News - May
I put out a few new YouTube videos including one which was a response to a request from England. There's a few festivals coming up including the Kelly Country Pick in August. That one is worth putting in your diary. The blog is now gone! Don't really use it and there's no point in maintaining something you don't need. Emails work just fine.
Around the traps
VoiceBox
Selby heard the booming sounds of VoiceBox in May, a talented group which doesn't need instrumental backing, it's all there in their voice boxes!
VoiceBox is a highly versatile vocal group that can produce anything from classic hymns to KISS tunes, and even the musical score to Flash Gordon, with flair and humour. These guys are professional in every sense of the word, in their delivery, in their musical pedigree and in their performance history, having toured overseas and produced several albums. Don't miss them!
Other acts that night include the talented Jess Nabb who sang several songs originating from her musical family and myself of course. Special thanks must go to Heather Anstey who did some vocal backings at very short notice - well actually, none! Heather, along with Lorraine Marsh and Kaz Mackay form The Jam Tarts Trio a local musical dish best served covered in polka dots and accompanied with sweet acapella harmonies. Despite Alex's continued recovery from surgery, nothing could stop him from presenting his poems and the ones served up were excellent fare, if perhaps a little quirky. The imagery he conjured of snake heads buried in the garden and poisoning unsuspecting victims were difficult to shake from my mind.
VoiceBox is a highly versatile vocal group that can produce anything from classic hymns to KISS tunes, and even the musical score to Flash Gordon, with flair and humour. These guys are professional in every sense of the word, in their delivery, in their musical pedigree and in their performance history, having toured overseas and produced several albums. Don't miss them!
Other acts that night include the talented Jess Nabb who sang several songs originating from her musical family and myself of course. Special thanks must go to Heather Anstey who did some vocal backings at very short notice - well actually, none! Heather, along with Lorraine Marsh and Kaz Mackay form The Jam Tarts Trio a local musical dish best served covered in polka dots and accompanied with sweet acapella harmonies. Despite Alex's continued recovery from surgery, nothing could stop him from presenting his poems and the ones served up were excellent fare, if perhaps a little quirky. The imagery he conjured of snake heads buried in the garden and poisoning unsuspecting victims were difficult to shake from my mind.
FolkUS
Gemco Theatre saw a small but dedicated group of troubadours gorge on musical variety provided from practically all attendees. Cassy helped me deliver a new song, penned only three hours earlier that day - absolutely fresh from the "musical oven", served on a simmering ukulele. The special guest act for the evening was FolkUS. Some members of this band have been performing for over 25 years and as well as singing sixties classics, the group also sang on important contemporary topics such as Aussie Sport.
The Heritage Day for the Old Cheese Factory in Berwick was a fairly quiet affair, being an inaugural event with little publicity. Still it was enjoyable to play and provide music for those who attended. Fortunately the rains held back for a few hours! Fathers in the Chapel is always good, this month there was a poem from Mick who left a few teary eyed which then continued on when I played my set. As Jan said, we should probably buy shares with Kleenex. The Club night on 18 May saw The Stetson Family play. This is a really good bluegrass band and May saw their last performance for their touring season which will kick off again in August.
Barbara Jeffrey and her Celtic Harp
Folk Uniting Concert
The Cranbourne Regional Uniting Church held their quarterly concert with a number of people playing, including FolkUs and harpist Barbara Jeffrey. See above for FolkUs, I've seen them a few times now and they provide great entertainment. You should ask them to perform their 'Tea' song' - it's got "flavour". Barbara Jeffrey's music is sublime - really! The previous time I heard her play (the day before) I just had to buy her CD. It's not every day you hear Celtic Harp plus great vocals. She's on Facebook if you want to look her up, and she has a website too, if you want more information about her music.
Newport RSL
Audience participation was really good for May with listeners prompting some of the lyrics for me! Good on ya Jimmy!
The Cranbourne Regional Uniting Church held their quarterly concert with a number of people playing, including FolkUs and harpist Barbara Jeffrey. See above for FolkUs, I've seen them a few times now and they provide great entertainment. You should ask them to perform their 'Tea' song' - it's got "flavour". Barbara Jeffrey's music is sublime - really! The previous time I heard her play (the day before) I just had to buy her CD. It's not every day you hear Celtic Harp plus great vocals. She's on Facebook if you want to look her up, and she has a website too, if you want more information about her music.
Newport RSL
Audience participation was really good for May with listeners prompting some of the lyrics for me! Good on ya Jimmy!
Nancy and friends
Lexington Gardens
Lexington Gardens in Springvale, was a warmer place due to the efforts of Nancy and her friends. The Open Stage concert is a new monthly concert whose success is due in large part to the efforts of a fine gentleman named Garry.
Northcote Contra Dance
The Uniting Church in Northcote once again heard the tunes of Maggie Duncan's orchestra and I once again managed to take leave for a couple of songs and join in (thanks Lynette!) A good night had by all.
Lexington Gardens in Springvale, was a warmer place due to the efforts of Nancy and her friends. The Open Stage concert is a new monthly concert whose success is due in large part to the efforts of a fine gentleman named Garry.
Northcote Contra Dance
The Uniting Church in Northcote once again heard the tunes of Maggie Duncan's orchestra and I once again managed to take leave for a couple of songs and join in (thanks Lynette!) A good night had by all.
