Newport Fiddle and Folk Club

Choir back for 2012

2012-02-02T16:10:00.000-08:00

The Newport Community Choir is back in fine form for 2012. With a few regular members unable to come this week we were down to 17 singers but it was great to have a couple of newcomers - welcome Lizzy and Emily! We started off with a new song - the Skyhooks classic Horror Movie. Sounding good already. Anyone who feels like singing and is free on Wednesday nights - come and join us!

Christmas Carols 2011 - Pics 2

2011-12-21T18:48:00.000-08:00

Carols at the Substation was a lovely night - lots (and lots) of people, 2 schools (Newport Lakes and Newport Gardens) 1 community group (The Karen Choir) and of course many NFFC'ers playing (the Carols Orchestra) and Performing (Ukulele Dolls, Powder Room Secrets) and many friends. What a great way to complete the musical year. Merry Christmas.

Christmas Carols 2011 - Pics 1

2011-12-21T18:07:00.000-08:00

The Carols Orchestra - A Bit Blurry but ......

2011-12-13T21:19:00.000-08:00

BO TERM 4 SESSION 7 21 NOV

2011-11-21T16:02:00.000-08:00

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

BO Term 4 Session 6 14 Nov

2011-11-21T15:57:00.000-08:00

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

The Newport Bush Orchestra - Making Music Every Monday

2011-11-21T02:23:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-21T02:07:00.000-08:00

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

Music on Mason

2011-11-20T17:15:00.000-08:00

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

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

2011-11-15T15:56:00.000-08:00

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

Ned Comes to Newport

2011-11-12T16:44:00.001-08:00

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

BO at Diggers Rest 12 Nov 2011

2011-11-11T21:49:00.000-08:00

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

Open Stage 11 11 11

2011-11-11T16:35:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-07T16:49:00.000-08:00

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

Fame in Bendigo is Gold!

2011-11-02T14:10:00.000-07:00

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

2011-11-01T00:24:00.000-07:00

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

BO at Maldon Folk Festival

2011-11-01T00:17:00.000-07:00

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,

BO Session 4 term4 2011

2011-11-01T00:10:00.000-07:00

The BO session was held on the Monday before the cup so that although numbers were down we still managed a very productive session.PresentAlasdair,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.

October's Folk Club Session

2011-10-31T17:25:00.000-07:00

Another lovely night of music - Rob Durbridge down from the country obliged with old favourites 'I'd Rather Have Your Love' and 'Changi Banjo', Kathryn lead a set of bush orchestra tunes, a newly formed trio 'Powderroom Secrets' entertained with Patsy Cline a capella, Ted provided some fancy fingerpicking. Being so close to the race, Jackie told her (now famous) story of Phar Lap, with props and

Maldon Folk Festival - The Instrument Maker's Exhibition.

2011-10-30T07:38:00.000-07:00

Ah the un-sung heroes of the Folk Festival. The first link in the chain. Instrument makers. And like good crafts-people everywhere, they have plenty of interesting stuff to share, and are usually up for a chat. There were some beautiful instruments, and some really quirky stuff as well. My favourite stand was that of Bill Crocker's. Sitting amongst a table full of fiddles, bows,

BO session 3 term 4 2011

2011-10-25T00:03:00.000-07:00

PresentKathryn, Chris K, DaveI, Alasdair, Ian, Bruce S, Trevor, Kerry, Simon L, Nancy, Greg.This session saw a number tune gone over:Uncle Affies, The Rodoni Set, The Chicken dance much to the chagrin of Dave I, Hilarity, The kerfunken Jig, The Trentham Jig.Nancy, returning from a long absence valiantly chased the chords down, Trevor had done homework and it showed, Ian picked stuff up like

BO SESSION 2 TERM 4 2011

2011-10-18T02:57:00.000-07:00

AttendedChris K, Alasdair, Simon D, Bruce S, Cathryn T, Kerry, Trevor, me.At least we had a mixed gender group again.After torturing the the rhythm section by running through the chords of a few tunes over and over, we went round the group one by one naming tunes to present. We managed about 24 of out tunes. This was excellent as a few had not been played for ages and needed a bit of tender

BO at Betty O'Leary's 100th Birthday

2011-10-15T00:28:00.000-07:00

Sat Oct 15 saw a section of the Newport BO attend my mothers' 100th birthday.Present Chris K,Chris H, Alasdair, Helen C, Llyn S, Maryanne C, Neil J, Bruce W, Don Gula, Steve M and Bruce S and me. The ad hoc subgroup of the BO performed brilliantly, mixing songs and tunes effortlessly and providing a wonderful soundscape for the party as a whole. I expected the guests to be unreactive as

Bush Orchestra Session 1 Term 4 2011

2011-10-13T22:08:00.000-07:00

The BO started the term in our new premises at Outlets CO-Op, a beautiful new hall at the front of Outlets. Thanks to Therese for making it available.Attendees were Greg O'L, Dave I, Bruce S, Kerry D, Trevor H, Simon L, Chris K, Simon D. Alasdair Mc. Amazingly no females attended (first time ever).We eased into the term by reviewing a few of the more recent tunes and a few of the oldies.

NBO Substation performance Oct 13 2011

2011-10-13T22:06:00.000-07:00

The BO performed for the Hobson's Bay "Reinvent or Retire’ Community Forum and Information Expo" at the Substation on Thurs 13th. We were fantastic as usual.personnel were. Greg O'L, Dave I, Bruce S, Kerry D, Trevor H, Simon L, Chris K, Simon D. Maryanne C, Chris H. Alasdair Mc.I am constantly amazed by the quality of the sound we make, and even more so as it was our first gig for ages. The

Access All Areas

2011-10-11T15:30:00.000-07:00

Some of the best music professionals in Melbourne’s western suburbs will combine for the Access All Areas workshop later this month. The Newport Substation will resound to the voice of the massed choir on Sunday October 23, as they sing original music by local composer and Green Room award recipient Fiona Roake. The floors will shake to the beat of local Stagecraft instructor Sara Grenfell,

Newport Bush Orchestra Term 4 2011 - Let the Music Begin

2011-10-10T14:40:00.000-07:00

The Newport Bush Orchestra fired up for term 4 last night at their new venue - the just completed Outlets Hall. Apart from being freshly painted, all shiny and new, the room has lovely bright acoustics and so the players really enjoyed the evening. To begin the new term Greg O'Leary is back (many thanks to Dave Isom for holding the reins last term) and it was an all men turnout so plenty of

Newport Strings go on tour

2011-10-09T04:02:00.000-07:00

Newport Strings with guests Mark, Danny, Jennifer, Phillipa and Bernard put on a concert today to a full house at Millrose Gallery in Ballan. A big thank-you to everyone who participated, and to those who came up from Newport to join the locals in the audience. I thought it was a wonderful afternoon. Steve[Click pic below to see picture album]Newport Strings Ballan Oct 9, 2011

The Newport Session @ Newport Bowls Club

2011-10-07T19:50:00.000-07:00

An evening spent with the NFFC in an evening well spent. The club celebrates the traditional, the original, the classic, the folk, the beginner and the maestro. Storytelling as anecdote, bush ballad, Shakespeare … are all shared and aired in the mix of fiddles, guitars, banjos and tin whistles. Creative collisions and collaborations are frequent. Here’s a fine example …

Annual Report 2010

2011-02-26T14:16:00.000-08:00

Our 2010 Annual Report provides an overview of our activities during 2010 and a summary of the club finances for the year.Download the Annual Report (PDF, 391kB)

Newport Bush Orchestra February 21'st 2011

2011-02-22T21:55:00.000-08:00

Present: Alasdair, Anette, Bruce S, Bruce W, Christina P, Dave, Frances, Greg O, Helen H, Julie, Kathryn, Kerry, Leonie, Marilla, Michael d V, Rhonwyn, Rob R, Simon D, Trevor, Wendy L,Tonight we reviewed 'Jinker's Hi Ho', 'Me & My True Love', 'Step It Out Mary' (and learnt the 3'rd part - see below), 'Harry McQueenn's Set Tune', 'McGlashen's Step Clog'. We then learnt MGlashen's 3'rd Figure of

Newport Bush Orchestra February 14th 2011

2011-02-15T01:12:00.000-08:00

Present: Alasdair, Anette, Bruce S, Bruce W, Chris K, Christine H, Christina P, Dave, Frances, Greg O, Helen C, Helen H, Julie, Kathryn, Kerry, Leonie, Lorraine, Marilla, Rob R, Simon D, Trevor, Wendy L, We kept up the frenetic pace tonight and learnt 'Jinker's Hi Ho', 'Me & My True Love', 'Step It Out Mary' (1'st two parts), 'Harry McQueenn's Set Tune', 'McGlashen's Step Clog'. We also welcomed

Open Stage, Feb 2011

2011-02-12T02:49:00.000-08:00

Our second regular gig for the year went swimmingly. Loads of local talent graced the stage of the Community Hall, along with a new voice.In the brave first position we had the pictured young man. He opened the night with gusto and two original songs.Next was our very own Bill. Warm and engaging, with a fabulous voice. Alan wheeled out his usual style and panache, with some excellent tunes. (

Bush Orchestra on 7:30 Report

2011-02-11T22:34:00.001-08:00

The Bush Orchestra appears (briefly) in a 7:30 Report story about the Confedederate warship Shenandoah's visit to Melbourne in 1865. We played at the launch of an exhibition about the visit at Seaworks, and the ABC camera crew were there.The Shenandoah story starts 21 minutes 45 seconds into the program.View the 11 Feb 7:30 Report on iview.

Ragusa

2011-02-10T23:22:00.000-08:00

And so the musical year begins. The first of our regular Folk Club events began last night with Ragusa. (A new Croatian eatery in Williamstown, hosting ambience and delicious food). Held on the second Thursday of every month, this is a good one to mark in your calendar, it is always a fabulous evening.Last night we were treated to the fancy fingerpickin' antics of the internationally acclaimed,

Choir at Yarraville Festival.

2011-02-10T23:09:00.000-08:00

If you haven't been to theYarraville Festival before, try and make it along. There will be loads of fun for everyone. It is a fabulous showcase of all the amazing talent that we have here in the West.And speaking of which, the Newport Community Choir will be strutting our stuff. At 12.00 on the Orange stage. That will be in Ballarat St. just outside the Sun Theatre.We have been practicing madly,

Newport Bush Orchestra February 7th 2011

2011-02-08T00:44:00.000-08:00

Present: Greg OL, Michael DV, Alasdair, Dave I, Trevor (new member), Kerrie, Simon D, Christine H, Kathryn, Christina, Wendy, Chris K, Rhonwyn, Annette, Helen H, Bruce S, Bruce W, Rob R, Alan D.As mentioned below, we had a great turnout and got straight into it, with the new tunes coming thick and fast. We learnt 'McGlashen's Step Clog' in G, 'I Threw More Whitewash Over My Mother Than Over the

Newport Bush Orchestra - Term 1: 2011 (Year 6)

2011-02-07T14:06:00.000-08:00

The Newport Bush Orchestra settled into their first practice session for 2011 last night (Monday Feb 7). The have moved residence and now practice in the Newport Community Hall (17 Mason St, Newport). This is a bigger room than at Outlets and so suits the growth of the NBO - who had a roll call of 20 players last night. As always the music and the vibe was lively and upbeat - not surprising

BO first night tunes

2011-02-06T21:56:00.001-08:00

NBO at Seaworks - Launch of Shenandoah Exhibition

2011-02-03T17:59:00.000-08:00

Bush Orchestra at Seaworks

2011-02-03T03:04:00.000-08:00

BO members.Another outstanding effort with a heap of pressure playing the Lancers. The dancers were impressed.If you ask Bruce you will find that this one almost did him in. Once the acceptance happened, the involvement he had agreed to just escalated till we were straining at the seams. Radio performances for some and new and unheard tunes for others. Photoshoots in 40C heat, changes to

Australia Day Bush Orchestra Gig

2011-01-27T15:16:00.000-08:00

The BO performed in the park on the Altona foreshore on Australia day. Our first effort for 2011 had us playing at our best. It was a pleasure to be up there doing our stuff with energy, verve and passion. The sound guy, Bruce, gave us a great onstage sound and we took it from there. Present :Alan Davies , Alasdair McCallum, Annette Johansson, Bruce Stanbury, Bruce Williams, Chris Knoop,

Bush Orchestra gets off to a flying start

2011-01-13T03:57:00.000-08:00

There are two opportunities to hear the Bush Orchestra over the next few weeks. We're playing at Logan Reserve on Australia Day (26 Jan, 6:30pm, Logan Reserve Altona) and at Seaworks (Nelson Pl Williamstown) at 6:45 on 3 February to as part of celebrations to mark the arrival of the Confederate warship Shenandoah at Williamstown in 1865.Then on 8 April we're heading up to Maryborough for a gig,

Dates for first term 2011

2011-01-09T01:09:00.000-08:00

All our dates for Term 1, 2011 are now in the Calendar.Bush Orchestra and Choir rehearsals, Club Nights, Open Stage Nights, live music at Ragusa, the Bush Dance, the club AGM and more. Get out your diary and make a few notes!

Carols Night

2010-12-20T02:45:00.001-08:00

What a lovely way to end our program of events for the year! With a choir of 45, an orchestra of 35 and well over 200 in the audience, there was not a spare seat in the house. And what a beautiful sound with everyone singing together! The orchestra and choir led us in a string of old favourite carols, interspersed with solo performances from local musicians. The lighting, sound and staging

Final Friday Session for 2010

2010-11-28T19:36:00.001-08:00

The final folk club session for 2010 was the NFFC at its best - a wide range of styles and offerings, the spirit of community that is more talked about then realised, and a couple of very fond farewells.The music - Simon Leverton got things started with 'Do re me' the dust bowl song of Woodie Guthrie telling of the need for money and of life's reversals of fortune - most apt. This kicked of a

Newport Bush Orchestra Nov 8th and Nov 15th

2010-11-16T03:03:00.000-08:00

Nov 15thPresent: Alasdair McC, Annette J, Bruce Stanbury, Bruce W, Catherine D, Chris K, Christine H, Christina P, Dave I, Greg O'L, Helen C, Julie R, Kathryn T, Marilla H, Mira M, Rhonwyn C, Wendy L.This evening we reviewed the verse section of the old show tune 'Yip I Addy I Ay' and learnt 'Jessica's Mountain'.Nov 8thPresent: Alasdair McC, Annette J, Bruce Stanbury, Bruce W, Chris K,

Bush Orchestra

2010-11-02T01:33:00.000-07:00

The Bush Orchestra is heading down to the Williamstown Life Savings Club on Cup Day for the Life Saving Clubs annual Cup Day - the Bush Orchestra struck up the tunes after the cup was run and won, and even got a few of the swimmers up and dancing. Another top day of music (and more practice ). Well done Greg, Bruce and All - a very busy program of music and practice to finish off the year.

Newport Bush Orchestra October 25 and Nov 01

2010-11-01T23:56:00.000-07:00

Nov 01Present: Present: Alasdair McC, Annette J, Bruce Stanbury, Bruce W, Catherine D, Chris K, Christine H, Christina P, Greg O'L, Helen C, Julie R, Kathryn T, Kerry D, Leonie K, Mira M, Rhonwyn C, Wendy L.This evening we learnt the verse section of the old show tune 'Yip I Addy I Ay' and ran through most of the Victorian tunes we know.BruceOctober 25Present: Present: Alasdair McC, Annette J,

The Folk Club, Celebrations, Batons, The Cup and More

2010-10-31T22:29:00.000-07:00

Friday October 30th - auspicious enough date for a music session in Newport, though indeed not just music. Lots of familiar faces and plenty of new ones, guitars, fiddles, bass, lap steel guitar, mandolins, tin whistle and few tapping feet and a baton ............Celebrations? Lovely that the October session coincided with Greg O'Leary's birthday (numbers less important when over 50) and we all

Newport Bush Orchestra October 18

2010-10-24T22:40:00.000-07:00

Present: Alasdair McC, Annette J, Bruce Stanbury, Bruce W, Catherine D, Christine H, Christina P, Greg O'L, Julie R, Kathryn T, Kerry D, Lyn S, Mira M, Wendy L, Zion A and the girls.Tonight we ran though 'Girl on the Hill' and reviewed 'Hilarity'.Bruce

Second Newport Open Stage a smash hit

2010-10-18T03:56:00.000-07:00

Round two for our monthly Newport Open Stage was an even better night, with great performances, much variety, sad songs, much laughter, tall stories, and mood lighting and candles! With food and drink abounding, is there a better way to spend a Friday evening? No, I think not!So, as evidence, here are some photos for your edification. And if you haven't been yet, what on earth are you

Bush Orchestra Monday 11/10/10

2010-10-16T23:07:00.000-07:00

Present: Alasdair McC, Annette J, Bruce Stanbury, Bruce W, Bryan Davison, Catherine D, Christine H, Christina P, Dave I, Fiona C, Greg O'L, Helen C, Julie R, Kathryn T, Kerry D, Leonie K, Lyn S, Nira M, Wendy LTonight we ran though thee tunes that we will be doing at the upcoming Seaworks gig. Greg also reintroduced us to a tune many of us had learnt ages ago, but hadn't played for ages; Thomas

Music on Mason 16 October

2010-10-16T15:43:00.000-07:00

Somebody 'up there' must love music...despite dire forecasts and threatening clouds there was more sunshine than rain between 10am and 1pm as musicians from all over Newport gathered at Paine Reserve for another Music on Mason.Sister Dahl kicked off with a bracket of old favourite tunes, with Michael filling in on guitar at a moment's notice...that's why they were calling out the key before each

Newport Bush Orchestra at Seaworks - Rotary Art Show

2010-10-16T01:37:00.000-07:00

The Bush Orchestra provided the sort of rollicking good time music that perfectly matched the mood and setting of the Gala Opening of the Rotary Art Show. This has become an annual gig for the NBO and they can be seen in full flight below - tunes, join in songs (Heave Away - Haul Away) and even a couple of dances. 16 members of the NBO dressed the part and had a heck of a good time - heavy rain

The Bush Orchestra at La Trobe's Cottage

2010-10-16T01:32:00.000-07:00