Events 8-14 June 2020

Although there are no 'live' folk events taking place, there are plenty of 'mediated' experiences for us to enjoy including community radio and more active Zoom on-line meetings/sing-alongs.  Do let me know of other such on-line meetings/sing-alongs that we should be telling people about. - Julie

Please Note - New/seriously revised items are in yellow and this week's calendar, starting with Monday 8 June, is at the bottom.

Other Business

Pip Porter. Some filmmakers are trying to track down Pip Porter, who made a record in the mid-'70s with Libby Hunt. [Vinyl record, 'Between Women' 1970s, original feminist songs written & sung by Pip Porter, accompanied by Libby Hunt. A reference in “The Australian women's movement goes to the museum: The ‘cultures of Australian feminist activism, 1970–1990’ project”. Part of Women's Studies International Forum.] Libby was on the editorial committee of Cornstalk Gazette in '75 (for that year only), while Colleen Burke was Editor. (Colleen lost touch with her many years ago.) It's a long shot, but does anyone know someone (or know someone who might know someone) who knows where to find Pip Porter? Libby Hunt would be a good starting point. Please contact David Nichols if you can help.

This week's highlights

Chaika 'livestreaming' from Humph Hall - 7-8pm, Saturday 13th June

Miriam Lieberman, with
Susie Bishop & Lara Goodridge 
8.15pm, Thursday. A free concert streamed live via Facebook, Miriam is "so much looking forward to hearing & playing alongside the sumptuous strings & harmonies of Susie Bishop & Lara Goodridge."

Laura & Susie Bishop Live Streaming Concert 
6.30pm, Friday. Laura & Susie together with John Delin on double bass, will be live streaming from the Rhythm Hut. As most people know, the three are half of Chaika - but with a different repertoire. This is part of Rhythm & Chill Livestream Concert Series. The other performers are Tash Marshall, & Nicky Bomba.

Danny Spooner. Ausfolkus proudly presents the second and final part of Danny Spooner's life story as told by Gael Shannon. Hear about his experiences in the nuclear tests on Christmas Island, his musical journeys around the world, his love for Australia and the very sad story of his final weeks on Earth. Gael tells a most loving and engaging tale of her and Danny's courtship, their journey together, his music performance highlights, how he dealt with performance anxiety and a wonderful array of other ditties about his life. There's also a lovely gift of one of Danny's songs from his final album at the end. You can also get this story on your podcaster, just search for Ausfolkus and you'll find us. If you don't want to use a podcaster you can stream it from Andy Busuttil's website then scrolling down.

Community Radio

1st Saturday every month - Focus on Folk, 5-6pm, Fine Music 102.5 FM, with presenters John Milce, Paul Jackson, Kate Delaney, Carole Garland, Gerry Myerson, Roger Fyfe.  These programs are pre-recorded.

Every Saturday - Worldwide Folk, 2-4pm, VOX FM 106.9, with presenters Russell Hannah, Roger Fyfe, Yvonne O’Grady, Rod Cork.

Every Sunday - Whirled Wide, 1pm, Fine Music 102.5 FM, with presenters Carole Garland, Ian Carswell, Linda Marr, Orli Zahava. Now live to air!

Every Wednesday, 9-10pm, 2NURFM, Classic Folk program, with Phil Bates and Jane Klein.

Every Tuesday, Australian Spectrum Show, 9pm - 12m/n, Alive 90.5 FM, with  Ross M Fear. All Australian blues, roots, folk & contemporary artistes. Special studio guests. Week-end gig & festival guide. Streaming online. On Facebook. Contact Ross.

Online Meetings/Sing-alongs/Sharing

Ukulele Orchestra - Catherine Golden has started a ukulele orchestra during the lockdown period, to play her arrangements (& other arrangements) of movie themes, classical music, jazz & more. "So far, the sessions have been held via zoom sessions, however I’d like to make it ‘in person’ once we are able to. Although I do teach ukulele, I’m not asking for any fees for the uke orchestra at this time."  Thursdays at 5pm online. Please register your interest with Catherine so that she can send emails for the online sessions (& PDFs for the sheet music). 

Troubadour Sessions - Each Sunday, 2-4pm. Third Sunday of each month, session is live in Kariong gardens, with virtual attendance by Zoom for those who can’t get there in person. First, second, fourth Sunday of the month, session is currently a virtual one, by Zoom or phone. Details: Hugh Worrall 0402 529 474

Friday Lunchtime Online Choir - 12.30-2pm, Fridays. 8 weeks (started Friday 8th May).  No previous experience necessary. All voices welcome.  Course run through North Sydney Community Centre and conducted by Scottish singer Mary Kiani.  Cost: $170/$127.50 (pensioners/full time students). You get to choose the songs - anywhere from 'A White Sportscoat' to 'Zippity Doo Daa'. And then join us for virtual coffee afterwards.

SongsOnLine - I have decided to completely revise the SongsOnStage Newsletter, it should be finished this week. It will include a list of tips to help people improve their sound in Zoom, based on information and links that people have sent me. Thanks to all of you!

• Zoom have recommended everyone update to Zoom 5.0 now. After May 30, 2020, all Zoom clients on older versions will receive a forced upgrade when trying to join meetings as GCM Encryption will be fully enabled across the Zoom platform. Click here for more information.
• If you need help setting up or using Zoom, please contact me, I am happy to have a 1 on 1 session with you to sort it out, any time that is convenient for you (but NOT during an OpenMic). Zoom is FREE, and you can use it to log in to my sessions from anywhere in the world.
• I am also investigating a product called Jamkazam, that appears to facilitate online real time jamming - I will let you know when I have got this working.
• Also note that from 1 June 2020 the NSW Government will allow pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants to have up to 50 customers, subject to a one person per four square metre rule, and with strict social distancing guidelines. So this week I will be contacting the venues I used to organise OpenMics, etc. at, to see if and when they want to restart.

For more information go to my Facebook page or to book in to play email Russell Neal.

Corona Choir - Thursdays at 7.30pm. 9 week course (ends: 25th June) presented by Rob Bullen.

World Music Singing for Mums & Bubs - Wednesdays & Fridays at 9am.  With Miriam Lieberman.  Carers & kids also welcome. Live streamed via Zoom, Launch week free!!  Email Miriam to register your interest. 

The vibrant Newcastle Ukulele Community who used to attend ukestras has now quietly retreated to five Zookestra sessions a week, led by Mark & Jane. We've even got some international visitors!

The Massive Singlet - Spookmeister Stephen Taberner offers his unique take on Zoom singing. It’s a big worldwide thing, with up to 500 taking part, and 2-4 singers in the Zoom room so you can hear all the harmonies. The repertoire is eclectic, there’s a chance to share a quick song or limerick, and a dance track to finish, and it’s free! - though donations are possible). All info on the website.

Alone Together Choir - Mondays 1-2pm.  Time to sing!  A wide range of songs, great harmonies, free your voice. Presented by Christina Mimmocchi.  All welcome - no previous experience necessary. Email to register.

Choir on a Wire @ NSCC - 7.30-8.30pm, Mondays. 9 weeks starting Monday 27th April.  No previous experience necessary. Course run through North Sydney Community Centre and conducted by Christina Mimmocchi.  Cost: $180/$135

We celebrate the songs of the great songwriter and poet Leonard Cohen with the return of Choir on a Wire (a nod to his famous song "Bird on a Wire" which started here back in 2007).  

Part-choir, part joyous singalong, this course will bring together people from all walks of life who love to sing Cohen's wonderful songs that celebrate life and love and laughter.

Newcastle & Hunter Valley Folk Club Virtual Floor Spot

We can’t have in-person “Come All Ye” but that doesn’t mean we can’t connect.

The idea is to do something as if you are performing for a “Come All Ye". We’re not looking for pre-recorded and edited videos, or videos done for promotional purposes. Just use your phone, video camera or laptop.

We want to make it as easy as possible for people to participate and we’re looking for genuine performances.

1. Go to our Facebook page and click on the photo/video icon under the "Create Post" button. Select your video to upload.
2. Write a short description in the space about your video. Use the heading ”Come All Ye"
3. Your floor spot should appear soon after it has finished uploading.
4. Press "Post". That's it!
5. "Follow" this Newcastle & Hunter Valley Folk Club Inc. Facebook page so that it appears in your own Facebook news feed.

We’re looking forward to seeing you in a Newcastle & Hunter Valley Folk Club Virtual Floor Spot.

Covideo Folk Club

The idea is to post self-filmed smart phone videos of folk club-going folkies singing the songs they usually sing at their local folk club - no studio produced videos or videos of gigs or live streaming you have previously recorded.  Hopefully this will create an online club which gives some of the feel of those real world folk clubs. Your video should include you providing the title and name of writer (just as you would have done in a real folk club). There are lots of folk club type performances, usually by a single performer, from different parts of the world, it seems, as well as from Australia.

If you'd like to participate, go to our Facebook page and join the group.

Monday 8 June

Alone Together Choir - 1-2pm. With Christina Mimmocchi.  Go to web site for info.

SongsOnLine Songwriters/OpenMic - 7-10.30pm. Zoom session. Facebook event. Acts so far: Jo Kerr, John Maddox, Kenneth D'Aran, Russell Neal (host). (ORIGINALS ONLY! Everyone is welcome to play, you don't have to be a member of SongsAlive! Australia.) Contact Russell Neal for more information or to book in to play or just to listen!

Choir on a Wire - 7-10.30pm. Week 3 of a 9 week course. With Christina Mimmocchi.

Tuesday 9 June

Classic Massive Singlet - 8pm. Bookings (& donations). This week, I sense the volition to lighten the mood and get our apparatus moving, so with our regular and very special guests, Jack Fitzgerald Sice and Naomi Cooper, we offer you my newest, foxiest version of Prince’s “Kiss”.
 

Australian Spectrum Show - 9pm-midnight. Alive 90.5FM with Ross M Fear.

Wednesday 10 June

World Music Singing for Mums & Bubs, 9am.  Presented by Miriam Lieberman 

Songwriting Society of Australia OnLine Showcase - 7-10.30pm. Zoom session. Facebook event. Acts so far: Peter Granton, Angie Thornton, Gavin Fitzgerald, Jo Kerr, John Maddox, John Chesher, Kenneth D'Aran, Russell Neal (host)

NOTE: This is a Workshop, not an OpenMic or Showcase. At these events each songwriter performs one of their songs, then the other songwriters give their feedback - what they like about it, suggestions for improvements, etc. Everyone is welcome to play, you don't have to be a member of SongsAlive! Australia.

Classic Folk - 9-10pm, 2NURFM, with Phil Bates and Jane Klein. 

Thursday 11 June

Miriam Lieberman, with Susie Bishop & Lara Goodridge - 8.15pm. A free concert streamed live via Facebook.

Massive Kid’s Singlet - 7pm. This is becoming a delightful club . . . but you’re very welcome to join us! The one where you need to be accompanied by a minor, or where they can even be unaccompanied by you. best, we think, for the 7-13 year old age group: songs, clapping games from samoa, some bits where the kids have to make up things, a chance for the kids to show their musical skills . . . and crazy dancing to finish! Bookings (& donations).

SongsOnLine Songwriters/OpenMic - 7-10.30pm. Zoom session. Facebook event. Acts so far: Gia Clarissa, Jo Kerr, Kenneth D'Aran, Russell Neal, John Chesher (host). Contact Russell Neal for more information or to book in to play or just to listen!

Corona Choir - 7.30-9pm. Week 7 of 9. Presented by Rob Bullen. 

Massive Singlet (ukelele version) - 9pm. Taberner dares, once again, as an idiot savant of the instrument, to show his own particular ideas about ukulele strumming and non conventional but entirely logical nomenclature. we will SING SONGS . . . a new one each week, and then a reprise of last week’s song. the homework can be found on the webpage, the pleasure of collectively exploring the infinite variety of possibilities of this silly, lovely instrument is growing by the week . . . (all welcome, but helpful if you already know 6 or 8 chords). Bookings.

Friday 12 June

World Music Singing for Mums & Bubs - 9am.  Presented by Miriam Lieberman

Friday Lunchtime Online Choir - 12.30-2pm. Week 5 of 8.  Course presented by Mary Kiani.

Laura & Susie Bishop Live Streaming Concert - 6.30pm. Laura & Susie together with John Delin on double bass, will be live streaming from the Rhythm Hut.

Saturday 13 June

Worldwide Folk - 2-4pm, VOX FM 106.9, with Rod Cork.

Chaika 'live' from Humph Hall - 7-8pm. If you'd like to make a small contribution towards the artists book in via Humanitix otherwise simply go to this YouTube page or to Chaika's Facebook page on Saturday evening shortly before 7pm.

Easy Songs in Language - 8pm. Christina Mimmocchi is teaming up with Darlene Proberts ('Darlene Sings the Divas') to present a Zoom session on easy songs in Language. It’s mainly for UK choirs & singers (who may not have heard these before, or even have heard the words “Wiradjuri” & “Yolungu” before!) but everyone is welcome to join in.  Click here to join in the Zoom session.  Enquiries to Christina.

Sunday 14 June

SongsOnLine Songwriters/OpenMic - 10am-1pm. Zoom session. Facebook event. Acts so far: Peter Granton, Michael Marker, Musique A Deux, Jo Kerr, John Maddox, Russell Neal (host)

Whirled Wide - 1pm, Fine Music 102.5 FM, with Orli Zahava.

SongsOnStage - 2-5pm. At Cocina del Barrio, 526 King St, Newtown. Facebook event. Acts so far: Peter Granton, Usha & Giddy, John Wright, Allan Crew, Jo Kerr, John Maddox, Kenneth D'Aran, Russell Neal (host)

Massive Sunday Singlet - 7pm. This is the first Sunday singlet! And again with a nod to what is happening in the greater world, I’d like us to turn our attention to “Sobashiya Abizale Ekhaya”, an extraordinarily funky freedom song from South Africa. It’s a song featured in  “Amandla!”, the movie which looks at the role of singing in the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. Bookings (& donations).

Are YOU a member of the Folk Federation of NSW?

Folkmail is issued as a service to members of the Folk Federation of NSW Inc.  If you are receiving it, and are a lapsed member, or not a member at all:

1. Please consider joining/rejoining. Details
2. Support folk music in NSW by 'attending' some of these events!