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IMBIL ACOUSTIC MUSIC WEEKEND 2011 A review by Alison MacKenzie The Imbil Acoustic Music Weekend, held at the Borumba Deer Park each November, has always been a highlight on the acoustic music calendar for me. The annual gathering was my first introduction to a picking weekend (thanks Snowy!) so it has a special place in my heart. It also always marks for me the beginning of summer and a terrific chance to relax in the lovely natural environment the park offers. Oh, and of course, to learn from and to play loads of music with old and new friends alike! A big congratulations to Sue and Steve Treloar for organising yet another successful gathering; this year was Steve and Sue's fifth and final year as the organisers of this event and what a way to go out! The concert, in particular, on Saturday evening was an absolute treat. The standard of musicianship was superb; the variety of programming beautifully thought out and the sound quality in the venue was outstanding (well done to Mal Nebe and the hardworking support team). From 2012 the event's organising baton will be passed on to Brenda and John Withers, Lynne Dand and Geoff White and I'm sure I join many in wishing them all the best for the future. We'll look forward to their new energy and direction. The festival has now been going for 18 years (and counting!) and special thanks needs to also go out to the founding organisers, Julie and Jamie Witney, for their innovation in creating such a lovely weekend. The workshops this year were diverse, fun and well attended by devotees and beginners alike, 'yodeling' by Karen Jackson proving a most ground-breaking idea! The poet's breakfast and unplugged blackboard concert were, as always, the perfect way to start a lazy, warm Sunday. And, the addition of a coffee, pizza and hot foods van was well appreciated by all. Unfortunately the weekend did not end on the high note that it should have. There was confusion and dissent over the way the festival admin fee was collected by the venue from some attendees, and very sadly a ten o’clock curfew was enforced on the last evening, cutting short what should have been a terrific last night of jamming. Hopefully the new organisers will be able to sort out these important issues with the venue owners so that there is no confusion and upset caused at future gatherings. NEURUM CREEK - HOT AND COLD Royal Neurum Gala Performance by Shaz (Sharon Jackson) This year's Neurum Creek Festival may be succinctly summed up as Hot and Cold. But no self-respecting person can be content with just a few words can she? Besides, the performances were deserving of royal attention, which became more of a feature as the weekend went on. Cold first. If I see an email for next year's NCBR I will think automatically of Neurum Creek-Brrrr. I've spent warmer weekends camping in the Scottish highlands, which I can tell you is nae fae the squeamish. Still, the wet did provide some fun when a rain laden tarp over spilled and poured down in to Ian's backside! There was only one cure for this and an emergency dash was made to the nearest Uncle Dan's for some medicinal Stones Green Ginger Wine and all was well. It also provided an appropriate backdrop for the newly fledged Sea Shanty Workshop. The bearded dragon soon had us belaying, heaving and harmonized to the point I'm about to take the king's shilling and sail away to a life of war, women and waste; well done Dave. The wind was just petulant, starting and stopping, not even being of use drying some washing, it was just too lazy to go around us but blew through us. This leads naturally on to a cure for the cold and our need for something Hot. I've decided that this festival should come with a health warning -"may cause headache, nausea and sexual dysfunction" or something. This festival is HOT, there was just so much on offer, Hot Mulled : crowd favourite, Hot Toddy: anytime , Hot Dogs, Hot Camp fires and Yes, Hot humankind about as well . I think there might've been some musical entertainment in the background but more on that later. Lets get back to Hot. Oliver of the Manouche variety has always been high on the chick magnet scale as soon as he starts to play but now, he has risen to irresistible with a 5 month old Alaskan Malamute (Sheena) at his side. It was amazing to see how many dogs had brought along their workers to enjoy themselves. Amos the tearaway teenager had brought along Mark & Rachel, Tara the German Shepherd had brought Josephine and is easily the most beautiful security guard I've ever seen. Then Bonnie the Corgi brought Shayne to lend a regal air to the proceedings. There was definitely nobility in the air, aided and abetted by Buckingham Green, which reigned supreme. Remind me to bring this team of interior designers and fire makers everywhere to create an inspiring atmosphere for the musicians therein. My Lord of Tigger, thinly disguised as Martin Pearson gave a masterful performance and wrapped us in his warmth and humour. Not to mention his spellbinding wizard's wand, which he tried to tell us, was a chair leg. In fact, only the real Queen was missing but I hear tell Elton can't get a sitter. BUT, scorching HOT were those Hydrangeas! If you missed these gals, you missed a rare treat - a carnival of cocks, a doozy of doxxies and a celebration of salaciousness - these gals gave it to us in their uniquely crafted lyrics and alluring frolics. Lost and lovelorn, do call in Drs Dolores for a cure. And the music? Ah yes. It is far from me to judge but I hope the performers will accept some considered acclaim. Those peerless Pigs gave such a performance that they tempted the youngest festival goer out of his cot. No parents needed thank you. A retriever of some sort might be though, thinks I. Murphy's may have a challenger though for the best use of stage space in Donny's Pigs Not listed on the new and very useful program, Don led us through a who's who of performers over an era of spirited music making and fine collaborations. Spot the Dog were Spot on, Tulca Mor were morish and the Barleyshakes shook us out of our trees. As special mention must go to Davydd McDonald who danced up a storm on a sixpence at midnight on Saturday night and never fell off stage once. You have to remember that at that time of day the bar pirates had done us proud and we had returned the favour by drinking the bar dry of Hot Mulled. We were becoming well acquainted with the tent poles as Davydd pounded the boards. The Goodwills lived up to their word and created a bank of it. The Soulman did is his work well, easily capturing our souls with his reggae roots and echoes of Eric Bibb. Not only were the performers brilliantly entertaining, the way they were presented to us was inspired, building our anticipation and enjoyment as the weekend and the wine flowed on. Outstanding though were the performances of the organizers and volunteers who seamlessly blended hard work with great fun. From the afore mentioned and popular bar pirates, the eloquent and capable MC's, the workshop leaders to the tireless sound guys and those marvelous campers who remember you need to bring a cup to put your teabag in. That's you Rose. Her Maj does not know what she is missing and you don't want to. To hell with the cold, get your thermals organized for next year and remember if the festival hurts your head, it also provides the cure, in fact several of them and a huge boost to your mental health. Book yourselves in for another Royal Neurum Gala Performance 2012. Shaz (Sharon Jackson)
2011 WINTER SCHOOL WRAP-UP by John Thompson, Co-ordinator Maleny Celtic Winter School Thanks to everybody who contributed to the great success of this year's Maleny Celtic Winter School. Once again, the hills rang with music over three days of great sessions, over 25 classes, our busiest Ceili yet and loads of wonderful music. 1. Photos and Videos 2. Survey If you'd like to take part in this year's survey, follow this link: www.surveymonkey.com/s/KHYPKZS 3. Change of Dates For Next Year Let us know your thoughts. And finally, on behalf of all of our committee-members and volunteers, thank you for helping make the third Maleny Celtic Winter School a success.
FOLK REDLANDS FESTIVAL / IndigiDayOut - WRAP UP By Pat Hall Another perfect weekend of music and sunshine, getting many festival goers involved from Morris and Belly Dancing to very successful instrumental workshops. A well received blackboard on the Kingfisher Stage both days featured great performances from The Harmony workshop singers with The Pirate Brides who sang two songs, Lonnie Martin & Dave Hughes acapella folk to the delightful original songs of 12 year old Asha Jeffries. Concerts with Sly Jacks Delta, Evan Mathieson, Mark Davidson and friends, Anne Infante, Silken Thomas, Stockade, Pirate Brides, Bums, Redlands Bluegrass Boys and many more. Súnas closed the festival on the Garden Stage with songs from their latest album engaging the audience with their wonderful Celtic sounds. This was a free weekend. Many thanks to IndigiScapes for providing a superb outdoor venue, Redlands Council and the many volunteers who helped made it happen.
WINTERMOON FESTIVAL 2011 29th April to 2nd May 2011Easter Friday saw the start of a fun & music filled week leading up to the Wintermoon Festival this year. Artists included: Shane Howard & His Band, Kristina Olsen, The Twine, Vardos, Damian Howard & the Ploughboys, Pearl, Gudju Gudju, Tiffany Eckhardt & Dave Steel, Bruce Watson, The Ellis Collective, Sunde Fix & Burton, Sarah McMonagle, Barley Shakes, Dave Flower Band, Old Boys Gospel Band, Sarah Cann, Jay Bishoff, Steady Eddy, Mike & Thom Jackson, The Fat Cigars, Charlotte Emily, Rob Bruce, Swoon, Aquapella, Thornlands, Campbell the Swaggie.
CONFESSIONS OF A SLACK PUNTER by Maree Robertson First, I have to admit, the August FolkRag Old & New Concert was the FIRST I've been to since it moved to Newstead. It was also my first musical outing of any kind in months (long story, broken ankle, broken mind, blah blah), but that was only a part excuse. The truth is, I hate going to new places, & it takes a lot for me to risk something I don't already KNOW to be comfortable, warm & safe. So, it was the driving motivation of stir-craziness that had me mass-texting my mates to take me out, ANYWHERE, which really got me there on August 20th (thanks Shez!). From now on, I will try very hard to never miss it again. I love everything about the FolkRag, its history (herstory - Fiona & June Nichols), its refreshing lack of shiny advertising, & its sheer faithfulness in providing Brisbane folk with a reliably comprehensive guide to everything folk & beyond. I love being able to refer newcomers to it (& the brisfolk elist, thanks again Shez!). These concerts are its lifeblood. The performers donate their time & energy, & a great team of people make it happen seamlessly, with the most welcoming, relaxed, friendly atmosphere you could hope for. At this venue, the Danish Association sell a delightful diversity of food at affordable prices, & the bar is quiet, respectful & well placed for discreet purchasing (not like most pubs who seem to ignore the MUSIC making). So, I loved it before the music even started! & I kinda thought I'd heard most of it before, so I wasn't really expecting to be blown away, and yet I was, with each and every set, of wildly diverse genres of music. I've seen Evan Mathieson play many times, but I felt like his 'stage presence' had softened, grounded, & blossomed (if you can imagine Evan 'blossoming' ;-). I especially loved his poignant setting of Harry Robertson's words about the abomination that was the Reform School & prison on Cockatoo Island. I thoroughly enjoyed every song, & had my first opportunity to 'sing along' in way too long, thanks Evan! The next act was new to me, a fledgling combo, two thirds of The Switch, which features Alison St Ledger's amazing vocals, I can only imagine how impressive the trio must be, because the duo of Sallie Campbell & Dave McGuire was extraordinary. I kept being reminded of some of the world-class fiddlers & guitarists I've seen at the National, such new virtuosity was a great discovery! I'm not adept at identifying instrumental styles, time signatures etc (& Terry Jacob beside me was no help at all ;-), but it was all what I like best, 'quirky'. I shall follow them, and I expect that to be far. Due to a scheduling juggle, the third act was the 'big band' of the night, Greshka. Their music was more obviously identifiable, in the pocket of the Klezmer/Balkan/East European mix that's been very popular with the 'young crowd' via Doch, Cat Empire etc. I LOVED the brass, there's nothing like a woman playing saxophone ;-) The clarinet playing was super, & it's the wonderful mark of the FolkRag's stretch that we get to hear such a spectrum of instruments being played (& kudos to Mark Smith, the volunteer sound engineer - the sound was uniformly great!). The real serendipity of the juggled set-times was that the last act of the night was the most gentle of all, Christine Douglas & Mark Davidson as Martine. The 'story arc' style of this, which meant we were left with a beautiful, settling set of well chosen, story-filled songs, sung with open-hearted, genuine love… was for me, the perfect end to a truly gorgeous evening. Thanks to Michael for his astute programming, and to the regular attendees, for keeping this series thriving! I do always make sure I DONATE an equal amount to the entry fee for every concert I've missed, & suggest that everyone who can't always make it, do the same. My only disquiet is, at 47, why did I feel like I was the youngest person there, apart from the bands? I remember folk clubs where the age range was broad, but our next generation seem to not be 'audience' oriented, other than via the festival culture, is there some way to ensure we aren't the last generation of this 'revival'? Should we possibly ask one of the 'young ones' to organise their OWN concert events occasionally, & mentor them, so we have some generational handover of THOSE skills? In the meantime, thanks be to The Folk Rag
at the CLOVELY CELLAR DOOR A review by Cathoel Jorss and Ross Clark Imagine a gig where you burst into tears in the middle of a song. For a moment the audience holds its breath and your band looks concerned: will you be able to finish? Come on Roz, come on, you are exhorting yourself. Then you go on - of course you do - and the song builds to a rending climax that brings the roaring audience to a frenzy. It’s in a winery – or rather the cellar door of the winery, which is several hundred miles from the sniff of any vine. Just so have these well-seasoned songs of your own come a long way from the mouth of the vault in your own life that issued them. They are well composted in. Imagine a gig where you kick off your shoes, and then a few choruses later you step into them again. Then you pull out a pair of thongs and brandish them at the audience. I forgot these, you say. Later you swap your comfortable, uncomfortable Mary Janes for a pair of Docs. You have lured your dad down from Innisfail. It feels like everyone in the audience is a childhood friend. Sam’s impeccably rock and roll instincts lead him to come down by Greyhound bus: worthy of a song in itself. Dad - Sam - keeps calling you Roslyn onstage. He tells a few embarrassing stories about your childhood, as Dads do. A highlight of the evening is Dad’s own song, which the two of you have never sung together before. Everyone’s in tears because girl, you are on fire! Then you invite your band up: the Wayward Gentlemen, so-called presumably because you have poached them one by one from the sides of various stages at gigs around town. That is, you all met in pubs. It’s very folk. Your lapsteel guitarist is Rob Sherwood, who has just won a sailing race that day. Silas Palmer the keyboard player is actually a famous fiddler. Your drummer Aaron Millard knows a groove when he hits it. Lincoln Retallack on upright Steinberger electric bass looks like he is handling a sculpture. You are Roz Pappalardo, also of Women in Docs. The gig was organised by Angela Kitzelman, who also joins you onstage for a lurid version of Living on a Prayer. Opening act Don Jarmey broke the ice - and the stage - with a little folkenroll of his own. Since Don built this stage there is no one to blame but himself. And as the audience stumbles blissfully home and Dad is giving picking lessons to dawdlers, it seems that maybe this is what folk is all about. You have made these songs yourself out of your own experience. You have taken other people’s songs and made them your own. You have won an audience, thick with accomplished musicians, by being yourself. Roz Pappalardo, you rock.
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ROZ PAPPALARDO