Video from Carols Night

Amongst the many enjoyable 'featured performances' at the Carols Night was the Newport Community Choir's rendition of Christmas at Grandad's Farm. The tune is the familiar Jingle Bells, the lyrics from choir member Claire Saxby's newly published book.

Here's a video of the choir performing the song. Claire's book is available online.

Carols night photos

The Carols Night was a lovely way to round off a busy year of Folk Club activities. Lots of talented performers, kids, candles and carols. A merry Christmas and a safe and relaxing holiday season to all our members and friends!

At the final Club night for 2013 Danny O’Connell presented Rob Durbridge with an unusual gift.

At the final Club night for 2013 Danny O’Connell presented Rob Durbridge with an unusual gift. For years Rob has been telling us stories and singing songs of ‘love and resistance’, opening our minds to the talents of Woody Guthrie, Lee Kernaghan, Shane Howard and others. Through the songs Rob has taught us much. Lee Kernaghan’s  song “Changi Banjo” was introduced to many of us by Rob and since then is frequently requested. Danny made Rob a Changi Banjo, (as described in the song) to share when he tells the story of the Prisoners of War.

I managed to record Danny and Rob on my shaky little camera so those who couldn’t be there on the night, can still share the moment. 

You can listen to Lee Kernaghan singing Changi Banjo HERE

And for people interested in the history of Changi, there is information about the Prisoner of War Camp on the Australian War Memorial website.

The ukulele-like instrument Danny refers to can be see HERE

Jackie K (uke wannabe, choir and storyteller)

NBO for 2013 - Report on an Institution as it Completes another successful Year of Music Making

So What Happened This Year to NBO

Jan

Greg wins Tamworth golden Fiddle Award for lifetime achievement. NBO responsible for his higher than most profile.

Jackie Keren being a passionate NBO in the right place at the right time.

This produced an impromptu party! Super.

Feb

Josephina Paulson showed us the delights of the Nikelharp.

March

NBO Lakes Bush Dance

We got away with it again...lovely weather

April

Leonie Kervins Exhibition saw many NBO members add spice to the mix.

May

Our Spanish friends Blas and Elisa, two of the loveliest BO members left for further adventures.

We naturally had a party at G and H's Elisa cried a lot.

June

Gearing up for the Festival

July

We had a low profile at the festival this year , but even so NBO members featured in all sorts of activities. Gordon and Bill's tunes were the best thing at the festival

August

9th Birthday of NFFC

lots of cake and tunes.

Sept

Tall Ships

Absolute vindication of our ear playing , feral approach to playing music. 3 performances each one a killer. Great atmosphere.

Oct

Extended Families Gig raised the spirits of everyone who went . One special moment is up on Blog

Nov

Music on Mason another great feelgood performance. The oldies at the bowling club were hanging over the fence  listening.

Performance At UCAN Willy library . Greg in hospital but did not make a bit of diff. We now have the depth to cover anybody missing.

Break up party at G&H's a hoot about 50 people and tons of playing.

Dec

We had last session and got ready to be christmas orchestrarians.

What A year.

New members...and blow ins were:

Blas Elisa, Mark,Veronica, Rosaleen, Deb, David, Barbara, gregMirella  hope they come back. All in all a year to remember, challenges and triumphs aplenty.

Thank You All

Greg O'Leary

Music and Poetry to Celebrate Disability Week at the Williamstown Library

 Hobsons Bay City Council celebrated Disability Week with an event at the Willy Library.  A beautiful day and a great spot for people to gather and enjoy life.  Dave Davies kicked off the 'batting' appropriately with 'The Day Molongo won the Cricket' and Mulga Bill's Bicycle.  Cr Sandra Wilson formally welcome all and introduced Peter Waters and Russell Phillips who both gave us an insight into living with a disability and achieving important life goals.  Then the Newport Bush Orchestra entertained all and sundry - people who had come for the event and passers by who were doing the weekly shopping.  Neil Jolly lead the NBO that include Maryanne, Bruce, Kathryn, Kerry, Bruce, Annette and Dave Isom who is taking a 'vacation' from his round the world sailing trip.  People got up and danced, and Aaron, the NBO's new best mate from the day up at Bulla joined in the fun with his tamborine.  A good time was had by all, before retreating to the UCAN cafe in the library (an initiative of Yoralla) where we all enjoyed some food and excellent coffee.  The NBO then packed up the instruments for a short break before heading to Greg O'Leary's for another spirited session of Australian tunes and songs.  A day for celebration all round!

Newport Bush Orchestra - Preparing for the Carols??

The Newport Bush Orchestra has just one more session to finish off the year - as well as another gig at the Williamstown Library next Saturday and then a social gather to dust off the 2013...... and then some of them regroup under the banner of the Newport Carols Orchestra.  This is a group that plays with music stands and dots on the page - a foreign concept to the purists.  Anyway what they are looking for is the link to all those dots - here it is 

Music On Mason: The Newport Bush Orchestra Brings the Sunshine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Music on Mason: The Sun Shone Through

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Music on Mason: The Sun Shone Through!