2014 – 2015


17th January 2016

Club BBQ – A great day again had by all.
We had a couple of guests who were very welcome
Thanks to those who played and entertained us. Very high quality.


18th December 2015
christmas  Christmas Celebrations – It’s an open stage night (with special guests too) Nancy and Friend had every one singing Carols.


20th November 2015  Little Miss Country Band

The little Miss Country Band have only been performing together for a  few months, but they are loving it. They have all played  for years in various bands, but their combined love of music, fun & laughter has brought them together and shows through in their gigs!
As their name suggests, they are a Country Band, that plays both originals and covers. The band is made up of Jan Dandridge (Vocals & Guitar); Ann Billinghurst (Backing Vocals & Ukelele); Pete McDonald (Guitar); Robert Broomhead (Bass) & Brentyn Stafford (Drums).

Support

Mark Gardner [is] Sergeant Trouser

Mark is a seasoned Multi-instrumental Singer/Songwriter, performer and entertainer. Often nicknamed Sergeant Trouser, he has played in many bands including Bricks & Mortar, Sergeant Trouser, and most recently The Broken Sweethearts. He has gained much support and experience while performing alongside Neil Murray, Keith Potger (The Seekers), Swannee, Chris Wilson and Alan Barnes.
In 2011 he released his debut EP: The Great Divide, produced by Brian Canham (Pseudo Echo, Brill, Anthony Calea) and mastered by Martin Pullan from Edensound Mastering at Armstrong Studios in Sth Melbourne. The EP features 6 tracks and is available for download on iTunes. Mark has performed at Federation square [Where the floody hell are you?] for flood relief in 2011. Mark sings, and can play many instruments including Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Harmonica, Keyboards, Brass-Trumpet & Euphonium.
Mark has been nominated as Independent Country Music Artist of the year.


16th October 2015  Tracey Roberts
is one of the rare breed of singer-songwriter-pianists whose emotive and stylish performances consistently hold audiences spellbound – a gifted, “all-rounder” who often defies categorisation, such are her diverse capabilities.
Along with her experience performing in a wide variety of musical genres, she combines her smooth, clear, lilting vocals with her versatile and sensitive piano playing and richly poetic lyrics to create melodic arrangements of beautiful, original songs. Her music is a fusion of adult-contemporary, jazz-infused soul, pop and folk, with hints of blues, classical and Celtic influences … and there’s always some surprising quirky cabaret stuff with spontaneous anecdotes and commentary thrown into the mix … an entertaining, class act.

AND

Matthew Fagan
has toured with international celebrities Natalie Cole, The Original Buena Vista Social Club, Billy Connolly, Shirley Bassey and Michael Crawford. As a performer, Fagan is entertaining, engaging and encourages audience participation in amusing situations. This includes Matthew’s own “guitar challenge” where he performs audience requests spontaneously in his show. Stories from his life of travel and entertaining are a special feature of his show. Matthew is an exhilarating, breathtaking and captivating performer. His shows are not to be missed.


18th September 2015  The Weathered Heads
Are a foot-stomping country bluegrass band from Gembrook in Victoria. Formed in 2008 this four piece band plays mainly old-timey Americana music with an Australian streak and a tradesman touch! Comprising a mix of guitars, mandolin, banjo, dobro and electric bass, the Weathered Heads keep up a lively sound with rich vocal harmonies, raging banjo, meaningless banter, and hip-swaying rhythms. This is a band that will keep you smiling throughout their set.
Trev, Dirk, Don and Ian perform bluegrass and country-folk.

AND
Slim Dime
Based in Melbourne, Australia – acoustic duo – Slim Dime are Jen Land & Chris Taylor: vocals, guitar, banjo & tenor guitar.
Jen Land & Chris Taylor have been playing together for the last 10 years making country tinged music in as bands such as The Original Smith Family and The Bitter Sweets. They presently play in Slim Dime and the Prairie Kings – a Western Swing Boogie Woogie 6 Piece band and Slim Dime – an acoustic duo. Recorded at Incubator Studios by candlelight ‘Hold Fast” is a mesmerizing country folk journey, with solid song writing and beautiful renditions of traditional songs. They have performed at Festivals such as Fleurieu Folk Festival, Blackwood Festival of Music and Culture and The Great Alpine Pick.

Yes it was a great Bluegrassy night


19st August 2015 Shanakee 
the four piece Celtic Country band from Melbourne, Australia, was formed in 1992 by Corkman Kieran O’Connell.  Their debut original album, Weeds and Wildflowers, was released in 2013, earning the band an award at the 2014 Australian Celtic Music Awards.
Over the years, Shanakee has been home to some of Australia’s finest musicians and the current lineup of Kieran on vocals, guitar and bodhran, Greg Hunt on fiddle and mandolin, Mark McNeilly on bass, five string banjo, whistle, guitar and vocals and Dave Walker on vocals, guitar and mandolin.
They bring a vast and varied range of musical experiences to the table and have impressive touring and recording resumes.  Monthly residencies at The Celtic Club in Melbourne and the Bay Hotel in Mornington, along with regular special concerts and festival appearances have cemented Shanakee’s place as one of Australia’s premiere Celtic acts.
Their formula is a simple one – have a good time, enjoy each other’s company and play great music.
There’s something greater than the sum of its parts when they take to the stage, an energy that has been beautifully captured on Weeds and Wildflowers.
As a front man, Kieran is a born storyteller and entertainer.  His songs are tales of experiences, emotions and events, written in his inimitable style, frank, forthright and utterly engaging.  It’s little wonder he chose the name Shanakee for his band. In Gaelic, Shanakee is written Seanchaí and is the name given to a storyteller or a bearer of old lore; someone who keeps the stories and legends alive.

Members Draw went to     The Rat Award went to Hirou & Nori
AGM done and dusted for another 12 months – Welcome the new committee.


19th July 2015 Jugularity
Over 27 years entertaining around Australia and overseas!  Jugularity’s brand of madcap musical comedy successfully combines skilled, inspiring musicianship with comedy cabaret.  Jugularity includes lively, upbeat, eclectic versions of jazz, folk, blues, rap, country, gypsy and other styles of songs they’ve written, borrowed or parodied.  Surprise, audience involvement, great music, fun and spontaneity make Jugularity popular with all ages.
Their great costumes range from formal lounge jackets to plastic multi-coloured club outfits to bush band attire. “Talented, funny and highly professional” – Port Fairy Folk Festival.  “Witty, zany and extremely popular” – Woodford Festival”.  “Jugularity worked hard and must be recognized as the best ingredient for an Australian event of any kind” – Cygnet Festival.
Jugularity
Matthew Arnold – fiddle, hypo-vocals, toilet seat.
Gavan McCarthy – double bass, pseudo-vocals, cappuccino machine.
Bruce Stephens – guitar, vocals, klassical kazoo.
Peter Vadiveloo – percussion, hyper-vocals, sex cymbal.
Things you can do with a tooth brush!!

Members Draw went to Helen  The Rat Award went to


19th June 2015  Greg Champion
Songwriter, singer, comedian and radio presenter, Greg Champion combines a unique blend of comedy, sport parodies and country/folk music.   Born in Benalla, Victoria and raised in South Australia, Champs has become known as a writer of AFL and cricket-themed songs, with a swag of Aussie Rules hits since the 80s. However his musical versatility extends beyond the sport fields to include more moving and descriptive songs, which explore what makes us Australian, drawing links to the work of John Williamson, Eric Bogle and Ted Egan.
Having grown up in Adelaide, Champs moved to Melbourne in 1979. By 1980 he was fronting one of Melbourne’s most popular bands, the rock-cabaret-fun outfit The Fabulaires. He then joined The Young Homebuyers, along the way performing with Aussie legends Wayne Burt (Black Sorrows, The Falcons), JJ Hackett (Stars, Mondo Rock) and later in the 80s with Wayne Duncan and Ross Hannaford, both of Daddy Cool.
Champs’ rise to national prominence also came through his radio work. In 1983 he drifted into a community radio show, the Coodabeen Champions, which has now become an institution on ABC and commercial radio after an amazing 34 years.
Another great night as was expected.
Members Draw went to The Rat Award went to


15th May 2015  Tidal Moon
Acoustic ripples upon a sea of imagination” – Classical/Celtic meet Folk/Country.  Barbara Jeffrey and José Garcia combine a hybrid Celtic/Paraguayan harp and soaring soprano vocals, with the timbre of José’s voice and guitar, to form Tidal Moon.  The result is a sound akin to bringing the mountains to the sea, minus mudslides or any tsunami-like effects.
Occasionally a flute, charango or bodhran get thrown into the mix, so the story can unfold from the sounds of calming seas to the heavy rumble of ‘Fionn’ tossing basalt cabers.  Barbara’s classical and Celtic background harpoons José’s country-influenced folk to produce a beast that would snare Captain Ahab’s attention. Beautiful traditional, original and contemporary music.

AND
Bernardo Soler
award Winning Filipino Guitarist from Melbourne, Victoria, offering a selection of unique music that reflect the true Mediterranean culture: bossa nova, rumba flamenca, boleros (Spanish love songs), Latin and pop tunes. He has enjoyed enormous success in guitar competitions around the world. In October 1981, he won first prize in the “Concourso de Guitarra” from the Centro Cultural de la Embajada de Espana in celebration of La Semana de Hispanidad. November 1981, first prize in the “National Music Competition for Young Artist” (category A), Philippines. October 1982, Grand Prix winner at the Sixth Philippine Guitar Festival. November 1982, second prize in the Southeast Asia Guitar Festival, held in Jakarta, Indonesia. November 1987, first prize in the National Music Competition for Young Artist (category C), Philippines. November 1988 he represented the Philippines at the “Concourso Internacional de Ejucacion Musical Dr. Luis Sigall”, held at Vina del Mar, Chile. In 1994, he represented the Philippines at the “Primer Concourso Internacional de Guitarra Augustin Barrios”, held in Asuncion, Paraguay. Throughout his student years he participated in master classes with famous guitarist, namely: John Williams, David Russel, Manuel Barrueco, David Tanenbaum, Stephen Rak, Leo Witozinski, and Timothy Walker. He has performed all over the Philippines, Indonesia, South America, United States of America, and Australia. Bernardo Soler can rise to any occasion; ranging from concert settings, jazz venues, clubs, restaurants, weddings, corporate events, and private functions. For bookings: Contact: Bernardo Soler 0413 749 883

Members Draw went to Ann   The Rat Award went to Chester

This was a night of world class entertainment. Bernardo’s guitar skills are second to none – see him if you get the chance.
The same with Tidal Moon. Barbara sings with the Ten Sopranos doing national tours regularly. Teamed with Jose they are terrific entertainers.
We had a great line up of spot acts as well.


17th April 2015  Michael Waugh
Michael Waugh gives a profound new voice to the Australian experience. His insightful storytelling cuts to the emotional heart of everyday experience.
A unique, intelligent and emotionally charged performer – inviting audiences into the moment, and inviting one audience member to comment that Michael’s ‘words in every song, struck at my core’.   Sometimes compared to the honesty and power of Australian folk and country legends such as Mick Thomas, Paul Kelly and John Williamson, Michael’s voice is emerging as one of the rarest and most original of talents in the Australian roots music scene – he is the real deal.
His songs and stories are gut-wrenchingly honest, emotionally brave and compellingly beautiful. He sings about growing up in an East Gippsland dairy farming community, working and living in inner city Melbourne and of being a dad – moving audiences to laugh, cry and sing along to songs where they recognise their own lives in the music.
He has already delighted festival audiences at Port Fairy, Maldon, Newstead, Cygnet and Mount Beauty. Whether accompanying himself on guitar or performing with Australian root’s music legends Dave Steel (lap steel guitar and mandolin), Lindsay Martin (mandolin and fiddle) and Sandy Brady (acoustic bass), Michael is quickly becoming a staple of music festivals and roots music clubs across Australia.
Michael’s songwriting has earned him numerous awards as mentioned above. He delivers every song with passion from the heart.

Members Draw went to Pat  The Rat Award went to Steve and Sally


20th March 2015  Calling Utopia
Two Sisters. Two guitars, two attitudes, two minds and two voices in sync. It was 2008 when sisters Jess and Sarah Renehan woke up their sleepy little town in South Australia with a deafening harmony; a call for Utopia. As many who’ve grown up in a small town will know, isolation can be the ultimate catalyst for imagination. Yours is a choice between walking in circles on that familiar road to nowhere or taking what you know, re-mixing it with your dreams and paving your own yellow brick road to somewhere new, somewhere where change isn’t a battle but an inevitability. For the Renehan sisters, music infused more than their dreams, it was in the air they breathed. From school choirs to national youth choirs, teen rock bands to recording studios, they both knew that when life hit a bump in the road they could find and each other, and their sense of purpose, in rock’n’roll. But it’s a long way to the top, as fellow Aussie rocker Bon Scott so wisely decreed some 30 years before their time. In Sarah and Jess’s case they kicked off that rock’n’roll journey in late 2009 with a 1631km drive north up Australia’s East Coast to the city of Brisbane. If these three likely adventurers had set off to see the wizard, they found him in the form of Brisbane record producer James North. After an intense month of recording and arranging 13 tracks, refining a unique image and exploring the wilds of the city, Calling Utopia’s debut album ‘XIII’ was locked, loaded and ready for release in 2010. In 2011 however, the bands musical journey got put on hold as one of the sisters, Sarah, suffered medical issues resulting in her having brain surgery 4 times within three months. Determined not to let this stop them though, Calling Utopia finished off 2011 with a bang and kick started 2012 headlining Mount Gambiers New Years Eve Festival. Throughout 2012 the band have made the most of the year with getting in top 100, top 40 and top 10 charts on Ourstage, acoustic tours, headlining National Youth Week, traveling to Melbourne to record their new single with producer Dave Carr and filming a music video in Sydney with director Darko Djerich.

AND
Nick Charles
It’s no surprise that the prestigious Black Rose Acoustic Society in Colorado USA describes Australian guitarist, Nick Charles, as “a world class stylist and composer”.       His dazzling, melodic fingerpicking on 6 and 12 string guitars, stinging slide and a lifetime’s stories and songs from the musical highway has him labelled by the Melbourne Age as “ Australia ’s virtuoso of acoustic roots and blues”

During an extensive and acclaimed career, Nick has released many albums on major roots and guitar music labels. He has garnered world-wide recognition for a series of releases on Black Market Music, beginning with “My Place” and now his most recent albums, “Closer to Home” and “Return of the Travelling Fingerpicker”. This recognition has succeeded in having Nick signed to the Grammy award winning label, Solid Air Records USA (“Home of the world’s finest guitarists”).  Averaging 150 shows a year in Australia , New Zealand the USA and the UK , his music encompasses an eclectic mix of acoustic roots including blues, folk and early ragtime jazz.

Members Draw went to Clem   The Rat Award went to Alan


20th February 2015 Khristian Mizzi and the Sirens
Their aching, harmonised folk-rock speaks of Australian history, underpinned by a wonderful melodic sensibility. Stirring stuff……. Anthea Palmer.
In the vein of great storytellers before him, Khristian’s songs are engaging, dynamic and promise to stay with you long after your first acquaintance.
Recent time in the studio has followed tours of Canada and the East Coast of Australia, and with life as his muse, Khristian has created a new album that speaks of both challenges and triumphs with a voice that speaks to all walks of life. Uplifting and positive Folk music sentiments backed by masterful and subtle group of musicians who surround Khristian’s warm and ‘down-to-earth’ songs with a blanket of ethereal soundscapes. An award-winning songwriter and guitarist, Khristian has a special talent for drawing the listener into his world and making them feel at home within the music he creates with his band. Now ready to reignite the following he has built over the years, Khristian and his band ‘The Sirens’ are preparing to once again capture the imagination of audiences with the release of their brand new album ‘Midwinter Spring’ which is now availabl.

Members Draw went to   The Rat Award went to Edward


January 18th 2015  Club BBQ
Another year ends – another year starts. We have had the BBQ at Upper Beaconsfield fro the past few years. This year we tried some thing different. It was a great afternoon. Very relaxed and enjoyed by all.


December 19th 2014 Its Christmas time again
It’s laid back and have a casually good time night. It’s open stage (with a guest performance). This close to Christmas it’s a good way to take a break from madsville. Very friendly night.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!


November 21st 2014 The Long and Short of It
The Long and Short of It’s David Baird (the short) sings “It circles the whole wide world from China to Peru / ain’t it amazing how it found me and you / when there’s so many lovers and just one moon” with his smooth tenor voice on “Just One Moon”, a track off the duo’s new album You Made Me Stronger. But the same line could be used to describe the happenstance surrounding how David met his songwriting partner, Patsy Toop (the long), who five years ago summoned the courage to approach David at a charity gig he was performing and ask him if she might be able to sing along. Fast forward 5 years and the duo has made a name for themselves with their well rounded country sound consisting of smart, non-formulaic songwriting, honest lyrics, and “honey coated chocolate” harmonies. It’s these ingredients that have seen David and Patsy earn the adoration of fans and critics.
Great harmonies from this pair. Songs in the charts. What more could you ask for.

Members Draw went to   The Rat Award went to Mats


October 17th 2014  Gretta Ziller is an Alt Country Roots Singer/Songwriter with an ever-growing list of musical accolades. Most notable are her highly regarded & memorable performance during the 2013 Telstra Road to Discovery Grand Finals at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, as well as her 2013 TSA/APRA New Songwriter of the Year award.
Gretta Ziller released her debut EP “Hell’s Half Acre” on the 8th August. The 5-track EP was written by the Alt Country artist and included one co-write with Jasper Hollis. Produced by the current CMAA Producer Of The Year Matt Fell, the title track and second single tells the story of a “getting out of the bed you made” situation. It’s a tale of self-realisation, how you got yourself into this pickle, and how you got the hell out!
With vocals that range from sweet folk to gritty blues you’d never know Gretta started off her career as a Classical singer, and songwriting idols like Steve Earle, Jim Lauderdale and Holly Williams, Gretta is finding a multitude of welcoming arms for her blend of Country Roots & Americana music.

Kaitlyn Thomas Singer-songwriter and guitarist, Kaitlyn guides you to a fresh and unique world of music. Winning the Australian Youth Songwriter of the Year with the Australian Song writing Association she is becoming one of Australia’s fastest growing singers and is quickly cementing her place in the Australian Music Scene as an artist to watch. Her blend of country/pop music appeals to all as she takes you on a journey through the mind of a teenager with her beautifully-crafted award winning songs. She is guaranteed to get your feet tapping and your hearts racing with her lively and personality driven performances. She has been known to take her audiences from laughter to tears in one fleeting moment with her powerful voice and sweet presence on stage, singing with a maturity far beyond her years.
Another great night for our Country Night.
Members Draw went to     The Rat Award went to Jan


September 19th 2014  Rose Bygrave had to cancel due to illness so we had
The beautiful voice of Clem Sedgeman
The talents of Cathy Dobson
The harmonies of Pete and Pat
Members Draw went to Huan   The Rat Award went to David


August 30th 2014  Bluegrass Bonanza Part 2
with The Stetson Family and Faux Grass
Sponsored by Folk Victoria and Hosted by Badfolk.  Part 2 features The Stetson Family Band and Faux Grass. Supported by the Mountain Pickers, PFC and Fat Chance.
You don’t get any better bluegrass music in one place than this. What a great night.
Held at the Balla Balla Centre, Cranbourne.


August 15th 2014  Jimmy Fong
In 1994, Fong was asked to play with Denver in a private performance in Malaysia for the Sultan of Kedah. “I was humbled in John Denver’s presence and and was inspired by that meeting with him,” Fong said.
Born in Penang, an island off the West Malaysian Coast, Jimmy Fong has been strumming his guitar since T.V was in black and white. 42 years and thousands of performances later, it’s fair to say Jimmy has never been a better performer.
Right now, he is widely accepted as one of the finest acoustic guitarists/entertainers in both home countries – Australia and Malaysia. Just like John Denver and James Taylor did for the generation of the late 60’s & 70’s, Jimmy inspires his audience. Creating a new and exciting musical genre that can be enjoyed by all. “The audience was thrilled with Jimmy and he has a great following. He writes quite a few of his own songs which are a credit to him and are most entertaining.His “Jonker Street”, which tells the tale of his cultural background, is wonderful & we hope it reaches out to all his fans. Jimmy is currently working on his latest project – Jonker Street. It’s a candid but beautiful snapshot of Malacca through song.  Jimmy is a very entertaining performer – check him out.

The new committee was elected at our AGM as well.

Members Draw went to Alex  The Rat Award went to Paul


July 18th 2014   It’s Australiana  Geoffrey Graham
A Battle of the Giants of Verse?
The classic poem of reckless bravado, Mulga Bill’s Bicycle may be etched into your brain from school days. Was the Banjo our greatest ever poet? Not so, say some supporters of Henry Lawson and the fans of CJ Dennis may step up to have their eloquent say. The three camps could mount the stage with their best examples and adjudicators could argue well into the night on their way to a torturous decision. Who would win such battle of verse? Thankfully it doesn’t come down to that as each “bard” has a lot to say in their own way. And they did it convincingly, eloquently, humorously and so often with the ability to move emotionally.
Geoffrey W Graham’s Show Three Bards and Me

is a performance unlike any other. With a track record as a tried and true presenter of verse, song and repartee, Geoffrey presents verse examples, powerfully put, to thrill the enthusiast and move the hardest of hearts. His stock in trade appears to be an ability to do what most presenters of this kind don’t: involve the audience. The outcome is tear-jerking, side splitting and downright memorable. Geoffrey says, “I don’t have a formula, I simply try to make them feel that they are part of the story.”
Audiences will delight in the romance, the pathos, and the one-upmanship. Asked about the “Me” part of Three Bards and Me, Geoffrey said “I will draw from original material and occasionally a contemporary song to balance the performance.”

AND
Ed Walker

Mr Walker has lived in Narre Warren for many years and has a strong involvement with the local community.  He has performed at the City of Casey’s Mayoral Charity Concert and was also a finalist in the Casey Idol competition.
“I’ve always been aware of the Aussie spirit – I can feel the strength, courage and compassion that emanates from it and it influences Australians from all walks of life in so many different ways.  I see it everywhere from the humble Aussie battler, to our elite sportsmen and sportswomen.  From the kind volunteers that help the underprivileged, to the paramedics who are so caring to those in need of urgent help.”

Members Draw went to Des      The Rat Award went to Alan


June 20th 2014 Weeping Willows
Andy Wrigglesworth and Laura Coates are a couple of old souls, steeped in bluegrass tradition and draped in gothic Americana imagery.  That kind of description might make them sound like some carefully contrived concept-act, but there’s something truly different about The Weeping Willows: they really mean it.
Just like their old timey forefathers, Laura and Andy see themselves as simply contributors.  They are cogs in the wheel; part of a long music tradition that emerged years before their own existence and will survive them by hook or by crook.  The old songs they sing are plucked from the canon, the new ones they write are simply added to the book.  The origin of each track is almost irrelevant, as all are performed with an authenticity and vibrancy befitting this most dignified and welcoming genre.  A Weeping Willows performance, whether live on location or caught on tape, will always delight.

“The Weeping Willows – a new duo that draws inspiration from the fragile, Gospel-tinged work of Johnny and June Cash as well as more modern boy-girl outfits like The Handsome Family or Gillian Welch/Dave Rawlings…”  ~’Pearl’ Magazine – July 2012.

Members Draw  went to       The Rat Award  went to Daniel


June 7th 2014  Bluegrass Bonanza Pt 1  –
with Hard Drive Bluegrass Band and Coolgrass

Folk Victoria
, in association, with Badfolk is hosting a night of bluegrass supported by local clubs. Two main acts –  – too much talent to miss.
We had a great turn up for this. Part 2 is booked for the 30th August.


May 16th 2014 Songwriters in the Round
We have four songwriters who have released CD’s recently. Songwriters in the round fills in gaps. Provides the stories behind the songs and gives them more meaning to them.

Chris Newman – Late Night Movie
Wildewood – Things that go Bump in the Night
Sandy Rassmussen – Halfway North (My Journey)
Edward Nass – Doing Nothing
This was a great night of music. Don’t pass these events as low key.

Members Draw went to     The Rat Award  went to


April 2014 Its Good Friday. No club this month. A Happy Easter to you all.


21st March 2014 Steve Romig – Mama Blue (and Son)
Two years ago I said to my Mum “I’m not getting you anything for Christmas, I’m going to record you.” Originally I wanted to do this to preserve a record of her doing something decent. She had been recorded before but with backing tracks in cheap studios and I didn’t think these reflected what she was capable of so the process began.
She decided it would be a good idea to do some old blues songs by Dinah Washington, Sippie Wallace and Nina Simone and I decided to add some originals in the same vein. So I wrote Look at my baby dance, Nothin’ to do but sing the blues and Body on my Mind. We also added Georgia

Olive has been singing for giggles in various wine bars around the Mornington Peninsula for years and is greatly admired by fellow entertainers and patrons alike. Steve, in spite of being actively discouraged by his step father, went on to become a musician. He started learning guitar at the age of 15 and began writing songs around the same time because he thought “if the Beatles can do it so can I”.
And he certainly did it. A fabulous act and if you do get a chance to see them, don’t delay.

Members Draw    Went to Lynette    The Rat Award   went to June


21st February 2014  Patrick Evans 
Guitarist, singer and fiddle player Patrick Evans grew up playing folk music in the Geelong area before relocating to Melbourne where he has become a well known figure due to his work for Maton Guitars. Over the years he has worked alongside many great artists including Danny Spooner, Ross Ryan, Hugh McDonald, Janette Geri, Marcia Howard and recently Suzette Herft. Patrick is also well known for his time in various bands including Fiddlestix, Pure Genius and The Wrenboys. Patrick’s musical roots are firmly in the Celtic music tradition but he is equally at home playing a Beatles song or jazz standard. He is also an accomplished songwriter and solo performer with the broad repertoire that comes from such a depth of musical experience.
And
Stuart Pendrill (The Curly Haired Folker From Dover)

Stuart Pendrill is a singer songwriter who has long been entertaining audiences in folk clubs in and around the southeast of England, he is now gaining wider recognition through his performances at festivals and clubs across the country. With a large repertoire of self penned, classic and familiar songs, amassed over many years of performing, he delivers a relaxed and humorous performance.
We were in the Chapel. A great turnout – Alarms went off (caused by a mouse) but the show went on. A special mention to the spot acts – all high quality and entertaining.

Members Draw went to Paul                 The Lisa Dean Award went to Tony