15th December 2017
What a great open mic night. The Christmas edition with the impromptu band leading the sing a long had every one doing it . Lots of fun and a great way to end 2017.
17th November 2017 Jenny Taylor
Jenny Taylor has a 30 year career as a teacher performer writer and community artist. She has worked for ABC TV and her songs have been performed by massed choirs and played on Melbourne community radio and ABC regional radio. She has worked with numerous choirs including 3 years as co-founder of the choir that was “Choir of Hard Knocks”.
And she paints pictures. loves gardening, the Australian bush. and old growth forests. She dislikes Coal Seam Gas Mining, and coal mining generally. She holds a BA (Music) and Dip Ed.
And
Eddie Cole
‘Introducing the Eddie Cole Songbook’ is a four track EP from Victorian singer songwriter
and guitarist Eddie Cole released in October 2017.
Swept Away’ is the opening track. A rocking 6/8 piece which has overtones of Jeff Buckley, it pulses with the with the joy and sorrow which life unceasingly throws at us.
‘Count the Cost’ is a heart breaker about the shattering of love’s illusion.
‘Wild is the wind’ is a sparse vocal guitar track with Wuthering Heights as it’s underlying theme.
‘Settle your Debt’ is a pulsing blues riff on the theme of everything having a cost and everything requiring recompence.
‘Introducing the Eddie Cole Songbook’, as the title suggests, it is an entry point to a larger body of work, ranging from 2010’s ABC Radio National album of the week ‘Groove Eddy Overload’ to last years ‘The Yellingbo Recordings’.
A great night
Members Draw went to Ken.
Rat Award went to Chantelle.
20th October 2017 Devil Goat Family String Band
are a five piece band who play high-energy bluegrass and fiddle tunes like they’ve never gone out of style. Their contemporary arrangements of traditional tunes utilize the twin fiddles of Kate Conner and Sophia Dunn, banjo of Gus Macmillan, Guitar of Luke Byrnes and Double Bass of Fran Evans. They traverse the old timey and new-grass traditions, and generate a live energy that is truly infectious to music-lovers of all generations.
A great night of entertainment with a good crowd too.
Members Draw went to Ann
Rat Award went to Sally and Greta
October 2017 Seniors Festival
Badfolk put on a performance for the Seniors Festival. This was a free event supported by Casey Council.
Friday 13th Lynbrook Communitty Centre, 2 Harris Street, Lynbrook VIC 3976. 7 – 9pm
Small crowd enjoyed a top night.
24th September Doveton Show
Badfolk supplied sound and performance on the main stage at the Doveton Show.
Myuna Farm, Kidds Road, Doveton.
A great family fun day.
15th September 2017 Grandsons of the Pioneers
Having all come from a background of playing in bands for a combined total of about 160 years, the “Grandsons” came together initially to have a social pick together on weekends, enjoying playing and singing songs with a lean towards “Country”, and in particular, traditional Western Cowboy music.
They eventually built up a repertoire of songs which featured four part harmony vocals accompanied by acoustic guitars.
Leo suggested recording the songs in his home studio which resulted in the production of their CD.
So sit back, relax, go back in time and enjoy the harmonious singing and picking of ” The Grandsons Of The Pioneers ” on their debut album ” Happy Trails “……… and live on stage.
The Grandsons of the Pioneers are………..
John Tippett, acoustic bass and vocals
Bill Jeffrey, acoustic guitar and vocals
Con Anag, nylon string guitar and vocals
Leo Dalton, acoustic guitar and vocals
Members Draw went to Pat
Rat Award went to Debra
18th August 2017 Ian Bland Duo
Melbourne singer/ songwriter and poet Ian Bland has gained a loyal following over the past decade for ‘Bland on Bland’, a weekly segment on 3RRR’s ‘The JVG Radio Method’, penning and presenting a poem every Sunday afternoon.
He has spruiked his verse in concert halls, ballrooms, The National Gallery, coal vaults, festivals at home and the UK, pubs, cemeteries – even the steps of Parliament.
Musically, he has performed with fiddle/mandolin player Greg Hunt for more than twenty years, as a duo and with The Lamington Drive Orchestra, blending a diverse range of musical influences with insightful stories drawn from rural and urban Australia and beyond; topics as diverse as drought and the demise of suburban pubs.
Bland has released three solo albums, ‘Drifter’, ‘Angel In Reverse’ and ‘Everything and Nothing’ in addition to a book of verse titled ‘Bland on Bland’ published in 2016.
“This is music that sits on your aural palette like a deep red wine, warming your soul and inspiring reflection in the listener” Jarrod Watt – ABC Radio
“Bland’s gnarled, world weary voice is unaffected, emotive and genuine, a true voice of Australia. He’s Jack Thompson in ‘Sunday Too Far Away’ and Bill Hunter in ‘Newsfront’; he is also essential listening.” Trevor J. Leedon – Rhythms Magazine
Members Draw went to John
Rat Award went to Sam
21st July 2017 Tidal Moon
Barbara Jeffrey and Jose Garcia – celtic, folk, contemporary, original and more… Barbara’s voice soars like a bird with clarity and awe-inspiring beauty. Her harp playing is all encompassing – delicate, bold, key changing mid-song, transporting us to ethereal heights.
Jose’s full baritone voice and harmonies compliment Barbara’s voice just perfectly with the strength to stand alone, with depth and passion. A delightful guitarist, his playing on bodhran and harmonica join with Barbara’s flute to give a well-rounded treat including songs in five different languages.
Their performance of mainly unique original songs with transporting lyrics, including just a few traditional songs delivered with distinctly original style. We are very glad to have Barbara’s CD to continue listening to their music and look forward to the launch of their forthcoming duo CD.
Don’t miss them if you get the opportunity – Tidal Moon performing “with the ebb and flow of the tide.”
Review from Singing Gallery SA.
Members Draw went to Ray
Rat Award went to Jane
Special note: Thank you to In Harmony and Blue Tango for their support spots. Another very special night all round.
A photo of the Moonettes or Moonies or Lunar Seas (some suggested names) – an impromptu group on the night.
25th June Members Lunch 12.00 – 5.00pm
A Sunday afternoon to kick back and fraternize with friends with an open stage format.
Love these days. Informal, friendly and entertaining.
16th June 2017 Fred Smith
“Fred Smith is an exceptional songwriter and certainly the equal of Bogle, Walker and Schumann…the most interesting folk musician working in Australia. In tune with the times and prepared to reach beyond predictable folk formats, he is endlessly innovative and creative. He is also very funny” Bruce Elder, Sydney Morning Herald.
“His CD was good, but his live performance blew me away.” Rich Warren, WFMT Chicago.
“The man is an outstanding writer” David Francey, Facebook, 11 January 2015.
“Fred Smith is one of this country’s most literate, humorous, intelligent and empathic songwriters.” Warwick McFadyen , the Sunday Age.
In 2008, Sydney Morning Herald critic Bruce Elder wrote “It is about time Australia caught up with Fred Smith. This remarkable singer-songwriter – who at various times reveals influences that range from Paul Kelly via Lou Reed to Loudon Wainwright III to Leonard Cohen – keeps releasing amazingly accomplished albums.” Fred Smith has been a favorite on the Australian festival circuit for years, much loved for his gentle wit, gift for story and melody, and sublime collaborations with Liz Frencham and The Spooky Men’s Chorale. Now the rest of Australia is catching up with Fred Smith. He was the subject of a recent Australian Story feature about his work in Afghanistan and on peace keeping operations in the war-torn islands of the South Pacific. The title track from his acclaimed album, Dust of Uruzgan, has been covered by country music star Lee Kernaghan. Fred recently wrote a book, The Dust of Uruzgan, published by Allen and Unwin and available in all good bookstores.
A moving performance both entertaining and informative with AV to back it up.
Members Draw went to Peter
Rat Award went to Greta
Sunday 28th May Badfolk was at the ANZBG event at Wilson Botanical Gardens in Berwick. The event was from 10 am to 2pm
ABout BGANZ – The Botanic Gardens Australia and New Zealand Inc (BGANZ) is the chief body representing the interests of botanic gardens in Australia and New Zealand.
BGANZ promotes the interests and activities of Australian and New Zealand botanic gardens and botanic gardens generally and enhances the state of botanic gardens for the benefit of the community.
Thanks to the team who were there. From the Organisers
On behalf of the City of Casey and Wilson Botanic Park Staff, we wanted to take the opportunity to thank Bad Folk for assisting with the Botanic Gardens Open Day on Sunday 28thMay. Your presence was key to the success of the event and also a great benefit to the community and to Wilson Botanic Park.
The open day was a great opportunity to share, inspire and celebrate many aspects of what Wilson Botanic has to offer.
On the day, those who attended had an overwhelmingly positive experience. We hope all of our visitors were much richer for the experience.
Once again, we wish to sincerely thank you for your assistance on the day.
Kindest regards,
Wilson Botanic Park Berwick
City of Casey | Princes Highway, Berwick Vic 3806
19th May 2017 Folkus
Folkus have been performing around Melbourne and country districts since 2006, sharing their passion for Australian & Irish songs & tunes with a touch of contemporary folk.
Neil & Mary-Anne have regularly performed at Polly Woodside, Newport Folk Festival and many local and rural community events. Folkus often perform at ‘nautical’ events, such as the Williamstown Tall Ships Festival, Geelong Wooden Boat Festival and the Alma Doepel Anniversary celebrations. Folkus also combine with other musicians to form the Bush Band ‘Barking Mad’, with Neil calling the dances.
Support Act
In Harmony
Pat Wakefield And Sue Parrish play an eclectic mix of melodic music covers with an emphasis on vocal harmony. Song choice is from the work of poetic writers the likes of Gordon Lightfoot, Leonard Cohen, Kris Kristofferson with some Irish thrown in. Pat And Sue played together for about five years some time ago doing pubs, clubs, and functions. Now playing together again they have drifted to their love of the ballad and folk genre where they both started their music years ago. Sue Parrish, vocals,flute, recorder, tin whistle, and guitar. Pat Wakefield, vocals and guitar.
Members Draw went to Marlene
Rat Award went to Steve
A great night of traditional music.
21st April 2017 Miss Whisky
MISS WHISKEY is a Melbourne blues duo putting their raw and original stamp on harmonica driven swamp blues.
Formed in 2014 as an avenue to focus on the music they love this female blues duo are quickly making their mark on the blues scene in Australia. As the 2015 Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society Blues Duo of the year, Miss Whiskey performed in Memphis Tennessee representing Melbourne at the International Blues Challenge in January 2016.
Miss Whiskey released their independent debut album in 2016. Recorded outdoors on a cold Melbourne night in the winter of 2015, ‘ONE COLD NIGHT’ captures the raw energy found at a MISS WHISKEY gig and showcases this gritty female duo’s harmonica-driven style of swamp blues. Debuting at No: 3 on the Australian Blues and Roots Airplay Charts March 2016.
Anna Scionti– Vocals, guitar, slide and stomp
Julie Noble– Harmonica
The Rat Award went to Sim
17th March 2017 Scott Cook
The Rat Award went to Reid.
17th February 2017 Saoirse
Saoirse (Gaelic word for freedom) are a vibrant vocal and dance group from Melbourne. Saoirse delight their audiences with their beautiful renditions of traditional Irish ballads and original works, they will join hands to offer some spirited jigs and reels to get your feet tapping.
Saoirse have performed at some great festivals including the Port Fairy Folk Festival, Brunswick Music Festival, the National Folk Festival, and many other music venues throughout Australia.
Saoirse currently have three albums, “Singin’ in the Scullery”, 2007, “Candlelight Sessions”, 2009 and the multi-award winning 2013 release, “Music Evermore”.e”.
Anthony O’Neill on guitar, fiddle and vocals
Bernadette O’Neill on bodhran and vocals
Kerry McManus on accordion, whistle and vocals
Truly professional entertainers with talent and great harmonies.
Spot acts were especially talented too.
Members Draw went to Bill
January 2017 Club BBQ
Where did that year go? Time to start a new one.
Casual, friendly get together with friends, music and food. What more could you want?
16th December 2016
The best night of the year. It’s open stage (with a surprise or two), friendly, fun and with a lot of Christmas Cheer.
Merry Christmas
and a
Happy New Year!
Saturday 26th November
House Concert with Matt Bednarsky
CT-born, NYC-carved, and Nashville-based, Singer/Songwriter Matt Bednarsky’s unique music blends pop/rock, folk, jazz, and blues and is characterized by poignant, thoughtful lyrics and soothing yet powerful vocals. He has an expansive internet presence, with over 2.5 million cumulative views on YouTube, and has two full-length studio albums, “A Bigger Picture” (2014) and “Two” (2015). He’s opened for British legend Joan Armatrading on multiple occasions, was named a 2015 Artist of the Year by Concerts In Your Home and has toured in Europe and Canada.
This was a great concert with too much food, thanks to the caterers and for those who supported.
18th November 2016 Cielle Montgomery & James Church
missed. Audiences are treated to an intimate listening experience consisting of tracks from Cielle’s album, as well as, songs by a range of artists that inspire Cielle and James as songwriters, including Kasey Chambers, Patty Griffin, Bob Dylan, Kieran Kane and Kevin Bennett.
Americana/Alt. Country scene and features James’ enthralling & unparalleled sound on Dobro. Produced by one of Australia’s most respected musicians and producers GlenHannah, also featuring Jonathan Zwartz on Double Bass, Sue Carson on Fiddle, Felicity Urquhart on Backing Vocals and Glen Hannah himself on Acoustic Guitar.
Featuring 6 original tracks, “Walking Free” is out NOW.
Members Draw went to Roger
The Rat Award went to David – A great original song about BADFolk.
21st October 2016. Beggs to Differ
“beggs2differ” is a Gippsland based group with a diverse range of musical styles playing guitar, piano, violin, mandolin, harmonica and tin whistle with links to Folk, Country and Blue Grass.
Philip Beggs is a passionate song writer. In 2000 he won the ‘Lawson Patterson Songwriting Award’ for the best song at the prestigious Port Fairy Folk Festival.
John Rees is best known for his bass playing in the band “Men at Work”. In b2d the Grammy Award winning John Rees also gets to play another of his loves the violin / fiddle.
Diana Rees is a classically trained concert pianist but with a love for the contemporary. Her individualistic playing style is sure to impress and please.
Terry Lay has been singing and performing for 30 years but is probably more recently known for his portrayals in musical theater. His lead and backing vocals style perfectly compliments the band’s acoustic expression
With a mix of poignant and lively covers and original songs, the band’s rich harmonies and encouraged audience participation have been loved by audiences throughout Gippsland and Melbourne for over 10 years.
Members Draw went to John
16th September 2016 Rebecca Lee Nye
is a multi award winning singer songwriter with a unmistakable depth and tone that will leave you breathless, her warmth and emotion takes you on a journey through her songs.
In 2005 she released her debut Ep “I started Living” and her first single “It’s a Heartache” went to number 11 on the National Country Tracks top 40 Chart. In 2006 & 2007 she was named the Victorian Female Vocalist at the Victorian and National Country Music Awards.
After taking some time off to raise a family, the multi award winning singer, wife and mother of 3 is back with more wisdom and passion than ever. Her forthcoming album “Gypsy Heart” is a consummate country album, with this beautiful voice coupled with the original highly crafted songs, exquisite musicianship and world class production by Mick Lockhart and the team at Parkway Studios Townsville, this album with be a landmark release for 2016.
Her debut single “You, Me, Love (on a Saturday Night) from her forthcoming album “Gypsy Heart” is climbing up the National Country Tracks Top 40 Chart sitting currently at #5 after 3 short weeks in the Chart!
Proudly sponsored by Yamaha guitars for over a decade !
Billy Bridge
“It’s who we are Just Us” sings Billy Bridge on the anthem “Just Us,” the opening track on “Stories Through Time”, the outstanding new album that brings to the fore the song writing talents that were highlighted on his earlier recordings. Billy’s relaxed, warm and distinctive vocals, sooth you and guide you on a journey through time, places and events that shaped the great country of ours. The songs are back to his strength, beautiful stories like his 2003 hit Mallee Dust which earned him Independent Awards and a Golden Guitar finalist nomination in 2004 for Best New talent. Since that time this songwriter has evolved and developed his craft through to this present day where the entire album encapsulates his finest work. Stories through time, produced by Mick Lockhart of Parkway Studios in Townsville has already spawned number one hits, his first single released “If I Get to the Rainbow” topped the national chart and spent an amazing 23 weeks in the national top 40. Billy has continued to perform, write and play music from his heart and music inspired buy our great people and places. Stories through time is his opus, a collection of songs that are so strong they stand alone, but blended create a journey through the tapestry of Australian life.
Members Draw went to Ian
The Rat Award went to Clem
19th August 2016 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. The trend, in Maria’s writing, to incorporate both her Irish origins and Australian sensibilities, are heralded by “Waltzing Matilda, My Darling” – a song about the torn spirits of the immigrant to both their country of birth and their adopted land, Australia. Her sophomore release, “Dark Island” like the title, exhibited noir attitudes, as Maria broached topics such as child abuse, the innocence of childhood, and family relationships. The next 3 albums – “Follow The Call”, “Rough Diamond” and “Next” all continued the themes, laid down on her first 2 albums, although her craft always progressed with each re-cording. Her most recent album, “Little Black Rose” bears testament to Maria’s endless quest to improve her musicianship, her songwriting craft and the desire to communicate to the listener. 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.
If you haven’t seen Maria – Do your self a favour.
Lee Sloggett Duo
“…a letter perfect blend of folk and blues, one of the best I’ve ever heard”. – Mark S. Tucker (The Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange, U.S.A)
“Great feel band – great songs”. – Russell Morris
‘The Leigh Sloggett Duo’ brings together Leigh’s distinctive husk-tinged vocals and compelling lap-slide and open tuned guitars work, with the percussion skills of Rob Groves, to deliver their original blend of inspired blues-roots music.
Leigh has toured internationally and has performed at numerous festivals, clubs and venues. His third album ‘More Than I Need’ reached number 8 on the Australian Blues and Roots charts in 2012 and had radio airplay around Australia, most prominently on ABC Radio National’s program, ‘The Inside Sleeve’. Rob was a founding and member of renowned jazz band ‘Raw Silk’ and drummer for legendary 90’s girl band ‘Hotbox’.
NOTE:
I must say that the standard of the open stage was exemplary. We had visitors from Japan with Jack Spira Guitars luthier from Pakenham and Members of 3MDR. Dave Millar did sound. Even though we
ran overtime – everybody stayed.
Members Draw went to John (again – how lucky)
The Rat Award went to I’m Home
AGM was held – New committee duly elected.
15th July 2016 THE HUMBUCKIN’ PICKUPS
Under the watchful eye of award winning songwriter Ewan Cloonan, The Humbuckin’ Pickups are a raucous mob, giving their all for Ewan’s songs about Australian characters he’s known, characters he’d like to be and the vengeful things he’d like to do!
Having achieved the dizzy heights of being one of Melbourne’s four best ‘never-weres’ in the 2013 ABC Exhumed competition, they’ve been taking their almost award winning performance to the people ever since.
In the last few years the Humbuckers have played Festivals, folk clubs, pubs and anywhere they can hold an audience long enough without being arrested.
Not quite sure whether they’re the folk side of country or the country side of folk, The Humbuckin’ Pickups will have you hootin’, hollarin’, foot stompin’ and occasionally sobbin’ into your pint glass.
Skullduggery, their latest release, was recorded “live in the studio” in a day (No mean feat with this raucous “herd of cats”!!!
http://skulduggeryrecords.com.au/, capturing the true Rootsy Australiana Inspired Folk that is the sound of The Humbuckin’ Pickups
Members Draw went to John
The Rat Award went to Mark
10th July 2016
Members mid year luncheon. Same as the Bar B Que only a different time.
This was a great day with some very fine musicians getting up to play as well. Friendship, food and music – a great combination.
17th June 2016 Weeping Willows – CD Launch
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.
Some might call Andrew a virtuoso, but he doesn’t see himself that way. To him, the acoustic guitar (or sometimes the dobro) is just that object that hangs permanently from his shoulders (perhaps it’s really held up by his fingertips? Or maybe it actually is a part of his body?) Regardless, he plays it with purpose and authority and it wraps itself around his and Laura’s vocals with warmth and affection, never saying too much or too little.
Laura, for her part, stays as busy as a post-war housewife; complementing her partner’s skill with voice that ranges from sugar-sweet to evangelically piercing, whilst regularly adding a little accordion, lap steel or even flute on the side. She’s in possession of a calm self-assurance, her stoic stage presence the perfect foil for Andy’s thinly veiled neurosis as they regale their audience with stories of sunshine and romance, God and The Devil, murder and decay. Real music.
Members Draw went to Jim
The Rat Award went to Jane
20th May 2016 Hillbilly Radio
15th April 2016 The Dixie Chooks
“The Dixie Chooks” present a wonderfully eclectic and truly original interpretation of the acoustic roots singer-songwriter genre. Their harmonies and solo voices are a joy, their musicality on a variety of string instruments precise and their stage-craft infectious! Nick Charles
Wendy and Moira’s voices and musical talents are awesome. They play a range of musical instruments with talent and panache. Moira’s talent on guitar is enviable. In fact, she’s great. Wendy’s voice ranges from sweet through beautiful to downright gutsy and powerful and Moira is right there with her.
Veronica Schwartz (former editor, ‘The Dawn’)
Wendy Ealey & Moira Tyers are two profoundly talented women, weaving from humorous folk with songs like “Vegemite” to jazz with Wendy belting out “Summertime & the living is easy”, to original Australiana ballads about Namatjira. Wendy on drum, uke & mandolin… & kazoo & Moira on an acoustic Taylor, both with complimenting harmonies & sensational stage humor, these ladies were a treat to discover. Tamasine Chamberlain (Geelong Gig Guide)
Bio here – dixiechooksbio
Members Draw went to Clem again so he returned it and it then went to Helen T
The Rat Award went to Jose who played with Martin
18th March 2016 Rick Hart
Of Rick’s debut EP Spiral, the Great American Song Contest wrote “This is impressive songwriting! The melodic aspects perfectly capture the emotional tone of the songs. The classic alt country/R&B musical aspects are brilliant. It’s a genuine pleasure to review this exceptionally high level of songwriting.“
With a voice that floats with soulful warmth and honesty, Rick Hart may break your heart, but will leave you with the hope that it can always mend. A storyteller, whose words and melodies weave through all the dynamics and extremes of human emotions and relationships. Heartache, loss, reflection, regret, optimism, devotion and hope all find chapters within his stories. A perfect tapestry of melodic simplicity and thoughtful imagery.
This multi award winning songwriter (2014 Songwriter of the Year, Australian Songwriters Association awards), delivers songs, often simple in nature, yet endearing in ways that will stay with you.
The candle has long burnt brightly for Rick, right from the early 2000’s where he wrote for and fronted Melbourne alt country rockers, Heathen Sway. Even then his love of artists like the Rolling Stones, CCR, Van Morrison, The Band, Gram Parsons, Big Star, Tom Petty, Wilco and Teenage Fanclub was evident. These and many more influences continue to this day to flow richly through his veins, providing constant inspiration.
In February 2016, Rick released his single “Levon Helm”. A song written during his last trip to America, it again highlights his ability to write about heartache and loss, while still employing joyous melodies.
The future is lit with promise, as Rick continues the drive to establish himself in his home land and overseas. With interest already expressed in his homeland and USA, excitement continues to build around this talented singer-songwriter and what lies ahead.
Members Draw went to Clem
The Rat Award went to Alan
10th March 2016 House Concert with Fil Campbell and Tom McFarland (Ireland)
“A great mix of traditional and contemporary Irish songs with the expert percussion skills of Tom perfectly complimenting Fil’s exquisite vocals.” Falkirk Folk Club Feb 15
Fil Campbell and Tom McFarland have been part of the Northern Irish folk scene since the early 90s. With the combination of vocals, guitar and percussion they have gained a loyal following for their fun approach to both new and old songs.
Back There, their latest CD was released in July. It is a collection of contemporary songs, featuring both Tom and Fil on vocals, and is already receiving lovely reviews.
Together Fil and Tom play and sing a mix of original, traditional and contemporary Irish songs with occasional nods back to the popular Irish folk songs they grew up with. Their set is full of fun and banter and Fil’s passion is to get everyone singing so there are always lots of choruses, so be prepared!
Originally from Belleek in Co. Fermanagh, Fil has been gigging regularly since she was a teenager and together with Tom who hails from Belfast, they have performed all over Europe, Ireland, the USA and UK, at festivals and folk clubs, on radio and TV.
Tom has played drums and percussion for singers as diverse as David Knopfler (ex Dire Straits), Finbar Furey and Ben Sands and has his own recording studio and film editing suite specialising in acoustic and spoken word recordings.
– See more at: http://www.filcampbell.com/fil__tom/#sthash.COkUm8ro.dpuf
This was a great night. They came, they sang and they entertained.
6th March 2016 Bayles Music Festival
An outstanding success. 20 fine acts on the day and the stallholders / food vans made it complete.
The Bayles CFA did a mighty job entertaining kids. Great weather and thanks to a great audience. Greg Champion – a great entertainer. One Agency – Thank you for your support with signage. To every one else who made it happen – Thank You. Tim Hannan – a great idea.
See Bayles Music Festival Page.
19th February 2016 Carolyn Oates
“Finally a poet!” Steve Budd UK (Management – Dido, Franz Ferdinand, & Bjork). Roots/pop artist, Carolyn Oates mixes jaw dropping guitar work with heartfelt songs that speak to the human condition. Known for her staggering array of guitar chord voicings, she adds to this a fine mastery of the lyric form, creating beautiful stories. “Unique” is a word that genuinely describes what Carolyn Oates is doing. With the vocal stylings of Suzanne Vega, she combines the adventurous guitar tunings of Joni Mitchell with the dexterity of Paul Simon.
The highly acclaimed album “In The Moment” has been produced by David Carr, who has been called the Rick Rubin of Australia, and recently achieved the accolade of mixing the ARIA award winning album “Sharkmouth” for Russell Morris.
Oates has also been garnering radio support from ABC Adelaide, 3RRR, PBS FM, JOY FM, Three D FM, Radio Adelaide, Shoalhaven FM, and BLU FM just to mention a few.
Oates has wowed theater audiences across Europe, she has also entertained the fabulous Melbourne indie scene at venues like The Northcote Social Club, The Evelyn, The Wesley Anne, The Tote and Sooki Lounge. Touring extensively, she has shared the stage with Naked Raven (Germany), The Mae Trio, Greg Arnold, David Ross MacDonald (The Waifs), Steve Lane, Paul Greene, Carus & The True Believers, Airway Lanes, The Undesirables (Canada).
Members Draw went to Margaret The Rat Award went to Jane and to Jasmine
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.