19th January 2014 Club BBQ
Yes it was on again at Upper Beaconsfield Community Center. A good turn out with plenty of food and entertainment on the day. Just right to kick off another year.
20th December 2013 Christmas
Time again to share the Christmas Cheer with all of you Badfolkies. A relaxed night to ease the shopping rush. And It was with guest artists Journey Bound add to the entertainment on the night.
15th November 2013 Don’t Think Twice
Janet, Wendy and Eric have been singing together for over 35 years.
From the early days of folk and ballads to blues, jazz, musical comedy and even music hall. “We don’t mind what we sing” say the group “As long as we get to play with our harmonies. It’s what we’ve become known for. Even though Don’t Think Twice comprises two girls and one guy, they have become known for their brilliant program of original Peter, Paul and Mary arrangements. “PP&M took the songs of Dylan, Denver, Seeger and so many other greats, arranging them so that the lyrics and the melodies could be best presented to mass markets. We learnt to love harmony singing through PP&M’s early songs. It’s an honour for us to keep presenting their body of work.”
Support Act
Jam Tarts
Take 3 dazzling women – add a guitar, a dash of ukulele, some gorgeous harmonies and mix in some love songs from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s – and there you have The Jam Tarts Trio……a lot of fun, a little bit naughty but very, very nice !!
Members Draw went to Paul
The Lisa Dean Award went to Jose and Wendy
The Rat Gratitude Award went to Owen
18th October 2013 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 this CD.
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.
Support Act Jillian Lampkin
With a love of music and performance starting from a young age, Melbourne based singer/songwriter began her career in the Australian youth choir at the age 8 and from there moved on to join Peter Ellis music, where she had the opportunity to compete in many eisteddfods and grew as a solo vocalist and moved into the country music genre. After 5 years of competition wins and festivals, 2012 brought with it the release of her debut EP “Just for Tonight” as well as the opportunity to perform with some of Australia’s best country music artists, such as Adam Harvey and The Davidson Brothers.
Members Draw went to Joan – (Happy Birthday)
The Lisa Dean Award went to Colin This was a big night – Go see these artists if you get a chance.
20th September 2013 Alanna and Alicia Egan
Alanna & Alicia are twin sisters who blend folk, jazz and roots in their original, acoustic songs. Known for their sweet, sibling harmonies and fine songwriting, the sisters have charmed audiences from the National Folk Festival to Fairbridge with their onstage warmth and sense of fun. Their lyrics, equal parts heart and humour, sparkle with an original, intimate voice that is rare in songwriters today.
We had a great line up of spot acts
Members Draw went to
The Lisa Dean Award went to Phil
16th August 2013 Enda Kenny
“A superb collection of songs from Australia’s finest folksinger” Sydney Morning Herald
Stellar songs and smooth-as-silk performance from Australia’s premier folk singer-songwriter. Enda’s songs bring the world around you to life. No detail is too small, no story too big to find its way through lyric and tune to your heart. Journey with Enda’s songs across an emotional landscape. Laugh, cry, thrill or protest, Enda’s live show will always entertain you and his albums frequently find their way onto the repeat stack of his long time followers. This is an act not to be missed!
21st July 2013 Peoples Place Bigger than Texas Concert
Supported by Badfolk, Peninsula Peoples Place, Fathers in the Chapel and Verandah Music. The biggest music clubs on the Peninsula unite for your pleasure and enjoyment included afternoon tea. A great afternoon well presented by Jamez.
19th July 2013 Ross Ryan
Ross Ryan is one of Australia’s original and most celebrated singer-songwriters. His albums have won Record of the Year and Album of the Year awards and his songs have been recorded by performers as diverse as John Farnham and Slim Dusty.
2013 sees Ross celebrating the 40th anniversary of the release of his signature tune, ‘I Am Pegasus’ – a song that remained in the charts for 7 months and is still a perennial favourite of Australian radio. ‘Pegasus’ was named in 2003 by ABC TV’s “Love Is In The Air” as an Australian Anthem.
Further information can be found at: www.rossryan.com/presskit
Members Draw went to
The Lisa Dean Award went to Peter
June 21st 2013 Suzette Herft and the HeartStrings
Suzette Herft, Patrick Evans and Chris Lazzaro are the HeartStrings. A trio of wonderful, contemporary troubadours and award winning songwriters. Suzette captures the heart and soul of a song and carries it to you on the wings of her glorious singing voice. She is complemented by the vocals and instrumental genius of Patrick (fiddle and guitar) and Chris (mandolin, banjo and guitar).
If there was a voice that could temper a fire and whisper its secrets velvet bound.
If there was a voice that could move a river and finds its warm streams of gold.
If there was a voice that could glide the air and smooth a storm to bring a smile to you , it is the voice of Suzette Herft. “ (George Condos – Melbourne Music)
Members Draw went to Huan
May 17th 2013 Ange Takats
A lot has happened since singer/songwriter Ange Takats left Sydney back in 2000. She joined a folk rock band in Thailand, interviewed Aung San Suu Kyi in Burma, fell in love with a Romanian Canadian, published a travel memoir and has just released her second album Arva. “I’ve had a rather unusual path into the world of music – via Bangkok. I went there to work as a foreign correspondent with Reuters and landed a second job as a singer in a Thai band,” the National Folk Festival Award Winner said. Ange, who now calls the Sunshine Coast Queensland home, says her overseas adventures have inspired many of the tracks on the new album.
AND
Takin Time
Colin and Susan came together as a singing duo in the Spring of 2004 and became a couple in the romantic sense as well, getting married on 21st January 2006 at The Musical Village where they first met! Without doubt, Susan is an undiscovered talent. Her singing voice has been compared to Judith Durham, Nana Mouskouri and Linda Ronstadt. Their music has been described as ‘easy listening’ but they have also provided an up-tempo offering with one of Gippsland’s finest musicians; Terry Cupples (bass) who probably has no peer in Gippsland, and also Brenden Morris when Terry isn’t available and Leigh Bechaz on guitar/mandolin.
Members Draw went to Helen
The Rat Award to Pat
April 19th 2013 Faux Grass
had its beginnings in November 2011 when David Aumann and Blair Webb, both former members of Fat Chance, decided to get together to do Louvin Brothers-type material with mandolin, guitar and two part harmony. Evan Webb, a long time friend, offered to play bass and that seemed like a good idea. We will be joined for Bad folk by Peter Someville, banjo player for many of the well known bands around Melbourne.
Each of the members has a solid musical background. Bassist Evan Webb currently plays in Mama’s Mountain Jug Band, Appalachian Heaven old timey band and Faux Grass. Mandolinist David Aumann has previously played in Fat Chance and Indigo Rye bluegrass bands as well as a long stint playing Irish in Ragwort and Thistle bush band. Guitarist Blair Webb, our junior member/front man/sex symbol, came to us from Fat Chance and assorted country bands. Peter Somerville has played banjo for many of the well known folk bands around Melbourne, including Uncle Bill, The Somervilles, the Alley Cats, Banjovie, Tarnation, the Pheasant Pluckers, the Marvilles and more. All four members sing and multi-part harmonies are a feature of the band. (By the way, Blair and Evan are not related, but Blair takes great pleasure in calling Evan “uncle”.)
Members Draw went to Lorraine
The Rat Award to Andrew & Janet
March 15th 2013 Rick E Vengeance
When Rick E Vengeance first appeared on the folk music scene in Australia back in 1977 he was considered a young turk who had an eclectic taste in clothes and a flair for entertaining. Years later many fans consider him an institution (some would say a relic) especially when it comes to performing. Over the years he has been many things, dance caller, radio dj, guitar teacher, accomplished mc, band leader and a fine guitarist but most of all he is a much loved member of the folk music community who always gives his all. Rick opened Badfolk in 2002 and has celebrated a couple of milestones with the club. Due to illness he could not attend for our 10 year celebration so we have him now – a little belated but happy to have him again. Rick now resides in Yea and runs sessions once a month.
and Ian Castles
With a mix up in the booking with Rick, Ian came along to fill in. Ian has a fabulous voice and is a staunch supporter of music.
Ian has been singing and playing his guitar to audiences for as long as he can remember. He is one of a dying breed of entertainers that is in it for the “love”, and not just for the money. Every time he gets on stage he gives 200%, and the audience appreciates his talent every time.
He has been involved in the Australian Country Music Industry for a very long time, and has recorded 4 Albums.
Ian has been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame at Tamworth, as well as in Barmera South Australia.
Members Draw went to Clem
The Rat Award to Barbara
February 15th 2013 Bruce Watson is an icon of the Australian folk scene. Based in Melbourne, he plays regularly at festivals, folk clubs and other venues throughout Australia. He has received a stack of songwriting awards and had his songs covered by performers of the calibre of Eric Bogle, Joe Dolce, Greg Champion, and a host of other Australian and international performers.
He has produced six albums of original songs, received radio airplay across Australia, and he appears on many compilation albums alongside artists such as Yothu Yindi and Christine Anu.
Eric Bogle has described him as “the best songwriter I have seen in a long time.” Melbourne folk institution The Boite says, “Bruce Watson is a wordsmith, a teller of tales, a spinner of yarns he tells with passion and integrity. An Australian folk hero!”
His performances are joyful and thoroughly engaging, with witty lyrics and energetic presentation. He is a masterful craftsman of songs, be they evocative and heart wrenching, or side-splittingly funny.
Members Draw went to Jean
The Rat Award to Sandy.
January 20th 2013 Club BBQ – Sunday
Again this year we held it at the Upper Beaconsfield Community Centre, Sailsbury Road, Upper Beaconsfield.
Its was an open stage afternoon with many fine performances from members.
A nice way to start the year
December 21st 2012 Christmas
Always a relaxed friendly night to finish up the year. It’s an open stage event.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!
November 16th 2012 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.
Members Draw went to ?
The Rat Award to Rudi.
October 19th 2012 John Flanagan and the Begin Again’s
John Flanagan and the Begin Agains have been impressing audiences at gigs and festivals around the country with their lush 4-part vocal harmonies and delicate acoustic textures on banjo, guitars, violin and mandolin. Drawing comparisons to artists such as Gillian Welch, James Taylor and Alison Krauss the 4-piece Melbourne band has developed a stirring sound driven by heartbreaking melodies and deeply honest storytelling. In late 2008 John joined forces with seasoned musicians Jane Patterson, Andy Zito and Mark Zito to record their first album ‘Meet Me In Between’ and they have been touring together ever since.
Members Draw went to Clem
The Rat Award to Martin
September 21st 2012 10th Anniversary
Rick had to cancel due to illness – So instead we had
1 – The best new male vocalist (Tamworth 1981) (Paul Wookey)
2 – An Aussie icon who sang about a mythical horse (Ross Ryan)
And We Had Birthday Cake
Members Draw went to Clem. The Rat Award to Clem. – And he cleaned up on the night.
August 17th 2012 Brent Parlane
Born in NZ to Air-force family. Moved every 2 years all around NZ, London, and Bangkok. First musical performance, singing an A Cappella version of Sheb Wooley’s “The Flying Purple People Eater” at School Christmas Show (6 Years old) The Beatles, Bob Dylan and The Seekers were all leaving their mark when Brent’s Mum died of Kidney failure when he was 12.In the ’80’s Brent became a must see act in Melbourne and Sydney wrote and recorded and pioneered the self -funded album. During this time he also opened for Randy Newman, Jesse Winchester and Guy Clark. He also continued his love of traveling doing gigs in London, Chicago, San Francisco, New York and LA.
Traveling to Tamworth in the early ’90’s he soon scored a record deal and some awards and went on touring with lots of TV and Radio exposure.
CD Release – Slow Release Ken Newham began writing his own material in the mid 1990’s. Just as a hobby that grew from many miles of travelled and places seen. Influences range from John Williamson, John Fogarty, Dylan or anybody who can tell a story. This release of his CD is the next step following the hobby/therapy stages. Anybody who has half a mind then make a CD – that’s all you need. Drawing on a life full of experiences, Ken’s songs are about real people and events in country Australia.
AGM went well as usual. – Congratulations to the in coming committee
Members Draw went to Jose.
The Rat Award to Jose. – He cleaned up on the night.
July 20th 2012 Greg Champion
Songwriter, singer, comedian and prominent radio personality Greg Champion captures what it is to be Australian through his unique combination of comedy, sports parodies and country/folk music. Born in Benalla Victoria and raised in South Australia, Champs is Australia’s leading writer of AFL and cricket songs, with several Aussie Rules hit songs since the 1980s. His musical diversity however, extends beyond the sports fields to include more moving and descriptive song writing capturing the emotion of Australian life in the way John Williamson, Eric Bogle and Ted Egan are renowned for. Always a Club favourite
Members Draw went to Zelma.
The Rat Award to Mick
June 15th 2012 Nia Robertson
Nia grew up listening to the Slims (Dusty, Whitman and Newton) Tammy, Dolly and all things country, and like most teenagers embraced the live music culture in the 80s, singing in an original rock band! It wasn’t until much later that she returned to her country roots and started writing the tracks for her debut album “Middle of Blue”. The first single – Spirit of Elvis (It Never Snows) was released to country in May 2010. It tells the story of a troubled young woman who travels to Graceland believing the spirit of Elvis will give her the answers she is searching for.
AND
Susan Lily
Described as “quirky” Susan’s personality shines through in her music. Her songs seem to write themselves and just arrive out of nowhere in a spasmodic ethereal kind of way. It’s hard to put an adjective to her actual style of song except to say they are melodic and uplifting . Susan likes the idea of crossing the boundaries of music genres and intermixing styles to create a well rounded experience for the ears. She’s a little left of centre and likes to take her audiences on a journey of joy and fun, with a twist.
Support Act Tim Hannan CD Release
began song writing many years ago writing parody songs about people and events at my work. 10 years ago my wife, Lisa, challenged me to write a country song. I sat outside our Jayco van in the caravan park at Beechworth and wrote a song about the bush, mates and cars. The next morning I put it to some simple chords and a melody and thought, “Hey! That’s not too bad!” I didn’t realize it at the time but this opened up the flood gates and all the stories I had been storing in my head for years came flooding out. A few of these early songs have now made their way onto my 1st CD titled, “Big Boys Toys”. I have been very lucky with my songs, having been a finalist in many competitions and several have gone on to win.
Members Draw went to Jim
Rat Award went to Graham
May 18th 2012 The Stetson Family
“How refreshing to come across a bluegrass band from Melbourne, Australia, who passionately embrace this challenging style of “roots music” and have fun performing their original songs of murder, mayhem and twisted tales of the human heart! They mix it up with newgrass and ‘high lonesome’ country – which demonstrates their musical prowess and excellent taste.” (Mary Cannon, Mystery Train, BayFM)
The Stetson Family is a five-piece band of knockabouts from Melbourne, Australia, who bring a fresh twist to the timeless sound of bluegrass and high-lonesome country/folk with their home-made songs of snake-handlin’ preachers, shallow bush graves, love gone wrong and wandering down life’s crooked highways. The band is made up of Nad Budge (vocals/dobro), John Bartholomeusz (guitar/vocals), Colin Swan (banjo), Andy Carswell (mandolin) and Cool Hand Luke Richardson (double bass).
Members Draw went to June V.
The Rat Award to Barbara
April 20th 2012 Leigh Sloggett
music was describe by Mark S. Tucker from ‘The Folk Music Exchange’ as, “…a letter perfect blend of folk and blues, one of the best I’ve ever heard“. Leigh has released two albums, ‘Sliding To Your Destiny’ in 2006 and ‘Looking For the Clues’ 2008 and is due to release his third later this year. He performs original acoustic folk, blues, and instrumental guitar music. His songs, rich in story telling and delivered with distinctive husk tinged vocals and compelling musicianship, on both lap-slide and finger picked guitar are sure to enchant you. Leigh has been performing around Melbourne’s pubs, festivals and clubs since 2002 and toured overseas for the first time in 2008.
Support Act – Edward Nass
Releasing his first CD – Memories and Other Tales. Edward presents songs about Family, Community and Personal Experiences. Stories which we all can relate to and with a touch of humor.
Members Draw went to Jacquie
The Rat Award to Andrew
March 16th 2012 Coolgrass
has been in many shapes and forms over the last 10 years or so. If you haven’t seen them then you have not been seriously entertained. Bruce with Angus, Jim and Doug fit together really well. Musically fabulous, great harmonies and jokes you laugh at (not groan) “Coolgrass, Rhythm and Bluegrass (and comedy)”.
Coolgrass enjoy straight bluegrass, but prefer their bluegrass to be a bit bent. In addition to their own songs and parodies, Coolgrass tackle the likes of Mozart, Mancini, Chuck Berry, Queen, Duke Ellington and many more in a tongue-firmly-in-cheek bluegrass style.
Don’t be fooled by their light hearted nature. These guys play top quality blues/bluegrass.
Damn, I split my sides laughing and they have more hats than a millner.
Members Draw went to .
The Rat Award to David – Always entertaining with a comedy song.
February 17th 2012 A J Leonard
Recognized as one of Australia’s pre-eminent exponents of the ukulele, A. J. Leonard together with Jenny Rowlands “the hardest working cellist in show business” play old & latter-day classics and A.J.’s original music providing audiences everywhere with a sound described as “simply irresistible”.
Equally at home playing a Beatles favourite as he is with popular 20’s and 30’s ukulele standards, A.J. Leonard is well known by ukulele devotees around Australia for his amazing dexterity, finely-crafted arrangements and breezy singing style.
Their 2011 exploits included a short tour of the US, Illawarra & National Folk festivals and the Melbourne & Cairns ukulele festivals.
A Great night and the Uke and chello are a great pairing by these two.
Members Draw went to .
The Rat Award to Bill – A terrific Bass voice doing old style country songs
January 15th 2012 Club BBQ (Sunday 12-5)
Held at the Upper Beaconsfield Community Centre, 10-12 Sailsbury Road, Upper Beaconsfield 3808. No issues with heat or rain. A great day to cruise into the new year with lots of talent.