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21st March 2025
Cassandra Stanford and Sarah
Sarah and Cassandra are a dynamic folk duo from Melbourne. They have a deep musical bond forged from a long friendship, playing and performing together for over 10 years. Performances feature a blend of Cassandra’s originals, and covers on guitar, keys, trumpet and vocals. With their captivating folk artistry, this duo aims to create meaningful musical experiences.
Support Act – Jane Coupe
In my final year at school in UK a friend offered to show me some basics on her guitar – I was hooked. My first guitar, a real cheese cutter, cost five pounds. I persevered through the blood blisters and taught myself all the basic chords from a beginners’ book.
After leaving school I went to Teacher Training College and discovered the Folk Club, where I plucked up the courage to play occasionally. I became keen on folk music, with Joan Baez being my forever hero. One of my new college friends introduced me to Leonard Cohen’s music and I loved his guitar style – I was given a book of his songs with all the ‘finger picking tab’ and spent every spare minute working on those fingerings – I still use them today.
I had always fancied joining a choir, but the opportunity didn’t occur until 2006 when an article in the local paper was calling for more women to join Casey Choir. I went along to a rehearsal and have been going ever since. I’ve learned a lot about music and singing from our amazing musical director, Simon Loveless. I can’t remember who encouraged John and myself to join Badfolk, but thankyou whoever it was – we’ve been coming for several years now.
Rat Award (Evolution Music Voucher) went to Rick
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21st February 2025
Broken Creek
Broken Creek weave compelling musical reimaginings of Australiana for banjo, guitar, fiddle and voice that tell stories from Australia’s past and present.
Erin and Lachlan Heycox grew up in rural Victoria steeped in bushbands and balladeers. Named for the creek Erin grew up near, ‘Broken Creek’ signals a love of country and traditional folk music with an adventurous musical bent to “break” with the conventional.
Broken Creek’s upcoming album ‘Yeah Nah’ features songs about small-town Australia, tunes inspired by the land and subversive interpretations of traditional Australian songs. Broken Creek’s debut album ‘Small Town Anthropologies’ was a finalist for FAA Traditional Album of Year.
Support Act – Little Miss Country (Jan Dandridge) Had the crowd singing along.
Rat Award (Evolution Music Voucher) went to Patrick
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19th January 2025
Members Get Together
A nice way to kick off the year with a get together in a public place. Food and music, a great combination.
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20th December 2024
Open Mic Night
Our pre Christmas event. Always a low key night to wind down just before madness sets in. Little Miss Country was ill and could not make it. It was a very quiet night so new musical partnerships were formed and we had a nice night.
Merry Christmas and a Happy new Year to all.
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15th November 2024
Jesse McCormack (Tas)
Tasmanian troubadour Jesse McCormack has come a long way since the debut of his minstrelsy at the 2013 Cygnet Folk Festival at the tender age of 21. Since then, he has toured twice in north-western Europe and many times in south-eastern Australia, released four albums and two EPs either as a solo artist or with one of his numerous duos and trios, taken up the piritual mantle of a druid, and managed to migrate to the Nordic realms in the midst of a global pandemic. There he dwelt merrily until an unforeseen crisis of tedious official documents exiled him on very short notice from his new homeland back to the island where he was born. Despite this personal and professional setback, Jesse has persistently continued to develop new music – be it original compositions or fresh arrangements of obscure traditional ballads – which he is excited to unveil this spring along with a selection of highlights from his albums in his first Australian solo tour in half-a-dozen years! Audiences will experience an engaging and versatile voice, warm and rhythmic bouzouki-strumming, laments that allow space for grief and anger, ballads of triumph over adversity, and songs that, even under the oppression of patriarchal, post-colonial, late-stage capitalism, still manage to identify and celebrate the joys of life…
Support Act – The Travelling Wannabes
The Travelling Wannabes are a 6 piece band based in Melbourne’s Eastern suburbs. Initially members from a U3A classical guitar class. The group started jamming together, playing
the music from their early days. After 2 years of weekly jams, they ventured to play to live audiences. Most of their songs are covers from the 50’s through to the 80’s, with a smattering of original songs.
The Travelling Wannabes deliver acoustic-style music that gets people dancing. The group comprises of guitars, harmonica and percussion, with a strong focus on vocal harmonies. Their music is heavily influenced by The Beatles and Travelling Wilbury’s. If it’s sing along, foot tapping, and dance music you like, then The Traveling Wannabes will deliver.
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18th October 2024
Mafeking Hillbillys
The Mafeking Hillbillies comprises a core of siblings Steve “Errol” Laws (guitar, mandolin & vocals) and Liz Wakely (guitar & vocals). For Badfolk Kevin Coleman will be sitting in on double bass. We may have other guests join us depending on availability.
Steve and Liz grew up in Maffra in Victoria’s Gippsland region. Their childhood home was opposite a park called Mafeking Hill, hence the name. They have previously performed together as part of Gerry’s Fifth Soul and Rotisserie. In addition to solo performances Steve has been a member of The Buttons and Liz has played with Mr Laughton.
The band provides a vehicle for Steve and Liz’s original songs, along with a selection of covers. Folk, bluegrass and country influences are evident an d vocal harmony is a feature.
Support Act – Edward Nass (www.edwardnass.com)
Embark on a musical journey with me where laughter is the melody and foot-tapping beats set the rhythm! As a folk singer-songwriter, I craft ballads that paint the canvas of everyday life with strokes of humor, heart, and a dash of quirkiness. With clever, witty lyrics, banter and toe tapping tunes, I certainly will have you chuckling or crying. My variety of original songs are very relatable and with great humour and insight. I will have you singing along and wondering if you should Go Before You Go’. Lol
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20th September 2024
Suzette Herft
Suzette Herft is an exotic contemporary troubadour, born in Sri Lanka, but a true Melbournian at heart. Raised on the British pop coming through Radio Ceylon, the country music from her father’s record collection, to the American troubadour singer-songwriters that influenced her teens, she finally found her place in the burgeoning Victorian Folk Scene in the 90’s. Suzette has a wealth of songs and a mixes these genres with her luscious voice, heartfelt and soulful lyrics, a joyful sunny countenance with a “natural charm and grace that engages her audience”. Don’t miss this musical medicine woman whose music will heal your heart!
2019 Folk Victoria Award for Services to Folk Music
Support Act – In Harmony
In Harmony are a music duo, namely Patrick Wakefield and Susan Parrish. We play many instruments but our main instruments are our voices singing In Harmony
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16th August (International Night)
Bernardo Soler and Ron Gloss
A bit of a mix up on the night with 2 acts cancelling. We filled with spot acts AGM and a support. Bernardo was brilliant and Ron provided a range of covers. New committee elected.
Bernardo Soler was born in the Philippines and began guitar lessons from his brother. In 1989, he graduated with a Bachelor of Music majoring in Classical Guitar from the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music in Manila, Philippines under the tutelage of Mario Rodriguez. In 1992 he studied Classical Guitar at Melba Conservatorium of Music in Melbourne, Australia under the tutelage of Jochen Schubert .
He has enjoyed enormous success in guitar competitions around the world. In October 1981 he won1st prize in the “Concurso de Guitarra“ from the Centro Cultural de la Embajada de Espana in Celebration of La Semana de Hispanidad. 1981 November 1st prize winner in the “ National Music Competition for Young Artist “ ( Category A ) Philippines. 1982 October Grand Prix Winner at the 6th Philippine Guitar Competition. 1982 2nd prize winner in the “Southeast Asian Guitar Competition”held in Jakarta,Indonesia.
1987 November 1st prize winner in “National Music Competition for Young Artist (Category C ) Philippines.
1988 November he is the 1st Filipino Classical guitarist to represent the Philippines at the “ Concourso International de Ejucacion Musical Dr. Luis Sigall “ held at Vina del Mar , Chile. In 1994 he represented the Philippines at the “Primer Concourso International de Guitarra Agustin Barrios“ held in Asuncion,Paraguay.
He has performed around the Philippines, Indonesia, Chile, Paraguay, United States of America, Japan , Singapore and Australia.
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19th July Awkward Strangers
“Garage Folk”
“Alice in Wonderland… but weirder.”
“Like the soundtrack to a Guillermo del Toro film.”
“A post-apocalyptic carnival.”
Awkward Strangers are a neo-folk duo, variously described as ‘theatrical’, ‘witty’, ‘atypical’ and ‘experimental’. Andrew sings and plays ukulele / banjolele. Anke sings and plays almost anything she can get her hands on, from guitar, clarinet and flute, to toy piano, kazoo and saw.
The duo enjoy combining instruments in surprising ways to create and discover new sounds. Sometimes up-beat, sometimes languorous, their songs are thoughtful reflections on the state of the world, intimate explorations of emotions, and cranky rants about political ineptitude.
Discover the awkward stranger within you.
Support Act Julia Fawkner
Multi-faceted singer Julia Fawkner is an increasingly up and coming figure of the Australian folk scene, having come from a theatre, coverband and choral background. With the ability to sing in many musical genres, she entertains audiences with her blend of ballads with a folky flavour, that incorporates songs ranging from celtic, to country, and traditional to contemporary. Julia’s beautiful voice is her major calling card, and she accompanies herself on guitar and piano. However, she has enjoyed a happy-go-lucky, Jack-of-all-trades approach to folky instruments, and can pick out a tune on harp, fiddle,
accordion, tin whistle and mandolin.
Members Drawer went to Ann
Rat Award (Evolution Music Voucher) went to David
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21st June 2024 Jam Tarts Trio
The Jam Tarts Trio and Band, are a female led band bringing a new twist to songs you love from the 50, 60’s 70’s and beyond. The Jam Tarts proudly promote older women in music with quirky arrangements, dynamic stage presence and sublime harmonies. Featuring the talented Mr. Chris Riseley on Double Bass.
Recently featured live on the ABC’s ‘The Friday Review’, with Brian Nankervis and Jacinta Parsons. A night not to be missed. And it shows.
Support Act Eddie Cole
Eddie is a fabulous song writer with a very easy style of performance combined with an amazing voice and presentation.
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17th May 2024
Fairbairn/O’Mara – Together Again for the First Time
Rob Fairbairn-Vocals, Guitar, Ukulele, Harmonica, Kazoo,
Kevin O’Mara – Vocals, Ukulele, Kazoo, Percussion, Noises
Rob Fairbairn and Kevin O’Mara first met in 1976 at an Education Department camp for aspiring
music teachers. Quickly bonding over a mutual love of beer and singing they reunited in 1978 and along with other fellow beer drinkers and aspiring music teachers formed popular folk band Paradiddle.
Rob’s extensive career as a solo entertainer, band member and music teacher has taken him from Vermont South to Vladivostok. He has performed on trams, trains, flat bed trucks and concert hall stages as well as at major music festivals. For two years he sang about AFL footy on the radio and his songwriting has been recognised by Slim Dusty, John Williamson and The Furey Brothers. He continues to write, especially for his three grandchildren for whom he has written a total of 25 birthday songs.
Support Act Jemma Rose
Delivering a unique tone, with vocals full of emotion, Jemma Rose has quickly made her way into the hearts of the Dandenong locals. Self-taught on acoustic guitar, Jemma covers well-known songs from a wide range of genres.
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What a great night this was. Fairbairn and O’Mara are great entertainers enveloping music, performance and entertainment all in one package. Their stage performance was nothing short of magical. Performing songs which were covered by the likes of Slim Dusty and John Willamson, it is easy to see the talent that Rob Fairbairn has which has enabled him to get back to performing.
The set by Jemma Rose was also of a very high standard. Still learning her craft (aren’t we all) with a great voice and a musical plan Jemma will go far.
Members Draw went to Annie
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19th April 2024 Maria Forde
As an Irish- Australian, Maria Forde has always straddled both sides of her heritage in her songwriting. Incorporating the sweet melodies, that are the trademark of the Irish musical heritage, with observations of Australia, along with her personal experiences, Maria has blossomed into one of Australia’s premier songwriters. Her first album – “Will You Dance With Me?” – features the title song, written for a friend’s wedding, that has become a theme for weddings, in Australia and internationally, by Maria’s original and various cover versions
Already blessed with an angelic voice, Maria has grown into a masterful interpreter of her own material, able to totally connect the feeling of the music and words to the emotion of the song. This alone sets her apart from so many singer/songwriters. Since relocating to Trentham, in rural Victoria, Maria has begun to incorporate more of the wonder and fragility of the Australian bush into her work. Through out her career, Maria has toured constantly, performed at numerous festivals and built a solid and dedicated fan base, both in Australia, and internationally. In April 2015 Maria was awarded ‘Performer of the Year’ by the Koroit Celtic Festival.
What a great person Maria is. Her performance had every one spell bound and singing along.
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15th March 2024 Choir Night.
We are a wonderful community choir and pretty awesome group of women who love to have fun oh and sing…
We are an all ladies choir who sing in four parts. Our motto is “Achieving fun with excellence”.
We enjoy meeting together, primarily to sing but also to support and encourage each other. We work hard and consistently strive to improve. We consist of many different cultural and ethnic backgrounds and often sing in other languages.
We have a varied repertoire and sing from all different genres – from classical to folk, jazz to world music and from musicals to gospel.
We are ably led by Simon Loveless, our Musical Director and Adrian Allen, our accompanist.
Simon Loveless, B.A., B.Mus., L.Mus.A. has been active in choral music for many years, in the varied roles of conductor, accompanist, singer, administrator and advocate.
Lady Shaula conducts the With One Voice Bayswater Choir, a fun all-abilities singalong choir
with an emphasis on sound production and socialising. They rehearse Wednesday evenings
in school terms and love to be outperforming whenever possible.
Recently the WOV Bayswater choir moved their clubhouse to Boronia RSL, having become
too large for their previous premises.
‘It’s a real change for me’ says international conductor-composer, Lady Shaula. ‘I’m on a
stage with my keyboard, under stage lighting, leading an increasingly big crowd. There’s
quite a hype to the whole thing’.
With One Voice Bayswater choir can be found on all social media platforms and would love
to see you at one of their very social rehearsals. For enquiries phone 0409501456
With One Voice is a national network of community-run choirs (of which Bayswater is one)
that brings together people from all walks of life through the power of music. Our choirs
welcome people aged 9 to 90, from all faiths, cultures, and backgrounds. We have nearly
30 With One Voice choirs across Australia
No auditions No singing experience needed. Professional conductors
Amazing performance opportunities All ages, abilities, faiths, and cultures
Participation by tax-deductible donation The program is supported by Creativity Australia, a not-for-profit charity, which provides support and structure to our communities.
WHAT WE DO
Gather weekly to celebrate the joy of singing together!
Build and maintain a supportive, welcoming community.
Give everyone a platform to use, improve, and celebrate their voice.
Invite involvement, not just participation, in the community.
Value everyone’s knowledge, ideas, experience and skills.
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16th February 2024 Leigh Sloggett Trio
A laid-back yet intense musical force is born when authenticity meets refined talent. Leigh Sloggett’s earthy song writing and commanding style extends beyond the diverse foundations of Blues and Folk. What a great sound and mix of originals and covers.
Members Drawer went to Jim
Rat Award went to Graham
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21st January 2024 (Sunday Meeting)
Again the first meeting of the year with a get together of folk in the local park with Pizza. The weather was kind to us and we all had a good time.
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15th December 2023 Open Mic Night
A smaller than usual number but we all had fun.
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17th November 2023
Greg Champion and Kristian Mizzi
Greg Champion is a stalwart of our music industry. Although known for his comedy songs he performed songs of a more serious nature however – always entertaining.
Kristian is a performer on the rise. With comtemplative songs and fine guitar work he is a performer not to be missed.
Together they are a great fit.
Members Drawer went to
Rat Award (Evolution Music Voucher) went to Chris
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20th October 2023 Cathy Dobson
Cathy is a multi-award winning performing singer songwriter from Melbourne.
With three albums behind her, a new EP- “A farmer’s lullaby” will be released in late 2020. Her songs have been covered by Andrew Swift, Khristian Mizzi, Clint Wilson and Darren Trott. Cathy’s songs have also supported the play “Dolly” by Harris Smart and Lisa Habermann’s short film, “Gangsta Dreaming”.
Cathy has won awards in Tamworth, Canberra, Maldon, the Mornington Peninsula, The Basin Fest and in the ASA. to name a few.
Cathy shares a 3MDR 97.1fm radio show every Friday morning with Clint Wilson- a show supporting Australian Independent Country artists. The show recently won the ICMA inaugural Stan Goldman award for contributions to Australian country music and songwriting.
Recently her song “A farmer’s lullaby” has done extremely well on country music charts, with 2 weeks at number one on todays country 94.1 fm and is presently at number 5 on the Australian Airplay charts after 3 weeks.
Support act was Paru from our young musicians club. Paru is a fine talented musician.
Members Drawer went to
Rat Award went to
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15th September 2023 Bones Mackinnon
‘Goin’ Back’ is the debut album from independent Gippsland artist Bones Mackinnon offering a diverse collection of songs celebrating the complexity, and the simplicity of life. Not easily slotted into a single genre, the album shimmies between country, rock, folk and pop, travelling along a dusty road from tender ballads to rowdier numbers that get feet tapping.
Bones (Pauline) Mackinnon, Australian writer, teacher, and singer, began working with acclaimed songwriter, Charles Jenkins in 2019. What started out as Charles mentoring Bones in songwriting, soon developed into a productive collaboration spanning over 3 years. With husband Greg Mackinnon, Bones fine-tuned some of the arrangements, and took them to producer Douglas Lee Robertson.
The album is the result of this unique journey, offering an eclectic collection of songs about home and country, heartbreak and longing, wonder and wisdom.
Bones explains, ‘When people say they are goin’ back, it usually means they are going back home, to where they belong; to their home country. This album is about belonging and connection. It’s about goin’ home and owning where you’re from, and also owning where you are — all that’s easy to own, together with all that’s less so.’
Members Drawer went to
Rat Award went to
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18th August 2023 Phillip Beggs
Philip Beggs is an Australian award-winning singer-songwriter whose body of work spans ballads, historical songs, love songs, social commentary, children’s music and comedic songs. His acoustic-style music is both evocative and thought provoking. As one long-time fan commented, “Phil has an amazing musicianship and his incredible ability to put powerful lyrics to music leaves you breathless and challenges your perceptions, raising you up into a new realm of thinking.”
As a lad growing up in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Philip fell in love with the sounds and messages of the troubadours of the 60’s and 70’s such as Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Donovan. The finger picking guitar styles of Paul Simon and Ralph McTell inspired and influenced his playing style. Having been gifted an old guitar by a friend, he began playing and writing, telling his own story and finding his own voice. There followed years of performing in Australian bush bands, duos, cover bands and solo gigs. Venues ranged from folk festivals and house concerts to community rallies, pubs and schools. On various occasions he has shared the stage with Eric Bogle, Hugh McDonald, John McCutcheon, Phil Carroll & Ernie Gruner, Toumani Diabate, Jane Thompson, Flook and Clare Bowditch.
At the Port Fairy Folk Festival Philip won the “Henry Lawson Songwriting Award” for the best original song in 2000 and the “Best Song of Tolerance” in 2000 and 2004. In recent years, Philip has been involved in school music programs, running songwriting workshops for primary and secondary students and recording more than two hundred songs and four musicals with Artist-in-Residence Hugh MacDonald, of Redgum fame. He has a passion for social issues, teaching English to asylum seekers and being involved with fundraising for school rebuilding projects in Nepal.
Members Drawer went to Pat
Rat Award went to Michael
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21st July 2023 Cate Taylor
Cate Taylor is an award-winning, indie-folk singer songwriter from Melbourne. Her music is described as rich, natural and grounded in heartfelt, spacious lyrics with a performance style that is authentic and engaging. Cate presents delicately crafted, hauntingly beautiful songs, which often read like poetry. Accompanying her on guitar and lush harmonies is Greg Hamilton and on very fancy fiddle is Matthew Arnold. Cate released her debut album, Red Dirt in 2020 and is currently preparing to record her second.Cate Taylor presents honest, reflective songs that paint a picture of our place in the environment.
Joe Malignaggi 3CR Radio, Music Matters programCate’s work is an important contribution to the folk music output of Melbourne and her songs always come from the heart and contain important messages for the themes of our time. – Jason Bunn, violin/viola, Orchestra VictoriaJoe Malignaggi 3CR Radio, Music Matters programCate’s work is an important contribution to the folk music output of Melbourne and her songs always come from the heart and contain important messages for the themes of our time. – Jason Bunn, violin/viola, Orchestra Victoria
Members Drawer went to Alex
Rat Award went to Mats
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16th June 2023 Moonshine Coalition
Formed in early 2015 by Max and Annie, Moonshine Coalition perform an intoxicating fusion of Americana and Australian Frontier Music.
The duo has a strong focus on intricate vocal harmonies, which, together with Max’s National Resonator slide guitar and Annie’s crisp finger picking banjo style, produce an original and enthralling sound.
They have received enthusiastic responses from audiences in Australia, Nashville and Berlin, who love their energy and passion.With Max’s music and Annie’s lyrics, Moonshine Coalition write songs with inspiration from Australia’s past, blended with events from their own lives. Their inventive songs can make their audiences both laugh and cry.
Another Great night. First time as a trio too.
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19th May 2023 The Old Dogs
Songs from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s
The Old Dogs have been playing together for over 13 years. Consisting of Peter McErlain, award winning songwriter and multi instrumentalist (not available for Badfolk), Tim Hannan, award winning songwriter and rhythm guitarist, Tom Steele on the drums, Polly McKenzie on keyboard and saxophone and Bob Ihaka on lead guitar. They create a fun sound based around the songs of the Rock N Roll era
As a birthday celebration for our founding secretary the night was a resounding success.
Happy Birthday Chris.
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21st April 2023 Queen of Hearts Mariachi Duo
Queen of Hearts Mariachi is an all-female band drawing from the Mexican Mariachi tradition. We present them as a duo. Breaking all paradigms, these ladies from Latin America and Australia, do not just cover traditional classics but also write and perform original music. Their love for Mexican music unites them and creates a rich harmony of lyrical drama.
Wow – people are still talking about their performance.
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17th March 2023 Tidal Moon
“Acoustic ripples upon a sea of imagination” – classical/Celtic meets folk/country. Barbara Jeffrey and José Garcia combine a hybrid Celtic/Paraguayan harp and soaring soprano vocals with the timbre of baritone vocals, guitar, flute and bodhran. Beautiful traditional, original and contemporary music.
The talents of this duo are superb. Another fantastic night of music.
Rat Award went to Jose
Members Prize went to Ian
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17th February 2023 Skiffle Party
American Roots. British Style.
Skiffle is high energy upbeat American roots music in the style of UK proto-rockers Lonnie Donegan, Chris Barber and the Vipers Skiffle Group. It was the birth of British rock.
Donegan’s blistering 1954 hit recording of Leadbelly’s ‘Rock Island Line’ started the UK skiffle craze that inspired countless musicians to pick up the guitar, an instrument that was hitherto largely ignored by British popular music. The Beatles, Van Morrison, Mick Jagger, Jimmy Page and the BeeGees all started their musical career as skifflers, exploring the rich tradition of American hillbilly and blues music from Leadbelly to Woody Guthrie. Classic skiffle tunes include upbeat sing-along versions of many well-known traditional folk songs including John Henry, Stewball, Cumberland Gap, Lost John, Midnight Special and Maggie May.
Melbourne band Skiffle Party, featuring Floyd Thursby (vocals/guitar), Tom Flenady (double bass/vocals) and Adam Russo (guitar/vocals), are rediscovering the excitement and intensity of this critically influential but largely overlooked genre. They released their debut self-titled album in July 2022.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/SkiffleParty
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15th January 2023 (Sunday)
Club Get together
January, Laid back and join friends for food and music.
Pizza and music – Yummy. A great day again – They just continue.
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