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19th December 2025 Open Stage
A quiter night but lots of fun. The Cranbourne Recorder group were excellent.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
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21st November 2025 Wattle Lane
Note: We are now in the Old chappel while renovations in he function room take place.
Cate Taylor is an indie-folk singer songwriter based in Naarm who performs delicately crafted material on guitar and mandolin. Amla is a captivating multi-instrumentalist (flautist, violinist & vocalist). Together they form Wattle Lane to bring you a collection of moving songs that reflect social, personal and environmental themes delivered through story-telling, ballads and upbeat songs.
Support Act – Ed Robins
An amateur singer-songwriter, performing mostly self-penned songs from a catalogue of around 250 and growing, drawn from a long and varied life.
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17th October 2025 Young and Old
Ageing Positively Festival
Feature act – The Weathered Heads
The Weathered Heads is a 4 piece Bluegrass band based in Gembrook. Formed in 2008, Trev, Dirk, Don, Kingsley and Ian, play any where they can.
Support acts –
the best young performers around managed by
Louise Berkelmans Vocal Performance School 0412 172 260
Emma Berkelmans, Ashlyn Bell and Ruby Cline.
Ashlyn Bell has been performing around Melbourne as a solo artist and with a band. She is currently studying a degree in music performance. Ashlyn writes her own music and would like to be a singer/songwriter.
Ruby Cline is 16 years of age.
She loves all styles of music,
especially indie pop. She would
love to write and record her
own music and one day headline her own show!
Emma Berkelmans has been performing on stage since the age of 10. She has performed at many local events. Christmas carols, Berwick Show, Doveton Show, Multicultural Festivals, Relay for Life, just to name a few. Earlier this year Emma won the Casey Youth “rising star” competition at Bunjil Place. She is currently writing her own music and would love to be a singer/songwriter. Emma will be accompanied on guitar by her dad Danny who recently performed together at the Cardinia Cultural Centre for the Thursday Lounge nights.
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19th September 2025
Tim Ireland and Captain Ian Green
Tim Ireland & Captain Ian Green have been performing together for over a decade, blending folk, blues, and roots with a distinctly Australian storytelling flair. Their original songs sit alongside reimagined works from Tim’s ancestors, 19th-century Goldfields poets Tam Rattray and Isa, bringing the voices of the past to life with guitar, harmonica, and ukulele.
Support Rudy Van Den Bovemkamp
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15th August 2025 Ukelele Night
Feature Act Green Fieldz
Green Fieldz is Keith Rea and Sally Carter creating a storm of high end energy with blazing fiddle, wild guitar work and melodic ukulele. Soaring vocal harmonies add to their unique sound which blends the many musical genres they play into a journey of fun.
Based on the Mornington Peninsula, Green Fieldz have wowed the crowds at the Irish and Celtic Music Festival in Yass, turned heads at the Celtic Festival in Beechworth and made a real name for themselves at the Girgarre Moosic Muster.
Support Acts
U3A Casey Uke Group
U Bute Ukes was formed in 2017 when, with absolutely no musical background or experience, a small group of people gathered together to learn to play the ukulele. Over the ensuing years, under the guidance of Jennifer and David Keates, it has grown into a large, enthusiastic group of mature, but not over-ripe, members that meet each Monday at Pakenham’s Outlook Community Centre
Pleasant Pluckers -Our story begins in 2018 when Croydon U3As Musical Jam Group started secretly strumming and singing together every Wednesday morning. When the invitation to play for the Croydon Life Activities Club came in August 2022 they could stay hidden no longer and The Pleasant Pluckers performing group was born. Led by musical director Rob Fairbairn; ably assisted by founding Jammer John Howell, The Pluckers have plucked pleasantly in public many times since then and have become a formidable performing unit.
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18th July 2025
Philip Beggs
Philip Beggs has been writing and singing songs since he first picked up a guitar aged eighteen. “It’s therapy. It’s saved a lot of money on counsellors.”
Thrice winner at the Port Fairy Music Festival for his songs Philip is joined by long time friend John Rees. John is an Emmy Award winner with Men At Work. An extraordinary bass player and wonderful violinist.
With a mix of originals and covers they’ll have you singing along, thinking and tapping your feet.
Support Act Dominic Martin
Dominic has been performing ballads and folk songs for decades usually acoustically accompanying himself on his Spanish guitar. He performs quality ballads along with folk songs from around the world. This site displays some of his songs and others are posted on his his
U-Tube Page Dominic Martin .
He has performed at various venues including support and main acts at the Victorian Folk Music Club, The Selby Folk Club, Father’s in the Chapel Cranbourne, Newstead Folk Festival, Member of the Guildford Folk Club and small and large home concerts along with special interest groups and social gatherings who enjoy live performances of this type.
Rat Award (Evolution Music Voucher) went to Tom
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20th June 2025
Jen Hawley and Caitlin French
Known for her one-of-a-kind sound that effortlessly flows through the realms of jazz, blues, and folk, Jen Hawley’s original music carves out a space where every note has a story to tell. Armed with her guitar, vocals and a dash of looping, Jen will be teaming up with the amazing Caitlin French on the violin. Caitlin’s rich, soaring lines add an extra layer of goodness to Jen’s eclectic blend of musicality and storytelling.
Find out more about Jen:
F: facebook.com/jen.hawley.96
I: instagram.com/jenhawleymusic
YT: youtube.com/@jenhawleymusic
W: jenhawleymusic.com
Want to hear about future gigs? Sign up here.
Jen Hawley http://jenhawleymusic.com
Jen’s Music School http://jensmusicschool.com/
Support Act Michael Prizeman
A Guitarist/Singer/Songwriter with many years of experience in the music industry. Michael has played in many famous bands and with many famous singers in the 70’s through 90’s. Michael’s first gig was in 1969 with his own band. From there he just became bigger and more in demand and progressed to where he took a flight to England chasing his “music dream.” Highlights include: Recording with the band “Levwood” releasing a single at the age of 15 in 1972 called “The Fire”. Working with recording engineer and bassist “Shad Lyons” (composer of the hit Denim and Lace) it was in his studio in Bondi, New South Wales where the single came together. Playing guitar on many of the demos and releases for professional singers and songwriters. Michael was a session guitarist for Alberts Studios, playing guitar and recording on many hit singles in the 1970’s. Musical Director for Lester Coombs and also in his resident show band for over a year and a half at Panthers Leagues with the show “Are You Ready For The Country.”
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16th May 2025
Sarah ansd Silas
Sarah and Silas are festival sweethearts known as members of The Royal High Jinx, The Bushwackers, The Beez and Alanna and Alicia. They write heartfelt folk music and enchant audiences with soulful songs about love, life and travel.
Finalists of 2022/23 Australian Folk Music Awards, their performances radiate warmth and charm. Catch their captivating show and launch of their new album ‘Hearts in My Coffee,’ at Badfolk.
Links
Website: http://sarahandsilas.com
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWZ3EmStLRU0ArFmgcCU-IQ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahandsilas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah_and_silas/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0CH99Ny3ATY6XFp3rFs7sx
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sarahandsilas
Bandcamp: https://sarahsilas.bandcamp.com/album/hearts-in-my-coffee
Mailing list: https://sarahandsilas.com/
Lineup
Sarah Busuttil Palmer ~ Violin / Vox
Silas Palmer ~ Guitar/ Keyboard/ Vox
Support Act – Peter Andersen
Renowned and long standing Melbourne performer peter Anderson is in fact a performer with many hats in both the literal and figurative senses!
Hat 1. Accordionist – with wide ranging styles available. Peter can lead a bush dance or Ceilidh band with Irish, Scottish and English jigs and reels, or can in fact play for a dance solo, simultaneously playing and calling the dances. At the other end of the spectrum he can round up a blues band, and take solos on blues and rock @ roll accordion! In between these extremes there’s Russian tunes, tv themes and who knows what else!
Hat 2. Singer guitarist – peter has again a wide repertoire, though specialises in folk / Australiana / country / ’60’s / Irish / Scottish / English – fine baritone vocalist!
Hat 3. Appalachian dulcimer – a rarely seen but beautiful and commanding instrument on which peter is probably Australia’s finest exponent.
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18th April 2025 Good Friday
No Club this month. Have happy Easter.
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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
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 2024 (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 2024 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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