,
Sonia Bennett, Margaret B., Greg Croke - for a year; followed by a few months with no collective; then March to September
'95 with the Collective of Julie, Beth Cambridge and Jan Crombie-Brown.
12 - The CORNSTALK Gazette FEBRUARY - MARCH 2020That trio then assisted Pamela MacLeod, the new Editor, in varying numbers, and with Patricia Early for some months, from
October '95 until August '96 (258-267), then Pamela did it with no Collective for the next two years, finishing with September
'98 (268-291). Valda Low kindly edited from October till December '98; then Alison Cone until July 2000 (294-310).
Christine Wheeler was next, with a varying Editorial Team for the first year or so (311-322): Julie, Becca Nash, Mick O'Neill,
Margaret Walters; and later additions of Margaret Bradford, Lyndan Blackman, Carrl Myriad; then with no team until July '02.
Patricia Early edited till into the new year, with a change to the larger format in February '03. After that, Coral Vorbach down
in Cobargo did the layout and typesetting, with Patricia as Assistant Editor - until in March 2004 Coral became our Editor!
And still is - although her absence from home because of the dreadful bushfires in Cobargo has meant that Wayne Richmond
and Julie Bishop worked on this issue, nearly 50 years after the first - number 500.
Julie Bishop (with input from Colleen Burke, Danny Watson & Dallas Baxter)
The Folk Federation of NSW ONLINE - folkfednsw.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette FEBRUARY - MARCH 2020 - 13Jenny Biddle – In Courage and in Hope
By Sue Barrett
On the eve of her Australian tour, and with Australia in the
midst of an horrific bushfire season (which has left lives,
properties and livelihoods in tatters), Australian singer-
songwriter Jenny Biddle talked with us from her home in the
Scottish Borders.
Being so far from home, your grief and distress about the
bushfires in Australia is probably accompanied by a sense of
powerlessness
Indeed. I have been following the news diligently and have
felt waves of sadness, anxiety, helplessness, anger & heart-
ache across these last months. I think the whole nation is
overwhelmed by the magnitude of these fires. But I am
incredibly heartened to see the people of Australia, as well
as people around the world, rallying together to raise funds
for the firefighters, emergency services personnel, individu-
als and families and wildlife affected by the fires. Although tives have already been set up, including a gofundme cam-
we may feel powerless, we can do something – donate time, paign for the Cobargo Community Bushfire Recovery Fund.
money, resources & whatever we can – & this gives me hope. At this point in time, I have rural gigs booked for Victoria
Audiences in country towns in Australia have a special place and Tassie in my upcoming Australian tour. As each of these
in your heart [“I find those audiences to be a very apprecia- dates approach, we’ll need to assess whether the gig is safe to
tive, listening audience…It’s not about just doing your job go ahead. It’s really important that rural and regional com-
and going home. It’s a mutual exchange – making memories, munities are supported (and feel supported) at this time, but
sharing stories, having a cuppa and a meal and often being a everyone’s safety is vitally important and I don’t want to cre-
home away from home on tour.”] ate additional work for the already stretched and exhausted
emergency services personnel and volunteers. Tour updates
I have shared many special moments in rural and regional will be on my Facebook page.
communities around Australia. Bright, the quaint town of
Wandiligong (where I lived) and the beautiful Alpine region At each of my gigs on the tour, I will have a donation bucket
in Victoria have been evacuated and I’m terribly worried so that music lovers can make additional financial contribu-
for friends and businesses. So many beautiful places I have tions to the bushfire recovery. Let’s continue to give what we
toured in have been devastated by fires and are still under can to those in need.
threat. It is utterly heartbreaking. I don’t know what to say. You wrote the song ‘Our Darkest Day’ as a tribute to the Feb-
There is a fighting spirit that binds these communities and I ruary 2009 Black Saturday Victorian bushfires (“With ember
hope that the people of Australia continue to give generously attacks, like pouring rain / From nature’s path there was no
and support people through this monumental crisis, not just retreat / We’ll look up to the sky / In courage and in hope /
for this harsh summer, but in the coming months and years it We’ll blink the ash from our eyes / We’ll sure find a way to
will take to rebuild lives, local businesses and livelihoods. cope”). Do you see music as having the power to heal?
Composing & listening to music has kept me sane through
many hard times. And, without a doubt, I’ve seen the benefits
of music in the life of many people. It is inspiring to see so
many musicians taking part in benefit gigs across the country. It
is a true testament to the significance of the arts in our society.
I have just announced an additional gig – a benefit concert
on Thursday 6 February 2020 in the Fawcett Hall in Victoria
(about 14 km north of Alexandra). Local business owner and
volunteer fire fighter Cinamon Cunningham was moved by
the support her community received after the 2009 fires and
now she is giving back – fighting fires all day, then organising
the benefit gig in her spare time. Amazing!
Over the past year, you’ve toured Canada, Germany & Eng-
Your upcoming Australian tour will need to be somewhat land. How similar & different are audiences across the world?
flexible as a result of the fires.
It’s been enriching touring different countries. I had heard
It was with the heaviest of hearts that I learned that Cobargo, that Germany is incredibly appreciative of singer-songwriters.
where I was to have played at the Cobargo Folk Festival, has But I was still surprised when people, who had never heard of
been devastated by bushfires. I am utterly heartbroken for me or my music before, came out to see me! I tried to learn
this community. The Cobargo Folk Festival will no longer be a bit of German to speak at my gigs and they were such an
going ahead in February, but they hope to run a smaller event appreciative audience. In Germany, your wage is totally paid
later in the year. I encourage people to support this event by generous tips; a concept you wouldn’t want to rely on
when it comes around & help support local businesses get in other countries. I also really enjoyed playing in Canada.
back on their feet. Many bushfire recovery fund raising initia- There’s a huge house concert scene there with a great love of
14 - The CORNSTALK Gazette FEBRUARY - MARCH 2020my kind of acoustic roots music. The UK is always up for a Tell us about the album.
good laugh and I feel at home with the audience. What I have
Wow! Thanks Sue! This album was recorded in the village
noticed playing around the UK is that my idea of “folk” is
hall in the area where I currently live in the Scottish Bor-
not what many British people call “folk music” and if I’m not
ders. While I love to layer my tunes with instrumentation in
careful I could end up in some awkward musical positions.
the recording studio, I wanted to honour these songs in their
While there may be slight variations from country to country,
acoustic form. There is something free-flowing, real & raw
there’s an overall love and appreciation of music and of hav-
about capturing a stripped back performance in front of a live
ing a good time.
audience. Missing from my studio recordings is my love of
storytelling, stage banter & crowd participation, which are part
of this album. The album is a great credit to sound engineer
Keith Farnish & the fabulous locals who came out to be part of
the show. My Australian tour is a celebration of this album.
What’s coming up for you in 2020?
All going to plan, I’m hoping to record and release my 8th
album. This time it’s going to be somewhere between an
acoustic album and a studio band recording. The creative side
of music keeps me sane and I can’t wait to share these new
songs with the world.
On a non-musical note, my wife and I are doing a hike in
Sweden later this year. The hike is called Kungsleden – it’s
Europe’s largest remaining wilderness. In a world that is
becoming increasingly over-populated, I find it incredibly
important to connect with nature. It will be good for my soul.
Jenny Biddle’s upcoming Australian Tour is scheduled to
begin in Sydney in late January 2020.
Tour dates are listed on her website (jennybiddle.com/shows),
but are subject to change in response to the Australian bush-
fires. Changes (including at the last minute) will appear on
Jenny’s Facebook page.
Your latest album, Live in Scotland, has just been announced © S Barrett 2020
as my Best Compilation Album of 2019 in Rhythms magazine.
Denis Kevans - Australia's
Poet Lorikeet - Book Launch
As the curtain closed on Denis Kevans' 80th year (b. 15 Jan
1939), an enthusiastic crowd gathered in the Blackhurn Fam-
ily Hotel in Katoomba to celebrate his birthday and to launch
a new book, 'The Rhyming Verse of Denis Kevans'
The book has over 650 poems including new, unpublished
poems. It is a hardback of over 330 pages, published by So-
phia Kevans and Gregory North. It is available for purchase
from Greg's web site: gregorynorth.com.au
A Sydney launch of the book will be taking place:
2pm, Sunday 1 Mar
The Gaelic Club
1/64 Devonshire St
Surry Hills
with a line-up of
musical & poetry
performances
from the likes of
Margaret & Bob
Fagan of The
Fagans - one of
Australia's pre-
eminent folk music
families - & the
book's editor - three times Australian bush poetry champion,
Gregory North.
The Folk Federation of NSW ONLINE - folkfednsw.org.au The CORNSTALK Gazette FEBRUARY - MARCH 2020 - 15You can also read
