BO TERM 4 SESSION 7 21 NOV

Present: Bruce S, Dave, Kathryn, Trevor, Holly, Alasdair, Simon L, Simon D.
We worked on McGlashan's Third Figure of the lancers. Bruce S suggested it and a good suggestion it was. It involves 4 parts with two parts incorporating motifs that are unusual and a bit challenging. We took a while to cover it all putting Holly through a rough patch as she has only recently joined. We discussed chords and how to use visual devices to assist in memorizing tunes. After the break each member chose a tune to play.

BO Term 4 Session 6 14 Nov

I left the post too late to remember all present. We had 12 participants. The tune we mainly worked on was Hilarity , trying to develop the chords as we have has 2 versions for some time. Anyway, we are going with the chords Bruce Williams modified. We then went round the room each person picking a tune to work on. Finally we looked at a Scottish Jig, Calliope House a very popular tune at Irish sessions.

The Newport Bush Orchestra - Making Music Every Monday

Monday night and the Bush Orchetra are playing - the new accomodation works well and the sound is fantastic (as a recording of tonight's playing will show when Alan finds a way to upload it). Lots and lots of tunes (not just the Black Cat Kathryn!) and Newport is the beneficiary of this lovely vibe coming from Outlets. All that hard work has certainly paid off dividends.

Music on Mason - Saturday the 19th of Nov

Lots of music on Mason St this Saturday. The folk club officially launched the Bushers Stage made by guitarist and carpenter extrordinaire Ted Smith (have a look at the plaque next time you are at Sammy's) and Ted and the Ukulele Dolls played a set each to get things going. We then had the future of music in Newport with the Newport Lakes PS singers (pictured) and children from Newport Gardens PS performing songs and pieces from this year's musical. In amongst it all the Tin Pan Cowboys got up on stage and ran through a couple of tunes. The pictures show the weather (bleak, and mild to heavy rain) but this didn't dampen our parade. The Ted Stage is fully weather proof, accomodates a full pa and foldback, so we ensured that all of Newport knew that there was mutsic on. There were plenty of proud smiles from the parents, and lots of interests from the cars driving by (and their passengers). Their expressions seemed to suggest a mood of 'Who would have thought??'. Anyway its now about 5 years since the first Music in Mason (a tradition!) - the stage is literally set for anyone who wants to get up and play. Test it our when you are out buying bagels.

Music on Mason

Saturday morning's rainy outlook was brightened up in Mason Street by a Music on Mason session organised by the NFFC. Ted Smith performed on his now eponymous stage, which was officially opened before the music commenced complete with brass plaque.

Other appearances included the Ukelele Dolls, Newport Gardens p.s., Newport Lakes p.s and the Tin Pan Cowboys who were warming up for the Big West Festival on Sunday at the Substation.

Newport Choir at the Big Sing at the Big West Festival 2011

The Newport Choir rehearsed for weeks to be part of the Big Sing at the opening of the big West Festival.

We joined with other choirs to form a choral group of 200 voices: Kensington, Laverton, Willin Women, Voice, Altona Sirens, Sunshine Sings, Brimbank Multicultural Choir, I'm Singing in Sunshine, Footscray City PS, Three Trees, Gilmore Girls and the Western English Language School! It wouldn't surprise me if there were others.

The purpose of the mass choir was to support MASSIVE, Australia's first hip hop choir.

Initially MASSIVE travelled around to choirs clustered in their regions to rehearse in manageable sized groups. The final rehearsal was held in the Newport Substation and at last we could appreciate the gigantic concept behind the event. This was a multigenerational, multilingual, multicultural extravaganza: fresh rap lyrics, original beats, body percussion and Polynesian traditional dance.

I managed a few photographs for the Club blog of both the Substation gathering and the show. This was just too good to let pass with sharing.

Being in the mix of such a big sound and powerful rhythm has confirmed in me that it is possible to fly without leaving the ground!

Enjoy ...

Jackie Kerin (soprano Newport Community Choir)

Ned Comes to Newport

On Friday 11th November I went to see Ashley Davies' 'acclaimed multimedia production of Ned Kelly which re-tells the story we all think we know. Featuring a live, six piece band, performing with projected archival images and a recorded narration by Ian Jones, Australia's foremost Kelly historian. This moving presentation evokes all the emotions and drama of this haunting saga'. I took Georgina to give her a break from her study and she asked me what was the show - I had to say I didn't really know. When we got there the Substation was set up in carabet mode (seats and tables - about 12o people including some local hot guitarists - curious!). The show started off with a folk duo who were great and after a break the light went out and then on came the band - electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass, violin keyboards and full drum set (I think the drummer was Ashley Davies who wrote the show).
It started off with some slides and footage of the bush (in color) and then went to b&w - some narration (recorded) and then some slides of text - then the band got going. It was soon clear why the hot musos were in the audience - these were serious players who provided the sound track to the text and occasional narration. Each section was divided into chapters (The Mad Dream Becomes a Nightmare / Dancing on The Coffin) and so it had the feel of an oratorio without the singing. The music stood on its own (I would have bought the cd if it was on offer) but its impact on the story was strong and evocative - Jerrilderie, Ned being chased, the last stand, The court were all brought to life for the 1.5 hours of the show. Fantastic - not a hero worshopping or condemning of Ned, just the story within its context to give us an insight into the life and times of Ned in Victoria during his lifetime.
Well worth seeing if it comes together again.
Michael
to read more http://www.mattwalkerandashleydavies.com/maash_hit_of_the_festival.htm

BO at Diggers Rest 12 Nov 2011

Present: Fiona,Trevor, Mike de V, Bruce S, Llyn S, Christina S, Neil, Maryanne, Rob, Annette, Alasdair and Greg.
Bruce W got stuck in a traffic snarl and our erstwhile folk club president forgot.
The function was for Extended Families, an organization set up to assist families with disabled children by building mentoring relationships with the kids.
So we were doing a good thing!
The venue was the Animal farm at Diggers rest.
The sun was shining the birds tweeting and the sausages sizzling as we arrived. By the time I got there, the music had already started and it rolled on for about 2 hours to a very appreciative and enthusiastic audience. Tunes were played and songs were sung, tea was consumed and snags demolished. All too soon it was time to pack up. If only all our performances were as pleasant.
Thanks to those who turned up, many form long distances and a very well done to all of us! There was talk of getting us to do a bush dance for them next year.
greg

Open Stage 11 11 11

The final Newport Open Stage for 2011 was held on the magically auspicious 11/11/11. There were more than 11 acts, with performances by Phil, Ted, Bill and Gordon, Sunny&Cloudy, Tall Boys, Simon Kerr, Bruce+Leonie+Rob, Mira, Jane, Bruce W, Rob Richmond, Alan, and Simon L. This magical night ended after 11 with everyone looking forward to picking up once again in Feb 2012.

S

BO SESSION 5 term 4 2011

Present: Bruce S, Kerry,Simon D, Simon L, Nancy, Fiona, Alasdair,Trevor,Kathryn,Chris H.
At Alasdair's suggestion we worked through Ten Pretty Girls, the tune I want to use for the Palais Glide. It would be great if we knew it for our March bush dance. Bruce suggested Stan Treacey's mazurka which we dealt with well. It was a bit of a grind as we had not been doing the tune learning thing for a while and the group took a while to get into a rhythm. It ended well with two tunes under the belt. We had time to go round the room each person suggesting a tune to revisit and before we knew it it was time.

Fame in Bendigo is Gold!

The Newport Bush Orchestra with Greg and Alasdair featured in the local Bendigo paper entertaining at on the streets of Maldon for the Maldon Folk Festival. We'll have to get this v famous band to liven up the streets of Newport before the year is out. Thanks to Terry and Moira for locating the article.

BO at williamstown LSC Cup Day

Present; Alasdair,Katherine,Rob R, Kerry, Chris H, Llyn,Chris K, Mike S, Mike de Valle,Steve M, Wendy L, Rhonwyn and Greg.
We performed at our now regular event organized by Katherine for the LSC. Matilda Simpson, another year older danced the Irish jig to our music and a few other kids joined in. We were left pretty much to our own devices as participants were few, so I conjured up and strung together about 40 tunes one after the other. It was brilliant. no rehearsal, no preparation but it sounded huge and coherent. I never cease to be amazed at the sound we can produce and the size of our repertoire.
GREG

BO at Maldon Folk Festival

Greg drove up to Maldon hoping to repeat our performance of 2009 where we raged all night playing endless Aussie and other stuff. Alas it was not to be. The weather and possibly the festival conspired to empty the main street of folks. Where once there were 200 strollers and buskers wandering and playing there were 60 not very enthusiastic folks promenading. We (Katherine, Jet lagged Rob, Alasdair, Steve and Annette) held our own for a few hours but the lack of atmosphere ran us down and after one really good session we fizzed out. it was still good to do but ....
greg

BO Session 4 term4 2011

The BO session was held on the Monday before the cup so that although numbers were down we still managed a very productive session.
Present
Alasdair,Katherine,Rob R, Ian, Nancy, Simon L, Rhonwyn, Marilla Trevor and Greg.
We added Bobby Shafto to our repertoire and coupled it with Jessica's mountain. We went 3 times round the group playing a tune of your choice and time went like lightening.